As a devoted mother of four children with an incredibly supportive husband and plenty of diverse working experience under her belt, it's little wonder that Megan Hughey is absolutely crushing it in the Jacksonville real estate market.

Closing over $12 million in her first full year as a REALTOR® with United Real Estate Gallery, Megan credits her work ethic and adaptability for her amazing ascent.

"Time is money, and in the luxury market especially, they have little time to spare, so I have to be adaptable,” Megan explains. “I know how business works from being a business owner myself to working with my husband's business — they may like me as a person, but if I can't accommodate them, someone else will."

Born and raised in Maryland, Megan graduated from the University of Maryland with her Bachelor of Science in Public Health and moved to Jacksonville in 2008. Her professional path was paved with plenty of diverse experiences that included medical device sales and marketing, working as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor for a decade, and helping her husband run the back end of his burgeoning landscaping business, all while raising four children.

Knowing her youngest son would be entering kindergarten in the fall of 2022, Megan locked herself away to study for her real estate exam and passed that March.

“I eased into the business at first, and then hit the ground running full-time once my son entered kindergarten that fall,” she notes.

 

Megan has put up some very impressive numbers — in her first full year, closing 12 transactions while amassing a total volume of over $12.3 million in 2023. As she continues to build on this momentum, she acknowledges the pivotal role her mentor played in her success, as well as her husband.

"Joselyn Brunelle was a big motivator and mentor to me," Megan offers. “She brought me on at EXIT (now United Gallery) and was an incredible influence; Joselyn has three kids and also co-owns other businesses so we had similar backgrounds. She would take me to events and introduce me, which really helped me through the process and she is still part of my tribe."

“My husband also deserves some serious credit for being my biggest cheerleader,” she adds with a laugh. “He recommends me to anyone he talks to and has been a huge help with referrals from the start.”

After becoming a REALTOR®, Megan was able to help her own family finally buy a home, an endeavor that took years as her husband and her were both business owners. This deeply personal experience continues to inspire Megan in her new career.

"Going through all of that for years while renting made me want to learn the process and get ahead of it for my own children," Megan reflects. "I also want to help small business owners and contractors get ahead and teach generational wealth not only to my family, but to other families as well.”

In Megan's world, success has nothing to do with sales.

"To me, success means balance. When you can balance your job, your family, your marriage or relationship, your personal happiness and growth — you have succeeded!" she declares.

Megan's individuality shines through her authenticity and the comprehensive approach she adopts in her interactions with clients. She also has a reputation for her preparedness, communication prowess, adaptability, and integrity.

"I think the mom of four in me makes me very adaptable — I can figure out how to accommodate schedules quickly," she affirms.

Megan's advice for new agents is rooted in her own practices. She encourages continuous education, mentorship, and proficient use of social media for marketing. Staying true to oneself and fostering genuine connections are principles Megan holds dear.

"I'm not a 'salesy' person because I hate when people try to sell me! I want people to know they can use me as a resource, and eventually, we may work together," she emphasizes.

 

Outside of real estate, family is the cornerstone of Megan’s life. At the heart of her world is her supportive husband, Cotey, with whom she's built a fulfilling life over the past decade. Together, they’re raising an energetic brood: Chloe (14), and Juliette (11), Megan's beloved "bonus babies," and their shared children, Izabella (8), and Cotey Jr (7).

According to Megan, the Hughey household is filled with love, laughter, and ‘plenty of snuggles’, especially during pizza and movie nights. Adding more joy to their home are a trio of French bulldogs, Jax, Cappi, and Chino. Megan and her loved ones enjoy the simple pleasures of grilling and relaxing by the fire in their backyard, creating memories while spending time together.

Megan’s commitment to her community is evident as well, as she volunteers at her children’s school every chance she gets.

“I also have dear friends, Tammie and Ben Powell, who give to the homeless downtown on a regular basis — I love being able to support their selfless work,” she adds.   

With a clear vision for achieving balance in her life, Megan is dedicated to continuous growth while appreciating those around her. Professionally, she harbors ambitious goals, including expanding her real estate portfolio and ensuring a bright future for her children by securing them each a home by the time they graduate high school.

Looking further ahead, Megan envisions building an elite, female-led real estate team in the next five to seven years, leveraging her expertise and passion to mentor and uplift other women in the industry.

 "I'm grateful for everything I have,” Megan concludes. “I'm also a hard worker, I love on my people, and I'm driven for long-term success."