Our Story
FROM THE MIDWEST TO LAKE OCONEE
I grew up in Dearborn Heights , Michigan , spending my childhood and young adult years in the heart of Metro Detroit . I graduated from the University of Michigan ( Go Blue !) and still have family in Michigan , which will always hold a special place in my heart . Larry , my husband , grew up in Franklin , Michigan , and his family is spread across the country . Both of us started our careers in Information Technology Sales , which eventually led us to cross paths .
We met while working for Novell , but our love story didn ’ t begin until years later , in September 2004 , when we attended the Ryder Cup at Oakland Hills in Michigan . From that moment on , our connection grew . As a family , we ’ ve always been huge sports fans , cheering for the University of Michigan Wolverines , Detroit Lions , Tigers , Red Wings , and Pistons . Those teams keep us tied to our roots !
After a year of dating , Larry and I started talking about the future . Michigan is beautiful , but I wasn ’ t a fan of its snowy winters . I had plans to transfer to our Atlanta office to be closer to home while escaping the cold . When I mentioned the move to Larry , he asked if I ’ d extend my trip for a weekend so he could take me to a place east of Atlanta where he owned property .
That “ place ” turned out to be Lake Oconee . The moment I arrived , I was enchanted . The area reminded me of Northern Michigan ’ s charm but with warm weather ! Larry had purchased a point lot across from what would eventually become the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee . We spent the weekend exploring the lake , soaking in the views , and planning what could be . I was hooked .
Larry already had a house design and builder lined up , so we worked together to create our dream lakefront home at Reynolds Lake Oconee . On October 28 , 2006 , we got married at Great Waters , and by April 2007 , our dream home was complete .
Originally , our plan was to relocate to Atlanta , but life took us in a different direction . We stayed in Naperville , Illinois , until Larry ’ s youngest daughter graduated high school . In the meantime , we visited Lake Oconee every month . By 2010 , with Larry set to travel extensively for work , we decided to sell our home in Illinois and move to the lake full-time with our two little boys , Matthew ( 2 ) and Jordan ( an infant ).
At first , we thought it would be temporary , but when Matthew was selected for a spot at Lake Oconee Academy Charter School , we decided to give it a try . We never looked back . Life here was everything we wanted for our family . The friendships we ’ ve formed , the sense of community , and the safe , carefree environment for our kids to grow up in have been invaluable . Our youngest , Brandon , was born in 2013 , making him the only “ native Georgian ” in our family . Fast forward to 2020 , when I took the leap into real estate . I never imagined how much joy and fulfillment it would bring me . Helping families find their own piece of paradise here at Lake Oconee has been such a rewarding experience . I love turning clients into friends , and this area into their home .
This guide is my way of sharing the magic of Lake Oconee with you . Whether you ’ re looking for your dream home , a weekend retreat , or simply trying to get a feel for the area , I ’ m here to help . I ’ m not just your real estate agent — I ’ m your first friend here . I can ’ t wait to help you discover all the beauty and charm Lake Oconee has to offer .
Welcome to the neighborhood !
Jennifer