What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
I was a pharmacist in Zimbabwe because my undergrad degree there and my master’s in the UK were both in pharmacy. I came to the US to go to business school afterwards.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe, where I was born.
Growing up, what did you want to be?
I wanted to become a doctor and got into medical school, but in my second year, the government changed the working conditions for doctors so drastically that I switched to pharmacy.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
I do an African dance workout three times a week, Kukuwa Fitness. Even a short 15-minute workout elevates my mood for the day.
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
Paramahansa Yogananda who wrote “Autobiography of a Yogi” because I am trying to learn to meditate.
Where is South Florida’s best-kept secret?
The water and the beaches. I love going on boat rides. I started with the Water Taxi, the Jungle Queen, Carrie B (twice) and some dodgy boats from Groupon. I need friends with boats.
What do you love most about the industry?
I love serving people, whether as a pharmacist or real estate agent. I try to understand their lifestyle and work needs so I know how to guide them to a property. I also work with investors, and I try to get them the best deals for a great return. I work in residential and commercial real estate, so I get into the mind of the business person to find the property that suits their needs.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Dealing with the public can be challenging when you come across flaky or difficult personalities. Other agents are sometimes not as professional as they should be, and most agents do not answer their phones when they have listings that I want to show my clients.
What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
Technology and social media. I was surprised at how many leads I got from TikTok when I joined it recently.
What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?
Travel shows so I can live vicariously through the hosts and to get ideas for future trips.
What’s your favorite meal in South Florida?
Seafood, preferably on the terrace of a waterfront restaurant.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in South Florida?
Pier Sixty Six with the revolving restaurant on top.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
Just the other day my colleague and I found out that we had been stood up on showings by the same guy, so I warned my team members about him. Twice I had requests to show expensive rentals in Miami and when I checked the phone numbers, they were from an 18-year-old, so I figured it was a prank.
What’s your favorite vacation spot and why?
The French Riviera because I have vacationed there over the years, and it is truly charming. The south of France has the same chilled vibe like South Florida. I am looking forward to making some good commissions so I can go back for another visit this year. I will also visit Bordeaux for the first time so I can taste great wines. I spent New Year’s Eve in the Champagne region once and it was delightful.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Join a good team that gives you leads.
Who are your favorite people to follow on social media?
I am more engaged during major sports events like the NBA Finals (Go Knicks!) and the World Cup. Otherwise, I follow other agents in South Florida so I can learn from them.