Paradise . . . that's how it feels to be in Naples, Florida. It's the hum that reverberates between lucky residents of southwest Florida who might say to each other: "Pinch me I can't believe I live here in the greatest community in the entire country - maybe the entire world." It's how I feel about Naples, where I live with my family and why I work so diligently to ensure it retains its charm and livability while sustaining its current growth.
As a proud resident of Naples for many years, I love calling this tropical paradise home. My wife Lisa and I decided to move from Maryland to Naples shortly after our son Cooper was born. We were looking for a lifestyle change. We wanted to get away from the cold weather and raise our son where he could be outside all the time. I was drawn to real estate here in southwest Florida because of my love for this area. I'd always contemplated this industry and thought if you're going to do it, do it in 'paradise'. So, I incorporate my love of the area into every sale I do. I get buyers from all over the country and world. I don't only want to show them the wonderful homes and investment deals here, I want to show them the unique places we get to enjoy everyday like the pristine beaches, the amazing dining and shopping at Venetian Village, Waterside Shops, Olde Naples, Tin City, Mercado, the Naples Pier, Sun-N-Fun water park and our spectacular daily sunsets. The list goes on and on!
My background traces back to my service for our country where I served honorably in the US ARMY - 82nd AIRBORNE Division. I was awarded the Army's Good Conduct Medal and the US Army Achievement Award for superior service above and beyond the call of duty. I take the meaning of these awards and apply it to my life and the way I conduct business. In this market, you have to be proactive. Business isn't going to walk up to your door. We live in Paradise, but we need to reach out and let everyone know what a great place Naples is to own a home or invest. I see our market currently on a slight upward trend. With continuing low interest rates, and the baby boomers, families and Europeans flocking to our area, we are experiencing a very busy 2010 real estate market here in Naples and the future is so bright…you have to wear shades!
When I joined John R. Wood Realtors I found not only the top professional agents in southwest Florida, but also an extension to my family. The company has longevity! They've been the leader in sales and customer satisfaction of the finest properties in the area since 1958 when it was founded by Mr. John Wood. Its growth has been phenomenal; growing from a single office to six strategically placed facilities. We are among the largest independently owned real estate firms in southwest Florida. I was really impressed by Phil Wood, Dottie Babcock, Spencer Haynes, Jerri Cobb and the rest of the excellent management team and Realtors. We were number #1 in average sales per agent in the ENTIRE country!
My dedication has helped me assist my many clients transact on almost $80 million of real estate since 2004! I will ONLY continue to succeed in real estate because of the support around me. I have a great office staff in Ann, Barb and Maggie. Marie Cavanaugh (closing coordinator), Alysia Testa (executive assistant, director of marketing), Chad Phipps (licenced realtor), and Debra Pelitera (licensed realtor I sometimes co-list with). These people make up a dynamic, multi-million dollar producing team! I could NOT do this without them.
I stay actively involved in the community as a proud member of the Naples Area Board of Realtors; formerly serving as a director for the Florida Association of Realtors, graduating member of the prestigious NABOR leadership development class 2005, chairperson of the successful NABOR/WCR Trade Expo 2005 and 2006, chair for the professional development committee in 2007 and vice chair for the Realtor Political Action Committee. I served as elected Vice President and am currently Membership Chairperson for the N.A.P.L.E.S. Group (Naples Area Professional League of Executive Services www.NaplesGroup.net). I stay involved with the Naples Chamber of Commerce, Women's Council of Realtors, National Association of Realtors and Young Professionals of Naples. I qualified for “Presidents Club” and the "Gold Award" at former companies for achievement in Real-Estate. I was awarded the "Superior Sales Award" from the WCR for 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 AND am listed in "Who's Who in Luxury Real-Estate". Every year since 2006, I've finished near the TOP in overall sales for John R Wood Uptown Office and finished Top 15 out of ALL John R Wood Realtors in 2008 and 2009. I look forward to becoming one of the TOP and most respected Realtors in Naples. Aside from being awarded the Emerald Award from John R Wood (Sales between $10-20 million in one year), one of my proudest career achievements was being awarded the “Lizzy” award from the N.A.P.L.E.S. Group and Mayor Bill Barnett!
I give back to the community I love! I donated a portion of my 2005 commissions to the Red Cross (and directly to the victims affected by hurricanes in Florida). In 2006 and 2007, I donated to the Sunshine Kids and Habitat for Humanity. In 2008, I donated a portion of my commissions to the Education Foundation of Collier County “Take Stock in Children” program. I also made donations to the Red Cross to help the victims of hurricanes in Florida and Texas in 2008. In 2009 and into 2010 I pledge a portion of my commissions to St Mathews House. My wife and I teach Sunday School at St. Monica’s.
Call me today -- proud father and husband and PROUD resident of Saturnia Lakes in Naples, Florida…Paradise USA!
239-877-4340
www.iLoveNaplesFLA.com
