About Mike Hastings    

My name is Mike Hastings. I have lived in Gainesville since 1992. My father, Gary, lives in Maine. My mother, Donna, and sister, Robin, both relocated to Gainesville and have started their own business- selling beads at Bead All About It in Thornbrook Village (shameless plug). My father was career Navy and we moved quite a bit through the years. At eighteen I counted 21 moves. I went to High School in Hawaii at Admiral Arthur Radford High School. After graduating I left because of the high cost of living and real estate. A small home for three quarters of a million dollars didn't seem to be in the works for a eighteen year old guy without a college degree.

I came to Gainesville Florida on January 1, 1992 to attend the University of Florida. While attending UF, I was a member and later became Team Captain for the UF Debate Team.

The photo to the left: Drew, Molly and Mike Hastings at one of many UF Speech and Debate events.

My Dad says he hasn't won an argument since I started debating in High School. Sorry Dad, It was even earlier than that. I graduated with a degree in Marketing. As I've learned, you never know where that degree will take you.

My first job out of college was as a Legislative Aide for State of Florida Representative Cynthia Moore Chestnut. It was a great opportunity and a real crash course in politics. The pay wasn't great, but thanks to a few lobbyists I ate well. It was great working with and helping the people of our district. Before sitting for my license in real estate, I worked for three years at Naylor Publications as a sales associate. I credit Naylor for top notch training and for introducing me to many great friends and clients that have made my new career a success. Thanks guys!

Photo: Mike Hastings at the State Capitol, 2000.

As a Real Estate Professional, I am a member of the Gainesville-Alachua County Association of REALTORS, Florida REALTORS, National Association of REALTORS and our local Gainesville Multiple Listing Service (MLS). I am also a member of the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, the Past-President of the Gator Exchange Club and a lifetime member of the UF Alumni Association. I love Gainesville and believe strongly in supporting my local community and organizations. I continue to support: American Red Cross of Gainesville, Boys and Girls Club of Gainesville, the YMCA, Hospice of North Central Florida, Cystic Fibrosis, GHS Girls Tennis, and the Gainesville Community Orchestra.

I volunteer with ReBuild Gainesville, The Childrens Home Society and STOP! Childrens Cancer.