AANC Board Spotlight | Bert Wray
Bert Wray, Senior Director of Strategic Development at Chadwell Supply and AANC Board member, is a native North Carolinian with roots running deep. His family has lived in North Carolina for over two centuries, with records showing a direct descendant of his father born in 1806, about 15 miles north of Greensboro. The Piedmont area has always felt like home to Bert, and he still lives there today.
At times, life did take Bert away from Greensboro, initially when he went to play football and study History at Appalachian State University. He left ASU in 1998 to enlist in the Army as an infantryman. From his earliest memories, Bert shares that he has “always felt the pull to serve our country and do my part to secure our freedom.” During his time in the Army, Bert won a silver medal in the 2001 NC National Guard Sniper Competition, a known distance (75-600 yards) range competition. After deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from September 2003 – January 2005, Bert wrapped up his military career and was ready to focus on a new mission.
At the end of 2005, Bert discovered the multifamily industry and accepted a position with Westminster Company. As a self-professed industry nerd, Bert “dove deep into understanding the intricacies and nuances of property management and the network of suppliers” supporting the rental housing industry. He worked at Westminster Company until 2013 when he left his role as Regional Property Manager to accept a position at Chadwell Supply as a Territory Sales Manager.
Bert shares that “Chadwell Supply provided me the opportunity to connect with my local affiliate, PTAA (Piedmont Triad Apartment Association), and serve across multiple committees. My volunteer service deepened both my knowledge and relationships with owner/operators and other vendor partners.” Bert is the PTAA Product and Services Council Past President and was also recognized as the PTAA Supplier Volunteer of the Year. He currently serves on the PTAA Board of Directors and the AANC Board of Directors, while also serving as the AANC Government Affairs Committee Chair.
BERT'S FAVORITESCOLOR: RED
PIE: KEY LIME
TEAM: CAROLINA PANTHERS
MUSIC: WHATEVER I'M SINGING!
(Pictured: Chadwell Supply employees: Steve Hayworth, National Account Manager; Bert Wray; Shannon Berry, Territory Sales Manager for Greensboro, and Steven Pinter, Territory Sales Manager for Winston-Salem and High Point.)
After nearly a decade, Bert took a brief hiatus from Chadwell in 2022 to help start a PropTech company, serving as CEO of AppWork and playing a vital role in the company’s growth and success. Bert then returned to Chadwell Supply, where his knowledge and continued growth within the industry led him into National Accounts leadership and ultimately to his current position with Chadwell as Senior Director of Strategic Development.
Outside of his professional life, Bert loves spending time outdoors. Whether going on a good hike or grilling on his Blackstone, he loves spending time with his kids, Sydney Rose (22), Camden (20) and Laney Lou (17).
Rooted in service and driven by a genuine passion for the rental housing industry, Bert brings perspective and purpose to everything he does. Whether advocating on behalf of the industry, mentoring peers, or helping shape strategic partnerships, his commitment reflects both his deep North Carolina roots and his belief in giving back to the community that has shaped him.