Jennifer and Vinay Rodgers | Simply Real Estate

Dental Hygienist and Chef Cook Up New Career in Real Estate

“We wanted to create a life that we didn’t need a vacation from.” – Vinay Rodgers

In the realm of real estate, there are agents who simply go through the motions, and then there are agents like Jennifer and Vinay Rodgers who bring a unique blend of passion, vision, and community-mindedness to their work. With a shared commitment to making a difference in people's lives through homeownership, this dynamic duo has carved out a niche for themselves as low-profile, high-impact realtors who go above and beyond for their clients.

Both Jennifer and Vinay grew up with a strong work ethic. Jennifer, raised in the Midwest, developed a solid work ethic from her parents. She pursued a career as a dental hygienist but had to retire due to arthritis in her hands. However, her retirement opened the door to direct sales, which honed her skills in building relationships and nurturing connections—a valuable asset in real estate.

Vinay had a different vision for his future that was shaped by his mother's entrepreneurial spirit back in India. “She had a rental unit that took care of the necessities of life as they retired,” he comments. “That set the vision for me to do the same.” With a background as a chef, he traveled the world, always carrying the idea of real estate in the back of his mind. When the pandemic hit and he lost his job, Vinay faced a pivotal moment. He could have returned to the hospitality industry, but instead, he seized the opportunity to take control of his own destiny. With thirty years of experience managing hotels, Vinay chose to embark on a new path—one that aligned with his long-held vision for real estate. “It was just a question of timing,” he says.

“If I could buy my first home, I knew I could set myself up for financial sustainability,” explains Vinay. “As a chef, I did real estate as a hobby with rental units. That developed into a pathway of itself to walk down.” 

They saw the potential for real estate to change lives. They recognized that many people underestimated the possibilities of homeownership and didn't know where to begin. This realization ignited their desire to educate and guide others through the process, showing them the transformative power of real estate.

Both Jennifer and Vinay share a love of community and cooking, bringing people together. “We’re known as connectors,” says Jennifer. “We have a big sphere of influence and know people in different areas.” Real estate would complement their strengths. They decided to go for it.

“I got my license in 2020,” says Jennifer. She earned the Rookie of the Year award her first year in real estate. Vinay, with his accumulation of rental properties, also got his license. “Being Christians, we felt strongly that God brought us together for a reason,” comments Jennifer. It wasn’t just about happiness; it was about helping others. “Real estate allows us to grow deeper in our faith walk as well,” says Vinay. They are both REALTORS® at Simply Real Estate.

Jennifer and Vinay have become known for their personal touch and dedication to their clients. Vinay focuses on generating new business with a mix of cold calling and personal connections to identify those who may not yet realize their need for a home. Jennifer, meanwhile, works closely with past and current clients, nurturing relationships and ensuring a smooth transaction process. Together, they make a talented team, complementing each other's strengths and providing a comprehensive and personalized approach to their clients' needs.

Beyond their work in real estate, Jennifer and Vinay are deeply committed to their community. They actively participate in various community activities and have sponsored organizations such as Wings for Lives International, which supports families affected by incarceration. They understand the importance of giving back and are dedicated to making a positive impact beyond the realm of real estate.

Family holds a special place in Jennifer and Vinay's hearts. “We have two grandchildren we adore,” smiles Jennifer. “Spending time with them is huge for us.” Jennifer also treasures the relationship with her three sisters, connecting with them and sharing video messages through the Marco Polo app as a daily source of encouragement. 

Recently, Vinay and Jennifer moved to the east mountains, outside of Albuquerque. “We love it out here with chickens and three dogs.” It’s home sweet home. 

As individuals and as a team, Jennifer and Vinay have a genuine care for their clients and a desire to make a difference. Their commitment to their clients, their community, and each other demonstrates that together, they can achieve great things.