4 minute read
Jacksonville Real Producers ~ July 2024
Congratulations to our Top Producer for July 2024, Alexis McDaniel with eXp Realty.
Every life tells a Story
By Zachary Cohen | Photos By The Real Estateographers
As a former journalist, reporter, and news anchor, Alexis McDaniel understands the power of a story. Every single individual has a unique story to tell, and that’s one of her favorite things about meeting others. This held true during her days as a writer and reporter, and it holds true as she runs one of St. Augustine’s top real estate businesses. Stories shape who we are, help us connect, and form the backdrop for a life well-lived.
“In real estate, I like the fact that every transaction is its own story,” Alexis explains. “I see people as characters in their story. How can I find out what their goals are and get them to the end of their story? It’s a puzzle I love to solve through real estate. When I do a great job with that, it makes me really happy.”
Writing Her Own Story
Alexis was born and raised in West Virginia and spent her childhood moving all over the state. Along the way, her dad renovated several houses, while her mom became an expert at turning a humble abode into a warm, welcoming place to live.
“It was amazing to watch the transformation of a home, turning it from something that needed work to something nice. That played into my love of houses, the possibility that homes bring to families,” Alexi shares.
As she grew older, Alexis attended West Virginia University, where she studied journalism. After graduation, she worked as a newspaper reporter, news anchor, and executive producer. When she became pregnant with her son, she moved to a freelance role.
Meanwhile, Alexis began investing in real estate. She and her former husband once held 22 doors in rental properties in West Virginia. In 2009, she relocated to St. Augustine, where she and her family had been vacationing for many years.
In St. Augustine, Alexis initially spent most of her energy volunteering for local organizations and schools. But when she and her husband divorced in 2013, she looked to return to work.
“My kids were getting older, and I needed to find a job because I hadn’t been working,” Alexis reflects. “I was looking for jobs as a journalist—PR jobs, at the local newspaper—and it wasn’t working out. I needed to find a job, and I always loved real estate, so I decided to give it a shot.”
Alexis began as a marketing assistant on a real estate team in early 2016, and by the end of the year, she was a licensed agent.
Community First
After five years on a team, Alexis went out on her own in 2021, the same year she joined eXp Realty. She’s sold over $50 million in the last three years, including $18.7 million in 2023.
“It’s been a great three years,” she smiles. “I couldn’t have asked for more.”
Alexis credits her success to her extroverted nature, strong communication skills, and connections in the community. Her experience as a journalist and reporter has proved especially useful, as have the countless hours she’s spent building relationships in a volunteer role.
“I moved here and wasn’t employed but became very involved in the community. I was the PTSO President at the local high school and made a lot of connections through volunteering,” Alexis explains. “So when I got my license, I had many people coming to me saying I’d helped them out, and they wanted to take a chance on me as a REALTOR®.”
Alexis continues volunteering through her support of the Junior Service League of St. Augustine. When she’s not working or volunteering, she enjoys spending time with her two children, Paul (26) and Ali (24), boating, reading, and playing tennis.
“I am a hard-working, positive business person who balances her life by giving back to the community and enjoying time with friends and family. The people I love are the most important thing in my life.
IN REAL ESTATE, I LIKE THE FACT THAT EVERY TRANSACTION IS ITS OWN STORY.
I see people as characters in their story. How can I find out what their goals are and get them to the end of their story? It’s a puzzle I love to solve through real estate. When I do a great job with that, it makes me really happy.
