Profile: Steve Macri

Realty Builder

Steve Macri has joined Ponte Vedra Beach Realty, Inc. in Ponte Vedra Beach as a real estate agent.

BEFORE REAL ESTATE?

He owned and operated the Homestead Restaurant for 26 years.

WHAT WAS THAT LIKE?

“That was a great life. It was fun. It was almost like show business. You are on stage and you are presenting good food and good times for the people in the restaurant and bar. You get a chance to meet people when they are disarmed, relaxed and friendly. We wanted them to forget the problems of the day and have a good meal and relax.”

WHY SELL?

“It was time to get out. I had started a family late in life and my priorities changed. I was finding that I would not spend the time necessary that a restaurant required. I had decided to spend the time with the children rather than the business and it was beginning to show.”

HOW DID HE

COME TO OWN THE RESTAURANT?

After school, he didn’t know what he wanted to do so he worked in radio. “Nina and Preben Johansen, who owned the Homestead Restaurant, also had a very successful restaurant, Le Chateau, in Atlantic Beach. The second restaurant was a lot of work and they wanted to concentrate on it. They approached my father, Carmen Macri, about buying the Homestead and he asked if I was interested in it. I said it sounded like a good thing to try, so we did. I did everything from cooking to busing tables. We just took it over and tried to duplicate what we liked when we went out to restaurants. We were very customer-focused.”

WHAT DID YOU DO AFTER YOU SOLD THE RESTAURANT LAST YEAR?

“I did nothing for a while and let the dust settle. Real estate was where I wanted to start the next journey and here I am taking the next steps.”

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE NEW OWNERS?

“We bought it from the Johansens in 1975 when Malcolm Marvin was the manager and now he is married to Kathy, the Johansen’s daughter. I think they will make the Homestead Restaurant better than it ever has been before. They have the talent, desire and resources to take it where it needs to be. I’m extremely happy that they have it.”

WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO REAL ESTATE?

“I had owned the restaurant for 26 years and had met thousands of people that I had some sort of a good relationship with. I was getting out of the restaurant business and I had always been interested in real estate. Having the opportunity to have that many contacts already built in was a plus. It will help me build my sphere of influence with potential clients. I went to school and talked to agents and realized this was an area of business I would like to explore. It sounded interesting and a way to have a good future.”

HOW DO YOU LIKE IT?

“So far, I love it. Of course, I’m just beginning. I have met some wonderful people. The office I am working in is terrific. Everyone is extremely helpful, understanding and patient.”

FAVORITE

THING SO FAR?

“I like the discovery part. I like looking in the computer, finding property, comparing property, trying to match the needs of people with what is available and with what is on the market. It’s like a game. I’ve had a few frustrating days, but that is just the way it is.”

ADVICE FOR OTHER NEW REAL ESTATE AGENTS?

Perseverance. “Also, land yourself in a good office where you fit in and have a very supportive broker to work with you because there is so much out there that you have to learn.”

ANY MISHAPS SO FAR?

“A sale fell through because the guy shot himself in the eye with a nail gun. It has been postponed until he heals.”

WHAT AREAS

DOES HE SELL?

The beaches, Ponte Vedra Beach, South Ponte Vedra Beach and Palm Valley. “I will go anywhere, but that is where I am concentrating right now.”

BIRTHPLACE

Ft. Pierce, but he was raised in Jacksonville.

HIGH SCHOOL

Landon.

COLLEGE

He has a bachelor’s degree in business and physical education from University of Florida. He attended college on a swimming scholarship.

FAMILY