COLLECT MOMENTS NOT THINGS…

By Kristin Lunsford

“Collecting moments not things...” This has been a motto for Brian and me for years now. When the toys started to take over our house, we were feeling overwhelmed with all the stuff. We realized our kids did not need anything more. At that point, we made the decision to give our kids experiences for gifts instead of material possessions. It has been a wonderful decision for us.

Summertime is a great time to get away and make memories with those most important to you. Yes, the real estate world is busy but even taking a day or two here and there can be really valuable. You never know what lasting memories you can make that could mean the world to you later.

Last month, we took our kids to New England for a 15-day trip around six different states. It was awesome. Giving our kids the chance to explore a different part of our country was wonderful, and to us it feels like we are able to give them the world through travel. We set a family goal years ago to visit all 50 states together before they graduate high school. Our son is 10 and daughter is 9, so the clock is ticking, but we are on pace.

Traveling is not just about getting away and making memories though. There are many health benefits as well…

· Research shows that 73% of people get some form of health benefit when taking a leisure holiday.

· Traveling is good for relationships, 52% of people stated that their connection with their loved ones improved during a vacation.

· People are 30% more likely to have a heart attack if they go 5 years without a vacation.

· 80% of U.S. citizens agree that after they have traveled they noticed a significant drop in stress.

· Women who go on vacation twice a year are less likely to get depression and chronic stress.

· Men are 30% more at risk of contracting heart disease and have a 20% higher sudden death risk if they do not take a yearly vacation.

· A study concluded that time off helps to reduce stress by removing people from the activities and environments that they associate with anxiety.

· Vacations can improve work performance by 80%, which shows the importance of taking a break.

· 68% of people state that they were more positive after returning from a vacation and experienced better sleep.

· When taking a vacation, you are exposed to different environments which in turn boosts your immune system and creates stronger antibodies.

I know it is sometimes hard to comprehend just leaving your work and getting away, but it could actually make work better and you healthier, so take the time to get away and collect those moments!

Roofing & Construction partner spotlight

Christopher Carvajal, or Chris, as he is widely known, owner and CEO of South Edge Roofing and Construction, moved to Jacksonville in 2009 and hasn’t looked back. Though Chris started from scratch–moving to Jax without a job, friends, or local family–he’s now leading his third business, South Edge Roofing and Construction, that he opened in 2018 “after hurricanes Irma, Matthew, and Michael all hit Florida within a short amount of time,” he shares.

South Edge is a family-owned construction company specializing in roofing replacement and repair services. The team’s state-certified roofing and building contractors service all of Northeast Florida. In recent years, after Hurricane Ian devastated the Gulf Coast, South Edge expanded to Central

The South Edge Difference

“At South Edge, we are very engaged with our clients,” Chris attests. “From the initial call to the final inspection, we keep our clients informed so they know the process and what to expect.” His customers also love the company’s quick turnaround time and the ease of the roof repair or replacement process.

South Edge’s client-focused standard comes from Chris’s entrepreneurial experience. Around 2009, when foreclosures and consumer debt were high, Chris owned sales and marketing businesses that focused mainly on attorney services. He knew he could translate that experience to South Edge. “I felt I could bring some of the skills I learned from my prior businesses to the roofing industry and make a difference,” he says. “I understand the importance of having an educated and informed client. The better the client knows and understands the process, the smoother the overall transaction will be.”

Chris explains that his South Edge team has “superior knowledge on the insurance claims side of roofing and we assist affiliates when a homeowner’s claim arises.”

He continues, “Navigating through a roofing project can be complicated and confusing to homeowners who don’t know their various options. When the project is done, and the client is grateful for our services, it feels great. Especially during the process of an insurance claim, clients appreciate our dedication to being part of the process, which can be tiresome and lengthy. We are there with our clients every step of the way.”

South Edge also offers clients a quick turnaround, meeting closing deadlines when necessary. The company works with its partners closely. Whether repair ing or replacing a roof before closing, “we can expedite the process to get it done,” Chris says. When working with partners, South Edge can delay payment until clos ing, if needed.

South Edge also understands the value of giving back and has both sponsored and participated in several charity events. “I always remember how fortunate I am, and I want to help others where I can,” he says. In 2022, Chris was co-chairman of the American Cancer Society’s Real Men Wear Pink campaign. “Our campaign recruited local business leaders who raised money for the fight against breast cancer,” Chris shares. “Our team of amazing ambassa dors raised over $160,000 last year.”

Creating A New Home

Chris arrived in Jacksonville from Miami, his hometown from birth, leaving behind his parents and three siblings. “I was fortunate to have great role models in my parents,” Chris says of his upbringing. “They both worked to balance family and work. They instilled in us a sense of responsibility, hard work, and good ethics while always being respectful of others.”

After moving to Northeast Florida, he connected with a group of entrepreneurs who gave him the chance to “get inside their business.” Chris worked with them for many years and says, “I helped them grow, and they helped me grow as well.”

In 2011, Chris met his wife Jennifer, a banking industry professional and prior Jacksonville Jaguar cheerleader. The couple married in 2014 and welcomed their first child, Reese Alexandria, in 2020. “She has been our biggest blessing ever since,” Chris beams.

“Spending time with my wife and daughter brings me the most joy,” he smiles. “In our moments together, it hits home how truly blessed I am. I lead a very active lifestyle, so my wife and I make activities with our daughter a priority. We visit the park, ride bikes, and swim in the pool or the ocean.” Chris loves sports and being outdoors. He is an avid golfer and has played competitive softball in Jacksonville Beach for ten years. “Playing softball reminds me of growing up playing sports in South Florida,” he says. This past year, Chris began playing pickleball. “The pickleball community is a great group of positive people who get together daily to burn some calories and have some fun.”

Jacksonville has truly become home for Chris and his family, and he and South Edge Roofing and Construction look forward to helping many more clients with their roofing needs.

Breakfast Of Champions Breakfast Of Champions

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