7 minute read
MIKE PISACRETA & DANNY FONTAINE
In December 2022, Danny Fontaine and Michael Pisacreta teamed up to open a brand new RE/MAX office, RE/MAX Relations in Jacksonville. Danny and Mike rose to become top agents over the past few years. Now, they are teaming up and leveraging their experience to serve the growth of others. Their vision is to create an agent-centric office built on integrity, a strong work ethic, and collaboration.
Danny and Mike each bring a unique history with them. That gives their agents an advantage; they have two brokers to go to for advice, each with their own set of experiences to draw on. The result is a brokerage that Danny and Mike hope will stand the test of time and expand its reach beyond Jacksonville’s borders.
“We decided we should put our forces together and create a mega team or partnership, and that is what we are doing,” Danny says proudly. “We are planning on going big.”
THE PATH TO REAL ESTATE: DANNY FONTAINE
Danny grew up in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. After graduating high school, he entered the Navy, where he served for the next twenty years. During this time, he gained invaluable skills and sharpened the work ethic he has come to be known for.
Danny first landed in Jacksonville in 1998, and when he retired from the Navy in 2013, he and his wife decided to make it their permanent home. Danny’s first role after retiring from the Navy was as a project manager for an IT company, a position he held for six years. During this time, he discovered corporate life just wasn’t for him.
“I wanted a little more freedom,” Danny explains. “I was tied up when I was in the Navy. I did nine deployments. I spent lots of time away from family, and family is so important to me. I wanted to spend more time with my family, and even when I was in the corporate world and doing the IT stuff, I was still traveling everywhere.”
Meanwhile, Danny and his wife were in the process of buying a new home. Soon, he realized he had a passion for real estate and decided to make it his fulltime work.
“In 2016, I decided to take the leap, get my real estate license, and see what I can do.”
Danny steadily built his business, becoming a top agent by year three.
FINDING HOME: MIKE PISACRETA
Mike’s journey begins in the New York metro area. A first-generation American, he began his professional life in the supermarket business.
“I started at a young age in the meat business and became a butcher,” Mike explains. “I met a man that treated me like a son, and he was like another father to me. He taught me the business inside and out and valuable life skills, as well.”
Mike eventually became a manager, then a director of sales and merchandise. He didn’t go to college, instead learning sales skills and developing the ability to solve complex problems on the job. Meanwhile, he began selling real estate part-time in Staten Island. Despite being a part-time agent, he became a top producer.
After so many years balancing two jobs in New York, Mike was ready for a change. Between the traffic, the weather, and the cost of living, quality of life was hard.
“After 30 years in supermarket retail, it was time for a change, so we moved down to Jacksonville for a quality of life change. I always felt I had left something on the table when it came to real estate and had the opportunity to pursue it full-time here,” Mike explains.
After arriving in Jacksonville in 2018, Mike quickly became a top producer.
“We came here for quality of life, and that is certainly what we found, without a doubt,” Mike beams.
Approach To Real Estate
Danny and Mike have become top agents through hard work, follow-through, and a client-focused approach, allowing them to run a predominantly referral-based business.
As leaders, they continue to drive their own sales businesses while remaining available for their agents. Danny and Mike see themselves as coaches, mentors, and guides.
Danny and Mike have differences, too. Their backgrounds are quite unique, and their skillsets are diverse. That gives them a more well-rounded approach as leaders.
“My favorite thing [about real estate] has always been helping people,” Danny says. “I feel like I am servant-hearted and [love] helping people and seeing the joy on their faces. Everyone says that listings are the cream of the crop, and they are really great, but watching a first-time home buyer get the key to their first house — nothing beats that.”
“When we go to help our agents, it’s not two guys that own a brokerage and are just brokers. These are two guys that are top-producing agents and have been in the trenches and have learned. We try to share everything that we have with our agents to try to help them get to the next level,” Mike adds. “Danny had one way of how he got to where he is, and I have one way of how I got to where I am, so agents have two different ways to work off and two different personalities. Maybe you need help with social media, so you’re going to go to Danny. Or you need help because you just moved here, don’t know anyone, and need to build your base. So you may want to focus on For Sale by Owners or expired listings, so you’re going to come to me. Having two brokers there helps set us apart.”
Fun Facts
Danny was a DJ for seven years while in the Navy. He’s also known for the colorful shirts he wears. “Being in the Navy, I had to wear a uniform every day for 20 years, and it was very plain — blacks, blues, grays, and that’s it. When I got out of the Navy, I decided I needed a little more expression, and I started wearing colors… I like to express myself.”
Mike had a passion for martial arts for many years, becoming an instructor and engaging his kids in the practice. He also worked with children with special needs as an instructor.
Danny and his wife celebrated 25 years of marriage last year and they have one son.
A Lasting Legacy
Danny and Mike’s journey as brokers has just begun. One of their big goals is to open five offices in the next five years. Even more importantly, they hope to be remembered for who they are as human beings.
Mike and Danny with their Re/Max Relations team.
“I want to be known for being selfless,” Danny says.
“I feel in my heart that if someone needs something and I have it, I am free to give it at my will.”
“I want to be remembered for being a good friend,” Mike says. “I think I am loyal to the core, and friends know that if they need anything, they can call on me and count on me to be there. What you get from me is exactly what you see. Danny and I both wear our hearts on our sleeves.”
Mike and his wife will celebrate 30 years of marriage soon and they have 3 children.
