Bean delivered the Commencement address to JU ’ s class of 2017 .
STATE SENATOR
FERNANDINA BEACH , FLORIDA
CLASS OF ' 89
first of many election victories . But that ’ s not what he set out to do as a freshman . He initially came to JU to become a doctor , majoring in pre-med , but quickly realized the sight of blood made him queasy , and that he had a greater passion for helping people in another way : through legislation and standing up for them as their elected official .
Outside of class and leading student government , Bean could be found on the sidelines of sporting events as a Jacksonville University cheerleader . That ’ s where he met his wife , Abby , also a JU alumna class of 1989 .
“ JU gave me so many chances to engage , lead , observe , do and learn ,” Bean said . “ Maybe you get one of those opportunities at a large school , but JU ’ s size allows for so many opportunities .”
Almost 10 years after his graduation from JU , he ran for Fernandina Beach ’ s city commission and won .
A few years later , Bean became the city ’ s youngest mayor at 30 . His son Bradley , who currently serves on the commission , hopes to follow in his father ’ s footsteps as he runs for mayor of Fernandina Beach this year .
Winning would mean breaking his dad ’ s record as the youngest mayor in the city ’ s history .
“ We couldn ’ t be prouder of him ,” Bean said .
Even though he chose to pursue political office , Bean always held on to his background in finance and business . State legislators make a part-time salary , which means in addition to serving in Tallahassee , Bean always had to balance a second job . He has excelled in several industries throughout his career as a banker , working in real estate and insurance , owning a mini-golf course , and as a part-time auctioneer .
He still moonlights as an auctioneer , in addition to his role at UF Health Jacksonville in business development . He ’ s a member of the Florida National Auctioneers Association , calling auctions at countless benefits since he started in 2010 . He even showcased his rapid-fire calling skills in a recent political ad for Congress .
He ’ s worked across all kinds of industries in his career , but the one that he ’ s never strayed from is public service .
“ I do love serving our most vulnerable citizens of Northeast Florida ,” he said . “ I enjoy fighting for the underdog .”