carmen giving back
By Jennifer Watson
“That impacted me so much. I wasn’t able to fly to Peru to say my last goodbye to him due to the pandemic restrictions of not being able to travel outside the country in 2020.”
A Habit of Serving
As the youngest of six children, four sisters and two brothers, Carmen is thankful for a career that provides her many opportunities to give back to her community, just like her family has always helped others in both Peru and the United States.
LLONTOP
Florida Homes Realty & Mortgage’s Carmen Llontop makes it a habit to serve the
From left to right: Rae Laws, Carmen Llontop, Kim Smith, Samantha Heflin, Janna Thomas, Betsy Waltrip, Rose Lampe, Elizabeth Wells, Paula Givler, Lisa Andrews Not pictured: Amanda Bray Feagel, Nicole Carroll, Marika Sevin, Gerri Landrum, Kelli King Volunteers: Wanda Habenicht McReynolds, April Lloyd, Tina Dilts, Courtney Immel
Jacksonville area in any way she can. She and her family care for others without expecting anything in return, but they often find themselves on the receiving end of their own blessings after helping those in need. Carmen realizes that giving back is “incredibly rewarding and…unlocks your potential skills and helps you grow.” Born and raised in Peru, Carmen has a background in public relations, and, prior to entering real estate, she spent 20 years in the corporate treasury services area of the banking industry. In that role, she worked as a primary contact for customers and played a critical role in maintaining and enhancing customer relations to ensure customer satisfaction. Her ability to speak three languages (English, Spanish, and Italian) helped, and continues to help, her serve a diverse client base. REALTORS® Giving Back
One of the ways Carmen gives back to the community is by serving as the president of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® (WCR), Jacksonville Network.
“It has been an honor to work with each of the WCR women, and I am so proud of what we accomplished, together, in 2021,” Carmen says. The Jacksonville Network of WCR was proud to put on a “Roaring 20s” fashion show in September to raise money for community endeavors. The fashion show was held at the Alhambra Theatre where an authentic automobile from the 1920s greeted guests outside the entrance. Carmen said the event was a “roaring” success and allowed the group to make a donation to the Hubbard House in Jacksonville, a domestic violence service center.
And, when they aren’t helping others, they don’t miss a chance to have a good time, Peruvian style! They celebrate Peru’s Independence Day, and they often get together at other times during the year to enjoy their culture through food, dance, and crafts.
Under her leadership, the Jacksonville Network exceeded its expectations in 2021 and was nominated for Network of the Year. Carmen is also excited to serve on the 2022 WCR State Nominating Committee. @realproducers
Another way in which Carmen serves the community is through the Peruvian Club where she previously served as president. She said the Peruvian Club was created to help individuals and families in need. During her presidency, the club supported families with health emergencies, as well as a family who lost a child. The funds they raise are donated to support these families in their most trying times.
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While Carmen enjoys her career in real estate because it “provides a path to financial freedom, a flexible schedule and the personal fulfillment of helping families own their home,” she also savors time for yoga, walks on the beach, Peruvian dance classes, and spending time with her family. She appreciates the family vacations she is able to experience with her two sons, her daughter-in-law, and her two grandchildren. Carmen always remembers that “each day is a blessing and...we only get to live it once.”
Appreciating Every Moment
Carmen lives by the motto: “The most beautiful things are not associated with money; they are memories and moments,” and she is intentional about appreciating every moment, especially since she knows from personal experience just how fleeting life can be.
Peruvian Pride
“One of our primary goals at the council is to provide our members with exceptional real estate-related programs, referrals, a pathway to leadership, and a network of like-minded professionals,” says Carmen. “The council has helped me grow personally and professionally by giving me confidence, support, and camaraderie.”
24 • February 2022
Outside the Office
At 65 years of age, Carmen’s oldest brother, Jose Antonio Llontop, unexpectedly passed away after open-heart surgery in Peru. “After he came from intensive care, he woke up and the doctors let us know the surgery went well,” Carmen says. “The very next day, he had breakfast, he ate well, he looked good, and, all of a sudden, a couple of hours later, they let us know he had a blood clot and passed away.”
Of course, when you do it well, once is enough.
Each day is a blessing and... we only get to live it once.
Jacksonville Real Producers • 25
