SHERRI NELSON 20 • November 2023
Sherri served many years at St. Francis Barracks
top producer By Zachary Cohen Photos By Renee Parenteau
“I wondered, how does my experience translate? And I found out that it didn’t,” Sherri shares frankly. “Corporate culture is very different. And what I know, my experience just didn’t translate. I would have had to start at the entry level, and I was used to running the show.” Sherri knew she needed to find a new professional path. She and her husband had previously run a custom residential contracting company and owned several investment properties, so a career in real estate was a natural next step.
GROWING
STRONGER
By the time Sherri Nelson retired from the military in 2017, she had been serving for more than 30 years, was deeply entrenched in military life, and was well-established as a senior human resources manager. Sherri enjoyed her time in HR and assumed she’d pick up her professional life in corporate HR, but, as many military veterans discover, transitioning to civilian life wasn’t easy. Sherri applied to over 50 human resources positions, but none of the opportunities she was offered felt like the right fit.
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“One thing I loved about HR and serving in the military is that I was able to support others and ensure our members were taken care of,” Sherri shares. “I liked that in real estate, I would be working in my communities. I could choose where to work, what commute I was willing to make, and design my own path. Being able to make an impact on my community is an amazing aspect of this job. Being in the military, I have a heart for service, and real estate was another way to serve.” BECOMING A LEADER AGAIN
Sherri launched her real estate career that same year (2017). From day one, she was able to effectively leverage the skills she honed in the military to grow her business and serve her clients. “I already knew how to read people, how to talk and listen to people and all different personalities and ranks, anticipate their needs, and had strong leadership skills,” Sherri explains.
Jacksonville Real Producers • 21
