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.

“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.

“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.”

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.

Six years after beginning her career as a REALTOR®, Sherri is using those leadership skills well. She leads the Sheryl Nelson Group with Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners St. Augustine, a team she began growing in 2020, and is on the KW Associate Leadership Council.

Sherri’s military experience also comes in handy when serving clients. Over 50% of her business is sourced from military families. Every member of her team has a military connection.

“Every person on our team has the same heart and compassion that falls in line with our value proposition. Also, we are members of the KW Military community. I'm our office's Keller Williams military rep as well,” Sherri says. “Our military connection is strong.”

Sherri is most proud of the work she’s doing in her community. Clients like working with her and her team because they are trustworthy and genuine. As the team grows, Sherri aspires to keep doing more and more for the military community. She’s already giving back through events like the gift-giving Christmas event she ran for veterans last year, and even aspires to one day start a veteran-centric nonprofit.

“As I continue to build out my team, I want to do more to help our communities, especially veterans,” Sherri explains. “And I want to dominate. I want our team to be known as the military team that can be trusted, that people have fun with, that they want to work with and stay friends with. From the moment we make a connection, our number one goal is to keep that client forever.”

Outside work, you’ll find Sherri spending time with her husband, Kerry, and two children, Korey (who is a REALTOR® on her team) and Shayla. Sherri also enjoys travel and water sports of all kinds. “I would love to have a team that I can pass off to my family… that I can give to my children.”