The majority of Bill Garrison's professional life has involved construction, housing and real estate, and his move in November 2012 to become the Director of Clay County's Economic Development Council was a natural progression of the experience, relationships and connections he developed over the years and through his membership in the Northeast Florida Builders Association.
"I'm proud of my affiliation with NEFBA, and I am grateful for the role the association has played in my career," Bill said. "The friendships and connections I made through NEFBA are invaluable."
Bill was born in South Carolina and traveled around the world because of his father's Navy career. Bill's family lived in Japan for three years while his father served aboard an aircraft carrier during the Vietnam War.
Bill graduated from Forrest High School, and joined the U. S. Navy after working in construction for a few months. He graduated from the U. S. Naval Nuclear Power School and served aboard the U.S.S. Sunfish, a nuclear-powered, fast-attack submarine.
Upon his return home at the completion of his military service, Bill went back into construction and worked his way up from carpenter to a project manager. That job led him into lumber sales with Manning Building Supplies where he worked for the next 12 years. Bill credits Spike Cissel, owner of Manning Building Supplies, with teaching him the fundamentals of being successful in business.
"Sid Higginbotham, one of the most respected builders in the business, became my biggest customer," Bill said. "Sid's son Roger served as chair of the Clay Builders Council and invited me to become involved. My participation grew, and after a few years I was named Associate of the Year. I eventually went to work with Sid and Roger as a site agent and operations manager. I enjoyed a wonderful career with them for almost 10 years."
Bill's involvement with the Clay Builders Council was a springboard for his career advancement. He served as the CBC chair in 2007 and again 2010. He was later named the CBC Builder of the Year.
"Serving as the chairman of the Clay Builders Council was a training ground," he said. "The responsibilities of leadership cast you in a different light. You gain credibility, and working side-by-side with other members develops mutual respect and lasting relationships with other professionals."
Bill credits his work with Jerry Agresti, also a past chair of the Clay Builders Council, as being a pivotal point in his career. The two worked closely on the 2007 CBC Past-Chairs Dinner, an event that brought together the past chairs for a special recognition dinner.
"Jerry's company, Developers Realty Group, has been highly successful, and Jerry was very involved in the council," Bill said. "At the time, Corey Deal was the staff liaison for the Clay Builders Council, and the three of us worked together to organize and produce a successful event. Now Jerry is chairman of the Clay County Economic Development Council, and as the Director of the Council, I report to Jerry in his capacity as chairman of that board."
During his busy career, Bill has earned his real estate license, an associate's degree and is now working toward his bachelor's degree in public administration at St. Johns River State College.
Bill married his high school sweetheart, Kim, in 1980, and they have three children and two grandchildren. His oldest son Josh served as a sniper in Iraq and now lives in Michigan. His other two children, Nikki and Charles, and his grandchildren live in the area.
One of Bill's hobbies is playing the guitar.
"Kenny McGill (also a NEFBA member) and I played at a council social," Bill said, "and we didn't get booed off the stage, so we considered our performance a success. We're not quitting our day jobs, though."
Bill also enjoys kayaking, and he freely admits spending time with his 9- and 6-year-old grandchildren is his favorite activity outside of work and civic responsibilities.
"My years of involvement with NEFBA and the Clay Builders Council were a training ground, and were instrumental in my move into my current position," he said. "Those leadership opportunities, my experience in real estate and my civic activity prepared me and gave me the tools to be effective and to make a contribution to the larger business community as the director of the Clay County Economic Development Council. The NEFBA relationships and opportunities have made all the difference, and continue to be an important part of my professional life."
NEFBA has played a role in developing leaders for government and private employers, and the association takes pride in seeing its members reap the benefits of professional development opportunities.
"Bill Garrison has demonstrated not only a commitment to the industry and the association, but most definitely to the community at large," said NEFBA Executive Director Corey Deal. "His talents, dedication and mature leadership have been and continue to be a great asset to the association.
And, personally, I am indebted to Bill for his role in my own leadership development. When I was the staff liaison to CBC and Bill was the chair, the council was very successful under his guidance, and by observing him, I received great leadership training. We are proud of his move into the position of director of the Clay County Economic Development Council and are confident he will serve that agency with the same intensity and ability with which he serves NEFBA."