Toni Hardigree

TONI HARDIGREE: Success = Hard Work, Community and Living Your Best Life

Story by Cindy Reid | Photography by Emily Roscher

Toni Hardigree, real estate agent and Broker—as well as 2014 & 2015 Effingham’s Best Real Estate Agent, and Distinguished Sales Society Award Recipient—says she didn’t start out wanting to be in real estate, in fact her childhood goal was to be a first grade teacher.

“I really thought I would be in elementary education,” she says. She worked instead in banking management before transitioning into Real Estate more than 15 years ago. Finding that real estate was the perfect fit for her, Toni worked as an agent for four years at Platinum Properties before buying the company in 2010. Platinum Properties has flourished under Toni’s leadership and today is very successful.

Toni says the key to her achievements in real estate, and life, is loving what she does.

“I absolutely love what I do. And if you ask people who know me or work with me, they will tell you, it’s true, because it shows in everything I do.”

Toni works alongside daughter Kelsie, who is an associate broker, and together they have more than 25 years of real estate knowledge and expertise they use to assist their clients in achieving their housing goals.

Effingham County residents are family. “We take immense pride in representing so many of our friends and associates with all of their real estate needs,” says Toni.

Community Service

An Effingham County resident for more than 20 years, Toni is also a dedicated community advocate and volunteer. She is the current 2022- 2023 President of the Rotary Club of Effingham County, an organization she has been involved with for many years, including a term as Effingham County Rotary Chairperson for Service Projects.

“This year I will have been a Rotarian for ten years” she says, “serving in numerous roles and on many special projects including Star Student, Speech Contest, Volunteer of the Year Award Banquet and Family Fun Day, formerly the Special Olympics.”

She is also on the Board of Directors for the Effingham Chamber of Commerce.

“I love the interaction with all our different businesses and how we come together to promote Effingham County as a wonderful place to live, work and visit as we work towards bringing tourism from Savannah to our communities,” she says. At the Chamber, Toni has also served on the Leads Group Member and Events Planning Committees.

Challenges & Rewards

Every business has its challenges and rewards, and real estate is no exception. It may look easy from the outside, but there are a lot of moving parts to every transaction, from the initial inquiry to closing the sale. “I absolutely love what I do but it can have its moments. Working through the selling process with people is different every time. The fun part is when people are selling and moving into a new house. And helping first time home buyers get into a house—that’s very rewarding,” says Toni.

Toni says she loves to list and sell properties but typically the managing broker’s role is managerial. She says her personal challenge is the division between being a boots on the ground realtor and being behind the desk. She says, “I do like managing, but I also like getting out there. But in the end, it all works out. I am busy but that’s because I like it that way!”

She credits her daughter Kelsie with helping out and overseeing the property management side. Kelsie became involved with student housing while attending college and subsequently managed several apartment complexes before bringing that expertise back home to join her mother at Platinum Partners.

“Seeing Kelsie grow in the company is very satisfying,” says Toni, “and she keeps the property management side running very smoothly.”

I absolutely love what I do... and it shows in everything I do! “

And they also have a new agent, Amy Greene, who previously was a real estate photographer before getting her real estate license. “I talked to her like a friend and suggested she interview at a lot of agencies, and I was so pleased when she ended up coming on with me. She’s awesome and I love training her, too.”

Toni says she has learned a lot about people from managing her company.

“Owning my business has taught me that everyone comes to the table with their own experiences and that helps my team create our own ideas. It is all about doing it better and faster,” she says. “And although we are very well established, we are always open to innovative ideas.”

Buster

One key factor in the work day at Platinum Partners is Buster. Buster is a one year old Cavapoo, which is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle (typically a Miniature Poodle or a Toy Poodle). Buster is the official office greeter, and he never misses a day— or a client!

“He is our therapy. If anyone is stressed out or having a difficult day, he just knows! He makes sure to give you affection and attention until you can’t help but feel better,” says Toni.

Buster also goes with “Dad,” Toni’s husband Greg Hardigree, one of Effingham’s premier custom home builders, to check on the various job sites. “Buster goes with him to greet the crews. He loves going to work!” laughs Toni.

Enjoying Life

In her spare time, you are likely to find Toni in her garden. “Being able to have down time outdoors in my garden, just taking care of it or simply watering my flowers, that’s how I decompress. My garden is my thing!”

She and Greg also really enjoy getting together with their five children, and especially with their grandchildren. “We love the grandbabies!” she says.

Their favorite place to travel is “somewhere tropical on the beach. We do one or two vacations a year, the Caribbean usually. That’s our favorite “far away” place.”

The Hot Real Estate Market

The current real estate market is a hot topic, as residents see the value of their homes soar. “I have owned Platinum Properties for 11 years and have not seen this level of sustained market before,” says Toni. “A lot of people are saying ‘the bubble will burst’ but I tend to disagree. Yes, interest rates may have gone up, but they are still very good. I think until we get more inventory the market will remain good and strong.”

To sellers she advises they understand it will be a quick sale because multiple offers

are coming in for every property, so they need to be prepared.

Regarding renters, she says, “We manage annual and residential rentals, and that market is just like the buying/selling side— it’s very hot with multiple applications per listing. And like the purchasing market, there aren’t enough rentals out there. So the prices are high.”

To buyers she says, “Definitely in this market you need an agent to represent you and write offers that are strong for you— the ‘highest and best.’ Make sure your agent understands this current market, especially for first time buyers who are having a tough time getting in contract due to multiple offers.”

For all your real estate questions, contact Toni and her agents at Platinum Properties, a full-service real estate company serving clients with buying and selling residential and commercial property as well as land. They want to help you achieve your real estate dreams! n

Owning my business has taught me that everyone comes to the table with their own experiences and that helps my team create our own ideas. And although we are very well established, we are always open to innovative ideas. “

(912) 826-2151 platinumpropertieshomes.com PlatinumPropertiesRincon@gmail.com 135 Goshen Road Ext. Suite 120 Rincon, GA

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JODIE DEESE: Honey Ridge Stables Offers Riding Service in Guyton

When Jodie Deese decided to open Honey Ridge Stables, she knew it would be a labor of love and that her three children would have a huge role in the business. This 33-year-old single mother has always had a passion for horses and has turned that into a welcoming, family atmosphere for riding, boarding, training and just about anything equine focused.

Honey Ridge Stables offers individual rides, trail rides as well as training and education for people of all ages. They also provide boarding, training and leasing. Riding memberships are available for those who want to ride on a more regular basis. Jodie says, “Our barn is the same barn I showed out of growing up. It was my grandparents place then and the property remains in our family.”

Jodie treats all the visitors to Honey Ridge like family. “Our barn is your barn,” she says. Everyone is family at Honey Ridge.

Jodie makes sure her kids, ages 8, 7 and 5) understand the importance of treating guests like family and creating a business that everyone can enjoy. They all play an important role and Jodie hopes she is instilling that work ethic and spirit of entrepreneurship in her children.

Whether it’s your first ride or you would like more information about all the services at Honey Ridge Stables, give Jodie a call.

(912) 667-8648 | honey-ridge-stables.business.site 476 Honey Ridge Road | Guyton, GA

DARCY GIAQUINTO: Creating a Healthy & Active Community

Darcy Giaquinto, owner of CrossFit GroundSpeed, has been in the fitness industry for 25 years—in team sports, as a personal fitness trainer and as a CrossFit certified coach and gym owner. Her message is simple and powerful. “Never underestimate yourself, “she says, “You are stronger than you think.”

Darcy sees her mission as much more than creating muscular bodies and healthy habits. At her CrossFit GroundSpeed gym, she has intentionally created a community that is welcoming and inclusive. She comes by that naturally, having been born and raised in Plainfield,Vermont, a small town. “I really liked growing up in a community where everyone could get to know each other, where you weren’t just another number,” she says. Always an athlete she played basketball, soccer and softball at the high school and collegiate level.

Darcy started her career in health and fitness via personal training while working part time at a small gym in Vermont. She and Michael, a police officer, were seeking a move south, so in 2007 they moved to Pooler, where Darcy continued as a personal trainer. “It takes time to build a clientele base. It depends on word of mouth and now social media,” she says, “I outgrew my facility in one year, and I started dabbling in CrossFit.”

CrossFit GroundSpeed

“I had my level one certification and I thought CrossFit was a fun competition, pushing and motivating each other. I saw it as being an athlete as an adult.” She credits Drew & Jennifer McKensie in Savannah with being mentors in her early days, and after much research in 2012 she opened the first CrossFit in Effingham County. It was a success, so in 2015 Darcy purchased two acres and built a new steel building, where CrossFit GroundSpeed is today.

Key to Health & Fitness

CrossFit is a lifestyle characterized by safe, effective exercise and sound nutrition. Darcy says, “CrossFit is all inclusive. Anyone can do CrossFit games because everything can be modified to anyone’s current skill level. This is a place for you—from my personal clientele to the general public—to get in shape and stay fit and healthy for life.”

She says it is important to know right away any physical issues so an individual’s coach can work around the injury, bringing movement without reinjury. It’s equally important to avoid comparing yourself with others, as Darcy says, “Doing any fitness makes you better than the majority, who aren’t doing a thing.”

She says it’s important for people to step out of their comfort zone and believe, “I can do this!”

GroundSpeed Community

Spending one hour three times a week builds community. “We are about committing 100%, to the program and each other. We are family and we help each other out, even moving—just tell the group and they will show up ready to help!”

Darcy says people meet in class and are lifelong friends—and some have even gotten married! At a ‘regular’ gym, people come, plug in their earphones, and rarely interact, she says, “That’s not us! We are all about relationships and community.”

Her clients keep Darcy motivated and she says they make every day a blessing with their smiles, because her mission is to make being there “the best part of their day. I love seeing that transition from frown to good day. It’s rewarding to see changes in daily attitudes and mindsets.”

Life Today

Although Darcy’s life is pretty much 100% GroundSpeed, her family is equally important. Michael was a police officer for 19 years and is now a police instructor, and he is also a Level 2 Certified CrossFit coach. Their 14-year-old daughter Isabella plays travel volleyball, so they are often found cheering her on at home and on the road. When there is free time, they hit the beach, “We are beach bums! We love to take a day off and go to the beaches at Hilton Head and St. Simons.”

As for Darcy, she relaxes in her own unique way—“I put the top down on my Jeep and drive anywhere with my music playing loud!” coaches and friends in the box, who continue to support the GroundSpeed family.”

And to those thinking about getting fit she says, “Don’t allow shyness or being intimidated get in the way of the greatness you can become. Have faith. You can be so much more.”

Gratitude

Darcy says, “GroundSpeed wouldn’t be where it is today if it weren’t for God’s many blessings, the unconditional love and support from my husband, our daughter and my family, my exceptional mentor Bob LeFavi, and last but certainly not least the (912) 224-0870 616 Towne Park Dr W, Rincon, GA