Do you remember your first hire? There is so much that goes into building a company, but few things matter as much the quality of the team you assemble. Given the immense importance of team building, we wanted to create a series where we ask entrepreneurs who have been there and done that, to share their stories and lessons with the community.

Michael Martirena

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. Read more>>

Preston Maestri

Well, every production is a bit different. Sometimes it might just be me and one other person, sometimes it’s a team of 5-6 people. But regardless of the size of the production, I find one of the more underrated skills of working as a cinematographer is actually team management. A lot of cinematographers only focus on improving their skills on the craftsman side of the business, but I really believe that being able to effectively communicate with, and manage a team as a boss is crucial. No matter how talented you are, if you can’t communicate your vision effectively to the team that is going to execute it, you won’t get anywhere. Read more>>

Courtney Clem

I began my journey with Coldwell Banker Southern Realty in March 2023, joining a firm with a remarkable history and a vision for growth. Established in 2020, Coldwell Banker Southern Realty was founded in Lawrenceburg, TN, when our owner, Rich Cosner, acquired Coldwell Banker Counce Hooper. This strategic beginning was followed by the opening of a new office in Columbia, TN. Read more>>