July 26, 2025

Josh Cohen: Leading With Authenticity – Real Estate Excellence in Northeast Florida

🎙️ Episode 223 of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast features a true servant leader and veteran of the Northeast Florida real estate scene — Josh Cohen, Managing Broker at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty. Host Tracy Hayes dives into Josh’s remarkable 20+ year journey, unpacking the leadership mindset, resilience, and relationship-driven approach that’s made Josh a pillar in the Jacksonville real estate community.

From Culinary Arts to Closing Deals

Josh didn’t begin in real estate — in fact, he was rising through the ranks in the food and beverage industry, managing fine dining establishments at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. But witnessing the growth of the Jacksonville Beaches and bringing his natural ability for hospitality and service, he made the leap into real estate in 2004 — and never looked back.

“I saw the development around me and just knew there was something big happening. That’s when I decided to shift careers.”

Building a Culture of Trust, Coaching & Collaboration

As a non-competing broker, Josh’s full-time focus is on coaching and mentoring agents. His personalized 1-on-1 approach helps agents discover their strengths and lean into authentic client relationships that generate repeat and referral business.

“You need to be 100% YOU. The right people will come your way when you lead with service and sincerity.”

Josh leads not just with experience, but with emotional intelligence, teaching agents that collaboration beats competition — even with outside brokerages. He promotes a cooperative spirit that helps smooth deals, protect clients, and elevate everyone’s business.

Thriving Through Market Challenges

Josh shares how he rose as an REO property expert during the 2008 market collapse, handling distressed properties and learning to navigate uncertain terrain with grace. Now, as the market shifts again, he urges agents to lean into education, prepare for buyer broker agreements, and master communication to stay trusted through every change.

Regional Leadership & Industry Impact

Now serving in a regional leadership role, Josh supports other brokers and leaders within the Berkshire Hathaway Florida Network Realty organization. His aim: to foster a coaching-first culture and reinforce the human side of real estate in a tech-driven world.

Key Takeaways from Episode 223:

✅ Adapt to every market shift by staying educated
✅ Build meaningful relationships across brokerages
✅ Lead with authenticity — clients will trust you more
✅ Develop agents by coaching the person, not just the numbers
✅ Real estate isn’t transactional, it’s personal

🔗 Watch the Full Interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6WTwj7UCRVc
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode: www.tracyhayespodcast.com/223

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