The year 2015 ushers in a new team of industry leaders with their own visions for advancing the interests of their trade group and its members. Here’s a look at those in key roles for Northeast Florida chapters.
President
Linda Daniels, Commercial Real Estate Solutions of Jacksonville broker/principal
Who she is
Daniels began her career over 30 years ago as an in-house accountand for a company that brokered commodities and provided freight consolidation services worldwide. The role evolved into managing construction projects and strategic financial planning. She entered real estate in 2004, based on her understanding of land. She is a founding principal of CRES, a locally owned brokerage that deals in land, industrial, retail and office sales and offers tenant-buyer representation.
Why she’s in CCIM
Daniels earned the elite Certified Commercial Investment Member designation to become proficient in commercial real estate. The CCIM curriculum teaches ethics, interest-based negotiation, financial analysis, market analysis, user decision analysis and investment analysis for commercial investment real estate.
What she wants to do
Increase membership and promote the CCIM designation.
President
Pamela Ricard, Brown Enterprises, Architectural Signs vice president
Who she is
Brown Enterprises is a manufacturer of custom, architectural signage and display walls. A 20-year industry veteran, Ricard’s job encompasses customer contact and sales, design and project management.
Why she’s in CREW
Commercial Real Estate Women is a group that helps women achieve and/or advance their leadership roles. A member of CREW since 2003, Ricard joined for its business opportunities, to have a philanthropic outlet and for the camaraderie at its events.
What she wants to do
Ricard describes her goal for the year as “strengthening our core,” which means improving fundamentals of networking, doing business together and providing professional and personal development opportunities. “This will be accomplished through an amazing schedule of programs and an educational series,” she said.
President
Mick Dolan, Mason Title & Escrow Co. marketing and Business Development manager
Who he is
Dolan has worked in the mortgage and insurance industry for 10 years and the past three for Mason Title & Escrow. His job as business development manager makes him a point of contact for Realtors who need title services, a task that ensures properties transfer legally in a real estate deal.
Why he’s in MBA
The Mortgage Bankers Association is a place where mortgage professionals and their affiliates can get education and hear updates on real estate financing. The group has brought in speakers from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as well as the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Dolan said he serves to give back to the industry.
What he wants to do
Dolan wants to bring in speakers of high interest to mortgage professionals and also gain more participation from Realtors and their affiliates. “It’s a benefit to have all the different components of real estate involved,” he said.
President
Peter Anderson, Pattillo Industrial Real Estate vice president
Who he is
He oversees the acquisition, development and leasing of industrial properties for Pattillo Industrial. He’s a 23-year employee of Pattillo and 27-year veteran of industrial real estate.
Headquartered in Stone Mountain, Ga., Pattillo has developed and still owns the largest portfolio of industrial properties in North Florida — 7 million square feet of buildings and 1,500 acres of land.
Why he’s in NAIOP
NAIOP provides unparalleled access to the leaders in the commercial real estate industry.
“The professionals with whom I do business — contractors, bankers, attorneys, engineers, and brokers — are active members of NAIOP.”
What he wants to do
The chapter already has an extremely strong and active membership, Anderson said. His goal will be to provide great programs and entertaining events that educate members and stimulate revenue opportunities.
Chairman
David Wakefield, PrimeLending loan originator
Who he is
Wakefield has been in the mortgage business since 1994 and has worked for PrimeLending since 2008. The Dallas-based full-service mortgage company operates in 49 states and offers conventional, FHA, JUMBO, ARM and VA mortgages. In his work, Wakefield said he takes a broad advisory role, one that integrates a mortgage with the client’s short- and long-term financial goals.
Why he’s in SMC
SMC’s mission is to provide Realtors and builders with networking opportunities, education and recognition. Wakefield has attended SMC meetings since the 1990s, but felt the largest dividends came after he started serving on committees. “I’ve been able to make connections that grew my business,” he said. “The Realtors and builders have given me a lot over the years. Now, I stay involved to give back.”
What he wants to do
SMC begins 2015 on the heels of a great year, where membership rolls grew by half. Wakefield said he wants to keep the momentum going and take it up a notch, engaging in the state and national levels of the organization. “I want to grow our membership, win the best SMC award and hold meetings that have a lot of energy, where you can meet new people and listen to speakers who give great, actionable tidbits of information,” Wakefield said.
St. Johns Builders Council: Jerry Dean, division president, Vintage Estate Homes
Clay Builders Council: Bill Auclair, warranty manager, Mattamy Homes
Nassau Builders Council: Vic Buscaino, president of Plantation Housing Corp./Arthur Rutenberg Homes
E-Council: Jeff King, owner of King Construction Co. of Jax
Remodelers Council: David Hacker, president of Construction Specialties of North Florida
Historic Council: Jon Singleton, Realtor, Watson Realty
Beaches Council: George Garcia, partner, First Beaches Insurance
Ponte Vedra Council: Mark Ryan, managing broker, Re/Max Unlimited
Southwest Council: Diane Cook, Realtor, Exit Real Estate Gallery
St. Johns Council: Karen Palmer, Realtor, Coldwell Banker Premier Properties
Putnam Council: Becky Williams, Realtor, Coldwell Banker Ben Bates
Global Business Council: Missy Howell, Realtor Watson Realty