If you are interested in nominating people for certain stories, please email us at Kristin.Lunsford@n2co.com and/or Brian.Lunsford@n2co.com.
Michele Jerrell
Kristin and Brian Lunsford
Zachary Cohen Writer
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The phrase "freedom is not free" reminds us that our liberty comes at a great cost, but it doesn't have to be at the expense of our civility toward one another.
As we navigate this election season--already marked by the tragic events last month in Pennsylvania— it’s imperative that Americans come together to demonstrate to the world the very best of the United States, exemplifying the values that have long defined our great country. As a nation, we are better than what’s been going on lately.
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The phrase “freedom is not free” reminds us that our liberty comes at a great cost, but it doesn’t have to be at the expense of our civility toward one another.
We don’t have to sacrifice respect and kindness towards those who hold different views or political beliefs. We don’t have to be held captive by biased media outlets that fuel our fears and divisions. And we don’t have to pin our hopes on a single person, party or election, only to be disappointed when they fail to deliver.
When we prioritize these things over the goodness and beauty that surrounds us, we risk becoming enslaved to our own ideologies. We then have an idol problem.
This summer, I was reminded of the true power of freedom while witnessing majestic bald eagles soar through the Pacific Northwest skies. Their grace, confidence and strength in flight taught me that true liberty is marked by calmness,
and
Let’s draw inspiration from these symbols of American freedom and embrace our liberty with humility and respect for all—regardless of who we want to win in November.
Ponte Vedra Beach
wisdom
courage—not polarization and meanness.
By
Hank Pellegrino
JAGUAR MOVING
Moving Up
“We are here to help people, and the way we do it is through moving.”
In 2017, Hank Pellegrino founded Jaguar Moving with a powerful mission: to add value to the Jacksonville community. While opening the company represented a shift from Hank’s previous path — he intended to head to graduate school to study music and eventually become a professional musician — his role as a business owner has given him a chance to bring his gifts forward and serve.
“The other thing it gave was an opportunity to truly serve. A lot of people don’t think of how important moving is until they need to move. They have to relocate their entire life and trust strangers with all their things. I knew I wanted to execute at a high level to make a huge impact in people’s lives.”
“Founding Jaguar Moving, it was a challenge, and it meant growth,” Hank shares. “It was an opportunity to do the type of work that most people can’t fathom. One of the most stressful things people do is moving, and it’s hard work. It was a challenge to hold a standard of excellence in work that is extremely difficult. I took that challenge on to prove to myself that I could hold that standard of excellence every day. I was committed to not giving up, to not breaking when things get hard.”
This work is meaningful, and it’s what I want to do with my life.
Zachary Cohen Photos By The Real Estateographers partner spotlight
Seven years into his journey as a business owner, Hank’s entrepreneurial experience has been everything he imagined. It’s been challenging, at times, and immensely rewarding. Now, he’s guiding Jaguar Moving into the next stage of its growth.
Jaguar Moving just underwent two significant upgrades. They’ve refreshed their brand and moved into a new location.
As Hank refreshed the company’s branding to be simpler and more modern, he took a deep dive into his purpose,
mission, and values. He remembered why he got into the industry to start and reignited his passion for moving. Jaguar Moving has always been about more than simply landing work; for Hank, Jaguar Moving is a vehicle for achieving his dreams and serving his community.
“I realize at this milestone that to make a lasting impact, I need to be connected to my purpose and mission. I want to see this company have a mission that’s beyond just me, that we can unite around and create lasting impact in Northeast Florida for years to come,” Hank says.
Jaguar Moving’s new location is also representative of their intent
to serve. Their new location is off Beach Boulevard in the heart of the South Side of Jacksonville, offering them much-improved visibility compared with their old location, which was in a downtown industrial zone. This puts the company closer to its ideal customers and those they already serve, allowing them to have an even greater presence in the community.
“This work is meaningful, and it’s what I want to do with my life,” Hank says. “I want to do meaningful work, and I want to grow. I want to serve people and hold myself to a higher standard so I can lay my head down at the end of the day and know I helped people.”
For more information on Hank Pellegrino and Jaguar Moving, please visit jaguarmoving.com.
Beyond Moving
Hank’s family is growing, too. Hank and his wife, Annamaria, have three children, Julia (5) and Judd (3), and just had their third in early July. They also recently purchased their first home in Jacksonville.
ALOHA SPIRIT
Lily Tran’s life has been defined by the cultures she’s been steeped in. Born in Vietnam, her life took a turn for the better when she arrived in Hawaii in 1983. Although she was already in seventh grade, Hawaiian culture quickly became part of her outlook on life.
“I am who I am because of the Hawaiian culture, because of the aloha spirit. We give. Life is all about giving,” Lily shares.
Lily spent most of her life embracing the island lifestyle, never imagining she would leave. She spent 26 years in hotel management — all for the same hotel — and became deeply rooted in the local community. And yet, as life progressed, so did Lily’s desires. Her brother had moved to Jacksonville and started a career in real estate, and he encouraged Lily to join him.
“One of the most common questions I hear when I tell people I used to live in Hawaii is, ‘Why did you leave paradise?’” Lily smiles. “Family became a priority. My youngest sibling, Harrison Leevann, has lived in Jacksonville for over 25 years and always encouraged me to join him in the real estate
By Zachary Cohen
Photos by Renee Parenteau Photography top producer
I am who I am because of the Hawaiian culture, because of the aloha spirit. We give. Life is all about giving.
business. I finally visited him in 2017, and that’s when my Jacksonville journey began. By 2018, I had uprooted my family and made the big move to Jacksonville.”
By the time she moved to Jacksonville, Lily had already begun her real estate career in Hawaii. She was re-licensed in Florida in 2018, finally joining her brother in business.
Lily may have left the island life of Hawaii, but the culture
remains a core part of who she is personally and professionally.
“The best part of my job is helping people and forming lifelong friendships, which is why I love working in real estate,” Lily explains. “I pour my heart and dedication into everything I do, sharing a piece of the aloha spirit with everyone I encounter in Jacksonville. I often say that I am who I am today because of my upbringing in the Hawaiian culture, which emphasizes caring and sharing.”
Lily is the founder of the Koko Crater Stairs Challenge group (Koko Head in Oahu, Hawaii). She loves creating challenges to push everyone’s limits on the stairs. She wants everyone to know that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it!
Lily loves working out. She even completed the 50th Anniversary of the annual Honolulu Marathon in 2022.
KEEPING IT POSITIVE
“I’m all about sharing positive energy with others and being kind. I post my positive morning greetings on Facebook every day. Life is too short to not be happy and share positive energy with everyone.”
Lily’s experience in hotel management has also been an asset. In that role, she learned how to deliver exceptional customer service, treat each client with warmth and care, and deliver results.
Lily has been part of the OHANA team at Florida Homes Realty & Mortgage for the past six years. Ohana means family and she intends to treat everyone like family. In 2023, she helped an impressive 51 families for $19.5 million in sales production. Most of her business comes from referrals and the lasting relationships she has built.
When she’s not immersed in real estate, Lily enjoys qual ity time with her husband, Phillip, their sons Justin (23) and Preston (29), and their dog, Lucky (3). Preston, her oldest son, lives in Hawaii with his wife, Myra, and their son Marcus, who turned one on July 8, 2024. Whenever their sched ules permit, Lily and Phillip visit them and spend as much time together as possible.
“If there were one thing I would want people to know about me, it’s how much I care. In my culture, we share, and we care. I’ve found Jacksonville to be very similar to Hawaii. The people are very similar. So, while I never thought I would uproot my family after 34 years in Hawaii — I was in my late 40s and established — I’ve learned to love it here. I’m super blessed with what I do here.”
First Coast YMCA kindly provided the location for some of these photos.
Lily’s grandson, Marcus, celebrated his 1st birthday on July 8. Pictured: Lily’s husband, Phillip, Lily, and the birthday boys parents, Preston and Myra.
By Jess Wellar Photos By The Real Estateographers
W O A C
Neither Meredith Rowe nor Amy Wojaczyk have ever met a stranger. Although both women hail from vastly different backgrounds, the two instantly clicked while hosting an open house together last April. Since then, the pair have been inseparable as they continue to inspire each other while building incredible momentum in the Jacksonville market.
“We’re very collaborative and encourage each other constantly,” Amy shares.
“We do compete, but only with each other as we’re always afraid the other is going to outwork us!”
Meredith laughs and nods her head in agreement.
“We’re an unofficial team, but we’re basically ‘work wives,’” she adds with a smile. The duo jokes that Amy brings the Northern sass, while Meredith balances things out with her Southern charm; a combination that leads to excellent customer relationships.
Winding Roads to Real Estate
Both Amy and Meredith had plenty of colorful life experiences before they met.
Hailing from a small town in North Carolina, Meredith attended UNC-Wilmington where she double majored in elementary education and psychology, but notes she has always been a creative soul. She managed a real estate brokerage throughout her college career, and fell in love with the industry quickly.
“After marrying my husband, I spent 15 years in photography and marketing, which was always a natural extension of my creative, extroverted spirit,” she recalls. Meredith homeschooled her two sons while growing as an entrepreneur, but always looked forward to a day when she could return to real estate.
Eventually, as her children grew older, her love for people and her outgoing nature drew her back to real estate full time.
Amy’s journey from central Pennsylvania to Jacksonville is equally dynamic.
Growing up with a single mother who worked tirelessly, Amy developed an unmatched work ethic. Despite turning down a college scholarship and entering the workforce, she found corporate life unfulfilling.
“Once I mastered a job, it lost its appeal,” Amy recalls.
Her journey included a transformative stint at LA Weight Loss, where she rose from sales to VP of Training and Development.
In 2005, Amy left the workforce to raise her children. It was during that time she truly embraced her entrepreneurial spirit — from reselling her children’s clothes to a direct sales company that ended with a mobile boutique.
A family vision board set their sights on Florida. After returning to corporate life as a recruiter, she had the opportunity to open a Florida office for the company.
“We moved from New Jersey to Florida, but a year later, I was downsized,” Amy offers. “After taking some time to recharge, I felt ready for my next adventure!”
Making The Leap
The transition to real estate was a natural evolution for both women. Meredith’s return to the industry was sparked by a newfound flexibility after her sons began attending a hybrid school. She prayed about the decision and to this day, continues to lean into her faith while trusting in the Lord’s plan for her.
“I had always dreamed of returning to real estate. It allowed me to blend my customer service and marketing skills with my passion for helping people,” she explains. “My faith, however, is the foundation of my life; success for me is really just finding a path to thrive using the talents and experiences God has given me and trusting He will provide.”
For Amy, it was a helpful nudge from her stepbrother during Christmas 2021 that was the ultimate catalyst.
“He said, ‘If you don’t go get your real estate license, you’re not allowed on the boat next year!’ That was the push I needed,” she laughs.
Amy’s relentless drive and extroverted personality quickly found a home in the real estate world.
“I love helping people through one of the most challenging times in their lives. Whether it’s building a home from out of state or organizing a pantry, I go all in for my customers,” she emphasizes.
Collaboration and Success
Since meeting at an open house, Amy and Meredith have become an unstoppable force. Their combined energy and work ethic have led to remarkable success.
Last year, Amy and Meredith closed 24 transactions and their combined efforts exceeded $10.5 million. For 2024, their ambitions are even higher. Both have projections that see them doubling their numbers from last year.
“Our goal for 2024 is not just about hitting numbers, but about continuing to build trust and lasting relationships with every transaction,” Meredith quickly points out.
Guiding the Next Generation
Recently, Amy and Meredith have begun working on a mentorship program, recognizing their knack for innovation and success through non-traditional methods. Both women
leverage social media and networking to grow their client base.
“We’ve had so many people ask us how we do what we do. It’s sparked the idea of collaboration over competition, which is the foundation of our mentorship program,” Meredith notes. “We’re starting small for now, but hope to ultimately expand and reach agents everywhere.”
“The program aims to support both new and seasoned agents, offering guidance on everything from marketing to client relations,” Amy adds.
Life Beyond the Office Outside of work, both women lead fulfilling lives centered around family. Meredith has been married to Andrew for 15 years, and together they have two sons, Jonah (15) and Ezra (12).
“When we aren’t on a soccer field, we love outdoor adventures — beach days, hiking, and we even lived on a 250-squarefoot boat for a year in the Keys,” she chuckles.
Their dog, Jake, a hundred-pound wolf-a-doodle (Irish wolfhound and poodle), is a beloved member of the family as well.
Meredith is also actively involved in charity work, supporting organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Okoa Refuge, and
Compassion International, as well as working closely with her church, Eleven22.
Amy, too, treasures family time with her husband of 19 years, Chip, who retired from the police force before the couple left New Jersey, and their three children: Aliyah (22), Richard (19), and Addyson (17).
“As a family, dinner around the table is really important to us, though the times with everyone there aren’t as frequent as they used to be,” Amy affirms. “Trips to Disney and the beach bring us all together for quality time.”
The Wojaczyk family also includes 4-year-olds Milo, a Cockapoo, and Luna, a Maltipoo.
On The Horizon
Amy and Meredith have plenty of ambitious plans for the future. Both women are in the process of obtaining their broker associate licenses and are open to the possibility of building an official team together someday.
Meredith dreams of expanding her business and possibly obtaining licenses in North and South Carolina. Amy shares a similar vision.
“We’re hoping to finish our broker licenses by the end of summer. Professionally, we want to continue growing and helping more clients, and also help grow other agents.” she concludes.
As Amy approaches becoming an empty-nester, she looks forward to less running around, more ‘me’ time and more frequent date nights with her husband.
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question
of the month
What sport would you want to compete in if you were in the Olympics? Why?
Mark Beamenderfer
Sellstate Jax Realty
Cornhole, because it’s fun, anyone can play, and it’s a sport you can do while drinking! Unfortunately, it’s not an olympic sport….yet!
Beth Clark
Coldwell Banker Premier Properties
Synchronized swimming so I would be cool in this heat!
Jonathan Daugherty
Future Home Realty
I feel getting a 3-year-old and a 6-yearold ready for school in the morning while negotiating a contract and fielding tenant calls should be an Olympic sport.
Tim Newman Northern Florida Mortgage Brokers Equestrian. Three-day eventing, show jumping, and dressage.
Jon Singleton
Watson Realty Corp.
Talking. Literally just talking.
Allison Chance
Anchored Real Estate Group Gymnastics! It is such a beautiful, inspiring sport.
Nancy Bass
Bass Professional Realty Gymnastics! I’ve always enjoyed watching this sport and now it’s a little jazzed up!!
The idea of creating harmony between a 1200 lbs. horse and rider in the most advanced levels of horsemanship would be a thrilling pursuit!
Cici Anderson
Marsh Landing Realty Volleyball. As I was a high school volleyball player and starter my junior and senior year, we went to State my senior year — I was an outside hitter and was all districts. If I had only been taller than 5’2” I would’ve been a volleyball player at the University of Nebraska. Still love the sport.
Edwina Burch
Keller Williams Atlantic Partners Southside
If I were in the Olympics, I would love to compete in Track! Specifically the Hurdles or 100M Dash!!
Marc Fagan
Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Florida Network Realty Golf. Because I’m not good at anything else!
Brit O’Donoghue
Landmark Title Track & Field or Swim! My dream was to make it to the Olympics for swim. Life had a different path but I did make it to Junior Olympics.
President From the Desk of the
by Gia Arvin, 2024 President of Florida REALTORS®
New Rules for Industry effective in August - know where to access Resources
As we rapidly approach the implementation of the industry settlement all REALTORS® are making changes to business practices when representing buyers and sellers. Under the new MLS rules, applicable to all MLS subscribers and participants, compensation may no longer be offered from listing brokers to cooperation brokers via the MLS system. Although we are no longer allowed to exchange compensation via the MLS the listing broker or seller is allowed to offer compensation to the cooperating broker.
Buyers need representation and REALTORS® are now required to enter into a written buyer representation agreement BEFORE they show property to a buyer. Florida REALTORS® has released compensation agreements, buyer broker agreements and other tools to assist you in the process. These agreements may be accessed from floridarealtors.org or by logging into Form Simplicity.
It is crucial that all REALTORS® communicate with their buyers and establish an understanding and
agreement on how they will receive compensation. Under the new rules you are precluded from being paid more than the the amount your establish in your written buyer representation agreement. In the event you conclude the amount agreed to is more or less than you are able to earn it is necessary to amend your agreement with your buyer.
One thing that has not changed is the need for a REALTORS® to be the procuring cause to earn a commission. In the event of a dispute REALTORS® are bound to arbitrate or mediate pursuant to Article 17 of the Code of Ethics, and for MLS Participants who are non-REALTORS® they are bound to arbitrate or mediate pursuant to their MLS’s local rules.
Change is complicated and the new rules are sometimes confusing. Florida REALTORS® has extensive resources for your reference at floridarealtors.org/settlement or all REALTORS® may contact the Florida REALTORS® legal hotline at 407-438-1409 Monday thru Friday from 9:00 am- 4:45 pm.
