by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Brian Coyle, Coldwell Banker Walter Williams Realty’s new director of training and education, said he’s looking forward to putting all of his skills to the test this year.
“Certainly,” said Coyle, a former agent in Walter Williams’ Ponte Vedra Beach office “Being an agent is fulfilling in many ways. You’re out in the community, helping people make some very important decisions and guiding them through numerous emotional, technical and legal issues surrounding the selling or buying of a home.
“Now my role will be to use other experiences and skills to help our agents and company grow in both production and size. I intend to do that by continuing to refine and implement training programs that will help both our new and our experienced agents. In addition I will be coordinating our recruiting efforts as we grow in Northeast Florida.”
After hearing Walter Williams was looking for a new training director, Coyle said he approached his former manager about applying for the position.
After one month and a handful of interviews, Coyle landed the job.
“Even before my first interview I knew there were probably other candidates who may have been more technically qualified than I was,” he said, “but Walter and the other managers seemed to be impressed with my experiences, my ability to relate to others and my enthusiasm. That coupled with his history of giving opportunities to those within the company led me to be hopeful.
“It’s great to be given this opportunity.”
Born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Rockville, Md., Coyle graduated from Duke University on a partial soccer scholarship. He later received a commission in the Navy and advanced to the rank of lieutenant commander.
While there, Coyle was instrumental in developing and implementing various training and recruitment programs.
He said his experiences there, and with Prudential Securities, make his future with Walter Williams a potentially prosperous one.
“That’s one of the great things about being in Jacksonville right now,” he said. “The quality of life here is incredible and sustainable growth is happening all over town.
“To be in this position at this particular time with Walter Williams is very exciting because of the obvious potential. There couldn’t be a better time.”
Residing on the Southside with his wife and stepson, Coyle said he divides much of his free time among numerous activities.
“I do have some pretty varied interests,” he said. “I enjoy reading, riding bikes and I love the water. My license plate used to say, ‘I’d rather be sailing.’”