My priorities are simple. They're YOURS!
Hi! I'm Karen Jurkowich. I'm no stranger to this area, having moved to Pensacola Beach in 1987 with my husband, Mike. We now reside in Gulf Breeze and are both active members of the community. I obtained my real estate license in 2003, and am a member of the Pensacola Association of Realtors, the Florida Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors. Rigorous training with the Floyd Wickman Team has given me the designation of Master Sales Professional which only 1% of top Realtors have obtained. All of this work sets me apart in my skill and professionalism as a Realtor.
I received a B.S. degree in Management Science with a minor in Law from Cal Poly University in Pomona, California, and worked in the fields of communications, human resources, and chemical dependency. I later went on to become the senior ranking woman out of 1,400 employees at a major defense-contractor plant.
Community involvement is a cornerstone of my life. I truly believes it is the responsibility of all of us to be involved in the communities in which we live and work and have served: as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council of the International Visitor Leadership Program of the U.S. State Department; twice served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce in 2011 and again in 2015; (I was recognized for my service to the community by being named a Gulf Breeze Community Difference Maker, and in 2008 was named Volunteer of the Year by the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce.). I also served as Chairman of the Board of directors of National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence of North Florida (NCADDNFL) for many years. In that capacity I met with Congressional leaders in Washington, D.C. to discuss parity in health care with an emphasis on doing away with the stigma of chemical dependence and mental health issues.
One of my greatest joys was creating Joy For the Beach - a holiday concert I started in 2004 to bring joy to the community I love. There were a lot of people who had suffered so much from Hurricane Ivan. In trying to figure out what I could do to ease the burden of that awful time, I came up with Joy For the Beach. This event was sponsored by Levin Rinke Realty (title sponsor) and became quite a popular event kicking off the holiday season!
As members of Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council we often host foreign visitors in our home. We also have been host parents to seven foreign exchange students over the years. It's wonderful to visit these now grown kids in their countries.
I stay committed to growing my real estate business because it fuels the life I love—one built on freedom, connection, and strength. This career gives me the flexibility to travel and explore, the financial freedom to focus on my health and powerlifting goals, and the deep fulfillment of guiding people through major life transitions. Just as I push myself to grow stronger every day, I help my clients make bold, confident moves. Whether I’m lifting, laughing with friends, or strumming my ukulele to unwind, real estate empowers the lifestyle I choose—and the impact I’m here to make.
Designations
• Master Sales Professional
• Certified Home Marketing Specialist
• Certified Negotiations Specialist
• Certified eMarketing Specialist
• certified with the Military on the Move program with Leading RE and thoroughly enjoys working with our military personnel.