Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Martinez.
Jennifer, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Dallas, TX by two teen parents. Two teen parents that always made it a priority to support me and encourage me to follow my dreams. I had every statistic stacked against me. I was a Hispanic female born to teen parents and a Dad that was in and out of jail until I was about 10 years old. I love to share this part of my life because I know that there are people out there in similar situations. I just want them to know that regardless of what they have been through or what statistics predict their life will be like- they too can overcome those expectations and do something special with their life.
From the second I learned what the definition of the word “entrepreneur” was, I made the decision to become one. I was not sure how or when, but I always knew I was meant to run my own business. I started by selling candy out of my backpack in the 3rd grade. After going to my Mom with the idea, she made an initial investment in me. She took me to the dollar store and purchased my first bag of Blow Pops and Chocolate Bars. From there, I sold them all and repeated the cycle. Throughout my life, I have tried different ventures- from selling coffee to selling accessories and makeup that I purchased wholesale. Eventually, I gave up and ended up in the mortgage industry as a loan counselor. I did that for about five years until I was burnt out.
My interest in real estate actually came from a reality show that I was obsessed with- Shahs of Sunset. Once I saw the lifestyle they had and how much freedom was available to them, I began to research the career of a real estate agent. The rest is history! It took me a year to finally take the plunge and start real estate courses. From there, it took a few more months for me to quit my job and dedicate myself to being a Realtor® full time.
Has it been a smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Being your own boss is great but being your own employee is hard! I have learned a lot through trial and error and by studying successful people in my industry. There have been moments where I have deals fall apart, I have people question my character and moments that I question my decision in continuing in the real estate business. But all my doubts go away when I help a family realize their homeownership dreams. Especially those clients that never knew how they can build wealth through real estate.
Most of my struggles stemmed from self-doubt and negative comments from outsiders. So, my advice to anyone starting their journey to entrepreneurship is to cheer yourself on. No one is going to want your success more than you want it. So, block out the negativity and surround yourself with people who do believe in you and remind you of your greatness when you start to doubt. Be your own hype man!
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
As I mentioned before, I am a real estate agent. I work with clients who are wanting to sell or buy a home in the DFW area. My specialty is helping first time home buyers. I love to share the journey of buying their first home with them. Do not get me wrong, I love my sellers too! However, first time home buyers just have this excitement to them that makes helping them so fulfilling.
I believe that I set myself apart from other Realtors® by providing my clients with knowledge. I am not only teaching them about the process and what to expect from the journey, I also educate them on how their first home can help them build wealth. Being a homeowner has so many benefits that people are not aware of, and I just love to see the wheels start turning once I share that information with my clients.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
My favorite book of all time is “If you have to cry, go outside” by Kelly Cutrone. She is the definition of a boss babe! I have always admired her work. I am currently reading “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie and have noticed a major shift in my life by applying the principals taught in that book.
Right now, my top 3 podcasts are Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations, The Tony Robbins Podcast, and The Secret to Success Podcast. They each have their own style of teaching and motivation. Any given day, I can turn one on and pick up something new to apply to my life.
I also try to control the kind of music that I listen to. I make sure it is always success-driven, motivational or inspirational in some way. The secret is to always fill yourself with positivity.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1933 Cedar Springs Rd. Dallas, TX 75201
- Website: jennifermartinez.jphomesforsale.com
- Phone: (214) 622-7909
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/jenniferindallas
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/jenndfwrealtor
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/jenniferndallas
Image Credit:
Armando Conde with The Social Butterfly
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