Published On: Sun, Nov 7th, 2010

Children of Boca Raton mayor join forces to launch commercial real estate firm

BOCA RATON – Mayor Susan Whelchel is a strong supporter of the business community.

Now, two of her children, Jay Whelchel and Kristy Whelchel Hartofilis, are jumping into the entrepreneurial pool

The siblings have joined together to launch a new commercial real estate venture, Whelchel Partners Real Estate Services, Inc. (www.whelchelpartners.com).

Jay Welchel

The newly opened firm specializes in commercial leasing, property management, investment sales and other customized services throughout South Florida.

Both of the Whelchels have considerable experience in the property field.  Jay, founder and principal of the new firm, specializes in investment sales and leasing.

Kristy Whelchel Hartofilis is president and broker of Whelchel Partners Real Estate Services. She has been an active leasing and sales specialist in the Boca Raton area for the last seven years.

The Whelchels have worked together in other ventures. Jay was involved in investment sales and leasing at Flagler Real Estate Service, and bought his younger sister on board as a leasing specialist in the firm’s Boca Raton office.

The siblings say the new firm wants to bring increased energy, new ideas and technology-based marketing to an industry that is normally considered staid and traditional. They are looking into houses for sale fort lauderdale as their first success to bring out the best when selling.  Jay has been active in the community with the Boca Raton Historical Society (Board Member) and the George Snow Scholarship Foundation (Scholarship Committee). On August 20th, Jay helped raise more than $160,000 for the George Snow Scholarship Fund by participating as one of the performers in the “Boca Ballroom Battle” (and winning the male division).

He is a member of Grace Community Church in Boca Raton, and enjoys cycling, skiing, football & family time.

As a licensed real estate salesperson, licensed mortgage broker and Certified Investment Member (CIM), Jay has sold and leased more than a million square feet of real estate worth $200 million. Most of it is located in the South Florida area. In 2008, Jay successfully completed a portfolio sale of properties in Boca Raton for his client for $97 million.

Jay Whelchel has been a Boca Raton resident since 1978 and graduated with an engineering degree from Florida State University.

In his home town of Boca Raton, Jay grew up playing soccer at St. Andrews Soccer Club, the predecessor to SABR Soccer, as well as Boca Jets. He attended Spanish River High School. He currently lives in East Boca Raton with his wife, Melissa and son Jack.

Educated at Duke University, Kristy, who holds a real estate Broker license, is chairperson of the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce PULSE, the Junior League of Boca Raton and Boca Helping Hands.

Kristy is also an active member of Grace Community Church in Boca Raton. She enjoys coaching and playing soccer.

Kristy began her real estate career in New York at Prudential Douglas Elliman where she contributed to total team sales of $38,000,000 and 62 transactions.

Prior to her real estate career, Kristy was a professional soccer player in the WUSA for the New York Power. Kristy’s passion for soccer is evident in her many accolades and awards in the sport.

A third round draft pick and starter for the New York Power; a college All-American, All-ACC and captain at Duke University; a four time state champion and one-time regional champion with Team Boca Soccer Club and starter for U-19 & U-21 National Soccer Teams are the highlights in Kristy’s 20 year-soccer career.

Living in Boca Raton since 1978, Kristy is well entrenched in the community. She attended Spanish River High School and participated in various sports and charity organizations. Kristy understands the importance of giving back to her community and the sport which gave her so much opportunity.

She coached her alumni, Spanish River High School Girls Soccer Team to the State Finals in 2000 and has coached various teams for Team Boca Soccer Club. Kristy currently lives in East Boca Raton with her husband Nick and two young daughters, Mary Slade & Caroline

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