SJR STATE ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS

AUGUST 2017

Stanley Bishop (1997)
President, Stanley Bishop Properties

Each week, St. Johns River State College will honor one of its own in an alumni salute, celebrating the career milestones, community contributions and personal reflections of those who began their collegiate journey as SJR State Vikings.

As a member of the Future Business Leaders of America in junior high and high school, Stanley Bishop knew he wanted to become a business owner. “I can remember my teacher asking me what I wanted to do some day, and I said I wanted to be an entrepreneur,” Stanley explained. “I chose my major because I thought it would give me the best chance to succeed in running a company someday.”

And he was right. Today, Stanley successfully manages Stanley Bishop Properties, including First Coast School of Real Estate (FCSRE), which recently partnered with SJR State to provide a 63-hour pre-licensing course for real estate students.

“It is an honor to be able to partner with the college I once attended,” said Stanley, who earned his Associate in Arts degree from SJR State in 1997. “I believe this partnership will fill a void in the northeast Florida area for students who are seeking an exciting and rewarding career in real estate.” Bishop added that he can personally attest to the variety of benefits that comes from holding a real estate license. “Being a realtor myself, I know the many benefits this career can have, including opening so many doors for financial freedom and personal growth,” he said. “Having a real estate license is one of the best decisions I made for my career. I'm fortunate that I can partner with my alma mater and make a difference in the community.”

Stanley, who was on the Dean’s List at SJR State, said he felt that the College’s small class sizes gave him better access to his professors. Teacher involvement was one of the things he most enjoyed at the College. Another favorite was working in the computer department. “I know I've used the skills I learned in that position for all of my career,” he said.

After graduating from SJR State, Stanley continued his education at the University of North Florida, earning his bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a focus on marketing. After receiving his MBA from Jacksonville University, he went on to receive his real estate sales associate, real estate broker and real estate instructor licenses.

In 2007, Stanley opened his own real estate brokerage franchise, EXIT Real Estate Gallery, because he saw the need for a real estate brokerage that was built from the agent's perspective. With hard work and dedication, Stanley grew the company to become number one in sales volume within the franchise and one of the top four brokerages in all of Northeast Florida. Today, the company has recruited over 1,000 agents and closed over $1 billion in real estate sales.

“As a realtor, I help people who never thought home ownership was possible,” said Stanley. “Helping first-time home buyers is such a rewarding experience. Through home ownership, we are able to increase tax revenue that supports our local schools.”

Stanley is also actively involved in his community, working with Habitat for Humanity, the Daniel Kids Foundation, and the Sulzbacher Center.

ARE YOU AN SJR STATE ALUMNUS?
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Susan Kessler
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