The Richardson Group

Meet the Richardsons

The Richardson Family lives for the pursuit of excellence and firm believers in the saying, “how you do anything is how you do everything.” John and Andrea live life on the run, figuratively and literally. Both former collegiate standout runners and current Ironman triathletes, they work hard for their family and stand strong on their faith. John left his corporate job in a huge leap of faith moving his family to Florida in May 2020. Andrea was a teacher for 12 [...]

Meet the Richardsons

The Richardson Family lives for the pursuit of excellence and firm believers in the saying, “how you do anything is how you do everything.” John and Andrea live life on the run, figuratively and literally. Both former collegiate standout runners and current Ironman triathletes, they work hard for their family and stand strong on their faith. John left his corporate job in a huge leap of faith moving his family to Florida in May 2020. Andrea was a teacher for 12 years and recently stepped down to join John in the family business. They reside in Ponte Vedra with their three daughters, Reese, Rory and Roxy.

Our Story:

“I can always control my thoughts and energy, I choose to be full of joy, work hard, and be outrageously optimistic!”

If not for a visit to his sister’s new home in Nocatee, a planned community in Ponte Vedra, Florida, John Richardson might still be working in the corporate world.

Seeing Florida in a whole new way, John felt the need to make his surroundings more than a vacation; he envisioned a new home and lifestyle for his family among the palm trees, sunshine and warm weather.

Seeking adventure and a change of scenery in the midst of a pandemic, John moved his family from Lexington, Kentucky - the college town they had called home for more than a dozen years - to Nocatee.

“I loved my job, but I knew that I did not want to return to the corporate world, so I put my faith in God and knew that something good would come if I trusted him,” John recalled, adding that his faith guided him.

The pivotal move brought more than a renewed outlook.

“Florida has always represented fun and freedom,” John said. “Ever since I was a child, I always felt alive whenever I was in Florida. Living here full time has only made that feeling stronger. Nocatee is amazing for many reasons but the one that stands out most is the people. People who live here are happy, and that happiness is infectious.”

A competitive track athlete at the University of Kentucky and before that, Ocean City High School in Ocean City, New Jersey, John is one of a very small group of athletes who have run a mile in under four minutes. He was a multiple SEC champion in the 1500 meters.

He was also a double state high school champion, winning the High School Mile at the prestigious Penn Relays and was the first competitor to ever win the Meet of Champions in both the 800 and 1600-meter events. A longtime member of the Ocean City Beach Patrol, he also competed in many lifeguard events, where he ran, swam and rowed.

“I love competition and learned that success comes to those who do the work that no one else wants to do,” John said. “I learned that the extra mile is often rather lonely. I have taken this principle into my real estate business as well. I want to do things that other Realtors won't because it is too hard.”  John prefers to focus on effort and attitude, not just an outcome or results.

“I can always control my thoughts and energy,” he said. “I choose to be full of joy, work hard, and be outrageously optimistic!”   

When he’s not working, John enjoys spending time with his family. He married his college sweetheart, Andrea, and the couple has two young daughters, Reese and Rory. The family enjoys the many activities in Nocatee and throughout Northeast Florida. They especially love weekend trips to Disney World!

In 2021, John completed the Ironman Florida competition. This inspired Andrea to jump into triathlon training. They both raced in Ironman events in 2022 and 2023  qualifying for the World Championship Ironman race in Kona Hawaii. You may see them biking and running around Nocatee, swimming in the Beachwalk lagoon, or competing in various triathlons, marathons and 5K races.

They also share their love of running with the community. The couple founded the Healthy Kids Running Series last year in Nocatee to encourage children to stay active and healthy. John is an active member of the F3 Men’s Leadership Group in Ponte Vedra leading workouts and fellowship with men in the community. Andrea is active in the PTO at the local school and a board member at the Nocatee YMCA. Both are also heavily involved at their church, Crosswater Community Church.

Feeling blessed to have found such a beautiful community to call home, new surroundings and unlimited recreational opportunities, John was inspired to encourage others to “Live the Florida Life” and make Northeast Florida their new home by becoming a real estate agent for ONE Sotheby's International Realty.