My Best Self—Jenny Pruitt

Over the past four decades, Jenny Pruitt has built an incredibly strong reputation and record of success as a real estate leader. The CEO and founder of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty attributes her achievements to her indomitable optimism and deep faith.

By India Powell

Jenny Pruitt

An extremely active philanthropist, Pruitt is involved with Habitat for Humanity and serves on the Board of Councilors for The Carter Center, as well as the Board of the Directors of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. She is also on the Board of Directors for the Buckhead Coalition. Pruitt is particularly passionate about her work with the Georgia chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

What are the biggest shifts you have seen in real estate over the years? What has remained constant, if anything?

When I started in the business, we did not have cellphones, Internet or computers so the world today is a very different one. Now, while all of this technology changes how we do business, it has not changed the fact that deals are done between people. Buyers and sellers still very much need to partner with a professional REALTOR® in order to navigate the sometimes bumpy waters of a transaction. The job of the agent is not to just identify the right house for a buyer; it’s about solving problems along the way so that the experience for the parties involved is as smooth as possible. It is the constant change and evolution of our industry that energizes me the most about our business. It’s why I can’t wait to go to work every day.

What is the biggest secret to your success?

I have had a philosophy in my companies [past, Jenny Pruitt & Associates, and present, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty] that if we take care of the people, the bottom line will follow. Happy agents make happy clients and smooth transactions. We endeavor to take the burden off our agents with the support that we provide them allowing them to prosper in the areas of the business they do best. Beneath this philosophy are my strong spiritual beliefs, which have always guided me in my decision-making process. My strong relationship with God is without question the foundation on which my success has been built.

Why are philanthropy and volunteering important to you and what does it bring to your life?

To whom much is given, much is required. I believe we must pass it on and give back to our community. I operate with an overflowing cup.
What does your work with the Alzheimer’s Association mean to you?
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, every 66 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease. It is a devastating illness and I am helping to raise money to eradicate this disease. The Dancing Stars of Atlanta event is so awesome! The dancers work so hard with their pros. It is exciting that the audience is made aware of the devastation of this disease.