For the past 18 years, the Jacksonville Business Journal has sought to honor those women with the Women of Influence award. This award recognizes some of the women whose leadership has helped their companies grow, shaped the next generation and provided a model for the community.
This year, out of a near-record number of nominees, our selection panel has picked 21 women who through their work, words and accomplishments serve as inspirational and influential leaders on the First Coast.
Name: Laura Gonzales
Company: Franklin Street
Title: Regional Managing Director
What have been your biggest accomplishments over the past three years?
I made the transition from Commercial Real Estate Lender (20+ year career) to Commercial Real Estate Mortgage Broker, joining Franklin Street’s Jacksonville office as Director of Capital Markets in late 2019 – just months before the Covid-19 pandemic began impacting the commercial real estate industry. Despite entering a new role and career path during an unforeseeably challenging time, I had an exceptionally strong year, ranking as a top producer within the company, securing several significant new business opportunities, closing record-setting capital markets transactions for the firm and qualified for our annual rewards trip my first year.
Thinking back on the advice you have received, what had the most impact on you?
The best advice I received is to work hard, never give up and to find someone that believes in you to mentor you and help you. I have been extremely lucky to have great men and women in my life that guided me and helped me be successful in my life and career. I would not be at Franklin Street if Carrie Smith and Yvonne Baker did not fight for them to hire me and they were taking a risk as I had never worked in brokerage previously and now I am the Regional Managing Director for Jacksonville and have a Capital Markets career nationwide.
Read Laura’s full interview with the Jacksonville Business Journal here.
