For the past 15 years, Jennifer Sims has called Chateau Elan home, but her roots in Georgia run deep. Born and raised in nearby Winder, she graduated from Winder-Barrow High School before heading to Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina. There, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1982.

Today, Jennifer remains connected to her hometown through her role as a branch manager and loan officer at Union Home Mortgage. With over 30 years of experience in the mortgage industry, she finds joy in helping clients achieve their dream of homeownership. “I love helping clients repair their credit or guiding them to find jobs so they can someday have a home of their own,” she says. “As long as I still get butterflies in my stomach at every closing, I’ll keep doing what I love!”

At home, Jennifer enjoys the company of her 7-year-old Himalayan rescue cat, Oscar. She is the proud mother of Jena Sims Koepka, an accomplished actress and model. Jena’s recent achievements include launching a shoe line with Steve Madden, designing a swimsuit line, being named Sports Illustrated's 2024 Rookie of the Year. However, Jennifer believes Jena’s most important role is as a mother to her son, Crew. At just 9 months old, Crew made his debut at the Masters, cheering on his dad, Brooks Koepka. Jennifer’s close-knit family also includes her mother, who resides in a nearby assisted living community, allowing Jennifer to visit often and enjoy their special Thursday night activities together.

Life is a perfect blend of family, friends, and community for Jennifer. “I love gathering with friends for our standing weekly dinner,” she shares. “We explore new restaurants, share stories, and just enjoy laughing together.” While Jennifer loves these gatherings, she jokes that her favorite meals are the ones she doesn’t have to cook. “I’m great at many things, but cooking isn’t one of them!” she admits, giving a nod to her friends Jim Reuter and Celia Davis for their culinary skills.

In Chateau Elan, Jennifer stays active by participating in a variety of social and fitness activities, including the Women’s Club, Bunco nights, Kickboxing, Step Classes, and Wednesday night Bible study. She’s also a fan of the local happy hour events, meet-and-greets, and downtown Braselton events including the chocolate walk! One of her favorite traditions is Thursday night $10 steak night at the Moose Lodge, where she’s an active member of the Women of the Moose.

Outside the neighborhood, she is an active force in the wider community, contributing her time and talents to several organizations, including the Barrow County Chamber of Commerce, the Braselton Rotary Club, Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, Pageant of Hope, and the American Cancer Society. She’s also a 2025 candidate for the "Power of Purple Ambassador" for Clarke/Oconee County. “These organizations are always helping spark my passion for helping others through charity and volunteer events,” Jennifer shares. In 2021, her dedication was recognized when she was named Barrow County Businesswoman of the Year—a reflection of her deep commitment to service.

When it’s time to relax, Jennifer enjoys scrapbooking, solving puzzles, and cruising around in her bright purple golf cart or her convertible Mercedes. But her favorite getaway is her beach home in Exuma, Bahamas. “It’s just a 100-minute flight to paradise,” she says. “The peace I find swimming with the pigs, sharks, and turtles in the most stunning waters in the world is unmatched.” This peaceful getaway in Exuma is available for rent, so if you're looking for a break, be sure to book your stay at VRBO.com/3131334.

This Chateau Elan resident is an adventurer at heart. Each year, she tries a new extreme sport. In the past few years, she has gone skydiving, scuba diving, horseback riding, and even flown in a hot air balloon. “This year, I might try zip-lining,” she teases. “Stay tuned!”

No matter where her adventures take her, she always cherishes returning to her Chateau Elan community. “The best part about living here is the camaraderie,” she says. “Everyone treats you like family, and having such wonderful neighbors to support and rally around you means the world.”

Jennifer’s life is a testament to community, service, and adventure, and her presence in Chateau Elan continues to inspire those around her.

Fun fact: Jennifer's daughter Jena was our very first front cover back in August of 2012