June Waggoner Interviews Jess

As I embark on this new chapter in my career as a Realtor, I thought it might be fun to ask my daughter June to interview me so we can mark the occasion! Hope you enjoy…

Jess just completed her first season on a beer league hockey team - Go Tricera-Tips!

What did you do before real estate?

Before entering real estate in 2018, I had an 18 year career in sustainability work. Early on, I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Nicaragua working with the local village on a number of projects to create an economy of eco-tourism so that the mangrove forests were preserved. When I returned to the States I focused on local municipalities and creating climate action plans. I then transitioned to PG&E where I found my way to policy work.

Why did you become a Realtor?

Policy work was really fascinating and intellectually stimulating but the timeline was super stretched out…any positive outcomes from my work were to be realized years or decades later. I became impatient! I wanted to feel the positive impact of my day-to-day in the near term. At the same time I was craving a more creative and independent chapter. A few friends had been suggesting I look into real estate and I found it to be the perfect merge of making my community a happier place with each sale or purchase, and gave me the independence of small business ownership that I was seeking. I never looked back!

What made you want to go out on your own?

I am so proud of my work to-date as a co-founder of the MAJ Realtors team over the past seven years. We helped so many people navigate really big life milestones and that experience only confirmed for me that this work is deeply meaningful and important. I take with me everything that I learned and experienced as I branch out as a solo agent!

I’m excited to have full ownership over my practice and I hope to focus my portfolio on friends, family, and former clients while I meet some new clients along the way (hi!!). I know that it’s a big decision to choose a Realtor to represent you in what may be the biggest purchase or sale of your life…and I’m excited to dedicate myself to those in my circle and those who want to join me for the ride!

What is your favorite thing about your job?

I instantly flash to the moment when I drive a fantastic outcome. The (happy) tears that I shed along with my clients as they get the keys to their new home or review fabulous offers on the home they are selling. It’s where the rubber hits the road - where all the perseverating, hoping, and faith-in-the-process cumulates into a big and wonderful outcome. My clients’ joy is my joy.

What is your fav architectural style?

I do have a soft spot - of course I love so many styles…but give me a solid craftsman any day of the week. Our first home was a neglected 1912 craftsman that we nursed back to health (it’s where I learned how houses work), and my heart skips a beat each time I step into the foyer of a grand dame prairie craftsman…

What is a fun fact about you?

It may surprise you to learn that I play ice hockey! It all started with my daughter several years ago as she learned how and then progressed to play several seasons on a travel team based out of the same Oakland ice rink where Alysa Liu has trained for over a decade. I could only sit on the bleachers watching her have fun for so many games before I thought “I have to try this.” That sport is way more complicated and demands so much more athleticism and skill that even the 40 years of ballet/modern dance training that I’ve accumulated in my prior athletic life. I love a good learning curve and hockey is both that and an amazing community of folks.

If you weren’t a Realtor, what job would you want to have?

I joke that I’d want to drive one of those WWII era jeeps at Safari West and give folks a tour of all the animals! When I retire you’ll know where to find me…