Waymar Realty is at 8565 Mallory Road on Jacksonville’s west side. The office has only been open a year but is already building a new office which will front Normandy Boulevard in Herlong Commons, a new office condominium complex.
BROKER/OWNER
Marjorie Rodgers is the broker/owner. She maintains the day-to-day business of the office, train agents and recruits.
IN THE OFFICE
Shakawn Jones, David Hart, Wayne Rodgers and Patty Pierre are the agents.
WHY A NEW OFFICE?
“I think we needed the space. I wanted a more professional environment and more exposure. Where we are is a nice place to start off, but there was no road signage.”
WHY OPEN YOUR OWN COMPANY?
“It is just something I have always wanted to do,” said Rodgers. “Ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to own my own business. At the time I didn’t know what the business was going to be, but I knew I was going to do it. Everything I have ever done, even in work environment has been in the management arena, so it was only fitting that at this point and time I open my own business.”
TALK ABOUT THE WESTSIDE
“There is a lot of building going on over here. The Westside is rapidly expanding. Anyone who has been watching the market has seen the growth on the Westside.”
THE FUTURE?
Rodgers said she is hoping to outgrow her new office and open more locations around Jacksonville.
NEW AGENTS?
“I don’t mind new agents at all. I think they are great. They are not spoiled and don’t already have the slick and wrong ways of doing business imbedded in them. I can teach them the right way to make money and how to not worry about getting into trouble.”
WHAT TYPE OF AGENTS DO YOU HIRE?
“I look for enthusiasm, a go-getter and someone who loves and understands the business.”
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR OFFICE?
Rodgers said her office is very close-knit. “Everyone gets along well. There are no big i’s and little u’s. Everyone is willing to help each other make money. If someone can’t make an appointment, they can call on each other to help out.”
ENCOURAGE PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT?
Yes, she does. “I think the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors is a good organization to be a part of. The classes and everything that they offer are all designed to help us be better Realtors. We usually do networking opportunities as a group. I try to make sure they attend as many things as possible because there is nothing better to get out there, meeting people and hearing what is going on in the business. You can not know everything that happens in the business. A lot of our knowledge comes from listening to other people’s experiences. It can also help keep you from spending money unnecessarily.”
TEAM MEETINGS?
Rodgers holds meetings in her office every Tuesday. “During the meeting we train, go over new laws, things in the news, how they are growing their business, find out what they are doing and what is working for them or not working for them.”
TRAINING?
She offers training to the new agents and the experienced agents also sit in on the training sessions.
ADVANTAGE OF HAVING A SMALL OFFICE?
“I think you have a better handle on your agents and what is going on in your office. The advantage right now is that it is easier to manage.”
- by Michele Newbern Gillis