What was your most interesting job before going into real estate? I worked in ticket sales. The company that I worked for sold tickets for every type of event from the Miami HEAT to the World Cup. I spent 20 days in Brazil traveling to different cities providing tickets and VIP access to clients for the different games and event.
Where did you grow up? Miami – in the Kendall area
Growing up, what did you want to be? As a kid, my dad worked in the music business and traveled a lot, so I’ve always wanted a job that would allow me to travel and see different places. Like most kids, I hoped that would be through sports, but as I got older, I realized that I was good at communication and persuasion.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I sit on my balcony and enjoy the view.
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Sun Tzu, author of The Art of War, and arguably the greatest strategist ever. I would love to pick his brain and gain a deeper insight into the wisdom he had way back then seeing that most of it is still applicable today.
Where is Miami’s best-kept secret? Between South Beach and the hotel district is a stretch of beach that is always quiet and never crowded. It’s a great place to sit, relax, and enjoy the ambience.
What do you love most about the industry? They say a man’s home is his castle. I love seeing the expression on my clients’ faces when I am handing them the keys to their new castle.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? The fact that other agents don’t answer their phones.
What’s your best advice for generating new leads? Deliver excellent service to the leads you have, and they will tell their friends and family about you. That’s worth more than a hundred online leads.
What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately? I listen to the Daily Audio Bible podcast every day. It replenishes my spirit daily. I recently watched the HBO documentary Belichick & Saban: The Art of Coaching, which had many lessons on the science of leading, goal setting, and influencing those in your sphere.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Miami? I am still fascinated with 1000 Museum, but I feel like everyone is going to pick that. Second would be Coral Castle down in Homestead.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job? I was showing a property recently, and as my clients and I were walking out of the building, we ran into a guy peeing on the sidewalk in front of the complex. Needless to say, that was a strong no. When the listing agent asked for feedback, I told her the story and she couldn’t believe it. We were in a gated community.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you? Besides being a real estate broker, I am a full-time college professor. Often when I tell clients, I can meet them when I get out of class, they think I am taking class, but I’m actually the one teaching them.
What’s your favorite vacation spot and why? I spent 10 days in the Spanish Canary Islands one summer. Hands down, the most beautiful place I have ever been.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Qualify your clients and guard your time. Time equals money.
Who are your favorite people to follow on social media? My YPN colleagues from the Miami Association of Realtors. I love seeing the team be successful.