Their story began far from the warm breeze of Florida. Jennifer, a native of the Cleveland area and a proud Ohio State alum, met Gene in an IT sales training class in Raleigh, North Carolina. Gene, born and raised in Plant City, Florida, was already steeped in Southern charm and technical know-how from five years in the U.S. Air Force.

Stationed in Japan and Georgia, his time in the military sparked his career in tech sales—and later, in love.

The two hit it off, and after a year of long-distance dating, Gene pulled off what he calls his "second greatest sales job of all time." His first? Proposing. “I convinced her to move to Florida,” he says proudly. And in 2008, she did.

By December 2010, Gene proposed on the sands of Fort De Soto Beach. The two tied the knot in October 2011 and moved into their dream home in July 2012. They discovered their forever home during a kayaking trip at Weedon Island. 

“The fishing wasn’t great,” laughs Jennifer, “so we decided to explore neighborhoods instead.” One look at a CVS map later, and they found a listing they both loved. The rest is history.

Now happily settled near St. Pete, the couple splits their time between demanding careers in software technology sales and the relaxing rhythm of waterfront life. “We both work high-stress jobs, so sitting on our dock and watching the sunset feels like the perfect signal that the day is done,” says Gene. “We’re so blessed to have this view of the Skyway.”

Tarpon fishing is their top hobby from May through September. They frequently escape to the Keys to dive for lobster or chase mahi and tuna offshore. When not on the water, they’re planning their next international adventure. Recent escapades have taken them to Iceland, Fiji, Africa, Tonga (where they snorkeled with humpback whales), and the Maldives. Coming up next? A 10-day scuba trip around Indonesia.

“We like to travel with purpose,” Gene explains. “Our jobs are flexible, so we can work from anywhere—and that helps us make it happen.” Jennifer adds, “We always try to have one or two trips on the calendar. It keeps us motivated.”

Back at home, Jennifer tends her prized flowerbeds, which earned them "Yard of the Month" after Hurricane Helene in their Stroll community. “I’m super proud of that,” she says with a smile. Gene calls them “self-professed foodies” who love to explore the local restaurant scene—especially with so many new Michelin-rated chefs making their mark in the area. A few of their favorite restaurants are the new Elliot Astor in the Vinoy, and Il Ritorno. 

Weekends often include family time with their grandsons, ages 2 and 3, or out of town family visiting from Ohio. The pool, the boat, and lots of laughter are always on the agenda.

While they don’t have a pet (yet), they do have a playful stand-in: Olive, their "astroturf dog" in the backyard—a faux bichon frise who never barks, sheds, or needs walking. “She’s the lowest-maintenance dog we’ll ever have,” Jennifer jokes. “Though we would love to get a real dog who loves to fish with us.”

From biking downtown on beach cruisers to impromptu weekend getaways, Gene and Jennifer embrace life with enthusiasm, spontaneity, and a deep appreciation for where they’ve landed. As Jennifer puts it, “We’ve been to some of the most amazing places in the world, but we’re always excited to come home. That says it all.”