Nocatee Welcome Center spotlight: Julie Alen

Posted

The Nocatee Welcome Center is the first stop for anyone looking to find out more about the master-planned community. The office offers resources such as interactive maps, tours and information about living in Nocatee. The most important resource, however, is the Welcome Center staff, who help newcomers get oriented. Each month, a different member of the Welcome Center team will be featured in this space.

This week’s featured representative is Julie Alen.

You’ve been at the Nocatee Welcome Center for a year now. During that time, what sort of duties has your job entailed?

I love having the opportunity to assist those who visit the Nocatee community. Here, we meet with those who are interested in learning more about the Nocatee lifestyle, and answer any questions that they may have. We also help Realtors who would like to be educated on the Nocatee community. With the amount of growth that Nocatee is having, there’s so much to learn! 

Working at the Nocatee Welcome Center has put you in contact with a lot of people newly interested in the community. What do you most look forward to helping them with?

Our hope is that when families leave the Nocatee Welcome Center, they will have a better understanding of the community’s master plan, as well as how to navigate the nearly 14,000 acres that comprise Nocatee. We love it when we can help people have a better understanding of the neighborhoods and amenities, so that they can find the home and builder that best suits their needs.

Have there been any people or families in particular that left an impact on you during your time at the Welcome Center?

Of course! I’ve met hundreds of people and many come in to say hello after they’ve moved into their new home. I thoroughly enjoy working with every family, but those who have to relocate to Nocatee for work specifically stand out in my mind. There is so much to worry about when relocating – finding a neighborhood and a builder, choosing a floorplan, enrolling in new schools and then bringing their family to a new state. Finding a new place to live can be overwhelming. I am so happy to assist and be a part of their moving experience. I feel privileged that families share so much with me and count on us to assist them. 

What about the Nocatee community are you most passionate about?

My passion for Nocatee runs deep. I’ve worked for The PARC Group for many years now, and have felt passionate about being in the “development” field. So many things happen when you develop land into a community. Jobs are created and homes are provided for thousands. The economy gets a surge of revenue from job growth. Being a part of this feels wonderful. I’m passionate about how the developer handles the task – with key components such as preservation, conservation and building homes within huge areas of green space. The fact that 60 percent of Nocatee will remain preserve makes me happy that future generations will enjoy the beauty of nature. 

What does a typical work day look like for you?

People, people, people! I think one Saturday I worked with 15 families. I love talking with families and sharing the Nocatee lifestyle.

What do you think the impact of your work with the Welcome Center has been in the community?

We are the first face of Nocatee in many ways as Welcome Center representatives. I hope others feel my passion about Nocatee and that I genuinely care about each and every family that I speak with. 

What is something you’d like everyone to know about your job?

It’s a fun job! I consider it such an honor that we have the opportunity to help so many families. I’ve met some of the most interesting, kind, loving and special people here, and feel very privileged to be a part of each of their journeys to Nocatee.

What are you most excited for when you go to work each morning?

I love sharing the Nocatee lifestyle every day. And it’s a beautiful area – we get to spend each day within a resort-style water park, which can’t be beat!

Outside of work, what sorts of things do you like to do?

Any type of outdoor activity – wave riding, bike riding, walking on the beach, playing the piano. My favorite thing to do is spend time with my children and grandson.