Preferred Partners
This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted real estate affiliate. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring your magazine. These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting the REALTOR® community!
DIGITAL MARKETING
AD Marketing (904) 718-4439 admarkjax.com
FENCING
Southern Shores Fence & Rail (904) 487-0991 southernshoresfenceandrail.com
GENERAL CONSTRUCTION
Cronos Construction (904) 329-6364 cronosconstruction.com
HANDYMAN SERVICES
Fix-it Flamingo (904) 474-1768 fixitflamingo.com
HOME BUILDER
Century Communities (904) 618-3220 centurycommunities.com
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Design Works (941) 355-2703 www.floridadesignworks.com
HOME PREPARATION SERVICES
HOMEstretch - St. Augustine (952) 393-6392 www.home-stretch.com/ locations/fl/staugustine/
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
Brightway Insurance ~ Ponte Vedra Beach (904) 280-4102 BrightwayPVB.com
Kilpatrick Agency Inc: Goosehead Insurance (904) 420-7711
goosehead.com/agents/ carol-kilpatrick/
The Browning 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
DAM Good Mortgage Team by Edge Home Finance
Kim Beddard (904) 238-1685
Ali Schmitt (904) 861-5571 DAMGoodMortgageTeam.com
First Coast Mortgage (703) 627-1775 FirstCoastMortgageFunding.com
Future Home Loans (844) 202-8124 Future.Loans
Movement Mortgage (404) 751-8463 tylertatum.com
Regions Bank - MacDonald Mortgage Team
Ian MacDonald (904) 998-4961 regions.com/mlo/ianmacdonald
MOVING COMPANY
Ravan Moving (904) 829-6320
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
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
Make sure your clients have the appliance coverage they need, before things around the house get scary.
TRISH SPIVEY
Senior Sales Executive 904-716-0819 trish.spivey@fnf com
Meet The Team
Owned and operated by real estate lawyers that have a combined 100 years of experience, Sentinel Title & Trust o ers property owners, prospective buyers, and real estate professionals the services of a traditional title company with the added benefit of having knowledgable real estate lawyers on their side.
Vedra
Kristin and Brian Lunsford
Chris Csotty Account Executive
Jess Wellar Writer Nick Ingrisani Writer
Scott Golmic Photographer Lily Woolsey Photographer
You Can Have it All…
Just Not at the Same Time
BY KRISTIN LUNSFORD
Growing up, I used to believe the saying: “You can have it all.” But over the years, I’ve realized that’s not exactly true, or at least not true all at once. We live in a world where we’re constantly pulled in a thousand different directions. Every “yes” to something is also a “no” to something else. Yes, you can
chase that promotion, but it might mean sacrificing time with your family or skipping the gym. You gain one thing, but something else gives way. That’s not failure— that’s reality.
Life comes in seasons. There may be a season where your work takes center stage, with clear communication and understanding from your loved ones. And then another season where you intentionally shift your focus back to your health, your marriage, or your kids.
I used to pride myself on being the ultimate multitasker—answering emails, helping with homework, and cooking dinner all at once. But if I’m honest, none of those things were done as well as I wanted. Trying to “have it all” left me stretched too thin.
What’s helped me most is setting boundaries, being intentional with my schedule, and releasing the pressure to do it all in this moment. I know my priorities will shift again in a few years as my kids get ready to leave home. That season will bring space for new goals, and maybe even the chance to perfect my cooking skills.
The key is not to chase everything all the time, but to pause and ask: What season am I in? What truly matters right now? When we give ourselves permission to focus on the priorities of this season, we don’t just survive—we thrive.
Whitacre, CLU, ChFC
Brian, Abby (11), Kristin and Jake (12) in St. John, USVI this summer.
Home warranties generally cover systems, such as heating, air conditioning, and plumbing, and appliances, including dishwashers, ovens, clothes washers and dryers, and refrigerators – with upgrade options available.*
In contrast, homeowners insurance does not cover mechanical failures, so a home warranty can help bridge that gap in protection.
With Sierrah’s guidance and expertise, real estate agents can help their clients decide which warranty coverage is right for them.
Why Coverage and Customer Service Matter
When speaking with agents, Sierrah highlights the exceptional heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) coverage offered by First American, which is among the best in the industry.
“We have one of the most comprehensive coverages, so homeowners can be confident that their HVAC systems will be repaired or replaced when covered items fail.”
She also underscores her commitment to customer service. “I make sure all of my clients have my contact information, so they can pass it along to their customers, knowing I’ll take care of them,” Sierrah says.
“It’s so important that customers know they have a support system working with them at First American; not every company has that.”
Sierrah is transparent with agents and clients about what warranties cover. “I make a point to educate customers about what they can expect,’” she explains.
“Misunderstandings can happen when a customer’s expectations aren’t aligned with what a warranty covers, so I try to bring that clarity up front.”
In addition to budget protection, home warranties offer homeowners and agents peace of mind during and after a real estate transaction, which Sierrah stresses to agents.
“A home warranty can save your clients a lot of money in the long run,” Sierrah tells agents.
“When a home buyer has just invested in what is likely the largest purchase of their life and something breaks after closing, it can be difficult to come up with the money to replace it. A home warranty can provide some relief and help protect a homeowner’s budget.”
The Love of Family and Butterflies
While Sierrah loves her work and colleagues, it’s her family that really sustains her. She married her husband in 2021, each bringing a child to the family, and together they have a toddler.
“As a family, we spend as much time together as possible, at the beach, enjoying sports and supporting school activities,” she beams.
Having her own mother close has been a blessing, allowing Sierrah and her husband to build their careers. “I am so grateful. She’s our biggest supporter, and always there for our kids. I couldn’t do it without her help,” she says.
Sierrah has continued a tradition her mother and grandmother started when they lived in Michigan – raising monarch butterflies.
“We’d take walks and see milkweed and look for eggs,” she explains. “We’d take them back to our house and raise them. I have so many great memories with my mom and sisters, so I wanted to create a similar experience for my kids.”
She and her kids start with milkweed and nurse monarchs through their entire life cycle from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly.
The Kindness You Can Trust As she looks to the future, Sierrah remains focused on personal and professional growth, knowing that the bonds she builds today are the foundation for long-term success.
I’m still learning. We all work together to make the transaction better for clients.”
“I’m still learning. We all work together to make the transaction better for clients,” she says. “I try to lead with kindness. You never know what someone may be going through.”
As a representative of First American Home Warranty, Sierrah’s kindness shines through when she’s helping real estate agents provide their clients with a vital layer of protection during the buying process and afterward.
“I work hard to earn their trust, so they know I will do what I say I’m going to,” she says. “And I will be a resource for them well after a transaction closes.”
*Home warranty coverage varies by location, plan, and selected options.
Sierrah and her mom
Sierrah and her family
ARO Wissam
Wissam Aro’s path to real estate started thousands of miles away in the city of Homs, Syria.
Growing up surrounded by family but longing for new possibilities, she moved to the United States in her twenties, drawn by the promise of opportunity and the Florida sun. She landed in Jacksonville in 2004, determined to build a life of her own.
Before real estate entered the picture, Wissam earned a doctorate in psychology overseas and had her credentials evaluated at Florida State University. Though she never formally practiced psychology, her passion for helping others remained a guiding force.
That same drive led her to real estate in 2013—almost by accident. A neighbor’s home search drew her in, and after tagging along to a few showings, she found herself captivated by the process. When someone challenged her to get her license in two weeks, she accepted— and succeeded.
her passion—began to grow. A naturally social person, Wissam built her business on relationships, where clients often became friends and friends became loyal advocates.
Now, more than a decade into her career, she operates as a solo agent at Eagles World Realty, backed by a dedicated brokerage and experienced support staff. While she values the strong team behind her, she remains hands-on with every transaction, personally reviewing details and guiding clients through each step of the process.
Wissam describes her mission simply: to help people realize their dreams. Her email address even reflects that philosophy. She goes above and beyond for her clients— attending inspections and walkthroughs, narrowing down showings to homes that match their lifestyle and budget, and offering honest guidance every step of the way.
Making Dreams Come True Through Dedication &
BY NICK INGRISANI
Growth
Wissam dove into real estate full-time right from the beginning. Those early days were a whirlwind of learning, with support from her first broker and a personal hunger to grow. Each new deal, each new lesson, only deepened her interest.
“I love it. Whenever I have a new closing or learn something new, I feel I need more of that in my life. This is how I grow.”
Initially, she thought she might only help a few friends. But soon, those friends referred others, and before long, her client list—and
“I like making dreams come true and helping people for the smiles in the end. You are a part of their journey, and you are remembered for something good.”
For her, real estate is about more than closing deals. It’s about understanding each client’s story and stepping into their shoes. She works seven days a week, always answering calls and texts, always present. Her dedication and responsiveness are what set her apart.
Behind the scenes, Wissam also balances life as a single mom to two boys and a beloved dog. Her youngest is on the autism spectrum, which adds a layer of complexity—and
strength—to her everyday life. She juggles doctor’s appointments, school schedules, and client demands with a calm resolve.
“My youngest child is on the autism spectrum. So I’m always balancing life between my boys and my clients. Somehow, I’m a superwoman! I love a challenge and that feeling of being a successful agent, and a successful mom.”
Wissam finds joy in the simple things: reading, cooking, and making others happy. Her definition of success isn’t based on awards or rankings—it’s measured in smiles, milestones, and the knowledge that she’s made a difference in someone’s life. “Success to me is happiness. It’s making everybody I meet happy.”
Looking ahead, she has no plans to slow down. She wants to keep growing her business, helping more people, and spreading joy wherever she can. Her work ethic, empathy, and deep commitment to her clients continue to fuel her journey—and inspire those around her.
In every showing, every phone call, and every closing, Wissam brings her whole self. It’s not just a career—it’s a calling. And for the clients lucky enough to work with her, it’s clear: she’s not just helping people buy homes. She’s changing lives.
You are a part of their journey, and you are remembered for something good.”
Wissam and her boys.
Wissam and her extended family.
Megan Kizer
REAL ESTATE DNA
BY JESS WELLAR • PHOTOS BY THE REAL ESTATEOGRAPHERS
Better Homes and Gardens Lifestyles Realty has a rising star who’d rather let her clients do the talking than chase likes. Calm in a crisis, clinical in the details, and laser-focused on people over hype, Megan Kizer also happens to have chosen real estate for the most personal reason. “I have always had a yearning to be a part of a family business and my parents were involved in real estate,” Megan explains. “I naturally gravitated towards working with my mom and growing our business together.”
A Solid Foundation Megan Kizer has been Florida-rooted for decades, with just enough residual Northeast grit to keep her edge sharp.
“I am a diehard New York Jets fan born in Connecticut,” she explains with a chuckle. “But I was raised mostly in Florida and have been in Jacksonville since the early 2000s.” Her people-first approach was formed in the classroom and refined in the field, as she holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Florida and notes she enjoys “learning something new every day.” Her psychology degree isn’t just a diploma, as it has become a daily tool for Megan in her new career.
“I am a part-time therapist for my customers,” she jokes, “my degree has translated very well! I still use my education all the time to read a room, negotiate contracts, and connect with people easily to build trust while understanding their emotions.”
Before becoming a fulltime REALTOR®, Megan worked in education in the admissions department at a college for two years. But long before licensure, home was basically a job site. “I officially got my feet wet with real estate investing and was flipping homes with my dad in the Historic Springfield area of town for several years,” she elaborates. Then life demanded a pivot.
“My dad ended up getting sick and having a heart attack; he retired from the real estate business so he could focus on his health
when I transitioned into a career in education,” she recounts.
When her father stepped back, Megan’s mother stepped up while the family business surged. “My mom became extremely successful but busy, since my dad was sick and needed full-time care,” Megan continues.
“She convinced me to come and work for her to assist her with her multimillion dollar business.”
Momentum from Day One
After her mom’s business exploded, Megan made it
official, obtaining her license in April 2023 and hit the ground sprinting, building her own pipeline while helping her mother manage her business, soaking up as much knowledge as possible.
Results followed quickly: Megan closed over $6 million on 21 transactions last year, and the awards arrived, too. She snagged the Better Homes and Gardens Gold Award for production in 2024.
But underneath the metrics, her definition of winning stays grounded: “I
define success as having a comfortable life and being able to affect positive change in the world,” Megan shares.
No Hashtags
Megan’s business is intentionally old-school where it counts. She may be off social media, but she’s on when it comes to customer service. Some may find that fact surprising, given her youthfulness. But instead, Megan leans into relationships and being her authentic self.
“Colleagues and other agents tell me all the time that they admire how I make my relationships with clients so natural and comfortable,” she elaborates.
Megan’s extremely easygoing approach is no accident either — it’s modeled after her own experience as a new homeowner: “My mom helped me with my first home purchase and I still remember she made it so seamless,” Megan remembers. “That really inspired me with how I run my business to this day.”
The result is an appreciative sphere in the best way, as Megan’s business is 100%-referral based, an impressive feat in less than three years in the business. Another key differentiator is Megan’s emphasis on always putting her clients’ best interests ahead of her own throughout the entire process and beyond. And she still brings an investor’s eye to every conversation as she continues to build her own portfolio.
Beyond Closings
When the days run long, Megan anchors to her ‘why’ while keeping perspective front and center after life’s various curveballs: “You can’t buy back time, it’s just not how it works,” she points out. “My family and my life partner, Mila, keep me motivated.
“Mila is also my rock, always there to keep me grounded and be my cheerleader for anything I do in life,” she smiles. Homelife for Megan is happily chaotic and furfilled, as the couple have four dogs that they share — Boots, Poochies, Butters and Espresso – two ShitzuYorkies, a chihuahua and a poodle mix.
When she steps away from work, Megan loves to spend her time traveling with her partner and exploring new places, hanging out with loved ones, and playing video games. She’s also a big fan of volunteering her time for worthy causes such as Landmark Title Foundation, Rethreaded and Feeding Northeast Florida.
“I really love working with people to educate them on the path to homeownership.”
“Ten years from now, I am looking to be a consistent producer, keep growing my personal real estate portfolio to generate a salary that affords my life and enjoy time away with family and my partner traveling,” she shares.
She’s open to scaling organically someday when the moment’s right, too.
“I could definitely see myself forming a team down the line with a group of like-
Looking ahead, Megan’s busy mapping the next decade with intention while keeping her priorities front and center.
minded individuals to help me,” Megan affirms. “When my mom decides to retire someday, she has a large book of business to hand over and I can’t imagine taking that on myself!”
And through it all, one thing will never change — her passion for her work.
“I will always have some toe dipped into real estate because it is the number one investment strategy to build wealth,” Megan concludes. “I really love working with people to educate them on the path to homeownership.”
Tina Priest
Hover Girl Properties
I would be a Navy Pilot with the Blue Angels! It would be so fun spending a day flying in jets and experiencing it from their point of view.
Rafid Mukhtar
United Real Estate Gallery
Luxury Travel Blogger
I’d be a Luxury Travel blogger—jetting off to the world, sipping all kind of drinks and calling it content creation plus making money.
Denise Demico
Florida Homes Realty & Mortgage
Vladimir Putin so that I could END the war & reach out to the world to push for Peace by leading by example. All in a DAY!!
Danielle Wolbert
Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty
If I could be someone else for a day, I’d choose to be Jesus. Not because I could remotely even try to fill His shoes, but because I would love to see the world through His eyes—the way He loves, forgives, and serves without hesitation. Experiencing even one day with His perspective would forever change how I show up for my family, my clients, and everyone I encounter.
Delaney Henderson
Momentum Realty Inc.
If I could be anyone else for a day I would choose Barbara Corcoran, one of the most successful, powerful but very much still down-to-earth female entrepreneurs in real estate. She turned a $1,000 loan into a $66 million real estate empire and has become a trusted voice for entrepreneurs everywhere, including myself. I admire her confidence, sharp gut instincts, and fearless decision-making capabilities. Stepping into her shoes for a day would be an incredible opportunity to see how she approaches business strategy, approach to having tough conversations and highlevel negotiations. In real estate, where relationships and trust are everything, I think that kind of leadership is invaluable.
Alex Dew AD Marketing, LLC
If I could be someone else for a day, I would be Neil Armstrong so I could see Earth from the moon’s perspective.
Jessica Waugaman Vicky’s Helping Hands
If I could be anyone for a day, I’d be the singer P!nk because I love the energy and acrobatics she brings to her performances. Even though I don’t enjoy the spotlight myself, it would be incredible to step into her shoes and experience the thrill of performing just one of her shows.
From the Desk of the President:
Leadership in Real Estate: A Call to Serve, A Commitment to Lead
BY TIM WEISHEYER, 2025 PRESIDENT OF FLORIDA REALTORS®
As President of Florida Realtors®, I am reminded of the profound impact that leadership can have—not just on business outcomes, but on the communities we serve and the professionals we invest in. Leadership in real estate is not about titles or accolades; it’s about service, responsibility, and the unwavering commitment to elevate those around us.
The Essence of Servant Leadership
My journey in creating meaningful impact across multiple verticals has been deeply influenced by the principles of servant leadership. From my parents, I learned that true leadership is about making a positive difference in the lives of others. This philosophy has guided me throughout my career, whether in brokerage, development, or community service. In practice, servant leadership means prioritizing the needs of others—our clients, colleagues, and communities. It involves listening actively, empowering team members, and leading with empathy, knowledge and humility. This approach fosters trust, collaboration, and a culture of mutual respect, all of which are essential for long-term success in our industry.
Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
One of our primary goals for 2025 is to identify and nurture the next generation of real estate leaders. This involves providing mentorship, training, and opportunities for emerging professionals to take on leadership roles within their organizations and communities. By investing in leadership development, we ensure the continued growth and vitality of our industry. For me, it is not just about finding people to elevate, but ensuring they possess the true character, competency, courage and commitment required to lead effectively.
Advocacy: Supporting Small Business and Strengthening
the
Great State of Florida
Leadership means advocating for policies that empower small businesses—the backbone of Florida’s economy—and ensuring our state remains the best place to live, work, and thrive. From fostering a business-friendly environment to protecting property rights and promoting your role as a vital part of every transaction, our leadership is committed to creating opportunities that fuel entrepreneurship and economic growth. Whether it’s working to streamline regulations, improve infrastructure, or address workforce challenges, we must be proactive and informed, championing the interests of our members and ensuring Florida continues to attract and retain talent and investment.
Innovation: Adapting to a Changing Landscape
In today’s rapidly evolving market, effective leadership requires embracing innovation. This means staying abreast of technological advancements, understanding market trends, and adapting our business practices to meet the changing needs of clients and communities. By fostering a culture of innovation, we can enhance our services, improve efficiency, and maintain our competitive edge.
Conclusion: Leading with Purpose
As top-producing professionals in Florida’s real estate market, you are already demonstrating leadership through your success and influence. I encourage you to extend that leadership beyond transactions—to mentor others, advocate for positive change, and serve our communities. Together, we can uphold the values that make our profession a cornerstone of the American Dream.
Let us lead with purpose, integrity, and a commitment to service, ensuring that the future of real estate in Florida remains bright and promising for generations to come.
