About Jacob Watkins

Owner and Founder of Christie’s International Real Estate Emerald Coast and the Blankenship | Watkins Advisory Group; Jacob brings years of investment, finance, accounting, small business leadership and construction experience to the real estate industry across Northwest Florida. Jacob moved to Santa Rosa Beach in 2013 to begin his entrepreneurial career after several years in Atlanta working with Ernst & Young.

Jacob’s vision for the community and passion to elevate the areas in which he serves has allowed him to use his experiences and expertise to lead multiple successful new business ventures.

While at Ernst & Young, Jacob assisted clients across the US, gaining years of experience and expertise in the finance, accounting, and software industries.

Harnessing the newfound knowledge and experience after re-locating in 2013, Jacob went on to establish an array of startups and investment opportunities, taking multiple companies from inception to acquisition while leading in every aspect from sales to operations and back-end support.

With a passion for real estate sales and development, Jacob officially began his real estate career in 2015. Focusing on development, new construction, and sales he, along with Blankenship | Watkins Advisory Group, have personally sold over $3B in sales volume along the Florida panhandle.

Prior to launch of Christie’s International Real Estate Emerald Coast, Jacob was an integral part of starting Corcoran Reverie through a merger of two boutique brokerages, 30A Realty and Hilary & Reverie.

Raised in Fairhope, Alabama Jacob attended Auburn University. At Auburn, Jacob was involved with several organizations while also serving as Student Body President in 2009-2010. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics in 2010 and a Masters of Business Administration in Finance in 2011. In addition to his career accomplishments, Jacob is active on the boards of multiple organizations including the Auburn University Alumni Board , the Auburn University Harbert College of Business Master’s of Real Estate Development Advisory Board and the Sonder Project Board of Directors. Jacob resides in Inlet Beach with his wife, Devan, his son, Jay, and his daughter, Nora. They enjoy boating, fishing, paddle-boarding, time on the beach, and bike riding.