The NAACP Culpeper Branch #7058 is happy to continue our Black Business Spotlight, an initiative celebrating the Black entrepreneurs and business owners providing services right here in our communities.
For our Q2 2026 feature, we’re honored to introduce Wolford & Associates Realty, the independent real estate brokerage owned and operated by Culpeper native Japreshia Terrell. Named after Wolford Street and rooted in the history of Davis Street, this community-first business brings 16 years of banking experience to the world of real estate — offering clients not just transactions, but education, guidance, and relationships built on genuine trust.
We invite you to get to know the journey from banking to brokerage through this series of questions answered by owner Japreshia Terrell.
Q. What’s the story behind your business and how it all began?
The story behind Wolford & Associates Realty began long before I ever opened the doors. After spending 16 years in the banking industry—15 of those years serving this community—I decided to make a change. I wanted the opportunity to offer something more. Real estate gave me the ability to directly impact people’s lives through education, guidance, and service while building relationships in a way that aligned with my values.
The name Wolford & Associates wasn’t chosen by chance. It came from Wolford Street in Culpeper, a place that represents the foundation of who I am. When selecting a name, I didn’t want it to identify the owner’s gender, race, or background. Instead, I wanted it to reflect the community and the experiences that shaped me. I spent many nights planning, dreaming, and praying about what this business would become. I was intentional not only about the name, but also about the location. Opening on Davis Street held special meaning because of my family’s connection to the area and the memories of growing up hearing stories about the businesses and people who helped build this community. My grandparents once lived on Davis Street, and in many ways, this business is a tribute to them and the values they instilled in me. Today, Wolford & Associates Realty is more than a real estate brokerage—it’s a reflection of where I come from, the people who shaped me, and my commitment to serving the community that helped make me who I am. My motto
Q. What does it mean to you personally to be a minority-owned business?
Being a minority-owned business means a great deal to me, especially because this journey came at a point in my life where I truly understand the value of the opportunity. Had I become a business owner in my 20s, I may have viewed success differently. In my 40s, I recognize the significance of building something meaningful, lasting, and rooted in purpose. When I chose the name, the location, and the vision for Wolford & Associates Realty, I did so with deep appreciation. There is a great sense of pride in accomplishing something that had not been accomplished before, and that achievement motivates me to continue working hard, growing the business, and creating something that makes my family, community, and supporters proud.
Q. How has being part of the Culpeper/Madison/Rappahannock community shaped your business?
As a local business owner, it’s important to me that people know they have a trusted resource who understands the unique character, needs, and opportunities that come with living in a rural community. That local knowledge helps us better serve our clients, but more importantly, it allows us to cultivate lasting relationships. Being known as a local business that genuinely understands and cares about the community has been one of the greatest strengths of our growth and success.
Q. In what ways do you hope your business contributes to or uplifts the community?
Since opening Wolford & Associates Realty, it has been our mission to be community-first. We believe strong relationships are built through genuine support, not just business opportunities. Our goal is to consistently show up for the people and organizations that make our community special, whether or not there is a transaction involved. I hope our business uplifts the community by being a trusted, long-term partner that invests in people, supports local initiatives, and helps create opportunities for growth. For me, it’s never been about a moment, a post, or a quick connection—it’s about building lasting relationships and ensuring our community continues to have the support it needs for years to come.
Q. Is there a type of property or client you find yourself most passionate about working with?
I’m passionate about working with clients who value education and want to be actively involved in understanding the process. Many of my clients come through referrals, which makes the relationship especially meaningful because it begins with trust. I enjoy helping buyers and sellers not only achieve their immediate goals but also walk away with knowledge that empowers them for future real estate decisions. My goal is for every client to feel more informed and confident than when we first met. I work with those who want to work with me.
Q. What’s been one of your biggest challenges, and one of your biggest successes?
One of my biggest challenges has been establishing and validating Wolford & Associates Realty as a new business on Davis Street. As a minority female-owned brokerage, building credibility, trust, and awareness in a competitive industry required persistence, consistency, and a commitment to proving value through our work and service. I dealt with lots of questions abou timing, ability to achieve success in an area with so many others in the business for decades and most common- WHY? One of my biggest successes has been reaching our one-year milestone and being recognized as the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce’s New Business of the Year. That recognition was especially meaningful because it reflected not only the growth of our brokerage but also the relationships we’ve built within the community and the trust our clients and supporters have placed in us.
Q. What do you hope every customer walks away knowing, feeling, or experiencing when they interact with your business?
At Wolford & Associates Realty, we want every client to walk away feeling valued, informed, and confident. Our goal is to build lasting relationships—not simply complete transactions. Through trust, education, and clear communication, we strive to guide our clients every step of the way so they feel empowered to make informed decisions. Ultimately, we hope they leave knowing they have a trusted real estate professional and relationship they can rely on long after the transaction is complete. We are a teaching brokerage, not just ourselves but our clients.
