Jessica Borraccino is a go-getter, in every sense of the word. The mother of two is a marathon runner and superstar realtor, all while managing more vacation rental properties than we can keep track of. Her drive to achieve new professional heights comes through even over the phone – when we asked her what her least favorite word was, she blew right past the usual suspect (“moist”), telling Keys Weekly she HATES to be called “unresponsive.”
Borraccino moved to the Keys in 2011, initially landing a job at Dynasty Marine for a year before earning her real estate license and wading into the vacation rental industry. Along the way, she met her husband Nick at a birthday party, and the couple now have two little ones: Isla (5) and Benny (1). Her hard work immediately began paying dividends, as she received Coldwell Banker’s Rising Star Award and the Middle and Lower Keys Association of Realtors Rookie of the Year in 2014.
But for all her professional success, we know that career alone does not define a person. So naturally, we had some totally “professional” questions for one of the Middle Keys’ premier realtors.
What was the last show you binge watched?
“Yellowstone” with my husband. I don’t really watch TV, but honestly, it’s good.
What would your theme song be?
“Heartache on the Dance Floor” by Jon Pardi
What is your go-to birthday dinner?
Hideaway Cafe
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Morning person. I have a 1-year-old, so I’m usually up between 5 and 7 a.m. depending on him.
What makes you laugh no matter what?
My husband’s stupid jokes. He always says “that’s what she said,” and it doesn’t matter if it’s stupid. It’s funny.
What calms your mind after a long day?
Running. I usually do the Key West half-marathon and run around Marathon, and I did the Keys 100 this year.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you have to bring?
Water, my phone and my Chapstick.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Brian Schmitt always tells me, “You’re still breathing, you’re still alive,” whenever things get hard. That keeps me going.
Who is the most inspirational woman in your life?
My grandma. She’s self-made and self-sufficient, and just really a happy, go-for-it person.
What’s your favorite smell?
I love the smell of Christmas trees. It reminds me of home (Sedalia, Missouri).
What’s one item that you already have too many of, but you can’t stop buying?
Running shoes. I love Hokas or On Clouds.
What is the most badass moment in your life so far?
Finishing the Keys 100 and doing my first half-marathon were pretty amazing. Professionally, just hitting milestones that I set for myself in terms of gross rents collected.
What’s the last lie you told?
I told somebody recently that they were doing a really great job when they weren’t. That was today.
What was the best compliment you ever received?
Honestly, I just love whenever people say I go above and beyond and are appreciative of what I do professionally, because I really do put my whole heart into everything I do at work.
What’s your favorite word, and what word makes your skin crawl when you hear it?
My favorite word I really can’t say, because it’s a bad word. But I would say my favorite word is “awesome.” I use it all the time. I hate the word “unresponsive.” I would never wish that word upon my worst enemy. (Editor’s note: now we’re really curious about her favorite word.)
Do you think there are more wheels or doors in the world?
Wheels.
