Jessica Rish
With a dual degree in Finance and Management from the University of Georgia, Jessica Rish began her career in corporate marketing before making a pivotal move that would ultimately shape her future. After seven years in Atlanta, the fast pace of the city gave way to a different calling—one grounded in family, community, and opportunity along Florida’s Forgotten Coast.
Encouraged by her brother, a local developer, and inspired by the region’s growth during the real estate boom of the early 2000s, Jessica relocated to Port St. Joe to work alongside her family. From building spec homes to leading affordable housing projects, those early years established a deep passion for development—and an even deeper love for collaborating with the people closest to her.
Now, as a founding partner of Rish Real Estate Group and several affiliated LLCs, Jessica is a hands-on entrepreneur and trusted advisor known for blending strategic thinking with practical expertise. Her background in finance plays a critical role in everything from long-term business planning to evaluating development opportunities. “Finance is a major part of being an entrepreneur,” she says. “And when you’re constantly building, growing, and innovating, that knowledge becomes your foundation.”
Over the past 20+ years, Jessica has helped lead both real estate and community initiatives in Gulf County, including nine years of service on the Port Authority board during a pivotal time in the region’s economic development. One standout milestone from that era was the arrival of Eastern Shipbuilding, which significantly expanded operations in the area and brought long-term impact to the workforce.
She and her husband, Jay Rish, now work together as a team—personally listing and managing every property they take on. As parents to a large family with two younger active boys, Max and Thomas, they understand the importance of flexibility, communication, and trust. “We always make sure one of us is available,” she says. “Real estate doesn’t stop when life gets busy, but we make it work by showing up for our clients and our family.”
Jessica’s approach to real estate is rooted in empathy, experience, and a shared sense of investment. “We don’t just sell real estate—we own property, we develop it, we understand the risks and rewards from both sides,” she explains. “So when a client comes to us, I put myself in their shoes. What would I expect? That’s where we start.”
Whether she’s guiding a family into their forever home or mapping out the next big development, Jessica brings a steady hand, a sharp mind, and a heart for the coast she proudly calls home.