Running a successful real estate business is no easy task. It comes with numerous challenges and intricate components that can overwhelm even the least busy agents. To thrive in this industry, having a competent team working alongside you is critical. Recognizing the need for additional support in 2022, The Volen Group decided to bring on board a college student eager to kickstart a career in real estate. This ideal student would be seeking firsthand real estate experience and be willing to intern during the summer. To our delight, we discovered the ideal candidate for the position.
Grace Bennett is currently in her final year at the University of Central Florida. Her passion for real estate in her hometown led her to get her real estate license earlier this year, as she aspires to build a career in the industry. Over the summers of 2022 and 2023, Grace has been interning with The Volen Group, where we have taken her under our wing to provide her with invaluable insights into the world of real estate. In return, she brings a fresh and youthful perspective to all aspects of our business including our social media endeavors.
We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Grace and delve into her experiences as an intern in the real estate world. We discussed various aspects of the industry, her favorite parts of interning, and even discovered the one house that truly captured her heart. Let’s dive into our conversation and hear what Grace had to share.
Meet Grace Bennett
How long have you lived at the beach?
My whole life
My favorite thing to do in Ponte Vedra Beach?
Going to the beach or getting dinner at a local restaurant with my friends.
My favorite thing about Ponte Vedra Beach?
I absolutely adore Ponte Vedra for its stunning homes and array of restaurants.
My favorite restaurant in Ponte Vedra Beach?
When it comes to Ponte Vedra, my top choice for a restaurant would undoubtedly be Kamiya 86. The reason is simple: it offers the finest sushi in town. If you are not a fan of sushi, they also offer other Asian dishes.
My least favorite thing about Ponte Vedra Beach?
The traffic has changed significantly as Ponte Vedra Beach has become less of a hidden gem!
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Read, workout, play golf and pickleball, take long walks, listen to music, and spend time at the beach with my dog.
Who is the Ponte Vedran you most admire?
Without a doubt, Gwinn Volen. She is truly an admirable individual who truly understands the concept of doing it all. She seamlessly juggles multiple roles with grace and proficiency. Not only is she a devoted mother, but she is also a top producing agent in Ponte Vedra Beach and making her mark in Ponte Vedra real estate. Gwinn’s character is a blend of numerous positive traits. Her intelligence shines through in all that she does, allowing her to navigate all situations easily. Her sense of humor provides a touch of levity to every interaction, making her a joy to be around. Kindness and humility are at her core, as she is compassionate and understanding to those around her. I love Gwinn’s drive and determination that gives me inspiration and motivates me (and others) to really strive for greatness. Her quirky nature makes her a memorable presence. Above all, Gwinn’s exceptional leadership skills set her apart, and help to encourage me to reach my full potential. Her positive attributes, including intelligence, humor, kindness, humility, drive, quirkiness, and leadership, create a truly remarkable persona that I greatly admire.
What is your favorite thing about interning in real estate?
The aspect I cherish the most about interning in real estate is the opportunity to gain new knowledge every single day. What truly captivates me is the ever-changing nature of the industry, making it nearly impossible to feel bored.
Which listing has been your favorite that you’ve helped work on and why?
Without a doubt, 1329 Ponte Vedra Beach Blvd stands out as my favorite listing to date. The home’s distinctiveness and the remarkable effort put in by the team to make the transaction happen are the reasons behind my fondness.
What is your favorite thing about working for The Volen Group?
The aspect I cherish most about working for her team is the sense of being part of a family and the inspiring work environment it offers. This never feels like work; instead, it feels like spending time with incredible women and learning from them each and every day.
What are 5 things you learned while working at The Volen Group?
- The significance of collaboration and teamwork, inspired by the presence of highly accomplished women. Collaborating with these successful women has not only enhanced my own professional growth but also broadened my perspective on what is possible as a real estate agent.
- Realizing the impact of social media in the real estate business and how much it sources valuable information to the public with market insights, trends and data.
- I have had the privilege of witnessing impressive dedication and hard work displayed by the entire team. The commitment and passion exhibited by each team member, have been truly incredible. Working alongside individuals who are deeply invested in their work and strive for excellence has created a culture of high standards and continuous improvement.
- One crucial aspect of the job is the understanding that it demands round-the-clock commitment and availability. The nature of certain roles requires individuals to be available at any given time, ready to tackle challenges and address critical issues as they come up.
- Establishing connections with industry experts and mentors at a young age has greatly enhanced my professional growth. These connections have offered valuable insights, career advancement opportunities, lifelong learning, and a strong professional network. By leveraging the wisdom and guidance of these powerful professionals, it has allowed me to accelerate my career development and lay a solid foundation for future success.
