Today we’d like to introduce you to John Finn.
Hi John, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The Finn family has a long and proud multi-generational history, beginning with James Finn, a Civil War sailor who settled in Winterpock, VA, and became a farmer and did carpentry repairs. James and his wife Henrietta had nine children, including Andrew, who achieved remarkable success as a businessman and built the first African-American school in Chesterfield County in 1917. This significant achievement paved the way for generations of African-American students from the region. Also inspiring the family’s continued involvement in education and community-focused initiatives.
Milton, Andrew’s son, followed in his father’s footsteps and joined him in the land, lumber, and milling business, becoming a prominent political and community leader. John Finn Sr., Milton’s son, continued the family legacy as a home builder and developer in Central Virginia for over four decades. John Jr. and Jeffrey Finn, the fifth generation of the family, entered the real estate industry in the 1980s.
John S. Finn Jr., with over 45 years of industry experience and a history of serving in leadership positions, including as President of the Richmond Association of REALTORS®, has received numerous awards for his contributions to the real estate community. He was inducted into the VCU School of Real Estate “Circle of Excellence” and actively serves on several boards, including the Virginia Housing Advisory Board, Chairman of the Metropolitan Business League, Virginia Supportive Housing, severing the Homeless, and the McShin Foundation for Recovery. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees for the Virginia Commonwealth University Foundation.
Jeffrey Finn’s extensive experience in building and managing successful franchise businesses, combined with his deep knowledge of the real estate industry, has contributed to his outstanding leadership and remarkable achievements. As the leader of the organization, Jeffrey is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company’s operations, ensuring exceptional results for clients through his sharp attention to detail and strong business acumen. His strategic vision and dedication have propelled the firm to become one of the fastest-growing companies in America, according to Fortune Magazine.
These impressive accomplishments have earned the brothers recognition and awards, including the United Real Estate Group’s “Leadership & Excellence Award” in 2017 and the title of one of Richmond’s Outstanding Entrepreneurs. These accolades attest to his exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and dedication to excellence in the real estate industry.
Today, the Finn brothers, along with over 450 associates and agents, operate the largest Black-owned residential real estate concern in Virginia. They oversee a dozen different companies, including title and escrow, construction, mortgage, property management, consulting, insurance, land development, home health care, and a real estate school.
The Finn family’s legacy is a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and dedication to their community. Their remarkable achievements reflect the family’s deep connection to the region and ongoing commitment to making a positive impact.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
John S. Finn, Jr.
Real Estate Broker
John S. Finn, Jr., CRB CRS, is a nationally respected real estate broker and community leader whose career spans five decades. Recognized for his integrity, leadership, and transformative influence, he has earned numerous honors, including Realtor of the Year, and Civic Leader of the Year. He has been inducted into both the Virginia REALTORS® Hall of Fame and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Real Estate Schools Circle of Excellence.
A fifth-generation real estate professional, Mr Finn developed his foundational expertise working alongside his father, a respected home builder. Over the course of his career, he has held multiple leadership positions, including serving as a broker responsible for managing the sale of residential and commercial assets for the U.S. Marshals Service in Virginia. He has successfully completed more than 2,000 transactions and, in a notable achievement, sold 27 properties in just 45 days—demonstrating his exceptional skill and determination.
Mr Finn currently serves as CEO and Senior Managing Broker of United Real Estate Richmond, which he co-founded with his brother, Jeffrey S. Finn. Under their leadership, the firm has become the largest Black-owned real estate company in the Mid-Atlantic. In addition to brokerage services, they oversee a portfolio of affiliated business divisions, including title and escrow, mortgage services, property management, construction, insurance, land development, consulting, and a real estate school. The firm has also acquired four other real estate businesses, among them Robinson-Harris & Company—Central Virginia’s oldest continually operating Black-owned business—which historically served prominent figures such as Maggie L. Walker and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson.
In 2025, Mr Finn authored The C.H.I.E.F.S. Formula, a concise white paper that presents practical strategies for defining, organizing, and achieving meaningful goals across six key areas of life: Career, Health, Income, Education, Family, and Spirituality. His expertise has been featured in Forbes, RisMedia, REO Insider, Real Estate Trends, Real Estate News, Richmond Magazine, Richmond Times-Dispatch, and the Richmond Free Press, as well as on NBC, CBS, and PBS.
Mr Finn’s professional contributions extend beyond real estate sales. He has served as President of both the Richmond Association of REALTORS® and the Central Virginia Regional Multiple Listing Service, and has held board positions with Virginia REALTORS® and the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. In recognition of his service to the REALTOR® organization, he was awarded the prestigious Omega Tau Rho Medal.
Equally dedicated to civic engagement, Mr Finn serves on the Property Advisory Committee of the Commonwealth Girl Scouts Council, the Virginia Committee for National Homeownership Strategies, and the Minority Business Affairs Committee of Virginia Housing. His leadership has also benefited the boards of such organizations as the Metropolitan Business League (Chairman), the McShin Foundation, Virginia Supportive Housing (Secretary), ACTS (Area Congregations Together in Service), the Wendell T. Foster Education Foundation, the VCU Foundation, and, most recently, the Maggie Walker Community Land Trust.
John resides in Bon Air, Virginia, with his wife, Lorri. He is the proud father of two sons: Antonio, who resides in Washington, D.C., and John III, who is serving in the United States Army.
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Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
United Real Estate Richmond is more than a real estate brokerage—it is a multi-generational family enterprise built on a legacy of service, entrepreneurship, and community leadership that spans more than a century. As CEO and Senior Managing Broker, I have had the privilege of helping grow the company into the largest Black-owned real estate organization in the Mid-Atlantic, serving clients across Virginia through a network of more than 450 real estate professionals.
Our organization specializes in residential and commercial real estate sales, property management, title and escrow services, mortgage services, insurance, construction, land development, consulting, and real estate education. What sets us apart is our commitment to providing clients and agents with a complete real estate ecosystem under one roof while maintaining a culture centered on integrity, service, and professional excellence.
Throughout my nearly 50-year career, I have completed more than 2,000 real estate transactions and served in numerous leadership positions within the real estate industry. However, our brand is about much more than sales volume or market share. We are known for developing real estate professionals, expanding homeownership opportunities, supporting underserved communities, and preserving the rich history of real estate in Virginia.
One of our proudest accomplishments was the acquisition of Robinson-Harris & Company, Central Virginia’s oldest continually operating Black-owned business. The company played a significant role in the history of Richmond and served iconic figures such as Maggie L. Walker and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson. Preserving and building upon that legacy reflects our commitment to honoring the past while creating opportunities for future generations.
We are also proud of the impact our company has made in the communities we serve. Through our support of housing initiatives, educational programs, leadership development, and numerous nonprofit organizations, we strive to create lasting positive change beyond the transaction itself.
At our core, we believe real estate is about helping people build wealth, strengthen families, and create stronger communities. Whether we are assisting first-time homebuyers, experienced investors, commercial clients, or developing the next generation of real estate professionals, our mission remains the same: to deliver exceptional service while creating opportunities that transform lives.
Our brand is built on five generations of experience, but our focus is firmly on the future. We remain committed to innovation, professional development, community engagement, and expanding access to homeownership for all. That combination of heritage, expertise, and purpose is what truly sets us apart.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like best about Richmond, Virginia, is its rich history, strong sense of community, and the way the city blends tradition with opportunity. Richmond has a unique character that reflects its deep roots, diverse neighborhoods, growing business community, and the pride people take in where they live and work. It is a city where relationships matter, where people support one another, and where there is real potential for continued growth and progress.
What I like least about Richmond is that, like many growing cities, it still faces challenges with traffic, uneven development, and access to affordable housing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joinunitedvirginia.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnitedRealEstateRichmond
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsfinnjrrealtor/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UnitedRealEstateRichmond
- Other: https://www.johnfinn.realestate/
