Professional Summary: Richard launched his real estate career in 1984 as an appraiser with the Polk County Property Appraiser’s Office. He later spent thirteen years as a state-certified general appraiser for an agricultural lender, evaluating a broad range of properties. His experience spans from small residential lots to expansive 25,000-acre groves, as well as diverse commercial properties throughout Florida. With a strong background in both sales and appraisals, Richard possesses extensive knowledge of Florida’s real estate market. He has held several leadership positions, including serving as President of Lakeland Realtors® (LR) in both 2010 and 2020. He was also Florida Realtors® District 10 Vice President in 2012 and again in 2021. Richard was inducted into the Florida Realtors® Honor Society in 2013 and currently serves as the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) Federal Political Coordinator for U.S. Congressman Scott Franklin, having previously held the same role for Congressman Dennis Ross. His achievements include being named Lakeland Realtors® Commercial Realtor® of the Year in 2017 and Realtor® of the Year in 2011. Richard has been an active member of numerous LR committees, notably serving as Vice-Chair of the Building Committee in 2017, where he helped oversee the development of LR’s award-winning headquarters. In addition to his contributions to LR and Florida Realtors®, he has served on the Coldwell Banker Commercial technology council. A proud Lakeland native, Richard specializes in agricultural land, ranches, citrus groves, large-acreage properties, recreational/hunting tracts, and commercial or development land.