The Story Behind Destination Marketing

At the heart of Destination is a passion for storytelling, place-making, and results—and it all began with Craig Wheeler.

Craig, our founder and CEO, started his career in real estate at a young age, quickly becoming immersed in the behind-the-scenes work of building and selling exceptional communities across the Southeast. He played pivotal roles in the success of renowned developments such as St. James Properties in Southport, NC; Bella Collina and Reunion Resort in Orlando, FL; Hammock Beach in Palm Coast, FL; Haig Point on Daufuskie Island, SC; Tesoro Club in Port St. Lucie, FL; and The Cliffs at Keowee Springs in South Carolina. His early experiences gave him a deep understanding of what it takes to market and sell master-planned communities—from vision to value.

From Experience to Execution: The Birth of Destination

Fueled by this knowledge and a drive to create something of his own, Craig launched Destination Living in Wilmington, NC, later evolving into Destination Marketing. His mission was simple: help builders and developers bring their communities to life—and sell them out.

Destination’s impact quickly became clear with the partnership at Summerhouse on Everett Bay in Holly Ridge, NC. When Craig and his team were hired in 2015, the community had 1,027 homesites but only 15 homes. By 2024, thanks to the full-service sales and marketing strategy provided by Destination, the community had transformed into a thriving neighborhood with 550 homes built and 750 homesites sold.

Proven Success in Action

That momentum continued with the launch of Salters Haven at Lea Marina in 2020. Destination was brought on to handle both the branding and on-site sales strategy. The project began with 308 homesites and no homes—and today boasts 254+ homes built, 302+ homesites sold, and a fully developed resort-style amenities center and marina.

Following that success, The Retreat at Redd’s Cove in Holly Ridge, NC began in early 2024. Destination was once again brought in from day one, leading branding, marketing, and sales. The project launched with 51 homesites and zero homes—and within months, over 25 homesites have sold and construction is actively underway.

Craig Wheeler and the developer of Salters Haven stand on-site during the early planning stages of the community. Together, they helped transform this waterfront land into one of the region’s most sought-after neighborhoods.

Kingbird: A One-of-a-Kind Vision

In 2024, Destination took on one of its most unique projects yet: Kingbird. Nestled just outside Wilmington, NC, Kingbird is a western-inspired community that offers buyers the rare opportunity to purchase large tracts of land—ranging from 10 to over 100 acres—and build whatever their vision calls for. Whether it’s a vineyard, ranch, barndominium estate, or family compound, Kingbird’s “Your Land, Your Way” philosophy gives buyers complete freedom. Despite its expansive and secluded feel, the community is only minutes from Wrightsville Beach, Mayfaire, and Downtown Wilmington, thanks to a new bypass that connects it all.

Kingbird sold rapidly, with over $23 million in land sales in just the first few months of marketing. Its blend of freedom, space, and proximity struck a chord with buyers looking for somethin

g truly different—making it one of Destination’s fastest-moving projects to date.

What’s Next: Delamar

Delamar, Destination’s most recent project, is located on the Intracoastal Waterway in Hampstead, NC. With a focus on modern coastal living and a connection to nature, Delamar offers direct water access for buyers, a community boat ramp, and resort-style amenities. The community is still in its early stages, with homesite reservations underway and momentum building.

Coming Soon: Southport, NC

We’re also excited to share that a brand-new project is coming to life in Southport, NC. This coastal community is currently in the very beginning stages—we’ve just held our first meetings with the developers and are actively working on the branding and vision. More to come soon as this next chapter begins to take shape.

Destination Today

From large-scale resorts to boutique land offerings, Destination has evolved into the go-to partner for developers and builders seeking full-service branding, marketing, and on-site sales expertise. We’ve helped shape communities from the ground up and sold out neighborhoods with vision, strategy, and execution—all while working closely with our clients every step of the way.

The story continues with every new project. And we’re just getting started.