Entrepreneur, advisor, and developer.
With dual degrees in Finance and Management from the University of Georgia, she began her career in corporate marketing. After seven years in the fast-paced world of Atlanta, she felt a pull toward something more grounded and meaningful on Florida’s shoreline.
Encouraged by her brother, a local developer, and inspired by the area’s momentum during the early 2000s real estate boom, Jessica made the move to Port St. Joe. What started as a shift in pace quickly became a defining chapter in her career. From building homes to overseeing affordable housing developments, she found herself immersed in the world of real estate and she hasn’t looked back.
Now, as a founding partner of Rish Real Estate Group and several affiliated LLCs, Jessica is known for her hands-on approach and sharp strategic mind. Her background in finance continues to shape the way she leads and grows. “Finance is a major part of being an entrepreneur,” she explains. “When you’re constantly building and innovating, that knowledge becomes your foundation.”
Over the past two decades, Jessica has helped lead both real estate and community efforts across Gulf County. A standout moment during her nine-year tenure on the Port Authority board was helping welcome Eastern Shipbuilding to the area, an economic win that brought jobs, infrastructure, and lasting local impact.
Today, Jessica works closely with her husband, Jay Rish, listing and managing every property they take on personally. As parents of a big family, including two active young boys, they’ve built a business that prioritizes responsiveness and flexibility. “We always make sure one of us is available,” Jessica says. “Real estate doesn’t pause when life gets busy, but we’ve found a way to make it work, for our clients and our family.”
That balance and the empathy it creates is central to her work. “We don’t just sell real estate, we own it, we develop it, we live it,” she says. “When a client comes to us, I think about what I’d want if I were in their position. That’s how I guide them.” Jessica offers more than knowledge, she offers real partnership. With a heart for this community and a head for business, she continues to shape the future of the coast she proudly calls home.
Needing a local expert who’s deeply invested in the growth of Gulf County? Reach out to Jessica Rish.