Real Estate

Since 2001, Ceaser has worked for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty, a dynamic and respected real estate company with more than 500 real estate professionals in Northeast Florida. Ceaser joined the company in 2001 as a human resources and accounting administrator and was promoted in 2021 to Human Resources Manager. In 2024, Ceaser transitioned into a new role in Accounting after Human Resources relocated to the firm’s parent company.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity and I believe you should never give up,” Ceaser said. “A new avenue could lead to a dream job that you hadn’t anticipated.”

Ceaser is involved with processing escrow binders, initiating and confirming wire activity and managing employee expense reports. A self-described multi-tasker, she is organized, enjoys following policies and procedures, and has strong communications skills. Ceaser is eager to assist with any project and not afraid to take on any task. She is a natural motivator.

“The best part of my job is the positive environment, working with a great team, learning new systems and adapting to change,” Ceaser said. “Change equals growth.”

Her interest in Human Resources emerged while attending college. Ceaser initially thought about pursuing a career as a social worker. A mentor encouraged her to consider human resources, recognizing the impact and benefit her passion and skills would have on a company.

“It’s our unique skills that set us apart – our passion, empathy and being a go-getter,” Ceaser said.

Ceaser earned a Master of Business Administration degree in Human Resources Management from Columbia Southern University and a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University.

At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty, her workdays revolve around a “work family that I love,” supporting the company’s Realtors and clients, and her dedication to complete every task efficiently and successfully. Ceaser always begins her workday by inspiring high morale with her colleagues.

“I believe in keeping it positive and encouraging everyone to have a great day,” Ceaser said.

Technology is driving today’s real estate industry. Ceaser believes it has contributed to positive changes including the ability to conduct business remotely, increased marketing on social media channels and enhanced customer service.

Ceaser also leads the company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council. She earned a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate from the University of South Florida. She is a 2024 Jacksonville magazine People With Heart recipient.

“I’m motivated by our company’s great leadership team and I’ve grown so much working for strong leaders in our company,” Ceaser said. “It’s important to align with a company whose mission, vision and culture resonates with you.”

Ceaser also credits her husband, Thomas, and her strong faith for providing tremendous support in her career pathway journey.

For those exploring careers, Ceaser recommends doing industry research, networking with mentors, gaining experience through a degree or certification program and joining local industry organizations. Ceaser is a member of the Society of Human Resources of Jacksonville (SHRM Jacksonville) and the Florida Diversity Council (Jacksonville Chapter).

“Most importantly, never give up,” Ceaser said. “Always do your best.”

After graduating high school, Jillian attended Florida State University for a few years, but ultimately found her way back to Northeast Florida. Wanting to be closer to her family, she moved to Saint Augustine while she finished her studies at the University of North Florida.

With a continuing passion for real estate, she graduated with her Bachelors Marketing degree and started her job search.
After a year of searching and finding that nothing felt like a good fit, she decided to pivot directions and started studying for her real estate license online while she waitressed at a local restaurant.

When she didn’t pass the exam the first time, she started wondering if real estate was truly the right path for her, saying, “I’ll admit, I was defeated but nothing was going to hold me back from something I had so much passion for.”

She put her head down and ultimately passed the exam, gaining her real estate license. Since she had some contacts with Keller Williams’ Saint Augustine location, she went directly to them in hopes of a job.

“I wanted to stay in Saint Augustine. The city has so much history and a unique charm that is hard to find nowadays. I saw it as a place where I could truly connect with people and help them find a home in a city that feels special,” she says.

After working with Keller Williams for some time, she eventually came in contact with a KB Home agent. She wanted to explore new construction and was eventually won over by the possibility of being a part of the homebuilding process, guiding clients through each phase and helping them make a home uniquely theirs.

She states, “I’ll always be grateful for Keller Williams being that steppingstone that led me to KB Home, but having more structure like I do allows me to focus on specific communities and really dive deep into the relationships with clients.”

Her marketing training didn’t go to waste either. She gets creative with social media and creates graphics that highlight different floor plans, unique features and everything that makes a KB Home special.

Her days are never the same, with a mix of meetings, showing properties and creating content to showcase their communities. “I make sure to always be prepared for whomever may walk through the door.”

Jillian emphasizes the importance of customer relations in this field. If you love meeting new people and want to be a part of a major moment in peoples’ lives, the real estate industry could be a possible career path for you.

“Do it with your whole heart and for the right reasons. Be ready to learn on the go, lean on mentors and don’t be afraid to make mistakes,” she says. KB Home is a continuously growing company and has opportunities available in Saint Augustine, as well as other locations in Northeast Florida.