Jacksonville Real Producers ~ November 2022

TOP PRODUCER

Singleton JON

JON

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT CJ Bobola Heroes First Home Loans RISING STAR Ant Stroud

GIVING BACK Danielle Caropepe

entire team at Mortgages by Linda was fantastic! We came to them after a di cult experience with another lender. Linda listened to what we were experiencing, gave us really great advice and wisdom on ALL our options that best

US! We decided to run our numbers again with Linda and she came back with a 1% lower interest rate, a lower monthly payment, and under our budget for cash to close!! Her team worked e ciently and professionally and got a clear to close in just

Writer

Renee Parenteau Photographer Michele Jerrell Operations Manager

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!

PREFERRED

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

CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS

Collins Builders (904) 575-0400 CollinsBuilders.net

LunsPro Inspections (904) 249-6523 LunsProFlorida.com

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

INSURANCE AGENCY

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

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

PEST CONTROL SERVICES

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

PHOTOGRAPHY

ROOFING

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

SPORTS TEAMS Jacksonville Jaguars (904) 633-3348 Jaguars.com

TITLE COMPANY

ESTATE SALES

Blue Moon Estate Sales of Jacksonville Valerie Sprague (904) 477-4871 bluemoonestatesales.com

Brightway InsuranceThe Pihl Agency Michele Mcilmurray (904) 262-2886 BrightwayJax.com

MORTGAGE / LENDER

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

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

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

ROOFING & CONSTRUCTION

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

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

Atlantic Coast Title & Escrow (904) 853-5591 atlanticcoasttitleand escrow.com

Landmark Title (904) 367-2525 LandmarkTitle.com

North Florida Title Company (904) 502-8813 NFTC.biz

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

HOME BUYER

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

HOME WARRANTY

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

Atlantic Trust Mortgage (904) 338-9356 AtlanticTrustMortgage.com

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

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

Movement Mortgage Carlos Wilcox (904) 253-0940

NEXA Mortgage (904) 614-1146 scottneeley.com

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

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS

Summit Properties International FL LLC (980) 253-5661

REAL ESTATE LAW

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

TITLE SERVICES Covenant Closing (386) 986-4623 covenantclosing.com

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

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

Dan Ribler (904) 575-3290 FiberMortgage.com

First Coast Mortgage (703) 627-1775 FirstCoastMortgage Funding.com

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

MOVING COMPANY

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

REAL ESTATE

PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOS

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

INSPECTIONS

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

Future Home Loans Mary Walker (904) 494-6000 future.loans

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

Jaguar Moving (904) 323-6978 JaguarMoving.com

Ocean Movers (904) 269-4430 Oceanmovers.net

REAL ESTATE SCHOOL

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

pub note THANKSGIVING

By Kristin Lunsford

Thankful for a Grateful Heart

“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.” — Eckhart Tolle

Happy Thanksgiving! November is the month when people take time to stop and think about the people and things they are most thankful for. But imagine a world where we did this every day?

Our attitude is influenced by our thoughts, so if our mindset is focused on the good in our lives, then that helps us to really see how blessed we truly are. It is easy to get caught up in wishing we had certain things and comparing what others have, but when we realize all the amazing gifts we have in our lives, everyone has a lot to be grateful for.

“Gratitude helps us to see what is there instead of what isn’t.” — Annette Bridges

One thing we often take for granted is the freedom we have in the United States. This month, we also cele brate Veterans Day. Our freedom is not free, and we cannot overlook or

underestimate how blessed we are to enjoy our way of life in America. Thank you to all those who have served our country and their families for the sacrifices they have made for all of us!

“We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.”

— Cynthia Ozick

A few months ago at church, our pastor challenged us to create a gratitude journal and record the things we are most grateful for. He said to set the number of years you have been alive to be the number of things to list for which you are most grateful. This proved to be a won derful exercise. There is so much to be appreciative of in our lives. Oftentimes, people focus on the neg ative things in life and then that is all they see (i.e., those consumed by the news or politics). The negativity starts to overtake them, and their whole attitude can turn everything around them to be negative. Yes, bad things happen, but I truly believe that there is good in every situation

(yes, sometimes you might have to look harder to find the good, but it is there!), and it is powerful to focus on the positive things in every situa tion. It really can change our whole perspective and attitude.

“When I started counting my bless ings, my whole life turned around.”

— Willie Nelson

Personally, I now start and end my day with gratitude. Every morning when I am getting up, I stop and think about something that I am grateful for, and then at night, before I fall asleep, I reflect on my day and think about what I was most grateful for that day. It’s amazing to start and fin ish your day focusing on the good. It makes me wake up every morning and go to bed every night with a smile on my face and gratitude in my heart.

“It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.”

— David Steindl-Rast

What do you do to stay positive and focus on the good?

partner spotlight

By Zachary Cohen

CJ Bobola

CJ Bobola

Heroes First Home Loans

Born to Serve

“Our mission is simple: to give back to heroes. There are a lot of companies that do mortgages. There are a lot of companies that close loans fast. There are a lot of companies that have great interest rates. But being with a company that has a purpose and mission to serve the community is what I’m all about,” CJ Bobola begins.

A Navy veteran and a former law enforcement officer, CJ understands what it means to serve his community. Today, as branch manager of Heroes First Home Loans in Jacksonville, his role is to support heroes in their quest to purchase a home.

BORN TO SERVE

CJ’s father was in the Navy, and like many military families, CJ’s moved often. CJ’s father was stationed at Naval Station Mayport four times, and Jacksonville became home.

After graduating high school, CJ enlisted in the Navy, where he spent five years as a military police officer. He then became a civilian law enforcement officer in Virginia Beach, VA. By 2015, however, CJ was craving a return home to Florida. He had a cousin in the mortgage business in Jacksonville and decided to return home and change careers.

“My cousin looked like he was doing well, and he had nights and weekends off. So I decided to come down and give it a try,” CJ reflects.

CJ began in call centers, drumming up refinance business. He found enjoy ment in the mortgage lending business and soon transitioned into helping individuals and families with purchase business as a loan originator.

During this time, CJ formed a niche helping veterans and the families of those who serve our communities and nation. His passion for serving others eventually led him to Heroes First Home Loans.

CJ and Heroes First Home Loans

National Director Sam Royer found themselves in similar cir cles. Both are prior military ser vice members who specialized in working with veterans, and even tually, a real estate agent intro duced them. CJ quickly realized that Heroes First Home Loans had increased capabilities to help his military and veteran clients. They also focused on other heroes CJ worked with — law enforcement, firefighters, teachers, medical workers and pastors.

“We went to lunch, he told me about the mission, and it fit what I was seeking,” CJ explains.

In June 2020, CJ joined Heroes First Home Loans, opening the Jacksonville branch office. At Heroes First, CJ’s goal is straight forward: to serve those who serve.

“We have a hero program where we waive lender fees. We also purchase an accidental death and dismemberment policy to help protect our heroes’ families,” CJ explains. “We’ve all served in the communities we’re giving back to.”

HEROES FIRST

CJ served as a military police officer in the U.S. Navy for five years. Thank you, CJ, for your service!

Our goal is to help heroes in every community across the U.S.

“A lot of the stuff I learned from the military and police

thing has to be in the right place, and you have to follow a process. Everything has to be done in a controlled manner for things to be safe,” CJ explains. “In mortgages, I create a process that looks at every aspect of the system. What are the proper steps and procedures? That’s helped me develop a streamlined process that we can walk first-time homebuyers through smoothly and effectively, so the mission gets accomplished.”

These programs, alongside a deep understanding of mil itary, veteran and service member culture, have helped CJ expand his niche. CJ and his team understand how to go the extra mile and get their clients to the closing table.

ACCOMPLISHING THE MISSION

As a loan originator and branch manager, CJ contin ues to draw on the skills he learned in the Navy and law enforcement.

Heroes First is working to secure even more benefits for the heroes who serve our communities. One of their current projects is working alongside Congressman Rutherford and Senator Rubio to pass the Helper Act, a bill extending FHA loan benefits with no mortgage insur ance to teachers, EMTs, police officers and firefighters.

“My goal is to continue to grow this branch big enough so when the Helper Act hits, we have a process in place to assist those customers. Our goal is to help heroes in every community across the U.S.”

For more information, visit heroesfirst.com.

ANT ANT STROUD

Everyone has a dream, but time and time again, obstacles can get in the way. For some, however, overcoming the challenges serves to only sweeten the reward.

REALTOR® Ant Stroud has overcome many obstacles in his life in order to be where he is now and uses the lessons he has learned to dedicate himself to his ultimate goal: to always give back.

Anthony Stroud, better known as Ant, is the head of the Ant Stroud Group, backed by Navy to Navy Homes. Ant brings a unique perspective to the industry that is all about giving back. After all, the Ant Stroud Group does everything under the motto, “Always family, never customers.”

SELF-SACRIFICE AND DEDICATION

Ant was born in Providence, RI, and moved to San Diego, CA, when he was 2. He is the middle child of three; he has an older sister and a younger brother. Ant explains that his father was not in the pic ture, and so the responsibility solely fell upon his mother.

When Ant was 15 years old, his family became homeless. During this time, Ant began to ditch school in order to work more hours so that he could provide additional financial support for his family. “I already had a job, but when we became homeless, I had to work a little more so that we wouldn’t look homeless. More importantly, my brother wouldn’t go to school home less,” Ant reflects.

“So, then I would have to ditch some days of school,” he explains. Although he was abundantly successful through all 12 years of his education, Ant was informed by his high school that he would not be graduat ing because he missed too many days. “I had As and Bs, a couple of Cs, but I had As and Bs and maintained all of that. The people who got all Ds graduated. My butt did not graduate because the system said I had to be in that chair for so long.”

Within two weeks of being informed of the high school’s decision, Ant earned his GED. After that, he enrolled in a vocational night school, where he earned his medical assist ing license. During the days, he would con tinue to work and would be attending his classes during the night — all while living

paycheck-to-pay check. From there, he worked at a nursing facility before he enlisted in the Navy, where he also served in the medical field.

“Growing up was not so fun … it was always a survival mode. You don’t know where your food is coming from. You don’t know where your money is coming from, or if you’re ever going to get it. So, it is always that survival mentality,” Ant says.

Ant served nine years on active duty in the Navy as a corpsman and contin ues now to serve as a reservist.

TAKING CONTROL

“I’ve been told that I had every excuse in the book to become a drug addict — to be out there in the world doing whatever stupid things,” Ant shares. “At some point, you turn 18 and you

become an adult and you deter mine if that’s the life you want — if that’s the lifestyle you want your name to be associated with. What I answer to is my choice.”

Ant continues, “What happened to me at the age of 18 and before was someone else’s choice. But at that moment, from that moment on, it’s my choice, my name, my reputation. In this business, your reputation is part of your offer. So you don’t mess it up. You become a professional on all levels.

“When I was told that I wouldn’t be graduating, I realized that businesses, companies, the gov ernment, or whatever it may be… don’t let them win. Some people give up and say it is what it is. That’s not me. That’s not happen ing,” Ant says.

Ant served nine years on active duty in the Navy and continues now to serve as a reservist.

COMING INTO REAL ESTATE

Ant entered into real estate in 2016, but he didn’t truly begin until 2018, as he was still on active duty in the Navy. Ant’s primary reason for getting into real estate was to break out of the cycle of debt that he had found himself in. He knew that the type of pay coming from his Naval career was not going to cut it, so he sought out a new field where he could better apply his skills and earn more money.

“I didn’t see a way for me to get out of debt with the Navy. Because, as you know, it’s very structured in your pay. The Navy doesn’t care how much you bust your butt, how many other sailors’ jobs you take on, or how many great things you do. No matter what, you were always making that same pay,” he recalls.

That is when the REALTOR® who sold Ant his house inspired him. Bernie Bristow, who is now a business partner of Ant, was the one to get him thinking about real estate. She knew of his debt worries and told him that he would be a great agent with his personality and the way he cares about people. Most importantly for Ant at the time, it was an opportunity for him to get out of debt by working hard and being rewarded for it. “And that is how I became a REALTOR®: because she saw something in me, and I believed her.”

ANT’S PASSION

Ant provides a unique perspec tive to the industry. He under stands what it’s like to be living paycheck-to-paycheck and still

in debt. He knows what it’s like to be homeless from a child’s perspective without a pillow to call his own and cry his worries away at night.

“Life sucks sometimes,” Ant says, “and I believe that the givers of the world make it better.”

Which is why a large part of the Ant Stroud Group is their involvement with Homes for Heroes. They donate a quarter of their commission to com munity heroes just to say thank you for what they do.

“I love to empower others. I love to help people find the passion inside of themselves because in the dark times the passion is what gets you through. You might not be actively seeking your passion, but just think ing about it helps you get through,” Ant says.

“Honestly, it’s about giving back to my industry of professionals, about giving back to the family members I serve, and giving back to my wife, Julianne, son Leland, and daughter, Lexi-Mae. My family allows me to do a lot. I volunteer a lot. I help a lot. People call me, friends call me, and my family gives me that time because giving back to people is what fills me, it is what my passion is, and they recognize that.”

Congratulations to Ant Stroud, this month’s Rising Star. It is clear that he has all the qualities of a great and successful agent and then some.

WEBSITE: ANTSTROUDGROUP.COM

Ant enjoys spending time with his daughter, Lexi-Mae, and son, Leland.

Ant and his wife, Julianne, will celebrate 12 years of marriage next month.

I love to help people find the passion inside of themselves because in the dark times the passion is what gets you through.

I LOVE TO EMPOWER OTHERS.

Saluting our Community’s

Paul Wagner (Milestone Title Services) with his dad around 1970, Eugene P Wagner SR; USAF 20 years

Robert Adams of Service Realty, Marine Corps Rich Possert Jr. with Keller Williams Jacksonville Realty, CPO, U.S. Navy (Ret.)

Frank Nelson with Coldwell Banker Premier Properties, Army

Joy Doyle of Hover Girl Properties with LCDR Stephe Bauchman (son in law) CAPT (retired) Glenn Doyle, broker (husband)

Saverio “Sam” Gorniak with Realty One Group Elevate, retired as senior chief petty officer in the U.S. Navy

Ernest “Skip” Geer III, dad of Michele Jerrell with Jacksonville Real Producers, U.S. Air Force

Keith Taylor, husband of Amber Taylor of Herron Real Estate, Army

CJ Bobola with Heroes First Home Loans, U.S. Navy

Elaine Samaan (Dogwood Realty) with her dad, Admiral Mark Fitzgerald, USN (Ret), along with her mom, Barbara Fitzgerald

Barry Muffley with Florida Homes Realty & Mortgage. Graduation picture from boot camp — Barry second from right, older brother far right, Barry, Pops, two uncles on left, Navy

Jon Singleton, Watson Realty Corp., Naval Aviator

Becky Parker with her husband, Terry Parker (eXp Realty), U.S. Navy

Master Chief Jamie Hebert on board the USS George HW Bush CVN77, son of Cyndi Marler with Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty

Danny Fontaine (Redzone Realty), August 1993, U.S. Navy with his brother, David Pignolet

Katie Bashore, loan officer with Heroes First Home Loans, U.S. Navy

<< Chris Fedor with Florida Local Team at Keller Williams Realty

Group photo of all the military vets that work for Future Home Loans!veterans

Robert Lynn, CEO Future Home Loans, Army >>

Yordan Polanco with Slate Real Estate, 2010-2019 as an enginemen and a corrections specialist

Momentum Realty

What are you most thankful for this year?

I am most grateful for answers to prayers, good health and my Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty

My health! In February I underwent colorectal surgery to alleviate my Crohn’s disease. I ended up with my intestines diverted for three months as a result of the re-section of my small intes tine. So the doctors built a stoma at my jejunum (known as jejunostomy), and I had to wear a bag which filled with fluid constantly. I had a central line in my chest where I was hooked up to an IV every night for 12 hours so that I could absorb nutrition intravenously. I was lucky enough to be treated by the excellent physicians at the Mayo Clinic, and in May, I had my re-connection surgery and lost the bag and the central line. It was a rough surgery; there was a complication, and I ended up with a wound vac. It accelerated the healing of my stoma site, and I realized how lucky I have been to have survived all of this! I am blessed to have had such great care, and the sur geries were successful! I focused on my gratitude throughout the three months I was diverted, and it really got me through a challenging time.

ROBERT ADAMS, Service Realty

This year I am most thankful for my home and work family, including all the wonderful clients that I consider family. I am also so appreciative of all of the opportunities that have allowed me to serve others!

Realty Atlantic Partners

I am most thankful for my faith, which has helped me get through a challeng ing year. God is good!

LINDA GARCIA, Mortgages by Linda I always have to say that I am most thankful for my children! They are truly the greatest blessing in my life. Aside from that, I am most thankful for the amazing partners and clients that believe in me and trust me to help them with their home loans. I am often called and asked to restructure a deal that another lender could not make work. I am so grateful for the agents and clients that have that kind of faith in me. That makes me work even harder to make the transaction work. My greatest reward is being able to call and tell the client and agent that I was able to get the loan cleared to close.

I am most thankful this year to share my growing business with my hus band, Joe Casella. We reflected on what the goal was at our anniversary four years ago, and it was to grow together in a business. We did just that. Joey sought to get his lender license last year, and we will be a year into our journey of growing Casella Sells Real Estate as REALTOR® and lender partners. And the very best outcome of this is that it has provided us with the flexibility and freedom to spend more quality time with our family. I truly thrive watching my two teenagers. Elsie is turning 17 this December, and Vinnie is turning 16 as well in December. My Irish twins are growing up, and we only have so much more time with them living under our roof. I am so grateful to have the time to spend with our family and also to serve other families to achieve their dream of real estate and assist in living their financial freedom to own their own investment instead of paying rent for someone else’s investment. It’s the little things that matter and turn into the big things overall.

ANT STROUD, Navy to Navy Homes

I am so thankful for my mentors and my family. Both have given me the courage to seek my path and under stand my failures. 2023 is going to be filled with big wins for me because of them.

GABRIELLA MILLER, Simply Dwell

I have so much to be thankful for despite all the challenges I’ve faced this year. I’m thankful for turning my dreams into reality. I’m thankful for my perfectly imperfect life, my won derful husband who keeps me on my toes, laughter with my mom, amazing friends, snuggles with my fur babies and weekends to relax and recharge. And last but not least, I am most thankful that I am happy, healthy, and I am loved.

TRACI SMITH, Better Homes & Gardens Lifestyles Realty

I have a lot to be thankful for… my family, faith, my health and all the chal lenges and opportunities I’ve had in my life. And, of course, tacos!

WINDY KEENE, Round Table Realty

I am thankful for community; my church community, my real estate community, my workout tribe and my awesome neighbors. It is such a blessing to walk through life surrounded by wonderful people that I sometimes have the oppor tunity to serve and that are always there supporting me.

BRANDI VOLZ, Rhoden Agency

I’m thankful and blessed for my family, friends and clients.

CLIVE DAVIDSON, Select Realty

I am thankful for a career where I can earn a great living while being able to visit my son in North Carolina for weekends and walk my daughter to and from the school bus stop each day. Appreciating my family a lot more.

CINDY KIRBY, Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty

I’m thankful to be celebrating 50 years of marriage this year! And for our family’s good health, including just enough of everything we need.

CICI ANDERSON, Marsh Landing Country Club Realty

“Human kindness.”

When we see natural disasters like Hurricane Ian, we are reminded that we are all one, no matter what political affiliation, religion, race, etc. I believe you see the best in people and the worst in people, but I try to focus on the good stories and the best in people. Like the emergency responders, so many vol unteers and examples such as Project Dynamo and the Cajun Rescue, who are volunteer rescue groups going into disas ter areas and saving people with their own boats, etc.

ROBIN ABRAHAM, Keller Williams

CRYSTAL DUCKWORTH, Crystal Clear Realty

I am most thankful for owning my own business that helps others to fulfill one of their dreams.

ELAINE SAMAAN, Dogwood Realty

This year I am most thankful for my friends and family that supported me through the opening of our Dogwood Realty office. Being a business owner isn’t easy, but when you have the support of so many people, it makes it much easier!

RICH POSSERT JR., Keller Williams Jacksonville Realty

We’re thankful for our family, our friends, and for all of our brave men and women who have served and who are serving in our country’s armed forces. We’re also thankful for all of our current and past customers — we’re honored to serve all of them!

ELAINE MORGIN, Coldwell Banker Vanguard

I’m thankful for my family and being my daughter’s mom. Also especially thankful for my customers, past and present, who continue to refer me. I’m proud to be their REALTOR® for life.

GAYE JONES, AnnieMac Home Mortgage

I am most thankful for my family. We have been blessed with four children and six grandchildren, and they are my heart!

CJ BOBOLA, Heroes First Home Loans

I am most thankful for my family and my team. 2022 has been a crazy year for mortgages. I started the year locking the lowest interest rate of my career. As we’re finishing, I’m locking the high est rates of my career. To be able to

stay positive and productive with that extreme of changes takes a great sup porting cast. Catherine, Brett, Kevin and Katie continue to support our branch day after day, regardless of the changes the industry throws at us!

LORI LOVING, Watson Realty

This year I am thankful for the oppor tunity to do what I love for a career, make a difference in people’s lives and support myself with a good income!

RAYMOND BUTRUS, Round Table Realty

I am thankful for being able to survive my 17-year real estate career but MOST thankful for my incredible family and good health.

JOHN RICHARDSON, RE/MAX Unlimited

I am most thankful for grace from my savior, Jesus, and a loving family — my wife, Andrea, and two beautiful daugh ters, Reese and Rory.

FRANK PEREZ-ANDREU, Keller Williams Realty

Thankful for living in the USA.

MARK BEAMENDERFER, Sellstate

Jax Realty

My new granddaughter!

RANDY MARTIN, Compass Florida

The fact that living in such a crazy world with so many uncertainties, that I have assurance of peace and eternal life from my Lord and Savior — Jesus Christ.

NIKKI-LYN HOLM, Herron Real Estate

I am most thankful for my amazing team, incredible clients and healthy family!

AMBER TAYLOR, Herron Real Estate

I am most thankful for my husband, who returns home in November from being on deployment since April! My boys, Weston, Gavin and Dawson, who have been my rocks this year while their dad was away! We are so thankful to just all be together for the holidays! Also, I am thankful for customers and another amazing year in real estate!

SUMMER GRANT, Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners

I am very thankful for my health this year.

I feel great, and that is the foundation for all success.

MARIA RAYMER, RE/MAX

I am most thankful for my family. The time we spend together is something I cherish more than anything. Although my kids are grown, every Wednesday, we get together at my house for family dinner because it’s important that we take time out of our busy schedules to stay connected.

JENNIFER HENDRY, CrossView Realty

I am thankful for the wonderful group of people I work with.

SHARON MILLS, Watson Realty Corp

I am most thankful for my perspective on how I view life. I have enjoyed great success throughout my life, and I attribute that first to my faith, but also to my posi tive outlook on how I view and approach life. I started my real estate career in 2006 as we were approaching what would

be one of the worst real estate cli mates ever encountered in most of our lifetimes. Although over the next few years, people would leave this business in record numbers, I never wavered. This dedication attributed to me being in the top 10 of my company, Watson Realty Corp., after four short years. There are ebbs and flows throughout life. This is why it’s so important to set your goals, have a plan of execution and stay focused on what it is you set out to achieve. Most successful people learn to rise above the noise that comes to distract us. Seeing our challenges as opportunities will ensure success.

HOWARD FLASCHEN, Round Table Realty

I’m most thankful for my family’s support. It’s been a really wonky year, and I just love that my at-home family has allowed me the time to work really hard and my at-work family (agents and coworkers) have collaborated with me and trusted in me that I’m working really hard for them.

NANCY BASS, Bass Professional Realty

The freedom to get out and enjoy the city without a mask!

JONATHAN DAUGHERTY, Future Home Realty Inc

Not getting what I really deserve. So blessed in life with a great career and a family. A wife who is much smarter and better looking than I am and two amaz ing kids who amaze me every day.

Leaving a Legacy of Trust

Upon meeting Jon Singleton, one thing is clear: He exudes extraordinary friendli ness. His likeability shines through his words. His ability to connect with others is apparent.

Underneath Jon’s friendliness is a deep commitment to trust, and trust is the legacy that he hopes to leave.

“Being there for my kids, my friends, my family, my customers — I want people to know I’ve been someone they can really count on,” he says.

Jon is a retired Navy search and rescue pilot, a REALTOR®, a husband, a dad — and most importantly, a kind-hearted human being. Through every step of his journey, he’s found a way to live and act with care and service in mind.

“People ask, ‘Why are you so kind?’ The answer is simple: That’s why I’m here.”

THE JOURNEY TO REAL ESTATE

Jon flew for the Navy on active duty for 10 years. He was initially stationed in Jacksonville, where he met his wife, before moving on to the Middle East and then Washington, D.C. In the nation’s capital, Jon worked at the Pentagon as a budget and policy analyst.

“I was working on a massive spreadsheet about family housing. I was in the office overseeing 66,000 homes for Navy servicemembers and 120,000 apartments. It was all numbers — nothing you could touch, nothing personal.”

By the early 2000s, Jon and his wife, Candace, were expecting their first child. This signaled the end of his time in the Navy.

“They wanted to send me to Korea, and my wife really wanted to be home. Because I was in aviation, my commitment was 10 years, so it was a good break point. So I left active duty and came back to Jacksonville, where my wife is from, to raise a family.”

In 2002, Jon landed back in Florida, wonder ing what he would do for work. He assessed his experience, his options and his desires. During his last few years in the Navy, he became deeply involved with housing and large-scale historic renovation projects. The sector fascinated him, but he desired more human contact.

“I thought the work I was doing was cool, but it all boiled down to writing white papers. I wanted to touch a brick. I wanted to feel something. I wanted connection,” Jon reflects.

Jon served 10 years in the U.S. Navy.

Jon holds a degree in psychology, a nod to his love for connection with others. While his mother always joked that he couldn’t make a liv ing talking to people, Jon had other ideas.

“I realized real estate is a great way to make a living. Along the way, I realized I have figured out how to make a living by talking to people,” he laughs.

Jon officially started his real estate career in 2002.

RIGHT AT HOME

Twenty years later, Jon is thriving in real estate.

“I love this,” he beams.

In real estate, Jon has formed a niche in historic neighborhoods. He has two partners he’s been working with for several years, Susan Hopkins and Katherine Wohlers. Alongside their office

manager, Samantha Snyder, they officially formed The Singleton Team with Watson Realty in 2022.

“I’m hyper-focused in the historic area here in Jacksonville. There’s some thing about those historic restorations that really gets me excited. We live in San Marco, one of those neigh borhoods. In 20 years, I think I’ve sold more houses than anyone ever in San Marco — almost 300 houses just in this neighborhood. I’ve been doing it with a lot of focus for a long time. It’s been extremely rewarding.”

Jon has averaged over 50 sales per year for the last decade; in 2021, he closed over $17 million.

ONE EYE ON THE FUTURE

Twenty years after moving to Jacksonville to start a family, Jon’s family life is now in transition. His son, Brandon, is now 21, and his daughter, Emily, is 19. Both are attending college — Brandon at the University of North Florida and Emily at Samford in Birmingham, AL.

Jon is spending more time connecting with his wife, going out on dates, taking on new projects and simply spending quality time together.

“We’ve been married for 26 years,” Jon smiles. “Today, we’re enjoying where we are right now and looking forward to the next 26 years.”

Jon is predicting the next 10 years to be the most productive of his real estate career. At 53, he’s starting to think about retirement, but he’s still at least a decade away.

“I’ve started thinking more about — how does this end? What’s the legacy? Part of that is to set up that last chapter for us and the next chapter for my kids,” he says. “But more than anything, I want to leave that legacy of kindness, a legacy of trust.”

Thank you to the USS Orleck for this photo shoot location. The Jacksonville Naval Museum is now open to the public.

Jon and his wife, Candace, have been married for 26 years and they have two children, Emily and Brandon.

I want to leave that legacy of kindness, a legacy of trust.

Danielle

CAROPEPE

TIME AND LOVE

giving back

By Brandon Jerrell

In a business defined by its transac tions, mundane numbers on paper will quickly become unbearably boring. That is why these transactions need to be treated as much more than just papers and numbers.

Danielle Caropepe with Hover Girl

Properties tackles this by making sure that it rarely feels like a business transaction. She makes certain that all of her clients see her as a friend, and as a friend, they will be a priority.

Danielle’s care for those around her goes far beyond the world of real estate. She is a puppy raiser/ trainer for K9s for Warriors. “K9s for Warriors is the nation’s largest nonprofit service provider for trained service dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma,” she explains.

West Coast Origins

Danielle was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay area. She is of the second generation born in the United States to Italian immigrants. “We are a large, tight-knit family,” she shares. She went to a Catholic school from kindergarten through 12th grade before going on to pursue a career in dental. From there, she earned an AA as well as a certificate from a private trade school.

“I grew up watching my dad start at the bottom and eventually make his way to the top and own his own very successful business. It taught me grit and perseverance. That if you want something, you need to work for it.”

Danielle met her now-husband when she was only 9 and he was 11. They got married in their early 20s. “We worked hard and bought our first house when I was 24 in San Francisco, a total fixer-upper!” Danielle describes. “We completely gutted it and lived there for three years, then

went on to buy our second house! Another fixer-upper that we com pletely gutted too. I think that’s where the first seed of loving real estate was planted.”

Before real estate, Danielle was a lead surgical assistant for an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and plastic surgeon in San Francisco for eight years. She absolutely loved her job and the patients that she would see, but that changed when she had her first child and became a stay-at-home mom.

Coming to Florida

“A pivotal moment in my life was mov ing from California to Florida,” Danielle recalls. “It was completely unexpected and felt very fast. My husband was offered a job in October, we flew out to see the area in November, and then we were closing on our home in Nocatee and officially in Florida the first week of February.”

“Leaving the place I was born and raised with all my family was hard, but I’m thankful for it. Moving to Florida gave me an independence and a reali zation of who I really am,” she shares. “We have met some of the most amaz ing friends here that have truly become our family. While the move seemed so overwhelming at first, it was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. My parents, sister and her family will be moving here this year.”

She currently lives in Nocatee with her husband, Jimmy; their 10-year-old son, Rowen; their 7-year-old daughter, Anna; as well as their four dogs. “A Weimaraner named Blue, a beagle/ dachshund mix named Willa, and our two K9 Lab pups, Weber, and my first female I’ll be raising, Storm.”

Finding Fun in Real Estate

Though Danielle got her first exposure to the world of real estate when she bought her first and second homes in California, this seed really began to sprout only a few years ago in 2020.

“I have always loved homes, from a lot of different aspects. Build process, design, floor plans — there are so many different pieces to a home, and I’ve always been intrigued.” Danielle goes on to mention that she once believed that she wanted to be an interior designer, but after purchasing a new home with her now-boss, Lara Yehl, she absolutely fell in love with the process.

With nothing to do during the major ity of 2020 due to COVID-19, she decided to take the required classes to get her license. She got her license in October of 2020 and started working with Hover Girl Properties in January of 2021.

“I really enjoy the “hunt” part of it, getting to know my customers and helping them find the perfect house.”

K9s for Warriors

For as long as she can remember, Danielle has been volunteering. Volunteer hours were required as part of her Catholic school, and from there, she fell in love with it.

Danielle enjoys donating a lot of her time to K9s for Warriors. “K9s mis sion is to end veteran suicide and to give these men and women their life back. K9s continues to raise aware ness for the invisible disabilities and to advocate/create policy-level reform.

“My role in this organization is a volunteer puppy raiser, which means I receive a dog at 8 weeks, and I will raise and train this puppy until they are 12-16 months of age. We go to classes, train at home, and they are usually with me wherever I go! Once they have completed training, they will be paired with their warrior and go through a three-week training and, upon completion, will graduate. I am currently training two puppies right now,” she smiles.

Danielle’s last two dogs both became station dogs — “Buster” at Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and “Gunner” at Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department. “In order for these dogs to be successful, you must create a strong bond with them.

While it is very hard to “give them back,” seeing our dog with their war rior/first responder is worth it. What makes it all OK is we simply do not need them. We raise and train them for the men and women who do need them, and we need to keep raising and training for them,” she says.

We appreciate Danielle Caropepe for the dedication and time she gives to those around her. And the love she puts into each and every dog that she raises is certainly felt in full by those who need it most.

Danielle enjoys spending time with her husband, Jimmy; their 10-year-old son, Rowen; and their 7-year-old daughter, Anna.