As Broker for New Waters Realty, Jennifer Atkins wears many hats — guiding clients through buying and selling homes, overseeing development at The Waters, and helping shape the neighborhood’s future through her role with the Homeowners Association. Her work brings together business strategy, community planning and relationship-building, whether she’s collaborating with contractors and local officials or supporting her team of real estate agents. It’s a path that grew from early experience in commercial development — includingthe creation of The Shoppes at EastChase — and ultimately led her to residential development, where she discovered her true passion: building vibrant communities where people love to live.
Defining Moments
I started as the receptionist at Jim Wilson & Associates while in college and ended my 10-year career there as Director of Marketing and Operations with a primary focus on retail developments. My family calls The Shoppes at EastChase in Montgomery “Mommy’s Shops” since that was such a big project that took years to develop and open. I then moved to residential developments where I found my real passion. Deer Creek was my first residential project, and that led me to Aronov Realty Management, where I worked as Vice President of Land Development and Marketing. In 2011, I was contacted by a development group to lead The Waters in Pike Road. Little did I know that I would fall in love with the people, the work and the community as a whole.
Helping Hand
I love being involved in the community and seeing others thrive. I have served on several boards in the past, but currently work with the Montgomery Area YMCA, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Foundation Board, the United Way Women of Wisdom and the Pike Road Kiwanis Club. Also, our real estate company has a new initiative, “The Ripple Effect, ”where we, as a brokerage, do bi-monthly service projects throughout the River Region.
Point of Pride
Well, that is an easy one; it would be my children. I have twins, now 25 years old, who were born very premature, so we, as a family, had to deal with a lot of medical issues and setbacks as they grew, but both are now very healthy and happy adults. They are both so strong and independent, and I truly believe that their early fight to stay alive molded them into incredible people.
Influential Figures
My friends, my faith and my family are behind every success I have. People need people, and it is important to not only support others in their goals but to lean on others at times.Together, so much can be accomplished. One of my favorite books is “The Go- Giver”. The writer details how shifting your focus from getting to giving is a powerful tool to success.
Words of Wisdom
Walk intoa room like you mean it. Never be late to a meeting–get there first. Be prepared for praise or criticism and take it in stride.
Future-Focused
We recently celebrated the 15th anniversary of New Waters Realty, and I look forward to seeing that company continue to grow with talented teammates who understand the importance of customer service and professionalism. In addition, land development is a passion I hope to continue with new projects and opportunities. Helping build a place that people want to call their home is a powerful reward at the end of the day.
Pull quote: “We are all God’s creatures, and he gave us all different skills to help each other, not to outshine each other.”
Personal Matters
I have an amazing husband who has been my partner in life since we met in my senior year of high school, and my favorite travel companion. We have a very tight-knit family, and rarely do you see one of us without at least one or two others. We love being near the water and get to enjoy Lake Cameron at The Waters, and quite often, Lake Martin.
Just for FUN!
- Go to spot: LaJolla for a nice sit-down dinner and Chappy’s for a superb breakfast. Finding a local Pike Road stop for lunch is always on the list as the options continue to grow.
- Favorite dish: My favorite dish (hot or cold) is crispy brussels with gnocchi. Easy to make and delicious.
- On the queue: Bill Withers – Lovely Day is my all-time favorite song. It grounds me and fills me with gratitude.
- Quotable: “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted” has always been my favorite, and “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”
- Top Tip: Give 100%,and you will get 100% in all things!
