Real Estate Consultant, Keller Williams Realty

Miami/Coral Gables

What was your first job in the realty industry?
I was the director of sales for a project consisting of 600 units in Pensacola, Fla., for JR-GEB Developers. My broker had teamed up with a group of investors and they bought three different complexes. I directed sales for one called Jasmine Park and I assisted in managing the other two apartment complexes.

Who inspires you?
The members of the Hispanic community in my city have inspired me. Being of Cuban decent, in my eyes they outline the principles this country was built on, The American Dream. Having come from countries that left them with next to nothing economically, they have come here determined to achieve greatness. With hard work and persistence they have been able to help sculpt our beautiful city of Miami.

What is your favorite free-time activity?
What I enjoy most during my free time is coming back to the root of where it all began for me, where I knew that I would pursue a career in the sales business. My father’s Spanish language bookstore and publishing house is not only the place that taught me how to build a business from the ground up, but I have also met many of my clients there. I’ve had the honor of meeting many great local and world-renowned authors, business men and members of our community.

How did you learn the business?
I was fortunate enough to start my career alongside two individuals that have many years of experience in the business. One is my broker and brother-in-law, Vladimir Golik, who has been in the industry for over 25 years and owns our Keller Williams office. He continues to coach me through the different avenues and sectors that real estate has to offer. The second person who taught me the business was Louis Erice, leader of the top-producing residential group, The Erice Team. Erice, who is the co-owner of my Keller Williams office, brought me on board as a buyer’s agent and gave me the opportunity to learn from his different methods to sell real estate.

What was your most difficult sale, and how did you succeed?
I would have to say my first sale was the most strenuous. It was a penthouse in Coral Gables, the sellers were relatives of mine and the buyers lived in the building. It was a time where prices were still very high and there was a lot of uncertainty as to whether prices would drop. We were obligated to put a great deal of time and patience into the negotiations and weeks went by before an offer was executed after lots of going back and forth.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
I love my job and don’t consider any aspect of it to be necessarily difficult, simply whatever situation is sent in my direction is part of my duties. My goal is always to keep my clients happy and to do as much as I can, no matter what it takes, to achieve that. I don’t believe that anything comes easy to me; even the simplest rental referral needs to be taken care of with the same preparation and caution as that of a luxury home listing. Every client deserves my best because behind the smallest deal may be the largest commission checks. You never know who your client may know, so every relationship counts.

What was your worst job, and what did you learn from it?
I wouldn’t necessarily call any job I’ve had my “worst,” but if I must pinpoint something I’d have to say it was my short-lived career as a Blockbuster employee while in high school. I think I didn’t even make it through the first week. The monotony of having to get the videos and restock them over and over did not work with my personality. Real estate has been so wonderful for me because it’s a line of work where I get to go out and meet people all day, every day. The nature and criteria of each client’s needs or every deal’s contingencies create excitement for me.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients?
Miami offers such a great diversity of places to go and people to see making it very difficult to pin point just one location. I try to go to as many charitable and political events as time allows because I like to stay heavily involved with the betterment of my community. The events the Board of Realtors offers are also wonderful because it gives agents the opportunity to meet many of our co-workers that share in this awesome business, outside of the work place.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?
I was voted the Rookie of the Year for the Keller Williams Market Center I work for, which to me was a great feat, especially knowing that I went up against some amazing new Realtors that joined at the same time I did.

What was the last good book you read?
“Shift” by Gary Keller, the founder of my company. That book has taught me many great ways to maintain my business, thriving greater than ever this market.

What is your favorite restaurant?
The Forge in Miami Beach. It’s a wonderful steak house with an excellent selection of wines. The restaurant also has a very interesting history.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Miami?
The ICON in Miami Beach is an amazing piece of architecture with breathtaking views.

What kind of car do you drive?
Maroon Jaguar X-Type – it offers certain luxury but still has a modest price

BlackBerry, Palm or paper?
BlackBerry and paper. The BlackBerry is great for staying in touch with clients and getting back to them with every question they may have instantaneously. But, I still keep a clipboard with a legal pad in the car for the purpose of taking notes that might come up when visiting a project or an important phone call that comes in throughout the day.

What is your favorite city after Miami?
Casa de Campo in Santo Domingo. I have many fond memories of going there as a child and later as an adult. I’ve seen it grow in tremendous proportion, and yet it remains so humble and magnifies many of natures beauties.

What is your personal motto?
I work hard so you don’t have to.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Persistence is the main ingredient in perseverance.