Real estate firm makes a philanthropic difference with a sandwich we loved as kids

For most businesses, philanthropy is not the primary driver of day-to-day operations. But Echo Fine Properties is offering a different model. Their s10ry is how a simple jar of peanut butter and jelly can build success and offer other businesses a successful 2024 blueprint by giving back.
Echo Fine Properties was already a leader in the real estate wonld, but when Hurricane Ian’s destructive path ripped across Florida that’s when everything at the company changed. Echo Fine Properties President and Founder, Jeff Lichtenstein, felt an urgent need to help.
“We came up with the idea to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the victims,” Lichtenstein recalls. “While seemingly simple, it offered comfort and the calories of a full meal.”
Little did he and his team know, this gesture would tum into a community movement.
That movement was the “PB&J: Coming Together & Stickling Together” campaign, involving agents, organizations, country dubs like Willoughby Golf Club in Stuart and schools across the Treasure Coast and Palm Beach County. Together, they delivered a staggering 25,000 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to storm victims. But what started as a heartwarming gesture sparked a revolution within Echo itself.
“Suddenly, there was a shared purpose, a collective energy that fueled both our compassion and our efficiency,” Lichtenstein says. “Projects that once deemed daunting were tackled with newfound zeal. This synergy translated directly to Echo’s bottom line, with our sales figures experiencing a noticeable bump.”

The PB&J campaign wasn’t just a one-time gesture; it became a core principle• “scheduled giving”• becoming a cornerstone built into the very foundation of Echo Fine Properties. As agents volunteered their time and resources, building genuine connections with their neighbors, the brand’s reputation blossomed.
“People saw our authenticity. our genuine desire to contribute,” Lichtenstein explains. “That trust translated into leads, partnerships, and a loyal clientele.”
This commitment to community bore tangible fruit. Echo Fine Properties opened a title company and expanded to a new brick-and-mortar office in downtown Stuart. solidifying their local presence. Their team grew by 20 passionate new employees, all united by the PB&J spirit – and even their profit margins saw a significant boost_
“The campaign ushered in a surge of enhanced creativity, communication, and vibrant collaboration.” says Lichtenstein. “The growth reaffirms the age• old adage that positive begets positively.”
Lichtenstein also believes “All businesses. big and small, need to remember that philanthropy isn’t a cost. it’s an investment that fosters positive cultures, builds strong communities, and ultimately, achieves sustainable growth.”
Lichtenstein captured his “Peanut Butter and Jelly Strategy” in a business guide and workbook, “How Making a Sandwich Can Change Your World.” It’s available on Amazon and a portion of the book’s proceeds support the Gladiolus Food Pantry in Fort Myers.
So as we start the new year, remember that the PB&J campaign wasn’t just about delivering sandwiches; it was about forging bonds, fostering trust. and igniting a shared spirit that propelled Echo’s team, clients, and ultimately, their business.
“It’s through these connections, fueled by compassion and a commitment to giving back. that we all truly flourish,” Lichtenstein says. “When you invest in the well-being of your community. you invest in the soul of your own success.”