Name: Gia Arvin
Birthdate: March 13th, 1981
Where were you born? Gainesville, Fl
What are your community activities? (church or faith-based involvement, local, regional and national professional organizations, non-profits, etc)
2014 Women’s Council of Realtors State Secretary recently elected,
2014 Gainesville Alachua County Association of Realtors Political Involvement Chair – recently appointed
2013 President of Girls Place Operations Board
2009-2012 Girls Place Board Member
2013 Florida Realtors District 1 Vice President
2013 Florida Women’s Council of Realtors Governor
2013 Gainesville Real Estate Political Action Committee Chair
2010- 2013 Business Community Coalition (BCC) Board Member
2013 Gainesville Association of Realtors Political Action Committee Chair
2011 Public Leadership Institute Graduate
Graduate of Leadership Gainesville 36
Realtor since 2003
2007-2012 Adopt-A-Child through Children’s Home Society
List any awards you have won for community service:
2011 Girls Place Alumna of the Year, 2005 and 2012 Women’s Council of Realtors Realtor of The year, 2010 Gainesville Alachua County Association of Realtors Realtor of The Year, 2011 Women’s Council of Realtor Business Woman of The Year,
What is your definition of success? Waking up every day still passionate about your profession, and making a healthy living and difference in your community while doing it.
What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment thus far is recently being elected by my peers in the Real Estate Industry to become their 2014 State Secretary of the Women’s Council of Realtors
How do you exemplify the spirit of a Forty Under 40 professional?
I know I am successful at doing what I love . It is about the journey and the satisfaction, not about how much money you can make. As a young professional I recognize the importance of community involvement and in return that involvement helps me grow personally and professionally.
Businessperson who has most inspired you:
I have met many great business owners in the field that I work in but the one person that sticks out the most is Rosa Travis, my mother and Broker Owner of Matchmaker Realty of Alachua County Inc. She started the company 32 years ago. She has instilled in me from the day I started real estate the importance of personal relationships and going above and beyond to do what is right. She also has been the support that is allowing me go after my dreams of being involved Politically and Professionally
Best advise ever received:
Before you react in any situation remember to look at things from the other side’s perspective.
Greatest professional challenge:
Life is a balancing act, and one of my challenges is balancing work, personal, and volunteer lives. I know to be a successful leader this is something I must accomplish.
First job:
After School Counselor at Martha Manson Elementary (now Oak Hall lower school)
What color crayon would you be? Why?
I would be the blue crayon because I love the water, it’s a soothing color, and of course it is one out of the two Gator colors!
Favorite after-work drink:
Malibu and Coke
If I had a magic wand, I’d:
Well there are too many to list but everyone that knows me knows that I’m a huge animal lover, so I think I would wave my magic wand and there would be no more homeless or abused pets ever again. If there was a little bit more magic dust in that wand, I would build a gym/education center for the Girls Place for generations of girls to use.
What is your favorite Gadget?
My iPhone for sure. It never leaves my side!
How long have you been in Gainesville?
My entire life, I’m one of the few true ACRs ( Alachua County Resident)
What do you love most about Gainesville/Alachua County?
Gator Sports, the trees, and the fact that Gainesville has the resources of a big city but the feel of a small town.
Three things people would be surprised to know about you:
- My lucky number is 13
- I was in the movie Doc Hollywood
- I did not want to be a Realtor originally, I wanted to be a lawyer
Advice you would give a younger you: Don’t stress over the small things, remember to set aside plenty of time for family and friends, and always take one day at a time! Your journey will be so rewarding, just don’t let the road blocks slow you down! You will be lucky and have a life full of love, fun, and opportunities. Just smile and relax.