People Making A Big Splash
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Meet the Movers and Shakers of RT
Welcome to our Featured Persons section, where we shine a spotlight on the individuals who make RiverTown not just a place to live, but a community.
Financial Services/Co-Host
Dan Davis
Dan is a native of Jacksonville, growing up in the Southside and even attending UNF for undergraduate and graduate degrees. He and Beth married in 1998 and lived for 22 years in the San Jose neighborhood. They consider the move to RT one of the best decisions they ever made together. Among the many things Dan enjoys about RT are the events at the RiverClub such as music bingo, trivia, themed parties and musical entertainment. HalloCrawl is a ‘must-do’ event every year. He also participates in a men’s Bible study group, the monthly Men’s Club events and the RiverTown 50s+ group activities. A financial services program and portfolio manager by trade, Dan spends his leisure time reading, watching sports, traveling, spending time with friends, and honing his improv comedy skills. You may know Dan as one of the hosts of the Will You Be My Neighbor? podcast, which seeks to inform and entertain the residents of RiverTown, and throws epic annual anniversary parties. 😂
Founder @ The Protege Mission
Victoria Abolafia
Victoria, the founder of The Protege Mission, has a deep passion for guiding young adults, which stems from her experiences as a mother of grown children now navigating young adulthood. Witnessing their challenges firsthand inspired Victoria to create The Protege Mission, a program dedicated to helping young adults reach their full potential. A key element of The Protege Mission is its diversity panel of coaches, which ensures a broad range of perspectives and expertise. This diverse coaching team provides young adults with tailored guidance, fostering growth and self-awareness, resilience, and a well-rounded approach to overcoming challenges. Victoria’s dedication to providing comprehensive support and mentorship is the driving force behind the program's success.
Founder & CEO @ Anchor Apparel Company
Scotty & Brandi Ryder
Scottie and Brandi Ryder, a 20 year Military family, Scottie joined the Navy in September 2003 directly out of High School as an Engineer. Responsible for the propulsion engines, electrical generators, and all associated auxiliary equipment in support of the second largest class of ships in the Navy. Scottie met Brandi in 2008 and they married in November of 2010. Brandi was a huge supporter of his career. Taking care of everything outside of the Navy allowing him to focus on his military career. In 2012 Scottie earned his commission as an Engineering Officer where he would ultimately earn the job as Chief Engineer onboard USS Sioux City achieving the most senior engineering position onboard a Naval Warship. Prior to retiring from the Navy, Scottie and Brandi started their company in the house garage with second hand manual equipment. Today they own Anchor Apparel Company. North East Floridas largest custom apparel and promotional product company.
Practicing Partner @ Heritage Law Firm
Chris Leddy
Chris moved to RT in 2023 with his wife, Macy, after living in South Carolina, near Charlotte, NC. Chris lived in the Charlotte area for 10 years and chose to move to St. Johns after visiting St. Augustine on vacation. They have 4 children and 3 of them attend San Juan del Rio Catholic school, where the family attends church. Chris grew up in Stuart, Florida and went to college in Tampa at USF. Chris has been practicing law for 7 years now and is licensed in FL, NC, and SC.
Rivertown Entrepreneur & Community Advocate
Patrick Kline
In 2021, Patrick Kline, along with his wife Corinne and their children Harlow and Colt, made a significant life decision to move from Fort Lauderdale to our community of RT. Since then, the Kline family has become a part of the local fabric, embodying both entrepreneurial spirit and community dedication.The Klines own two beautiful homes in RT. They reside in one and generously rent out the other to a fantastic family, reinforcing the sense of community and neighborliness that RT is known for. Both Patrick and his wife Corinne are executive-level professionals and truly believe in the saying of working hard and playing even harder! Patrick's professional life is as dynamic and impressive as his personal one. As the Vice President of Sales for ClimaTemp Portables, a leading portable air conditioner manufacturer, Patrick plays a crucial role in shaping the company's success and innovation. If you happen to spot Patrick at the Riverclub, don't hesitate to introduce yourself. Patrick Kline truly embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and community, making Rivertown an even better place to live.
Photographer
Igor Vieira
A Floridian all his life, he has been in Jacksonville since 2010 and moved to St. Johns and RT in 2020. He has always loved photography and worked on everything from portraits, family photos, landscapes, fashion shoots to events, and drone photography. He loves capturing RT's beauty through photos, which is why he started Invigorate Media in order to continue his passion to share and support local families, businesses, and realtors.
Owner & Operator @ Triple Crown Fence
Enrique Quintero
Ricky Quintero is the owner of Triple Crown Fence in St Johns, FL. With over 20 years of experience, he has built a reputation for excellence and reliability in residential and commercial fencing. Ricky's company specializes in aluminum, wood, vinyl, chain-link, and ornamental iron fences, known for their quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. Under Ricky's leadership, Triple Crown Fence is recognized for outstanding customer service. An active community member, Ricky volunteers with youth programs and supports local initiatives. His dedication to quality and community makes Triple Crown Fence a trusted name in fencing.
Owner & Operator @ British Swim Schools
Brandon Gilstrap
Brandon, a devoted husband and father to five amazing children, is widely recognized for his exceptional operational leadership skills and innovative approach. Over a career spanning three decades, he has garnered acclaim for his ability to cultivate high-performing teams and deliver impactful results. Starting his professional journey in the US Navy, Brandon oversaw complex data centers worldwide, ensuring seamless operations and robust security protocols. Transitioning to Amazon Web Services, he continued to excel, spearheading initiatives that not only generated high-performing teams but also significantly enhanced customer support capabilities. His commitment to service led to the establishment of a swim school dedicated to fostering "Happy and Safe Swimmers." Beyond his professional achievements, Brandon's true passion lies in mentorship. Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to guiding and inspiring the next generation of leaders, instilling in them the values of integrity and perseverance
Owner & Operator @ Sip Social & Ritas Crafty Shack
Rita Butch
Rita is the owner of RT's favorite mobile bar cart, Sip Social Jax, and Rita's Crafty Shack. Rita and her husband Brian have lived in Rivertown since 2017. They have two adult sons and, in their spare time, they enjoy playing pickleball, biking through the beautiful Rivertown trails, and spending time with their adorable granddaughter, Avery. Brian is active in RT's Men's Club, where they gather monthly to play poker and talk sports. Rita is an active resident in RT events, such as the famous Hallow Crawl in October, where she makes custom t-shirts for the event. Rita's favorite part of living in RT is the neighborly camaraderie, open spaces, and being in a family-oriented community where you never meet a stranger. Be on the lookout for Rita in the neighborhood as you might see her driving through on her Piaggio, and be sure to say hello!