Emerald Lady Jeanne Dailey

Emeald Ladies Journal, (September/October 2017)

Newman-Dailey Founder and CEO was one of three former cover ladies that ELJ caught up with in honor of the 22nd anniversary issue. 

"In honor of our 22nd anniversary/birthday issue (September/October), Emerald Ladies Journal wanted to bring back former Emerald Ladies to see where they are today and what changes have occured in their l ives since being selected as an Emerald Lady."

Emerald Lady Jeanne Dailey 

Occupation: Real Estate Broker

I was born and raised in a suburb of Toledo, Ohio and have a brother and two sisters. I attended high school at Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School and earned an Associate of Fine Arts Degree from Sienna Heights University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing from East Carolina University. I moved to Destin in 1983 and I’ve called Destin home for more than 30 years. In that time, I built a business, raised two children, moved my parents here from Ohio, and have managed to stay in touch with friends and family around the country. I’ve learned that living in a beautiful vacation destination ensures people want to stay in touch. 

You Were March 2004 Emerald Lady, What has happened/changed in your life since then?  

In the last 13 years, my children have grown up and graduated college. I’m now a Nana and have two perfect grandkids, Henry (age 4) and Mills (age 2). I met Jay Nettles and we’re now engaged. The business has grown exponentially. We’ve survived economic downturns, storms, and an oil spill, among other challenges. Life is a roller coaster so you have to buckle in and enjoy the ride. 

What was the best thing that hapened because of being an Emerald Lady? 

I was recognized at the drug store and made a new friend.

It was an honor to be selected and recognized among a great group of women in our community. It was my first time being featured on the cover of a magazine and I feel like I had a few minutes of fame.  

What has been your most rewarding professional experience? 

Watching the team at Newman-Dailey grow. It is so rewarding to learn that I was a part of helping someone be successful and achieve their goals both personally and professionally. 

Honors and Awards: 

This community is very kind. I am honored and humbled to have received:

§  Walton County Chamber of Commerce “Small Business Person of the Year”, 2001

§  “Business Person of the Year” by Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, 2003

§  Visit South Walton Van Ness Butler Jr. Tourism Award in 2014

§  Destin Area Chamber of Commerce Ann Gibson Community Service Award in 2016

 

But I’m most proud of our Newman-Dailey honors. Together, we have earned “Best of the Emerald” awards in 2007, 2008, 2011, 2015, & 2016.  Newman-Dailey was also recognized with the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics and the Florida Trend Best Places to Work in 2016 and 2017. There is much to celebrate!

Charitable/Community Organizations: 

I have been actively involved on the board and chairman of the marketing committee for the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation for the last six years. I was also the first female president of the Rotary Club of Destin in 2015-2016. I’m also proud to be a founding member of the First Florida Bank Board of Directors and also serve on the advisory board for Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast.

 

My team and I support many organizations throughout the year, including United Way, Boys & Girls Club, Food for Thought, Relay for Life, Alaqua Animal Refuge, Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance and Habitat for Humanity, among others.

What is your favorite thing abut the Emerald Coast? 

The people. The people that live here are one of a kind. They are the most passionate, kind, caring, friendly people I have ever met. I am honored to call them my friend.

What do you do for fun?

I love to travel, drink wine, and enjoy quality time with friends and family. I also enjoy the serenity of nature and like hiking, kayaking and biking. I only wish I got to get out and do it more often.

What is your greatest challenge today?

Finding balance.

When do you feel most successful?

When I help others succeed.

What worries you the most about the world today?

All the anger and negativity.

To learn more about Jeanne, including her favorites and you'd be surprised if you knew answer, view the full article online