Name: Patricia Warner

Job: Realtor, Florida Realty Group. Moved from Indiana to Fort Myers in 1984, began working for Ramar Group, owner of River's Edge Yacht and Country Club, 540 acres with 214 condos and patio homes and a golf course that played along the Caloosahatchee River with intentions for a hotel on the river.

After the developer sued its major lender and went through Resolution Trust Corp. and many due diligence from prospective buyers, Al Hoffman with Florida Design Communities purchased River's Edge that is now Gulf Harbour Golf and Country Club, with a deep water marina, 18-hole championship golf course, Hydro Clay tennis courts, spa and fitness center and waterfront restaurant and clubhouse.

I worked with FDC until 1998, when I decided to retire and enjoy life with my husband, who was already retired. After a couple of years of playing golf, I grew restless and decided to actively pursue my career in real estate. It's been one of the best decisions of my life.

Best moment in real estate: Probably the best moment in real estate was when I was able to professionally assist my two children with the purchase of their first homes as single people. These proved to be great investments for future homes with their spouses.

Most challenging moment in real estate: When I made the decision to go back to work, I did so at Premiere Properties, a small boutique company with Marilyn Kistler. I liked the atmosphere and the opportunity to be creative; however, after the company was sold and it evolved through several large companies, I realized I was not satisfied.

I had met Keith Rigsby, who originates from southern Illinois. He and I seemed to share the same business philosophy. He had his own small real estate business and basically worked alone. When I approached him, he paid me a great compliment by saying, "I've never wanted anyone working for me. But since it's you, welcome!" My point is that in today's world, I do not believe you have to be a big business to be successful. I feel my success in real estate comes from those folks who refer their family, friends and neighbors to me. If you love your job, you will never work a day in your life!

Hobbies, interests and activities: Golf and tennis, time permitting. Fitness. Zumba, which is basically a Latin-based dance workout.

Family: Son, Matt, is operations manager for Lyons Housing. My daughter, Christie, is a nurse anesthetist. My husband, Frank Ruggieri, retired from his family floor covering business in Rhode Island and now is business manager for Florida Realty Group and my assistant.

Last book read: "The Secret."

Role model: I'm not sure I have just one role model. My grandfather lived a healthy, happy, active working life until age 94 and his daughter (my mother) is following in his footsteps at age 82. I plan to do the same. Two years ago, my mother, daughter, brother and I were hiking at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon!

My husband, Frank, is one I can't leave out, either. His motto is, "Max out the day, get some rest and get up and do it all over again."

Word of advice: "The only things in life you regret are the things you never tried." Go for it!