Meet Jennie Uhlmann | Realtor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennie Uhlmann and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was a teacher and school administrator for years as I raised my three daughters. I always loved the idea of owning my own business- challenging myself and feeling proud of what I might be able to accomplish. However, I also have the heart of a teacher. Leaving teaching was not easy for me, but I knew that if I never tried to build my own business, it would be a lifelong regret. I thought about various types of businesses to build- and the only one that ultimately seemed authentic to me and the spirit of who I am was real estate. When I had gone through a divorce in 2008, my life was in a crisis- and I ultimately lost my home to foreclosure. Despite this, I had a realtor who helped me pretty selflessly-and ultimately without compensation. There was so much that he taught me, and was compassionate and kind when I needed that most. I realized that I could do this, and run a business doing it. I made my move once my daughters were old enough for me to have the flexibility of schedule I needed to be successful at it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Adventure is something I can’t do without. I’m not a risk-taker in the traditional sense, but I take to heart the need to step out of my comfort zone in order to achieve things that I feel driven to do. I very much go with my gut instinct, which can be hard to override for me. After college, I went to France and became an Au Pair because I wanted to perfect my French; once back stateside, I worked with refugees and when the opportunity came a few years later to move to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, I jumped at it. When I found the opportunity to study abroad in Rome, I took it- and figured out the “how” afterwards. It was the same in many ways for me jumping into real estate. I jumped in and figured out how to do it after I knew I wanted to do it. I’m okay with mistakes (although I probably dwell on them more than I should)- because I know they are part of the process and they remind me that I was willing to take action, rather than sit back in fear.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The fun part is that I get to do these things a lot as a realtor. For me, the joy is in finding things that I think the other person would want to do and see. I think with Tucson you have to start with natural beauty and food- two things that immediately stand out to me about this city. But I have found many great, sometimes quirky places that don’t appeal to all, but might appeal to some.

If my best friend from high school visited me, I’d take her downtown her first night, probably to Charro Del Rey or maybe The Delta. I always want to take in art when I travel, so I might take her to the Art Museum the next day and eat at Cafe a la CArte or maybe La Cocina afterwards, then maybe pick up some scooters and take her through Armory Park and the older homes surrounding downtown. We’d end up that night probably seeing a foreign film at the Loft, or maybe a show at the Rialto or Fox if there was something good.

The next day would have to be about the outdoors, I’d probably want to hike, and I’d head to Sabino or possibly Mt. Lemmon if it was a hot summer day. If she didn’t feel like hiking much, I’d head to the Desert Museum with her so she could get a feel for the Sonoran Desert and we could catch the raptor show. We could finish up that day by watching the sun set over Gates Pass.

People always want to make sure to eat their fill of Mexican food when they are here, so I’d probably take her to Rustico the next day and then we would maybe head to Tohono Chul. That night we could head to St.Philips Plaza for some live music and more people watching.

The next day I’d probably make a little campy- because my friend would like some of the oddball stuff Tucson can offer. I’d probably show her the Dinosaur McDonalds, Pinnacle Peak, Golf N Stuff, maybe drive out to Saguaro National Park East for sunset pictures (because all my photographer friends tell me the lighting there is the best for pictures)- then finish up the campy day at Kon Tiki with a Scorpion.

The next day would probably be around the University and Fourth Ave- probably go to the Center for Creative Photography, walk around campus, then down University and Fourth, finding another good place to nosh and people watch (maybe The Boxyard or Ermanos.

The next day I’d probably take her to Frank’s or Baja Cafe for breakfast, then we’d take bikes out onto the River Path. We could then clean up, check out some of the art galleries and make the last art shops the ones up at River & Campbell where we then could walk next door to Wild Garlic for diner.

Because all of this sounds so indulgent and fattening, the next day I’d probably take her for a day pass at Canyon Ranch- we could enjoy some tranquility and world-class pampering and perhaps detox a bit. If we chilled out enough. we might be able to go to the Maverick for some line dancing that night.

I find people everywhere fascinating- I am fortunate that Tucson is a small enough town that I often run into friends or former students or their parents. I love that there are lots of different vibes you can plug into. I often say I’m an enthusiast- as long as people are enthusiastic about something, I will probably be happy.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Am I allowed to do this for my father, who passed away in 2019?

My father was my rock and always had words of wisdom and guidance for me. He always encouraged me and reminded me to not underestimate myself. He understood how scary it was for me to become self-employed while still responsible for children. He passed away before I saw much success in real estate, and I wish so much that I could thank him for always encouraging me.

If you are looking for a non-family member or someone who is in my community, I’d probably want to give a shout out to the teachers I have worked with here in Tucson. As a collective, they are encouraging, smart, always ready with a laugh or a glass of wine, and yet still get up every morning to pay it forward to the next generation. I’d dedicate my success to the importance of teachers.

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Image Credits
Jessica Korff