OKEECHOBEE — Emma Johns Brown cut the ribbon on her new real estate business, Brown & Company Realty, on March 23 in Okeechobee.

The business was a longtime coming since Brown worked at Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School for many years. Fifteen years ago, she took a class in real estate because she thought one day she might want to pursue it.

“When Covid came, I took the [real estate] test,” said Brown, who is a tribal member. “I got my broker’s license and went out on my own in September.”

Brown & Company Realty focuses on agricultural and ranch land as well as residential. Brown is familiar with agricultural land as a cattle owner, but she also worked in the real estate industry at another group with the same focus.

With six Realtors working at the company, Brown said they have grown faster than she expected, for which she is thankful. She believes building successful relationships will create a successful business.

“It’s a fulfilling industry because of the relationships you get to build,” she said. “We all like meeting people, getting out into the community and fostering relationships.”

Brown is a member of the Okeechobee Main Street organization, the Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce, More 2 Life Church and the Okeechobee Cattlewomen’s Association. She still has a herd of about 100 cattle in Martin County and is a substitute teacher at PECS.

“My heart is still there,” Brown said. “My passion is being around those kids.”

Employees and community members gathered on the porch of the Brown & Company Realty office for the official ribbon cutting. The staff includes Realtors Travis Brown, Patty Hanifen, Lydia Bolin, Bud Neese, Aaron Hall and Matt Stokes.

The ribbon was cut by Brown and Okeechobee Mayor Dowling Watford, followed by a luncheon for community members.

Brown & Company Realty is licensed in the entire state and has had sales in a variety of areas ranging from Gainesville to Palm Beach to Fort Myers to Hendry County.

Brown & Company Realty is located at 221 NE Park St. in Okeechobee. For more information call (863) 824-2231 or visit brownandcompanyrealty.org.