We were lucky to catch up with Guillermo Freixas recently and have shared our conversation below.

Guillermo, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Over the course of your career, have you seen or experienced your industry completely flip-flop or change course on something?

In the real estate industry, we’ve recently experienced a significant U-Turn with the changes in the National Association of Realtors (NAR) compensation rules. These adjustments have sent a ripple of panic through the realtor community, much like the shifts we’ve seen in the past. Think about when the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) went online for the first time—there was a sense of chaos and fear about how this new accessibility would change the industry. Similarly, the emergence of Zillow caused a stir, with many worried about the impact on our role as real estate professionals.

Artificial intelligence has also sparked concern, yet we’ve adapted by leveraging this technology to become more efficient and streamline our work processes. In each of these scenarios, what initially seemed like chaos presented an opportunity for growth and innovation. The current changes with NAR are no different.

The new compensation rules have brought about a chance to reframe how we operate. By requiring buyers to sign buyer-broker agreements, we gain the ability to secure our rates and protect our time investment, avoiding the scenario where we’re constantly negotiating our commissions. This change allows for better business forecasting and helps us choose our clients more selectively. For too long, buyer agents have put in thousands of hours without proper safeguards, often being “cheated on” by customers who switch allegiances mid-process. Now, with these agreements in place, we have a structure that respects our time and expertise.

This shift empowers us to focus on clients who are truly committed to working with us, enhancing the quality of our professional relationships and improving our service offerings. It’s a reminder that when others see chaos, we should look for opportunity. Each industry U-Turn presents a chance to refine our practices and elevate our profession, and this latest change is no exception.

So while the current landscape may feel uncertain, it’s also an invitation to adapt, grow, and find new ways to thrive.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey in this industry is deeply rooted in my upbringing in the vibrant community of Coral Gables. Being a native, I’ve developed an intimate understanding of Miami’s luxurious real estate market and the unique lifestyle it offers. My career in real estate naturally evolved from my passion for this city and its diverse neighborhoods.

I’m honored to be an integral member of the distinguished Riley Smith Group, where I serve as the point person for discerning buyers, sellers, and investors. My specialization lies in premier residential properties across some of Miami’s most sought-after areas, including Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, South Miami, Pinecrest, Brickell, and the iconic Miami Beach. What sets me apart in this competitive industry is my savvy blend of business acumen and marketing expertise. I leverage data analytics and create tailored strategies to provide my clients with a sharp financial perspective on every deal. This allows me to guide them through complex market trends with ease and confidence.

Beyond just facilitating transactions, I see myself as a lifetime advisor to my clients. My goal is to build relationships that extend far beyond any single deal. This philosophy is embodied in my digital series “My Block,” where I merge local culture with real estate intelligence to showcase Miami’s hidden gems and rich history. Through this platform, I not only share my expertise but also celebrate the city that I love.

I’m deeply invested in the community, and I take pride in supporting local businesses, often featuring them in my digital content. My partnership with Compass’s cutting-edge technology enables me to streamline the homebuying or selling process, ensuring that each of my clients receives personalized, attentive service.

One of the aspects of my work that I’m most proud of is my involvement in philanthropic initiatives. I actively participate in several local foundations, such as La Liga Contra El Cancer and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. Giving back to the community is a core part of who I am, and I believe it’s essential to contribute to the place that has given me so much.

In my downtime, you’ll likely find me sailing on Biscayne Bay or enjoying the culinary hotspots that Miami has to offer. For those seeking a real estate experience that is comprehensive, tailored, and infused with the spirit of Miami, I’m here to guide you. With my expertise, tech-savvy approach, and unique flair, I promise to make your Miami real estate dreams a reality.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

In 2019, I had a pivotal conversation with myself about how to engage more effectively with potential customers. At the time, I was following in my mentor Riley Smith’s footsteps by hosting live real estate talks. However, unlike Riley, I didn’t have the same resources and support. I was handling every single detail of these events on my own, including the financial aspects, which was a significant burden. The whole process was incredibly stressful, especially since there was no guarantee of attracting an audience. Despite my best efforts, I rarely got more than 20 people to attend.

One day, it hit me: what if I shifted my focus to creating consistent content about the real estate market on social media? I had around 1,500 followers on Instagram at the time, so I figured that if I couldn’t get a crowd in a room, I could still have a year-long real estate conversation with my followers online. I decided to commit fully to this idea.

For the next eight months, I put out video content daily, and it started paying off. My following grew steadily, and I began receiving feedback from people who enjoyed my videos. I knew I was onto something. That August, I attended the Tom Ferry Success Summit in Anaheim. Tom Ferry, the top real estate coach in the country, told the 5,000 attendees to brand their content—give it a name and identity. This advice stuck with me.

I thought long and hard about what my brand could be. That’s when I came up with “My Block.” The concept was simple: my videos would cover anything happening on my block, whether it was real estate, local businesses, or Miami news, all with a real estate twist. Almost immediately, the feedback changed. Instead of just saying they liked my videos, people started telling me how much they loved “My Block.” That’s when my entire branding shifted, and I began building my real estate practice around this concept.

For anyone just starting to build their social media presence, my advice is to be consistent and authentic. Don’t worry about the number of followers you have at the start. Focus on providing valuable content and engaging with your audience. Give your content an identity that resonates with people, something they can connect with and remember. Branding is crucial; it gives your content a sense of purpose and helps it stand out. And most importantly, be patient. Growth takes time, but with dedication and the right approach, you’ll see the results.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I can actually name 3 books that I think will help others hone it comes to entrepreneurial thinking. These are mostly rooted in philosophies and not really strategy.

1) The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino
It’s not just a book about sales; it’s a powerful guide to living a life of success, integrity, and purpose. Through the story of Hafid, a young camel boy who becomes the greatest salesman, Mandino presents ten timeless principles that can help you develop habits for success and a positive mindset. Whether you’re in sales or any other field, this book offers invaluable lessons on perseverance, self-discipline, and achieving greatness. It’s a quick read, but the impact it can have on your life is profound.

2) The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann,
It’s a must-read that offers a refreshing take on success. This book turns the traditional mindset of “getting” on its head by focusing on the power of giving. Through a compelling parable, it introduces five laws of stratospheric success that show how putting others’ interests first and adding value to their lives can lead to unexpected and rewarding results. It’s an inspiring and uplifting read that challenges the conventional wisdom of self-centered ambition, proving that true success is about creating value and building meaningful relationships. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a professional, or simply someone looking to make a difference, *The Go-Giver* is a powerful reminder that generosity and empathy can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

3) Raving Fans by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles
If you’re aiming to take your customer service to the next level this book introduces the concept that satisfied customers just aren’t enough—you need to create raving fans. Through a simple and engaging parable, it lays out a three-step process to exceed customer expectations and turn them into enthusiastic advocates for your business. It’s packed with practical insights on how to deliver exceptional service, consistently go above and beyond, and create a memorable experience for your clients. Whether you’re in sales, management, or any role that involves customer interaction, *Raving Fans* provides a clear and actionable roadmap for turning ordinary customers into loyal fans.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.MyBlock.Miami
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myblockmiami
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myblockmiami
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/freixas/
• Twitter: https://x.com/MyBlockMiami
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/MyBlockMiami305