Joe Freck moved to Gainesville in October 1973 from Indiana. He founded, owned, and sold his own landscaping company which was his first real experience in the business world. In 1976 he joined with three others as a co-founder of Café Espresso, which was one of Gainesville’s most popular businesses through the late 1990’s. He sold his interest in the Café, and in 1981 he entered into real estate sales at William Hall Realty, selling a commercial property his first day on the job. In the mid 1980’s he co-founded ERA Metro Realty, which he sold in 1987. In 1991, he joined forces with what is now Prudential Trend Realty, and has remained there since.

Since the day he began his real estate career, Freck estimates he has closed approximately $265 million dollars worth of real estate deals, including about 725 home sales, 1.2 million square feet of retail sales, and around 800 apartment units. In addition to his brokerage sales, Freck puts his money where his mouth is, as he has owned and managed millions of dollars worth of real estate in his own account. He believes in the long run real estate will outperform stocks and bonds.

Other Freck talents include commercial mortgage financing, and he is a former licensed mortgage broker, highlighted by a closed mortgage transaction of $11.3 Million dollars he handled for one of his clients in 2006 in the refinancing of a retail center/office facility. While he does not practice currently, he is qualified to be a real estate auctioneer.

What does he enjoy the most about being in the real estate business? “That is an easy question”, he says. “Having satisfied clients, and most proudly receiving referrals from them”. Freck estimates that he has maintained around a 90% customer satisfaction rating over his career. “While you can’t please everyone, I know if I can please 9 out of 10, I am doing it right”.

After turning 59 this year, is retirement on the horizon? “No,” he says with a sheepish smile. “As long as my health remains good, I am looking to keep trying to do it better, and I have new goals and personal records to set. I’m excited to continue to serve my past clients and friends, as well as meeting and making new ones. I have a great team who works and assists me. Chet Harris has been with me doing a great job for many years now and has been involved in millions of dollars in real estate transactions.  Together we bring years of experience in professional real estate services to our clients".

Chet spent 13 years working as a carpenter and knows how homes are built from the ground up.  He has extensive experience in customer service and in marketing residential properties.  He thoroughly enjoys all aspects of the real estate profession.  He is certifified to handle relocations and referrals and is a specialist in short sales and foreclosures.   He was a SeaBee in the Marine reserves for eight years.