Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Jackson.
Hi Julie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have been doing what I love, design and marketing, for nearly 25 years. After graduating from Michigan State University with a BFA in studio art and graphic design, I became the design lead for an award-winning design-build developer and went on to earn my master’s degree in marketing. From there, I consulted for both startups and established companies before joining Herman Miller (now MillerKnoll), where I spent 14 years leading B2B and B2C initiatives for one of the world’s most respected furniture manufacturers.
Those experiences shaped my approach to strategy, storytelling, and relationship-building and ultimately inspired me to launch Harbor + Main, a marketing agency focused on helping brands define who they are, connect with the right audiences, and grow with purpose. More recently, I’ve also brought those skills into real estate as a REALTOR® in Grand Rapids and along Michigan’s lakeshore. My daughter and I also run a jewelry brand called Olivia Francis, offering vintage-inspired and modern statement pieces, handcrafted in the U.S. and ethically sourced from around the world.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Every career has its twists, and building Harbor + Main over these past 2.5 years has been a crash course in balancing creativity with the realities of business. One of my biggest learning curves was hiring, deciding whether to bring in specialists with deep expertise or versatile generalists who could stretch across many facets of marketing. At the same time, I felt a strong pull to give young designers real-world experience, knowing how much mentorship shaped my own path.
I ultimately found my sweet spot in leaning on specialists. Investing in paid interns also proved to be one of my best decisions. They brought fearless creativity, challenged my perspective, and produced work beyond expectations. Many have gone on to exciting roles in design and marketing, and nothing makes me prouder than knowing Harbor + Main played a small part in shaping their journeys. Helping the next generation of creatives remains my greatest joy and it’s something I’ll continue to champion.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Harbor + Main?
Harbor + Main is a full-service marketing and creative agency partnering with clients in the U.S. and Canada. We specialize in brand strategy, content creation, and digital campaigns that position companies as industry leaders. Drawing on more than 20 years in the furniture industry, I’ve carved out a distinct niche serving furniture manufacturers, dealers, architects, and interior design firms. While this sector remains our core, we also work with startups and established brands across a wide range of markets, including both B2B and B2C clients.
Alongside the agency, I serve as a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Grand Rapids East. My marketing background gives me a unique edge in real estate: I craft compelling property narratives, leverage data-driven strategy, and negotiate with confidence while helping buyers, sellers, and investors make smart, informed moves.
I love real estate because it’s all about people. Helping clients, especially first-time buyers, find a place where their life can truly unfold is incredibly rewarding. Guiding them toward their goals makes this work fulfilling and keeps me inspired every day. I’m also passionate about helping veterans understand and use their well-earned homebuying benefits. As a Navy wife whose husband is currently stationed in San Diego, I find deep meaning in supporting military families and connecting with people who share similar journeys.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If I could offer any advice, it would be to follow your passion and love what you do. That’s when the best work happens, and if it’s right, it won’t feel like work at all. Seek out mentors, keep learning, and keep reinventing yourself. As life unfolds, new passions and deeper interests will surface—trust those instincts, explore them, and try new things. They may lead you down an unexpected path that fulfills you even more.
Also, as an entrepreneur and business owner, maintaining a healthy work–life balance is essential. My husband and I are raising four incredible kids—Liam (15), Mason (14), Olivia (13), and Haylie (12)—between coasts (he’s in San Diego and I’m in Michigan), which means plenty of travel back and forth. Prioritizing family and self-care is crucial, and for me, running has always been the outlet that keeps both mind and body grounded. Training for and completing two marathons has reinforced the same lessons I apply in business: pacing yourself, staying disciplined, and knowing when to lean on others. Great leadership isn’t about mastering every skill; it’s about recognizing your strengths and focusing where you add the most value. Delegation is critical and surrounding yourself with talented people whose skills surpass your own is key to building a stronger, more successful business.
Pricing:
- Marketing Services: Custom proposals are based on project scope. Marketing retainers typically begin at $2,000/month. Contact Julie through www.harborandmaincreative.com)
- Real Estate: REALTOR® services are commission-based, aligned with local market standards. Contact Julie through www.jpglakeshore.com)
- Olivia Francis jewelry is available at: www.shopoliviafrancis.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.harborandmaincreative.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harbor_and_main/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-jackson-bfa-mm-9392614/
- Other: https://www.jpglakeshore.com/ and https://shopoliviafrancis.com/
