RPAC Auction pulls in $38,000
The Northeast Florida Association of Realtors raised $38,000 from its annual auction to benefit RPAC, its political action committee.
Over 300 items were available including trips and gold jewelry. Here are some who gathered to enjoy the evening at the Ramallah Club.
Two unusual names - one bus trip
Johnnie Woolard
As I ventured out on the Northeast Florida Association of Builder’s SAM Tram last month, Johnnie Woolard of Watson Realty plopped down beside me and a new unusual name story was born.
When she was younger, she wasn’t sure she liked having a boy’s name. But, as she grew up, she realized she was the only girl with such a name - she was named for her father - and learned to like it.
Having an unusual name has helped her in the real estate business, she says. She really hasn’t been teased about her name, but some can’t believe it.
“I am often asked if it is my real name and/or asked to repeat it, as if the other person wasn’t sure he/she heard correctly,” said Woolard.
Woolard has been a Realtor with Watson Realty for 10 years.
“I’ve always enjoyed searching for homes when we made our moves over the years, so it seemed to be a natural thing,” said Woolard. “We have made several moves to different states, which I think gives me an appreciation (and empathy) for the customers with whom I work.”
Nubby Ramirez
I also met Nubby (pronounced Newbie) Ramirez of INI Realty Investment on the SAM Tram. We were juggling coffee cups and breakfast in one of the models when we introduced ourselves and I knew my search for another unusual name was over.
What kind of name is Nubby?
“My father found my name in an article in the newspaper,” said Ramirez.
And that was that.
One thing that Ramirez likes about her unique name is that it gives her an edge on marketing.
“My name is exclusive if I write it in Google,” she said. “All of my information appears complete with everything I do or did. When you have an exclusive name it is good for marketing because people never forget you.”
She said her name is very recognizable.
“I born with my name and never changed it,” she said. “I am a successful professional and my name is part of that.”
She kept her maiden name when she married.
“When we came to this country from Colombia, and the authorities asked me about the last name of my husband and asked me if I wanted to change my last name,” she said, “I answered that I was born with my name and I will die with it. If think if I change my name I lose my personality.”
Ramirez has been with INI Realty Investment since August of last year.