JACKSONVILLE
C O N N E C T I N G .
E L E VAT I N G .
I N S P I R I N G .
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT Jason Kindler and Aaron Bacus First Coast Mortgage Funding RISING STAR Katie Williams BROKER SPOTLIGHT Cole Slate
TOP PRODUCER
MELISSA
RICKS
DECEMBER 2021
LO SPOTLIGHT: DeWayne Cumbo NMLS#1298445
WHY I LOVE WORKING AT fiber “fiber really is faster!” When I first met Dan Ribler, Owner/Founder I knew I met someone special who had created something wonderfully different. I was intrigued and needed to know more about his technology-based mortgage company that had its own proprietary software. I have worked in the mortgage industry for over two decades. I have been an underwriter, loan officer, processor, and forensic litigation expert… Having all of that experience affords me the luxury of knowing what truly moves the mortgage application through the process quickly and efficiently. That coupled with fiber’s tech-driven environment and the collaborative team has changed the mortgage process and let me know I had found my work “home.” ABOUT ME: I am a Jacksonville native who resides in Nocatee with my amazing three kids, beloved fiancee, and adorable Labradoodle. I love spending any and all free time with my family, there’s nothing I would rather do. That being said, I do answer my phone on weekends and at night because my agents and customers are very important to me and I know what’s at stake. I am a people person and I treat all of my clients with compassion and devotion. My personal touch and knowledge of the business make one of the biggest and most important purchases you may make in your lifetime seemingly effortless. I am the person you call when you need help with a project or a problem and there’s nothing I can’t or won't try. My willingness to help others is infinite and genuine and always takes center stage in my personal and professional life. I specialize in mortgage sales and am very familiar with Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA mortgage loans in both purchase and refinance transactions.
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2 • December 2021
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Jacksonville Real Producers • 3
MEET THE JACKSONVILLE REAL PRODUCERS TEAM
TAB LE OF
Kristin and Brian Lunsford
CONTENTS 09
Pub Note: Winning Memories
24
Rising Star: Katie Williams
10
Renee Parenteau
Photographer
Katie Cremean
Photographer
Ad Strategist
Owners/Publishers
16
Partner Spotlight: Jason Kindler & Aaron Bacus
Top Producer: Melissa Ricks
28
30
Broker Spotlight: The City’s Ambassador: Cole Slate
Megan Murray
Michele Jerrell
Operations Manager
Jennifer Watson Writer
Michelle Williamson Writer
Zach Cohen
Brandon Jerrell
Writer
Writer
If you are interested in contributing or nominations REALTORS® for certain stories, please email us at kristin.lunsford@realproducersmag.com.
WE'RE NEW TO ST. JOHNS AND WE'RE EXACTLY WHAT YOU NEED
Question of the Month
TITLE & ESCROW • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • CONSTRUCTION • REFINANCE
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT: • Our Office - First Class closing experience for first-class transactions. If you are interested in nominating people for certain stories, please email us at Kristin.Lunsford@RealProducersMag.com and/or Brian.Lunsford@RealProducersMag.com.
• Wine Program - An elevated customer
DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of The N2 Company d/b/a Real Producers but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the Jacksonville Real Producers magazine are not endorsed or recommended by The N2 Company or the publisher. Therefore, neither The N2 Company nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies.
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pub note By Brian Lunsford
Winning
MEMORIES “The best things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve been, and the memories we’ve made along the way.” MAKE THE MEMORIES
‘Tis the season for making memories! This time of year there are many traditions and opportunities that come around that allow us to make memories for a lifetime. We all have a lot going on, but it is important we remember that life is about experiences and building lasting memories with others. Oftentimes, we get caught up in the day-to-day of life and it is easy to miss out on things because it is not great timing or we have too many other things going on.
The BEST gift you can GIVE your client this year is to
8 • December 2021
Recently, the Atlanta Braves made it to the World Series for the first time in decades. I’m from Atlanta (lifelong Braves fan) and have been to other Braves World Series games, Super Bowls, championships, and playoff games. I have always said there is nothing like the postseason atmosphere in sports (it will happen again for our beloved Jaguars!). I’ve often told Kristin that if any of our favorite teams make it to any playoff or championship games, then I want to try to take our kids so they can experience it.
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So there I was online searching for tickets and figuring out the logistics of getting up to Atlanta for a Friday night game and then back to Jacksonville for the GA-FL game on Saturday afternoon. It was time to make more memories. Within minutes of that realization, two tickets to Game 3 were purchased on StubHub (2nd row!), a hotel, a rental car, and Delta flights were booked, and my then-8-year-old son and I were going to the World Series that very next day! (Note: My 7-year-old daughter was happy staying home with Kristin in Ponte Vedra Beach for the early Halloween festivities at school.) Though it was a whirlwind trip, I will never forget that time together with my son and I have a feeling he will never forget it either! It was all worth it, and the Braves won that night and ended up being World Series Champions a few nights later! That next day, Kristin and Abby picked up Jake and me from the airport and we went straight to the stadium to see the top-ranked Bulldogs defeat the Gators (sorry, UF friends)! So this holiday season, and as things get busy in 2022, let’s all remember to take the time to make those special memories with those we care about the most.
So, here was the opportunity…the Braves finally made it again, but what horrible timing as it was the weekend of Halloween and the Georgia-Florida game (I graduated from UGA) that I already promised our two young children that they’d get to attend for their first time. Not to mention all of the other commitments with work and life we had going on. I went back and forth on whether we should go up to Atlanta for the game or not. I even thought this is just not going to work for us this time and that we will just wait until the Braves make it to the World Series next time. My wife being a realist reminded me that it could be decades again before that happens! realproducersmag.com
Jacksonville Real Producers • 9
partner spotlight
O N TH E C U T T I N G E DG E
By Zach Cohen Photos by Megan Murray
JASON KINDLER AARON BACUS
&
FIRST COAST MORTGAGE FUNDING
“What we do, it’s the perfect mix,” president Jason Kindler begins. “Everyone wants to use technology but doesn’t want to lose the touch and feel of a relationship. We bring both to the table.” In his over two decades in the mortgage industry, Jason has noticed that most mortgage companies are behind the times regarding technology and systems. That’s why, in 2020, he teamed up with another industry veteran, Aaron Bacus, to bring cutting-edge technology and industry experience to their clients. “We offer clients faster service, more affordable rates, and a smoother process than our competitors,” Aaron explains. VALUES FIRST
With First Coast Mortgage Funding, Jason and Aaron have combined their over forty years of experience
10 • December 2021
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in the industry to create a system built for today’s consumer. “An objective of ours is always putting the customer first. We’re huge on communication with the client. We want to make sure we provide a good experience for the client and are communicating proactively,” Jason says.
The results prove that Jason and Aaron’s strategies are working. In 2020, their first year in business together, they closed 349 loans for $107 million. In 2021, they are tracking to close over 700 loans for over $200 million.
As a broker, First Coast Mortgage is positioned to offer the client more options than a traditional bank. And as Jason and Aaron both point out, their speed is second to none. “There are lots of things we do differently. We have a very unique system for the mortgage process that allows us to close loans in two to three weeks and allows us to get loans cleared weeks before closing. It’s different from traditional mortgage lending,” Aaron says. “We can now get loans approved within hours, which is turning the business on its head. That process has usually taken 30 days.”
TEAM HIGHLIGHT: JASON KINDLER
Jason got his start in the mortgage business in 2001. Over the past
Jacksonville Real Producers • 11
two decades, he has originated loans for thousands of clients across the country. Jason was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, and now lives in St. Augustine with his wife, Tira, daughter, Julia, and son, Jay. When he’s not working, you can find Jason exploring historic St. Augustine with his family or enjoying sports like football and boxing. “I come from an old, blue-collar steel town, Youngstown, Ohio. Hard work is part of how I grew up, and work ethic was instilled very early on for me. I feel like this has given me the experience to handle most all situations in a calm and collective way,” Jason explains.
AN OBJECTIVE OF OURS IS ALWAYS PUTTING THE CUSTOMER FIRST. We’re huge on communication with the client. We want to make sure we provide a good experience for the client and are communicating proactively.
Jason has held numerous roles in the mortgage business through the years. Since 2019, he’s been the president of First Coast Mortgage Funding. Jason is passionate about making a difference in the lives of his clients as they navigate a major life transition. “I am passionate about helping clients achieve homeownership while providing
top-notch service,” Jason explains. “As a mortgage broker with vast industry experience, I am confident that First Coast Mortgage consistently delivers the best rates with the best cost structure with our access to multiple lenders.” TEAM HIGHLIGHT: AARON BACUS
Since 1997, Aaron Bacus has been originating loans and serving clients and partners. Aaron describes his entry into the mortgage business as “falling into it.” His aunt and uncle have been in the industry for many years. After beginning on their team out of college, Aaron found he had a love for the business.
Florida, and he’s been working in the mortgage business in Ponte Vedra Beach ever since. “My motto is: Let’s start fast and finish slow. Being proactive is the best way to make the mortgage process simple,” Aaron explains. Aaron has three children, Kyle (20), Ashley (18), and Austin (13). He’s been married to his wife (and high school sweetheart), Kristi, for 25 years. Outside of work, Aaron enjoys time at the beach, eating out, golfing, and visiting the Keys.
Aaron grew up in Gainesville, Florida, and after a brief stint in Jacksonville, he and his family relocated to Northern Virginia, where he worked as a mortgage loan officer for many years. In 2009, he moved back to
For more information, please visit www.firstcoastmortgagefunding.com.
12 • December 2021
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Jacksonville Real Producers • 13
14 • December 2021
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Jacksonville Real Producers • 15
M E L I S S A
Fueling Her Fire “Some women fear the fire; others simply become it.” — unknown The ancient Greeks had two words for time: chronos and kairos. Chronos refers to chronological, sequential time — a clock-based, quantitative measurement. Kairos, on the other hand, has a different meaning entirely. It’s qualitative, measuring moments instead of seconds, minutes, or hours. Kairos refers to the time of opportunity — the most opportune moment. In 2014, Melissa Ricks found herself at a crossroads. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Melissa never intended to leave. She was a stay-at-home mom to her five sons for over a decade and, during this time, never devoted herself to a career. “I was in the trenches of parenthood,” Melissa remembers. “College courses were something I would dabble in in between babies but never something I was able to finish. My husband traveled a lot while he was climbing the corporate ladder, so there was a lot of pressure on us, both to provide on financial and emotional levels to each other, and our kids.”
Melissa sensed an opportunity to reinvent herself. After over a decade of being a full-time mama, she was driven to create a life and a business she was passionate about. That’s when she turned to real estate. “When I bought my first home at 29, I was intrigued by the challenges and uniqueness of the process. I started following local agents, locked arms with another badass in the industry, and the rest is history,” Melissa explains. “I have always been driven by helping others and being a positive influence to those around me. Real estate seemed to be the perfect place to get my foot into a career that would fulfill that side of me.” Over the ensuing years, Melissa steadily built her business to become one of Jacksonville’s best. In 2020, she took her business to the next level when she founded her own team. The team structure is unique; Melissa is the only agent, while there are four
After being given an opportunity to relocate to Florida in 2014, however, Melissa and her family picked up their lives to begin anew. It was during this time that Melissa was touched by the forces of kairos. “We saw an opportunity to create more possibilities for our family and sons’ futures, so we took it and ran with it,” Melissa reflects. “I had no idea at the time that real estate was in my future. I just knew that I wanted to create a reputation for myself, outside of just being a mom (which I loved).”
top producer
Ricks
16 • December 2021
BECOMING THE FIRE
By Zach Cohen Photos by Renee Parenteau
Melissa Ricks is proud of her team! Deja Ricks, Erin Munoz, Melissa Ricks, Malia Bubulka, Taylor Salameh
Engel & Völkers @realproducers
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Jacksonville Real Producers • 17
Melissa continues to be vocal about her struggles as a young parent. The hard years spent buying groceries with food stamps, receiving WIC checks for formula, and working multiple jobs to pay the consistently overdue bills have shaped who Melissa is; it’s the basis of why she works so hard every day. She hopes to use her story as inspiration for others in a similar position. Melissa is proof that with hard work, steady effort, and calculated risk-taking, anything is possible. She’s incredibly passionate about sharing her real, authentic self and struggles with the hope that the world around her can be inspired and motivated. administrative staff members, each with very creative, yet structured roles. In 2020, Melissa and her welloiled real estate team closed 154 transactions for $43 million, and they are on track to close 200 transactions in 2021. “Building a scalable business with knowledgeable, capable, and like-minded women is the very reason we’ve been able to produce at a high level. Our team culture is pivotal to the growth and success we all strive for,” Melissa says. Melissa’s decision to build a team was primarily driven by her number one priority in life — her family. “The most pivotal moment of my career was the day my oldest son called me from a regional wrestling meet to tell me he had qualified for state — something none of us expected his junior year — and I had once again missed due to work. It still hurts me to my core that I missed that moment. I’ll never forget seeing him on FaceTime and watching everyone behind him celebrate, and the one person he should have had there (his mama) wasn’t there.”
18 • December 2021
At that very moment, Melissa decided it was time to start her own company to gain control over her life, relationships, and boundaries. Just four months later, MRRE was born. “Lots of emotions, fears, nerves, and anxiety allowed me to create a genuine business that I could be proud of and was built out of pure love and passion for my family and clients,” Melissa smiles. SHAPED BY HER PAST
Melissa’s life has always been driven by her family. The relationships and foundation she’s built with her sons, ages 9 to 18, are the motivating force behind her daily grind. “Surprisingly, we are homebodies, and our kids are our best friends, so any free time we get is spent with them,” Melissa beams. “We basically grew up alongside them in our 20s, so it’s been pretty cool to watch them evolve into strong, confident, young men.”
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I’ve learned that it’s okay to be real and transparent about who you are and where you come from, no matter what society or social media tells you is acceptable.
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“My husband and I have a motto that we live by due to those years: ‘Wake up every day as if someone is trying to steal everything you’ve ever worked for.’ When my feet hit the ground every morning, I have flashbacks of those days, and I base my work around a genuine hustle and grind that I refuse to take lightly. I tend to stray from the spotlight and publicity because my focus really is just working hard for my people (clients, staff, and family). The rest is just fluff, and anyone that knows me knows fluff is not my style.
Jacksonville Real Producers • 19
Mortgages Made Simple Mortgage Calculators
Loan Programs
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MEGAN MURRAY PHOTOGRAPHY
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20 • December 2021
to charity. The N2 Company donates 2.6% of their gross revenue.
“I’ve learned that it’s okay to be real and transparent about who you are and where you come from, no matter what society or social media tells you is acceptable. One of my favorite parts of having a small platform in this industry and being an influencer is conveying real-life situations while allowing others to know that if we could come from the struggles we did, anyone can.”
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Jacksonville Real Producers • 21
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Jacksonville Real Producers • 23
rising star By Jennifer Watson Photos by Megan Murray
24 • December 2021
Root Realty is aptly named for helping individuals and families put roots down in the Jacksonville area. One of their REALTORS®, Katie Williams, a Jacksonville native, has roots that run deeply here, and she has chosen to establish her own young family’s foundation in the area, as well. She is excited to help others do the same. A graduate of Providence School, Katie left Jacksonville to attend Florida State University in Tallahassee where she earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing. For six years, Katie used her gift of caring for others by working as a pediatric nurse at Wolfson Children’s Hospital. She spent an additional year working as a nurse analyst.
Root Realty
KATIE WILLIAMS
Helping Put Roots Down
Then, she began to feel a little unsettled. “After graduating from college and working as a new nurse, I felt like something in my life needed to change. The best way I can describe it is that I just felt antsy but couldn’t put my finger on why,” Katie says. To deal with that restless feeling, Katie chose to move to Missouri to enter a biblical studies program for a year. Thanks to a compassionate manager, Katie was able to continue working as a nurse in Jacksonville during holidays, which helped her, financially, to be able to attend the program. “That year was so transformative, and I even met my husband,” Katie says. “I knew I needed to do something different, and I knew it was the right thing for me to do. I had a lot of pushback from well-meaning people in my life when I decided to make the move, but [I] took a leap of faith.” “I learned an incredible lesson to not let other people’s opinions dictate a decision that I knew was right,” Katie says. “My life would be 100% different today if I didn’t make that decision, and I wouldn’t have my incredible husband and two boys.” @realproducers
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BECOMING A REALTOR®
Once she returned to Jacksonville and married the man she met during her Missouri adventure, Katie returned to nursing full-time. It was Katie’s husband, Bradley, who first piqued her interest in the real estate industry. He is a home inspector, and as he earned his real estate license, Katie began to wonder if she could do the same.
When Katie is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Bradley, and two sons.
“I had always been intrigued by real estate, but I was a nurse and it felt strange thinking about doing something different,” Katie says. “[My husband] suggested I get my license and do both.” So, that’s exactly what she did. From the spring of 2017 through the spring of 2018, Katie worked full-time as both a nurse and a real estate agent. “After working full-time as a nurse and full-time as an agent for a year, I realized I couldn’t keep that up,” Katie says. “I was having more fun doing real estate, saw the opportunity for a higher income, and appreciated the time it allowed me to have with my family.” It turns out, many of the skills one needs to be a successful nurse are the same skills that help one find success as a REALTOR®, so Katie had all the tools she needed to begin a thriving business. “Like nursing, real estate is all about helping, educating, and supporting people,” Katie says. “I love building
relationships, being solution-oriented, and helping people accomplish their goals.” Katie is one of 16 REALTORS® on the all-female team at Root Realty whose mission is to “empower and educate every person before, during, and beyond a transaction and to help ALL achieve their real estate goals.” Jacksonville Real Producers • 25
“As a REALTOR®, I view buying and selling homes as business transactions, and work to meet the end goals accordingly,” Katie says. “But, as a person, I connect with the emotions that coincide for every buyer and seller. Especially in this current market, I value the importance of encouragement, patience, and strength, and hope to instill confidence in everyone I work with.” AT HOME WITH KATIE
Outside of her real estate work, Katie, her husband, and their two young sons enjoy spending time playing outside in their backyard or by the pool, and she and Bradley, both avid hikers, recently visited Glacier National Park to hike and fly fish. “I love talking to and connecting with people,” Katie says. “I love meeting for coffee, grabbing dinner, and hosting friends at my house, but nothing can beat playing and laughing with my husband and boys!”
Videos of perfectly staged homes using slow pans to fluffy music blend in with every other real estate video.
Katie also enjoys interior design as a hobby.
Do something different.
“I would probably redecorate my house annually if it wouldn’t drain the bank account,” Katie says. “A fun afternoon for me is walking through Home Goods, reading Southern Living while getting a pedicure, and then browsing Ballard Design’s website. My taste is pretty traditional, and I love lots of color, especially green.”
Tim Ager Video Production timothy.ager57@gmail.com
Seasons Greetings
THE SEASONS AHEAD
I love building relationships, being solutionoriented, and helping people accomplish their goals.
26 • December 2021
In the coming years, Katie plans to continue pursuing real estate with Root Realty and building a rental portfolio with her husband. Personally, she wants to remain present with her boys, learn to be a better cook, and take more hiking trips with her husband.
from RTR Title!
We Wish You a Very Happy Holiday Season and a Prosperous New Year.
“Every season of my life has brought different relationships, experiences, joys, and challenges, which have all molded me into who I am today,” Katie says. “My friends and family have taught me the importance of community, my faith has given me hope in something greater than myself, and my experiences have brought both humility and confidence.” For her, C.S. Lewis said it best when he said, “It is not your business to succeed, but to do right. When you have done so, the rest lies with God.” Katie strives to do right by everyone with whom she comes in contact, particularly her clients, family, and friends, and she is embracing any success that may follow.
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L. Hope Richards, Esq. Jacksonville Real Producers • 27
The City’s Ambassador
COLE SLATE
“I learned shortly after college, working for my father, and working in mortgages, that I loved to network,” Cole says, so he decided to find a way to get paid doing what he loved. He became a real estate agent because he loves people and networking to help people, and “just as much,” he says, “I love Jacksonville.” His goal is to “positively impact the community and my peers at the highest level, personally and professionally.” For Cole, “real estate transactions are just what pay the bills.”
Cole is exactly what he wants Slate Real Estate to be known as, “an ambassador of the city.” And ambassadors are really community builders, people who care for their communities as they shepherd growth. “Some of the shows on HGTV give agents a bad rap,” says Cole, “but there are a lot of good ones, too.” Agents who are concerned with the reach and impact of their work.
Cole says he’s built a business by “finding ways to appreciate people.” Last year his brokerage closed $37 million 28 • December 2021
Networking for Good
While Slate Real Estate is staffed with experts—Cole and his team know their profession well—they’re an equally knowledgeable community resource and partner.
Cole Slate, owner of Slate Real Estate brokerage, is an authority for everything real estate and community. Aren’t the two—real estate and community—inseparable? If you ask Cole that question, he’ll tell you, “Yes.”
Cole is definitely one of the good ones. While still in school at Bartram Trail High School, “back in the day,” he laughs, he was selected to be on one of First Coast News’ “12 Who Care” segments for his work with Best Buddies. Today, his real estate success fuels his philanthropic reach, which extends far and wide throughout the Jacksonville area. Or is it the other way around? Perhaps his philanthropic pulse fuels his real estate success. Either way, he and his team at Slate Real Estate share the same community focus.
in sales, and this year, by the end of September—they’d closed 135 transactions and $52 million in sales, in all referral, organic business.
An agent since 2012—after earning a Family, Youth, and Community Sciences degree from the University of Florida (UF)—his genius is simply being who he is, a hometown guy who still follows the life lesson his parents instilled, “treat others the way you want to be treated.” Cole and Slate Real Estate do exactly that. Their charitable reach makes a huge impact. “I do believe there is no other brokerage out there that focuses on community impact and creates ‘excuses’ to show appreciation like Slate Real Estate,” he says. Annually, the company funds two UF scholarships and they contribute between
$2,500 and $5000 to Bartram Trail High School. They also provide an annual $8,000 sponsorship to Prime Sports Florida, and they’re heavily involved in Best Buddies, an organization that assists those with special needs that Cole began working with in high school. Cole bonded with the cause in second grade when he spent his free time, especially during his mom’s (a teacher) planning period, with special needs students. “I would just go to the ESE wing (special needs area) and hang out,” he says. “When you’re seven, you just naturally treat others the way you want to be treated.” In high school at Bartram Trail, Cole was the president of the school’s Best Buddies chapter for a couple of years. “When I was a senior,” he remembers, “we made our chapter the second-largest Best Buddies chapter in the state.” Cole continued working with organizations that assist people living with disabilities and special needs in college at both Santa Fe and UF, predominantly with The Arc of Alachua County, a day center for children and adults with disabilities. The life lesson Cole’s parents instilled is now reaching throughout the Jacksonville area. During the first week of May 2020, the usual week of Teacher Appreciation and Nurse Appreciation Day, restaurants were allowed to open to 25 percent capacity (with Covid restrictions) and offer takeout. Slate Real Estate chose five locally-owned
broker spotlight By Michelle Williamson Photos by Megan Murray
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restaurants in the area and bought meals for all frontline workers, school district employees, and first responders. The event’s tab was over $20,000. And these are not their only outreach initiatives. They also began a “Crossing Guard Day” and give back in many other ways. The Cole and Laura Team
Cole married Laura two years ago. “We are big-time foodies,” says Cole. “We probably eat way more sushi than we should.” They also love spending time with their golden retriever, Fenway. They are business partners. “I’m so lucky to work with my wife,” says Cole. “She’s Slate Real Estate’s Chief Operations Officer.” The two hope to start a family soon. They are staying close to home. They live one zip code digit away from Cole’s childhood home and built Slate Real Estate’s offices there, too. “I can literally throw a rock across the street from our offices and hit the zip code I grew up in.” The Slate Real Estate team stays close to its roots while responsibly growing the city they love. Jacksonville Real Producers • 29
question of the month CHRISSI HERRON, HERRON REAL ESTATE
My family tradition at Christmas was my grandmother would bake Jesus a birthday cake. David’s family put the star of David at the top of the tree. We still do Dave’s family tradition.
What is
were always some sort of board game that we could play together as a family. After opening the gift we would play the game while eating cookies and drinking cocoa. It is one of my favorite memories as a child that I’ve continued this tradition with my own children.
LINDSEY O’STEEN, COLDWELL BANKER VANGUARD REALTY
My family and I get cozy in the car with blankets and hot chocolate and ride to Girvin Road to see the light display. We listen to Christmas music and stick our heads out the sunroof; it’s always a great time!
your favorite holiday tradition?
St. Augustine Nights of Lights with my family! It’s our favorite Christmas tradition. My husband and I have gone every year since we got engaged and now sharing it with our children makes it even more magical! BAILEY JORDAN, NAVY TO NAVY HOMES
Growing up in the Philippines and after moving to this amazing country 22 years ago, I’m able to continue our Christmas tradition with my children. We feast at midnight (I mean lots of food on Christmas Eve) and wake the kids up at midnight to open their presents. We also place 12 round fruits on the dining table, and coins around the window sills for we believe it will bring good luck. We keep these coins until Chinese New Year and put them in a red envelope to give to our families and friends on Chinese New Year for good luck and we feast again!
Making homemade Christmas cookies with the family!
Making tamales with the family!
KAY CHAFTON, COLDWELL BANKER VANGUARD REALTY
Petit fours! My mom would get these for us every Christmas.
SHONDA CAMPANARO, BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES
We bake lots of sweets, drive around and see Christmas lights, put on our Christmas PJs, and open one gift on Christmas Eve. 30 • December 2021
I love to take our golf cart through the lights in Blackhawk Bluff. Then we’ll go sit by the fire at our friends’ house and greet everyone as they roll through the neighborhood. Family and friends are what it’s all about.
ERIKA PLEDGER, SLATE REAL ESTATE
MARISSA SCOTT, EXIT REAL ESTATE GALLERY
ERIC HINOJOS, NAVY TO NAVY HOMES
DANNY FONTAINE, RE/MAX
JORDAN FERIA, COLDWELL BANKER VANGUARD REALTY
My favorite tradition is watching Home Alone 1 and 2 and making Christmas cookies on Christmas Eve night! I did this growing up as a child and now I get to enjoy it with my kids. They love it!
DUNIA TAYLOR, REMI REALTY
Making trays of Arabic sweets with my mom and passing out to our families, neighbors, and friends.
NANCY BASS, BASS PROFESSIONAL REALTY
Going to Saint Augustine to ride the Christmas Trolley and enjoy the lights with family!
KIRA SIKES, SANDBAR REALTY
Every year since I was a small child my parents would allow us to open just one gift the evening before Christmas. These gifts
MIRTHA BARZAGA, BARZAGA SELLS REAL ESTATE
Making homemade eggnog for my family and friends. I usually make another 50 bottles to gift to my customers at my yearly Christmas party; no single family leaves without one.
AUSTIN PREIK, EXP REALTY
We travel quite a bit during the holidays, so our “traditions” are sporadic. But every year, we listen to Christmas music, watch Elf and decorate the tree together. We get a kick out of the kids’ old ornaments they’ve made over the years.
LISSA SLADE, ENGEL & VÖLKERS JACKSONVILLE
Monkey bread mornings.
BRIT O’DONOGHUE, LANDMARK TITLE
We love to watch Christmas Vacation and put up our tree in our pajamas after Thanksgiving.
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