We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jermaine Hooks. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jermaine below.

Alright, Jermaine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

If I were starting over, I’d focus less on grinding through transactions and more on building intentional relationships with serious investors and hotel owners from day one. I’d also position myself early as a global, luxury, hospitality specialist. Creating authority content and leveraging investor networks sooner. And I’d dive into 1031 exchanges, DSTs, and TIC strategies right away. In short, I’d cut the noise, specialize faster, and build with sharper focus

Jermaine, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was born and raised in Miami, and hospitality has been in my DNA from the start. After earning my degree in Hospitality Management from Florida International University, I worked closely with high-profile clients—including my time as a personal assistant to a former NFL player—which gave me a firsthand understanding of service, discretion, and relationships at the highest level. That background naturally pulled me into real estate, where I saw an opportunity to merge hospitality, investment, and lifestyle on a global scale.

Today, I specialize in helping real estate investors, hotel owners, luxury sellers and global buyers. I bridge U.S. markets like South Florida with international destinations such as Tulum, Mexico, connecting capital with luxury and hospitality-driven opportunities.

What sets me apart is that I’m a global, luxury, hospitality advisor. My clients know I understand both the financial and the lifestyle side of what makes a property truly desirable to investors and end-users alike. That unique balance of hospitality and investment expertise is rare.

I’m most proud of helping my clients unlock opportunities they didn’t even know were possible, whether that’s deferring millions in taxes through the right exchange structure or securing a luxury villa near Tulum before the rest of the market even hears about it.

At the end of the day, I want potential clients and followers to know this: I operate with vision, discretion, and global reach. My brand isn’t just about transactions—it’s about creating long-term value, connecting people to opportunities across borders, and making sure they feel taken care of every step of the way.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my life was moving from being a personal assistant to a former NFL player into building my own career in real estate. As an assistant, I managed day-to-day operations, travel, and business matters, which gave me a front-row seat to how high-net-worth individuals think, make decisions, and value discretion. I realized I had a unique skill set—understanding service at the highest level, anticipating needs, and navigating complex situations—that could translate powerfully into real estate.

The pivot wasn’t easy. It meant stepping out of the support role and into the spotlight, betting on myself to build something of my own. But it was the right move. Those years taught me how to serve clients with professionalism and vision, and today, I bring that same level of detail and trust to investors, hotel owners, and global buyers who rely on me for exclusive opportunities.

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

One book that really impacted my thinking is Affluent Negroes by Neal Oates Jr. It opened my eyes to how representation and mindset play such a powerful role in luxury real estate and business. Neal talks about breaking barriers, building credibility, and creating trust in spaces where we’re often underrepresented. That message pushed me to embrace my own story, lean into my expertise, and confidently position myself as a global, luxury, hospitality real estate advisor.

It’s not just about selling properties—it’s about shifting perceptions, building relationships, and showing clients that excellence and professionalism transcend stereotypes. That book helped me sharpen my philosophy of leading with vision, authenticity, and service at the highest level.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: jhooksrealtor
• Facebook: Jermaine Hooks
• Linkedin: Jermaine Hooks