How the gold standard started

View of the Dahlonega Square Courthouse, now the Dahlonega Gold Museum, in 1929

View of Downtown Dahlonega | 1899

Frank and Bessie Ridley

Zach’s Great-Grandparents

The Ridleys | Early 1900s | Dahlonega, GA

Zach Payne's journey is a tapestry woven with the threads of heritage, creativity, and unwavering dedication. As a scion of a lineage that has called Dahlonega home for six generations, Zach's roots run deeper than the veins of gold that first drew settlers to this historic town. It is amidst the rich tapestry of Dahlonega's landscape that Zach's story unfolds, a story steeped in tradition and propelled by innovation. From the earliest whispers of the first gold rush to the vibrant pulse of modern-day Dahlonega, Zach's connection to this land is as timeless as it is profound. The picturesque town of Dahlonega is a place he affectionately calls home, yet his formative years unfolded amidst the captivating landscapes a few miles north in Cleveland, Georgia. Reflecting on his upbringing, Zach recalls,

Overlooking the North Georgia mountains at a gold mining cut on Crown Mountain Circa 1949 | Homesite of Zach’s Grandmother, and where Zach & Jordan now reside.

Velman “VO” Lunsford & Fannie Ridley Lunsford | Early 1940s | Dahlonega, GA

Lunsford family home in Downtown Dahlonega | Circa 1970s

“Growing up in the North Georgia mountains was an incredible experience – one that I’ve come to cherish more deeply as I’ve grown older.”
— Zach Payne, RealProducers Magazine

Zach and his Dad, Leroy, hiking a development property | 1990s

Surrounded by the intricate world of real estate from an early age, Zach's parents instilled in him a profound understanding of the industry, shaping his career path in profound ways.

“Every family conversation seemed to revolve around real estate,”
— Zach Payne, RealProducers Magazine

Zach at one of his parent’s North Georgia real estate offices | 1993

he reminisces, underscoring the lasting influence of his upbringing on his professional journey.

As a child, scouting land and walking properties with his late father, a property developer and builder, he spent the majority of his early years outdoors where he developed an unwavering appreciation for the beauty of his surroundings. Raised in a household where real estate was not just a profession but a way of life, Zach's upbringing laid the foundation for his illustrious career trajectory.

One of Zach’s parents real estate brokerages, Century21 Jenco Realty, in the North Georgia mountains | 1990s

In a world of well-worn paths,

zach forages his own trail through the rugged terrain of possibilities.

 
 

After graduating from Lakeview Academy, a small private school in Gainesville, Zach ventured into the bustling streets of New York City to pursue his dreams at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. "Leaving behind a graduating class of 42 for a freshman class of over a thousand in the biggest city in the country was quite the transition," he reflects. His journey at NYU saw him explore acting at the renowned Lee Strasburg Actor’s Studio before pivoting to advertising, a move that would profoundly shape his future. "I realized quickly that businesses will always need advertising, where acting felt like a one-in-a-million chance," he notes, highlighting his pragmatic mindset.

“Starting my first semester of college in the middle of the Great Recession definitely influenced my decision to pursue higher education in a field that was diverse and necessary to commerce on a macro scale. I’m very comfortable when facing a challenge, but I also know when a pivot in strategy is necessary.”
— Zach Payne for RealProducers Magazine

Zach's journey from the bustling streets of New York City back to the embrace of his ancestral home marked the beginning of a transformative chapter. Armed with a B.A in Visual Communication with a concentration in Advertising from the Savannah College of Art and Design, Zach embarked on a path that seamlessly blended creativity with commerce. With a keen eye for design honed through his ventures in the creative world, Zach seamlessly transitioned into the realm of real estate, drawing upon his family's deep-seated expertise to carve a path of his own.

His dedication and expertise soon earned him accolades such as life membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Club and recognition for setting record-breaking residential sales prices across multiple counties. He was the #1 residential agent at his previous brokerage in sales volume and has been continuously ranked among the top 10 residential real agents in the southeast region. Despite his success, Zach remains humble, viewing success as a journey rather than a destination. Beyond his professional endeavors, Zach's heart beats for philanthropy and advocacy, particularly in the realm of animal welfare. Together with his wife Jordan, he champions initiatives aimed at rescuing and sheltering homeless and abandoned animals, embodying their shared commitment to making a tangible difference in their community.

finding harmony where rugged meets refined

Zach on the cover of March 2024 RealProducers Magazine

As the visionary behind PAYNE Real Estate, Zach embarks on a new chapter, driven by a vision to redefine luxury and elevate the client experience. With a portfolio that seamlessly marries rugged charm with refined elegance, Zach has earned the moniker 'the Ralph Lauren of Real Estate' from peers and clients alike - for his personal style, and his unique approach to business. His bold approach, unwavering integrity, and relentless pursuit of excellence serve as the cornerstone of his practice, setting him apart as a true trailblazer within the industry. While Zach's roots lie deep in the real estate soil, his personal style exudes a blend of rugged charm and refined elegance.

“I’m a cowboy boots and hat guy selling multi-million dollar homes, but my image leans more towards Ralph Lauren western than suit and tie,”
— Zach Payne for RealProducers Magazine

he quips, reflecting his unique approach to business, “and I feel that my clients appreciate relatability over posturing. I truly value my clients, and they value my objective opinion and honesty.”

As Zach charts the course for the future and a new chapter, he remains unwavering in his commitment to innovation and excellence driven by a vision to redefine luxury and elevate the client experience. With a string of groundbreaking projects on the horizon, Zach's journey continues to inspire and captivate, proving that with passion, dedication, and a touch of creativity, the possibilities are limitless.

Jordan and Zach Payne at home in Downtown Dahlonega | 2024

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