Meet Jillian Jenkins | Realtor & Team Lead ReZidence Realty with Coldwell Banker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jillian Jenkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jillian, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I grew up with family owned businesses. My adopted mother ran her own medical billing company. I guess it’s just something I’ve always been around. At the end of the day, I like being my own boss. I’m extremely independent and have big ideas about how something should work. I don’t take being told “NO” well and prefer to think “out of the box” when it comes to finding solutions to difficult situations. I’ve found that the corporate world has standard operating procedures and I completely understand why. It’s just not my jam. I go above and beyond for my clients. With real estate you are dealing with several different personalities trying to get everyone to the closing table feeling like they just got a big win. Sometimes thinking outside of the box is the only way to make that happen. Within the parameters of the law and the contract of course.

What should our readers know about your business?
Real Estate can be very competitive but also very gratifying. I come from a service industry background. It’s where I excel. Taking care of people brings me immense joy and gratification. ReZidence Real Estate was purposely created out of a growing realization that clients today need a more flexible and responsive real estate experience tailored to their busy lifestyles. Customizing our services accordingly with focus on exceptional knowledge of the local market and contract negotiations has led to satisfied clients returning to ReZidence for all their real estate needs. With 20 years of combined expertise our team members have the skills needed to deliver “concierge” type services. Each has successfully demonstrated they can bring to closure complex real estate transactions at memorable speed while assisting with all related needs like storage, moving, renovation/restoration, home improvements, staging, contractors, and additional relevant resources. We believe that clients come first. People over paychecks. It doesn’t matter if a client is buying a $100,000 home or a million dollar home, we provide the same unwavering service standards to each individual. We’re talking about a lot of Zeros here. It’s a big deal to our client’s and therefore, a big deal to us.

I am so very proud of the team I have built. These women are strong and intelligent. They have an immense capacity for empathy and patience. We are all so different which allows us to serve all of our client’s needs. We all come from different background and possess different skill sets. This allows us to work together as a team and pull from each other at all times. While I am the team lead, my agents have a voice in this business. They all play an important part and when they are ready, they all have the option to because a full managing partner. I knew I didn’t want my team to be like all of the other real estate teams out there. I knew I needed every agent to buy into the mission of service. My job is to back them up, make them look good ,and help them become successful. When one agent wins, the entire team wins.

When I started in Real Estate I assistend for two of the top producing agents in Atlanta. I am a TERRIBLE assistant but they taught me so much and from there I realized, I can do this. Once I got my license, I connected with Zerina Serulle who was a seasoned agent. She needed help with her book of clients and I needed clients. Zerina is the reason the company is made ReZidence, with a Z. Joining forces with Z was one of the most significant moves I made in my career. She taught me so much about the business end of real estate. How to make sure I was doing the work on the back end to ensure I was successful in the future. Her goal was to move to Paris and sell real estate, We made that happen for her about two years ago and I acquired the business in full.

None of this has been easy, I have cried several times over the years. I have been met with scepticism, condescension, and some generally mean people but I have been so very fortunate to have a group of people inside and out of real estate that have cheered me on, given me a boost and reminded me that I am enough. I have several mentors that I trust along with a fantastic therapist. Real Estate has taught me so much about myself. I struggle with mental health as many do. This industry will put it right in front of your face. It’s on you to get out of your own way and address the issues you personally struggle with. Because of this, I am now on medication for ADHD and depression. I have gained a sincere understanding of others and the patience needed to truly listen and be empathetic. We are all on this planet together just trying to do our best. We’re all more alike than we are different. Everyone just wants to be heard. I tell me agents, the secret to being successful is two fold. Do something you are passionate about and give a shit! Not to be vulgar but it’s that simple. Sincerity is everything. People over paychecks. The money will come.

We are competing with so many online search engines and resources but those algorithms can’t tell you if the property is level, if it gets great natural light, if the home “feels” right. I tell my client’s “I am here for you, I will always support your decisions, If something doesn’t feel right, tell me, we’ll figure it out. If it’s 2AM and you’re having a freak out, call me, we’ll talk it though.” Buying a home is so much more than walls and a roof. This is where someone is going to be bringing home their first child, Where they are going to host family thanksgiving, where they are going to watch their grandkids play. Myself and My team get it and we are here to see it though. It may take a month, it might take a year. We will be with you every step of the way and after. We are a ReZidence Family. We are going to know your kids name, your pet’s name. We want to know what your goals are, what you enjoy in life. Whatever you want, we can make it happen.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When it come to Atlanta I am your tour guide extraordinaire. I pride myself in knowing the incredible history of this city and the very cool, very special places to check out. Atlanta has much to offer, There truly is something for everyone. BUT if you want the REAL ATLANTA experience I always recommend people visit the Center For CIvil Rights & the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial. We have such a rich history in the civil rights movement. Understanding the history and the GIANTS that fought from freedom is necessary to understanding all that makes this city great. I always encourage people to ask questions. So much isn’t taught in school. The curators there are incredibly knowledgeable and knowledge is power. After that I recommend they head over to the west end of the city and have lunch at The Beautiful Restaurant. Grab a true southern meat and three. After lunch head to the West View Cemetery to walk off the calories. This isn’t just any cemetery. The grounds are beautiful, The Abbey is worth a moment of meditation. Some of the most prominent people in Atlanta history are buried there. Once you’ve finished your walk head over to Lee+White and check out all of the cool breweries. There’s also a distillery with a massive scrabble board. I highly recommend hitting up Best End Brewing for dinner. They have a great menu with Vegan options. Or hop over to Slutty Vegan for an amazing vegan burger and fries. After dinner, head over to the west midtown for some of the best music in the city. Northside Tavern is a favorite of most locals. Live blues music every night and an ice clode PBR. This bar will give you a wonderful snapshot of our community. You’ll see business professionals, young college students, and everyone in between. If you see a guy in the back corner by the pools tables cheffing it up, Order the friends with the gravy. Perfect late night snack to sober you up before you go home.

A few other haunts I recommend are Homegrown for an amazing southern breakfast. Order the comfy chicken biscuit you won’t regret it. Jen Chann’s in Cabbagetown is great for lunch or dinner. Perfectly blending asian fusion with down home cooking. Krog street market is perfect for a group with picky eaters. Everyone can find a cuisine that appeals to them and come back to the long tables to eat together. If you looking for weird and wonderful make sure to hit up little five points for some shopping. They have fantastic thrift stores and oddities that can’t be missed. Stop at the vortex and grab one of their burgers with TOTS. Who doesn’t love tots?

You can rent a bird scooter and explore the Atlanta Beltline. The beltline has so much to offer from amazing street art to orl fourth ward skatepark and just being lazy in piedmont park. It’s beginnings come from a GA tech student. The city took his idea, partnered with CSX railroad and created an incredible paved path that will take you through all of the fantastic neighborhoods in Atlanta. This is great for kids and adults. If you are traveling with little ones, I highly recommend the children’s museum and the fountains at centennial park. Of course, the aquarium is great but I’m more of an off the beaten path type of girl. You can also hit up the rooftop of ponce city market during the day. It’s a carnival in the sky! Putt putt golf a big slide and fair games. Even adults will act like kids.

If you’re looking for something a little more high end I suggest you check out inman park. Besides the beautiful homes, the neighborhood is a foodie paradise. DelBar is my favorite upscale restaurant in the city. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time or you won’t get a table. This place is not to be missed. They have managed to blend the laid back with the sophisticated. Everyone is welcome and while the food might be hard to pronounce, the flavors are delicious and approachable. The serves are well educated on the menu and will be happy to make a suggestion. If you happen to snag a seat at the bar ask for Francis or Darioush. Their extensive knowledge of wine and cocktails will blow your mind. The carefully curated cocktail list has something for everyone. If you go, be sure to tell them I sent you. After head over to little spirit for more amazing cocktails. You will find everything from a cocktail with squid ink to the perfect old fashioned with some small batch bourbon you’ve never heard of but must have in your home bar. For a night cap, walk down to Beetlecat. head to the basement and step back into time. If you love midcentury modern, you will love this bar. Retro doesn’t even begin to explain the 60’s vibe.

I could go on and on. But I’ve said too much. so here is a list of my other favorites.

TO EAT
Ticonderoga
Barcelona
Miller Union
Nicks West Side
Neuvo Laredo Cantina – Best salsa
Eight Sushi
The Colonnade
King of Pops – popsicles

TO PLAY
Painted Pin or Painted Duck
Piedmont Park
Atlanta History Museum
World of Coke
Ponce CIty Market
Old 4th Ward Park

TO LISTEN
The eastern
Terminal West
Venkman’s
7 Stages
Smith’s Olde Bar
Blind Willies
Variety Playhouse

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My tribe, The strong & beautiful women in my life that remind me daily that I am capable of so much more than I give myself credit for. They are my safety net that allows me to fail and get right back up. Without their constant love, support & examples I wouldn’t be the person I am today let alone a successful professional.

Honorable mention to Glennon Doyle and her book untamed. That book opened my eyes to my own power and helped me understand that I can do hard things.

Website: WWW.ReZidenceRealty.Com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/rezidence.realty

Facebook: www.facebook.com/RezidenceRealty

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rezidence-realty-keller-williams-atlanta-3?osq=rezidence+realty

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIKFFDTowX1o56orYRgeyWw

Other: TikTok – @rezidencerealty

Image Credits
Jessica Whitaker with Little Dove Photography