by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Sometimes, you don’t realize what you had until you don’t have it anymore.
That’s what Nina Churchill, a graphic designer at Geer Services Inc. at AT&T Tower 301, experienced about working Downtown.
Her first job in ZIP code 32202 was working as a bartender at Club Paris at the Landing.
When the nightclub transitioned to Mavericks Rock N’ Honky Tonk, she stayed behind the bar for a few years, then was promoted to the office staff as marketing manager, a chance to use the degree in marketing she earned at the University of North Florida.
Churchill was soon thrown into graphic design.
“All of a sudden, I had to learn how to use Photoshop,” said the self-taught designer, who found a career that took her from the urban scene when she decided to start her own graphic design business.
“I left Mavericks and I didn’t work Downtown for a while. I started to miss it,” she said.
Geer Services maintains Mavericks’ website, so when the company was looking for another graphic designer, Churchill applied and landed the job.
She’s designing sites and working on social media and marketing accounts, including the Facebook and LinkedIn pages for the Downtown Council of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Churchill is glad to be working again in the neighborhood.
“I missed the hustle and bustle of Downtown,” she said.
Churchill has discovered there’s a different atmosphere during the workweek than when she was part of the nightlife and entertainment business. She particularly enjoys the lunch options.
“I go to Burrito Gallery and olio and the Landing all the time. Downtown has a different atmosphere in the day,” said Churchill.
She still has her design business and likes working at Geer Services for the opportunity to learn more about the industry. One of her projects is beta testing a new version of Google.
“We have a great casual work environment here and there’s something new to learn every day,” said Churchill.
She also attends Downtown Council meetings and helps staff Geer Services’ booth at First Wednesday Art Walk.
Churchill said one of her pet peeves is people who complain about parking Downtown. She commutes from home near Jacksonville Beach every day and said there are plenty of options when it comes to finding a place to leave her car while she’s at work.
“I’ve never had a problem with parking. Find a monthly lot and park. You can even find discounts for daily spaces if you get to work before 9 a.m. People say there’s nowhere to park, but there are plenty of parking spaces,” she said.
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