by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Tini Perkins knows five languages; six if you count the language of sales.
Perkins is a sales professional for Floridian Lifestyles Realty at Berkman Plaza 2 and after two years in foreign exchange studies and meeting her husband, she has settled in nicely Downtown.
Born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia, Perkins spent two years abroad studying Language at Trisakti University. During her studies, she went to both Florence, Italy and Nice, France for a year. It was in Nice where she met her husband, Chris, who had been in the program for four months while studying French Literature. The feelings between the two weren’t lost in translation.
“I met him the first day in class,” said Perkins, “and it just clicked.”
She wanted to go to Germany for a third year in the program, but Chris persuaded her to come to the United States by using America’s pastime as a lure.
“He said some things about taking me to a baseball game and getting some hot dogs,” said Perkins, laughing.
Chris is originally from the area, and the two moved to Northeast Florida after their studies concluded. Now, Perkins knows multiple languages including English, Indonesian, French, Italian, Chinese (including different dialects) and even learned a little Japanese from her father, but she doesn’t consider that an official part of her repertoire. Chris, on the other hand, knows English, French, Spanish and has even picked up a little Indonesian.
“My plan is to learn as many languages as possible,” she said. “It helps me become more diverse.”
Perkins earned her real estate license and worked on different projects, including one eight-month project for Lifestyles Realty in Gainesville where she managed her husband. At the time, he had recently acquired a license of his own.
“It wasn’t bad at all,” said Perkins with a smile. “I was able to teach him some good things.”
Perkins admits that the real estate industry has been a challenge, but credits her ability to communicate and charisma for her success thus far. Perkins has always been in sales, but said she has found her niche in condominiums.
Perkins recently brought her knowledge and experience to Berkman Plaza 2, where she handles on-site sales as well as much of the international clientele.
“I can give security to people,” said Perkins, about helping people of different cultures. “I’m from another country and I can relate to them. I’ll tell them how it is.”
Perkins said she takes her job to heart because she is a part of the Downtown community, has lived in Berkman Plaza 1 for the past three years and loves Jacksonville because of its diversity.
Next month, she is going to Southeast Asia, including Singapore, to promote and educate Realtors and international companies about Berkman 2, Jacksonville and that diversity she loves. Along the way, she’ll also visit Jakarta and her family.
“It’s going to be a big challenge for me,” said Perkins, referring to the business aspect of the trip. “But, I can’t wait.”