James Hayden, a native of Southwest Florida, has cultivated valuable relationships
across various disciplines that significantly impact the sale and acquisition of real
estate. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Hodges University
and a master’s degree in public administration from Florida Gulf Coast University.
With most immediate family members residing between Collier and Lee Counties,
James's family has established a robust presence in the Southwest Florida real estate
market. Raised on Sanibel Island, he and his brother cherished the island life, often
spending time on the water surrounded by nature.
Prior to his real estate career, James enjoyed a successful stint remodeling kitchens
and bathrooms for new homeowners and investors. In 2006, he joined the fire service,
where he serves as a Deputy Fire Chief, driven by a passion for community service and
the opportunity to forge meaningful connections while aiding citizens in times of need.
This dual role has provided James with valuable insights and leadership experience that
bridge the gap between the public and private sectors, fostering both professional and
personal growth.
James regularly participates in public and private sector leadership exercises and
conferences, including the Department of Homeland Security Leadership Academy,
hosted at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and Florida Realtors CEO
Symposium. These experiences expose him to advanced leadership principles and
allowed him to engage with top-tier professionals responsible for overseeing major
public sector initiatives and private sector leadership principles, enriching his
understanding of leadership dynamics and synergies between different sectors.
Married with the privilege of raising four children ranging from 8 to 24 years old, James
and his eldest child were engaged in a friendly race to complete their master’s degrees;
James won! They enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, while James also finds
fulfillment in family time and pursuing personal fitness goals at the gym or through yard
work.
Grateful for the opportunity to assist individuals, families, and investors in maximizing
their real estate potential, James also takes pride in coaching, mentoring, and
supporting colleagues. He believes in quietly contributing to the success of others as a
positive form of leadership, aiming to define professional interactions through
continuous development and effective networking strategies.