He has been a real estate agent with Realty Executives The Professionals in Orange Park since 2000 and has been elected to the 2003 Northeast Florida Association of REALTORS board of directors.
LICENSED SINCE?
He got his real estate license in 1994 and started with Watson Realty. He earned his broker’s license in 1998.
HOW WILL YOU USE YOUR POSITION AS A MEMBER OF THE NEFAR BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO HELP REALTORS?
“My goals are to improve the public perception of REALTORS. I am a strong believer in quality control. I would also like to increase the accountability of the individual REALTOR and bring the membership into a stronger and more united group.”
INTERNET
“I realized early in my career that the Internet was the way of the future and was able to maximize its use from the beginning. I learned how to develop and maintain a strong Internet presence and my homepage http://users.ilnk.com/realtor has been extremely effective.”
WHAT DOES HE SPECIALIZE IN?
He specializes in residential real estate, both new construction and resale. “Although I usually enjoy working with all buyers and sellers, I especially enjoy working with first-time buyers and retired couples.”
AREA YOU SELL?
Although he lists and sells homes in all areas of North Florida, he primarily works in Orange Park and Southwest Duval County.
GETTING TOGETHER
Francis started the NEFAR Southwest Council’s REALTOR/Affiliate mixer. “It has been a great success, giving REALTORS, sponsors and affiliates an opportunity to really talk and get to Know each other and the programs available.”
ADVICE TO
OTHER AGENTS?
“If I had to sum up my recommendation for success to other agents, it would be to get involved. I have always viewed real estate as an honorable profession and I always strive to increase that professionalism within our community. I believe we need to stay active and involved in the community.”
BIRTHPLACE
Detroit.
APPLE DOESN’T FALL FAR FROM THE TREE
His father was a real estate broker in Michigan in the 1950’s, his brother was a REALTOR in Wisconsin and his sister was a REALTOR in Texas. “I held my first open house when I was 12,” he joked. “Actually, I assisted my father.”
BEFORE REAL ESTATE?
He joined the Navy after high school and became a Navy Hospital Corpsman which led to a variety of assignments including the UDT/SEAL Team and a tour with the Marines in Vietnam.
AFTER THE NAVY?
He was in the Navy for 20 years. He retired in 1985 from the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute in Pensacola where he taught Aviation Physiology and Water Survival.
He and his wife, who was still in the Navy, were transferred to Hawaii in 1986.
“While in Hawaii, I worked for civil services as a property manager for the government. I managed the bachelor officer and enlisted housing at the Naval Air Station, Barber Point.”
WHEN DID HE GET INTO REAL ESTATE?
“After my wife retired from the Navy and went to work for a real estate closing attorney, I went into real estate to maintain the common ground. I enjoy working with people and helping them find and obtain that perfect house.”
ASSOCIATIONS
He belongs to the NEFAR Grievance Committee, Clay County Chamber of Commerce, Sales and Marketing Council of the Northeast Florida Builders Association, Women’s Council of Realtors and the Clay County Candidate Screening Board.
WHY SHOULD REALTORS GET INVOLVED IN THE VARIOUS ASSOCIATIONS?
“If I had to answer that in a word, it would be ‘pride’. We should all want the real estate profession to be one which we are proud of. It is only the members of our profession that can make that happen through their participation. Each and every member has something they can contribute, whether it is time, knowledge, talent or merely a different point of view.”
RESIDES
Argyle Forest.
FAMILY
Wife Kathy works at Blue Cross Blue Shield. They have three children and five grandchildren.
HOBBIES
Francis enjoys cruises, watching football, playing golf, fishing and reading.
FAVORITES
His favorite movie is “Erin Brockovich” and favorite author is Tom Clancy. When relaxing at home, he likes to tune into “West Wing.” His favorite place to visit is Las Vegas and the Caribbean. When dining out, he enjoys The Chart House.
—by Michele Newbern Gillis