​     Mike Buresh and his family live in St. Johns County.  So, when it comes to forecasting severe weather, he has a vested interest in tracking storms that approach the area.
     Mike and the Action News Jax First Alert Weather Team have been rated “The Most Accurate” for the last 12 years by WeatheRate, a national independent weather rating service.
     Combine a team of certified meteorologists along with the areas most sophisticated weather forecasting equipment (like the First Alert StormTracker pictured above) and you can see why more people in St. Johns County put their trust in Mike and Action News Jax.
     “I’ve always had an interest in weather, ever since I was a kid growing up in rural Iowa,” says Mike.  “As early as the second grade, I was drawing weather maps and constantly looking up at the sky.  I’m definitely a weather-holic!”
     St. Johns County was hit hard in 2016 from Hurricane Matthew and then again in 2017 by Irma.  Now is the time to begin preparing for storm season 2018.  That’s why Action News Jax created the 2018 Hurricane Survival Guide, available for download on ActionNewsJax.com
     Inside the guide, you’ll find the latest evacuation zones, preparing your home before, during and after a storm, emergency contact numbers, creating your own hurricane kit and much more.  Download it, and have it ready as a resource as we get deeper into hurricane season this year.
    In the meantime, you can catch Mike’s forecast on CBS47 and FOX30 Action News Jax, NEWS 104.5 WOKV, ActionNewsJax.com and on the First Alert Weather App.  We’re here to help you stay safe St. Johns County.       

by Debbie Gaylord

     ​It is safe to say the future is bright for Emerson Hurst, a dynamic 17 year-old gymnast from St. Johns. She recently returned from the Junior Olympic Nationals in Ohio where she was one of the top competing gymnasts; placing 2nd on Beam, 3rd on Bars, 3rd on Floor, 11th on Vault and 13th All Around. In June she graduated from Bartram Trail High School and has accepted a full-ride scholarship to Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland where she will compete on the gymnastics team this Fall.  
In this highly competitive sport that requires singular strength, fearlessness, sacrifice and determination how did Emerson reach this level as an athlete?
     The journey began at age 4 when she started classes at Starlight Gymnastics in Mandarin. She was invited to join Starlight’s developmental team program when she was about 8 years old and eventually worked her way up to the highest level team. In 10th grade she began training 25-27 hours each week at the gym taking academic classes through the Florida Virtual School.  
Emerson attributes her success to over a decade of training with coaches Vessy Danailova, Owner of Starlight Gymnastics, and Cheri Gillikin.  “Being part of the team at Starlight is like being part of a family and my coaches are more than just coaches”.  She says they taught her values like loyalty and how to work toward her goals. “I will miss them. But I’ll be back to visit,” she adds with a smile.

​     Coaches are an integral part dealing with challenges as well.  Athletes like Emerson perform double-backflips, full-twisting layouts, aerials on the beam and front flips off the bars. Fear is inevitable but overcoming that fear is a necessity.  A good coach understand this mental aspect of the sport.  When Emerson was first on the Starlight team she was terrified of back tumbling.  Coaches Cheri and husband Gill Gillikin worked with her over and over on a double backflip, first on the tumble track with spotting, then moving to belt spotting until finally she was ready to do it every time without help.  Today Emerson works a double back twisting flip with ease into her floor routine, and a triple series on the beam that includes a front-aerial, back-handspring and back layout combination!  I guess you could say she overcame the mental block.
      This past year early in the season she suffered a shoulder injury caused by the repetitive stress of a difficult move on the bars called a Tkatchev.  Rather than get surgery during the competitive season, she got the go-ahead from her doctor and waited until the season was over.  This meant ignoring the pain, which was no easy task. But she was determined to be able to compete at Nationals and will heal in time to compete at Towson University.  In order to keep up her strength she does intense conditioning exercises at Starlight 2-3 days per week.
    Emerson said she has always maintained her love of gymnastics and is grateful to her Mom who, before every meet would say, “go have fun!”. She says young gymnasts should focus on working hard to improve skills but remember to always do what you love.  When you accomplish a goal, celebrate it!
    Emerson was recently tagged in the top 10 most anticipated incoming college freshman to watch on beam.  She says she is looking forward to college level competition and helping her team.  She will be busy studying sports management with a minor in business. Who knows, Maybe someday she will own her own gymnastics gym just like Starlight!

​What area do you focus on?
 I sell real estate primarily in the Nocatee / Ponte Vedra communities although our Team sells throughout St Johns and Duval County. My wife Jamie and I have lived in the Del Webb Ponte Vedra community in Nocatee for over 9 years. Jamie is also a Realtor.

 Why do you do what you do?
Frankly, I don’t like people telling me what to do. I also don’t like the idea of having a job where no matter how hard I work someone else determines how much I make. I like to succeed or fail based upon my own efforts, creativity and experience. Being a Realtor allows me the opportunity to live my life doing it my way!
​
What is your background?
Right out of college I was an investment analyst for several years, a SVP in commercial lending for a mid-west bank and then I entered the real estate business over 35 years ago.

Was there a certain experience that helped you to become a Realtor?
I have always been fascinated by real estate even before becoming a Realtor. My first experience was in buying farms when I was in my 20’s, then commercial development and investing and most of my Realtor career has been in residential real estate services. Becoming a Realtor was just a natural progression from what I was already doing.

What aspect of your work do you enjoy most?
IMO most successful real estate careers are 20% real estate and 80% problem solving. I like the challenge of trying to make things work out when everything seems to be going in the wrong direction. That is where experience really comes in handy. Most buyers and sellers have no idea how many things go wrong in the typical real estate transaction that they never knew about. That is because agents often work behind the scenes to solve problems or address situations before they become problems.

Did you have a mentor?
I did have a mentor during my early years and I often think about how he impacted my life. He started as a milkman and he died a multi-billionaire. He had many principles he was guided by and he often shared his thoughts by writing them down on a little flash card and giving them to those he was with. Two of his sayings he loved and lived by were also my favorites, “Time Kills Deals” and “Follow a trail of dirt…pick up dirt. Follow a trail of gold…pick up gold”. Anyone in business knows the wisdom of the first saying. The second saying took me a few years to fully appreciate how wise and true it was. Give it some thought!

 How has being a Realtor changed your life?
Over the last 35 years of being a Realtor I have learned many life lessons that have spilled over into my personal life. I can’t think of very many professions where you become such a part of your customer’s life. Sometimes I am a Realtor, advisor, marriage counselor, sounding board, strategic thinker, the hero and the one to blame. I have learned that you never learn anything while you are talking so be a better listener. Don’t procrastinate because “Time Kills Deals”. I have learned to be sympathetic, compassionate, understanding, how to be firm when necessary and flexible when it is called for. It is an honorable profession although there is substantial room for improvement.

What sets you apart?
I am experienced at what I do, well trained, creative, and I believe I work well with others. Those are the qualities that I bring to the table and they have seldom failed me. Our Team is the personification of those principles. In addition, we are strong marketers, we work tirelessly, we help each other whenever there is a need. Our bench is deep, and we have many life experiences that makes us who we are.

 
What is the key ingredient for success in this highly competitive business?
I believe the National Association of Realtors says that the number one thing our customers are looking for is to have confidence that their agent knows how to take them thru the process to their desired goal. It can be a scary undertaking and the stakes are high. For most people selling or buying their home is the biggest transaction they have ever done and certainly one of the most important. Conveying to prospective customers that you are the right choice is the goal. When we go out into the market sometimes it becomes quite obvious that they aren’t looking for the best agent, the most knowledgeable or experienced agent…they are looking for the cheapest agent. Since customers often don’t know what qualities are important to getting the job done they go with commission cutters or people they know but have no real experience, no business success, no marketing, no real familiarity with the marketplace they are working in. These issues have always been a factor in the market especially during the good times. Almost 60% of the agents in business right now have been in the business less than 5 years and many are working for companies who have no formal training programs or experienced management. Convincing potential customers that dealing with a proven, experienced and successful agent, Team or company is the best chance for them to be successful is, and always has been, the real challenge!

What was one of the nicest compliments you have received as a realtor?
 “George you started as our Realtor but ended as our friend”.

 What do you love about St. Johns?
It is exciting to live in a county where there is so much going on. I have never lived in a place quite like it! It is a very positive atmosphere with almost everyone working to make their communities a better place. In Nocatee, where Jamie and I have lived for 9+ years, well over 50% of the land mass is reserved for preserves, greenbelt, community parks and trails. I think that is a great example for others to follow. I think the developers in our county understand they are working in a very special place and want to do their part to make it even better. Economic growth, top rated schools, location, roadways and of course our waterways are all very unique assets that make St Johns County an incredible place!

Are you concerned that new development will jeopardize the beauty of northern St. Johns?
No!  Ask anyone who has witnessed slow development, or no growth and it will be painfully obvious which you would prefer. As long as our county leadership and business community continue to work hand in hand to make St Johns county the best in the state we have a long and exciting future in front of us.

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Why do you do what you do?
Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant transactions, both financially and emotionally, that a family will make.  I am so honored to offer my experience to ensure that process goes well from start to finish.  The opportunity to meet so many incredible people and to positively influence this important event makes me so grateful to be able to do what I do.

What is your background?
I spent 2 decades in the Financial Industry (Merrill Lynch) prior to becoming a realtor.  My experience servicing a wide variety of customers and clients, managing multiple operations organizations and mitigating risk translated seamlessly to Real Estate.  I apply the same client focus, operational and risk management disciplines one customer and transaction at a time.
 
Was there a certain experience that helped you become a Realtor?
This probably won’t be a surprise, but it was my own experience relocating to the area and buying a home that inspired me to be a Realtor.  My family relocated to Northeast Florida from Toronto and what a change that was!!!  The warm climate was not the only big transition in our lives as I was pregnant with our daughter Cahlie.  We toured over 20 homes in Duval and St. John’s county before making the decision to purchase a home in a new development (16 years ago!) called St. John’s Golf and Country Club (SJGCC).  As fate would have it, our next door neighbor, Bob Bullock was a site agent with SJGCC.  He was the one that encouraged me to obtain my Real Estate license.  Thanks Bob! 

All these years later, I still rely on my experience relocating to Northeast Florida as the basis for every customer I help.  I remember how overwhelming it can be.  Being there for my customers, whenever they need me remains a priority whether buying or selling a home.  They are not in this alone!  Finding or selling a home is a unique experience for each family and my team and I strive to deliver a personalized experience to find the right home or bring the right buyer for every customer.

What aspect of your work do you enjoy the most?
My team and I get to help families with one of the most important transactions they will ever make.  For some, it’s realizing the dream of becoming a home owner.  For others, it is helping them sell their home so they can move on to a new chapter in their lives.  To be part of that experience is such a privilege. 

I love the analytics we have at our disposal.   Leveraging that data, I can discuss with home sellers how the value of their home fits into the current real estate landscape.  I love the marketing we get to do for sellers.  Negotiations are always exciting and I enjoy combining my experience as well as the tools and influence of Watson Realty to give my clients the edge.  

Did you have a mentor?
I have had several pivotal people help me along the way, when I was new I had a business partner, Ruth Stigall, we worked together for a few years until she retired and moved north to be with family. One of my first Brokers, Mary Ann Bongiorno, was also instrumental in helping  me grow into my role as a Real Estate Agent. My Broker for several years, Mark Rosener, was always a great resource, he was recently promoted up to the Regional role and I now have a new Broker, Joe Saber, who is a seasoned veteran and whom I already feel will be a great ally as we continue to grow our team into all it can be. 

How has being a Realtor changed your life?
This job is incredibly challenging, when I take a moment and think back over my career in real estate so far, I am deeply grateful for the success I have found. In every way it is attributable to each customer I have met and helped. For all those customers who trusted in me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, we worked together and accomplished something! Whether selling or buying, each deal has its own nuances, its own twists and turns, its always exciting and very rewarding both financially and from a personal growth perspective.
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I was here during the most difficult time to sell a house, the real estate market plummeted, short sales and foreclosures were prevalent. I have had the opportunity to help sellers/families steer themselves through challenging situations, coming out the otherside better, whether surviving a short sale or making money on the sale of a home. I have helped buyers get excellent value for home purchases, I have had the pleasure of seeing great profits made that, if not for the downturn in the market, people would never have been able to achieve. I can’t think of another job that would allow me this kind of opportunity.

What is the key ingredient for success?
Treat each customer as you would want to be treated, listen and know their needs, keep an eye on the landscape for innovative ways to sell homes, stay current with regard to inventory and buyer options.

What do you love about St. Johns?
St. Johns county continues to grow and evolve, offering so many options to different tastes. Whether it’s golf course communities, retail, restaurants, wa­ter parks, tennis courts, blue lagoons, quiet houses on quiet streets, the ocean…there is something for everyone here.  It’s where we have proudly called home for the past 16 years and hope to for many more!

by Lauren Henry Rogers
Photos by Mindy Kerr at Nature's Child Photography

​A Jacksonville native, Dr. Mary Ann Kenneson of Blue Water Urology Associates is a board certified urologic surgeon who has become one of the region’s leading experts in urology. Establishing her practice in Northeast Florida has not only been a homecoming, but the embodiment of realized dreams. 

Dr. Kenneson began her medical career as a nurse and worked her way up to a surgeon. “I took the long road around to becoming a urologic surgeon,” jokes Dr. Kenneson, “but I wouldn’t want it any other way.” She first worked as an RN and then completed a Master’s Degree at the University of Florida as a nurse practitioner. It was while working as a nurse practitioner that she realized she wanted to become a surgeon. She was accepted into the University of Kentucky College of Medicine where she served as class president and graduated with honors. Dr. Kenneson completed her surgical residency training at the Ohio State University, spending an additional year on staff concentrating her focus on robotic surgery. 
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Growing up in Jacksonville, she graduated from Bishop Kenny High School and though school took her away, it was always her intent to return home. The road may have been winding, but Dr. Kenneson was laser focused on opening her office in Jacksonville, Florida where everything began. With family being the major force drawing her in, (her mother, brother and sister reside here), it has also been what keeps her here. Dr. Kenneson reminisces, “Before I moved back to Jacksonville, I used to laugh talking about a five year plan to get the entire family to join me in Florida once my surgical residency was complete.” Since relocating to Florida, both of her adult children have joined her in the Jacksonville area helping to fulfill this plan as she imagined. Dr. Kenneson remains strongly devoted to her family, and her practice, where she is beloved by her patients for her exceptional bedside manner and individualized treatment plans.

​Please tell us a little about yourself.
I am a board certified urologic physician and surgeon. I treat all urologic diseases on both men and women. I am specifically trained in robotic assisted laparoscopic surgery, which usually helps decrease postoperative pain, bleeding, and length of hospital stay for patients. 



With such a broad background in medicine, how did you get into Urology?
A lot of people ask me, being female, how did I get into urology? The truth is, I kind of fell into it, but I also fell in love with it. For me, urology has been a field that allows me to continue using my strong medical background while allowing me to operate. It really is the perfect match for me. 

​What is your background?
I started my career as a two-year nurse before going back to school for a bachelor’s degree in nursing. I then continued my journey as a nurse practitioner with a master’s degree in nursing. It was while working in this physician extender role where I realized my love of surgery. This led me to attend medical school and, as they say, the rest is history. 

Was there a certain experience as a young person that led you to become a doctor? Please tell the story.
I’ve always been a “hands on” type of person and was drawn to medicine from an early age. The ability to make a lasting impact in people’s lives for the better captivated me. Getting the exposure to performing procedures as a nurse practitioner and the increased interaction with the doctors and surgeons helped me discover what I was really meant to do: become a doctor, and more importantly, a surgeon. 

What aspect of your work do you enjoy most?
I love the relationships I have with my patients. I truly get as much from them as they get from me. The interaction I have now with my patients as a doctor continues to make me dedicated and compassionate about this field.

Did you/do you have a mentor?
There was a urologic surgeon when I was working as a nurse practitioner at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky who inspired me. I just loved his interaction with his patients and he was an awesome surgeon and an all around great person. He was a great mentor and I have always appreciated that. 

How does being a Doctor change your life?
The responsibility can be unimaginably sobering and at the same time extremely rewarding.

What are the newest/best treatments for women’s health today?
We have just introduced the Mona Lisa Touch as an addition to the therapies provided at our office and I think it’s going to be a game changer for women’s health. The Mona Lisa Touch is an innovative, clinically proven, minimally invasive laser treatment that improves pelvic health. In the past we had to rely on hormonal therapy. Now we have an exciting alternative without the associated risk. It is exciting for women’s health as a whole and we’re already seeing phenomenal results. 
 
What sets your practice apart?
I think my communication skills with patients, really being able to listen and understand what’s wrong, sets me apart from the rest. I think oftentimes, as physicians, we get so busy that we really don’t stop to listen, and I make that a huge part of my practice, listening, so that I can actually help with the problems that are bothering the patients. I also credit my outstanding medical team at Blue Water Urology Associates for being so friendly and professional to our patients and for helping to provide advanced care to the men and women of Northeast Florida. As a whole, we seek to work together with our patients and provide exceptional care from the minute they enter our door and I believe this also sets us apart.

What is your favorite activity when you are not working? Do you have any hobbies?
I like anything outdoors; gardening, fishing, boating, and watching Jags games, you name it! I also love spending time with my family and friends and playing with my grandson. It has become a tradition to host Sunday night dinners and everyone comes over for a day of grilling out, laughing and enjoying time together. 

What is your favorite place or thing to do in our community?
My favorite place is the Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island area, exploring the shops on Center Street downtown, listening to music at the Green Turtle, and trying every pizza spot available, but my favorite thing to do is spend time fishing offshore, hence the name Blue Water Urology Associates.  

*For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call #904.644.8353 or visit Dr. Kenneson’s website, bluewaterurology.com or find her on Facebook by searching Blue Water Urology Associates today. 

​How many pets do you have?  Why did you choose that specific type of breed or type?
We have a quarterhorse named Copper, a golden retriever named Sunny  and 2 shih-tzus (Izzy & Fitzie), 3 cats (Pepper, Barnaby & Charlotte), a lion headed rabbit (Nala), and a hamster (Alvin).  I have always loved golden retrievers because of their amazing dispositions and I wanted a dog that I could take to schools, serve as a mascot for our hospital and be involved with our Vets N Training program.  We consider Sunny a “Therapy” dog, as she offers smiles to people and pets here at PRF.

Why are they part of the family? 
Our pets have always been an intricate part of our family as we share love and joy with them and because of them.  And our firm belief that God put animals on the earth for our use and in our care, gives us a heartfelt dedication to our fury friends.

How does having pets make the family stronger, happier?
Our firm belief that God our creator put animals on the earth for man to utilize and to care for, gives us a feeling of dedication and responsibility to look after them.   Our children learn a great deal from taking care of our pets, and understanding the root foundations of life and love from our dear friends. 

What does having a pet teach children? 
Having a pet teaches children responsibility in their care, and how to offer unconditional love.  

What is the funniest family pet story from your life or practice?
Izzy is the youngest dog in the family and she has a very mischievous and bubbly personality.  She is always getting into trouble but she gets away with it because she is so darn cute.  One of her favorite things to do is play chase outside.  One day, while my son was walking the dogs, her leash slipped out of Gavin's hands after she saw a cat dart into the woods.  She ran directly into the thick marshy woods, dragging her leash behind, all the while leaping over the brush like a deer.  Brad, who was dressed for work, proceeded to follow her through the woods. She did not respond to her name although she would look back at him intermittently with a devilish look.  Eventually he came to a neighbors back yard and had lost sight of her.  When he got back to the house to regroup, he found her hanging out on the back porch with a big smile on her face safe and sound and ready for another game of chase!

​A  little background on Team Kaprelian. 

Kasia and Mark (Team Kaprelian) are real estate professionals and Broker Associates at Watson Realty Corp. with 35 years of combined experience.  They specialize in new construction and marketing existing homes in St Johns county.  While helping buyers and sellers find their dream home is the main focus, Team Kaprelian also incorporates a dynamic background in land development and home flipping to complement their knowledge and best serve their customers.

It's been a few years since our community has caught up with you.  What has changed since then? 

Other than getting a few years older, not much.  We have slowed down our home flips and land development, focusing almost exclusively now on selling existing homes.
 
Do you have any new projects on the horizon?

As real estate broker license holders and entrepreneurs, we are always looking for ways to grow and be creative with our business.   We’ve always been attracted to the idea of opening up our own real estate office.  Watson Realty has proven to be a quality real estate brokerage firm allowing us the ability to focus solely on our customers and not worrying about running an office at the same time.  You can be sure that if we see a new real estate project that interests/grabs us, but will not take up too much of our free time, we will not shy from taking it on, it’s in our blood.  

As a small team you have a unique approach to helping people buy and sell homes - What are some of the ways you best serve your clients?
We have been working successfully side by side for almost 2 decades now and more importantly, we still enjoy it!  Our skill sets and expertise have very little overlap.  There are so many moving parts in real estate that we do not know how we would be able to properly serve our customers without the two of us.  We often laugh with our customers that by hiring us they get 2 for the price of 1.

Why are you passionate about Real Estate?

We have asked ourselves why we are so passionate about real estate.  We have touched almost every aspect of it, yet we still can’t get enough, from home flipping, to home and commercial investing, to being property landlords, to developing lots and of course to working with our customers buying and selling homes.  We haven’t lost one bit of our passion.  Just think about the ability to share in the emotion of a home buyer closing on their home for the first time, what do they say,  “priceless.”

You have developed a strong partnership with Lennar Homes.  Can you tell us a little about this?

We do have good relationships with many of the local home builders including DR Horton, Emerald Homes, Mattamy Homes, KB Home, David Weekley Homes, ICI Homes, Providence Homes, CalAtlantic Homes (now part of Lennar), Cottage Home Company, Arthur Rutenberg Homes, CornerStone Homes and Lennar.
​
Each and every home builder brings something positive to the table.  There will always be areas each builder could still improve on, the same could be said about all of us I guess.  It is important to fully understand each and every home builder’s strengths and weaknesses.  The best outcome in any real estate transaction is one that benefits all parties, so working closely with each builder and especially their site agents is critical.

​Now  back to your question, why do we like working with Lennar, the short answer is it all starts at the top.

The President:
We not only show our customers Lennar homes, but we also make purchasing decisions for a property investment firm which has recently chosen Lennar as its preferred new construction builder.  We took the time to meet Matt Devereaux, Division President for Lennar.  First he readily accepted our invitation to meet with him.  As you can imagine, someone who hand signs every thank you letter to his customers would be the type of person to openly meet and discuss Lennar products, strategy, and personal philosophy. We also fully realize that if you have a quality person with the proper level of knowledge and experience to lead, then it is likely the rest of the company will follow suit, which in our experience is the case with the Lennar team.

The Products:
Lennar is a value builder, but we want to be very careful how we state that.  In some people’s eyes “value” can mean cheap.  That is exactly opposite of what we think value is.  To us value means you get a very well built, very well upgraded home at an affordable price.  The new construction industry is infamous for advertising low pricing and then showing you model homes with a lot of upgrades, so you end up spending tens of thousands of dollars more than you originally intended to. Lennar has greatly minimized the bait and switch feel of new construction home buying with its Everything Included (EI) philosophy.  Basically what that means is in communities like Palencia our customers do not pay extra for crown molding, quartz counters, 5 inch base boards, screened lanais, paved driveways, paved lanais, led lighting, high tech controls, appliances and the list goes on.  We think it’s a better way of doing business.  Plus Lennar also completes many homes before they are sold (known as spec homes), which lets our customers see exactly what they are buying.  We do like working with other builders as well when it comes to spec homes: our customers know what they are purchasing upfront, no surprises.  But we definitely have to go the extra mile with other builders when it comes to “to-be-built homes” to ensure our customers get what they think they are buying.  This extra effort is especially important not only inside the house on a to-be-built home but it’s also critical with the lot. We never stop saying: you can always remodel a home but you can never change a lot.  What Lennar is not is a custom builder, for that need we would have to bring our customer to another builder.  Custom builders have their niche of course, we couldn’t really classify any custom builder as a value builder, but we do work with buyers who want everything to be exactly as they want it, personalized, that takes a custom builder and that does drive up the homes cost significantly.

The Employees:
Lennar’s philosophy embraces the team approach, customer care specialists, warranty staff, preferred lending personnel and title companies, site agents (sales people who are the customer’s first contact and remain so throughout the process), sales managers working in tandem with site agents and a director of sales and marketing  like Matt Figlesthaler ( see photo) who we know we can count on if we need  assistance in any way as he has gained our trust.
Every time one of our customers signs on the dotted line with a builder, we put our own reputation on the line, so we need to know we have support at the top of the organization should things not turn out perfectly. All builders will make some mistakes, the more homes you build the more likely something may go wrong, it is how it's  fixed that really matters. Homes can be the biggest investment some people ever make, something that important has to be done right.

What are your goals for the upcoming year in Real Estate?

We want to keep expanding our real estate businesses throughout St Johns county, focusing primarily on residential real estate as Broker Associates with Watson Realty Corp. at this time.

We always like to ask our featured businesses this question: What is your favorite thing to do in St. Johns in your free time?

We enjoy riding our bikes together and love dining out with the kids downtown in St Augustine. Kasia really enjoys outdoor trails and Mark loves to play golf (whenever Kasia lets him): Palencia, King & Bear and the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass are his favorite three. 
Having moved from Cape Cod to Florida 10 years ago now, we find St Augustine, where we live, to be uniquely different than the Cape yet remarkably the same, so it feels like we have never left our roots, it feels like home.

Anything else you would like our readers to know about Team Kaprelian?
We love reading St Johns Magazine!

A smile is often the first thing you see when you look at a person.  Which is why it is important to entrust the health and beauty of your smile to a highly skilled dentist who puts your care first. Dr. Jonas Ashbaugh, Owner of Blue Sky Dental Group, is that kind of dentist and his dedication to his patients is apparent in every detail of his practice.

“Dr. Jonas” opened Blue Sky Dental Group in July 2017. He always knew he wanted to settle down in north Florida with his family and was excited when the opportunity presented itself to open his own practice here.  He studied at the University of Florida and later went on to dental school at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. After graduation he enlisted in the US Army and became a Captain, providing dental care to soldiers and their families.

For Dr. Jonas, one of his greatest joys in life is the look on his patient’s faces when they see their dental work come together. He shared the story of a patient who was born without four teeth.  He required extensive dental work over a period of time, including braces and grafts.  In the end Dr. Jonas was able to pull it all together and give this man a new smile.  He will never forget the day the man saw his smile after completion of all that work.  It literally transformed his face. Dr. Jonas says it was a privilege to serve him.  While not all cases are that dramatic, it is the ability to help people that gives Dr. Jonas his passion for dentistry.

A combination of low stress and high-level technology reflects the philosophy of care at Blue Sky Dental Group. When you enter the office you instantly recognize it as a place where patient care and comfort are highly valued.   From the beautiful modern design of the waiting room, special touches like bottled water and fresh coffee to the courteous and attentive staff who greets you.

Patient rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs where you can watch Netflix, snuggle up with a pillow and blanket while using our wireless headphones to relax with the sounds of your favorite music. The aroma from warm, scented towels provides the perfect ending for your visit.
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Dr. Jonas believes cutting edge technology contributes to a more productive and comfortable dental visit. In well-appointed treatment rooms, Dr. Jonas provides state-of-the-art care using digital x-ray machines which subject patients to much lower levels of radiation than traditional x-ray machines. They also have 3D x-ray technology, which gives us a more in-depth view of dental tissues.

            ​Bernard Diggs and The New Diggs Team is one of the top real estate teams in Northeast Florida and expanding across the nation! In particular, The New Diggs Team is now serving clients in Southern California and Norfolk Virginia. Bernard Diggs is a U.S. Navy Veteran who is continuing his service as an active reservist currently. He is a proud husband, father of two, and one of the most dedicated young entrepreneurs in the St. Johns/ Jacksonville area. With his warm personality and big heart, he couldn’t contain his success in real estate to only one area. His real estate team expansion model is only part of his success story. 
How he started his real estate team and is now expanding it on a national scale is a truly inspirational story of an underdog who changed the paradigm and found his life’s purpose in helping families buy and sell homes.
     Bernard was raised with two loving parents who fought against all odds to provide opportunity for him and his siblings. “Opportunity” is the key word Bernard focuses on when describing his gratitude towards his parents and his dedication for each of his clients.  A tremendous milestone for Bernard gave birth at the age of 13. Bernard’s dad encouraged him to learn the value of money and hard work by creating his own business idea that brought him financial gain. Bernard took his father’s advice, restored a broken lawn mower, and began advertising his lawn service business to the neighborhood. Single handedly he grew this business and even hired two of his close friends to work for him. This learning lesson later translated to further business opportunities. His hopes of building a team who provides real estate dreams come true is his passion. This passion is proven in his growth and success. 
     Bernard’s dedication to his clients and team members are invaluable. His desire to provide the best experience possible for his buyers and sellers goes above and beyond.

​     The foundation of New Diggs Team began after Bernard’s real estate career tripled in the first few years. After analyzing the “why” to his success, he realized this could be translated and produced to further enhance his client’s experience through a team and not just one. His drive to promote a team model that served not only their customers but each other. In encouragement, motivation, and family atmosphere he has provided a home for his team members. This relational direction of working real estate is what felt most natural for Bernard.  With the support of his mentor, friend, and broker James Angelo, owner of Florida Homes Realty & Mortgage,  this dream became a reality. James has grown his brokerage to be one of the top 10 brokerages in Northeast Florida with continuous office additions to accommodate his quickly rising real estate agents. With this experience, James has been able to guide Bernard and the New Diggs Team into becoming one of the top producing realtor groups in Northeast Florida. 

Bernard has chosen to spotlight one particular agent from New Diggs Team. Ana “Rockstar” McCann is her name and real estate energy is her game! Ana counts each day as a blessing because she feels she has truly found what she loves to do. She enjoys all the buying and selling, the negotiating, and especially capturing the best deal for her customers. Ultimately culminating to that “AHA!” moment where her clients find a place to call their home. She is grateful to be part of one of the best teams in helping clients achieve their goals and dreams in home ownership. Ana has been  a St. Johns county resident for the past 9 years, and a Jacksonville resident prior to that since the ‘90s. Her relational, friendly, compassionate personality is easy to gravitate towards. Her education background includes graduating from University of Florida and working in the education field. She enjoys gardening, bike riding, and spending time with her two teenagers. Ana’s energy and relentless work ethic pours into the New Diggs Team and their customers. She will not stop until her client’s real estate needs are met. 

Thank You Ana for your love of real estate and servitude! Started From the Bottom, Now We Are Here! 

     New Diggs for the New Year is the New Diggs Team new year motto. They are offering a guaranteed sale program where their team makes one promise: they sell your home or they buy it themselves! In addition, they are offering a 1 year “love it, or leave it” program for home buyers. Since this program allows buyers to purchase a home with the assurance that they’ll sell it for free (if they are not completely happy with it), it has created a larger home buyer base for them. In return, more buyers means more chances that someone will buy your home. Furthermore, their marketing plan for 2018 is phenomenal! The end result: more exposure for your home.  In combination with their expansion from St. Johns FL to Southern California and Norfolk Virginia, they are now in multiple cities/states to continue to serve you.

For more information please visit newdiggs.myfhrm.com/  or https://www.facebook.com/newdiggsteam/

 When you pass through the giant medieval-esque doors of Fionn MacCool’s you enter another world.  Dark ambiance, a finely crafted wooden bar (from Ireland), and the smell of comfort foods like shepherd's pie and fish and chips defines the Fionn MacCool experience. It is the quintessential Irish pub and restaurant with delicious food made from scratch and a warm welcoming atmosphere where Guinness flows freely.  The good news is Fionn MacCool’s will open a new 150-seat Nocatee Location in December at the Shoppes of St. Johns Oaks (145 Hilden Road). 

St. Johns magazine wanted to learn more about the people behind Fionn MacCool’s so we spoke with Amy McNulty, who owns and runs the business with co-owners Joe Moye (her brother) and General Manager Paul Glaser.

Amy had always wanted to open an authentic Irish pub. A place that would reflect her love for Irish culture and her Irish ancestry. “Our great grandparents were from County Cork. As natives of Jacksonville we wanted a genuine and authentic Irish experience at home”.  They chose to expand in St. Johns county because of the tremendous growth in the area.
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After visiting Ireland numerous times, even running in the Dublin Marathon, she had experienced a variety of pubs and done her research. She  was ready to make the dream a reality and opened Fionn MacCool’s in 2005. She says, “Fionn’s is a genuine Irish Pub. The word pub is derived from “Public House”, originally a place for everyone to meet and relax after a long day’s work. We have great food, great service, live music, and plenty of pints and whiskey! We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable, as if you were coming into our home” Another part of what gives Fionn MacCool’s is authenticity may be the fact that furnishings, bar and cabinetry are built in Ireland. 
“We want people in St. Johns to know that Fionn MacCool’s is great for Everybody.  “Its a family place, a pub and a restaurant where any age is welcome from little kids to retirees and everyone in between," Joe added.

General Manager Paul Glaser has been in the restaurant business his entire adult life, joining Fionn MacCool’s twelve years ago.  “I treat each day like I am throwing a party at my house and I want every guest to be happy they came and had an exceptional time”.  A feeling of hospitality definitely permeates the atmosphere.  They strive to make people feel special and happy.  Paul recalled once when a young navy guy asked them to help him with his marriage proposal.  “He came to me the week before and wanted to propose on our river patio and wanted to film it but the camera had to be hidden so she wouldn't get tipped off.  So we had a decoy table set up with people hiding behind menus with the camera a few tables away.  He wanted a special song to be played so we had a portable radio for the ready too.  He got up went inside like he was going to the restroom and we set everything in motion.  He  knocked on the window from inside.  When he walked back out on the patio we started the song and camera he got down on one knee and proposed it was very romantic for a young guy. His girl said yes and we had it all on film.  We popped open a bottle of champagne for them.  As far as we know they are happily married to this day.”

What would an Irish pub be without a good ancient tale behind it? The restaurant is named for Fionn mac Cumhaill or “Finn McCool” who is known for being a great warrior in Irish myths. He was the greatest leader of the Fianna, an elite military clan responsible for the protection of the High King of Ireland. Fionn implemented a code of honor into the Fianna; which had a reputation for being somewhat unruly. Another legend includes Fionn as a giant, creating the Giant’s Causeway, a peculiar series of volcanic rock formations along the coast of Ireland. He did this to challenge a Scottish giant to a fight and allow passage from Scotland to Ireland.

Please look forward to next month’s issue when our Foodie Blogger Lori Allen will give you the scoop on the food at Fionn MacCool’s! www.fionnmacs.com/www.fionnmacs.com/