You’re known as “the connector” — what’s your secret to building strong relationships?

I treat everyone the same, until they give me a reason otherwise.  I listen to people’s needs and when I know someone who can help fill that need; I simply connect them.  I genuinely enjoy helping others and finding missing pieces when possible.  I am real and genuine…what you see is what you get…I don’t pretend to be something that I am not.

How do you think your time away gave you a new perspective on the agency world?

In the time that I was away from the agency, I strengthened my networking skills and ability to communicate with others.  One specific example is developing deeper relationships with people that I meet at networking events.  It is great to show up, shake hands and pass out cards…..but then what??? I enjoy having coffee chats with people on an individual basis to learn more about who they are both personally and professionally.

What’s your go-to local spot for coffee, happy hour, or lunch meetings?

HAHAHA, I try to support local as often as possible and honestly prefer coffee chats.  A few of my favorites (in alphabetical order so as to not show favoritism) are: Bitty & Beau’s, Brass Tacks, Foxtail, Jacksonville Coffee Company, Mechanism, Southern Grounds, and in St. Johns County, Kookaburra.

We’ve heard you’ve got two awesome boys — what do they keep you busy with these days?

Other than speed up the growth of my grey hairs??? Logman has his driver’s license, including motorcycle-YIKES!!, and was racing go carts in Callahan.  He’s also very involved in scouts: regular, Sea Scouts, and OA.  Wayman started playing baseball last year and recently started playing catcher.  Anyone who truly knows how competitive I am will not be surprised to hear that I have strained my voice at a few of his games cheering him on to run (he is fast) and “get him Way” referring to tagging out the runner at home plate.  

What’s one thing people are always surprised to learn about you?

On a professional level, my ability and willingness to connect people altruistically.  Once I am more comfortable with an individual, I will share the goofy side of my personality, Iike singing acapella in networking meetings with songs I have parodied on my own or with a little help from ChatGPT.