Like a lot of us in Western North Carolina, Jackie Dirscherl is still in love with the beautiful natural surroundings of this gorgeous place we’re lucky enough to find ourselves in every day. Difference is, she’s an Asheville native, born and bred, and that gives her unique insight, not only as a realtor, but as a community member. We caught up with Jackie recently to find out what she’s up to in between helping her real estate clients … and prepping her garden for the season!
Share a bit about your background with us.
Well, I married early (at 20) and started waitressing part-time while earning my degree. After we started our family, I began teaching (special education for 8 years), but I still did bartending/waitressing during the summers. I guess you could say my whole career has been in service to others in some way!
What made you want to be a real estate broker?
I still have friends who are lifelong teachers, and while I miss them and my students, I felt like it was the right time in my life to make a change. My girls were getting older and our family’s needs were changing, so when my friend Elizabeth (Putnam) suggested I'd be a great realtor, it felt like a great next step in my journey. It’s just that the time was right.
What are your passion projects/subjects?
I’m an avid runner — everything from 5Ks to half marathons at least once a month — and a big fan of skiing. My stepdad is a pro skier and when I was a kid, my family owned an outdoor travel company, so we skied every weekend in the winter!
I’m really into the food and drink scene, too. I worked in restaurants so much that it’s part of me now! And both me and my husband cook a lot, too.
Also near and dear to my heart are my plants and gardening. Ever since my grandparents got us to help in the garden when we were younger, I’ve been into gardening and have had a green thumb ever since!
What ways do you enjoy giving back to our community?
With my teaching background, I gravitate towards anything to do with kids, teaching and education. I run in school organization race fundraisers regularly, and I’m on the board of Buncombe Partnership for Children. I did two fundraisers last year with Anthony Guthmiller last year. We raised over $14,000 through two events and I’m very proud of that. I’m also involved with with Bounty and Soul, and The Special Olympics. Service will always be a fundamental part of who I am.
What are your realty superpowers?
A native's knowledge! I get excited if there's a road I haven't been on! I think that native know-how really helps me pair the person with the place.
Do you have certain neighborhoods/communities in which you especially love to work?
Not really — I love it all!
What is the most special thing about the AVL area?
Do I have to pick only one? How about three? I love that our area is a melting pot of beautiful cultures, for sure. I love that we have four seasons (and I’m out in all of them!), and of course, our mountains. They bring me peace. No matter where I go, these Blue Ridge Mountains always beckon me home to Asheville.
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