Jonathan Howard
Jonathan Howard, born in Houma, Louisiana, and raised in Mauriceville, Texas, has built a career defined by service, entrepreneurship, and community impact. After graduating from Deweyville High School, Jon enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served for 12 years as a Special Tactics Combat Controller (CCT). During his military career, he completed three deployments before being medically retired in 2018.
Jon’s real estate journey began in 2015 when he and his wife purchased their first vacation rental on the Destin Harbor. This initial investment sparked his passion for real estate. By 2017, Jon had earned his real estate license and founded Destin Charms Vacation Rentals while still on active duty. Following his retirement, Jon briefly pursued law school at Ave Maria in Naples, Florida, completing his first year before returning home to help his wife, Rizzete, manage their growing business.
In 2019, Jon and his wife sold the vacation rental company they had co-founded with a partner. Following the sale, Destin Charms Vacation Rentals was rebranded as Florida Charms Vacation Rentals and Realty after Jon earned his broker’s license. By the end of 2021, the company generated over $61 million in revenue, garnering national attention. In May 2022, the company was acquired by AvantStay, and Jon assumed the role of Principal Broker for the entire state of Florida.
In addition to his role at AvantStay, Jon became a co-owner of Trinity Title in Naples and Destin in the summer of 2022. Following the sale of the Destin division, Florida Charms Vacation Rentals was rebranded as Beach Please Vacation Rentals in Naples. Jon’s entrepreneurial success earned him the title of #1 Entrepreneur Under 40 in Destin in 2023. By 2024, Beach Please Vacation Rentals was also sold to AvantStay.
Jon’s commitment to service extends beyond real estate. In 2024, he joined the Florida State Guard Special Missions Unit and began working with the nonprofit Aerial Recovery, focusing on disaster response and rescue operations. During Hurricane Helene in September 2024, Jon was activated for 21 days, leading rescue missions primarily in North Carolina. His team saved numerous lives, including a premature baby and a critically ill woman with limited oxygen supplies. Jon’s advocacy for hurricane victims went viral, with over 40 million views on social media. His efforts raised over $1.4 million in donations and mobilized significant resources, earning national recognition on platforms like Fox News, Good Morning America, and the Shawn Ryan Show.
After stepping away from his role at AvantStay to focus on his disaster response work, Jon launched Jon Howard Realty, a boutique brokerage grounded in strong leadership, integrity, and loyalty. His vision for the company emphasizes quality over quantity, with each agent personally selected and trained to align with the firm’s core principles.
Jon is also passionate about giving back through his creative outlet, Jon Howard Photography, which he founded in 2023. The proceeds from his photography, including prints and merchandise, are donated to military charities and disaster relief efforts.
Through his real estate ventures, humanitarian work, and creative pursuits, Jonathan Howard continues to demonstrate unwavering dedication to excellence, service, and community.