John R. Wood
SIX DECADES OF LEGENDARY SERVICE
When John R. Wood Properties opened their doors in 1958, Naples was a sleepy fishing village with a few thousand residents. Marco Island, Bonita Springs, and Estero were sparsely settled outlying areas. Home sites in Port Royal could be purchased for as little as $7,500. In 1960, the direct hit of Hurricane Donna helped create a boom as insurance money and new buyers poured into the area. Along with the town, John R. Wood Properties began climbing their path of success.
The early 60’s saw new subdivisions popping up at the northern edge of town, such as Coquina Sands and The Moorings. The Quonset Hut Theater on Third Street and the drive-in on U.S. 41 were the only movie selections. The Rexall Drugstore on 5th Avenue South had the classic soda fountain and luncheonette, and the Swamp Buggy parade in late October was the major event of the year.
In the 70’s and 80’s, Southwest Florida continued to grow with Park Shore breaking ground, followed by other communities that included Pelican Bay, Bonita Bay, and Pelican Landing. However, the most significant growth period would be prompted by the completion of I-75 and the new airport in Fort Myers. The area also became known as the golf capital of the world and consistently recognized as a highly desirable destination.
For six decades, John R. Wood Properties has continued to thrive, and holds the distinction of being #1 in Southwest Florida for units sold and sales volume. Our agents are highly trained professionals with a dedication to ethics and philanthropy. The company is the oldest brokerage in Southwest Florida and has 21 office locations in the two-county area.
OUR FOUNDER
NAPLES REALTOR JOHN R. WOOD LIVES ON IN SPIRIT
By Laura Layden, Naples Daily NewsFrom humble beginnings, John R. Wood carved out a life full of meaning and joy. He didn’t just build the successful real estate business that still bears his name. He built a successful life — a life that touched so many others in Southwest Florida and beyond. For his positive impact and influence on others, he’s remembered most. Wood, founder of John R. Wood Properties, a Naples-based real estate firm, died Aug. 4, 2021 six weeks shy of his 92nd birthday. Founded under a similar name in 1958, the firm still stands as the oldest active real estate brokerage in Southwest Florida. It’s more than 60 years old.
A LEGACY OF PHILANTHROPY
John R. Wood Properties’ long-standing tradition of philanthropy began with its founder, John R. Wood, from the time the company began in 1958. His extensive involvement in charitable organizations was recognized with honors such as the Naples Daily News Citizen of the Year, the Hodges University Humanitarian of the Year, and as a Laureate for the Junior Achievement Hall of Fame.
While the volunteer portion of John’s professional journey led him to receive these honors as well as positions such as Chairman of the Florida Real Estate Commission, President of the Florida Association of REALTORS®, and President of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), more important to John than professional service was his civic and philanthropic involvement.
Focused on improving the Southwest Florida area, John R. Wood served on dozens of boards and campaigns, elevating the organization to a position of excellence while continuing his volunteer work right up until his passing in 2021.
Today, the tradition continues through the work of John’s son, Phil, as well as staff members and agents’ involvement in numerous philanthropic and charitable events. In 2021 alone, Phil Wood contributed to more than 100 charitable organizations. This legacy continues to enhance the lives of our agents and staff members, and fosters positive change within our communities, serving all who have made Southwest Florida their home in paradise.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
John R. Wood Properties has been fortunate and blessed for 60 years. The success of the firm can be traced to the culture that was first established in 1958 and has evolved with only minimal changes to the guiding principles.
- Family - God and family are priorities. The company welcomes people of all faiths.
- Dream Big - Focus on your dreams to accomplish worthy and appropriate goals.
- Help Others - Helping others, especially the less fortunate, is a tradition at the John R. Wood Properties. This may take the form of time and personal support as well as monetary donations.
- Be Visionary - Be visionary and innovative, but don’t get too many pioneer arrows in your back.
- The Culture - All John R. Wood personnel are hired based on their compatibility with the culture. To prosper and achieve their true potential, each individual needs to contribute to the overall welfare of the team.
- Hard Work - Hard work will ultimately always triumph over luck.
- Kindness & Respect - Treat everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of their financial, social, or other status.
- Positive Attitude - Having a positive attitude is crucial to long term success and happiness.
- Ethics - Always, always do business in an ethical manner.
- Equal Treatment - The company does not discriminate based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
- Legendary Service & Knowledge - Perfectionism in customer service is a good thing. To provide legendary service, we use extensive market knowledge and experience.
- People Make the Company - The ultimate success of John R. Wood Properties has always been the result of having great staff, agents, and management. It’s the people.
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