Keith Bonham, Education Director and Instructor

Keith is a seasoned professional in the real estate industry, currently serving as the Education Director and Certified Instructor at The REal School. Born in Raleigh and currently living in Willow Spring, Keith has cultivated an impressive career path marked by a commitment to excellence and a passion for education.

Keith is a proud graduate of NC State University, where he honed his skills and acquired the knowledge for the foundation of his successful career in real estate. Armed with a solid academic background, Keith has seamlessly blended theory with practical experience, making him an invaluable asset in the world of real estate education.

With over nine years in the real estate industry, Keith brings a wealth of experience to his role. Over the years, he has navigated the dynamic landscape of real estate, adapting to market trends and evolving industry standards.

Keith holds certification from the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) as a Certified Instructor. This recognition underscores his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and expertise in the field.

Ronnie Thomas, Instructor

Real Estate is the logical extension of my life experiences. With over fifty years of experience in land, agriculture, construction, landscaping, and business, I consider myself a jack-of-all-trades. Having grown up in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia I learned to appreciate the land and the people that inhabit it.

My career has included teaching in the public school system in Virginia and North Carolina where I specialized in Construction Technology and Engineering. With 40 years of teaching experience, I understand the demands of adding Real Estate coursework to an already busy schedule and strive to incorporate class materials and instruction that speak to all learning styles. Classroom experience has also taught me that education is equal parts instruction and entertainment. Combined with real-world examples and situations, our classes are not only informative but fun.  Join me to begin your journey toward becoming an NC Real Estate Broker.

April Stephens, Instructor

April Stephens shines when bringing people together to create a knowledge co-op, a skill she first developed while serving in the United States Army. It was there that April found a passion for training as she guided a variety of teams to increased success through collaboration. As a Combat Medic, April understood the impact that agreed-upon guidelines and practices could have on the lives of those they were called to aid.

April transferred that leadership model into an accomplished career in real estate by founding The April Stephens Team. This collaboration of brokers emphasizes continuous education through information gathering and building relationships. April founded The REal School, a program aimed at teaching brokers how to find and tap into further opportunities for learning and giving.

As April finds success in each new venture, she has also nurtured a need to give back to her community. April is a beacon of business development in Johnston County and beyond, with time spent on multiple Chambers of Commerce, Realtor Associations, Building & Industry Consorts, and even as the current Johnston County Commissioner.