FOWR Member Spotlight: John Pottinger
John grew up in Ft. Lauderdale and loved outdoors activities e.g. fishing, boating, sailing, diving, hunting and sports. Went to Auburn University and graduated thinking wanted to be a general contractor. I married my college sweetheart after she graduated from graduate school and we settled in Atlanta where I transitioned my career into commercial real estate development. We had two children and a career opportunity brought us to Orlando in 1998 where I’m still in the commercial real estate development business. So I’m a greedy, tree-hugging developer.
John shared some of his background and hopes for the Wekiva Basin and answered a few other fun questions for us. Enjoy!
What's your earliest memory of the Wekiva River? My family and I moved to Longwood in 1998 and soon visited Wekiva Springs State Park. We also live adjacent to the conservation area bordering the Little Wekiva River and would walk to the river from our back yard.
What's your favorite animal and plant in the Wekiva Basin? Otters and cypress trees.
What do you wish people knew about the river? It’s water sources pollution sources.
What's your favorite thing about the river? Very little development along the river.
Favorite memory on the river? Seeing bears and deer cross the river.
Biggest hope for the river's future? Greater public appreciation and support for preserving the Wekiva watershed.
How and why did you get involved with FOWR? My neighbor and good friend, Jay Exum, invited me to an FOWR meeting and I quickly found myself serving on the board.
Do you have any unusual skills or hobbies? I’m a jack of some trades and master of none.
What do you like to do for fun? I enjoy traveling to new, to me, parts of the world experiencing interesting natural environments, cultures and historic cities.