John Hickman

As a partner with Compass Land Partners, John specializes in project development and execution for investors and corporate landowners seeking to align ecological, economic, and strategic real estate objectives. With his partners and team, John focuses on acquisition and disposition strategies on large-acreage properties for investment, rural development, and conservation initiatives. He directly supports, and works closely with, the Compass South and Compass West brokerage divisions as well as Compass South Forestry. Additionally, John plays a key role in client relations and business development for Compass Land Partners and its affiliated companies.

Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, John’s early passion for the outdoors led him to dedicate his life to land management, and he developed a passion for improving land through sustainability, conservation, and later, economic value. He worked for South Carolina Department of Natural Resources before attending the University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, where he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Upon graduating from UGA, he began private consulting, which naturally evolved into land brokerage, joining Compass South Land Sales in 2015. John has spent the last 10 years advising clients on recreational and timberland investments and, most recently, has gained an interest in western ranches and agricultural properties where he has completed several successful projects.

 When not working, John enjoys hunting, fishing, and exploring the West with his wife, Whitney, and their dogs, Otis, Goober, and Lily.

GETTING TO KNOW JOHN

I want potential clients to know that I communicate well and utilize a well-diversified and experienced team to focus on client objectives to develop unique strategies tailored to their real estate goals.

One of my flaws is that I am forgetful and can be unorganized at times. Therefore, I utilize designated team members to mitigate mistakes and keep everything on track. I’m getting better. . .

I believe my best quality is integrity.

My childhood hero is my father, for whom I will always be grateful.

My favorite activities/hobbies include land management, hunting, and traveling with my wife and pups.

My favorite place to reset is the prairies of Montana.

The skill I desire to learn the most is leadership.

The one element that can kill a real estate deal quicker than any other is emotions.

I have many favorite quotes, but one that jumps out is a poem that John D. Rockefeller quoted often:

A wise old owl lived in an oak,
The more he saw, the less he spoke
The less he spoke, the more he heard,
Now, wasn't he a wise old bird?