founding members

 As an SBA BDO, I specialize in providing tailored financing solutions that help businesses grow and thrive across the country. With a deep understanding of the SBA loan programs, I’m dedicated to guiding entrepreneurs through the lending process, ensuring they secure the capital needed to achieve their goals. Whether you’re a startup seeking your first loan,an established business looking to expand, or looking to buy a company, I’m here to simplify the complexities of SBA financing. My commitment to building lasting relationships and delivering exceptional service sets me apart in the industry. Let’s connect and explore how we can turn your business vision into reality! 

 Licensed Gay REALTOR® since 2006 and proud San Marco resident. I’ve spent decades building both community and connection in Jacksonville — especially within the LGBTQ+ JAX “gayborhoods” that I call home. In 1991, I publicly came out in a major local newspaper feature titled “COMING OUT,” becoming one of the first openly gay voices in Northeast Florida. Soon after, I founded Jacksonville’s first local Human Rights Campaign chapter, launching a lifelong commitment to advocacy. Today, I combine my passion for real estate with ongoing volunteer work supporting LGBTQ+ youth, especially those facing homelessness. For me, real estate is about more than homes — it’s about helping people find safety, pride, and belonging in the communities they love. Call me TODAY to List, Buy, or Relocate to NE FL! 

 My journey began with degrees in Public Relations and Law, leading me to an attorney role at Paramount Pictures. Yet, after three years, I felt a profound void, a yearning for purpose that eventually compelled me to resign. Then, amidst the uncertainty of the 2008 economic downturn, I discovered my true calling: legal recruiting. Leveraging my legal background and innate interpersonal skills, I found not just success in matching top talent with exceptional firms but a genuine sense of purpose. This is my superpower.   

 Cole Gabriel is a Certified Public Accountant with over a decade of experience, dedicated to personalizing tax and accounting services for his individual and business clients. A proud Florida Gator, Cole earned both his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Accounting from the University of Florida. He has worked in two Big 4 accounting firms, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ernst & Young, and led the accounting team as the Controller of a $200 million nonprofit. This experience in a range of roles and industries allows him to offer a comprehensive and tailored approach to each client’s unique financial and compliance needs. Cole is active in Stonewall Sports Jacksonville, most passionate about ultimate frisbee and volleyball. He is also politically active as the former President of the Florida Young Democrats and multi-term officer of the Duval County Democratic Party. 

Dan lives in Jacksonville with his husband of over 15 years, Brent, and their two 7-year-old boys, Xander and Walker.  While living in Washington D.C., Dan’s passion for politics was ignited, particularly with regards to LGBTQ rights.  He became involved, as a volunteer, with the Human Rights Campaign where he participated in various aspects of activities in the DC area including the National Dinner.  Dan has spent time lobbying in Washington DC, on Capitol Hill, for LGBTQ rights and has met with various organizations to discuss diversity and inclusion in the workplace including such organizations as the IMF, WWF, State Department, George Washington University, Georgetown University, and the World Bank, among others.

Dan has been involved with Equality Florida’s work in Jacksonville, serving as Chair and Co-Chair of the Jacksonville Gala, hosting various events with his husband Brent, including Equality Connections, Council Mixers, and Committee meetings.  Dan has met with local politicians, small business owners, influential religious leaders, and corporate leaders in an effort to gain support and the eventual passage of the Human Rights Ordinance in Jacksonville.  Dan has been interviewed by local news agencies in Jacksonville to discuss LGBTQ rights.

Dan is an active member of his firm's Equality GT business resource group.  Dan’s firm recently scored 100% on the HRC Corporate Equality Index and has joined the Equality Means Business Advisory Board for Equality Florida.

 Jimmy Midyette is the Assistant Director of the Jacksonville Human Rights Commission, previously known for his advocacy in expanding the city's Human Rights Ordinance to include protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity. He has a strong background in law and organizational management, significantly influencing Jacksonville's commitment to inclusion and belonging.

* Human Rights Ordinance Expansion: Led the Jacksonville Coalition for Equality in successfully expanding the Human Rights Ordinance to protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, passed in 2017.

* Legal Advocacy: Notable work with the ACLU, Florida Legal Services, and Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, focusing on civil rights and equity. 

 At Reza Health, we are committed to providing expert care in sexual wellness with a focus on inclusivity and respect for all individuals. Our people-centered approach combines cutting-edge research with compassionate treatment, ensuring a welcoming environment for everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community. With clinics in Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, and Ormond Beach, we empower individuals in North Florida to take control of their sexual health, offering personalized care that is informed by the latest evidence and designed to make a meaningful impact on their lives. 

Heather’s background in technology, marketing, and social work made real estate the perfect career! When people are buying or selling a house, they are in transition and are handling large sums of money. That can be very stressful for people, and handling these transitions with skill and care is something that Heather takes great pride in. Her goal is for every customer of Cowford Realty & Design to feel confident, competent and stress-free as they handle their real estate transaction.

Heather also believes that people don’t just buy “homes.” They buy a lifestyle and they buy into a community. Her passion for building community is reflected in everything she does as a broker and owner of Cowford Realty & Design. Whether it’s supporting small businesses, educating buyers on all of the different neighborhoods that comprise Jax, or doing a video on one of our great local businesses, Heather believes that having a strong community around us makes life sweet and fulfilling. 

In her spare time, Heather is on the board of several local organizations. She also stays crazy busy raising her two sets of twin boys and being a foster parent.