CHRISTOPHER A. KENT, P.A.
SANTA ROSA BCH, FLORIDA

Kent’s ability to create, interpret and present engaging places was recognized on a larger stage as he personally managed real estate marketing and sales for the celebrated Town of Seaside, Florida from 1984 until primary residential sellout in 1996. He has maintained significant consulting relationships with Seaside companies that continue to the present time. These placemaking, presentation and operational skills were further refined and confirmed in over 100 additional venues and initiatives to which he has contributed during the past 29 years. Kent's contributions help places become authentic, compelling, profitable and fun. The firm continues to address an extensive and diverse collection of real estate, specialty venues and other initiatives. For close to three decades, the firm's structure and commitment have not changed: a solo hands-on practice helping clients and colleagues maximize impact and production by engaging real estate in significant depth and breadth - Incorporating elements of envisioning, planning, development, programming and operations to help communities and venues respond to these projections, Interpreting and consolidating the resulting placemaking into accurate and expressive narratives and comprehensive programs that speak to targeted demographic and psychographic market segments What our clients and colleagues say about the firm "We had a well located piece of property but needed to create a story for the site that would bring it alive and help us sell it to end users. Chris Kent created an ambitious, involved and detailed planning program that helped us position the site as a gathering center for Orange Beach. There is no doubt in my mind that Kent’s program helped us in the ultimate valuation and sale of the property." "Kent’s guidance and assistance helped us create one of the finest – if not THE finest – condominium project in Northwest Florida." that I assisted Mr. Jordan in purchasing the property to stop that particular development. It was our intent upon purchasing the lot to either (1) develop the property in a manner that was compatible with Mr. Jordan’s home next door (It is the largest single family home on Holiday Isle) and the neighborhood or (2) to create deed restrictions and resell the property to a developer who would develop the property according to our wishes…I have reviewed the preliminary plans and renderings for The Olympia and commend these developers "Chris understands that worldview creates the soul of a place, and he was integral in helping us identify the essential values that define our town to this day. That deep appreciation for the power of ideas coupled with his wealth of practical knowledge makes working with him a uniquely rewarding experience." “It was a pleasure meeting with you at Seaside the other week. You shed great light on areas that we have been thinking about but have not proceeded with. I think your idea of selling the people in the neighborhood is key to the overall perception of a sense of place. Your insight into what makes the commercial area work lended ease on the viability of what we are trying to achieve. In talking with some property owners upon our return, I feel this commercial area would evolve into a great place and would add unlimited value not only to Newpoint but to the overall area…” "Just wanted to say thanks again for the seminar last week. It was certainly valuable and everyone got a lot out of it. You have helped us focus in on what remains to be done at Newpoint and this will go a long way toward making our neighborhood whole, as well as for planning new projects…thanks again for an enlightening two days…" “I thought I would drop the two of you a note to let you know how much I appreciate your introduction of Chris Kent to the Blount Springs project. While we are still at an early stage in our relationship and there is, no doubt, a long way for us yet to go on the project, I am optimistic that Chris’ efforts on our behalf will prove very successful. Already, our staff is far better trained, our morale is greatly improved and we seem to be seeing results on the site in terms of lot contracts, lot sales and new prospects. Thank you for the recommendation and introduction.” Chris helped transform Redfish Village from a sleepy project in Northwest Florida to one that became the focus of dozens of publications around the country. Through (Kent’s) training on planning and programming – the necessary tools to select not only the right type of merchant but the right operator as well – our sales staff learned how the right downtown can truly create the ‘magic’ that defines a mixed-use community.” (Project Sales Associates for the previous project and throughout planning, development and sellout of the new project). “Christopher Kent brought a new vision to an old worn out business of real estate. Instead of selling square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms we began to look at the wonder of our region and began selling a lifestyle. We found ourselves looking for the reasons we live in this valley. It was like renewing our wedding vows. I got all puffed up and looked at my surroundings with such pride. Christopher brings with him a joy and wide angle view of people and places. He is and always will be my mentor.” "We had been looking for a large development site in Northwest Florida. Chris Kent helped us assemble a significant site (requiring our purchase of three separate hotel properties) that we believe is one of the unique and premiere hotel sites in all of Northwest Florida. Kent was a valued member of the planning team and a trusted advisor to me throughout our work on the project." “We’ve had many “consultants” send us cookie-cutter type reports that might or might not have a bearing on our projects. It’s nice to know we’re always going to get useful and relevant information from our friend Chris Kent…we all read his recommendation letter this AM and are in the process of implementing the points he made. Tell him THANKS for his help.”