I spent about 10 years in the sports management world, primarily in the NBA, where I met some pretty powerful people. I am very fortunate to have developed close friendships in that industry which has translated to my real estate business.

I was born and raised in Miami, went to college in Orlando, got a taste of the real world on Wall Street in New York, did a brief stint in Atlanta and then made my way back home. One of the few true locals left!

I wanted to be a professional basketball player, even though I am vertically challenged.

I am very into fitness and the outdoors. The best stress reliever for me is a good workout, a run outside, spending time at the beach or getting in a nice round of golf.

Mark Cuban. He’s a serial entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist with a drive that led him to be the face of a multi-billion-dollar empire. I have always admired his work ethic.

Coconut Grove. Its tree-lined canopy streets along the shores of Biscayne Bay are beautiful and there are all types of shopping, restaurants and community parks. One of my favorite neighborhoods that most people, if you aren’t local, aren’t too familiar with. It gives you a real suburb feel in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Miami.

That there is never a dull moment. You get to meet so many new people and encounter new challenges with each transaction. No deal is ever the same which keeps it exciting and rewarding in the end.

There is only so much time in the day – we are always on call, and unfortunately, we can’t be in two places at once. Time management and having your list of priorities is key to success. Being able to pivot to plan B is crucial, it keeps the mind sharp!

If you’re new to the business, joining a team will put you on the fast track to learning what it takes to be successful. The best advice given to me was to NEVER be afraid to ask your sphere of influence for a referral. Make sure they all know you sell real estate. Follow your marketing plan and be consistent. The best compliment to receive in this business is a referral.

I’m not too much of a television person. I’m very into sports, and that’s the majority of the TV watching I do. I am currently reading The Personal MBA by Josh Kaufman, which I highly recommend. I also listen to Tom Ferry’s podcast when I’m in the car to get the juices flowing. Good stuff.

I try to stay away from the “hot spots” in town. I’m a big fan of local neighborhood restaurants with the neighborhood feel. Fiola in Coral Gables is a beautiful restaurant with great food and wine, definitely my favorite right now.

One Thousand Museum by Zaha Hadid has such a unique exoskeleton design for a luxury high rise in one of the most central locations in Miami.

I was in the middle of a showing for a previous client of mine in Miami Beach. It was the fourth showing of the day. I had the entire family walking through the home (parents with their two kids), when I heard the front door open. I didn’t think anything of it as we were the only people in the home, and there’s a 6-foot gate at the residence which is inside a gated community, how could someone possibly be here? We came downstairs to see the people from my second showing earlier in the same day, on the couch, with a drink in their hand explaining to me that their attorney was submitting an offer and the house was now theirs. Made themselves right at home before it was even theirs! It did end up becoming their home so it wasn’t so bad after all. Pandemic house hunting was a crazy time!

I own 300 pairs of sneakers.

Colorado. I love skiing in the winter and all the outdoor activities during the summer. It has some of the most spectacular views and is a beautiful place year round with something to do for everyone.

Ryan Serhant, Jeff Bezos, Gary Vee and Elon Musk.