Meet the Realtors: Capt. Frank Kirwin of Preferred Properties
BY TERRY SCHMIDA
Preferred Properties Realtor Capt. Frank Kirwin is living the Key West dream.
Originally from western Nebraska, Kirwin moved to Key West 37 years ago, following stints at Boston College, and as a landscape contractor in Aspen, Colo.
Since that time, he’s had two careers in the Southernmost City: one, sailing the friendly seas of the Keys as a charter boat captain. And another as a real estate agent, selling residential properties in the town he now calls home.
“I’m not quite a native, but I’m certainly a long-time resident,” Kirwin said. “I love Key West; the community, friends, and the variety of activities available, from fishing to the theater.”
Kirwin “discovered” Key West during a winter break from his Aspen life in the mid-1970s, and quickly decided he knew where he wanted to live next.
“I took winters off from my landscaping business, and came to Florida for winters,” he said. “One time I visited Key West, just to see it, and said, ‘that’s it. That’s where I’m moving.’”
In 1980, Kirwin obtained his real estate license in Key West, but didn’t do much with it until 2002. In the interim he started the “Lucky” charter fishing boat fleet.
“We had the Lucky Strike, the Lucky Charm, the Lucky II, and the Little Luck,” Kirwin said. “I did charter fishing for 26 years, and I still really enjoy a day on the water, fishing.”
As to his professional philosophy, Kirwin said, “Real estate, even residential where emotion is often the driving force, has become a much more intricate and involved procedure than many people realize. I feel strongly that the Realtor’s duty is to assist the client in proceeding through the network of necessary decisions and paperwork as painlessly as possible. This is what I, as a Realtor, will do for every client.
“I have a strong belief in the values of honesty, ethics and hard work in the profession and promise to use these in each and every dealing with the customer. I know the very diverse and challenging market in Key West and will always attempt to educate the client in the sometimes difficult decisions.”
When he’s not fishing or selling real estate, Kirwin whiles away his days working on the old Conch house he bought years ago, in Old Town.
He also enjoys walking half-marathons set up to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and other groups. He also helps when he can with other organizations.
On lazy days off, Kirwin can be often be found enjoying the many amenities of the Key West Harbor district; easy to have a beer and relax.
“I really love the music in this town, including the Songwriters’ Festival,” he said. “I think we have one of the best music scenes you’re going to find anywhere, down here. And I really enjoy going to the theater.” The Red Barn and Waterfront Playhouse have brought a lot of really great stuff to town.”
For more information on Frank Kirwin’s listings, call 305-304-5253, email frank@preferredpropertieskw, or visit http://www.preferredpropertieskeywest.com/real-estate-agents-in-key-west/frank-kirwin
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