Geyser is immensely proud to announce that our partner, Julie Jumonville, was a finalist for the Austin Business Journal’s 2022 Women in Business Awards. Congratulations Julie! On Thursday, Geyser attended the ceremony at the JW Marriott downtown Austin. Our team had an amazing time listening and learning from diverse, talented women from a range of different industries. In honor of Julie’s finalist award, we sat down with Julie to learn more about her entrepreneurial journey, her community endeavors, and what being nominated means to her.
About Our Women in Business Finalist, Julie Jumonville:
Julie Jumonville is a Founding Partner of The Geyser Group, a commercial real estate sponsor and investor based in Austin, Texas. Julie is heavily involved in guiding the overall direction of the business and day-to-day decision-making. Her extensive network in Austin and beyond connects Geyser with a diverse group of individuals and companies. In addition, Julie’s past business experiences bring an innovative perspective to new developments.
Julie is an innovator in the field as her background gives The Geyser Group insights into utilizing sustainability and entrepreneurship towards traditional commercial projects, as well as looking at projects through an engineering perspective. Geyser is actively implementing a ‘checklist for greener developments’ that push developers to build greener, more sustainable buildings. To combat climate change, we must take an active role in driving cleaner construction. Julie dedicates her time, energy, and resources to Geyser, and she continues to inspire other young women pursuing entrepreneurship or commercial real estate careers.
Can you Walk us Through Your Entrepreneurial Journey?
“From 2001 to 2014, I served as the Founder and CEO of Avery Environmental Services, a professional consulting firm specializing in implementing and integrating ISO 14000, ISO 9000, and OHSAS 18000 management systems and engineering staffing. In parallel, I served as the Co-Founder of UpSpring Baby from 2007 to 2020. As one of the Co-Founders and innovators for UpSpring, I was blessed to work for a company where I could invent and source products for mom and baby that improve health and wellness and ease parenting challenges. Back in 2019, we were thrilled to announce that UpSpring had sold to Reckitt Benckiser. My experience has allowed me to connect with many influential individuals across the Central Texas region and has established my presence within the community. One of my many pleasures is connecting with individuals from all walks of life. Taking a proactive approach to connecting with people has elevated my career, reputation, and overall success as an entrepreneur.”
How do you Give Back to the Community?
“Within Geyser, we have had the fantastic opportunity to partner with AMASS, a launchpad built for black investors to reduce the unequal wealth gap among black Americans. Within this partnership, Geyser has sponsored two events where we used an active deal to teach new investors the ins- and- outs of commercial real estate.”
“Outside of Geyser, I am on the board for The Alchemy Theater– Its mission is to present stories with harsh resonant truth, in an intimate and inclusive environment, with professionalism, and in effective collaboration with quality theater artists. Additionally, I serve as a volunteer and donor for CEPIA, a Costarican nationally accredited non-profit organization that promotes culture, mental health, participation, labor opportunities, and social cohesion of children, teenagers, and their families from poor backgrounds in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Programs at CEPIA consist of an after-school program, an early innovation center for kids 6-13 living in high-risk situations; weekly counseling sessions; professional training and employment opportunities, and care for children living in poverty. Lastly, back in 2021, I served on the chair for The Center for Child Projection’s Dancing with the Stars Austin, where we raised $2 million for children experiencing sexual abuse, physical abuse, and children who have witnessed violent crime.”
What Advice Would you Give to Women Trying to Achieve Leadership Roles?
“The main lesson I try to teach women searching for leadership positions is to believe in themselves and their potential to achieve their goals. As a woman working in the commercial real estate industry, overcoming male-dominated discussions and decision-making is challenging. However, if women are to succeed in the corporate world, we must come together, actively support one another, and display the skills and abilities we bring to the table. It takes more work and focus, and breaking these stereotypes is the first step to getting more women into leadership positions.”
Who is Your Mentor, and Why?
“Clayton Christopher, past Founder of Sweet Leaf Tea, Deep Eddy Vodka, and CAVU. As Clayton was in the trenches working on Sweet Leaf Tea, I had just started my company, UpSpring Baby. He shared his resources, including an office, CFO, and guidance to help launch my first product, Milkscreen, into the market. In addition, he introduced me to investors, The Entrepreneur’s Organization, and other entrepreneurs in my category to help get my company started. Without Clayton, it would not have happened.”
What Does this Nomination Mean to You?
“It is an honor to be nominated with this amazing crew of bright and hard-working women. Austin is lucky to have such a passionate and powerful group of women leading the way in our City.”
Geyser is very grateful to have Julie nominated for the Women in Business Award alongside other women making an impact in Central Texas. Thank you to the Austin Business Journal for a wonderful event. Check out their article covering the 30 female forces on Austin’s business scene.
To read more about Julie’s accomplishments and The Geyser Group, check our showcase in the Austin Business Journal.