The crisp December air brought equal chills and joys, carrying the sounds of children’s giggles and the joyful melodies of a marching band. Coffee County’s annual Christmas parade was in full effect, with festive floats and twinkling lights that captured the warmth of the season. On one float, Fhonda Hatmaker and her real estate team were the perfect vision of community celebration.
Last year, Fhonda and her team celebrated Halloween at a local trunk-or-treat event and dressed as the “Hocus Pocus” witch sisters. They even had a designated photographer to capture fun moments with the children.
You can feel Fhonda’s presence in how she leads — both in business and her personal life. Altruism is her greatest strength, and it guides her as she gives back and inspires others to do the same.
“Growing up in Coffee County, you just have pride in the community,” Fhonda said. “Last year, we sent a truck of water to tornado victims. So, I love when we all come together and get things done.”
As a child, she learned the importance of giving back. Now, as a successful realtor and businesswoman, she channels that altruism into initiatives that improve the quality of life in Coffee County. Events like the annual Christmas parade reflect her business goal of creating a brighter, more supportive future for the town she calls home.
This year, for Halloween, Fhonda and her team dressed as characters from “Inside Out 2” and spread joy at the local park. They handed out candy, took photos with children, and made the event truly magical. When it comes to Christmas, they never hold back. Last year, they donned “Toy Story” costumes for the Christmas float, which was a huge hit.
“You just want your community to do well,” she said. “I never got to go to those parades or trunk-or-treats. As a child, I’d always heard about them in school and longed to go.”
The holiday season is always full of fun and excitement. Fhonda and her husband, Randy, have even established their own tradition of dressing as Mr. and Mrs. Claus and passing out candy canes on Christmas Eve.
Festive Christmas traditions and trunk-or-treat events are just a few ways Fhonda expresses her love for the community. Between organizing fundraisers for local causes, sponsoring youth programs, and honoring teachers with appreciation gifts, she shows altruism in every facet of her work. But not without sprinkles of fun in between.
You’ll often catch Fhonda making fun TikTok videos with her kids to bring smiles to people’s faces.
“Hey, hey, it’s your girl, Fhonda Hatmaker,” is a common phrase in her videos.
Growing up in Coffee County, Fhonda’s mother raised her with a sense of community responsibility. Fhonda learned that success means little if it doesn’t contribute to the greater good. This philosophy continues to influence how she approaches life in business and her personal endeavors.
Compassionate, generous, and determined, Fhonda has always wanted to help others. But, like many leaders, she has faced her share of personal adversity. Growing up with an abusive father and later becoming a single mother was difficult, but it gave her the courage to rewrite her life’s story. Learning to navigate obstacles refined her character and led her to make a difference in her community.
The same challenges that nearly derailed her path instead propelled her rise in the business world, where she and Randy successfully built a real estate team. The couple never wanted their business to be just a series of transactions. They wanted to create a platform for change — and they have.
Fhonda uses her resources and influence to launch community initiatives, support local charities, advocate for affordable housing, and provide opportunities for future generations. Randy and Fhonda lead their team with the motto: “Selling real estate one friendship at a time.”
“We don’t let our clients go,” Fhonda explained. “We have client events. We do a day at Granddaddy’s Farm pumpkin patch. And then we do a secret egg hunt. Four days before Easter, we go to our past clients who have small children, hide a dozen eggs, and put a sign in their yard that says, ‘You’ve been egged.’”
Fhonda has a remarkable ability to bring people together through love and determination. She leads with heart. Over the years, she has become a prominent figure in Coffee County, known for inspiring others to get involved. While her real estate business thrives, her part as a community advocate truly defines her career.
One lesson Fhonda has learned is to put “people over property.” Every event she participates in reflects the future she envisions for Coffee County — one where everyone has a role to play, and every contribution matters.
Randy and Fhonda are excited to announce the opening of their brick-and-mortar team in the Manchester-Coffee County area. They plan to launch monthly drives to support causes such as collecting dog food, toys for kids, robes and slippers for older adults, blankets for homeless individuals, and food for people lacking access to sufficient food. They also raise money for holiday turkeys. Their goal is to build a welcoming community and organize events for everyone to enjoy.
Fhonda’s story reminds us of the power of altruism and what can happen when one person’s love for their neighbors creates ripple effects. As she continues her work, Coffee County’s future looks bright and full of promise.
“When one person gets involved, it inspires someone else to get involved, and then it’s like a domino effect,” she said. “Show up and be part of that community — be part of that impact. Make it a good experience for the children so that in 15 to 20 years, when they have their own kids, they remember those traditions and bring them back.” GN
