Tom Caffrey: A Trusted Advisor and Community Advocate
With almost a decade of experience in the Daytona Beach real estate market, REALTOR Tom Caffrey serves as a trusted advisor and advocate for families looking to buy or sell properties across the local community. His in-depth knowledge of the area, coupled with an unwavering commitment to his clients, has earned him a reputation as a reliable and results-driven agent. Always determined to forge his own path, Tom took a winding road into the real estate industry. Through a variety of unique experiences that were not without adversity, Tom ultimately fueled his personal and professional success.
“I got bullied around and was picked on daily at school, so I decided it wasn’t for me,” Tom recalled. “I never felt comfortable and started skipping class in the second or third grade. I ended up dropping out of high school, but eventually got my diploma at Daytona State College. There’s a benefit to school, but it wasn’t very conducive for my growth because I didn’t want to fit into a square box.”
Never one to shy away from hard work, however, Tom entered the workforce at just 15 years old and gained experience across several industries, including phone sales, plumbing, welding, waiting tables, and even pouring concrete. These opportunities allowed him to develop a versatile skill set and a deep understanding of customer needs. Tom’s passion for sales then led him to join the Mitsubishi brand, where he thrived as a salesperson. Over his 14-year tenure, he achieved remarkable success, becoming the number one salesperson in the country for Mitsubishi and later the dealership’s general manager.
“Working from such a young age gave me the opportunity to meet different people and allowed me to gravitate towards success,” Tom described. “I learned how to hustle, and it taught me a lot about being accountable. At Mitsubishi, I had a great management team that encouraged growth and understanding of the product. I learned how to work with customers and deal with what’s between their ears.”
Drawing from his background in the automotive industry, Tom has harnessed a deep passion for negotiation and exceptional customer relations—a combination of skills that have proven invaluable in his real estate career. Since his start in the business in 2015, Tom has dedicated himself to forging meaningful connections that pave the way for successful real estate transactions. His commitment to his clients shines through in every interaction, as he goes above and beyond to ensure their needs are met and their expectations exceeded.
“The most rewarding part of the business for me is seeing people happy,” Tom described. “I’m passionate about finding the link between a buyer and seller that gets us under contract in a competitive market while bringing the deal to fruition with both parties feeling satisfied. I like the negotiation part, which comes from being in the car business for so long. I like slow yeses and I enjoy being the middleman.”
As an Ambassador of the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce and Vice President for Ormond Mainstreet, Tom also stands out as a devoted member of the Greater Daytona Beach community.
His involvement extends beyond the realm of real estate, as he actively engages with local businesses to foster growth and cooperation. Recently, he also collaborated on a groundbreaking project by spearheading the establishment of the World's Most Famous Brewery, paying homage to Daytona's heritage as the 'World's Most Famous Beach.' This endeavor was made possible due to Tom’s advocacy efforts, which sought to sanction breweries outside of industrial zones and ultimately positioned him and his team as the face of transformative change for local businesses.
“I’m passionate about driving businesses because it’s what makes the community better,” Tom shared. “If there’s money being injected into the community and people are actively enjoying the area, there’s no better way to show our city’s welcoming atmosphere and how we’re working together to make the community better.”
Despite his remarkable success as an entrepreneur and real estate professional, what Tom values most is his dedication to his family and the meaningful relationships he has cultivated both within and outside of his business. Recognizing the challenges of achieving a harmonious work-life balance, Tom appreciates the flexibility that a career in real estate provides. In line with these priorities, he has made commitment and consistency guiding principles not only in his professional endeavors but also in his personal life.
“From the time I was 15 [years old], I haven’t worked less than 60 hours a week,” Tom explained. “I could be happy working seven days a week as long as I have time for my family. I don’t get burned out and it’s been that way since I was very young. Work-life balance is something I have to work at. Flexibility is key at this stage in my life and the way I’ve set up my real estate career offers that, and allows me to continue to be a top producer in our market.”