Name: Deanna Eckhard
Age: Thirty-something… Fine 32
Title/Company or main life pursuit:
My title depends on the day, hour, and minute! First and foremost, I am a Mom of three little boys: Luke and Ryan are 4-year-old twins and Blake is 2! I am also the owner of Bounce N Play Family Center, a certified building contractor at Straight Line Construction, owner of Deanna’s Permitting Services, a notary public and house flipper to name a few.
What is your word and why did you chose it?
Kindness
One small act of kindness can brighten someone’s day! The world today is full of people just running from place to place trying to get done with their ever-growing to-do list. An act of kindness breaks the monotony of it all and makes one focus on the present moment. A simple act of kindness has the ability to travel from person to person! A smile, holding the door, buying the person behind you in the drive-through their coffee; these are all examples of small acts of kindness that can put a smile on someone’s face. If everyone would focus on being kind in all situations the possibilities are endless!
What aspirations do you have for yourself in the next 40 years?
My main aspiration in the next 40 years is seeing my three boys grow up to be strong, confident, productive members of society! I pray that I have knocked a few items off of my bucket list and traveled! I am definitely looking forward to seeing more of this beautiful planet we live on!
Favorite way to give back to the community?
I am part of an amazing group of ladies called Junior League of Ocala! This league gives me the ability to give back directly to our community! Bounce N Play Family Center gives me the ability to put smiles on kids faces through numerous donated passes! Straight Line Construction gives us the ability to help those in need tackle projects they thought were impossible!
What do you love and/or hate about the Ocala area?
Growing up in New Jersey I love the slower pace of Ocala! The proximity to Gainesville, Tampa and Orlando is another perk! Ocala is just the right mix of city versus country to raise a family! My grandmother gave me my passion for all things equestrian at a very young age and I have explored almost every discipline over the years such as English show, western pleasure, side saddle, trick riding, barrel racing and breezing thoroughbreds. In Ocala, the community shares my love of horses!
A few albums and movies you’d bring to a deserted island?
Music! Upbeat music has the ability to change your mood! Hearing a song from your past allows you to recall memories you forgot you had!
You never leave home without:
Kissing, hugging, and telling my family, “I love you!”
If you could tell your 16-year-old self one thing:
Smile, laugh, breathe, listen and learn from everyone! Start investing now! When the bob becomes a trendy hair cut don’t do it!
Anything else you’re super passionate about that you’d like to tout:
Enjoying good food and wine at our fabulous local establishments! I would like to thank those that nominated me for this honor I feel truly blessed!
