The Coyle Connection
Whether they're at the ballfield, rescuing dogs, or opening their home to family and friends, Jamie, Heather and JJ Coyle have built a life rooted in connection and found the perfect place to do it in Vinings Estates.
THE COYLES HAVE BEEN proud Vinings Estates residents since 2011, but their story actually starts a little farther south
in Lakeland, Florida — yes, the home of Publix. Both Jamie and Heather grew up there, which means they share an appreciation for friendly neighbors, good food, and a strong sense of community.
When it came time to choose a place to put down roots, Vinings Estates immediately felt like the right fit. The welcoming atmosphere and family-friendly feel reminded them of what they loved most about growing up, just with a little more Georgia charm. More than a decade later, they are still just as happy with the decision and can’t imagine calling anywhere else home.
Jamie and Heather’s story began at a mutual friend’s wedding in Lakeland, Florida, back in 2005. Although they had attended rival high schools, they shared many of the same friends, proving that their paths had been crossing long before they officially met. At the time, it was just a brief introduction, but clearly memorable enough to stick.
A few years later, in 2008, the two reconnected the very modern way: through Facebook. What started as catching up online quickly
turned into something more, and this time around the stars aligned. Heather made the move to Atlanta after graduating from college to
begin her career, while Jamie followed a few years later, relocating to Atlanta in 2009. That reconnection ultimately led to their marriage in September 2010 and the life they’ve built together since.
Education has played an important role in shaping both Jamie’s and Heather’s paths. Jamie attended the University of Florida(Go Gators!), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance. His background in finance has served him well in both real estate and business ownership, giving him a strong foundation for the work he does today.
Heather is a proud Auburn University alumna (War Eagle!) with both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. She earned her Bachelor
of Arts in Special Education before going on to complete a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Administration. Her
education reflects a long-standing interest in people, learning, and leadership, themes that continue to influence her career and her
involvement in the community.
Professionally, both Jamie and Heather have careers that center around people and connection. Jamie is a real estate broker with KW Cityside and the owner of Stronghold Roofing Company. Much of his work is rooted right here in the Vinings and Smyrna areas, where he enjoys helping neighbors buy, sell, and care for their homes. Whether he’s walking a family through a home purchase or helping a homeowner after a storm, Jamie values the trust that comes with working in the same community where he lives and raises his family.
When he’s not working, Jamie is most likely on a baseball or football field, coaching for Smyrna Little League, Smyrna Slammers, or FNA. Coaching has become one of his favorite ways to stay connected with JJ and with families throughout the area.
Heather serves as a Senior Manager of Global Talent Operations for phData, a data and AI consulting company. In her role, she focuses on building strong, scalable recruiting operations and leading teams across multiple regions. At its core, her work is about leadership, collaboration, and creating systems that help people and teams thrive — skills that naturally extend beyond the workplace.
That same passion for building connections and bringing people together shows up in her community involvement, especially through her work with Atlanta Lab Rescue. Much of her time outside of work is dedicated to two things she loves most: baseball and dogs. You can often find her cheering from the stands at JJ’s games or volunteering with Atlanta Lab Rescue, where she serves on the Board of Directors.
Heather also founded and directs the Atlanta Lab Rescue 5K, now one of the organization’s largest annual fundraisers. What
started as a small race 11 years ago has grown into a beloved event that brings together dog lovers and neighbors from across the
Atlanta area. This year’s 5K is on Sunday, November 15th. Mark your calendars!
JJ is ten years old and keeps the family busy in the best possible way. He is a fourth grader at St. Benedict’s and genuinely loves his
school, his teachers, and the friends he’s made there. The Coyles are grateful to be part of a school community where JJ feels supported and excited to learn.
Outside of the classroom, baseball is JJ’s passion. If he’s not at school, there’s a good chance you’ll find him on a baseball field,
practicing, playing, or cheering on his teammates. It has become a central part of family life, from weekday practices to weekend
games, and has created countless memories along the way. Through the sport, JJ has learned teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, while also building friendships that extend beyond the field. JJ is also the family’s social connector. Affectionately nicknamed “the mayor,” he has never met a stranger and has an easy way of making friends wherever he goes. Whether it’s at school, on the baseball field, or around the neighborhood, JJ’s outgoing personality and confidence make him a natural at bringing people together.
Between school, sports, time with friends, and life with a house full of dogs, JJ stays active and engaged. Mom and Dad love watching
him grow, learn, and enjoy the simple things that make childhood special.
Pets are a big part of life in the Coyle household. The family has four dogs, all Labradors or Lab mixes, named Lizzie, Mack,
Bocephus (Bo for short), and Murphy, a recent adopted foster. Every dog in their home is a rescue, each with their own story, all
connected through Atlanta Lab Rescue. Fostering and adopting rescue dogs has become a way of life for the Coyles. While the house can be chaotic at times, it’s also filled with a lot of love and wagging tails. JJ has grown up surrounded by dogs, learning responsibility, compassion, and the importance of giving animals a second chance.
Being involved with Atlanta Lab Rescue allows the family to see firsthand the impact of rescue and community support. Whether it’s
helping a foster dog find their forever home or welcoming a new pup into their own, the Coyles say it’s incredibly rewarding — and
they wouldn’t have it any other way.
When Heather isn’t in full mom mode, she’s often out helping save lost dogs in the Smyrna and Vinings areas. Her involvement
in pet recovery began years ago after a foster dog escaped from a yard, prompting her to learn trapping techniques from a Lost Pet
Recovery Specialist. What started as a stressful situation turned into a skill she now uses regularly through Atlanta Lab Rescue,
helping families in the community reunite with their lost pets. It’s a unique talent born out of compassion, persistence, and a deep
love for animals.
Each member of the Coyle family brings their own unique talents and interests to the mix, which keeps life interesting
and rarely boring. When Jamie isn’t working or coaching on the baseball field, he’s often found out back by the grill. He’s
especially known for his skills on the Big Green Egg, where he can turn out a mean brisket — a talent that’s made him popular
with family, friends, and neighbors alike.
The Coyles also love staying involved close to home. Heather plays tennis with a neighborhood team through Atlanta Lawn
Tennis Association, which has been a fun way to stay active while building friendships with neighbors she might not have
otherwise met.
JJ also stays busy as a member of the Vinings Estates Swim Team. Swim team season is a family favorite, filled with pool
days, friendly competition, and lots of cheering from the sidelines. It’s been a great way for JJ to have fun, stay active, and connect with friends right in the neighborhood.
Holidays and special occasions in the Coyle household usually revolve around being together and around a very full table. The family often hosts holiday dinners at their home, bringing together extended family who also live in the Atlanta area. These gatherings are a favorite tradition and an easy excuse to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy time with one another.
The Coyles love taking advantage of all the great spots the Vinings and Smyrna area has to offer, especially when it comes to food. One of their favorite restaurant to visit is Canoe, which holds a special place for the family. Beyond being a favorite dining destination, Canoe’s Executive Chef is a huge dog lover, and the restaurant has become one of the main sponsors for Atlanta Lab Rescue fundraisers — a partnership that perfectly blends great food with a great cause.
Other local favorites include Muss & Turner’s, MTH Pizza, Mezza Luna, and Das BBQ. Whether it’s a casual dinner out or
grabbing food with friends and family, these spots have become regular go-tos.
When the weather warms up, the family also loves spending time at The Works, enjoying the outdoor atmosphere, food options, and relaxed vibe. From local restaurants to community hangout spots, they appreciate having so many great places nearby that make it easy to gather, connect, and enjoy life close to home.
Hands down, the Coyles’ favorite family memory in the neighborhood is the annual Haunted House put on by their neighbors, the Cabrera family. What started as a neighborhood tradition has grown into something truly special. Each Halloween, the Cabrera’s Haunted House draws more than 2,000 visitors, turning their street — and the entire neighborhood — into a festive, high-energy destination. For the Coyles, it’s one of those events that everyone looks forward to all year long and a big reason Halloween feels extra magical here.
What makes the Haunted House even more meaningful is the heart behind it. Each year, the Cabrera family raises over $30,000
through the event and uses the funds to purchase presents for children spending the holidays in the hospital at Children’s
Healthcare of Atlanta. Seeing the neighborhood come together not just for fun, but for such a powerful cause perfectly captures
what the Coyles love most about living in Vinings Estates.
At its core, their favorite part of the neighborhood is the people. From traditions like the Cabrera Haunted House to everyday moments with neighborhood friends, Vinings Estates is a place where the community truly shows up for one another. It’s that sense of connection, generosity, and shared experience that has made this neighborhood feel like home from the very
beginning.
After more than a decade in Vinings Estates, the Coyles say what they appreciate most is the strong community feel. From neighbors who become friends to shared traditions and everyday moments, Vinings Estates has truly become home for their family.