What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
Throughout my life I have dedicated myself to education. I have a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and literature, and I have a master’s degree in philosophy of art. I was a philosophy teacher for more than 15 years, working with low-income communities in Colombia, the country where I was born.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a city called Pereira in the Andes Mountains in Colombia.
Growing up, what did you want to be?
I always wanted to be a teacher. I always liked to help and teach others. as a child I played school with my dolls, and I think that passion for educating has always survived in me.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
I love the beach. Watching the sunset over the Gulf Coast is one of the most relaxing images you can see. The noise of the waves hitting the sand and the smile of my daughter playing in the water. What more can I ask for?
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
I would definitely like to know Jesus Christ, closely observe his behavior and attitudes towards different situations in life, get to know closely the human Jesus that we have not known throughout history. Being able to talk to him, ask him questions and understand many of the mysteries that our human mind does not comprehend.
Where is South Florida’s best-kept secret?
The West Coast is a beautiful region of Florida, far from the noise of tourists. It has countless beaches to enjoy, almost in privacy. I particularly love Gasparilla Island.
What do you love most about the industry?
Connecting with people, teaching them and showing them the easiest way to reach their next property. I really enjoy finding the perfect place for each person. It makes me happy to help them.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Trying to find a healthy balance between personal and professional life.
What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
The most important thing is to create a personal and professional identity that allows you to differentiate yourself. And at the same time, use marketing and social media to reflect that identity coherently.
What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?
I do not watch TV. A book that I am always reading and updating myself on is The Bible
What’s your favorite meal in South Florida?
In Florida, you can find a great variety of flavors and colors of the Latin culture. I think my favorite is the fusion cuisine that you find in many restaurants in Miami Beach.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in South Florida?
The Ringling Ca’ d’Zan in Sarasota.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
Having your contact information displayed everywhere makes it easy to reach you. On one occasion, I received a call from a person requesting legal advice with a matter of his work and no matter how much I explained that I was not competent, he insisted that I help him because I offered free advice. I finally managed to get this person on track and connected him with someone who could help him. But he never found out that that wasn’t my job.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
People are surprised to know that I am a philosopher and at the same time a Catholic.
What’s your favorite vacation spot and why?
Returning to Colombia and reconnecting with my family, my mountains and all the coffee culture and landscape will always recharge me with a lot of energy.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Have more than 150 conversations with clients per week.
Who are your favorite people to follow on social media?
I like to follow people who are in the same business or whose interests are similar to mine. I also like to learn from those who know about economic issues.
What are your social media handles?
Instagram: angelicamartinezrealestate
Facebook: angelicamartinezrealestate