Name: Donnie Young
Alma Mater: University of Florida
Sport: Football
Position: Offensive Line
Years Played: 1993-1996
Highlights: All-conference, Jacob's blocking trophy
Business: Apartment Hunters (apartment locating service), Gainesville, Orlando and Tampa, FL
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While playing at UF, Young was awarded with Jacob’s blocking trophy and went All-conference in the SEC. Following his graduation in 1996, Young was signed as a free agent by the Miami Dolphins in 1997, and in 1999 he was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Denver Broncos signed Young in 2000 and sent him to NFL Europe the same year, and he remained there through 2001.
When Young left football, his friend and current business partner, David Hunter, approached him about forming a partnership and purchasing a then struggling company, Apartment Hunters. Apartment Hunters is a free apartment locating service that opened in 1988, and now has offices throughout Florida in Gainesville, Orlando and Tampa. Young had used the service in college, and in 2002 Young and Hunter formed a partnership and purchased the company.
“Owning my own business allows me to do what I see fit on any given day. I also enjoy being able to see our company and our individuals succeed and become better,” Young said, “but, there are also many challenges presented with owning your own business. Owning a business puts a constant demand on you, personally and financially, and you are never really able to ‘go home’ from work because the business is always on your mind.”
Young credits his sports career for his achievements in business. “Everything in my sports career has lent itself to my professional development. Teamwork, goal-setting and overall commitment to achieving excellence have all prepared me for owning a business,” Young said.
Young also volunteers his time for the Doug Johnson and Donnie Young Reeling for Kids Fishing Tournament, an event that supports the Boys and Girls Club of Alachua County.