Jenny Apel’s decision to enter real estate wasn’t just a career move—it was a defining moment in her life. In 1995, she had just emerged from a battle with Stage IV Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a life-altering experience that gave her clarity on what mattered most: doing something she loved.

 

“Cancer made it clear to me that happiness was paramount,” she says. “I wanted to do something I loved, something that energized me.”

 

Having always been fascinated by homes, enjoying people, and never shying away from a conversation, Jenny felt real estate was a natural fit. She found her opportunity with Nostalgic Homes, a company she had already worked with as a client and whose owners had become friends.

 

It was the perfect match, and from the moment she started, Jenny knew she had found her calling. “I was an immediate success,” she recalls. “When you are doing something you’re passionate about, work doesn’t feel like work.”

 

A third-generation Denverite and a fifth-generation Coloradan, Jenny’s connection to the community runs deep. She grew up one of six children, the fifth in the lineup, and initially studied to be a social worker. In many ways, she still sees herself in that role.

 

“Much of what I do in real estate is very much like social work,” she says. “I help people navigate life transitions, whether it’s upsizing, downsizing, or dealing with major life changes. More often than not, I’m helping them find peace in their next step.”

 

Jenny’s passion for real estate extends beyond serving clients—she is also dedicated to mentoring new agents and fostering collaboration in the industry. “I love teaching those around me how to do the job the right way and working cooperatively with the broker community I’m part of,” she says. Compass, where she has been for nearly six years, has played a role in that, providing tools and a network of inspiring professionals that have kept her motivated and growing.

 

Over the years, Jenny has built more than a successful business—she has built a life centered around what she loves most. With a personal volume of $40 million and a team volume of $125 million last year, the numbers reflect her drive, but it’s the relationships she’s cultivated that define her career.

 

While time has been one of the biggest challenges in Jenny’s career, she says real estate has also given her the flexibility to be present for her family. “My life’s dream has been to be there for my family, and real estate lets me do that,” she says.

 

Working alongside her sister-in-law, Jill, and sharing an office with her daughter, Angelica, has been one of the greatest rewards of her journey. “Angelica and I work back-to-back,” she says with a smile. “Even on tough days, we still manage to laugh.”

 

Her husband, Corey, is also part of her world, and together they balance their careers while cherishing time with their grandchildren, Paul and Birdie. “I’ve been blessed to work with people I love,” she shares. “It makes every success feel even more meaningful.”

 

Beyond her work, Jenny has always believed in giving back to the city she calls home. For over 20 years, she has organized The Jewels of Highlands Home Tour, an initiative that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local Denver Public Schools. “It combines two of my passions—architectural preservation and community giveback,” she says. Her role in this effort underscores her belief that success isn’t just about sales; it’s about impact.

 

Success is deeply personal for Jenny. “In business, it’s about accomplishing what you set out to achieve. But in my personal life, success is about love,” she reflects. “It’s about giving my time, my energy, and my heart to those who matter most. I am happiest when I feel that I have accomplished both with grace.”

 

As Nostalgic Homes Group celebrates its 40th anniversary, Jenny remains as dedicated as ever to its legacy. Whether she’s guiding a client through a sale, mentoring a fellow agent, or organizing a community fundraiser, Jenny continues to build a career—and a life—centered on service, family, and a deep appreciation for the place she calls home.