Bob Johnson has been a REALTOR® with Watson Realty’s Orange Park/Fleming Island office since October 2002.
BEFORE JOINED WATSON?
He took a year off from working and went on a missions trip to Denmark with his church. He also did some traveling and spent time with his family.
HIS BACKGROUND
He retired from Winn-Dixie after 40 years in December 2001. He started out as a bag boy and moved into management positions. He started Winn-Dixie’s Tampa area division in Clearwater. When he was promoted to a corporate position, he transferred to Jacksonville. His last position with Winn-Dixie was as director of Work Methods, which handled retail computer systems, in-store processing, work and sales planning.
WHY GO INTO REAL ESTATE?
“I’m too young to stay retired. Real estate was something I was always interested in, so I thought it would be a new opportunity.”
WHY WORK IN
ORANGE PARK?
He and his wife have lived in Orange Park for 18 years. They currently are living in an apartment while they build a home in Margaret’s Walk.
SPECIALTY?
He is currently listing and selling residential real estate, but hasn’t chosen a specialty yet. “I’m just getting started, so I’m trying to feel my way into where I want to be.”
COLLEGE
He has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and mathematics education from the University of South Florida.
WHY ISN’T HE TEACHING MATH?
“By the time I graduated, I was already an assistant manager with Winn-Dixie, so I made the decision to stay there.”
WHAT’S GOING ON IN ORANGE PARK?
“It’s an active market in Orange Park. There is a lot of activity and a lot of building going on everywhere. When I moved into Fleming Island, there wasn’t anything here. Eagle Harbor wasn’t here, Pace Island wasn’t here. There has been a tremendous amount of change in this marketplace since I’ve been here.”
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT REAL ESTATE?
“I get the chance to meet a lot of people and to be my own boss. I also like helping people find the home they are looking for.”
ADVICE TO
NEW AGENTS?
“Real estate takes a lot of hard work, hours and dedication.”
CHURCH
He is the treasurer of the Evangel Temple. “I try to be active in the church. We have been members for 16 or 17 years.”
BUSINESS EXPERIENCE HELPED IN REAL ESTATE?
“By maturity of age, I’ve had a lot of life experiences. I’ve been in the business community for a long time and I think that has helped.”
Since he has been a manager since he was 19 years old, he said that has helped him run his own business more efficiently.
HOBBIES
Canoeing and attending church related activities.
FAMILY
He has been married to Sharon for 36 years. They have three children: Rob Jr., 35; Chris, 32 and Cindy, 17.
FAVORITES
His favorite book is the Bible and his favorite movie is “The Sound of Music.” When traveling, he likes to go to Juniper Springs to go canoeing. A place he recently visited and would like to go again is the Grand Canyon. When dining out, he enjoys Cracker Barrel. “It’s a unique place.”
— by Michele Newbern Gillis