TERRY MARTIN-BACK
Shaping the Heart and Mind of a Leader
I was born on May 16, 1954, in Knox, Indiana, to Ollie and Mattie Back. I grew up on a modest farm raising livestock, growing crops and gardening. I got my first paying job shortly after my 16th birthday, working as a pump jockey at a filling station, and have been making an honest living ever since. My senior year of high school proved to be a defining point in my life. I enlisted in the Army in the fall of 1971, eager to preserve the American dream of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I served my country with integrity, fortitude and honor.
In 1975, to better provide for my growing family, I completed high school and graduated with honors. I returned to active duty in 1980, after starting a construction-roofing business. This was the first of many business ventures.
In 1990, I was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas, with the Fourth Cavalry. The Division deployed to the Persian Gulf for Desert Storm where we received a “Presidential Unit Citation” for actions in combat. Serving in the military taught me important life lessons and the value of humanitarian service and encouraged me to expect more from myself.
In 1994, I hung up my spurs. In total I served twelve years of active duty and eight years in the Guard and Reserve. My time in the Army and Reserves defined my character, gave me a new found respect for others and developed my passion for this great country.
Shortly thereafter, my wife and I started investing in real estate and flipping houses. What began as an extra avenue of income quickly became my passion. We hit the ground running, and we haven’t stopped since. I obtained my Contractors license in 1998, received my Real Estate Brokers license in 2003, and started a Real Estate Brokerage business in 2004. We merged the original real estate company with “Exit Realty” in 2006, and we now own the franchise.
Since 1996, we have bought and sold many homes throughout Gainesville. We have gone into blighted areas, remodeled homes and restored basic housing. We have donated houses to the Fire Department for training. We’ve worked closely with the Gainesville Police Department to help get rid of criminal activity by allowing the police department to use our properties for surveillance. We have attended numerous City and County Commission meetings speaking out for property rights, cutting taxes, cost controlling measures and Veteran affairs.
I was appointed by the Alachua County Commission to the Veterans Advisory Board of Alachua County. I am also a member of the Builders Association of North Central Florida, the Korean War Veterans Association and past member of the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce and Gainesville Street Rods.
My wife and I enjoy our time together on the Gulf of Mexico fishing the flats out of Steinhatchee or spending time on the beach in Daytona. Our immediate family is made up of two children and three grandchildren. We love this country and the opportunity it gave us and the future we know it can produce for you.