What is your profession and give a brief description of what
you do.
I own a charter service called Destin Charter Service and I am
chairman of the Destin Seafood Festival. My husband Casey and I
also own the Big Red Truck; a popular food truck in the area.
After 15 years on the Destin Harbor learning about the heritage
of the charter fi shing fl eet and the Harbor families and businesses,
the natural progression was participating in community events
wherever I could: fi shing tournaments, fundraisers, festivals, etc.
I started volunteering for the Destin Seafood Festival years ago
because I love how it brings everyone together. After 3 years
as the chairman of the festival it’s still that same comradery
that keeps me fi red up. It’s a challenging task but to see the
community come together year after year to protect such a
tradition is a beautiful thing. I am honored to be a part of it.
What would people be most surprised to know about you?
I am an introvert!
What one activity makes you lose track of time?
Sunday drives with my husband.
What is the best advice you ever received?
Often times, you have no control over the circumstances. You only
have control over your perception and reaction. Don’t let “it” get
you twice.
What advice would you give to someone just moving to
Destin?
So many people arrive thinking they will bring, add, improve,
contribute, etc; all of which are noble intentions. I learned that
Destin is perfect as it is. I decided to wait and learn to contribute
where Destin thought I would best serve Destin.
What was your very fi rst job?
Bagged groceries at 14 then I was transferred to the fl oral
department. The manager thought I was older than my years and
treated me accordingly; I learned quickly. Those are some great
memories.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Taking a break from my phone. A couple of times a year I will take
a vacation or a “break” just from my phone.
What was your last Google search?
I am addicted to Google and I search everything! “It’s worth a
Google” is what we say in my house. My last search was about
puppies; pretty sure we will have some in November.
What motto do you live by?
“Do what you feel in your heart to be right- for you’ll be criticized
anyway.” -Eleanor Roosevelt
Who is the most infl uential person in your life?
I have had the privilege to have strong,
independent business women as friends
and mentors; Gina Lipscomb, Mary
Anne Windes and Marti Carpenter, all
are amazing, accomplished women.
Overall I credit my mother, Jeanne
Reese, and grandmother, Mary
Thompson. Both are strong women that
have made me who I am.
Jami Jones
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