Engel & Völkers is a global real estate network that recently opened an office at 5185 South Fletcher Avenue on Amelia Island, which joined other Engel & Völkers First Coast offices located throughout Northeast Florida. Amelia Island’s private office advisor, Patti Burch, Engel & Völkers’ top agent for 2022, joined the team because of the company’s professional international reputation, which embodies a culture of leadership and service to the local community.
“Engel & Völkers is an inspiring company to work for,” says Burch. “Client service is at the heart of our business. Our people share, collaborate, and support each other to achieve our personal, professional, and community goals.”
This spring, Engel & Völkers announced the latest accolades earned by Engel & Völkers First Coast, which was honored with multiple awards and recognition at EVX, the brand’s annual multi-national conference held in South Beach, Miami. “We couldn’t be prouder than to win eight awards at EVX as a brokerage,” says Corey Hastings, Broker/Owner of Engel & Völkers First Coast. “Being open for less than five years, it’s a testament to the high-quality level of advisors we have at our offices.”
Because of the company’s successes and cooperative spirit, Engel & Völkers is also a proud champion of Special Olympics, specifically focusing on creating more inclusive communities through its Athlete Leadership and Play Unified programs.
“We are committed to giving back to and investing in the neighborhoods our clients desire because these too are the places in which we live, play, and raise our families,” says Hastings. “Our advisors donate a portion of their commissions to this fine organization, and we hold numerous fundraisers throughout the year. Our firm received the Leadership Award at EVX this year and was recognized for its contributions, totaling approximately $38,000.”
Julie Bussey, an Engel & Völkers advisor in their Jacksonville Beach office, is the mother of a Special Olympics athlete, Amanda Bussey, who has been shaking up the golfing community, winning a gold medal in the USA Games in June 2022.
“Amanda has been participating in Special Olympics events since she was five years old,” says Julie. “She participates in soccer, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, and bowling, along with golf, and has won well over 20 medals. There was no prouder moment in my life than seeing her receive her gold medal at the USA Games. Because of Special Olympics, its volunteers, and contributors like Engel & Völkers, people like Amanda are living their very best lives. And that’s all we ever hope for, for our children, isn’t it?”
“We’re so passionate about this organization,” says Hastings. “Special Olympics athletes contribute to Engel & Völkers’ story. From them we learn, we think differently, and realize what we can accomplish as individuals, as local brokerages, and together across time zones and borders—it’s a common good that unites us. Every hour given, every dollar donated, every kind word spoken, and every door opened creates opportunities for those who need it most. We believe that in order to lead, we must empower others to do the same!”
Founded in 1968, and celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this year, the Special Olympics movement has grown to more than 6 million athletes and Unified Sports partners in more than 170 countries. With the support of more than 1 million coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics delivers 32 Olympic-type sports and over 100,000 games and competitions throughout the year.
As Engel & Völkers continues to grow and inspire its advisors and clients throughout Northeast Florida and the world, its charitable spirit helps better the communities they serve. If you would like to learn more about Special Olympics or becoming a volunteer, visit www.specialolympicsflorida.org/get-involved. If you would like to make a donation, visit fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/ENGELV/team/JacksonvilleBeach.