EXECUTIVE TEAM
Pete Dalton
Broker / Owner
Peter O. Dalton is the broker/owner of Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty, headquartered in Orange Park, Florida. Dalton entered the real estate industry as a salesman in 1973, closing 106 transactions in his first year. A rising star, he soon entered management and just four years later, he and two partners started Vanguard Realty Inc. as a one-office real estate brokerage in Orange Park, and in 1980, he became and remains the sole stockholder. Vanguard Realty Inc. grew from an independent one-office real estate brokerage into what is now the area’s leading national brand, Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty, featuring ten offices and two service centers.
Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty is the largest Coldwell Banker franchise and the largest national brand in the northeast Florida market, as measured by RIS Media, and has a prominent presence in Central Florida. The company is comprised of 300+ agents and staff, including an in-house marketing team and full-time continuing education center and staff. The company prides itself on the production of its agents with average productivity of approximately $4,000,000 per agent in a market where the average sales price is $300,000.
The company strives daily to meet its vision and mission Statements "to foster excellence in real estate through career enhancement programs and tools for our customers and employees and … to be recognized as the most professional and innovative real estate organization in our market."
In addition to his business interests, Dalton is active with many civic and professional organizations, having chaired numerous committees, including having served as:
The company strives daily to meet its vision and mission Statements "to foster excellence in real estate through career enhancement programs and tools for our customers and employees and … to be recognized as the most professional and innovative real estate organization in our market."
In addition to his business interests, Dalton is active with many civic and professional organizations, having chaired numerous committees, including having served as:
- President, Clay County Chamber of Commerce
- Chairman, Clay County Committee of 100
- President, Clay County MLS
- President, Clay County Association of REALTORS
- Board of Directors, Northeast Florida Association of REALTORS
- Secretary, Northeast Florida Association of REALTORS
- Board of Directors, Florida Association of REALTORS
Mona Gardella
Chief Operating Officer
In a sense, Mona Gardella has been in real estate for most of her life. She has resided in a total of eight states ranging from Michigan to Hawaii
and has lived in a total of seven homes in the Jacksonville area alone. Being a wife to a (now
retired) career Naval Officer, she has experienced first-hand the physical, mental, and emotional strain associated with packing up her loved ones and all of their belongings. Thus, she realizes
the inherent value of a great real estate professional.
She entered the real estate industry as a second career to elementary education during a time that many agents were leaving it. She was warned that it wasn't a good time to start. In response to this challenge and due to her tremendous work ethic, she sold $3.5 million in real estate her first year and was named "Rookie of the Year." More than a decade later, Gardella still loves the business and excels as a member of the Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty management team, having been promoted to Director of Market Development for Fleming Island and Oakleaf in 2015. In 2018, she also assumed managerial duties at the Avondale office. Success in this industry is contingent on hard work, and she has always prided herself on going the extra mile.
Promoted to Chief Operating Officer of Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty in 2019, Gardella uses her expertise and passion for real estate to mentor new agents in their careers and also help seasoned agents stay relevant and expand upon their previous success. She is proud to be part of a brokerage that makes its agents' success the primary business objective. She truly believes a leader must also be a servant and is honored to serve the agents in her care.
In addition, serving the community means more to Gardella than helping people buy and sell real estate. She loves her community and enjoys spending her extra time giving back to it. She is a past president of CBV Cares, a nonprofit organization founded by CBV agents, the board Vice President of the nonprofit organization, Quigley House, has served on the School Advisory Council for Thunderbolt Elementary and Green Cove Junior High School and the Board of Trustees at Orange Park United Methodist Church. Mona is a proud Rotarian, currently serving as President of her club, and has served on steering committees for Tennis 4 Cancer and Clay County Strides Against Breast Cancer. She also is a 6-year past member and past Chairman of the Clay County Utility Authority Board of Supervisors and is a graduate of Leadership Clay. Each of these roles has allowed Gardella to stay connected with her community and give back to others.
She entered the real estate industry as a second career to elementary education during a time that many agents were leaving it. She was warned that it wasn't a good time to start. In response to this challenge and due to her tremendous work ethic, she sold $3.5 million in real estate her first year and was named "Rookie of the Year." More than a decade later, Gardella still loves the business and excels as a member of the Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty management team, having been promoted to Director of Market Development for Fleming Island and Oakleaf in 2015. In 2018, she also assumed managerial duties at the Avondale office. Success in this industry is contingent on hard work, and she has always prided herself on going the extra mile.
Promoted to Chief Operating Officer of Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty in 2019, Gardella uses her expertise and passion for real estate to mentor new agents in their careers and also help seasoned agents stay relevant and expand upon their previous success. She is proud to be part of a brokerage that makes its agents' success the primary business objective. She truly believes a leader must also be a servant and is honored to serve the agents in her care.
In addition, serving the community means more to Gardella than helping people buy and sell real estate. She loves her community and enjoys spending her extra time giving back to it. She is a past president of CBV Cares, a nonprofit organization founded by CBV agents, the board Vice President of the nonprofit organization, Quigley House, has served on the School Advisory Council for Thunderbolt Elementary and Green Cove Junior High School and the Board of Trustees at Orange Park United Methodist Church. Mona is a proud Rotarian, currently serving as President of her club, and has served on steering committees for Tennis 4 Cancer and Clay County Strides Against Breast Cancer. She also is a 6-year past member and past Chairman of the Clay County Utility Authority Board of Supervisors and is a graduate of Leadership Clay. Each of these roles has allowed Gardella to stay connected with her community and give back to others.
Brenda Taylor
Chief Marketing Officer
Brenda Taylor is the Chief Marketing Officer for Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty. She moved from San Diego to the Jacksonville area in 2002 and joined the CBV team in 2004 when she became the assistant to the VP of Recruitment. Taylor has built a unique marketing platform through CBV Concierge Services, offering exclusive marketing programs for its agents. Some of these programs include utilizing cost-effective distribution options, social media strategies and enhanced online presence to maximize agent market exposure.
Taylor has a strong background in marketing and customer service and leads a team of marketing professionals who manage more than 300 agents' marketing needs throughout the year. Dedicated to improving the career experience for licensed CBV real estate professionals, she has built her Concierge Services team to 16 full-time marketing specialists, including six professional property photographers. Her programs prove themselves by increasing sales for agents and maximize all aspects of the agent experience at CBV. With myriad custom marketing options and campaigns to choose from, each and every CBV agent finds a niche that works best for him/her and their customers.
Taylor has also worked closely with broker/owner Pete Dalton to develop an exclusive group of top Realtors® titled ERN - Elite Represenative Network, which encompasses only the top 10% of the Northeast Florida MLS Agents at CBV. The ERN level of marketing allows these agents to reach even more potential customers through strategic Concierge Services marketing and counsel.
Taylor has a strong background in marketing and customer service and leads a team of marketing professionals who manage more than 300 agents' marketing needs throughout the year. Dedicated to improving the career experience for licensed CBV real estate professionals, she has built her Concierge Services team to 16 full-time marketing specialists, including six professional property photographers. Her programs prove themselves by increasing sales for agents and maximize all aspects of the agent experience at CBV. With myriad custom marketing options and campaigns to choose from, each and every CBV agent finds a niche that works best for him/her and their customers.
Taylor has also worked closely with broker/owner Pete Dalton to develop an exclusive group of top Realtors® titled ERN - Elite Represenative Network, which encompasses only the top 10% of the Northeast Florida MLS Agents at CBV. The ERN level of marketing allows these agents to reach even more potential customers through strategic Concierge Services marketing and counsel.
Amanda Houser
Director of Career Development
Amanda Houser began her relationship with customer service at birth by being raised with strong Southern roots and a belief in hospitality. It was no surprise that she went on to hold a career in the hotel industry, where she received the best customer service training in the industry under Marriott International. Amanda is a self-motivated driver with an entrepreneurial spirit. She is involved in our local community through both business and volunteer work allowing her to become well-networked and provide her customers with an extra level of service. Amanda is intensely sales-minded and goal-oriented, with a consistent record of setting, meeting, and exceeding goals. She holds a Real Estate Instructor license in the state of Florida, is a coach and mentor, and is passionate about teaching the next generation of Agents & Brokers to elevate our industry as a whole.
Lori Frye
Controller
Lori Frye was born in San Diego, California, and moved to Jacksonville in the early 1970s as a daughter of a Navy soldier. She graduated from Terry Parker Senior High and received her bachelor’s degree in 2017 from American Public University. Lori has lived in Jacksonville for most of her adult life.
Her career started at a restaurant doing payroll, helping the auditor, and then doing various accounting roles at an aircraft maintenance facility, residential home building, and a non-profit organization specializing in senior living in Jacksonville. She joined CBV in October 2020 as a Senior Accountant and brought an accounting background of over 20+ years of experience. She learned how to process commissions and escrow for the company agents and implemented a new payroll system for the company.
Lori currently resides in Fleming Island with her husband and three dogs. Since 2016, she has served as Treasurer on the Patriot Service Dogs board. Her love and passion are for military veterans and dogs; she, also, enjoys doing crafty things.
Her career started at a restaurant doing payroll, helping the auditor, and then doing various accounting roles at an aircraft maintenance facility, residential home building, and a non-profit organization specializing in senior living in Jacksonville. She joined CBV in October 2020 as a Senior Accountant and brought an accounting background of over 20+ years of experience. She learned how to process commissions and escrow for the company agents and implemented a new payroll system for the company.
Lori currently resides in Fleming Island with her husband and three dogs. Since 2016, she has served as Treasurer on the Patriot Service Dogs board. Her love and passion are for military veterans and dogs; she, also, enjoys doing crafty things.
Stephanie Bolden
Operations Manager / NEF
Stephanie Bolden was born and raised in Mannheim, Germany. She is a German Citizen and has been a permanent legal resident of the United States for over 13 years. Stephanie is married to a veteran of the United States Army whom she met in her home country of Germany. They have three sons and made Florida their home in 2018.
Stephanie started her career as a high-profile executive assistant for the Director of Foreign Trades IHK (Chamber of Industry of Commerce) of Rhein-Neckar. Early in her married life, Stephanie and her family often moved to support her husband’s civil service career. Stephanie seized each opportunity that each move provided to diversify and cultivate her language and management skills. She’s held positions at the University of Wuerzburg, Germany, as well as for the United States Department of State in Kaiserslautern, Germany, working as a foreign national.
Stephanie’s dedication and determined attitude landed her as the Operations Manager at Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty. She enjoys working with a team of great professionals to support agents in their daily affairs.
Stephanie currently resides in the Jacksonville area, where she enjoys watching her sons play football, walking the beach, and traveling around Florida. Her greatest joy about moving to the Sunshine State was getting away from Germany's cold, snowy weather.
Stephanie started her career as a high-profile executive assistant for the Director of Foreign Trades IHK (Chamber of Industry of Commerce) of Rhein-Neckar. Early in her married life, Stephanie and her family often moved to support her husband’s civil service career. Stephanie seized each opportunity that each move provided to diversify and cultivate her language and management skills. She’s held positions at the University of Wuerzburg, Germany, as well as for the United States Department of State in Kaiserslautern, Germany, working as a foreign national.
Stephanie’s dedication and determined attitude landed her as the Operations Manager at Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty. She enjoys working with a team of great professionals to support agents in their daily affairs.
Stephanie currently resides in the Jacksonville area, where she enjoys watching her sons play football, walking the beach, and traveling around Florida. Her greatest joy about moving to the Sunshine State was getting away from Germany's cold, snowy weather.
Angel Trapp
Operations Manager / Central Florida
COMING SOON
OFFICE MANAGERS
Leslie Johnson
Office Manager, St. Johns
Leslie Johnson comes to the St. Johns office with over 18 Years of residential real estate experience. She prides herself on the real estate accomplishments she has achieved working throughout Northeast Florida—from the acreage of Glen St. Mary, FL to the sparkling northeast coast of the Atlantic Ocean; from the stately manors on 1-N Riverside to the grand revival of Springfield in downtown Jacksonville to the shores of St. Augustine and all in between, no road was left untraveled. During her travels and long car rides she was proud to have forged lasting bonds with customers while assisting families during one of the largest events in their lives.
Moving to the Jacksonville area in 2002 from Fairfield, CT, Leslie brings over 20 years of Business Management and Development, Marketing, Leadership, and Training to the plate. Honing her skills by working for a custom home builder in Naples, Florida at the Audubon Golf and Country Club then becoming Director of Retail and Corporate Sales for a multi-million-dollar mail order company, setting up retail stores throughout the country. Real estate was always intertwined and not far from her mind.
In 2004, Leslie began her real estate career with another Brokerage in NE Florida, then 6 years ago joined Coldwell Banker Vanguard and never looked back. Her sales increased, her knowledge increased, and her passion grew. She is bringing 18 years of real estate experience to share with current and new agents. Leslie is looking forward to continuing to grow the Coldwell Banker Vanguard culture and values in the St. John's office.
Moving to the Jacksonville area in 2002 from Fairfield, CT, Leslie brings over 20 years of Business Management and Development, Marketing, Leadership, and Training to the plate. Honing her skills by working for a custom home builder in Naples, Florida at the Audubon Golf and Country Club then becoming Director of Retail and Corporate Sales for a multi-million-dollar mail order company, setting up retail stores throughout the country. Real estate was always intertwined and not far from her mind.
In 2004, Leslie began her real estate career with another Brokerage in NE Florida, then 6 years ago joined Coldwell Banker Vanguard and never looked back. Her sales increased, her knowledge increased, and her passion grew. She is bringing 18 years of real estate experience to share with current and new agents. Leslie is looking forward to continuing to grow the Coldwell Banker Vanguard culture and values in the St. John's office.
Michele De Liberto
Office Manager, Beaches
Michele De Liberto began her Real Estate career in 1987, and quickly discovered that helping people realize the dream of home ownership was her passion. From first time buyers, to listing and selling luxury homes, and everthing in between. She served as a coach and mentor for new and experienced agents which prepared her for her role as VP and managing broker in multiple Coldwell Banker offices in New Jersey. In her 25+ year career as a listing and selling agent, she has excelled in all types of markets and every market segment.
Now as the Office Manager of the Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty Ponte Vedra - The Beaches office, she shares her effective skill sets with the team. She provides one-on-one coaching sessions to the agents to ensure they are equipped with all the necessary information, support, and tools needed to provide the ultimate customer service experience that leads to developing lifelong clients.
The cornerstone of Coldwell Banker's existence is giving back. She championed that pledge to the community and was humbled to receive the company's Humanitarian of the Year award in 2012.
Florida remains one of the most popular destinations that she is now happy to call home!
Now as the Office Manager of the Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty Ponte Vedra - The Beaches office, she shares her effective skill sets with the team. She provides one-on-one coaching sessions to the agents to ensure they are equipped with all the necessary information, support, and tools needed to provide the ultimate customer service experience that leads to developing lifelong clients.
The cornerstone of Coldwell Banker's existence is giving back. She championed that pledge to the community and was humbled to receive the company's Humanitarian of the Year award in 2012.
Florida remains one of the most popular destinations that she is now happy to call home!
Tina Fader
Office Manager, Mandarin
Tina has been an award-winning REALTOR@ and Real Estate Instructor in the Jacksonville/St. Johns area for over 40 years. Tina’s strong commitment to education and customer service has blessed her with hundreds of faithful and satisfied customers through the years, many of whom are now “friends.” Through this journey, she has come to be highly recommended and respected in the community.
In November 2022, after being with Vanguard Realty for over 19 years, Tina transferred her skillset to the position of Office Sales Manager of the highly lucrative Mandarin office. With her strong passion to teach and coach, this has been a dream come true for her. Her objective is to work diligently to assist agents in meeting their individual Real Estate goals while growing their personal and professional skills.
The Mandarin office is home to an extremely hardworking, dedicated team of agents with extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the diverse Northeast Florida market. Education is high on the agenda, and most weeks, there are at least three workshops to choose from and at least one continuing education credit course each month. This is a friendly office where the agents are glad to assist each other when needed. During lunch on most days of the week, you will find these agents breaking bread together for lunch, enjoying each other’s company, and sharing ideas. We are centrally located in the heart of Mandarin close to the St. John’s River, the charming and historic waterway that defines our area. This is an office whose agents appreciate its roots and is proud to give back to the community through its humanitarian efforts within CBV Cares, our agent generated charity. Tina raised four children in the Mandarin area who still live close by, and is a proud grandmother of six!
When Tina is away from the office, she enjoys spending her leisure time being a “foodie” and loves to cook for her family, as well as her Mandarin office “family”. In addition, she shares her home with two rescue terriers and an African Grey parrot. She enjoys her faith, listening to music, fishing off her backyard dock, and weekend getaways in Hilton Head, SC, and looks forward to her next adventure and what it may bring!
In November 2022, after being with Vanguard Realty for over 19 years, Tina transferred her skillset to the position of Office Sales Manager of the highly lucrative Mandarin office. With her strong passion to teach and coach, this has been a dream come true for her. Her objective is to work diligently to assist agents in meeting their individual Real Estate goals while growing their personal and professional skills.
The Mandarin office is home to an extremely hardworking, dedicated team of agents with extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the diverse Northeast Florida market. Education is high on the agenda, and most weeks, there are at least three workshops to choose from and at least one continuing education credit course each month. This is a friendly office where the agents are glad to assist each other when needed. During lunch on most days of the week, you will find these agents breaking bread together for lunch, enjoying each other’s company, and sharing ideas. We are centrally located in the heart of Mandarin close to the St. John’s River, the charming and historic waterway that defines our area. This is an office whose agents appreciate its roots and is proud to give back to the community through its humanitarian efforts within CBV Cares, our agent generated charity. Tina raised four children in the Mandarin area who still live close by, and is a proud grandmother of six!
When Tina is away from the office, she enjoys spending her leisure time being a “foodie” and loves to cook for her family, as well as her Mandarin office “family”. In addition, she shares her home with two rescue terriers and an African Grey parrot. She enjoys her faith, listening to music, fishing off her backyard dock, and weekend getaways in Hilton Head, SC, and looks forward to her next adventure and what it may bring!
Gary Davis
Career Development Officer, Mandarin
Gary Davis began his professional career in Tallahassee as teacher after graduating with his degree in elementary education from Florida State University. Over the course of the next 12 years, Davis taught grades 3, 4, and 5 and truly loved every minute. Eventually, desiring a change, Davis decided to test the waters of real estate and realized he had found his new calling. He began his new career with Coldwell Banker Vanguard and has never looked back.
Davis was a multi-million-dollar producer his first year in the business and has earned awards for his production each year since. Davis prides himself on putting client relationships above anything else in his business and believes continuing to learn, grow, and better oneself is truly what makes a good agent great. Davis believes strongly in giving back to the community that has helped him build his business and he does so through his community Facebook pages, website, and charitable events organized by him throughout the year. “Just forget you’re a real estate agent and focus on helping people; that’s the most important part of the job” is a favorite quote of Davis’s and one he feels sums up his mission as an agent and community advocate.
In addition to being a full-time agent, Davis is also the Career Development Officer and Director of Agent Education and Training for the Mandarin and St. Johns offices. Getting to help buyers and sellers with their real estate needs, while also teaching and training fellow agents on how to be the best real estate professional they can be, is truly a perfect career combination for Davis and he is thoroughly enjoying all the hats he wears.
Davis was a multi-million-dollar producer his first year in the business and has earned awards for his production each year since. Davis prides himself on putting client relationships above anything else in his business and believes continuing to learn, grow, and better oneself is truly what makes a good agent great. Davis believes strongly in giving back to the community that has helped him build his business and he does so through his community Facebook pages, website, and charitable events organized by him throughout the year. “Just forget you’re a real estate agent and focus on helping people; that’s the most important part of the job” is a favorite quote of Davis’s and one he feels sums up his mission as an agent and community advocate.
In addition to being a full-time agent, Davis is also the Career Development Officer and Director of Agent Education and Training for the Mandarin and St. Johns offices. Getting to help buyers and sellers with their real estate needs, while also teaching and training fellow agents on how to be the best real estate professional they can be, is truly a perfect career combination for Davis and he is thoroughly enjoying all the hats he wears.
Tina Harp
Office Manager, Town Center and Nocatee
Tina Harp is the Office Manager for the Town Center and Nocatee offices. A 17-year resident of the Jacksonville area, Harp is responsible for attracting new agent talent, retaining valued agents and educating all agents, new and experienced. Her office currently is home to more than 40 agents and is rapidly growing.
Harp came to Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty from a competing brokerage, where she began her career in real estate. While she was successful there, her business doubled within six months of joining CBV by engaging in company generated business and taking advantage of marketing support through Connect U, the in-house marketing department. She was drawn to management because of her passion for mentoring and educating other agents in order to help them grow their real estate businesses. She truly is an example of what CBV can do for an agent's business.
Prior to real estate, Harp's spent more than 10 years in early childhood education. She is also a mother and wife and considers that to be her greatest accomplishment in life. She is an active member of Creekside Christian Church where she and her husband, David, serve in leading classes and she also serves in leading worship.
Harp lives in St Johns with her husband of 23 years and they have two children. Haley attends the University of Florida College of Nursing and their son Andy is a freshman at the University of Florida.
Harp came to Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty from a competing brokerage, where she began her career in real estate. While she was successful there, her business doubled within six months of joining CBV by engaging in company generated business and taking advantage of marketing support through Connect U, the in-house marketing department. She was drawn to management because of her passion for mentoring and educating other agents in order to help them grow their real estate businesses. She truly is an example of what CBV can do for an agent's business.
Prior to real estate, Harp's spent more than 10 years in early childhood education. She is also a mother and wife and considers that to be her greatest accomplishment in life. She is an active member of Creekside Christian Church where she and her husband, David, serve in leading classes and she also serves in leading worship.
Harp lives in St Johns with her husband of 23 years and they have two children. Haley attends the University of Florida College of Nursing and their son Andy is a freshman at the University of Florida.
Melissa Burgess
Director of Agent Services, Nocatee
Melissa is a licensed Realtor and Director of Agent Services for Coldwell Banker Vanguard
Realty's Town Center and Nocatee offices. In this role, Melissa assists agents with training and development to better prepare them for success in the real estate industry.
As an experienced Realtor in Northeast Florida, Melissa is edicated to providing the highest level of service to meet the needs of every agent and customer. Melissa’s knowledge of the greater Jacksonville area and the real estate industry
equips her to assist our agents, as well as a few customers along the way, through the home buying
and selling process.
In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, playing golf with her husband and enjoying the beach.
In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, playing golf with her husband and enjoying the beach.
David Israel
Assistant Office Manager, Town Center
David Israel is a licensed Realtor and the Assistant Sales Manager for Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty's Town Center office. Being a Jacksonville native - David is your Northeast Florida expert. David has over ten years of prior experience in the finance industry. In his previous finance roles, David has earned a reputation for his analytical skills, organization, and expertise in customer service.
Prioritizing customer services in all his business interactions, David values building relationships with his customers and fellow agents. So whether you are looking to buy, sell, relocate, or downsize, he is an agent with the knowledge and experience to guide you through the entire process.
When David is not working as a Realtor or assisting his fellow agents, he loves spending free time with family and friends and attending various events and concerts in the Jacksonville community.
Prioritizing customer services in all his business interactions, David values building relationships with his customers and fellow agents. So whether you are looking to buy, sell, relocate, or downsize, he is an agent with the knowledge and experience to guide you through the entire process.
When David is not working as a Realtor or assisting his fellow agents, he loves spending free time with family and friends and attending various events and concerts in the Jacksonville community.
Kim Knapp
Office Manager, Fleming Island and Oakleaf
Kim Knapp has spent her entire career with Vanguard Realty, beginning in 2000. That year, Knapp was named "Rookie of the Year" and "Top Producer," selling $6 million in real estate. Over the course of her sales career, Knapp had consistently high sales volumes in excess of $30,000,000 annually, and was always the top producing sales agent west of the St. Johns River. She is known in the market for her professionalism, helpful caring and commitment to excellence.
As a founder of the Jacksonville REBar Camp, Knapp has been responsible for bringing top flight education to NEFAR and presently serves as president of the Jacksonville MLS, as well as on the Board of Directors for NEFAR. Her speaking career has led her to become one of the most requested speakers in the prestigious CRS program, speaking at numerous state conventions and the NAR National Convention. Kim serves the real estate community on state and national levels through the professional development committee.
Knapp is a firm believer the real estate community has a responsibility to be the voice of the home owner at the federal level. She does this by serving as an RPAC Presidents Circle Major Investor, and makes personal visits to legislators on the Hill in Washington, DC. Knapp also served on the Clay County Charter Review commission, volunteers at her church and serves on various boards in the community.
Knapp's enthusiasm, common sense approach and systems orientation help the Fleming Island, Oakleaf and Keystone Heights agents achieve their sales.
As a founder of the Jacksonville REBar Camp, Knapp has been responsible for bringing top flight education to NEFAR and presently serves as president of the Jacksonville MLS, as well as on the Board of Directors for NEFAR. Her speaking career has led her to become one of the most requested speakers in the prestigious CRS program, speaking at numerous state conventions and the NAR National Convention. Kim serves the real estate community on state and national levels through the professional development committee.
Knapp is a firm believer the real estate community has a responsibility to be the voice of the home owner at the federal level. She does this by serving as an RPAC Presidents Circle Major Investor, and makes personal visits to legislators on the Hill in Washington, DC. Knapp also served on the Clay County Charter Review commission, volunteers at her church and serves on various boards in the community.
Knapp's enthusiasm, common sense approach and systems orientation help the Fleming Island, Oakleaf and Keystone Heights agents achieve their sales.
Jennifer Bauer
Director of Agent Services, Fleming Island
Jennifer Bauer was born and raised in Ontario, Canada. She migrated to San Diego with her family as a teenager and has been a permanent resident alien since 1986. Soon after migrating to San Diego, Jennifer met her Husband Thomas in 1988 and they have been together ever since. Her husband and her two wonderful sons are her greatest joy.
In the early 2000’s, Jennifer began a long and rewarding career in the real estate and relocation industry as a Corporate Relocation Consultant with Prudential Financials’ Global Relocation Group designing, developing, and implementing programs of relocation support for Fortune 500 Corporations, Inc. 500 Corporations, and Non-Profits. In 2005, Jennifer made the decision to transition to real estate and to devote 100% of her efforts to assisting the public.
Licensed in 2005 as a Florida real estate agent and in 2007 as a broker associate. With her experience in the relocation industry, Jennifer built a reputation of excellence with Cambridge Realty Services in South Florida. It was here that Jennifer found her love for nurturing and mentoring other agents. In 2013 Jennifer joined Watson Realty Corp. in Fleming Island serving as a Broker Associate and later as Assistant Broker Manager. In 2019, Jennifer was promoted to Vice President and Managing Broker of Watson Realty Corporations Oakleaf office.
Jennifer transitioned to Director of Agent Services with Coldwell Banker Vanguard in September of 2023 where she brings personal and vast professional knowledge to her work in the Fleming Island office. She spends her time supporting the managing broker and agents in a multitude of ways. Her greatest passion is in assisting other agents start their careers and in helping them achieve success.
In the early 2000’s, Jennifer began a long and rewarding career in the real estate and relocation industry as a Corporate Relocation Consultant with Prudential Financials’ Global Relocation Group designing, developing, and implementing programs of relocation support for Fortune 500 Corporations, Inc. 500 Corporations, and Non-Profits. In 2005, Jennifer made the decision to transition to real estate and to devote 100% of her efforts to assisting the public.
Licensed in 2005 as a Florida real estate agent and in 2007 as a broker associate. With her experience in the relocation industry, Jennifer built a reputation of excellence with Cambridge Realty Services in South Florida. It was here that Jennifer found her love for nurturing and mentoring other agents. In 2013 Jennifer joined Watson Realty Corp. in Fleming Island serving as a Broker Associate and later as Assistant Broker Manager. In 2019, Jennifer was promoted to Vice President and Managing Broker of Watson Realty Corporations Oakleaf office.
Jennifer transitioned to Director of Agent Services with Coldwell Banker Vanguard in September of 2023 where she brings personal and vast professional knowledge to her work in the Fleming Island office. She spends her time supporting the managing broker and agents in a multitude of ways. Her greatest passion is in assisting other agents start their careers and in helping them achieve success.
Daemon Fields
General Manager / Tavares Sales Manager
From an early age, Daemon Fields learned the value of work from a father who always put in extra hours at the office and a mother who worked tirelessly to raise three boys of her own, two adopted boys and a variety of foster kids along the way. This work ethic turned a lobby-cleaning teenager into a full-time college student managing a local McDonald's. After graduating from college with an Accounting degree in hand and a passion for systems and processes, Fields' career shifted to the business world. This shift opened a series of opportunities for growth and development in construction and manufacturing business management. Six years following his graduation from college, Fields was the Financial Controller for a multi-million-dollar manufacturing company where he worked for the next 15 years.
A sudden restructuring and layoff prompted Fields to explore a new career in the real estate industry. He became the top producing real estate sales associate in his office during his first 12 months and maintained this status for the next two years.
It was during this time that Fields discovered a talent and passion for training and personal development. What started as simply reaching out to help his fellow agents turned into training classes and opportunities. Fields' message of simplicity and practicality helped more than half the team double their production over the course of the year and the brokerage saw a 50% increase in the number of Million/Multi-Million producers. As the current Sales Manager for the Mount Dora location, Fields continues this pursuit working closely with the agents to help them realize the potential they already possess, while working tirelessly to help them achieve the business they desire.
While Fields' passion always lies with his Vanguard team and the agents he supports, he enjoys a very vibrant social life with his beautiful wife, their blended family of four kids and some great friends in the Mount Dora community he loves. You will often find Fields and his wife Heather enjoying their time boating the many lakes in the area or frequenting local establishments to support local businesses.
A sudden restructuring and layoff prompted Fields to explore a new career in the real estate industry. He became the top producing real estate sales associate in his office during his first 12 months and maintained this status for the next two years.
It was during this time that Fields discovered a talent and passion for training and personal development. What started as simply reaching out to help his fellow agents turned into training classes and opportunities. Fields' message of simplicity and practicality helped more than half the team double their production over the course of the year and the brokerage saw a 50% increase in the number of Million/Multi-Million producers. As the current Sales Manager for the Mount Dora location, Fields continues this pursuit working closely with the agents to help them realize the potential they already possess, while working tirelessly to help them achieve the business they desire.
While Fields' passion always lies with his Vanguard team and the agents he supports, he enjoys a very vibrant social life with his beautiful wife, their blended family of four kids and some great friends in the Mount Dora community he loves. You will often find Fields and his wife Heather enjoying their time boating the many lakes in the area or frequenting local establishments to support local businesses.
Jamye Toale
Office Manager, Lady Lake - Servicing The Villages® Communities
I moved to Oxford Oaks, a community right outside of The Villages, over five years ago when my parents and my husband’s parents retired here. I have been visiting The Villages for the last 11 years and have watched its continued expansion. For the past 20 years, I was a traditional business owner, alongside my husband, running several companies in the South Florida area.
Real Estate has always been a part of my life in one way or another. I’ve not only been a homeowner several times over, but my husband and I also used to buy, sell, and flip houses. I felt great satisfaction not only as the buyer but selling a new and improved home to another family. When we moved to Oxford, I decided to become a Realtor® for Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty. I know the uniqueness of this community, and I wanted to be a part of sharing this with others.
I am married to the love of my life, and I have four amazing children, ages 22-29. My oldest is an attorney out in California, followed by my daughter, who graduated from the University of Florida and is now in nursing school, getting her second degree. My third completed his Mechanical Engineering degree at the University of Central Florida, and my youngest is a Division 1 hockey player for Bentley University in Massachusetts. Along with our 17-year-old senior citizen pup, my life is full of fun!
I am passionate about helping others, feeding the homeless, and participating in outdoor sports such as pickleball, tennis, power walking, and water aerobics. I am also a big dog/animal lover! As a Realtor, I pledge to provide you with quality service. Whether you are buying or selling, my goal is to help you in any way I can and to make your experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Real Estate has always been a part of my life in one way or another. I’ve not only been a homeowner several times over, but my husband and I also used to buy, sell, and flip houses. I felt great satisfaction not only as the buyer but selling a new and improved home to another family. When we moved to Oxford, I decided to become a Realtor® for Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty. I know the uniqueness of this community, and I wanted to be a part of sharing this with others.
I am married to the love of my life, and I have four amazing children, ages 22-29. My oldest is an attorney out in California, followed by my daughter, who graduated from the University of Florida and is now in nursing school, getting her second degree. My third completed his Mechanical Engineering degree at the University of Central Florida, and my youngest is a Division 1 hockey player for Bentley University in Massachusetts. Along with our 17-year-old senior citizen pup, my life is full of fun!
I am passionate about helping others, feeding the homeless, and participating in outdoor sports such as pickleball, tennis, power walking, and water aerobics. I am also a big dog/animal lover! As a Realtor, I pledge to provide you with quality service. Whether you are buying or selling, my goal is to help you in any way I can and to make your experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Ed Akers
Branch Development Manager, Avondale
Edmund joined Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty in 2016 as an experienced Real Estate Sales Agent with an extensive real estate and mortgage servicing background. His background extends back to 1987 as a successful Real Estate Agent, a Real Estate Office Manager, and an Operations and Facilities Manager. He oversaw a privately-held Real Estate software development firm designing and implementing creative Real Estate software solutions for the Real Estate industry. As a trendsetter in the industry, he was instrumental in developing and implementing a data analytics solution, measuring real estate market share and trends for 8 years, reaching over 150 Real Estate markets across the United States.
Edmund transitioned to the mortgage servicing industry in 1998, managing large-scale complex development programs for a Jacksonville-based multibillion-dollar mortgage technology corporation for over 13 years. With abundant industry knowledge and an eye for detail, Edmund was promoted to corporate risk management within the same company. He was the lead Risk Director over Information Security, Information Technology, all corporate department functions, and Mortgage Origination technologies. After nearly 18 years in the corporate world, Edmund left to go back into Real Estate Sales with Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty. Edmund gained a plethora of experience in mortgage servicing, including the appraisal process, mortgage and real estate data analytics, and title servicing.
Edmund’s strong record of professional achievements, including selling all forms of real estate over the Northeast Florida market, including our local historic districts, allows him to serve as an exceptional source for leading and mentoring other Real Estate Agents. He has meticulous attention to facts and details, and he realizes that each Real Estate transaction is unique and multifaceted, and practicing Real Estate is a one-on-one experience with buyers and sellers. His leadership and mentoring capabilities allow other agents to create a well-rounded, individualized service that ensures a high level of success in their own real estate careers. As a Jacksonville native who has resided in both Duval and Clay County, Edmund has an extensive and comprehensive understanding of the lifestyle, communities, schools, neighborhoods, and businesses in the area, plus has a profound love for the city where he lives, works, and volunteers.
Edmund transitioned to the mortgage servicing industry in 1998, managing large-scale complex development programs for a Jacksonville-based multibillion-dollar mortgage technology corporation for over 13 years. With abundant industry knowledge and an eye for detail, Edmund was promoted to corporate risk management within the same company. He was the lead Risk Director over Information Security, Information Technology, all corporate department functions, and Mortgage Origination technologies. After nearly 18 years in the corporate world, Edmund left to go back into Real Estate Sales with Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty. Edmund gained a plethora of experience in mortgage servicing, including the appraisal process, mortgage and real estate data analytics, and title servicing.
Edmund’s strong record of professional achievements, including selling all forms of real estate over the Northeast Florida market, including our local historic districts, allows him to serve as an exceptional source for leading and mentoring other Real Estate Agents. He has meticulous attention to facts and details, and he realizes that each Real Estate transaction is unique and multifaceted, and practicing Real Estate is a one-on-one experience with buyers and sellers. His leadership and mentoring capabilities allow other agents to create a well-rounded, individualized service that ensures a high level of success in their own real estate careers. As a Jacksonville native who has resided in both Duval and Clay County, Edmund has an extensive and comprehensive understanding of the lifestyle, communities, schools, neighborhoods, and businesses in the area, plus has a profound love for the city where he lives, works, and volunteers.
SPECIALTY DEPARTMENTS
Michael Daugustinis
Commercial Department Director
Michael Daugustinis began his career in the real estate industry in 1983. He initially worked in residential sales in New York at an office on Long Island. He then moved on to a commercial firm handling office and industrial sales and leasing. As a graduate of St. Johns University, Daugustinis put his Bachelor's Degree in communications to good use and was very successful during his early years in real estate. In 1985, Daugustinis followed family tradition set by his father and grandfather, and pursued a career in law enforcement. He retired as a Detective in 2007, after 22 years of service which included responding to search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center.
Daugustinis and his family moved to St. Johns County in 2007 and he resumed his sales career in the Jacksonville area with "Top Sales" success in both the automobile and home security industries. In 2009, Daugustinis accepted a corporate position at EverBank as Security Manager. A return to real estate occurred in 2014, when Daugustinis joined the Coldwell Banker Brand, selling in St. Augustine and St. Johns. In his first full year in 2015, he achieved the "MVP" Award at his office with more than $7 million in sales. In 2016, he was awarded "Top Producer Volume" and "Top Producer Units" at his office while reaching almost $10 million in production. Daugustinis continued his performance as a top producing, multi-million Dollar REALTOR in 2017 with more than $8 million in production, and also earned his Broker License that year as well.
In 2018, Daugustinis joined Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty as a Broker Associate in the St. Johns office. In 2020, Daugustinis was promoted to Broker Office Manager for that office. In this role, he builds and develops the office through talent acquisition and continued agent support in every aspect of the business. Daugustinis contributes to company success by utilizing and sharing the knowledge he has gained through his years of training and experience. This includes achieving Coldwell Banker "International Diamond Award" status, earning the GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) designation from the National Association of Realtors, and Military Relocation certification through Navy Federal Credit Union and USAA.
Daugustinis and his wife Melissa have been married 35 years, and they have two sons; Robert, a real estate attorney, and his wife Jennifer who live locally and Thomas, also an attorney, and his wife Randi, who live in the Tampa area. The entire family loves to travel, especially on cruises, and also enjoy attending sporting events and concerts together.
Daugustinis and his family moved to St. Johns County in 2007 and he resumed his sales career in the Jacksonville area with "Top Sales" success in both the automobile and home security industries. In 2009, Daugustinis accepted a corporate position at EverBank as Security Manager. A return to real estate occurred in 2014, when Daugustinis joined the Coldwell Banker Brand, selling in St. Augustine and St. Johns. In his first full year in 2015, he achieved the "MVP" Award at his office with more than $7 million in sales. In 2016, he was awarded "Top Producer Volume" and "Top Producer Units" at his office while reaching almost $10 million in production. Daugustinis continued his performance as a top producing, multi-million Dollar REALTOR in 2017 with more than $8 million in production, and also earned his Broker License that year as well.
In 2018, Daugustinis joined Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty as a Broker Associate in the St. Johns office. In 2020, Daugustinis was promoted to Broker Office Manager for that office. In this role, he builds and develops the office through talent acquisition and continued agent support in every aspect of the business. Daugustinis contributes to company success by utilizing and sharing the knowledge he has gained through his years of training and experience. This includes achieving Coldwell Banker "International Diamond Award" status, earning the GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) designation from the National Association of Realtors, and Military Relocation certification through Navy Federal Credit Union and USAA.
Daugustinis and his wife Melissa have been married 35 years, and they have two sons; Robert, a real estate attorney, and his wife Jennifer who live locally and Thomas, also an attorney, and his wife Randi, who live in the Tampa area. The entire family loves to travel, especially on cruises, and also enjoy attending sporting events and concerts together.
Jessica Bookstore
Managing Director of Company Relocation Services
When it comes to relocation, Jess Bookstore knows all the right moves. And it’s easy to see why.
Jess started with the Coldwell Banker Relocation Department in 2005. Since then, she’s held every position in the department, giving her a depth and breadth of knowledge that’s virtually unmatched. She recently added to her already impressive skill set by earning her Florida real estate license. She loves working with her colleagues and other agents at CBV and it shows.
When Jess isn’t keeping the relocation department running like a well-oiled machine, she enjoys reading, hitting the beach, and cheering on the Jacksonville Jaguars and Georgia Bulldogs. She also takes any chance she gets to spend time with her son, a Mass Communications Specialist in the US Navy.
Jess started with the Coldwell Banker Relocation Department in 2005. Since then, she’s held every position in the department, giving her a depth and breadth of knowledge that’s virtually unmatched. She recently added to her already impressive skill set by earning her Florida real estate license. She loves working with her colleagues and other agents at CBV and it shows.
When Jess isn’t keeping the relocation department running like a well-oiled machine, she enjoys reading, hitting the beach, and cheering on the Jacksonville Jaguars and Georgia Bulldogs. She also takes any chance she gets to spend time with her son, a Mass Communications Specialist in the US Navy.
Shelley Farmer
Manager, Rental Gurus
I’m a 9th generation Floridian originally from the St. Petersburg area. I moved to Northeast Florida in 2003 where I later received my Bachelor’s Degree from the University of North Florida. In 2009 I began my career in Property Management managing multifamily apartment communities. I managed communities as large as 300 homes, alongside a team of 7 employees. Throughout my career I opened several new construction communities, quickly getting them fully occupied. I also facilitated several sales of apartment communities. I received Property Manager of the year award from both WRH Realty and the First Coast Apartment Association. Now in Real Estate full time, I truly enjoy working with my customers and all of their real estate needs.
My goals for my customers are to reduce stress during one of the most stressful times of their lives, limit their liability and do my best to protect their interests. My husband, Josh, and I have been together since 2005. We currently live in Fleming Island with our 2 beautiful boys, Liam, who loves to play t-ball and Aidan, who is always right behind him.
Emily Topoulos
Transaction Coordinator Department Director
Emily Topoulos is the Transaction Coordinator Department Director. She specializes in leading her team to provide exceptional service to Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty’s agents and clients.
Growing up, Emily had the privilege of living in many places as a “military brat” as the daughter of a now retired US Navy father. Since moving happened so often, Jacksonville, Florida, became more home to her after roughly 13 years of living here. She has planted her roots in Florida with her husband and is raising her son and two pups in a 1940 family home (from her in-law’s side).
Her prior professional experience included sales, but she was unfamiliar with the real estate business. Upon arriving at Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty as a Transaction Coordinator, she learned the ropes of all things real estate. She has since found a passion in the industry and enjoys finding innovative ways to expand her department’s knowledge, skill, and level of service. After another successful closing, Emily’s favorite part of her day is seeing the excited customers and thankful agents.
Though Emily rarely has “free time,” she enjoys spending quality time with her family, finding new renovation projects for her home, and at-home movie nights.
Growing up, Emily had the privilege of living in many places as a “military brat” as the daughter of a now retired US Navy father. Since moving happened so often, Jacksonville, Florida, became more home to her after roughly 13 years of living here. She has planted her roots in Florida with her husband and is raising her son and two pups in a 1940 family home (from her in-law’s side).
Her prior professional experience included sales, but she was unfamiliar with the real estate business. Upon arriving at Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty as a Transaction Coordinator, she learned the ropes of all things real estate. She has since found a passion in the industry and enjoys finding innovative ways to expand her department’s knowledge, skill, and level of service. After another successful closing, Emily’s favorite part of her day is seeing the excited customers and thankful agents.
Though Emily rarely has “free time,” she enjoys spending quality time with her family, finding new renovation projects for her home, and at-home movie nights.