Dori & Ben + Jackie
BEACH HOME BUYERS: Ben & Dori - Married Couple
Current Home: Anderson, in
Beach House Hunting In: gulfport, ms
Beach Home Budget: $425k
Meet Ben and Dori, a married couple of restaurant owners from Indianapolis who have been keeping each other entertained since their very first date back in 2008. They are playful, a little sarcastic, and completely comfortable calling each other out. Ben and Dori own 1925 PubHouse, a chef driven gastropub where everything is made from scratch. What started as a bold move during COVID has grown into two successful locations. Dori runs the operational side with sharp precision, while Ben leans into strategy and big picture thinking. Now their son is stepping in to take over more of the day to day, and while they are not disappearing completely from the business, they are more than ready to loosen the apron strings. After years of living in the chaos of kitchens and customer rushes, they feel like they have earned a little breathing room and ready for some seaside relaxation.
They once had a place in Las Vegas but eventually gave it up. Now, they’re drawn to the nightlife, casino perks, the tranquility of the beaches, and the appeal of coastal living, along with Mississippi’s cost effective advantages. So Ben started scrolling and found his realtor, Jackie, through YouTube of all places. He was struck by her outgoing, vibrant, and passionate energy, as well as her enthusiastic message about the benefits of buying on Mississippi’s “Secret Coast.”
When it comes to house hunting, their personalities shine. Dori “knows it when she sees it!” She walks in and either feels it or she does not, and she is not shy about saying so. Ben, on the other hand, is all about research and value. He has probably already studied the property, the neighborhood, and the surrounding zip codes before even stepping through the door. Their must haves are clear. Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a solid kitchen for cooking, a little workspace, great amenities, and most importantly, real beach access with a view. No long walks, no driving, they want to see that water immediately.
With a budget around $425 thousand, they quickly realized Florida might not give them everything they want without a few headaches. That is what led them to Mississippi, a place that surprised them in the best way. They can’t wait to find their beach home and take a break from the restuarant industry.
The Agent - Jackie Locke - Gulfport, MS
Originally trained as a biomedical engineer, she built her early career with major companies like Johnson and Johnson and Mars, where she developed a strong ability to bridge complex ideas and communicate them clearly . After years in corporate roles spanning engineering, marketing, and brand management, Jackie and her husband relocated back to the Gulf Coast and she quickly fell in love with the area’s charm and lifestyle. That passion ultimately led her to real estate, where she has crafted a career centered around helping people navigate major life decisions with confidence and clarity . Known for her high energy, positivity, and approachable style, Jackie prides herself on being both an educator and an advocate, guiding clients through every step of the process while ensuring they fully understand the nuances of the local market. She is especially passionate about sharing what she calls the “Secret Coast, ” introducing clients to the unique blend of affordability, community, and authentic coastal living that many people don’t even realize exists. Relationship driven and deeply invested in her clients’ long term happiness, Jackie focuses on building trust and connection, positioning herself not just as an agent, but as a trusted guide to life on the Mississippi coast.