Meet our Celebrities: Adam Dickinson

Adam Dickinson first came to Durham in 2003 to obtain his MBA at Duke University. Although the initial plan was to leave shortly after, he and his wife, Susan, stayed to build their careers and start their beautiful family! Adam is a co-founder of Nest Realty and owner of Adam Dickinson Realty, a firm which has represented incredible properties such as the ‘Bull Durham’ house.  

Adam Dickinson Realty is well-known in the area, not just because of its great success, but because philanthropy is a core part of his business model. The company sponsors and supports many nonprofit organizations including the Carolina Theatre, Durham Public Schools, the MeFine Foundation, Animal Protection Society of Durham, the Durham Arts Guild, and the YMCA of the Triangle.  

Adam is a longtime supporter of the theater and of our amazing Bull City. We are thrilled that he has moved from the comfort of his judge’s chair to the excitement of the stage as a performer. We talked to Adam to learn more about why Durham and the theater are so close to his heart. This is what we learned: 

As a realtor, you’ve watched the Triangle explode with development. With all of your experience and knowledge, what makes Durham stand out from the other communities? 

Durham has a vibrant network of interconnected neighborhoods, anchored by great local businesses. It’s big enough to support an incredible food and arts scene, but small enough that I run into someone I know almost everywhere I go.  

Your business has supported the Carolina Theatre for several years along with many other nonprofits in the area. In your mind, what role does the Carolina Theatre play in the community? 

First and foremost, Carolina Theatre’s focus on education is a critical part of making sure the next generation of Bull City residents have a sense of what an incredible and creative world they are a part of.  Instilling that knowledge and sense of wonder in young people is foundational to ensuring that Durham remains a vibrant, engaged community. Carolina Theatre’s wide range of shows and programming brings the world of creative entertainment to our doorstep to be enjoyed by everyone.  

As a long-time supporter of the theater, what about the Carolina Theatre is most important to you personally? 

I love being able to take in comedy shows and live music with my wife and friends and bring my 4 kids (age 8 to 16) to movies and cultural events like Amahl and the Night Visitors and Solstice: A Winter Circus. No other venue offers such a wide range of interesting nights out.  

You came to Durham to get your MBA from Duke University, and you chose to make Durham your home. What about Durham was so special to you? 

The walkability, beautiful neighborhoods, and the food and arts scene were, even 20 years ago, all we could want, and in Durham there was a sense of progress and dynamism which was palpable. During my Real Estate Development class at Duke, we toured American Tobacco Campus with Architect Eddie Belk, as the campus was just coming together as an incredible space.  I was so impressed by the vision it took, and I wanted to be a part of a community that could take its past and adapt it to the future without losing its unique identity.   

You’ve judged this event for the past 3 years and this year you will be dancing! How does it feel to be on the other side this time, performing instead of judging? Do you think your past experience will influence your approach to the competition? 

Each year, there have been lots of good performances but one or two that really stand out.  The best performances are from those who really commit to the dance and leave it all out there on stage. Maria Espinosa-Spencer and I have been working hard to be ready to give folks a great show! 

Adam is looking forward to stepping onto the stage to showcase the dance routine he’s been perfecting with professional dancer Maria Spencer! 

Come be a part of this joyous evening at the Carolina Theatre on May 21! Join us as we celebrate our incredible dancers, savor delicious bites and sweet treats, and connect with old and new friends—all while supporting Durham’s beloved historic venue. With vibrant local music and unforgettable performances, it’s a night brimming with creativity and community spirit. 

Grab your tickets now and don’t miss Adam and Maria setting the stage on fire with their high-energy, show-stopping performance!