Jacob Watkins is a seasoned real estate leader with expertise in luxury properties, development, and finance. A former Ernst & Young consultant with an MBA from Auburn University, Jacob transitioned to real estate in 2015, achieving $160M in career sales and becoming owner of 30A Realty in 2018. As co-founder of Corcoran Reverie, Jacob has helped oversee $1B+ in sales, earning national recognition. Residing in Inlet Beach with his family, Jacob balances professional excellence with community service, supporting nonprofits and local businesses while embracing the vibrant 30A lifestyle.
Jacob Watkins brings a diverse background and deep expertise in investment, finance, accounting, small business leadership, and construction to Florida's dynamic real estate scene. Originally from Fairhope, Alabama, Jacob moved to 30A in January 2013 after earning his Bachelor's Degree in Economics and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Auburn University, where he also served as Student Government President. His career kicked off at Ernst Young in Atlanta, where he gained extensive experience in financial consulting across the United States. In late 2015, Jacob smoothly transitioned into real estate, swiftly establishing himself as a top producer with an impressive career sales record totaling approximately $160 million. His focus on luxury properties, new construction, and development has been instrumental in designing, constructing, marketing, and selling significant investments throughout the region. Jacob expanded his impact in 2018 by acquiring 30A Realty, where he currently serves as owner and manager.
Beyond real estate, Jacob is deeply engaged in community service, actively supporting local nonprofits such as Food for Thought and Sonder Project, while also contributing to organizations like the Rotary Club of Destin and the Walton County Chamber of Commerce. Amidst a global pandemic, on April 21, 2020, Jacob played a pivotal role in the merger of top-ranked luxury brokerages Hilary Reverie and 30A Realty, culminating in the launch of Corcoran Reverie. This strategic union, marking The Corcoran Group's inaugural virtual launch, positioned Corcoran Reverie as the 3rd affiliate in a rapidly expanding global network. Jacob, along with his wife Devan and their children Jay and Nora, resides in Inlet Beach, where they relish outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, paddle-boarding, and biking along the picturesque 30A coastline. They enthusiastically support local establishments like The Summer Kitchen in Rosemary Beach and Great Southern in Seaside, embodying the vibrant lifestyle of Northwest Florida.
As part of the top-performing team at Corcoran Reverie with Hilary Farnum-Fasth, Jacob's achievements include collectively overseeing over $1 billion in gross sales in under three years. Their strategic partnership and visionary leadership have propelled Corcoran Reverie to new heights, garnering recognition as the 49th Small Team in the country on REAL Trends' 2023 The Thousand list, with the brokerage earning entry into the Billionaire's Club. Their dedication to excellence and personalized client service has fostered a boutique family atmosphere within the brokerage, characterized by luxury tactics, rigorous training, mentorship, and expert contract guidance for their 190+ agents. Jacob's warm personality, combined with his outstanding career accomplishments and commitment to philanthropy, has earned him acclaim both within and outside the real estate industry. His active involvement with various nonprofit organizations underscores his deep-rooted dedication to community welfare and service.
Hilary Farnum-Fasth and Jacob Watkins collectively bring a mastery of new construction development, vast local real estate knowledge, proven negotiation skills, and a true mastery of the luxury market. The team is locally renowned and nationally respected for their elevated service, marketing, and unrivaled expertise in representing exceptional properties. As a result of their decades of experience, Hilary and Jacob have sold some of the area’s most significant homes while playing an integral role in shaping the built environment of the South Walton we know today.