Embracing a new adventure, we took a chance to build something meaningful together to ultimately create the life we always dreamed of for our family.
Manny: Growing up in Lawrence, Massachusetts, as the son of hardworking Dominican immigrants, I learned early the values of education and perseverance. After six years of serving in the US Air Force National Guard as a jet engine mechanic, I transitioned into corporate finance as an analyst. While stable, the corporate life didn’t fulfill me. My passion for service, cultivated during my military career, led me to the Boston Police Department. Night after night, I faced intense, unpredictable situations, finding purpose in helping people.
However, the demands of the job, especially during COVID-19, strained my family life. Working nights meant missing moments with Carolina and our kids. One night, Carolina simply said, “We should just pack up and move to Florida.” That moment planted the seed for a life-changing decision.
Carolina: Raised in Boston by a single mom who immigrated from Panama, I grew up watching her work tirelessly to provide stability. Her sacrifices inspired me to pursue a steady career in corporate finance. But in 2010, a mission trip to Equatorial Guinea changed my perspective. Witnessing joy in people with so little made me question the pursuit of material success.
That experience stayed with me, eventually leading me to nonprofit work with Compass Working Capital, where I helped families build assets—a mission that resonated deeply with my own family’s journey. Over time, I saw real estate as a way to blend my passion for service with creating something meaningful for our family. During the pandemic, my mom suggested moving to Florida, and the idea began to take root.
Manny & Carolina: In 2021, we took a leap of faith and relocated to Florida, inspired by a shared vision to build something meaningful together. After much prayer and reflection, we felt guided to make this life-changing move. Starting from the ground up, we prioritized genuine connections and dedicated ourselves to serving others with honesty and integrity.
Every day, we’re motivated by the impact we’re making—helping families invest in their futures and build stability. This work is deeply rewarding, and it fuels our passion to keep growing. At the same time, we’re creating a legacy for our kids—Levi, Nia, Eva, Joy, and Ethan—teaching them they don’t have to follow a traditional path to make a difference.
Our lives have been transformed. Running our own business allows us to be present for our kids while enjoying a balanced, fulfilling lifestyle. Manny and the kids practice jiu-jitsu, Levi plays baseball, the girls do gymnastics, and we cherish family trips, concerts, and time at the beach. Every day, we’re grateful for the courage it took to bet on ourselves and build the life we’ve always dreamed of.
In real estate, we combine analytical expertise from our finance backgrounds with a genuine passion for building relationships and providing tailored guidance to every client. Whether you're relocating, like we did, or investing for the first time, we focus on understanding your unique needs. We’re proud to have built a trusted reputation within our community, grounded in authenticity and respect.
Specializing in real estate investment and helping families achieve long-term stability, we’re especially passionate about working with veterans, thanks to Manny’s military service. As Spanish speakers, we’re proud to serve a diverse clientele. To educate and connect with more people, we launched our YouTube channel, Life in St Augustine FL, where we share insights about the local market and lifestyle we love. Through the channel, clients from all over feel connected to us before we even meet, building genuine bonds rooted in trust.
Ultimately, we see ourselves as partners in our clients’ dreams, guiding them with honesty, expertise, and a commitment to building the future they envision.
Sincerely,
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REALTOR® 904.822.8495 Info@OrtegaGroupRE.com LifeInStAugustineFL.com |
REALTOR® LIC#SL3519275 |
