When I bought my first business at 23, I was excited but quickly faced growing pains. I dove headfirst into steep learning curves, adapting as I went along. With more experience under my belt, I eventually expanded into an industry where I could make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

 

Without realizing it, my parents were training me to be a great real estate agent during my teens—even though that wasn’t the original plan. My passion for real estate was undeniable!

 

I’ve lived in San Diego my entire life, and I feel like I know the city inside and out. Growing up here was amazing. I was close to my neighbors, played youth sports, and had a tight-knit community around me. My parents managed rental properties, and as the youngest – and the only boy after four sisters – I was put in charge of maintaining the properties. This meant I was the point of contact for tenants, responsible for fixing or coordinating repairs. Whether it was repairing things myself or finding the right technician, I learned the importance of customer service and networking early on. 

 

After high school, I considered studying biomedical sciences, but my heart was really in business. I enrolled at California State University San Marcos, majoring in Business Administration. To make ends meet, I waited tables throughout college. During my last year, I landed an internship with MetLife as a financial advisor, which introduced me to the world of insurance.

 

After college, I took a job at Farmers Insurance. It was fascinating to view real estate from an insurance perspective—assessing property values, identifying potential issues, and calculating the cost of protection. Not long after, an exciting opportunity came up: my boss wanted to move to an independent agency, leaving his Farmers Insurance office behind. I decided to take a leap of faith and purchased his franchise. At 23, I became the proud owner of a Farmers Insurance office.

 

Running a business, however, was a lot tougher than I imagined. Employee retention was a constant challenge—I’d invest time and effort into training new hires only to find that keeping them long-term was difficult. On top of that, paying off the loan I took to buy the franchise required immense discipline. I had to live frugally for years, but it was all part of my personal and professional growth.

 

One thing I loved about the job was networking. For seven years, I was the president of the San Diego Business Network, attending events every Thursday and meeting people in different industries. I also collaborated with local real estate agents, offering their clients insurance solutions. It was only a matter of time before I transitioned into real estate myself. In 2022, I got my REALTOR® license and found that my background as an insurance business owner, already familiar with the ins and outs of property value, was incredibly useful to my clients.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family. My wife Allison and I have been together since 2018, and we have two children—Tate, and JJ. We’re lucky to have both sets of grandparents nearby to help out, so we’re always surrounded by family. We spend a lot of time outdoors, enjoying San Diego’s beaches and camping trips. I’m also an avid golfer and love competing in local tournaments. When I’m not on the course, I coach wrestling at my alma mater, Mount Carmel High School.

 

My journey into real estate feels like a natural progression from my early years in property management with my parents to my time as a business owner. I’ve learned that success comes from resilience, networking, and a genuine love for helping people—and I couldn’t be happier with where I’ve landed.

 

Nothing brings me greater joy than seeing my clients satisfied. As a San Diego native, I have a deep understanding of the city’s neighborhoods. I can offer valuable advice, from navigating traffic patterns to choosing the best community to fit your lifestyle. My work ethic is rooted in professionalism—I’m committed to working hard, delivering on time, and staying true to my word. Beyond that, I prioritize personal connections, taking the time to understand my clients’ unique needs and goals.

 

With my background in insurance, I bring additional expertise to property evaluations. I’m skilled in assessing structures, upgrades, and determining the right coverage for properties and potential repairs. This expertise allows me to provide a comprehensive understanding of a property’s overall value, helping clients make well-informed decisions.

 

I also pride myself on being resourceful. My network of trusted professionals, from electricians to plumbers and roofers, is always available to help. Whether you’re buying your first home, selling, or making an investment, I go above and beyond to provide support every step of the way and ensure you're completely satisfied with the outcome.

 

Sincerely,

 

Johnny Fitzmaurice

REALTOR® | DRE# 02188277

(858) 213-3866

johnny@elitesandiegorealtors.com

www.elitesandiegorealtors.com