When a report emerged that Jim McElwain and his wife Karen had sold their Gainesville home at a loss of $400,000, some jumped on the news as “another loss” for the ex-Florida coach. Those people might feel bad for laughing now.
According to Matt Baker of the Tampa Bay Times, the McElwains agreed to accept a $1.4 million offer because the house accommodated the interested family, which has two children with special needs.
Rick Staab, the CEO of a medical equipment company, reached out to the McElwains’ real estate agent with a simple presentation.
“I said, ‘Listen, I don’t know what it’s worth or whatever. But this is what I can do.'”
After initially declining the offer, the McElwains connected with Staabs. From there, the story turns exceptionally positive.
According to Baker, the former Florida coach left pool and poker tables, a university-themed buggy and even a toilet paper dispenser shaped like a gator. The McElwains offered all that for Tyler (20), Samantha (17) and Luke (13) to enjoy.
Sure, the McElwains took a monetary loss. But what a legendary win.