Traditional Ocracoke Hospitality

Crystal Canterbury
Spencer the Blue Heron kitty
Spencer the Blue Heron kitty

Meet the awesome women of Blue Heron Realty.

As recently as 2007, Ocracoke Island had only one property management company. With experience in her family's business, The Pony Island Motel, Jennifer Esham thought it would be great to own her own vacation rental business here on Ocracoke. By 2008, Blue Heron Realty was up and running, and in 2009, after earning her real estate license and completing two years of supervised experience, Jennifer became a Broker-in-Charge. 

In 2001 Jennifer's father passed away. She remembers one night, shortly after his passing, sitting on a dock with some friends and witnessing a great blue heron approach the group. The bird came so close Jennifer was able to touch him. She believes that blue heron was her father, and, through a few tears, explained how every blue heron now reminds her of him. She named her company Blue Heron Realty because of the experience on the dock, and the office reflects her love for the long-legged waders.

Blue Heron Realty – whose motto is Traditional Native Hospitality – is housed in Spencer's Market; the office itself a large open space with four neatly arranged desks, large windows, and a luxurious couch and coffee table which make up a sitting area looking out into the village. Blue Heron paintings and various works of art can be seen no matter where you look, and above Jennifer's desk certificates from fishing citations are posted along the wall. There's also Spencer, a cat, who greets the staff each morning, then retires to the couch to sleep in the sunlight coming through the windows.

Judy Lawson, Cheri Ely, and Merrian Midgett all work with Jennifer in the office. Each day, Cheri said, is different; there's no way to tell what each day will bring. Emails and phone calls are received daily throughout the year, but Cheri explained for this time of year, "if there's a snowstorm up north, we get really busy."

With 70 properties, 21 of which are pet-friendly, Blue Heron Realty is considered small; some people even had doubts Jennifer's company would succeed and tried to convince her to change her mind. In just six years of operation, Blue Heron Realty is flourishing. Many renters are repeat customers who have formed friendships with the staff over the past few years. The staff all agreed that having a smaller property management company enables them to form lasting relationships with guests and the home owners; something each appreciate and cherish.

Merrian, Jennifer, Judy, and Cheri
Merrian, Jennifer, Judy, and Cheri

Working in this kind of industry can bring its challenges, though. In the event of severe weather, Blue Heron Realty has multiple tasks to complete; securing any outdoor furniture, swings, screens, and completing any specific requests made by the property owners. Mass emails are sent out and phone calls made to the guests to give updates and weather warnings. With WiFi being available in 98% of the Blue Heron's rental properties, email has been found to be an efficient way of notifying guests of extreme weather conditions.

The words "Mandatory Evacuation" are not what anyone wants to hear, but Jennifer said, "We take a deep breath and start the process. We have to tell guests to get their things together, and they have to be out by a certain time."

This July, as Hurricane Arthur – a Category 2 storm – approached the Outer Banks, a Voluntary Evacuation order was issued in Hyde County, and a large number of visitors stayed on the island. While people won't be forced to leave a location during this type of order, Merrian recalled that people "who stayed seemed to regret it. You just don't ever know what a storm is going to do, so it is best to leave."

In the aftermath of Arthur, there was significant tree damage all over the village, as well as some structural damage done to a few buildings. Blue Heron Realty employs Jake Johnson, a long-term resident, to help take care of damages and do repair work regardless if the cause is from a storm or general wear-and-tear. In extreme events, help from other sources will be requested to assist Jake. Fess Winstead, Jennifer's husband, also does maintenance work, and repair and upkeep on the bicycles and golf carts available for rent.

Power outages, though not too common, can be an inconvenience and a surprise when you're on vacation. When a scheduled outage is planned, Merrian explained, guests are notified through email or by phone. In the event the power goes out unexpectidely and guests call the office, Merrian said they calmly explain to the caller "that everything is ok, it isn't just you, it's the whole island, and hopefully it will be back on soon."

Traditional Ocracoke Hospitality

And then there are the paranormal events experienced in at least one of the homes. Apparently some guests reported odd occurrences and feelings in a property, supposedly of the supernatural kind. Mysterious and unexplained sounds were heard, leading those guest to reveal their ghostly experiences to the staff.

All four women have a deep connection to Ocracoke. Judy's family has been here for generatons; the street where she lives is named for her Great-great-great Grandfather Mark, and she says she "feels rooted here." Jennifer is one of the last people to actually be born on Ocracoke, and was brought into the world with the help of a local fisherman. Merrian, while born in Morehead City, spent her childhood and much of her adult life on Ocracoke. Cheri, originally from Florida, began coming to Ocracoke in 1992, and in 1995 she never left, saying, "I met a boy, got married, and had kids."

And they all love Ocracoke, speaking about the great sense of community here and that, as Merrian said, "everybody is nurturing and caring, the school is great, and it's a safe place to live."

"The summer," Judy continued, "is busy, but you can recharge your batteries in winter. We're ready for each season change."

Jennifer spoke up saying, "And we wouldn't know what to do without the salt air!"

Plus, with Ocracoke's unspoiled beaches, quaint village, and Mom-and-Pop type businesses, it's a location where, to Cheri, "the sense of community extends to visitors." 

Judy, Jennifer, and Merrian all moved away from Ocracoke when they were in their late-teens and early-twenties, but "this place just kind of sucks you back in," Jennifer said, laughing, with everyone nodding and smiling in agreement. These ladies do still venture off the island for family trips, though. Judy likes to "get off the beaten path and find less traveled roads" when on a family trip, and hopes to visit some family members who currently live in Alaska one day. Jennifer is up for any getaway to the mountains or a large forest. She recently returned from a trip to West Virginia where she loves going out on four-wheelers and "gettin' dirty." Last year Merrian and her family traveled across the state and into the mountains of North Carolina to stay in a cabin for a week, and will be repeating that experience this year. They also enjoy going to Busch Gardens during the warmer months. Since Cheri is from Florida, she and her family drive down once a year to visit with her side of the family, and they also frequent Charleston, SC.

The four women are very family-oriented and talked about how much enjoyment they get from spending time with their children, significant others, and extended family. Cheri said she loves hanging out with her two children because, "they make me laugh all the time!" Merrian enjoys going on Pinterest (and really, who doesn't?) to find neat crafts and activities for her children. She also likes going for walks or bike rides with her son and daughter, and loves to read. 

While they may be busy at work, they all know how to relax at home. Judy said, "I love to spend time at home with my family and rocking on my front porch. I love my front porch." Cheri and Merrian also commented on the happiness they feel when at home, and Jennifer chimed in saying, "I sit on my back porch and watch my husband cook dinner!" And speaking of dinner, Cheri is an avid cook who is constantly looking for and creating new dishes. The women also enjoy spending time with their friends, whether at home or out and about around the village.

Jennifer loves running a realty company because of her staff, the friendships she has formed with Cheri, Judy, and Merrian, plus the lasting relationships they have developed with guests. "It's just something I like to do," Jennifer said. "We just want to be the best we can be for our homeowners, guests, and ourselves. And we strive to offer the best service we can, which involves constant growth and change."

The women who are being awesome at Blue Heron Realty are in the office year-round, and can be reached by email or phone! Many properties close down and are winterized for the colder months, but there are still homes available to rent. To contact the office you can call their toll free line: 866.576.7117 or local number: 252.928.7117.

 

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