After Tina Priest graduated with a bachelor's degree from Kennesaw State University in Human Services and a master's from the University of Arkansas in Operations Management, she worked in several industries. "Being a military spouse, we moved quite a bit," she shares, "which allowed me to work in several different fields."

 

Early in her career, she worked with military and Jewish families as a case worker and then with Fleet and Family Support while stationed in Monterey, California. When she and her husband moved back to Jacksonville, she went to work with Hover Girl Properties as their service manager. After three and a half years in that role, she became the Director of Customer Care. Then, Tina decided to become a full-time agent.

 

When asked what led her to make the jump to becoming a REALTOR®, she says, "I have always had such a heart for serving the military community, which is a huge reason I love working at Hover Girl Properties. Also, being a military spouse means we have a huge network of friends and family who reach out when moving to the area."

 

Tina also loves "learning and growing in new things." She also knew getting her license would propel her career forward and offer another avenue to help those referred her way. "I am so grateful I chose to pursue and obtain my license. Each customer I have been able to help find their home has been so special. It truly felt like one more way to grow and be helpful at Hover Girl Properties. 

 

"I loved the idea of being able to help those referred to me find their home here. As a military spouse, I still remember the importance of finding a home wherever we went. Moving was hard, but once I found a place to call home, I was more at ease. Now, I love helping individuals and families find the right place, whether it's a place to rent or purchase. Jacksonville is huge and has so much to offer. Finding 'home' is unique to each individual or family, and I love being able to get to know my customers to help them find the right home."

 

Though Tina's husband, Eric, is now retired, he still works for the Navy. "The military community holds such a special place in our hearts," she says.

 

"While we don't exclusively work with service members and their families, a lot of our customers are military. That has happened organically. Understanding the unique challenges that come with military life helps me know how best to serve there.” Also, Hover Girl Properties doesn't only help customers buy or sell. They also have a full-service property management side and assist in finding a rental if buying is not an option the customer wants to pursue at that time. 

"At Hover Girl Properties, we always look for ways to serve our military community. I was a customer of Hover Girl Properties before I worked for them. They managed our property while my husband was stationed at different places around the country. I always loved to see how Hover Girl Properties served the military community in many ways.”

 

Tina is a North Georgia native. She and Eric married when she was 21 and a sophomore in college. She put her degree on hold until they could return to Georgia three years later. "We were able to return to Georgia ... with a little baby girl," Tina shares. "Although I had a newborn, finishing my education was important. So, I chose to go back. I am so grateful I did.”

 

"My past has shaped so much of who I am today. Some seasons of my life have been easier than others, but I have walked away shaped by each one. I always thought growing up, I would live in Georgia my whole life. I am grateful that God had other plans. I learned so much living in the different places the Navy sent us to. I am grateful for the dear friends we made throughout each season. Deployments, homecomings, adjusting to new schools ... all shaped not only myself but my kids. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to learn and grow.”

When asked to share a pivotal moment, Tina shares two. "Besides surrendering my life to Christ, marrying my husband, Eric, was the best decision I have ever made.

 

"Eric and I were good friends for quite a few years before we started dating," Tina remembers. "Once we did start dating, we got engaged five months later and married four months after that. They always say to marry someone who brings out the good in you. Eric truly does that. He has always supported me and encouraged me to take on new challenges."

 

Today, Tina and Eric have been married for more than 22 years. He retired as a Surface Warfare Officer after 21 years of service but continues to serve as a civilian employee with the Navy, and he loves it. The couple has a 19-year-old daughter, now a sophomore at the University of Georgia, and a 14-year-old son who just started his eighth-grade year. They most enjoy family events. "We love getting together," Tina says, “especially now with our daughter away in college, any time we get together is like gold.”

 

They also love to travel and see new things, watch sports together (UGA football being their favorite), and they love to serve and attend services at The Church of Eleven22. This season, Tina says they are looking forward to many trips up to Athens to visit with their daughter and cheer on the Georgia Bulldogs. Tina also loves running and date nights with Eric.