“I can always control my thoughts and energy, I choose to be full of joy, work hard, and be outrageously optimistic!” If not for a visit to his sister’s new home in Nocatee, a planned community in Ponte Vedra, Florida, John Richardson might still be working in the corporate world. Seeing Florida in a whole new way, John felt the need to make his surroundings more than a vacation; he envisioned a new home and lifestyle for his family among the palm trees, sunshine and warm weather. Seeking adventure and a change of scenery, John moved his family from Lexington, Kentucky - the college town they had called home for more than a dozen years - to Nocatee.
The pivotal move brought more than a renewed outlook. Feeling blessed to have found such a beautiful community to call home, new surroundings and unlimited recreational opportunities inspired him to encourage others to “Live the Florida life” and make Northeast Florida their new home, or to find a home that better suited their needs. Success quickly followed. In his first year in real estate, John closed 18 transactions totaling over $12.9 million. He has been among the top selling agents in his office since he started selling real estate. John found that selling the Florida lifestyle came naturally to him. He and his family loved exploring the many new opportunities that awaited them and he enjoys encouraging others to do the same. “Florida has always represented fun and freedom,” John said.
“Ever since I was a child, I always felt alive whenever I was in Florida. Living here full time has only made that feeling stronger. Nocatee is amazing for many reasons but the one that stands out most is the people. People who live here are happy, and that happiness is infectious.” With love for his new surroundings and a focus on hard work and optimism, John easily maneuvered the transition from the corporate world to a more entrepreneurial career in real estate. Using guiding principles adopted early on in his work career, John makes a point of carefully listening to his clients to better understand their goals and motives. “I am a proponent of lifestyle design and engineering,” John said. “It is a systematic breakdown and construction of your life, to find a way to make your life fit your values and serve what you care about most. Real estate is a key component of this. Helping people to find a house that allows them to live a better life is truly a blessing! I love being a Realtor more than I ever imagined and am so glad that I am in this field. I find the work fulfilling because the outcome of a transaction is deeply meaningful.” A competitive track athlete at the University of Kentucky and before that, Ocean City High School in Ocean City, New Jersey, John is one of very small group of athletes who have run a mile in under four minutes. He was a multiple SEC champion in the 1500 meters. He was also a double state high school champion, winning the High School Mile at the prestigious Penn Relays and was the first competitor to ever win the Meet of Champions in both the 800 and 1600-meter events.
A longtime member of the Ocean City Beach Patrol, he also competed in many lifeguard events, where he ran, swam and rowed. “I love competition and learned that success comes to those who do the work that no one else wants to do,” John said. “I learned that the extra mile is often rather lonely. I have taken this principle into my real estate business as well. I want to do things that other Realtors won't because it is too hard.”
A sixth generation Realtor, John is proud to carry on the tradition started by his great-great-great grandfather, John Jacoby in Berwick, PA before the Civil War ended. His family was also involved in business and real estate in Ocean City, NJ.
“I was very fortunate, my family was very supportive of me,” John said. “My parents and grandparents instilled a tremendous work ethic and moral compass in me. I am so thankful, because that is very important in this or any business.” With a master’s degree in health administration, John always believed he would retire working for a large health system. When he left Kentucky, he was Executive Director of Physician Recruitment and Business Development.
He also coached numerous athletes and business owners in many venues. His extensive experience helped lead him to a career in real estate. “I loved my job, but I knew that I did not want to return to the corporate world, so I put my faith in God and knew that something good would come if I trusted him,” John recalled, adding that his faith guided him. “I thought about what I love doing, number one is serving people,” he said. “Number two is solving problems. Real estate is a lot of both.” I have been fortunate to work for ONE Sotheby's International Realty and have a phenomenal support team.” John prefers to focus on effort and attitude, not just an outcome or results. “I can always control my thoughts and energy,” he said. “I choose to be full of joy, work hard, and be outrageously optimistic!”
When he’s not working, John enjoys spending time with his family. He married his college sweetheart, Andrea, who recently left teaching at Pine Island Academy to join his real estate team. The couple has two young daughters, Reese and Rory. The family enjoys the many activities in Nocatee and throughout Northeast Florida. In 2021 & 2022, John completed the Ironman Florida competition, and in 2023 the Ironman World Championships in Nice, France. Andrea competed in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii in October 2023 and John will be back in Kona in 2024. John and Andrea can often be found competing in various triathlons, marathons and 5K races. The are active in F3, the YMCA, and Crosswater Community Church. The couple also founded Healthy Kids Running Series last year in Nocatee to encourage children and families to stay active and healthy.
