Who would hve guessed that catching tarpon in the surf at the west end of Dog Island, Florida, or standing in a longleaf pine forest, the wind blowing softly through the trees, birds chirping high in the sun drenched branches would have led me down a path to a career in real estate.
My life has been filled with wonderful adventures: trips to exotic places like Africa, Australia and the Galapagos Islands. Or more mundane explorations like the great national parks out west: Yosemite, Sequoia, Bryce Canyon and Arches to name a few. I've even enjoyed the splendor of Yellowstone in winter white, breathtaking in the beauty of her vast wilderness.
I have a passion for the outdoors that I can feel in every cell of my body. When I am there, I feel as though I am one with this Earth... it is an amazing feeling. I decided some time ago, I don't remember exactly when, that I wanted to work towards improving the earth. Leave it in better shape than when I found it. My career over the years has worked towards that goal, in different ways sometimes, but always towards that goal.
My last job was directing Florida's real estate program. I had the wonderful responsbility for eight years of buying conservation lands for the state. By the time I left, we had acquired 1.1 million acres of land throughout Florida. The land was bought for parks, greenways, wildlife corridors, forest, etc., but all of it will be protected for today and future generations to enjoy.
So when I left public service in January of this year, I felt my connection to real estate was to be continued but from the private sector side. I have always enjoyed being of service to people, but I especially want to continue to help landowners seeking to preserve their lands. I can help landowners sell them to the state, local governments or non-profit agencies and feel connected to those wild and scenic places while I'm processing all that paperwork!
We all benefit when we protect the wild and scenic places that draw us in or connect us.
I hope you enjoy your own sunrise tomorrow!
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