David Rocca, Ancona Real Estate

What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
E-commerce. I used to sell products on Amazon. I created a very successful brand. I would find products that were in demand with little to no competition from other sellers selling the same product. I would make that product better than the rest and private label it. It was very challenging. I learned a lot from creating relationships in China, to re-ordering inventory to shipping overseas.

Where did you grow up?
Los Angeles, California – I have been living in Miami for over 13 years now. I only lived in two places LA & Miami. If I had to choose between the two it would be Miami every time.

Growing up, what did you want to be?
Growing up I always wanted to be a business owner. I always saw myself as a creative thinker and a self-starter. I always wanted to be the person in charge. I come from a real estate family. My grandfather was a developer in LA. Almost everyone in my family is licensed.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
Volunteer at the Miami-Dade Animal Shelter. I love dogs and all animals. Workout, run and meditate.

If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
Frank Sinatra. He always seemed like the coolest guy. Everybody loved him and his music. I like the era he was in as well.

Where is South Florida’s best-kept secret?
The Everglades, so many interesting animals and nature all around. I visited the Everglades a few times and I am fascinated by that area. Not enough locals take the time to visit. It’s a very cool place and it’s away from the energy of the city.

What do you love most about the industry?
The challenge, no two days are the same. I am a people person, working in the real estate industry in Miami we get to meet so many interesting people from all around the world. I also have a good feel for the city, what’s current and what’s happening in the future. I think that is important.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
I don’t think anything is difficult about being a real estate agent. You have to love what you do. However, if I can improve on one thing it would be time management. Once you master your time more efficiently, you will 5x your income.

What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
Face-to-face meetings with as many people as you can. Be memorable and have meaningful conversations with people. Provide value for them. Also, social media. Instagram is the way to go. Focus on quality posts and the correct followers. It’s very powerful and its free… besides your time.

What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?
I don’t binge watch read or listen to anything. I like to keep things moving. I do like documentaries and motivational podcasts and books which I read and listen to in short periods.

What’s your favorite meal in South Florida?
Italian of course! Miami has many great Italian restaurants. I can eat Italian food every day.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in South Florida?
I absolutely love the Waldorf Astoria building. It’s an ultra-luxury building with rich history behind it. It looks like nothing else in Miami so it stands out which I love. Not to mention the size and location of it right in downtown Miami which is currently exploding with new projects all around.

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
I was on a showing at a luxury building and the person next door was being dragged out by police.

What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m vegan. I’ve never been to a football game and have never seen it snowing. I surprise myself with all three.

What’s your favorite vacation spot and why?
Italy or Sicily. It’s my heritage. I have been to both places many times, I considered living there at one point. Every time I go back, I feel right at home. I love history and Italy has a lot of it. I learn something new about the country every time I go back. They have the best food, clothes, history, wine and cars. It’s beautiful.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Always say yes when presented something new.

Who are your favorite people to follow on social media?
Currently two of the people that I like following are Ryan Serhant and Gary Vee. Both motivate me daily.