Cara Ferreira Baaklini
JESSICA WAUGAMAN
Vicky’s Helping Hands
BILLY DEZIUS
Real Estate Transactions
Preferred Partners
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DIGITAL MARKETING
AD Marketing (904) 718-4439 admarkjax.com
HANDYMAN SERVICES
Fix-it Flamingo (904) 474-1768 fixitflamingo.com
HOME BUILDER
Century Communities (904) 618-3220 centurycommunities.com
HOME BUYER
Mac Home Development Inc (904) 887-4015 machomedevelopment.com
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Design Works (941) 355-2703 www.hskindustries.com
HOME WARRANTY
Fidelity National
Home Warranty
Trish Spivey (904) 716-0819 homewarranty.com
First American Home Warranty
Sierrah Stolte (904) 718-3685 firstamrealestate.com
Home Warranty of America (904) 994-6620 hwahomewarranty.com
INSPECTIONS
Home Team Inspections (904) 479-9393 hometeam.com/ north-jacksonville
LunsPro Inspections (904) 249-6523 LunsProFlorida.com
INSURANCE
Kilpatrick Agency Inc:
Goosehead Insurance (904) 420-7711 goosehead.com/agents/ carol-kilpatrick/
The Browing Agency (904) 285-3420 browningagency.com
MEDIA PRODUCTIONS
Sta Rep Media
Khai Tran (904) 761-5848 starepmedia.com
MORTGAGE / LENDER
Atlantic Trust Mortgage (904) 338-9356 AtlanticTrustMortgage.com
First Coast Mortgage (703) 627-1775 FirstCoastMortgageFunding.com
Movement Mortgage (404) 751-8463 tylertatum.com
Regions Bank - MacDonald Mortgage Team
Ian MacDonald (904) 998-4961 regions.com/mlo/ianmacdonald
OUTDOOR LIGHTING
JoyLights (904) 474-1768 WeBringTheJoy.com
PEST CONTROL SERVICES
Kingfish Pest Control (904) 595-5300 KingfishPest.com
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT/ HOME WATCH
Vicky’s Helping Hands (904) 502-9092 vickyshelpinghands.com
REAL ESTATE MEDIA
Real Home Image
Michael Rowlette (904) 930-3756 realhomeimage.com
REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY
Lens 2 Listing (904) 761-4745 lens2listing.com
The Real Estateographers (904) 770-5262 therealestateographers.com
ROOFING
Patriot Roofing (904) 509-7732 patriotroofingservices.com
ROOFING & EXTERIORS
Mighty Dog RoofingJacksonville FLA (904) 867-7859 mightydogroofing.com
SPORTS TEAMS
Jacksonville Jaguars (904) 633-3348 Jaguars.com
TITLE COMPANY
Atlantic Coast Title & Escrow (904) 853-5591 atlanticcoasttitleandescrow.com
Cherry Title LLC
Angelique “Chrissy” Kirsch (904) 300-3414 cherrytitle.us
Landmark Title (904) 367-2525
LandmarkTitle.com
Milestone Title Services (904) 716-7285 milestonetitlesvcs.com
Omega National Title Agency, LLC (904) 456-0858 Omeganationaltitle.com
Summit Title of North Florida
JC Palacios (904) 800-3704
Woods, Weidenmiller, Michetti & Rudnick, LLP
Josh Rudnick (239) 325-4070
WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Whitacre Wealth Management (410) 961-6548
WhitacreWealth Management.com
Why Brokers are Better
Meet The Team
and Brian
Chris Csotty
Jess Wellar Writer Nick Ingrisani Writer
Scott Golmic Photographer Lily Woolsey Photographer
Hope’s Closet
Our Jax Real Producers crew helped get everything prepped for Hope’s Closet back-to-school sale— tagging, hanging, and organizing clothes, backpacks, and uniforms to hit the floor.
Hope’s Closet Thrift is a retail ministry of The Church of Eleven22 and helps provide affordable and quality goods in a dignified retail setting for all people.
you, Meredith Rowe, for the invitation to do this with you!
had never touched a surfboard, others were seasoned surfers. But no matter what, when someone caught a wave, the whole beach erupted in cheers. That kind of encouragement is powerful.
Stepping Off the Sand & Into the Surf
BY KRISTIN LUNSFORD
I recently tried something completely new… and way out of my comfort zone: Surfing!
I’ve always thought it looked cool (and maybe a little glamorous), but I figured it was one of those things I’d never actually do—especially now. Then a friend mentioned she does a “Mom Surf Camp,” and before I could talk myself out of it, I blurted out, “I’m in!” It still took me a while to sign up, but eventually, I did it.
Trying something new is scary, but also incredibly empowering.
And while I didn’t exactly leave camp as a professional surfer… or even a solid amateur, I walked away with a few lessons that will stick with me far longer than my balance on a board.
1. The Buddy System. I never would’ve signed up if my friend wasn’t doing it too. We’re meant to live in community—with people who push us, encourage us, and make scary things a little less scary.
2. Cheer for others. Every day during surf camp, about 25 moms hit the beach together. Some
3. Don’t compare.
At first, I kept asking people if they’d surfed before, just so I could “measure” how I was doing. I quickly realized the only person I needed to compete with was me. I set small goals for each day and celebrated when I reached them, no matter what anyone else was doing.
4. Accept help.
There were instructors in the water who would give you a push to help you catch the wave. I resisted for the first few days, determined to do it on my own. On day four, I finally took the push, and wow, it made all the difference. Success with a little help is still success.
5. Your mindset matters. When I told myself, “I’m not a surfer” or “I’ll never stand up,” guess what? I didn’t. But when I changed my thoughts, my energy shifted too. Confidence and determination follow your thinking.
I may not have mastered the waves, but I left with sandy hair, sore muscles, and a fresh reminder: life’s better when we’re willing to try, cheer for each other, accept help, and believe we can.
Thank
Jessica Jessica
WAUGAMAN
VICKY’S HELPING HANDS: PREMIUM HOME WATCH & CONCIERGE FOR DISCERNING HOMEOWNERS
BY NICK INGRISANI
“I hear from so many people that they didn’t know a company like ours existed. So that’s my goal this year: to raise awareness about what we’re doing and that we’re here to help in any way we can.”
Born and raised in Stuart, Florida, Jessica Waugaman spent most of her early life enjoying all Florida coastal living has to offer. With a father who worked as a contractor, Jessica grew up surrounded by different homes and renovation projects—an early influence that deepened her appreciation for the value of homeownership.
In her early twenties, she found herself working for a topproducing real estate agent while attending Indian River State College. What began as a job quickly turned into a career path, and she soon earned her real estate license. For the next ten years, Jessica immersed herself in the day-to-day workings of the industry—learning contracts, negotiations, and how to anticipate client needs.
“I spent 10 years learning the ins and outs of the business. I attribute a lot of that knowledge to why I’m able to work so closely with real estate professionals in what I’m doing now.”
After relocating to Jacksonville with her husband Kevin— who is a real estate sales and leadership coach—Jessica transitioned into non-profit work, leveraging her skills in project management, event planning, and fundraising to support causes close to her heart. She worked with hospitals and organizations that supported people with intellectual and behavioral disabilities. Even as her professional direction shifted, the consistent thread of service runs strong.
“Working in non-profits is where I found my passion for helping people.”
Meanwhile, Jessica and her husband had long-discussed the potential to grow her mother-in-law’s local business, Vicky’s Helping Hands. Four years ago, they decided that Jessica would get involved and help her expand. However, Vicky was unfortunately diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and that was when Jessica decided to put all of her energy into the business.
“She is the most caring person I’ve ever met. Now I’m taking a lot of her loving and caring ideas, and using my real estate background and project management skills to help people complete their projects and make sure their home is taken care of when they’re not
around. We take the stress away from our clients on many aspects of running a household, whether primary, secondary, or short-term rental. And, when I say we care like it’s our own home, well, that’s why so many of our clients are referred to us by Realtors®.”
Today, Jessica leads the business with care and vision. Vicky’s Helping Hands provides home watch and short-term project management services for homeowners, particularly those who are away for extended periods, juggling multiple properties, or simply need a trusted extra set of hands. From checking on packages and coordinating contractors to managing Airbnb turnovers and keeping a property show-ready, Jessica and her team are there when their clients can’t be. Plus, as a homeowner herself, she brings a personal understanding of the care and responsibility that goes into maintaining a property.
What sets the business apart is its seamless integration with the real estate industry. Many of Jessica’s referrals come directly
from Realtors®, who trust her to care for their clients’ homes post-sale. That might mean watching a property between closing and move-in, managing vendors, or preparing a house for relisting after a client relocates. Jessica positions her team as an extension of the Realtor®’s service—enhancing, not replacing, the value agents bring to their clients.
“A lot of Realtors® will offer to check on their client’s home, see if a package arrived, flush toilets, etc. What’s great about what we do is that they can refer us to do all those things, and they can focus more on the relationship with their client and their real estate business. So they can still be that trusted source of information along the way while we take care of the details.”
The business has grown steadily over the past four years, with a trusted network of six independent contractors who take on jobs based on each project’s needs. Jessica still personally meets with clients and manages all communication, giving every interaction a high-touch, personal feel.
I SPENT 10 YEARS LEARNING THE INS & OUTS OF THE BUSINESS.”
While the company doesn’t manage long-term rentals or handle real estate transactions, Jessica is proud to offer something many people don’t even know exists: accredited home watch services through the National Home Watch Association. That distinction means adhering to strict standards, ethics, and training—ensuring clients receive more than a casual favor from a neighbor. It’s a professional service with integrity at its core.
In the near future, Jessica hopes to continue raising awareness about what Vicky’s Helping Hands provides. Many homeowners, snowbirds, and military families aren’t aware that a service like hers exists—one that bridges the gap between homeownership and property management, without taking over listing responsibilities or rental income.
Above all, Jessica’s passion for helping others runs deep. From fundraising for a child’s cancer treatment at 16 to running multi-faceted nonprofit programs, and now managing one of people’s most valuable assets—their homes—she’s remained committed to easing burdens for her community and showing up with heart.
Outside of her business, Jessica enjoys life with her husband and their two children, ages 8 and 3. Whether it’s a family trip, cooking at home, or creating art with her kids, she treasures time spent together. One day, she hopes to return to painting— an old hobby she set aside to focus on building her business and raising her young family.
With a strong team, a supportive husband, and a mission rooted in care, Jessica is building something that honors the past and prepares for the future. In every sense, Vicky’s Helping Hands is more than a business—it’s a legacy of love and reliability for people and the homes they cherish.
and A Career Rooted in Service, Strength, Self-Belief
Cara Ferreira grew up in the small tri-state town of Matamoras, Pennsylvania. After earning a degree in history with minors in legal studies and elementary education from Brandeis University, Cara launched her career in the classroom. She taught first grade for seven years and even earned her master’s in education, believing she’d remain in teaching for life.
“Once I started having children, it was really hard to go to work every day and leave them at home.”
Cara moved to Georgia for a teaching job right out of college, where she met her then-husband. After seven years of teaching first grade, Cara decided to step away from work to raise her two young children. Her thenhusband’s job moved them to North Carolina and finally Florida. Staying home with her children turned out to be the most rewarding chapter of Cara’s life. However, she faced a dilemma when it was time for her to go back to work. Returning to teaching wasn’t financially viable once daycare costs were factored in. She also wasn’t sure if she had the same passion she once had for the job. Cara needed a new path.
During this time, a spark ignited—fueled by watching countless hours of House Hunters with her babies in tow. She pursued both a Florida teaching certificate
and real estate school, but quickly knew which path lit her up.
“I had a great instructor in real estate school who made the most boring material seem interesting. After that first day-long class I knew this is what I wanted to do.” After earning her license in 2016, she took her time selecting a brokerage. From her background in education, Cara understood that training and mentorship would be vital to her success. She ultimately joined Keller Williams Jacksonville, impressed by its Ignite program, coaching support, and comprehensive contract and compliance training.
Her first listing came by the end of that monthlong training. By the end of her first year, she had closed 14 homes and was named Rookie of the Year. In her second year, she skyrocketed to 43 homes sold. Since then, she’s consistently closed between 33 and 43 homes annually, with her volume typically ranging between $20–$30 million, and has been named top Individual Producing agent multiple times.
Cara attributes her early success to her willingness to follow the training, do the work, and put herself out there. A natural extrovert and community builder, Cara had already spent her first years in Florida connecting with moms’ groups and building
local friendships. That personal network became the foundation for her budding business. “Whatever they told us to do in the training, I did, and I trusted that it would inevitably work. Also, you have to be able to promote yourself and brag about your achievements in real estate. Not everyone is comfortable doing that.”
Although she has an assistant, Cara prefers to remain a solo agent and provide hands-on attention to every client. Her concierge-style model is particularly valued by clients managing a sale from out of town or going through challenging life transitions.
“I care about people. We have a lot of sellers who don’t live in their homes anymore—or have even relocated out of the state or country. We line up everything for them: stagers, cleaners, remote closing, checking in on the house for them… we’ve been doing that a lot in the last year, offering that extra service for people.”
For Cara, real estate is about far more than transactions. It’s about walking alongside people in the biggest and most emotional moments of their lives—whether it’s welcoming a new baby, moving closer to grandkids, or navigating the heartbreak of a divorce or death.
“I worked on a deal for a man who lost his wife fairly young to cancer. He was stressed out and wanted to move to be with family. I told him to give me the keys, and we’ll handle everything… and we did. It made me realize that when we’re selling people’s homes, we get to be part of the best and worst moments of their lives. I love helping to make people’s lives easier.”
The past few years have tested Cara’s strength in ways she never anticipated. Shortly before the pandemic, she and her exhusband separated. What followed was a grueling divorce, months of virtual homeschooling, and running her business as a newly single mom. Yet, not only did she keep the business afloat—she thrived.
“That’s something I look back on and I’m really proud of. I was homeschooling two
kids, running a business, and going through a divorce at the same time, learning to do everything by myself. And we survived. There’s a happy ending, too: I recently got remarried.”
Following the COVID period, Cara moved to Engel & Völkers First Coast to step up her marketing efforts and the level of service she can offer her clients. All the while, she continues to build a business that works in harmony with her family
life. She’s at the bus stop in the morning, makes time for her kids’ appointments, and sponsors her daughter’s all-girls flag football league, even stepping in to help coach alongside her husband, CJ.
“It’s really a blessing to be able to support them through this business.”
When she’s not working, Cara fosters dogs through Lab Rescue—nearly 20 pups have come through her home since 2020—and she loves to travel, especially on
cruises. As for the future? She’s deeply content with the business and lifestyle she’s created for herself.
In September 2024, Cara happily married her current husband, CJ, who is very supportive of her business, kids, and family.
“I’m living a happy life. I want to succeed every year, but I don’t set my goals to where my whole life would be miserable. I think you need balance. Ultimately, I just want to offer great service to people.”
“Ultimately, I just want to offer great to people.” service
Cara & her husband, CJ
Cara, her husband, CJ, and her two kids: Abby and Adam.
BILLY
DEZIUS
“Hard work is hard to come by,” Billy Dezius begins. “I take pride in providing great service and ensuring my clients feel the care and love I put into my business as their REALTOR®.”
That realization is something Billy has carried with him from his Delray Beach roots to becoming one of Jacksonville’s most promising fledgling talents in the real estate industry.
Since launching his career in early 2021, Billy has quietly and steadily carved out a reputation as one of the area’s most driven yet easygoing real estate agents.
At Keller Williams Realty, Billy closed 17 transactions with over $7.3 million
in sales volume last year, earning him a coveted Top 5 Single Agent ranking among 200 agents in his St. Augustine office for the second year in a row.
Right Place, Right Time
Billy’s road to real estate began with an encouraging discussion at his previous employer. While working as a top sales agent at Xfinity, Billy happened to strike up a conversation with a customer named Richard Carpentieri, a successful REALTOR® and KW office owner. Richard didn’t just thank Billy for his great service — he also planted a seed.
“Richard told me I was really good at actively listening and providing an
In addition to Rookie of the Year, Billy later earned Most Improved Agent before placing in the Top 5 for production the past two years. But if you ask him what he’s proudest of, he’ll tell you it’s something else entirely.
“I define success by making a positive impact in other people’s lives,” he emphasizes. “That’s what motivates me as well, the support from my loved ones, and the life I would like to create for my future family.”
Polished And Patient
Ask anyone who’s worked with Billy and the word “professional” comes up quickly — but so does “unflappable.” In an industry where emotions and stress often run high, Billy’s steady demeanor stands out.
“I’ve been complimented often by clients and other agents on how seamless my transactions are,” he says. “I think that’s because I’m a strong communicator, and I solve problems quickly and calmly.”
and his faith plays a big role in how he shows up in both business and life.
“Regeneration has supported me in my career spiritually and even through referrals,” he notes. “Faith helps me
HARD WORK IS HARD TO COME BY.”
amazing customer experience,” Billy remembers. “He also suggested, ‘You should think about real estate.’ That really stuck with me.”
It stuck so well, in fact, that Billy signed up for the 64-hour licensing course the very next weekend. After passing the state exam in early 2021, he left Xfinity and joined Keller Williams full-time and ready to hustle.
From the start though, Billy leaned on the guidance of two key mentors: Russell Nicholson, his first team lead, and Tyree Tobler, a fellow agent who helped him identify opportunities early on in his new career.
That was evident in one recent deal, where a deadlock between the buyer’s agent and the seller threatened to sink the transaction: “Neither side could figure out a solution. I proposed a seller lease-back and offered a credit to the buyer. It worked to get us over the hump, and we closed. Everyone was happy and that felt great,” Billy smiles. “Sometimes what feels like a big issue really just needs a creative workaround.”
But it hasn’t all come easy. Like many young Realtors, Billy has faced his share of skepticism.
“I’ve heard a lot of ‘no’s,’ and I’ve been judged based on my age or appearance,” he admits. “So I have focused on three things — educating my clients, advocating for them, and building trust. Over time, that shifted everything.”
Grounded By Faith
Outside the office, Billy is just as intentional about how he spends his time. He’s a regular at Regeneration Church of God and Impact Church,
Billy is grateful for his family!
stay balanced and grounded as well, and I think clients pick up on that.”
When he’s off the clock, Billy is making time for the people (and pup) he loves. He and his girlfriend, Destini’ enjoy traveling and just returned from a trip to Colombia. A visit to the Bahamas is next on the vacation calendar. They’re also big on discovering new restaurants together — recently raving after dining at Gemma in Jacksonville, a local spot quickly making a name for itself with its standout seafood and steaks.
Rounding out the family is Bentley, their adorable mini poodle. Billy enjoys keeping his energy levels up at the gym, on the basketball court, and walking Bentley.
As for what’s next? Billy has his sights set high.
“I’d like to build a boutique real estate team, get my broker’s license in the next year, and eventually move into the new construction and development space,” he concludes. “I want to work with people who share my drive but who also know how to stay relaxed.”
Billy and his girlfriend enjoy traveling around to different cities.
Where did you grow up, and what were your favorite activities as a kid?
Paul Wagner
Milestone Title Service.LLC
I grew up in Huber Heights Ohio, a small suburb of Dayton. I loved playing sports and when just around the house, I loved playing Pickle and Kick The Can.
Michele Daly Keller Williams Atlantic Partners
Luxury International Specialist Waterford, Michigan.
Swimming, water skiing and boating in Michigan’s beautiful lakes.
Kristan Malin
Ponte Vedra Real Estate
Ft. Madison, Iowa
Playing sports: cross-country, basketball and track and field. Being a lifeguard at the public pool.
NORTHEAST FLORIDA’S
Kashira Francis, M.Ed.
Florida Homes Realty & Mortgage
I grew up in Orlando Florida. My favorite activity as a kid was bike riding, playing with barbie, and playing outside with friends.
Kingsley Group of Jax
United Real Estate Gallery
I grew up in a military family, so we moved around quite a bit across the U.S. I was born in Florida and then lived in Texas, Hawaii, Illinois, back to Florida, then North Carolina, Virginia and finally landed back in Florida in 2001, where I’ve
Joy Doyle Hover Girl Properties
This one’s easy: Park City, Utah Working the Alpine Slide in the summer months and skiing every day with the US Ski team that went to our high school on Park City Mountain.
Some of my favorite childhood memories/activities come from our time living in Hawaii. Every weekend, our family would go camping on the beach and those weekends were pure magic. I remember playing in the warm rain, building sandcastles, swimming around coral reefs, and feeding fish frozen peas right out of my hand. Evenings were filled with campfires, hula dancing, and time spent with family and friends. It was a
Coastal Haven Group
I grew up in Fort Lauderdale, and one of my favorite activities was fishing.
Danny Fontaine Momentum Realty
I grew up in Rhode Island—The Ocean State—where weekends meant camping trips, boat rides, fishing lines, and diving adventures. It was the perfect playground for a kid who loved the outdoors.
Delaney Henderson
I grew up in Santa Barbara, California and I miss it very much, but as beautiful as it was... it doesn’t even compare to living in Florida. I loved playing softball and had many dogs growing up so we often times would take our pups to the dog parks growing up for fun. Those days are truly some of my favorite childhood memories
Veronica Barba
Era Real Estate
I grew up in Buteni, Republic of Moldova, at that time being part of the Soviet Union. I enjoyed helping my parents around the house but cooking was my favorite activity. I still remember my first homemade soup and dessert when I was just 9 years old.
From the Desk of the President:
Tackling the Cost of Homeownership while Transforming the Insurance Market in Florida
BY TIM WEISHEYER, 2025 PRESIDENT OF FLORIDA REALTORS®
Like most things in life, the cost of homeownership has continued to rise due to many factors, including inflation, taxes and insurance, to name a few. Florida REALTORS® is known for taking the lead on important issues, and transforming the trajectory of the insurance market in Florida was no exception.
Working closely with the state legislature and regulators, the association advocated for major legislative reforms in 2022 and 2023—including limits on one-way attorney fees, curbs on Assignment of Benefits abuse, and stricter claims procedures. These reforms significantly reduced litigation-related costs and discouraged fraudulent claims, helping stabilize the system. Experts like Florida REALTORS®’ Vice President of Public Policy Trey Goldman agree stating, “These reforms are game changers for insurers and reinsurers, we knew the solution would take time, however we see improvements each quarter and know these reforms were paramount.”
Even though the cost of insurance premiums remain a concern for buyers, property owners and REALTORS® alike, Florida REALTORS® tracks and reports on significant improvements to the market. According to The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation in 2024, Florida saw an average homeowners insurance rate increase of just 1%, the lowest in the United States, with some companies filing for rate decreases or zero percent increases. In the fourth quarter of 2024, premiums actually fell by 0.7%, the first decline since 2016. Additionally, insurance reforms and this new regulatory clarity have encouraged new insurers to enter the Florida market creating an even more competitive, open marketplace and providing additional options for consumers. We attracted eight new insurance companies in 2024, growing to 14 new domestic companies by mid-2025. All moves in the right direction…
The reforms we helped champion and testified on before the legislature stopped a possible catastrophic collapse of the
Florida insurance market. And, while real estate and other industry stakeholders understood it would take time for the changes to be felt by consumers, we also knew there were other solutions we could bring to the table to continually improve the overall insurance market and homeownership journey for all Floridians.
This advocacy led to the creation of programs like My Safe Florida Home, which provides grants to harden homes (impact windows, roof upgrades, storm shutters). This proactive approach to mitigate damage, costs, claims, and ultimately recovery efforts further strengthens the future of Florida homeowners and the insurance market. In fact, studies show that for every dollar spent on mitigation it saves six dollars on recovery. Understanding the success of this program, in 2025, we advocated for additional funding and the legislature once again lead the way by allocating another $280 million in funding for the program in 2025–26, allowing tens of thousands of homeowners to improve safety and possibly qualify for insurance discounts.
This risk reduction not only lowers premiums but also makes Florida properties more resilient—benefiting homeowners and insurers alike.
As always, our work continues and we stand ready to serve as a resource for you, your business and your success, To obtain more information on how to access these programs, engage in REALTOR® advocacy and monitor the ongoing positive developments in the insurance market scan the QR code below.
