| Watson Realty had its beginning in a small converted store-front building on Atlantic Boulevard in Jacksonville. William A. Watson, Jr., President and founder of the company, entered the real estate field in 1960 after graduating from Stetson University with a major in Real Estate and Insurance. He has served the profession and the community in such capacities as President of the Jacksonville Board of REALTORS in 1968 and President of the Florida Association of REALTORS in 1981. He also served on the Advisory Committee of the local government commission, which recommended the consolidation of Jacksonville and Duval County in 1967, and was elected to "Outstanding Young Men of America" in 1968. Mr. Watson is a director of First Union Bank, on the Board of Directors of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, and has served as the Committee of 100's representative to the Mayor's Council on Economic Growth. Mr. Watson is also a member of the Board of Directors of Baptist Medical Center. |  |
 Mr.
Watson set out with his goal in mind to build the largest, most
professional, quality-oriented organization in the Southeast on December
16, 1965, and by 1970, Watson Realty had opened its first branch office
in the Arlington area of Jacksonville. By 1974, Watson Realty moved into
first place in Duval County for the highest volume of residential real
estate sales, reaching over 37 million dollars, and has remained in
first place.The growth continued to sky rocket and the year 1982 saw the sales soar to over $585 million dollars. Watson Realty has grown to 18 residential branch offices in Jacksonville, 9 branch offices in the greater Orlando area. 1 in Gainesville, 1 in DeLand, 2 in the Daytona area , 1 in New Smyrna Beach, 1 in St. Augustine, 1 in Keystone Heights, 1 in Middleburg, 1 in Fernandina Beach, 1 in Altamonte Springs, 1 in Maitland, 1 in Ponte Vedra and 2 in Orange Park. In early 1985, Watson Realty extended its service into Georgia, with an office in St. Mary's. The company now boasts over 850 sales associates and 200 full-time employees. To round off the full service concept, Watson Realty has a Property Management Department and a Corporate relocation Service with specially trained referral and corporate home specialists. Watson Realty has attributed its growth to its dedication of high principles in all transactions and the selection of top quality sales associates and management personnel. This is accomplished in part by providing a comprehensive training program and a dedication to a disciplined selection system. In its over 30 year history, Watson Realty has grown in reputation to become the largest independent real estate company in mid and north Florida with sales in 1995 topping one billion dollars. |