Today we’d like to introduce you to Derrick Richardson.
Hi Derrick, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL. I attended Nathan Bedford Forrest High School, which is now Westside High. After high school, I started to attend Florida State College of Jacksonville, but by my second semester, I got in some legal trouble and due to my lifestyle choices at the time my grades suffered and I went on academic probation. I eventually made some life changes and worked my way back and finished with a 3.4 and then transferred to the University of North Florida (UNF).
I earned my bachelor’s with honors from UNF and then earned my strategic communication management certification and master’s from Purdue University with a near-perfect GPA (3.9). I returned to the University of North Florida where I also earned my nonprofit management certification. I’ve had the privilege to work for a variety of corporate marketing departments; Wounded Warrior Project, TIAA Bank, Florida Department of Transportation, and FIS Global.
I’m a graduate of the Jax Chamber Jax Bridges program as well as being a Stein Fellow of United Way. In 2020, I jumped out on faith and started my own property management/cleaning company (Richardson Management Services LLC) and earned my license to start practicing real estate as a realtor (Derrick Richardson, PA).
It went so well that I decided to pursue real estate full-time as of January 1, 2021 and I completely walked away from the corporate world. I have upcoming plans of getting into franchising, the vending machine business, starting a nonprofit and an affordable daycare with extended hours through my church. My biggest passion though is the work I do in the community. I would not be where I’m at today without my strong faith in God, the support of my family, and the self-determined, self-motivated will to succeed at anything I do.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Getting to where I’m at now there have been many bumps in the road and truthfully some potholes that may have delayed my journey… but I never stop. Many people think I have no fear because I will take on anything but it’s not that I have no fear it’s just that I rather fall on my face trying at something than sit on the sidelines wishing I tried, having “what-ifs.” I know that in keeping God first and with hard work, I can do anything, my fear of not succeeding drives me every morning I wake up.
There are good days and bad days but all in all, I’m great at what I do and above all I have peace. Is every day a happy day… no. But happiness is a fleeting feeling it comes and goes but peace is sustainable and pursuing my own endeavors and controlling my own legacy gives me that peace.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Derrick Richardson, PA?
I just recently turned my real estate practice into a business which now gives me my second official business.
My first is Richardson Management Service LLC which provides property management and cleaning services. As a realtor, I offer the typical services… CMA, investing, buying, selling, and consultations.
The brand that I’ve built in real estate is simple… I’m going to be honest, genuine, go above and beyond for my customers, we’re going to have fun and I’m going to do what needs to be done that’s best for them not my pockets. I feel when you do right by people it comes back to you so I don’t have to worry about the money because being a kind individual the money comes and that it has. I’m a man of the people and a realtor for the people hence the name, “the people’s realtor.”
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Yes, don’t take life for granted, love your family and friends, cherish moments and make memories. Life can change so quickly and because of that be willing to take risks! Take a chance and step out on faith, I heard the calling and literally started a business and new career in the heart of the pandemic. Some of us are sitting on great talents and ideas but we are missing out due to fear, but never let fear overtake you so much that you don’t try. We only owe two people in this world… God and ourselves, you owe it to yourself to try. If you want something then go get it, be intentional in everything you do.
Contact Info:
- Email: derrickrichardson00@gmail.com
- Website: DeeSellsJax.com
- Instagram: @deesellsjax
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeeSellsJax
