WILDWOOD - Pete Byron has seen just about everything during his 30 plus year career in real estate. He's seen highs and he's seen lows. And he admits that current conditions are difficult for the consumer. But he's passionate in his belief that the seeds of Wildwood's economic recovery are present in the Pacific Avenue downtown business district.

Byron is a Philadelphia native but with deep roots in the Wildwoods. His family vacationed on the island throughout his childhood. In 1978, a family friend with a local real estate business encouraged him to get his real estate license. Byron was 18 at the time. Since then, he's built a strong business focusing on personalized service for his customers. He moved his real estate office to Pacific Avenue during the start of the recent redevelopment wave in 2003.

"I was the first realtor to make the move to Pacific Avenue," said Byron. "I am very excited about being here. This town has so much energy. Wildwood has the best beaches, the best family entertainment and still offers the best value. What makes the town so great are the people who live and vacation here."

Byron, who also has a mortgage banker's license, is a "glass-half-full" guy, but concedes that foreclosures have hurt us locally. He remains optimistic about the Wildwoods' future, but has become more cautious because of market conditions. He pointed out that with prices at an attractive level and interest rates at an all-time low, now is a great time to invest. Byron also believes in the island as one community.

"All the Wildwood municipalities need to work together, especially during these tough economic times," said Byron. "All the Wildwoods are really one town and pooling resources is to everyone's advantage."

Pacific Avenue has a special place in Byron's heart. He grew up when downtown Pacific Avenue was the economic and entertainment center for all of southern Cape May County. Byron believes that Wildwood's future depends on downtown revitalization.

"The beach and boardwalk will always be strong attractions for the island," said Byron. "But to make the Wildwoods a stronger tourist destination and to attract more year round residents, Pacific Avenue progress must be emphasized. We have made great strides over the past several years, but more incentives are needed to bring investors to Pacific Avenue."

His love of the beach and boardwalk inspired Byron to open a boardwalk restaurant last summer, Pete's Pork Roll, at 3806 Boardwalk. Byron's wife Sheri is also his business partner and has served as office manager for the real estate office and has helped manage the restaurant. They have four children in the local school system and are very involved in the community. Pete was just re-elected as chairperson of the Wildwood Recreation Commission, which runs the new Byrne Community Center.

"I love children," said Byron. "Having a place like the community center is important because it keeps kids off the streets and gives them constructive, positive activities. I love Wildwood. It's a friendly town with lots of nice people. I'm happy to work here and raise my family here."

Pete Byron Realty is located at 3113 Pacific Avenue, between Maple and Pine, in Wildwood. For more information, please call them at 609-729-4455 or visit them on the web at www.petebyronrealty.com.

Main Street Wildwood is a 501(c)3 non profit organization whose mission is to encourage and support the economic redevelopment of the Wildwoods' traditional downtown commercial district. Information about the Main Street Wildwood program, its business services and its approach to downtown redevelopment can be obtained by calling 609-729-6818 or email us at wildwoodnj@gmail.com.