I started at Publix at sixteen, bagging groceries after school. My goal was clear pretty early on: become a store manager. In 2008, after years of hard work and mentorship, I reached that goal. Managing a store was both challenging and rewarding—I loved taking care of my team and customers. But over time, the excitement faded. The role changed, and so did I. After nearly twenty-five years, I realized it was time for a new chapter. Leaving Publix in 2016 was one of the hardest—and best—decisions I’ve ever made. 

 

After stepping away from Publix, I took on a new challenge as a FedEx Ground contractor. The learning curve was steep, owning and operating that business was demanding but rewarding —it gave me firsthand experience in entrepreneurship, accountability, and stress management at a whole new level. When we sold the business in 2023, I think I slept better that night than I had in the previous 7 years. 

 

 My interest in real estate started years earlier when Michelle and I listed and rented our previous home. I was fascinated by the process—it planted a seed. After some reflection, I realized real estate combined everything I loved most: service, strategy, and helping people. I got licensed in 2018 and made the leap to full-time REALTOR®. Moving from a steady paycheck to commission-only work was intimidating, but that fear quickly turned into motivation. I love what I do now—guiding people through one of the biggest decisions of their lives and building relationships that last long after closing. 

 

 On the personal side, life’s been equally rewarding. I met my wife, Michelle, the summer before our senior year in high school at a Math & Science Program at Western Carolina University. We lost touch for six years, but fate brought us back together when she took a summer job in my hometown in ’98. She reached out, and after one dinner, we were inseparable. By the end of that summer, she said, “I’m not losing you again; I’m moving to Florida.” Two years later, we were married. A little over a year later, we were blessed with our son Kobe, followed by Kyndall five years later. 

 

 Our kids are stepping into adulthood. Watching them find their own paths has been incredible. Michelle and I are both business owners now, navigating life as partners in work, faith, and family. I try to make time to work out, play golf when I can, travel, and enjoy the life we’ve built together. 

 

 For me, real estate isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. It’s the perfect mix of my experiences, drive, and desire to make a difference. My focus is always on honesty, communication, and creating clarity for my clients. I especially love helping military families navigate the challenges of buying or selling from afar, and I take pride in crafting marketing plans that make each home stand out. 

 

Buying or selling a home can be one of life’s most stressful events. My job is to make it smoother—to provide guidance that’s honest, practical, and supportive every step of the way. 

 

 At the end of the day, this business isn’t about houses—it’s about people, relationships, and building trust that lasts long after closing.

 

Real estate isn’t just a job—it’s where my experience, work ethic, and passion for helping people come together. After twenty-five years with Publix and several years running a FedEx Ground business, I applied the lessons of service, consistency, and perseverance to build a career focused on helping people make confident real estate decisions. 

 

 I serve a wide range of clients across Northwest Florida, tailoring my approach to each person’s unique needs while keeping communication clear and consistent. Whether it’s a firsttime buyer, a military family relocating, or a seller preparing for their next chapter, my goal is the same: to deliver an experience that’s professional, personal, and stress-free. 

 

 Every listing receives a tailored marketing plan that highlights what makes it stand out. Every buyer gets honest guidance and support from the first conversation through closing—and beyond. 

 

I’m proud to serve my community with the same values that shaped me early on: availability, integrity, and support. Those principles guide every decision I make, and they’re the reason my clients know they can count on me—every time.

 

 Sincerely, 

 

 

 

Tomell M. Johnson