I was born and raised in western Massachusetts. Both of my parents had their real estate brokers license, so I guess you can say I grew up around real estate!

Moving from Income Auditor at Canyon Ranch, a prestigious spa in the hills of Berkshire County in western Mass, I joined up with a small start-up as Operations Manager. During the next 5 years I oversaw the stable growth of our company to where we were the leader in our market doing business in over 26 countries, and with numerous high profile technology companies. It was my job to maintain contact with our top customers, to forecast our production, to predict their requirements (often with little input) and stave off any 'snags' that may have thrown a wrench into the works. Our products were certainly not the most inexpensive out there, and with heavy competition from Asia, you can bet that our customer service abilities had to be extraordinary to maintain our market share (our products were manufactured in the U.S.).

Over this period of time, I learned valuable lessons in predicting potential problems in order to be able to act quickly should the need arise. Also my customer service skills were honed to a razor-sharp standard - a standard I keep as one of the main tenets of my business. I was successful because I did, for my customers, what nobody else would do. We raised the standard and our business grew because of it.

Additionally, at this point I was starting to get seriously interested in Antiques. So much so that, along with my Fiancee Bridgette, I opened a Antiques store to cultivate our growing hobby.

Having reached my goals as operations manager, I branched out into the World Wide Web and started two full-scale retail internet stores, both of which are still in operation today. As a personal project, I took on all of the design, programming and implementation of the web sites, as well as managing the day to day tasks and systems that we would need to be successful. Again, being able to exceed our shopper's expectations allowed us to excel. During this period I learned a great deal about developing high quality marketing materials (brochures, flyers) and advertising...how to get the word out....how to generate a "buzz".

During this time I was still buying and selling antiques, but now had relocated to Virginia Beach. What a great place to be! I love being here more and more each day. We opened and still operate a store on Witchduck Road called "A is for Antiques" (http://www.aisforantiques.com).

So it's funny how things come together. Two bought investment properties and three owned houses later, it finally dawns on me (after much prodding by Bridgette) that being a Realtor is the way to go.  

I know what "outstanding customer service" means. I have the business experience to prevent problems before they arise. I don't tolerate mediocre marketing and advertising. I know about "above and beyond" because I've lived it for the last decade.

I would be honored if you would allow me to represent you in the sale of your home, or in the purchase of your next house. Please contact me at your convenience by clicking the "contact me" link in the left column. 

Best Regards,

Jody Cowdrey, Realtor - Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc.