Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Perkins.
Jennifer, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Jeremy and I both came into business from different angles, but with the same entrepreneurial spirit. Jeremy started in construction straight out of high school. He learned the industry hands on, framing houses and working his way up. By the time we met in 2011, he was building swimming pools and taking on a variety of construction jobs.
I became interested in real estate and investing around 2006. I read every book I could get my hands on while pursuing my business degree. My dad was an entrepreneur, and I think that’s where I got my eye for deals, always looking at how to provide value and make something better.
When Jeremy and I met, we decided to combine our skills and passion. Our first venture was a swimming pool distribution and service company, but it didn’t succeed because we hadn’t yet figured out how to balance being both business partners and life partners. Jeremy kept pushing forward in entrepreneurship while I worked as an employee for the next five years. During that time, we started a family, had two kids, and never stopped dreaming about what we might build together one day.
We got our first taste of real estate investing through house hacking, buying homes to live in, fixing them up, and selling for a profit. That evolved into flipping houses together. In 2018, we took a huge leap and built our first self storage facility. It was an incredibly creative deal that used house hacking proceeds, creative financing, and an SBA 7(a) loan, and it became our best investment to date. Today, that facility has over 500 units and continues to perform well.
That milestone gave me the freedom to leave my job and manage the facility full time. From there, I got my real estate license, and Jeremy went on to earn his residential and commercial contractor licenses. Together, we grew into building luxury custom homes while continuing to develop self storage facilities, the two areas where we have really found our sweet spot.
We have been very blessed in our journey, and we have always believed in using those blessings to help others. Whether it is supporting local charities, sponsoring youth sports, or investing in our community, we try to elevate people and places wherever we can. At the end of the day, it is not just about what we build, but about the impact we leave behind.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh wow, what is a smooth road? The truth is, entrepreneurship and real estate development are anything but easy. The amount of stress and pressure we have had to learn to manage is something I could honestly write a horror style book about. You know the saying, “If it were easy, everyone would do it”? That could not be more true.
We have faced countless obstacles that could have derailed us along the way. Permitting issues, financing hurdles, construction delays, unexpected costs, the list goes on. One of the toughest examples came when we were developing our first self storage facility. We had structured the deal through a mix of creative financing, house hacking proceeds, and an SBA loan with no money down. And when I say no money down, I mean it literally. We did not have the money to put down even if we wanted to, so the deal had to work exactly as structured. When we went to rezone the property, a neighbor went door to door to rally opposition. The controversy escalated into a write up in the Tennessean, and at one point, threats were made against me. We were literally one commission vote away from being turned down. What carried us through was the support of another local business owner, someone we did not really even know, who spoke up for us and helped shift the tide. Just as importantly, it was also the encouragement and support of our family and friends who believed in us when things felt impossible. That combination of community support gave us the strength to keep going, and the vote passed. The project went on to become our best investment to date.
Rather than focus on every individual challenge, I think what is most valuable is the advice that comes from them. Being able to laser focus on the actual problem, look at it from multiple angles, and take the emotion out of it allows you to see solutions more clearly. In real estate, you also must always have multiple exit strategies because deals do not always go the way you planned. And above all else, take care of your health. If you do not feel well physically or mentally, nothing else matters. You cannot lead, problem solve, or show up for your family or your business at your best.
We’ve been impressed with RUBIX, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our company is Rubix, and over the years it has grown into more than just a business name. The name itself reflects who we are and how we approach business. Just like solving a Rubik’s Cube, we do not rely on luck or force, but on a set of proven processes and strategies. We look at complex problems from every angle, apply the right formula, and then implement with speed. That mindset has helped Rubix grow into a local brand with multiple branches, each reflecting our commitment to quality and creativity in construction and development.
We specialize in building luxury homes, with most of our projects being 2,500 square feet and larger. That said, even the smaller homes we have built carry the same elevated style and high-end finishes. What truly sets us apart is that we are one of the only true custom home builders in our area. We do not limit our clients to a small selection of three finish packages. Instead, we take pride in making anything they can imagine a reality. From unique layouts to one-of-a-kind design details, our goal is to create homes that reflect the individuality and lifestyle of the people who live in them.
Brand-wise, I am most proud that Rubix has come to represent excellence and trust in our community. Whether it is luxury custom homes, self storage development, or other projects under our umbrella, people know that when they see the Rubix name, it means thoughtful design, strong values, and attention to detail. At the end of the day, we want readers to know that our work is about more than just construction. It is about elevating people and places, creating homes and spaces that last, and leaving a positive mark on our community.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I have learned along this journey is to always do the next right thing. If you focus on doing right by your neighbor and the people in front of you, then you never have to backtrack and wonder if you should have done something differently.
Sometimes doing the right thing does not make the most financial sense in the moment, but it makes sense in your heart. And in the long run, that is what matters most. People may forget the exact words you said or even the details of what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.
Because we are a family business, this lesson carries even more weight. Our kids are often right there on the jobsite with us, watching and learning. It is important to us that they see not just the building of homes and businesses, but also the building of character, integrity, and community. We want them to understand that success is not only measured in dollars, but in how you treat people along the way. By involving them early on, we hope they will carry these values forward into their own lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rubixinvestors.com/ and https://rubixluxurybuilder.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubixluxurybuilder/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rubixig
