Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Reed.
Hi Jill, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started out thinking I would be in higher education forever. I enjoyed the calendar, the opportunity to work with undergraduate students, and the endless professional development. Over fifteen years I worked in admissions, financial aid, development, academic administration, grant management, and student affairs. Once I had children, though, the work/life balance became less tenable and I shifted gears into more entrepreneurial avenues. My wife and I developed our small farm into an events and airbnb business. I built and managed our online presence. We rescued large animals and created an idyllic place to raise our young boys. I earned a certification in athletic training and added coaching to my resume. Eventually, I returned to education to teach kindergarten. I find it challenging to wear only one hat, but I recognize that the common thread throughout my working life has been and continues to be education. So, when we sold our farm and business and relocated to Costa Rica I knew I wanted to continue to be of service to people. I started a blog to educate people about moving to Costa Rica with kids and I grew a new small business in online marketing and editing which led to contract work with local real estate firms. Can you imagine what came next? I became a certified real estate advisor and now I spend my days educating people who are buying and selling property in Costa Rica – I specialize in relocation and investments. I’m also the education committee chair for our regional association, Costa Rica Global Association of Realtors, affiliated with the NAR. Somehow I still find time to write for my blog, for a handful of clients and for my own book projects. I like to call myself a creative virgo.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not a chance. Is anything worth having the result of a smooth ride? In addition to plenty of professional transitions and pivots, I spent my late twenties and thirties learning some valuable life lessons. I got married to my college boyfriend, fell in love with my best friend, came out, divorced, remarried, and lost both my parents to cancer before I turned 38. After having my first son and watching my wife go through fertility treatments, I decided to serve as a surrogate for one of our best friends who’d had her own cancer struggle – twins were hard. I cared for my mother in her final months while also managing our business and juggling two toddlers. Between the two of us, my wife and I have made a lot of repairs with duct tape and driven to the far reaches of the state for winter hay. We problem solve. Owning our own business was actually great training for living in Costa Rica where it’s often a puzzle a day. Our mantra is work the problem, solve the problem. I never asked for easy.
As you know, we’re big fans of Pura Vida With Kids & Beachcombing Homes. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am an independently contracted real estate advisor located in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. I specialize in helping people relocate and matching investors with properties that match their return expectations. As a member of the LGBTQ community I have experience in navigating every aspect of moving to our area from that perspective. I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built through my business and the friendships I’ve been gifted through my network. I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the best people helping make Costa Rica a reality for our clients. My job is to educate my clients on the reality of investing in homes in a foreign country from initial searches to the closing table and beyond. I continue to be available every step of the way.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I want to be Christiane Amanpour when I grow up.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jillreed.io
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beachcombinghomes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beachcombinghomes/
