We were lucky to catch up with Ntxhi Song recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ntxhi , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

Surviving the lengthy sale cycles in Hotel Investment Sales stands as the greatest challenge. This career path operates on a commission-based pay structure, fostering a “eat what you kill” mindset. The pressing question is: how does one navigate financially until the first hotel sale materializes?

For me, clinching my inaugural hotel sale demanded a substantial three-year effort, fraught with challenges. While I had managed to save some funds from previous roles, it fell short in sustaining me for this duration. Post my initial sale, I ventured into a side hustle focusing on body sculpting—a venture accommodating evening and weekend commitments. The income from this business now serves as a lifeline, bridging financial gaps between hotel sales.

The prolonged duration of hotel sales cycles primarily stems from the initial years dedicated to relationship building. During this phase, efforts are focused on nurturing connections with potential sellers while gauging their timelines for the sale of their hotel. Even when they are ready, finalizing a deal typically extends between six months to a year.

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.

Since the age of 10, my heart has been set on a career in the world of hotels—a fascination with the concept of a home away from home. My outgoing and driven nature has always resonated with those around me, and it’s no secret that my passion lies in the realm of hotels. My journey has been steadfast in pursuing a path leading to hotel ownership. Opting for a career in hotel investment sales stems from my desire to source deals, comprehend the intricacies of hotel investment underwriting, and generate income aimed at acquiring hotels. Among the most cherished compliments I’ve received about this journey is recognition for my unwavering tenacity. Setting a goal at a tender age, I find myself, two decades later, still dedicated to realizing the dream of hotel ownership.

The path to owning hotels has been arduous and solitary. Predominantly male, the industry landscape has witnessed some change in recent years, but still predominantly comprises male clientele—approximately 95% of my contacts. I acknowledge that excelling in this field demands me to be the best version of myself, which includes embracing the uniqueness of being a woman in a predominantly male domain. Adopting a success-oriented mindset has been crucial in this career. Establishing a disciplined daily routine encompassing gratitude, prayer, exercise, reading, and healthy living has enabled me to infuse a refreshing perspective into hotel investment sales.

The challenge of enduring long sale cycles also brought unexpected opportunities. Diversifying into body sculpting expanded my horizons and connected me with like-minded women. Through my Body Sculpting business, I share the healthy lifestyle practices that have supported me in achieving my aspirations. Utilizing an ultrasonic soundwave machine, my approach targets individuals already committed to fitness and healthy eating habits but seeking assistance in eliminating stubborn fat in areas like the stomach, arms, thighs, glutes, back, and face. This non-invasive, pain-free procedure involves no downtime, effectively eliminating fat cells by flushing them through the lymphatic system.

I’ve successfully bridged two seemingly disparate industries through my interests. In doing so, I’ve found the joy of helping both men and women feel and look their best in pursuit of their goals, while simultaneously advancing toward my dream of hotel ownership.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My entire life has revolved around Metro Atlanta. From attending college in the city’s heart to the ongoing joke among friends about how many friends I had—often humorously tied to Atlanta’s population—I’ve always considered this vibrant city my beloved home. Atlanta, besides being my residence, served as a significant center for numerous hotel investment and management groups. Early in my career, I dedicated myself to fostering relationships within Atlanta’s dynamic market.

Five years into my career, an enticing opportunity arose to transition to Los Angeles. A large national commercial real estate firm sought someone to spearhead their entry into the LA market, believing my skill set perfectly matched the requirements. However, upon my move, the team’s attitude swiftly shifted. Initially promised guidance in hotel investment sales, their stance altered within two months, veering away from teaching a potential competitor. This sudden change left me in a daunting situation—stranded in Los Angeles without any acquaintances or connections.

After six months, realizing the incongruity with the team, I decided to part ways, coincidentally coinciding with the onset of the pandemic. Determined to succeed in LA’s competitive market, I committed myself to stay until I mastered the art of selling hotels. Over the next year, I dedicated myself to networking and fostering relationships with other hotel investment brokers across California. I traversed through two other teams before finding my current one. The journey was disheartening, having to navigate through teams before landing with a group that genuinely supported, educated, and nurtured my growth in the field of hotel investment sales.

The impact of a supportive team significantly altered my career trajectory. In the initial months with my current team, I successfully put two hotels in escrow—a testament to their guidance and support. I am eternally grateful to my team leader for playing a pivotal role in my success within the realm of hotel investment sales. With his approval, I was able to move back to Atlanta while still being able to service both the east and west coast hotel markets.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

My introduction to my business partner and team leader occurred through a cold call. While browsing a commercial real estate properties listing service website, I stumbled upon his hotel listing. Prior to this encounter, I had heard of him through discussions with other hotel investment brokers in California, where he held the esteemed title of being the top hotel investment sales broker at his firm. Our instant connection was fostered by my tale of resilience.

Upon making the call, I swiftly arranged a meeting with him at his office later that week. What solidified our partnership was an unexpected but telling moment—his dog’s reaction to me. Known for being discerning and usually aloof with visitors, his dog’s immediate affinity towards me left an indelible impression. It seemed his dog had found a rare rapport, which surprisingly sealed the deal between us.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sarhanhba.com
• Instagram: Hotelinvestmentbroker and NtxhiSong
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ntxhi.song
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ntxhisong
• Other: www.sculptedbynix.com Instagram – Sculpted By Nix