Mario Gonzalez: Building Trust and Legacy in Jacksonville Real Estate with Navy to Navy Homes

In Episode 218 of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, host Tracy Hayes sits down with retired Naval Aviator and real estate trailblazer Mario Gonzalez. As the founder and CEO of Navy to Navy Homes and President-Elect of the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors (NEFAR), Mario shares how his journey from military service to real estate leadership has been guided by trust, resilience, and a mission to serve.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mG_kxItzYtg

From the Cockpit to Closings: A Service-Driven Real Estate Mission

Mario enlisted in the Navy at 17, later earning his spot at the U.S. Naval Academy and flying Seahawks across global deployments. But it was a personal crisis — forced to relocate with no equity in his home and no reliable support — that planted the seed for Navy to Navy Homes. What began as a mission to help fellow military families avoid that same hardship has since grown into one of Jacksonville’s most trusted full-service brokerages.

Whether buying, selling, renting, or managing, Mario’s team brings a white-glove service model rooted in care, transparency, and unwavering commitment.

From Four Doors to Full Brokerage

What started as a property management solution for military families quickly expanded. As Mario’s referrals and reputation grew, he built a team of likeminded agents — many with military ties — focused on service over transactions. Early partners like CC Underwood helped handle short sales and listings when Mario was still active duty. Today, Navy to Navy Homes spans across sales, rentals, and investor education, with top agents like his daughter Bailey and standout performers in Pensacola leading the charge.

Serving Those Who Serve — and Everyone Else, Too

Despite the name, Navy to Navy Homes welcomes all. While 70% of their web traffic comes from direct searches for “Navy to Navy,” their client base spans veterans, civilians, and investors alike. Mario has helped countless renters transition into homeownership and has coached agents to broaden their real estate skill sets — from flipping and investing to mastering VA assumable loans and building long-term wealth.

Leading by Example in NEFAR and Florida Realtors

Mario doesn’t just lead a brokerage — he helps shape the future of Florida real estate. As NEFAR’s 2025 President, he’s focused on agent education, collaboration, and elevating professionalism across the board. From serving on MLS leadership during COVID to working alongside local titans like Sarah Rocco and CC Underwood, Mario believes in collaboration over competition.

“You train people so they can leave, and treat them so they won’t want to,” he says — a leadership mindset honed from years as a Navy pilot, where trust and teamwork saved lives.

🌐 Connect with Mario Gonzalez:

• Website: www.navytonavy.com

• Instagram: @militaryrealestateguy

• Facebook: Mario Gonzalez

• YouTube: Navy to Navy Homes

• LinkedIn: Mario Gonzalez

🎧 Hear more top Jacksonville agents on the Real Estate Excellence Podcast:
www.tracyhayespodcast.com/218

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