Lori Ciaravella and her husband, Chad, have been Lake Nona locals for just over a year. After growing up in Orlando, Lori is looking forward to seeing the continuing growth all throughout Orlando and Lake Nona. Get to know them below!
NHN: What brought you to Lake Nona?
LC: My husband manages an aviation simulator program near the airport. Since the greater Lake Nona area is a booming place for the aviation industry, we decided to move from Sarasota to be closer to all the action.
NHN: How long have you lived here?
LC: 1.5 years
NHN: Where are you from originally?
LC: I am from Orlando, my husband from Sarasota.
NHN: What do you do for work?
LC: My husband oversees flight simulation training, and I am a sales manager for a new home builder.
NHN: What would you consider your greatest accomplishment?
LC: Having the courage at 36 years old to transition out of a 10-year career in nonprofit into real estate. It has been the best professional decision I have ever made and only wish I had done it sooner.
NHN: What made you decide to leave the nonprofit industry?
LC: Since I can remember, my personal and/or professional life have been committed to some form of civic service. My 10-year career in nonprofit work launched when I accepted an internship at Florida Citrus Sports in 2008. My love of service to my community continued when I moved to Sarasota in 2012, where I managed marketing and development for Easter Seals Southwest Florida.
Upon my return to Orlando in 2017, my plan was to continue my work in fundraising and awareness, but you know what they say, “We plan and God laughs.” After reluctantly accepting a position at a local nonprofit, I started rethinking my career path. I decided to trust my gut, and after discussing things over with my husband, we both agreed that pursuing a career in real estate would be a great opportunity.
After completing real estate school, I had to decide if I wanted to pursue general real estate or work for a builder. I submitted my resume to both brokerage firms and builders in the Lake Nona area. Shortly after, I got the call from Jones Homes USA, who owns all of Eagle Creek. After three very successful interviews with them, I was invited to join the team. There is not a day that goes by that I second guess my decision to switch careers. When people ask why I left the nonprofit field, I say, I don’t feel like I really did … I just tell them I used to sell “warm and fuzzies” and now I sell lifestyles and dreams.
NHN: What is your favorite thing in Lake Nona?
LC: We absolutely love going to the new Drive Shack. It’s become our go-to place for birthdays and date nights.
NHN: What are you most excited to have in the Nonahood?
LC: I look forward to when they open a Super Target or Bed, Bath and Beyond.
NHN: What do you think the future is for Lake Nona?
LC: Growing up in Orlando, I remember when this area was nothing more than cow pastures and dirt roads. To see where it has come in 25 years is absolutely incredible. There is no limitation to the growth potential of this area. The fact that you can maneuver around all of Central Florida without ever touching I-4 is definitely a huge plus and selling point for anyone looking to move to Orlando. My crystal ball tells me more shopping and higher-end restaurants are in the near future.
NHN: If you could tell one thing to someone considering moving here, what would that be?
LC: Buy now, before you get priced out of the area. Real estate is HOT HOT HOT!
Want to nominate YOUR neighbor (or yourself) to be featured?
Follow this link: http://nonahood.to/nonaneighbor or send an email to vanessa@nonahoodnews.com!
