Martha Bullman is the vice president and broker manager with Elite Ocean View Realty working in Coral Gables. 

What was your first job in the realty industry?  My introduction into real estate was actually through my professional banking career dealing with mortgages and Realtors. From there I became the CEO of the Realtor Association of Miami-Dade County and built it to be the largest real estate trade association in Florida.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?  I am more rleaxed at home than anywhere else. I am not a person who stresses easily, but a glass of wine, sitting in my big chair and listening to music will always keep me focused.

Where did you grow up?  I grew up in Miami-Dade County, although I was born in Zanesville, Ohio. I am so thankful that my parents moved to Miami when I was very young. I love it here!

Growing up, what did you want to be? Believe it or not, I wanted to be a missionary nurse during all of my school years. In college I changed to wanting to work with young people. I believe my executive positions over the years have fulfilled my desire to assist young people.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?  There are so many wonderful people who could shed light on just plain “life,” but I would really love to sit and talk with King David from the Bible. He experienced all the things we still experience today, remained a child of God and was much loved by God. I can’t think of anything that is better than the love of God.

Where is your favorite place to hang out? When I “hang out” that means just being able to relax, as far as I am concerned. My favorite place is at home and also at the homes of close friends.

What do you love most about the industry? The fact that every real estate professional can be the PRESIDENT of his/her own company and still be part of an office of any size they choose is phenomenal. You can manage your own personal success by choosing to work as hard as you want. Your personal choices are limitless.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I am more interested in assisting others in their journey to success than my own. I have found that my satisfaction comes from helping real estate associates reach and eventually exceed their goals. I also have over 30 years experience as a true business world professional, including my experience in multiple phases of real estate.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?  Convincing new real estate licensees that they actually have to WORK to be successful. Many people enter our business thinking that someone will just give them business. It’s hard to see so many people just drop out of real estate because they don’t want to spend time building their business.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? I don’t purposely network. Over the years I have met a lot of people. I meet them daily in various places including even the grocery store. I do attend seminars occasionally and attend state and national real estate conventions.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? As I look back on my career, I consider my greatest accomplishment: the many young people I trained to move forward in the business world. They moved to bank executives, owners of their own businesses, real estate executives and professionals in a wealth of businesses.

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? I used to be a real movie buff but nothing has captured my interest lately. I read books that keep me updated professionally and improve my mind and spirit. I enjoyed “Decision Points” by George Bush and also read all of Joel Osteen’s books.

What is your favorite restaurant? My favorite restaurant is most likely Smith and Wolensky in Miami Beach. I also love happy hour at Chart House in the Grove and Sunday brunch at the Hard Rock in Hollywood.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Miami? I love the Biltmore Hotel and the inside of the old Olympia Theatre in downtown Miami. Many memories were made in these places.

What kind of car do you drive? I just can’t give up my 2002 yellow anniversary year Pontiac Trans AM. It only has 41,000 miles on it and performs beautifully.

Smartphone or paper? I use numerous forms of communication and record keeping. I have a smartphone and also a paper file that I would never give up.

What is your favorite city after Miami? San Francisco. If it wasn’t so far away I would visit more frequently.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Be prepared to work and follow the advice of successful associates.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? I have no favorites on my iPhone. I just use what I need at the time.

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? I have not found the time to actually follow anyone on Twitter or found it of specific interest to me at the present time. However, times change so I haven’t said “never.”