We had the good fortune of connecting with Justin Martinez and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Justin, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
We actually took the time and answered all of your questions. 🙂
What was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In a previous partnership, I encountered a situation where our values didn’t align, which posed a significant challenge in delivering a consistent experience for our clients. Reflecting on that experience, I realized the importance of cultivating shared values within a team, and that’s exactly what we aim to do here. Our goal is to establish a culture where these values are practiced daily and embraced by every team member, including new additions.
We are committed to inspiring positive transformations in the experiences of our clients. Through strategic planning, effective communication, and a results-driven approach, we strive to simplify the process and make it seamless for our clients. By leveraging the power of marketing, cutting-edge technology, and strong relationships, we excel at matching individuals with their dream homes.
As I continue to achieve success, one of my aspirations is to pass down my knowledge and experiences to others who, like me, started from humble beginnings. I strongly believe in the power of self-belief and the idea that anything is achievable. I want to lead by example and demonstrate that with determination and confidence, anyone can overcome obstacles and accomplish their goals.
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Do you have a budget? How do you think about your personal finances and how do you make lifestyle and spending decisions?
I aim to maintain a reasonable personal budget by adhering to specific financial allocations. This includes saving 10% of my income, allocating 60% towards business expenses and taxes, and investing in new business ventures. I try to spend on items that qualify as tax write-offs and limit unnecessary expenses. However, I have allowed myself to splurge on running gear, as I am a marathon runner, and gifts for my wife.
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Risk taking: how do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life/career?
I tend to be risky, I’m willing to be all in whether it’s a good or bad outcome, what we view as a bad outcome is a learning experience to get to the next level.
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Where are you from and how did your background and upbringing impact who you are today?
I grew up in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn, with parents who were 20 and 18 years old when they had me. Despite their eventual split when I was young, along with my three younger brothers, they made an effort to raise us to the best of their abilities. My stepdad, despite being four years younger than my mom, also played a role in my upbringing. However, their divorce was tough for all of us, and we are still coping with its impact. This experience has taught me the importance of having a strong family and support system. My clients became like family and friends to me. Real estate became my everything.
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What is the most important factor behind your success / the success of your brand?
My father, a 20-year combat veteran, once shared with me an insightful perspective on persistence. He described two types of individuals: those who are tactical and those who possess the extraordinary drive to run through a brick wall, even if there is a door. This lesson has stayed with me and shaped my approach to challenges.
I have also discovered that in my own journey, I may start slowly, but when I grasp something, I fully immerse myself and make rapid progress.
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What value or principle matters most to you? Why?
“1% better every day” is about harnessing the power of momentum through consistent effort. By making incremental improvements daily, we can build significant progress over time. In fact, a 1% improvement each day amounts to a remarkable 365% enhancement by the end of the year. It emphasizes the importance of consistency and the compounding effect of small, continuous steps towards growth and success.
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Work life balance: how has your balance changed over time? How do you think about the balance?
I don’t believe in the traditional concept of work-life balance. Instead, I prioritize doing what I genuinely enjoy and love, so activities like work don’t feel burdensome to me. I delegate tasks that I don’t particularly enjoy or resonate with. By focusing on what I love, I find fulfillment in doing the same activities every day. For example, I thoroughly enjoy immersing myself in real estate content, and it brings me joy to engage with it throughout the day.
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What’s the end goal? Where do you want to be professionally by the end of your career?
In the next four years, my internal vision is to achieve a spot among the top 10 on the Real Deal team list. Looking ahead to 2030, my focus will shift towards figuring out my long-term aspirations. Ultimately, my drive for success is rooted in the desire to make a positive impact through philanthropy. As I progress in my journey, I aim to create a successful path that allows me to contribute and give back more to society.
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Why did you pursue an artistic or creative career?
I chose to pursue a more creative approach to my career because of my deep passion for real estate and consuming related content. I found immense enjoyment in watching various real estate channels and desired to create similar content that I personally resonate with. If there existed a channel that consolidated all the real estate channels and provided concise three-minute tours, I would eagerly watch it. Additionally, I greatly value the insights and advice shared in real estate podcasts, always seeking out those valuable gems of knowledge. My love for real estate and my desire to contribute to the content I enjoy are what drove me towards a deep dive into digital media creation.
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Tell us about a book you’ve read and why you like it / what impact it had on you.
One book that has made a significant impact on me is “Never Split the Difference” by Chris Voss. As a salesperson, I highly recommend this book. It provides valuable insights and strategies for effective negotiation and communication, which are crucial skills in the sales industry.
Another impactful book for me is “Winning” by Tim Grover. Coming from the hip hop community, we often use the term “grinding” to describe our daily hustle. However, Grover challenges this notion by emphasizing that true progress comes from consistently making advancements rather than wearing ourselves down. Now, when someone asks me how my business is going, I confidently respond, “I’m forming diamonds” to signify continuous growth and progress.
Although I prefer listening to audiobooks during my morning runs rather than reading physical books, these two titles have had a profound influence on me, both personally and professionally.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Please tell us more about your business. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about.
Our business stands out from others due to several factors that make us proud and excited. Firstly, we take pride in the anticipation of meeting new clients, as we believe in the potential of building strong and successful relationships with them. Additionally, we are proud of the existing clients who continue to trust and work with us, as it demonstrates their satisfaction with our services.
Furthermore, our dedicated team is a significant source of pride for us. Their hard work and commitment have already allowed us to surpass our 2022 targets within just five months, which is truly remarkable.
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How did you get to where you are today business-wise. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?
Getting to where we are today in the business realm was far from easy. We faced challenges and obstacles along the way, but we persevered. Overcoming these hurdles required dedication, strategic thinking, and continuous learning. However, the journey has been rewarding, and our growth and success have been fueled by our unwavering determination.
As we continue on this path, we remain motivated to exceed expectations, provide exceptional service to our clients, and constantly innovate within our industry.
To stay focused on my goals, I adopt a mindset of continuous improvement, striving to be 1% better each day. Consistency is key, so I approach each day with a commitment to follow a routine that aligns with my objectives. By focusing on what I can control, I maintain a proactive approach, directing my energy towards actions that contribute to my progress.
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What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story? Our brand’s core values revolve around providing exceptional service and personalized experiences for each client. We strategically plan around their goals, maintain transparent communication throughout the process, and strive to achieve the results they desire.
It is essential for the world to know that our brand is dedicated to delivering consistent excellence and upholding the same values in every client relationship. Whether it’s a studio client with a budget of $300,000 or a penthouse client with a property worth $10 million, we believe in providing the highest level of service to all. Our commitment to meeting client expectations, fostering trust, and delivering outstanding results sets us apart and defines our brand’s story.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting the area for a week, I would plan an itinerary that showcases the best of the city. Here are some highlights:
Day 1: Start the trip with a visit to Rooftop Edge for breathtaking views of the city skyline. Enjoy a delightful meal at Electric Lemon, known for its innovative cuisine.
Day 2: Immerse in the vibrant atmosphere of Broadway by catching a captivating show. Later, head to a Knicks game at Madison Square Garden for an exciting sports experience.
Day 3: Explore the Chelsea neighborhood, known for its art galleries and trendy vibe. Indulge in delicious food and music at Tao or savor a mouthwatering steak at Catch Steak.
Day 4: Begin the day with a refreshing run in Central Park, enjoying the scenic beauty and iconic landmarks. Afterward, rent bikes and explore the park further.
Day 5: Take your friend to the waterfront areas near my home in Long Island City (LIC). Enjoy the stunning views and relax by the water.
Day 6: Dive into the real estate scene by showcasing some hot listings in the city. Share the excitement and potential of the real estate market.
Throughout the week, there will be plenty of opportunities to explore New York City’s diverse neighborhoods, try different cuisines, and soak in the vibrant energy of the city. New York offers an endless array of fun, interesting, and exciting experiences that will create lasting memories for my best friend’s visit.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Chirag Shah my business coach, my parents, Noel Cohen who got me into Real Estate, Harold Valestin who got me into New Dev Sales. My wife Anna who supports me through thick and thin and pushes me.
Website: https://martinez-team.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinmartineznyc/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-martinez-16ba0881
Twitter: https://twitter.com/justinsnest
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justinmartineznyc/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@justinmartineznyc
Image Credits
Ivan Shatokhin