October 2022 ~ Jacksonville Real Producers

O r i g i n a l l y , I a m f r o m M i a m i S p r i n g s , F l o r i d a . A s a t e e n a g e r , I w o r k e d a t m y g r a n d m o t h e r ’ s d i n e r w h e r e I d e v e l o p e d a s t r o n g w o r k e t h i c a n d c u s t o m e r s e r v i c e s k i l l s A f t e r m o v i n g h e r e t o J a c k s o n v i l l e i n 20 10 I a t t e n d e d t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f N o r t h F l o r i d a w h e r e I m a j o r e d i n S p e c i a l E d u c a t i o n . I t a u g h t i n D u v a l C o u n t y f o r t h r e e y e a r s w h e r e I d e v e l o p e d a p a s s i o n f o r w o r k i n g w i t h i n d i v i d u a l s w i t h s p e c i a l n e e d s I a l s o m e t m y h u s b a n d h e r e i n J a c k s o n v i l l e a n d t o g e t h e r w e h a v e f o u r k i d s

In my spare time you can find me attending soccer practices, dance recitals or simply crafting on the couch while binging a good show on Netflix

I joined fiber.mortgage in the summer of 20 22 because fiber values the same work ethic and passion for helping others that I do The journey to homeownership can be a long and difficult with many twists and turns along the way The amount of loan types and the lingo can be confusing and overwhelming at first; I know it was for me. At fiber.mortgage, it’s our goal to guide you through the ups and downs of the process, making it as stress free as possible.

T h e f i b e r m o r t g a g e t e a m i s p a s s i o n a t e a b o u t t h e f i b e r i n i t i a t i v e w h e r e s t a f f m e m b e r s v o l u n t e e r f o r c h a r i t y o r g a n i z a t i o n s t h r o u g h o u t t h e J a c k s o n v i l l e a r e a F i b e r a l s o p l a c e s a h i g h v a l u e o n c u s t o m e r s a t i s f a c t i o n a n d w e a r e p r o u d o f o u r 5 s t a r G o o g l e r a t i n g / a m a z i n g c u s t o m e r t e s t i m o n i a l s .

I am excited to help make the dream of homeownership a reality for families here in the Jacksonville area Contact me today to get you or a buyer approved for a loan!

Renee Parenteau

Michele Jerrell Operations Manager

Brandon Jerrell Writer Maggie Peterson Writer

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

CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS

Collins Builders (904) 575-0400 CollinsBuilders.net

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

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

INSPECTIONS

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

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

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

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

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

Movement Mortgage Carlos Wilcox (904) 253-0940

NEXA Mortgage (904) 614-1146 scottneeley.com

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

MOVING COMPANY

Jaguar Moving (904) 323-6978 JaguarMoving.com

Ocean Movers (904) 269-4430 Oceanmovers.net

PEST CONTROL SERVICES

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

PHOTOGRAPHY

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

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

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

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS

Summit Properties International FL LLC (980) 253-5661

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

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

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

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

TITLE SERVICES

Covenant Closing (386) 986-4623 covenantclosing.com

BOUTIQUE EXPERIENCE. CONCIERGE

WE’RE ATTORNEYS DEDICATED TO

SUCCESS

Our goal at ACTE is to handle every transaction with white-glove service. We understand as a title agency that communication and punctuality are key.

a boutique agency, we are equipped to handle any need that may arise leading up to and during your closing. We work with realtors to ensure that each transaction will be

Brian Lunsford

Beyond the Party:

I traveled to my first World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party in 1997 and carried a consecutive attendance streak of nearly two decades thereaf ter. Back then, I lived in Georgia, but my dad had just moved from metro Atlanta to Neptune Beach, so all of my buddies and I always had a place to stay — albeit on inflatable mattresses covering the floor from the living room to the kitchen. But it was great. So was that first taste of the Georgia versus Florida football rivalry on the riverfront with the fans inside the stadium split perfectly down the middle: half red and black, half orange and blue. To picture this game — this incredible event — anywhere else is impossible.

Reasons Georgia-Florida Should Stay in Jacksonville 4

2Terrible timing to leave: Northeast Florida, specifically metropolitan Jacksonville, is in major growth mode with significant downtown projects already in motion. The city has one of the fastest-growing pop ulations in the country and ranks as one of the top metro areas in the nation for job growth. Not to men tion, the Jaguars are about to do a complete renovation of the stadium. People like to visit thriving areas.

Here are five reasons (of many) why this game should stay put.

1Tradition: One of the most prominent rivalry games in college football history, this match-up began in Jacksonville during the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration. The electric atmosphere of a split stadium is extremely unique. The game sells out and is nationally televised every year. Jacksonville has been an exceptional host since the beginning.

Recruitment:

Contrary to my alma mater’s head coach’s opinion that having the game in Jacksonville hurts recruit ment, it can be countered that most high school players know exactly where this game is played and how much hype it receives each season. See No. 1 again for the part about being sold out and nationally televised every year.

3

Financial: The city of Jacksonville compen sates both universities handsomely for playing here. The Jaguars open their home to both schools and the local busi nesses in the Jacksonville area, including the beaches, provide white-glove service to the fans all week leading up to kickoff. The economic impact is great for the schools and the city.

5Home-and-home is a weak argument:

Yes, initially, games in Gainesville and Athens would be intriguing. But after a few seasons, the novelty will wear off, and it’ll feel like any other SEC East school visit ing. There’s a reason why the Georgia-Florida game always feels bigger than GeorgiaTennessee or Florida-South Carolina. This event is beloved because it is steeped in tradi tion, it is unique and entertain ing, and it is revered by its host city, determined to make it the best experience year in and year out.

There are countless other reasons to keep this wonderful game right here in Jacksonville, FL. My consecutive attendance streak was eventually broken, but I have since enjoyed this game with Kristin and our two children. The Bulldogs, the Gators and Jacksonville are all better together.

Brian Lunsford graduated from the University of Georgia with a political science degree.

VALE

partner spotlight BLUE MOON ESTATE SALES:

HELPING OUR CLIENTS TURN THE PAGE SO THEY CAN MOVE ON TO ANOTHER STAGE!

By Maggie Peterson

Valerie Sprague has always been driven when it comes to her career. She started in information technology software development and database management. She spent the last 12 years working from home — long before it became a popular way of conducting business.

But even though she enjoyed the flexibility and independence of working from home, she still craved social interaction with other people. Her favorite weekend hobby was shopping around at estate sales, where she loved finding hidden treasures. It was during one of these weekends that she first found Blue Moon Estate Sales — a franchise that she would come to love.

Valerie always loved watching entrepreneurs make businesses work. So when she decided to make the leap from corporate America to business ownership, franchising with Blue Moon was a perfect fit.

Setting Up Life and Business in Florida

After living in North Carolina, Georgia and Texas, it thrilled her to finally return to Florida and settle down in Jacksonville. Today, Valerie is the proud owner of her very own Blue Moon Estate Sales fran chise. She loves sharing her passion for vintage finds with her customers and feels right at home in the close-knit community of Blue Moon shoppers.

The company’s strong reputation as a top franchise significantly influenced her decision to join. The Franchise Times lists the company as a top brand to Entrepreneur Magazine ranks it as a top 500 franchise in 2022. In addition, Blue Moon is 100th on the worldwide list of fastest-growing franchises. As a customer, Valerie had a great experience with the company and is now excited to be a part of its future.

Blue Moon’s Mission

Valerie loves working with clients to take stress off their shoulders. Many times they come to her needing to downsize. They have a home full of stuff they col lected over the years but have no idea what to do with it. Valerie and her team take care of that for them.

She shares that estate sales are one of the most effi cient and effective ways to downsize. Not only does it declutter a home, but it also can make owners some cash in the process.

Her team is experienced in handling the event from start to finish, all in one week’s time. They come in on Monday to begin transforming the home into an elevated retail experience. They will help sort through the belongings, determine what’s worth selling, stage everything for success and adver tise the sale. They also run the event on that same weekend and provide owners with an itemized list of the results, along with the owner’s profits.

As an added benefit, they can help owners dispose of any remaining belongings that didn’t sell. That way, the owner isn’t left with work to finish. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it when everything runs smoothly, and the homeowners are happy with the results.

One client, Ruth Harrison, shares: “They made what would have been a very stressful experience and process into a very easy, pleasant experience, and we made some funds that we did not even know was possible to offset the cost of our move.”

When Valerie and her team at Blue Moon get called to help families who recently lost a loved one, they know their compassion and kindness will be appre ciated more than ever.

These families are going through a difficult time, and the last thing they need is the added stress of dealing with a house full of memories. Valerie and her team will take care of everything with the estate sale. They treat the family’s home with the utmost respect and do everything possible to make the transition as smooth as possible. Another client, J. Capell, says, “My sister and I had such a GREAT experience with Valerie and her team! We knew absolutely NOTHING about estate sales. She came in and took that weight completely off of our shoulders after our father passed away.”

A Grand Opening and Future

Blue Moon of Jacksonville had its grand opening in early 2022. Valerie is already looking to expand her service area further west later this year. She is excited to offer her services to a wider audience and is confident that her business will be a success. She is looking forward to meeting new clients and help ing them achieve their goals. Valerie’s goal is to help her clients feel confident as they transition homes.

Valerie has always loved going to estate sales and scouring for hidden treasures. She never imagined that one day she would turn her passion into a

successful business. But that’s exactly what happened. So now, she spends her days rummaging through other people’s possessions.

Beyond the Sales

When she’s not busy working estate sales, Valerie loves spend ing time with her husband, Jack, and their four fur babies (three French bulldogs and a pug). She also enjoys cheering on the Florida Gators, reading fictional thrillers or visiting antique malls. Valerie is the perfect example of someone who has turned their hobby into a rewarding career. In her words, “I look at how happy I am, the sense of purpose I feel by being able to help oth ers … that’s what’s made me beyond grateful for this journey.”

If you’re interested in contacting Valerie, you can reach her at vsprague@bluemoonestatesales.com or by phone at 904-477-4871. You can also check out her website, www. bluemoonestatesales.com/jacksonville/meet-the-team.html.

Valerie and her husband love cheering on the University of Florida — Valerie’s alma mater.

Valerie, her husband, Jack, and one of their rescues, Watson

Valerie standing by MoonPie, one of her team vehicles

Jacksonville’s Blue Moon Estate Sales team (L to R): Leann, Mary Ann, Emily, Karen, Valerie, Matt, Marilyn and Diann

EVENT BREAKFAST CHAMPIONS BREAKFAST

Mighty

top producer

bobbi

grace & gratitude

By Zachary Cohen Photos by Renee Parenteau

“

Our main focus has always been taking care of our military.

A

lthough she was born in Florida, Bobbi Brennan has lived in various places in her adult life. As a military wife — her husband served in the Navy for 28 years — she knows what it takes to pack up and move homes.

Before returning home to Jacksonville to be closer to family in 2010, Bobbi was living in Miami. There, she stumbled into the real estate industry as a way to serve families in a similar situation to herself.

“A lot of military personnel were being displaced and evicted because we were renting houses in foreclosure, and we had no idea,” Bobbi reflects. “I inadvertently got into real estate there as a way to help fellow military members. I would research each home and let them know if they would be safe renting that home.”

When life circumstances brought Bobbi back to Jacksonville, a career as a REALTOR® was a natural progression.

REAL ESTATE SUCCESS

Bobbi landed with Hover Girl Properties. With a focus on military relocations, the company has been a perfect fit. Bobbi handles real estate sales as well as property management duties.

“Our main focus has always been taking care of our mil itary,” Bobbi says. “Through our husbands’ jobs, we have strong ties and connections to the military. Most of our contacts come through the military, but because I’m local, my business has become unique. A lot of friends and family members have reached out to help me find or manage properties, too.”

Bobbi continues to fight for ser vice members through creative means, for example, meeting with state senators to get hous ing allowances increased.

Bobbi loves spending time with her family!

Thank you RiverTown/Mattamy Homes for allowing us to take these photos at your model home.

“ I do not back down from a fight when it is for a worthy cause.

Bobbi is thankful for her team which includes her brother, Glen Thompson, as an agent and Earlene Paschal, her transaction coordinator.

Family has always been so important to Bobbi. She always loved spending time with her dad and brothers.

“I was given the nickname Crusader by many of my friends,” Bobbi says. “I do not back down from a fight when it is for a worthy cause.”

Over the past few years, Bobbi’s can-do attitude has allowed her business to take flight. In 2021, she closed 54 rentals and sales, with over $11.3 million in sales volume. Bobbi believes her willingness to go above and beyond for her clients is what sepa rates her from the pack.

“I’ve gone in and cleaned a house top to bottom and personally painted houses when I knew my home owners couldn’t afford it. I just really work hard for my customers. The commission at the end of a deal is not my motivation. I believe in developing friendships and relationships with every customer I have. It’s not just a slogan.”

RESTING IN FAITH AND FAMILY

Although Bobbi has achieved tremendous profes sional success, her time in Jacksonville is defined by her relationships with her family members. She returned in 2010 to be closer to her father, who was battling cancer, and her youngest brother, who recently had gone through a divorce. For Bobbi, family is everything, and it always has been.

“My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer after I started college, and my dad asked me to come home and help with my mother. She was diagnosed in February and died in July,” Bobbi reflects. “I went from being a selfish teenage girl to making my life all about my younger brothers. It was something I did with a lot of love and pleasure. I have one older brother and two younger brothers. We are a very close family.”

Since that time, Bobbi’s family has experi enced more heartbreak: the loss of her father to cancer and the unexpected loss of one of her younger brothers.

Bobbi’s response to her family’s struggles has been to lean in even deeper. She’s leaning more deeply into her family life and leaning more deeply into serving those in her community.

“We came to find out after his death that my youngest brother was living with very little but had a gift none of us had — the gift of time to everyone he knew. Seeing that helped me focus more on giving back to our community and being there for those that need us. It gave me a better understanding of how I am able to take care of anyone I come across. In real estate, I have come across so many single moms and widows in need, and without having to draw attention to it, I’ve been able to help a lot of women and kids and take care of them.

“I have a strong faith. My faith in God tells me there is a purpose for everything. There is a reason every thing happens, and God calls on us to be there, to love people, to be kind, and to be thoughtful.”

FAMILY SPOTLIGHT

Bobbi’s children, David and Kyeli, are 35 and 20. She and her husband, Neil, have been married for almost 25 years. She says, “The support of my amazing husband and kids helps me do what I do.”

Bobbi, her daughter (Kyeli), son (David), and husband (Neil)

Linda

a great mortgage company

work with.From the initial conversation to the

of

Linda and her team

personal.

the

not only

but walked me through the

step of the way

was informed.

was very knowledgeable and got the deal

highly recommend

By Linda to

family

HOUSTON O’STEENHOUSTON O’STEEN Lindsey

Lindsey

rising star

By Brandon Jerrell

Dreams to Reality

Many people seem to find themselves stuck in life — finding that they are often confined to the limitations of where they come from. This perspective is deceptive and malicious. In truth, you can achieve whatever you dream when you do the right things to get there.

Lindsey Houston O’Steen with Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty lives by this principle. “It doesn’t matter how you grew up or where you came from. You can create the future of your dreams by caring for others, learning and working hard,” Lindsey says.

GROWING UP WITH STRUGGLE

Lindsey was born and grew up in Jacksonville. More specifically, she grew up in Clay County and knows this area very well. “I am the oldest of four kids, so I was pretty much always babysitting growing up. I have two sisters and a brother. I am a super proud big sister and am very close with my family.”

“My parents worked really hard when my siblings and I were growing up. They always tried to provide for us the very best they could,” she shares. “I definitely had a work ethic ingrained in me at a young age.”

When Lindsey was 7 years old, her mother worked as a waitress. During this time, Lindsey would often help out with side work, such as rolling silver ware and wiping tables. When Lindsey was 13, she helped her mom with cleaning houses. This is where she learned that “if you want something, you work hard for it.”

Lindsey’s father always told her that “you have your name, and you work hard to keep a good name.”

“I’ve always had the hustle in me to be better and do better,” she explains.

“The way I grew up really shaped me to be a go-getter as an adult, and I wanted to have the freedom to change my future and my family’s future.”

Lindsey shares with us a story from her childhood. “One moment that really sticks out is when I was in fourth grade, I was getting ready for school and couldn’t find my shoes. My mom said they were in the car, so I went out to get them, and the car was gone! It had gotten repossessed.

“I didn’t want to have to struggle. I saw how financial struggles can create problems and arguments in a relationship, and I wanted my life to be different... I wanted to change the

trajectory of my life and leave a legacy for my family and my future kids. I’m nowhere near where I’m going, but there are great things in store.”

FINDING HER PASSION

Lindsey went to Clay High School and got her associate degree from St. Johns River State College. However, she quickly realized that she wanted to do other things with her life, so she decided to pursue growing her own company. First, she owned a cleaning company. “I really enjoyed that and have always loved people and creating relationships.” She says she met multiple agents as well as many other great people while own ing her cleaning business.

While buying her first house, she discovered how the process worked, and she decided that she wanted to be a part of it. “It was a stressful time, and I understood just how important a knowledgeable REALTOR® is to help through all of the emotions and process of buying a home. I’ve always loved people and wanted to create those lifelong relationships helping with one of the biggest purchases in someone’s life.”

Lindsey goes on to say, “I really had a ‘come to Jesus’ moment with myself. I was doing well with my previous business, but wanted some thing bigger, something deeper, and more meaningful,” she reveals. “I wanted to create generational wealth for my future kids and my fam ily. Both of my parents worked extremely hard when I was growing up, and I wanted to be able to have the means to take care of them if/ when I needed to. I didn’t want to have to check my bank account to see if I could afford something,” she explains. “Combine that with a love for homes and being a people person, I knew I was meant for real estate. This is my passion and what I am meant to do.”

MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE

Lindsey has been married to her husband, Sean, for just over two years. Their daughter, Cora, just turned 1, and Lindsey’s stepson, Alex, plays football at Furman University. “I love family time and getting everyone together. Being the oldest of four kids, I really try to gather everyone together for dinners and really any excuse I can to see everyone. My brother Matt and I are really close, and he recently had his first child, a daughter, Hazel. It’s crazy how everyone is growing and just so much love. I am truly blessed.”

Lindsey and Sean recently bought their first investment condo, and her mom is currently living there. “It was a really proud moment to really think of how far I have come,” she reflects.

“I love working out and recently have created ‘Date Days’ with my husband at the gym. I think in this business, you have to be so intentional with your time. My best friend, Jordan, has a pool, and we spend a good bit of time on the weekends grilling out and playing with our kids.”

It is clear that Lindsey strives to make the most of her life, and that goal constantly makes its way into how she interacts with others. Especially her business. “When someone works with me, they know that they are now a part of my family. I reach out to my previous customers all of the time. They are going to be invited to our customer appreciation happy hours, our Christmas dinner parties and everything in between.”

Congratulations to Lindsey Houston O’Steen, this month’s Rising Star. With Lindsey’s work ethic, kindness and constant care for oth ers, her dreams are all within reach.

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT:

You can create the future of your dreams by caring for others, learning and working hard.

What Was Your First

Job Ever? Part 2

years and enjoyed very much the atmosphere, the people I met, and I even got to put together a few runway events. It was an awesome experience! The owner was a very talented fashion designer who had recently moved from the USA to Brazil, and we still remain friends.

LINDA GARCIA

Mortgages By Linda

My first job was selling roses to tourists at the high-end restaurants in Panama City Beach when I was 14 years old.

JENNIFER LAWRENCE

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

My first job was actually at a local grocery store called Millers Supervalue when I was 16. I remember very clearly that I went up there every week until the manager said he was full but wanted to hire me because of how persistent I was. Got the job and ended up working there for three years, all through high school and was promoted to the customer service department and loved it! I worked the lottery, video movie rentals and check cashing.

LINDA WHITE

EXIT Real Estate Gallery

I worked for Palm Beach County School Board typing curriculum as a 14-yearold! I actually had input into some of the sample questions for kids!

JENNA FISHER

Marsh Landing Country Club Realty

My first job ever was working in my Uncle Jimmy’s chiropractic office in Miami at the age of 12 years old. I helped with clerical work and spoke some Spanish at the time, so I was able to help check in customers that didn’t speak English.

KIRA SIKES

Sandbar Realty

DEANNA FOERMAN

Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty

I worked in the concession stand at the AMC Theaters in the Orange Park Mall when there were only five theaters.

BRIAN SACKS

Southern Latitude Group

My first job is a loaded question. I was raised on a farm outside of Philadelphia with everything from chickens to a llama (and everything in between). My dad also owned a construction com pany, so I was always out in the field with him at new home construction sites and underground site construc tion, where I developed my passion for real estate.

I think that was technically my first job(s), but I did also work for a catering company prepping food when I was 14 … but shortly realized I love to cook but don’t like to prep food for hundreds of people!

AMANDA ROMEO

Keller Williams Jacksonville Realty

My first job was at Publix Supermarkets as a cashier in 2004.

JUDY HARKLEROAD

Engel & Völkers Jacksonville

My first job ever was as a clerical assistant with the U.S. Department of Defense/National Security Agency (NSA) in Fort Meade, MD. I was 16 and a high school work-study student.

TOBIN BOSSOLA

Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty Taco Bell!

DAVID LANE

Well, if you count my VERY first “Lisa Frank Club” I started in fourth grade, that would be my first. I created that club as a paid-members club for all my friends. I guess it isn’t a job but my first entrepre neurial experience. But if you are refer ring to an hourly job (never did like those, by the way), it was McDonald’s.

Keller Williams

I worked in my father’s warehouse as a day laborer sorting car parts.

STEPHANIE TUFFS STEIN

Cashier at Yogaberry!

Stunning

CHRISTINE WIER

Engel & Völkers Jacksonville

sold

door to

13.

JOY DOYLE

Hover Girl Properties

I worked at the movie theater in Park City, Utah. Robert Redford would come in and watch movies, and that’s where Sundance Film Festival was born.

MELISSA MEIDE MATTHEWS

Providence Homes

My first job was at Peterbrooke Chocolatier in San Marco when I was 15. My parents would drop me off, and I loved bagging the choco late-covered popcorn and maybe even sampling it

there!

DEBBIE TUFTS

Engel & Völkers Jacksonville

I worked at a Children’s Daycare Center, loving on kids and babies all summer long!

KRISTAN MALIN

Keller Williams Atlantic Partners

My first job was being a lifeguard and Red Cross swimming instructor. I also did some night shifts at Hardee’s at the same time.

KAY CHAFTON

Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty

Waitress at a small restaurant in North Mississippi. Paid $2.01 per hour!

DANNY FONTAINE

RedZone Affinity Realty

I worked as an auto mechanic helper in my dad’s shop! I did oil changes, tire changes, tranny service and cleanup.

DAVID WARREN NORTON

Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty

My first job was selling chef-style knives when I was 10 years old. I was only allowed to sell to neighbors and relatives, and my mom would follow me around to watch over me. I would buy candy and soda with the money I made!

KIM DEVLIN

RE/MAX Leading Edge

At 16 years old, I got my real first job at a local dry cleaners. The worst part about this job was having to check the pockets before tagging the clothes for cleaning. Oh boy! Some of the things I pulled out of those pockets still haunt me today. ... I lasted a year before moving on to more glamorous work at a local catering hall.

back

By Michelle Williamson

CONTINUING THE

GIVING TRADITION

J

Julie Bussey, real estate advisor at Engel & Volkers, is a long-time Beaches resident who learned the value of giving back while growing up. She went to elementary and middle school at St. Paul’s in Jacksonville Beach and graduated from Bishop

Kenny High School. She celebrated her 40th high school reunion in August 2022. Giving back was the norm in her family. “I experienced giving as a way of life,” says Julie of her formative years. Whether taking the elderly home after church, picking up groceries for someone or helping in other ways, she remembers her family extending a hand when and where needed. Julie continues that tradition. Volunteering remains a vital part of her life.

“My mom and dad were auxiliary members of the Jax Beach hospital; they would push patients in wheel chairs where they needed to go,” Julie remembers of her parents’ many volunteer roles. “Dad continued doing that for nearly 30 years until he couldn’t physically do it anymore.” Julie was a caregiver for both her parents until they passed away; her mom passed 20 years ago, and her father in February 2021.

Today, Julie is a mom of four grown children, Amanda, Daniel, Rachael and Tiffany, and a grandmother to four, Mila (3) and Oliver (six months), Mason (12) and Ellis (8). Her life is a mix of family, volunteering and work.

would volunteer five days a week if I could,” she laughs.

Right now, though, that’s a dream. Julie was just named top listing agent at her agency, the fruit of her long workdays.

BEAM DREAM TEAM

One day a week, Julie can be found volunteering at BEAM’s (an acronym for Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry) food pantry in

Jacksonville Beach, an organization founded by area churches in 1985 to assist low-income residents. Julie’s father, Richard Ouellette, before his passing, drove a truck to pick up “rescued food” (soon-to-expire food donated by area grocery stores) for the Jacksonville Beach BEAM food pantry. Then any area residents in need of assistance “spend 20 minutes shopping for food and leave with a cart full of groceries,” Julie explains. After her father’s passing, Julie picked up the torch.

Beaches Resident Julie Bussey

Her nearly 20-year real estate career — she received her license in 2006 — has been in mostly the Beaches area. Though she enjoys a successful career — today, most of her business is repeat and referral clients — she would rather be volunteering. “I

Julie and her motorcycle group, The Iron Mermaids

Now every Wednesday, Julie can be found with her same group of five volunteers, known as the self-pro claimed “BEAM Dream Team,” working in the food pantry. On Wednesdays, BEAM receives res cued produce and dairy, and Julie’s job is to go through the donated food, separate it and prepare it to be stocked on shelves for customers to take home. BEAM’s volunteer shop pers help customers during their grocery shopping trip. “It’s truly wonderful,” says Julie.

Julie volunteers at a different BEAM location on Thursdays and at Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary on Tuesdays.

THE ARC JACKSONVILLE

Amanda, Julie’s oldest daugh ter, who was born with special needs, lives at the Arc Village in Jacksonville. “The Arc is for adults like Amanda who can live inde pendently but who need support in

place,” explains Julie. “The commu nity was built and finished in 2016, and Amanda was lucky enough to get one of the apartments there.” Julie volunteers there regularly as well.

“The first couple years, I was the BINGO lady in the cafeteria on Tuesday nights,” Julie remembers.

Then, for a year or so, she worked in the café serving coffee, bagels and smoothies. She also helps out in the main office, welcoming visitors or helping where needed.

“I’m always doing something at The Village,” she says.

Julie also drives Amanda back and forth to work and to sports practices and events. Though Amanda plays multiple sports, golf is her main event. She’s been called “the gold standard” in Special Olympics Golf. She’s won 18 medals in Florida’s Special Olympics Games, and in 2022 Amanda won the gold medal in golf at the Special Olympics 2022 USA Games held in Orlando.

THE IRON MERMAIDS

Julie is also a member of a group of women motorcycle enthusiasts, the Iron Mermaids, Jacksonville’s chapter of the international women’s riding group, Women in the Wind. The Iron Mermaids are “all professional women who love to ride and have fun. It’s my wind ther apy,” Julie shares. When on a recent ride together, the group was stopped by a traffic light and noticed a woman holding a sign needing money. “Here we were, me and my girls riding our expen sive machines,” she remembers of seeing the woman in need. “All of us stood up and started digging in our pockets to help her.” In response, at the last Iron Mermaids quarterly meeting, giving back was on the agenda. “We haven’t decided anything yet,” says Julie. “But we’re con sidering ways to help.”

Julie sees her volunteer efforts just as she learned it as a child, as “part of life lived.” She understands the value of helping others. “Imagine,” she shares, “if every one would put in a little effort and spend a little time helping others, this world would be a better place.”