Check Out Jill Perry’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Perry.

Hi Jill, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My name is Jill Perry, and my life has been a remarkable journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. I started my career in the bustling city of Washington D.C., where I worked as a Federal Solutions Engineer at Verizon in a predominantly male-dominated workforce. It was a challenging yet rewarding career that spanned three decades, taking me from my humble beginnings as a 411 operator to the pinnacle of my profession as an engineer.

Despite the success I found in the nation’s capital, my heart always belonged to my home state Tennessee. I never thought I would return to my roots, but fate had other plans. The turning point in my life came when I crossed paths with my soulmate, a fellow worker from Lebanon, Tennessee while collaborating on extensive Federal Telecom projects in D.C. After 15 years of professional camaraderie, our connection deepened into love, and we decided to take the plunge, getting married and making the life-altering decision to move back to Tennessee.

We purchased a charming cabin in Lebanon, envisioning it as a peaceful retreat for my husband’s retirement. Little did we know that destiny had a different path in store for us. One fateful night, with the cabin barely unpacked, I impulsively listed it on Airbnb without informing my husband. The next day, to our surprise, we had guests scheduled to arrive, and my husband had to rush back to furnish the cabin with all the comforts and amenities necessary for our unanticipated visitors.

As it turned out, our cabin became an instant success on Airbnb, launching us into a new venture. I returned from a work trip to D.C., only to find my husband enthusiastically declaring, “I am going to build me a barn!” It would become his ultimate man cave, adorned with Marine flags and Dallas Cowboys memorabilia, a haven he cherished after reluctantly vacating the cabin to accommodate our guests.

My entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop at cabin rentals. A year later, I proposed another idea: using the barn as a venue for weddings and events. With a sigh and a smile, my husband agreed, packed his bags, and moved out once again, graciously making way for the wedding business. But fate had more surprises in store for him. A phone call from a video director led him into the world of music video production, starting with a project featuring Montgomery Gentry. It ignited a passionate pursuit that he wholeheartedly embraced.

Then, the world faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which further transformed our lives. We pivoted to hosting live-streamed music events from the barn, collaborating with artists like Tommy Emmanuel and others, bringing joy and entertainment to people during difficult times.

Today, our lives are a whirlwind of activity. We jointly manage Billy Goat Hill while continuing to work remotely on Federal technology projects, maintaining a delicate balance between the past and the present. Our days are filled with what I affectionately refer to as “organized chaos,” and we couldn’t be happier. It’s a life built on love, unexpected opportunities, and the courage to embrace change, creating a unique and fulfilling journey that defines us.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, life took an unexpected turn for everyone, including me and my husband. The cabin, once a thriving Airbnb getaway, found itself caught in the crosshairs of a world in turmoil.

The first sign of trouble came with the imposition of mask mandates and travel restrictions. My husband and I scrambled to implement new safety protocols to ensure the well-being of their guests. Hand sanitizers and disinfectants became their constant companions, and meticulous cleaning routines were the new norm. Their once-warm welcomes were now accompanied by reminders to wear masks and maintain social distance.

Bookings plummeted as the world retreated into isolation. The cabin, once a bustling hub of happy memories, sat eerily quiet for weeks on end. Financial strain gripped the couple, and uncertainty loomed like a heavy cloud.

But the true test of their resilience came in the form of heartbreaking news. Among our favorite family guests, a vibrant couple who had visited the cabin with their three beautiful children had fallen victim to the virus. Both parents, just 40 years old, were gone, leaving behind their grieving children and a void that could never be filled.

The struggle was relentless, and the pain of separation from family especially my daughter Caroline who had returned from Spain to D.C., during the toughest times of COVID. As the months passed, vaccines rolled out, and restrictions slowly lifted. The world began its journey back to normalcy, and the Retreat saw a gradual return of guests.

Me and my husband like many others had weathered the storm of the pandemic. We faced unimaginable challenges, lost cherished guests, and endured isolation from loved ones. But through it all, they had persevered, embodying the resilience of the human spirit.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My journey began in the male-dominated world of telecom engineering, a field where women have often been underrepresented. However, I refused to let stereotypes define my path. “What I am most proud of,” “is working in a male-dominated world and thriving in it.”

Throughout my career, I have specialized in building enterprise-wide networks for federal agencies, a role that demands precision and technical expertise, I have also been one of the few women to be an executive board member of the Independent Telephone Pioneers Association. I am very proud to be a part of a very prominent team in the Federal Telecom world.

I am equally proud of her role as a mentor to young women entering the engineering world. Recognizing the importance of representation and guidance. “I believe in paying it forward,”. “I want to see more women thrive in engineering, just as I have.” I have helped numerous aspiring female engineers find their footing in a challenging field and build successful careers.

After a 30-year career at Verizon, I took on a new challenge at Granite Telecommunications, a company based in Quincy, Massachusetts. While Granite may not be a household name in the telecom industry, it boasts a unique distinction as an individually owned, debt-free telecom company that prides itself on customer service.

“We pride ourselves on being the best,” “At Granite, we’re changing the game, and I’m excited to be a part of it.” I hope to be an inspiration for women and aspiring engineers everywhere. My journey from breaking into a male-dominated field to becoming a mentor for the next generation showcases the power of resilience, determination, and a commitment to empowering others.

What makes you happy?
My happiness comes from being with my best friend and soulmate, my husband. We enjoy being together whether it is in our garden planting vegetables and flowers or going to our favorite concerts all over the United States.

In the last year, we have seen Robert Plant, Bruce, Janet, Billy Strings, and Steeldrivers, and looking forward to seeing Gypsy Kings soon. I am truly happy just being together and enjoying our sense of humor that no one else would ever get.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://billygoathillretreat.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billygoathillretreat/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Billygoathillretreat
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-perry-7b787614/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAZzn35KYKE&t=2s
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/billy-goat-hill-retreat-lebanon?osq=Billy+Goat+Hill+Retreat
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBpIk1TlWhw