On Thursday night, February 27, 2025, at the Estero Country Club at the Vines Engage Estero had the extraordinary opportunity to honor Joe and Joni Pavich with the prestigious Don Eslick Estero Person of the Year Award. This award recognizes their unwavering commitment and passionate belief in Estero for over 35 years.
Joe and Joni have shown incredible dedication through their volunteer work with various organizations in Estero, such as the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Estero Forever Foundation, Bonita Springs Estero Realtors Association and Engage Estero. Their contributions are exemplary examples of community spirit and teamwork.
The couple worked tirelessly in their new Real Estate business after they arrived in 1989. Joe’s efforts to attract potential new residents highlight his belief in Estero as a great place to live. He didn’t just promote the community; he built a sense of belonging and excitement that resonated with newcomers. Meanwhile, Joni’s meticulous organization and people and sales skills ensured every initiative ran smoothly and efficiently. It was a team effort. “Our mom gets credit for finding the Estero area. She was the one who pushed us to come here,” recounts their sons, Joe Jr. and Jason Pavich.
The Engage Estero “Don Eslick Estero Person of the Year Award” is an annual event memorializing Don Eslick for his clarity, vision, persistence, and significant contributions to the Estero community, and to honor those that make exceptional contributions to improving the quality of life in Estero.
If you would like to learn more about the history of Estero and the positive impact that a dedicated team of committed, unpaid volunteers who helped create such a sought-after destination in Southwest Florida had on our quality of life, please click here to purchase a copy of “Forging a Better Path” that provides an insight into what helped shape the past and influence the future of Estero.