January 2023 ~ Jacksonville Real Producers

Renee

This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted real estate affiliate. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring your magazine. These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting the REALTOR® community!

ART John Beard Collection (904) 860-6690 johnbeardcollection.com

ESTATE SALES

Blue Moon Estate Sales of Jacksonville

Valerie Sprague (904) 477-4871 bluemoonestatesales.com

HOME BUYER

Mac Home Development Inc (904) 887-4015 machomedevelopment.com

HOME WARRANTY

2-10 Home Warranty (904) 652-5931 2-10.com

LunsPro Inspections (904) 249-6523 LunsProFlorida.com

River City Home Inspections (904) 654-4732 rivercityinspect.com

INSURANCE AGENCY

Brightway Insurance - The Pihl Agency

Michele Mcilmurray (904) 262-2886 BrightwayJax.com

MORTGAGE / LENDER

Atlantic Trust Mortgage (904) 338-9356

AtlanticTrustMortgage.com

Gaye E. Jones (Annie Mac) (904) 599-2551 GayeJones.Annie-Mac.com

Heroes First Home Loans (904) 539-3790 heroesfirst.com

Jet Home Loans (904) 479-7468 JETHL.com

Loan Depot Tracy Hayes (904) 513-7950 Loandepot.com/branches/ jacksonville-fl

MOVING COMPANY

Jaguar Moving (904) 323-6978

JaguarMoving.com

Ocean Movers (904) 269-4430

Oceanmovers.net

OUTDOOR LIGHTING

JoyLights (904) 474-1768 WeBringTheJoy.com

PEST CONTROL SERVICES

Kingfish Pest Control (904) 595-5300 KingfishPest.com

REAL ESTATE SCHOOL

Eagles World

Real Estate School (904) 337-1392 eaglesworldrealtyjax.com/ real-estate-school/ ROOFING

Mighty Dog RoofingJacksonville FLA (914) 543-6067 mightydogroofing.com

ROOFING & CONSTRUCTION

South Edge Construction (904) 799-8000 southedgeconstruction.com

SPORTS TEAMS

Jacksonville Jaguars (904) 633-3348 Jaguars.com

STAGING & HOME DESIGN Simply Dwell (904) 524-9835 simplydwell.com

TITLE COMPANY

Atlantic Coast Title & Escrow (904) 853-5591 atlanticcoasttitle andescrow.com

Landmark Title (904) 367-2525 LandmarkTitle.com

Milestone Title Services (904) 716-7285 milestonetitlesvcs.com

Omega National Title Agency, LLC (904) 456-0858 Omeganationaltitle.com

TITLE SERVICES

Covenant Closing (386) 986-4623 covenantclosing.com

VIDEOGRAPHER

Matthew Manyak (508) 344-9417 matthewmanyak.com

First American Home Warranty (904) 718-3685 firstamrealestate.com

Old Republic Home Protection (904) 994-6620 ORHP.com

INSPECTIONS

AmeriSpec Inspection Services (904) 448-5016 amerispec.com/locations/fl/ jacksonville

CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC (904) 829-8631 crosscountrymortgage.com/ My-CC-Team

Dan Ribler (904) 575-3290

FiberMortgage.com

First Coast Mortgage (703) 627-1775

FirstCoastMortgage Funding.com

Future Home Loans

Mary Walker (904) 494-6000 future.loans

Mortgages By Linda (904) 591-3662 mortgagesbylinda.com/

Movement Mortgage Carlos Wilcox (904) 253-0940 movement.com/carlos. wilcox

NEXA Mortgage (904) 614-1146 scottneeley.com

North Florida Mortgage Brokers Timothy Newman (904) 755-0307 northfloridamortgage brokers.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

Renee Parenteau Photography (904) 236-5337 ReneeParenteauPhoto.com

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Collage Day School (904) 900-1439 CollageDaySchool.org

REAL ESTATE LAW

Head Moss Fulton & Griffin Law (904) 278-8200 hmfglaw.com

REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOS

The Listing Edge (904) 994-9176 listingedge.net

NMLS# 159824

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LESS IS MORE

pub note By Kristin Lunsford

New Year, One Word

It’s a brand new year, and with that usually comes new resolutions. As we all know (from our own experience), these exciting new goals, though well-intended, are often broken well before we even get to the Super Bowl in February.

Good news, there are ways to hack the system! One way that I am currently trying is using just one word to set my focus for the new year ahead. My hope is that by having just one word to live by in 2023 will help me not get too overwhelmed because my decisions are easily made through the prism of my one word.

My one word for 2023 is LESS!

I initially thought of this word because of wanting less stuff in my house. With two kids and their toys–and admittedly being a shopaholic–we have accumulated a lot of stuff. While we do need some things, we have found that this “stuff” is often just a source of irritation and stress.

Cleaning up and putting away things becomes annoying (even with housekeeping service!). I want less stuff and less frustration surrounding this stuff. Though the year is young, I have already started to use this word in my thinking and actions, and every time I am at a store or on Amazon, I repeat “less, less, less” to myself and really stop and think if that purchase is really necessary. More often than not, the answer is “no” and I empty my cart. It’s been a great feeling!

As I started to think about what else in my life I want less of, I was able to come up with quite a list: Less complaining, less negativity, less wasted time, less weight, less aches and pains. This one word is helping me to prioritize and drill down to what I really want MORE of in my life–LESS!

Brian just told me his one word for 2023: ! Ha, I guess we do balance each

—MARIA COUTU

The Atlantic Coast Title & Escrow Team: Maria, Christina, Cat Pierce (Chief Operating Officer), and Emily Davis, (Executive Assistant).

By Zachary Cohen

When Maria Coutu founded Atlantic Coast Title and Escrow in 2018, she did so with a clear vision — to create a title company rooted in service and customer care. For Maria, that meant ditching the old model for title companies and implementing a more hands-on, approachable business model. Partner and friend Christina Tatum joined Maria in business two years later, and the pair now leads the company side by side.

Over the last five years, Maria and Christina’s concierge-level approach has helped Atlantic Coast Title and Escrow become one of Jacksonville’s most reputable brands.

“We are female-owned, attorney-owned, momowned,” Maria says. “We’re personal and family-oriented, hands-on and concierge.”

Maria began her legal career as a personal injury attorney and practiced civil litigation in the five years leading up to the founding of Atlantic Coast Title and Escrow. In 2018, Maria took the next step in her career, transitioning into the title business and founding her own company.

From day one, Maria intended to provide concierge-level title and escrow services. She makes herself available directly to her clients and partners, meaning there is always an attorney ready to solve problems and deal with concerns.

“We believe a title company’s role is to facilitate the transaction, making sure it’s done legally and correctly and everyone has a really good closing experience. We always try to make it work. We bend over backwards to make it work. We stay flexible and accessible.”

BEGINNINGS: MARIA

We’re different. There’s not a single title company in this area that does what we do. We make it fun. We make it accessible. We believe that hard work still works.

GROWING THE TEAM

After two years, Maria and Atlantic Coast Title and Escrow became so busy that Maria needed help.

“I had my son, the market was taking off, and Christina was transitioning out of her position at the time. I begged her to come, and she joined the company,” Maria reflects.

Christina and Maria were former law school students together. In the years since, Christina worked in insurance, as a law school professor, and in criminal defense. She had ties to the real estate business through her husband, so she agreed to join Maria.

“It was an easy transition. My husband is in the business, and the REALTORS® he works with are like family to us. It was fun to jump on board and join Maria,” Christina explains. “Every day I have the privilege to work alongside some of the best people I know who also just happen to be great REALTORS®, and I’ll never take that for granted.”

BUILT ON VALUE

Maria and her husband, Steven, have a three-yearold, Smith. Christina and her husband, Tyler, have a three-year-old, Parker, and another baby on the way. As working moms and businesswomen, Maria and Christina understand the challenges their clients face.

“We get that people have schedules, so we’ll come in early, stay late — whatever it takes,” Maria explains. “The biggest thing is staying grounded in the fact that life happens. Not everything is going to fit into a square hole. Not every transaction will be the same, and we have to make it work. We’re the middle person holding everyone’s hand and helping them reach the end goal, so we work in a professional way, with integrity and trust.”

“At the end of the day, it’s about treating everyone with respect and going the extra mile. Transactions can be stressful on all parties — agents, lenders, buyers, and sellers. So our values are to be kind, work hard, and do whatever it takes to make sure everyone has a great closing,” Christina adds. “Kindness goes a long way.”

As the real estate market shifts, Maria and Christina are doubling down on their approach. They believe their concierge-style offering is a winner in the real estate market and are looking ahead to many more years of success. They hope to grow the business, but only as long as they can maintain the quality of service they offer today.

“We don’t want to be too big, but we do want to be the best,” Christina says. “The nice thing about us, no matter who is involved in the transaction, they reach out to us directly. There is no middleman. We’re the point of contact all the way through, and we want to keep it that way.”

“That personal touch — it’s a big deal to us,” Maria adds. “Now, it’s about making sure we have enough time to be the best moms and be the businesswomen we are.”

ATLANTIC COAST TITLE & ESCROW IS AN ATTORNEY-OWNED TITLE AND ESCROW COMPANY. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT ACTITLE.COM.

End-Of-Year

Celebration!

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS STADIUM - DECEMBER 6, 2022

COMMITTED TO KINDNESS

Tina Webster has called Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra Beach home for the past 27 years. During that time, she raised two sons, built a successful real estate business, and fell in love with the area she has come to call home.

Tina has come to see that Jacksonville and its beaches have something to offer everyone. As a REALTOR®, she’s passionate about helping people find a place to call home.

THE ROAD TO REAL ESTATE

Tina was born and raised on Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, and graduated with a communications degree from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. She spent the early part of her professional life in advertising sales and marketing before relocating to Ponte Vedra Beach with her husband in 1995.

“I went from the first half of my life in the mountains to now the beaches. I feel very blessed to have had both sides. I miss the leaves changing in the fall, but other than that, I live in paradise,” Tina smiles.

Tina’s husband, a military veteran, worked for a company that specialized in placing military officers in corporate jobs. He eventually became an owner of that company, and Tina joined him on the sales side of the business. She spent the next several years placing candidates into sales careers in the medical arena while raising her two young boys.

By 2005, Tina needed a change. She shares with a loving laugh, “Working with my husband was a little too close for comfort.” She had long felt called to real estate, so she took a closer look at making a career change.

“I had always known at some point I wanted to get into real estate. I’d be walking around Lookout Mountain with my childhood friends, and I’d say, ‘Let’s go to that open house.’ I was always gung-ho about real estate. And in 2006, I felt like it was a good time. My youngest just went into kindergarten, and I jumped in.”

I just want people to remember me as someone that’s kind, trustworthy, and fiercely loyal. And that made them laugh along the way.

I THINK BEING KIND IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING WE CAN BE RIGHT NOW.

COMMITTED TO CARE

Tina began her career in the throes of the Great Recession. Those first few years were hard, but she persevered, coming out of the down market with a strong network and a thriving business. As the market recovered, her business soared, and she became one of Jacksonville’s top agents.

Tina has been able to draw on her previous experience in sales and recruiting. As a recruiter, her task was to match people with the best job. Now, her role is to match people and families with the best home. With strong listening skills and detailed knowledge of the area, Tina has become an expert matchmaker.

After years with a smaller boutique brokerage, Tina moved to Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Florida Network Realty in 2010. The brand recognition and the organization’s

relocation department have helped her become a relocation expert. She runs a referral-based business focused on serving her existing sphere of influence.

“I’m very hands-on,” Tina explains. “From the moment I get a client, I am their first contact and their last contact. I have some behind-the-scenes help, but I am the point of contact. I’m really hands-on. I talk to my people daily. I’m there from beginning to end and long afterward.”

In 2021, Tina closed 29.5 units for $33 million. She followed that up with over $24 million in sales in 2022 — an equally impressive number in a down market.

LOVING LIFE

Over the past nearly three decades, Tina has fallen in love with the Florida lifestyle. She’s an avid tennis player, often playing several times a week. The tennis court is a place where she experiences fun and gets physical exercise -- and is even a place she sources referrals from. Tina also enjoys working out, going to dinner, traveling, and spending time with her husband, Buddy. Her two sons, Rob (25) and Mathews (22), are now young adults. That’s freed up even more time for the things she loves — and real estate lands at the top of that list.

“I joke that I would hate not working because I love what I do,” Tina beams. “I am very into real estate and what I do. I don’t mind going to a cocktail party and talking about it. It’s my passion.”

Tina and her husband, Buddy, have two sons, Rob and Mathews.

HANSON SUSAN

SUSAN

rising star

HONESTY & INTEGRITY

Honesty and integrity are paramount in all good businesses, but it is especially important in companies that rely on client interactions. And there are few industries that depend on client interactions more than real estate.

Susan Hanson with Eagles World Realty knows this reality well, so she makes sure that honesty and integrity are the backbones of everything she does. This is also the mindset that she has established for the recently formed “The Hanson Group.”

“We will not waiver on this. Without honesty and integrity, you cannot truly serve your customers’ best interest, and that is most important to me in this business.”

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

Susan was born in Southern Vietnam towards the end of the Vietnam War. “My family were refugees from the Fall of Saigon. I was born in Vietnam and came to America when I was only two years old. We left the day that Saigon fell, we were flown out on a military helicopter–my mom with two children in tow and a brown bag with only a few belongings (what would fit in the bag).” Susan continues, “My mother is my biggest hero. Through all the trials she had to face, she raised me to be strong and to work hard and know that wherever you came from in your past, you can overcome these things and build a wonderful life.”

Susan’s family lived in North Dakota before relocating to Florida in 1983. She graduated high school in 1991 and moved to Jacksonville in 1992. From there, she went to vocational school to become a travel agent.

“I worked for a wholesale travel company in 1994 and stayed with them for 12 years. This is where I learned relationship-building,” she shares. “I worked with travel agents to build vacations for their customers and to this day I remain friends with many of the agents I worked with, some I have only ever spoken to on the phone, but nearly 30 years later I still maintain those connections.”

Susan later became a mortgage broker, but that career was met with some challenges with the soon-to-come crash. However, she did not back down from the challenges, and she was able to push herself through them.

“I became a mortgage broker in 2006, but after the crash, I struggled quite a bit. Not only from the loss of income, but also the burden of eight investment properties that had all lost a significant amount of equity,” she recalls.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

Susan decided it was time to step up and tackle the issues standing in her way.

“I think all of the things I have gone through in the past have strengthened me and taught me to be a problem solver. I have learned that being solution-minded is a big part of being successful. I do not let challenges get me down. Instead, I face challenges head-on.”

Susan continues, “I am always looking for solutions to any problems that arise. I am tenacious in that regard. I don’t give up easily. I think that in this business, having a solution mindset is so very important because there has not been a single real estate transaction without at least a small challenge, some are major challenges. However, finding solutions and executing them to get deals done is very exciting to me and the satisfaction of my customers is my greatest reward!”

In order to save her investments, Susan worked with many lenders for many years to do loan modifications and settlements. During this time, she took a job with a property and casualty insurance company. There she learned many of the ins and outs of property insurance. So much so that she was offered a position with a financial firm to build an insurance division. However, she soon decided that her passion was in real estate. With her many years of experience, it was clear that becoming an agent was the most logical conclusion.

The Hanson Group: Left to Right: Andrew Wotton, Susan Hanson, Aliyah Henderson, Milia Kahayan (marketing director/administrative assistant)

FINDING HER DREAM JOB

Susan jumped fully into real estate in 2019. Despite having “taken the long way around,” her many years of related experience have proven to be one of her most valuable assets. “I am so thankful to have the background that I have. Everything I have done in my professional life has prepared me for this business. I think it makes a big difference in the level of service I provide.”

Even with her many years of experience, Susan knows that there is much more to be learned. She explains the philosophy that she likes to live her life by: “Never stop learning because life never stops teaching.”

Susan says that being able to use her knowledge to help guide her customers is the most fulfilling part of her work. “Having personally gone through many ups and downs in my own real estate situations, as well as my professional background, allows me to provide a higher level of service. Being able to use that knowledge and experience to help people is the most fulfilling aspect of this career.”

Susan’s family is relatively small. She currently lives with her partner of 30 years as well as their four rescue dogs and cats. “We love to spend time at the beach and around the house gardening and playing with our fur-babies,” she beams.

“My mother lives in California and visits twice a year. When she visits, we travel around Central Florida trying different Asian restaurants and visiting friends. I have one brother who lives in Texas and a nephew in Maryland. We have family get-togethers on my partner’s side every couple of months or so, and we love to meet up at Corky Bells in Palatka for lunch and laughs.”

Congratulations to Susan Hanson, this month’s Rising Star. It is clear that many great things are to come from her and her new team — especially from a team built upon honesty and integrity.

Website: loanhanson.eaglesworldrealty.com

HOME INSPECTION SERVICES MADE EASY

Susan with her mom when they arrived in the United States.

Susan and her mom.

Susan and her partner of 30 years, Devon Smith.

Susan’s dad served in WWII and was a civil engineer in Vietnam when he met her mom.

What is your “word” for 2023 and why?

SARA MCGRAW

Watson Realty Corp.

Word of the Year: Elevate. Why: Elevate your career by elevating your customers, your education and knowledge, your motivation and drive.

MESHELL PERRY

Dogwood Realty

My word of the year is: Intentional. 2022 was a great year for me, but as I look forward to 2023, my word of the year is Intentional. I hired a coach to get better results and move the business forward. After a few calls he was able to pinpoint some of my shortcomings. The phrase he is constantly telling me is to be more intentional. To be intentional is to operate and do everything with clear purpose and focus. This word applies to every aspect of my life. Whether I’m at the gym trying to shed a few pounds or at the office trying to plan my work and work my plan or just enjoying some down time with family. This is a perfect word for me because I don’t want to live on auto-pilot, as I do often. For me, being intentional is about being committed and focused on what’s important. I don’t have to be perfect, but if I make progress everyday and move forward, that’s a win and a good day! It’s so easy to fall into old habits instead of making new ones. So in 2023, I will strive to control my thoughts, behavior and actions. I will strive to be present in every situation! That means putting my phone down and time blocking for family, friends and any relationship that I value. I will set boundaries around the areas that are most important to me and learn to say NO. Everytime I say yes to something, that means I have to take time from somewhere else. I will strive to show more appreciation and gratitude and be more mindful. Cheers to an intentional 2023!

Florida Homes Realty & Mortgage

Smile, my goal is and will be to smile, smile to others and hope that smile will produce others to smile!

MICHELE MCILMURRAY

Brightway Insurance

My word for 2023 is Intention. I want to be extremely intentional with the way I think, the way I move, and the way I spend my time/energy.

LAURA GEREMIA

Covenant Closing & Title Services

Relentless is my word.

SANDY VAZ

AmeriSpec

Inspection Services

My word for 2023 is Believe –

“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.” (Paulo Coelho)

GAYE JONES

AnnieMac Home Mortgages

Growth. To grow my business, grow the time I can spend with family, grow the time spend volunteering for causes that are close to my heart.

ANNA BARNETT

Atlantic Trust Mortgage Mindset , because that changes everything!

CAROLINE MCCARTHY

Reef Shark Realty

Yes. I turn 40 in January and so this year I say YES to the second cookie, YES to slime, YES to the uncomfort able shoes, and YES to wherever my career takes me.

PAUL WAGNER

Milestone Title Services

Growth. We have hired an awesome Marketing Manager, Leighann Triplett, who is getting our name out in the community. She is building our name recognition and getting exposure to the best agents in town.

HELEN KIZER

Better Homes and Gardens Lifestyles Realty

Inspire! I want to continue to bring laughter and joy to everyone’s life.

WALTER COLLINS

EXIT 1 Stop Realty Opportunity.

ANDREW MICHAEL eXp Realty

Family. This year I want to attend as many of my children’s events as possible.

BOBBI BRENNAN

Hover Girl Properties

Grace. In a world full of reasons for people to be angry, I would like to show more grace and give more grace. I believe we all have it in us to change the tone.

MARISSA SCOTT

EXIT Inspired Real Estate Sedulous.

Landmark Title

My word for the year of 2023 is going to be “intention”. May all my actions, thoughts, and words be full of intention and purpose. It’s been a word that’s been on my heart for about 6 months so I know it’s the one.

KATHLEEN FLORYAN

eXp Realty

Caution. Pricing is adjusting downward but not drastically. Make sure you get the comps within 3 months or less.

TRACY HAYES

Loan Depot

My phrase…. “tipping point”.

SAVERIO “SAM” GORNIAK

Realty ONE Group

Unbrokerage is the word. Realty One Group is the unbrokerage because we are revitalizing the real estate industry.

TODD ARNOLD

RE/MAX Specialists Diversify.

DUNIA TAYLOR

REMI Realty

Faith. Because without it, you have nothing.

CLIVE DAVIDSON

Select Realty

My word for 2023 is Courage.

DEANNA FOERMAN

Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty

My word for 2023 is Purposeful. Having a purpose allows you to make a life versus just making a living. To make the life I want for myself and my family, I must remain in alignment with my overall purpose. This will require a focus on each and every thing that I do to ensure that I stay aligned. When successful, everyone wins.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Abundance - a year of more joy, more opportunities, and more peace. In an undoubtably different market in 2023, the ability to seek and manifest abundance will be the key to my success.

PAULA ANDREA POU

BRIT O’DONOGHUE

ANITA VINING

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

My word for 2023 is Nurture. Nurturing my family, my work family, friends, and customers. Offering support to those I am connected to in my home life and work life. Giving support to someone seeking a home or after the sale nurturing the relationship and staying in touch. New and seasoned agents seeking advice or assistance for real estate. Being there for them and offering guidance to give back and pay it forward.

ELAINE MORGIN Coldwell Banker Vanguard Discipline.

DANNY FONTAINE RE/MAX Relations

Relationships. Relationships are so important especially as we head into the unknown of 2023. If you focus on the people and make sure the relationship is strong you have nothing more to worry about.

LORI PEZAK

Coldwell Banker Premier Properties

My word for 2023 is patience. In 2023, I believe the market will be similar to the fourth quarter market of 2022. Throughout the year, I predict builders will catch up, increasing inventory and buying power. With this shift, my hope is there will be homes available for millennials who have graduated, started their new careers, and are prepared to purchase their first home. Hopefully, the interest rates will come down next year as well. 2023 will be a straightening out period where patience will pay off!

MISSY KAMPMEYER Compass

My word for next year is Transformation. 2023 is a new chapter for me, a new outlook and a transformation from living to work to working to live! A transformation is a spontaneous change, a metamorphosis of life.

TRAVIS MOORE

DJ & Lindsey Real Estate

Bloom. I chose this word for 2023 because for me personally and professionally 2022 was all about growth. I focused inwards on my own growth, and I really dialed in on the growth of the things I am doing in my career. 2020-2022 was a wild time, but for many, it was almost stagnant as far as life goes, everyone had so many things on hold like weddings, trips, seeing family, etc. Everyone was also just trying to keep their head above water with how busy the market was which takes away from focusing on the little things that make up all the big changes in our lives. I have focused on growth this year and going into next year I plan to focus on what happens after a garden is tended to, and nurtured, it’s time to bloom.

Meet Our Team

Linda GarciaLinda@mortgagesbylinda.com (904) 591-3662

Nick Garcianick@mortgagesbylinda.com (904) 651-7179

"Nick has been with Mortgages By Linda as a mortgage loan originator for 3 years and is licensed with NMLS (National Mortgage License System). Nick is also the Marketing Director for Mortgages By Linda. He graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in Advertising as well as a Master's degree in Psychology."

Ti any Vealti any@mortgagesbylinda.com 904-813-8573

"Ti any is a native of Jacksonville and serves as the Customer Relations Manager at Mortgages By Linda. She has over 30 years of professional experience in many di erent industries that were usually strategic planning focused. Ti any is the mother of four and loves to spend time with her family and to participate in anything outdoors."

"Linda has been in the mortgage business for 20+ years and is licensed with the NMLS (National Mortgage License System) for Florida. She was raised in Panama City Florida and relocated to Jacksonville in 1987. She has 2 children, Danielle and Nick that were raised here in Jacksonville Florida. She loves to spend time with her family, shopping, fine dining, and traveling. She started her career in the mortgage business after being a stay at home mom with her 2 children for 10 years. She started out working with a large national bank and then transitioned to the broker world shortly after. She established Mortgages By Linda in 2013 and has proven to be one of the top-producing licensed Mortgage Loan Originators (MLO) in the state of Florida."

Matt Morinmatt@mortgagesbylinda.com 904-881-4183

"Matt joined Mortgages By Linda as a Loan Originator and the Director of Business Development. His outstanding personality is the perfect match for him to interact with clients and other professionals. His goal is to provide top notch customer service and fast closing times. Matt’s prior experience was as an environmental consultant where he performed due diligence assessments for commercial property transactions. This experience is what sparked his interest in the real estate industry. His passion for the industry and strong attention to detail make him a great addition to the team. When he is not crushing it in the mortgage industry he loves spending time with his family. Matt is a graduate of the University of South Florida. "

8833 Perimeter Park Blvd Suite 403 | Jacksonville, FL 32216 (904) 591-3662 | mortgagesbylinda.com

PAUL

BEDNAR

SERVICE BY PUPPIES

By Lorelei Ball

PUPPIES GALORE

One of the main organizations Paul supports is K9s For Warriors (K9FW). K9FW is the largest service dog provider for veterans. K9FW provides fully-trained service dogs for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), military sexual trauma (MSA), and traumatic brain injury (TBI). The mission of this organization is to end veteran suicide as an estimated 20 veterans per day take their life. To date, K9FW has paired over 800 veterans with service dogs.

After attending an open house at the K9s For Warriors campus, Paul and his wife, Alicia, decided to become puppy raisers. They took several K9FW puppy-raising classes prior to receiving their first puppy and training it to become a successful service dog.

Since then, the Bednars have raised and trained five more puppies. Two of those have gone on to become successful, certified service dogs. These dogs now live with and provide a veteran with service, healing and support. One puppy has become a station dog and stays at a police/fire/rescue station, providing workers with emotional support while another was unable to become a service dog and was adopted.

PAUL BEDNAR, A REALTOR® AT ERA DAVIS & LINN REAL ESTATE, SAYS HIS TRUE PASSION IS BEING ABLE TO HELP PEOPLE AND GIVE BACK TO SUPPORT OUR VALUED VETERANS, MEMBERS OF THE MILITARY AND THEIR FAMILIES, AS WELL AS THE COMMUNITY HE LIVES AND WORKS IN EVERY DAY.

Currently, the Bednars are raising Mando, who is sponsored by and has become the official team dog for the Washington Commanders NFL football team. Although Mando participates in various community service and charitable events with the Commanders players, his purpose is to become a life-long “Battle Buddy” for a veteran. The Bednars work daily with Mando on his service dog cues and taking him out in public to fulfill this objective as he is almost ready to finalize training with the K9s For Warriors professional trainers.

Paul hopes to continue to support K9FW by raising even more puppies, satisfying his passion for giving back to our veterans.

PAUL’S JOURNEY TO REAL ESTATE AND GIVING

Paul Bednar first moved to Jacksonville in 1990, right after his freshman year at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. He transferred to the University of North Florida (UNF), where he went on to earn a BA in health science with a minor in community health and exercise science in 1994.

Paul left the health and wellness industry in 1995 to transition to corporate finance and accounting. He eventually returned to school at the University of Phoenix and graduated with an MBA in 2003.

Two days before hurricane Matthew hit in 2016, Paul’s mother suddenly passed. As a huge part of his life, his mother’s death led him to do some soul-searching. He reflected on his career and realized he wanted to work with both people and numbers, so he created a six-month exit plan to leave his accounting manager position and enter the world of real estate. Paul says with a grateful heart that he has not looked back since. The same can be said about his time working with K9s For Warriors as he continues to give back to his community on a daily basis.

LEARN MORE ABOUT K9S FOR WARRIORS AT K9SFORWARRIORS.ORG.