In high school, I have to admit, my focus was primarily on having a successful career as a professional baseball player. After setting home run records while attending Buchholz High School, I went on to become an All Atlantic Coast Conference outfielder at Florida State University. I even reached my goal and played three years of professional baseball with the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals. Fortunately, I also had a back-up plan because my pro career was cut short.

Early in my life and on into my college career, I was laying the groundwork for the entrepreneurial endeavor that is today, “McQuade Properties”. When I was six years old I started my business life. I learned early the value of a dollar. I insisted time be set aside every day to go to new construction sites with my dad and collect aluminum cans. I would earn up to $20 per week and put the money in a savings account.

In high school I enrolled in the Academy of Entrepreneurship Program at Buchholz High. This was a major part of the foundation of my back-up plan that, like I said, I am glad I have today. I gained a lot of knowledge and real world experience from this program. It truly helped me see the world through an entrepreneurial perspective. It reinforced my belief that I can be my own boss at whatever I choose to do. I then went on to graduate from Florida State University with a finance degree from the School of Business. Then I was off to the Major Leagues, well for a little while, anyway.

As I stated earlier, my pro career was cut short due to injury, so it was on to plan B. Look out Real Estate industry, here comes “McQuade Properties”! I started a real estate investment business. I have obtained my real estate license and have developed a personal real estate portfolio which includes several residential rental properties in Gainesville, Saint Augustine and Tallahassee, Florida. I also have vacation rental properties in Orlando that are only seven minutes from Walt Disney World.

I am currently expanding my game even more. I have added property restoration for resale and building custom homes to my line-up. I have assembled a complete network of building and construction specialists to reach the next level of my business plan which includes building affordable communities. I also plan to create a complete investment company which will include financial management as well as real estate investment.

I have personally experienced the thrill that comes with slamming a big game winning home run, but it is no comparison to the rush I get from knowing that I am helping a young couple move into their first home. As far as I’m concerned I am still in the Major Leagues!