We were lucky to catch up with Michael Martirena recently and have shared our conversation below.

Michael, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear you experience with and lessons learned from recruiting and team building.

It all started at a young age, as I was immersed in the world of real estate. By 22, I had built my own investment portfolio, setting the stage for my journey as both an investor and a broker. That early experience shaped my approach to the business and gave me a unique perspective as I began building the Ivan and Mike Team alongside Ivan.

When we launched our team, it was just the two of us—driven by a passion for real estate and a commitment to delivering exceptional service to our clients in the Miami luxury market. We handled everything ourselves, from marketing and client relations to deal-making, all while focusing on the bigger picture: growing and creating a lasting business.

As we expanded, it became crucial to find people who shared our vision and work ethic. We didn’t just look at resumes; we sought individuals who aligned with our values and culture. Referrals, personal connections, and our industry network played a big role in finding the right fit.

Our interview process prioritized character and problem-solving over technical skills. Training was hands-on, and we emphasized our philosophy of building strong client relationships, paying attention to detail, and always going the extra mile.

Looking back, I wouldn’t change much about how we started. Those early decisions laid the foundation for everything we’ve built today. That said, if I were starting now, I might focus on leveraging technology sooner and hiring a dedicated marketing specialist earlier. It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come, and I’m proud that we’ve stayed true to the principles that guided us from the beginning.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a Broker Associate at Compass and co-founder of the Ivan and Mike Team, specializing in luxury real estate and pre-construction investments across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties.

In Miami’s dynamic real estate market, I pride myself on delivering a white-glove concierge experience, guiding clients through every step of their journey with unmatched service and expertise. My dedication has earned me numerous accolades, including ranking in the top 1.5% of agents nationwide, the top 1% of Hispanic agents, and recognition as a Top Luxury Industry Leader by Master Broker. Alongside Ivan, our team has been recognized as one of the Top 3 teams in Miami by the Wall Street Journal in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Fluent in both English and Spanish and with global exposure from visiting over 70 countries, I connect effortlessly with clients from all walks of life, building lasting relationships along the way.

When I’m not working, I enjoy biking, exploring new destinations, and spending time with my wife, son, and daughter. I’m also deeply committed to giving back, supporting organizations such as Lotus House, Operation Underground Railroad, and Charity Water.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

One of the most influential resources for my management and entrepreneurial philosophy has been Tony Robbins. His teachings on understanding human behavior, optimizing business operations, and mastering the psychology of success have had a profound impact on how I approach both leadership and strategy.

Robbins’ focus on systems, mindset, and peak performance has shaped how I manage my team and the business as a whole. I’ve learned to prioritize efficiency while maintaining a strong culture of collaboration and service. His insights have been invaluable in navigating the challenges of scaling a real estate team, and his approach to personal growth has helped me remain focused on the long-term vision while staying grounded in day-to-day operations.

In addition to Tony Robbins, I’ve also found great value in studying successful real estate professionals, business leaders, and entrepreneurs who share similar philosophies on leadership, growth, and innovation.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been building and nurturing genuine, long-term relationships. In the luxury real estate market, trust is everything. I’ve focused on providing exceptional service, personalized attention, and always going the extra mile for my clients. This has led to word-of-mouth referrals, which have been a major driver of new business.

Additionally, we’ve built a strong presence in the community through networking, collaborations, and maintaining a reputation for integrity and expertise. Leveraging our team’s collective knowledge and experience, combined with consistent follow-up and tailored communication, has allowed us to connect with clients on a deeper level and foster lasting relationships.

Lastly, staying ahead of market trends and providing valuable insights has allowed us to become trusted advisors, not just salespeople. That approach has helped us build a clientele that relies on us for more than just transactions – they trust us to guide them through significant life decisions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ivanandmike.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivanandmiketeam/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmartirena
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ivanandmiketeam
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLa8X0_iiI4SHRRjUNQlddw

Image Credits

Corporate Headshots Miami (Michael’s headshot and Ivan and Mike’s headshot), Mary Beth Koeth (other photos)