Inspired by the idea of helping people get the home of their dreams, Lisa Marie Jones imagined becoming a Realtor after seeing a yellow Century 21 jacket in a brokerage window. Retiring from a 30-year career in health care, she received her real estate license. “I find the two careers similar, as both can be scary while also exhilarating,” she shares. “My experience in health care gave me the ability to empathize, because real estate is a very emotional business.”

In the industry now for 27 years, Jones is with Lamacchia Realty, covering Surfside to Jensen Beach with a primary focus on Greater Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas. Noting effective communication as the key to success, she believes the skill can make or break a deal. “Real estate is a very small community,” she admits. “We all need to be kind to each other and communicate our clients’ needs to get to the closing table.”

Known for her knowledge, professionalism and efficiency, Jones describes herself as incredibly resourceful in knowing how to get the deal done. “I think it stems from my love of real estate,” she says. “I am a super nerd with rules and contracts, and I bring all my experience to the process.” She considers her biggest professional accomplishment this past year to have been not quitting. “Seriously,” she insists, if you didn’t question yourself once or twice last year, you may not have been challenged.”

A member of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, Business Network International and the Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches, Jones recently won an award for number one agent by sales volume in Lamacchia Realty’s Fort Lauderdale office. “I look at all Realtors as my team, as we are in the same storm,” she says. “I can collaborate with anyone if it means the client wins.”