The journey to success in real estate isn’t always a smooth ride. It takes a lot of hustle, persistence, and the right mindset to overcome obstacles and achieve the level of success most of us dream about. But with the right strategies, anyone can make it, regardless of where they start.


Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with my fellow realtor and close friend, Justin Smith, on my podcast. We dove deep into his story, from his humble beginnings in bartending to his rise in the real estate world. He shared valuable insights on how staying authentic, pushing through challenges, and constantly learning have made all the difference in his journey.


Transitioning from Bartending to Real Estate


Justin’s story begins in the service industry as a bartender. He was making great money and living a comfortable life. But even though it was financially stable, he felt there was something more he could be doing.


That’s when fate stepped in. Justin came to South Carolina from Franklin, North Carolina, in pursuit of love. While his relationship didn’t work out, his path intersected with mine. We met when he started coming to a bar I used to own, and the rest, as they say, is history.


At first, Justin wasn’t sold on real estate. But after a lot of back-and-forth, I convinced him to join me for a week and see how real estate actually works. By the end of that week, Justin decided to take the leap and pursue his real estate license.


In 2016, he was officially a licensed realtor!


The Struggles of Juggling Two Careers


In the beginning, Justin wasn’t ready to give up bartending just yet. He continued to work late nights while trying to make his mark in real estate during the day. But this balance proved to be difficult.


The long hours of bartending affected his ability to show up fresh for meetings, and that’s when I really started pushing him to go full-time into real estate. I could see his potential, and I knew he could achieve more if he focused entirely on his career in real estate.


Eventually, Justin decided to go all in. Leaving bartending behind was a big decision, but it turned out to be the right one.


The Importance of Mentorship and Leadership in Real Estate


I guided Justin through the early days of his career. I showed him the ropes, helped him navigate tough situations, and gave him the tools to succeed.


Today, Justin is not only a successful realtor but also a mentor to newer agents in our brokerage.


Mentoring New Agents


Justin is passionate about helping our newer agents avoid the pitfalls he encountered early in his career. He shares his experiences and lessons learned, helping them build strong foundations in the industry.


It’s rewarding to see him paying it forward, just as I did for him. His ability to lead and share his knowledge with others has been an essential part of his growth!  


Building Trust and Staying Authentic


At first, Justin struggled to fit into the traditional mold of a real estate agent. But over time, he realized that authenticity was his key to success.


Clients want to work with someone they can trust, and Justin built that trust by staying authentic in every aspect of his work.


Tips for Staying Authentic in Real Estate


  • Be true to yourself and don’t try to fit a mold.

  • Build trust by putting your client’s needs first, even if it means saying “no”.

  • Stay transparent and honest with clients about what’s best for them.


Hustle, Problem-Solving, and Long-Term Growth


Justin’s success didn’t come overnight. It took years of hard work and determination. He worked through the ups and downs, always focused on his long-term goals.


One of Justin’s greatest strengths is his ability to problem-solve. Real estate isn’t always straightforward, and there are plenty of challenges along the way. But Justin thrives in these situations, finding creative solutions that benefit his clients.


Problem-Solving: A Key Strength in Real Estate


Whether it’s navigating a difficult negotiation or figuring out how to solve an issue during a transaction, Justin has learned to approach problems with a clear mind and a solution-oriented attitude.


His ability to handle challenges with grace has been one of the reasons he’s been able to grow and succeed in this business.


The Power of Networking and Community Involvement


From joining local civic organizations to making personal connections, Justin has built a solid network of people who trust and refer him.


We both believe in the power of face-to-face networking. While digital marketing has its place, nothing beats building real, personal connections with people in your community.


As part of our efforts to help the local real estate community, I also invested in real estate podcast production. It’s been a great way to network, share valuable information, and give back to others in the industry.


Embracing Technology and Innovation in Real Estate


Justin and I have embraced tools, like AI and CRM systems, to help streamline tasks, improve efficiency, and ultimately serve our clients better.


But it’s important to strike the right balance. While technology can help us be more productive, the human element—our ability to connect with clients on a personal level—is still what makes all the difference.


Want to hear my entire conversation with Justin? Listen to our podcast episode!


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Justin’s journey and insights resonate with anyone who’s had to overcome challenges to achieve success. His story of authenticity, hustle, and mentorship is one I’m proud to share. I hope you take these lessons to heart and apply them to your own journey.


For more stories, tips, and insights from successful business owners and real estate professionals across South Carolina, like Justin, tune into HomeBrew Podcast!


And, if you’re looking to buy or sell a home in South Carolina, don’t hesitate to reach out to JW Martin Real Estate. Contact us, and let us help you make the best decisions for your future! 


Apply as a Guest on HomeBrew Podcast!


Are you also a business owner or real estate professional with a story to share? Apply to be a guest on HomeBrew Podcast! Promote your business, share your experiences, and contribute to the South Carolina business community.