After leaving the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) after a long career, I wanted to work in a field that would eventually allow me to own my own business. I had bought and sold real estate all of my adult life, but I never dreamed that in just a short time, I would branch out into a totally new career field.

Because my FDLE experiences included working with the Legislative and Executive branches of Government as the department's lobbyist, I naturally gravitated to one of Tallahassee's major industries and became a partner with Hebrock Steiner McLaughlin, Inc. Our lobbying firm represented many clients who were involved in a complicated process in which the State of Florida purchases environmentally sensitive lands.

I quickly learned that I enjoyed working with these complex issues, but grew weary of the political process associated with representing our many clients. After a short time I began pursuing a new career, one which would ultimately allow me to start my own business.

I have also had a long time desire to learn about the real estate development process. I have a cousin in Wakulla County who is a well respected builder and with whom I share not only a kinship but a close friendship which started when we were children and continues to this day. Together we are developing several properties in Wakulla county and we have several more on the books. So it seemed logical to me, that I would go into Real Estate on a full-time basis. I quickly became a licensed Realtor and this year I earned my Real Estate Brokers designation and immediately began to plan for my new business.

Fittingly, on St. Patrick's day 2007, I created the McLaughlin Real Estate firm and I am now in the process of recruiting new Assoicates, the first of whom is my son Sean who graduates in August from Florida State University majoring in Finance and Real Estate. He will join me on a part-time basis beginning this summer and will specialize in student housing and investment properties. My goal is to open a branch office in Wakulla County where I still have many family and friends, by the end of 2009.

We at McLaughlin Real Estate look forward to putting our dream to work for you.