We recently connected with Greg Martinez and have shared our conversation below.
Greg, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?
Faith, Family, and the Fight to Build a Legacy
Yes, we are happy as business owners—but that doesn’t mean the journey has been without its challenges. There are countless situations we’ve faced that are completely out of our control, and running a business demands an enormous amount of commitment, patience, and perseverance.
We’ve often wondered what life would be like if we had chosen a more traditional path—working 8 to 5 in corporate America, clocking in and out with the stability of a regular paycheck. In some ways, that path may seem less stressful. There’s structure, predictability, and fewer late-night phone calls or urgent decisions. But even in the most demanding moments, we continue to find joy in this life we’ve chosen. The pros far outweigh the cons.
Entrepreneurship isn’t easy—it’s 24/7. But it’s also deeply rewarding. There are moments when the weight of responsibility tempts us to quit. Yet we know that the work we’re doing is meaningful, and the seeds we’re planting will bear fruit in time. One of the greatest blessings of being in business together is the time it allows us as husband and wife—to grow not just professionally but personally. We’re present for our children, engaged in their lives during these precious early years, and that’s a gift we don’t take for granted.
When things get tough—and they often do—we sometimes wonder if going back to a regular job would make things easier. But every time, we’re reminded that God placed us here for a reason. Being entrepreneurs has shaped our marriage, our family, and our spiritual walk in powerful ways. It’s easy to daydream about a simpler route, but we’ve learned to take those thoughts captive and remember our calling.
In 2023, we took on one of the most challenging projects of our lives: we purchased a historic Victorian home in desperate need of restoration. It required immense time, effort, and money. We were stretched beyond anything we’d experienced before. The rehab loan added pressure—each passing day brought us closer to repayment deadlines. Funds began running low, time was against us, and anxiety was knocking at the door. It was a season of testing like no other. We asked ourselves more than once if we were truly meant for this industry.
But as real estate investors and as a licensed realtor, we knew that trials are part of the process. There is joy at the end of the race. This journey has opened doors we never imagined—doors to serve others, to create value, to educate, and to impact lives. And in the end, that once-distressed Victorian home was beautifully restored and now holds over a quarter million dollars in equity. What felt like a breaking point became one of our greatest victories.
We’re building more than a business—we’re building a legacy. A future we can pass on to our children. Generational wealth. Wisdom. Faith. None of this would be possible without Jesus. Our faith has carried us through the uncertainty, frustration, and fear. It’s the foundation of our business, our marriage, and our mission.
The people we meet, the families we help buy their first home, the investors we guide toward financial freedom—all of it is Kingdom work. And while this life isn’t for the faint of heart, it’s one we’re incredibly proud of.
Through the ups and downs, we know we’re exactly where God wants us. And that’s more than enough.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Faith, Family, and the Fight to Build a Legacy
Yes, we are happy as business owners—but that doesn’t mean the journey has been without its challenges. There are countless situations we’ve faced that are completely out of our control, and running a business demands an enormous amount of commitment, patience, and perseverance.
We’ve often wondered what life would be like if we had chosen a more traditional path—working 8 to 5 in corporate America, clocking in and out with the stability of a regular paycheck. In some ways, that path may seem less stressful. There’s structure, predictability, and fewer late-night phone calls or urgent decisions. But even in the most demanding moments, we continue to find joy in this life we’ve chosen. The pros far outweigh the cons.
Entrepreneurship isn’t easy—it’s 24/7. But it’s also deeply rewarding. There are moments when the weight of responsibility tempts us to quit. Yet we know that the work we’re doing is meaningful, and the seeds we’re planting will bear fruit in time. One of the greatest blessings of being in business together is the time it allows us as husband and wife—to grow not just professionally but personally. We’re present for our children, engaged in their lives during these precious early years, and that’s a gift we don’t take for granted.
When things get tough—and they often do—we sometimes wonder if going back to a regular job would make things easier. But every time, we’re reminded that God placed us here for a reason. Being entrepreneurs has shaped our marriage, our family, and our spiritual walk in powerful ways. It’s easy to daydream about a simpler route, but we’ve learned to take those thoughts captive and remember our calling.
In 2023, we took on one of the most challenging projects of our lives: we purchased a historic Victorian home in desperate need of restoration. It required immense time, effort, and money. We were stretched beyond anything we’d experienced before. The rehab loan added pressure—each passing day brought us closer to repayment deadlines. Funds began running low, time was against us, and anxiety was knocking at the door. It was a season of testing like no other. We asked ourselves more than once if we were truly meant for this industry.
But as real estate investors and as a licensed realtor, we knew that trials are part of the process. There is joy at the end of the race. This journey has opened doors we never imagined—doors to serve others, to create value, to educate, and to impact lives. And in the end, that once-distressed Victorian home was beautifully restored and now holds over a quarter million dollars in equity. What felt like a breaking point became one of our greatest victories.
We’re building more than a business—we’re building a legacy. A future we can pass on to our children. Generational wealth. Wisdom. Faith. None of this would be possible without Jesus. Our faith has carried us through the uncertainty, frustration, and fear. It’s the foundation of our business, our marriage, and our mission.
The people we meet, the families we help buy their first home, the investors we guide toward financial freedom—all of it is Kingdom work. And while this life isn’t for the faint of heart, it’s one we’re incredibly proud of.
Through the ups and downs, we know we’re exactly where God wants us. And that’s more than enough.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Faith, Family, and the Fight to Build a Legacy
Yes, we are happy as business owners—but that doesn’t mean the journey has been without its challenges. There are countless situations we’ve faced that are completely out of our control, and running a business demands an enormous amount of commitment, patience, and perseverance.
We’ve often wondered what life would be like if we had chosen a more traditional path—working 8 to 5 in corporate America, clocking in and out with the stability of a regular paycheck. In some ways, that path may seem less stressful. There’s structure, predictability, and fewer late-night phone calls or urgent decisions. But even in the most demanding moments, we continue to find joy in this life we’ve chosen. The pros far outweigh the cons.
Entrepreneurship isn’t easy—it’s 24/7. But it’s also deeply rewarding. There are moments when the weight of responsibility tempts us to quit. Yet we know that the work we’re doing is meaningful, and the seeds we’re planting will bear fruit in time. One of the greatest blessings of being in business together is the time it allows us as husband and wife—to grow not just professionally but personally. We’re present for our children, engaged in their lives during these precious early years, and that’s a gift we don’t take for granted.
When things get tough—and they often do—we sometimes wonder if going back to a regular job would make things easier. But every time, we’re reminded that God placed us here for a reason. Being entrepreneurs has shaped our marriage, our family, and our spiritual walk in powerful ways. It’s easy to daydream about a simpler route, but we’ve learned to take those thoughts captive and remember our calling.
In 2023, we took on one of the most challenging projects of our lives: we purchased a historic Victorian home in desperate need of restoration. It required immense time, effort, and money. We were stretched beyond anything we’d experienced before. The rehab loan added pressure—each passing day brought us closer to repayment deadlines. Funds began running low, time was against us, and anxiety was knocking at the door. It was a season of testing like no other. We asked ourselves more than once if we were truly meant for this industry.
But as real estate investors and as a licensed realtor, we knew that trials are part of the process. There is joy at the end of the race. This journey has opened doors we never imagined—doors to serve others, to create value, to educate, and to impact lives. And in the end, that once-distressed Victorian home was beautifully restored and now holds over a quarter million dollars in equity. What felt like a breaking point became one of our greatest victories.
We’re building more than a business—we’re building a legacy. A future we can pass on to our children. Generational wealth. Wisdom. Faith. None of this would be possible without Jesus. Our faith has carried us through the uncertainty, frustration, and fear. It’s the foundation of our business, our marriage, and our mission.
The people we meet, the families we help buy their first home, the investors we guide toward financial freedom—all of it is Kingdom work. And while this life isn’t for the faint of heart, it’s one we’re incredibly proud of.
Through the ups and downs, we know we’re exactly where God wants us. And that’s more than enough.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Absolutely. One of the most defining pivot points in my life came in 2020, when I was laid off from my corporate job. That moment forced a deep internal dialogue: Should I return to the security of a 9-to-5, or should we take a leap of faith and grow the business we had slowly been building? That was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever faced.
To pursue the path of entrepreneurship, we had to make big sacrifices. We minimized our cost of living drastically in order to pour everything we could—our time, faith, and resources—into growing the business. There’s a quote that anchored me during that season: “Be willing to do today what others won’t, so you can do tomorrow what others can’t.” That mindset helped shape my belief that a full and meaningful life doesn’t require excess—it requires vision, discipline, and faith.
My perspective shifted completely. I no longer felt the need to chase a big, flashy life. Instead, I started to value simplicity and flexibility. I’ve always said I’d rather be a small boat in a vast ocean—nimble, able to adjust quickly—than the Titanic: massive, impressive, but too big to turn when crisis hits, destined to sink when it collides with the unexpected.
Our faith was our anchor. We’ve trusted that God can do far more with five loaves and two fish than we ever could with full nets. And time and time again, He’s proven that true. That season taught us resilience, trust, and how to live not just with less—but with purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gnaproperties.com/
- Instagram: @ALEJANDRA.GREG. TXREALESTATE
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18ouWQAepj/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@LivingInFaith-Everyday
- Other: https://linktr.ee/alejandramartinezrealestate?
Image Credits
My Wife Alejandra Martinez for joining me on our journey through real estate.