by David Chapman
Staff Writer
“Rookie of the Year” is a prestigious award people normally associate with young players who achieve great things in sports. Andrew Linn won the award as a young player in the real estate business.
Linn, who’s an agent with ERA Davis & Linn, recently won the ERA Real Estate “Rookie of the Year” award earlier this month in Las Vegas, earning the distinction over two other finalists. He was presented the award during the 2006 ERA International Business Conference. Linn was nominated in December for the award by broker Carol Davis of the ERA Southside branch.
ERA offices are independently owned and operated and the company’s award is given to one person a year based on a variety of things such as volume of units sold, community involvement and leadership. Linn said the company usually has 5,000-6,000 new employees a year.
“It was as shocking as it was exciting,” said Linn, about both receiving the nomination and award. “I’ve never won an award like that.”
Linn was born and raised in Jacksonville and attended Episcopal High School. He went to Wofford College in South Carolina, where he played baseball. He’s been involved with Boy Scouts for years and has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.
In his first year on the job, Linn sold 29 units worth $7 million. He is also a member of the Gator Bowl Association Committee, American Enterprise Bank board and the alumni board of Episcopal. He contributes to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, with $200 of every sale going toward the organization.
Linn credits the support of his parents and other ERA office members for his early success. He singled out Sandra McDonald, his trainer, in particular.
“She’s really helped me out a lot over the year,” said Linn. “She’s won a lot of national awards with ERA and she’s been great.”
Linn broke into the real estate business after working as a project manager under The Hutson Companies and as ballpark manager for SMG where he oversaw the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. It was during his time as ballpark manager that he acquired his real estate license. Linn said he has taken something from every one of his work experiences.
“One thing I have really learned is how to really listen to people in order to help them,” said Linn.
His father, Jim Linn, is a broker and owner of ERA Davis & Linn, but never encouraged or asked his son to get into the industry. He did, however, offer his son some advice when Andrew approached him about getting into real estate.
“He told me, ‘Save enough income to live off of for six months. It’s not easy, but if this is what you want to do then the door is open,’” said Linn.
Linn followed that advice and performed well enough to win the “Rookie of the Year” award. He admitted the first year was stressful, however.
As Linn begins his second full year at ERA in April, and fresh off the heels of his award, the plan is to continue to do what he’s been doing best.
“I’m going to keep customers happy and keep strengthening the relationships I have while just striving to get better.”