Snapchat literally changed new kwELITE Realtor Sergio Martiniez’s life.
Only a few years ago Martinez was working in nearby Richland at Hog Slat, the largest construction contractor and manufacturer of hog production equipment in the U.S., when a friend’s post caught his eye. His friend shared on the multimedia instant messaging app the good time he was having on a yacht on Lake Michigan. Martinez was impressed.
“I sent him a message and asked, ‘what do I have to do to be like you one day?” Martinez recalled, noting it was somewhat a joke.
But, his friend quickly wrote back and told him how he found success. Martinez, whose family wasn’t the wealthiest when he was growing up, said he knew then what he had to do.
Three weeks after the Snapchat exchange, he was studying for the life and health exam – established to test a candidate’s knowledge and understanding of both Life and Health Insurance regulations and requirements to ensure their success as a licensed insurance producer. Two or three months later – in October 2018 – 19-year-old Martinez had obtained his first life insurance certification.
Martinez, who spent his early years in David City before moving to Columbus when he was 12, has made a name for himself in the insurance world the last few years. He had stints at Northwestern Mutual and Farm Bureau before joining the team at Aksarben Insurance in Parkway Plaza about six months ago.
Although he has enjoyed the insurance world and his time with Aksarben, regularly listening to realtor/investor Brandon Turner’s “BiggerPockets Podcast” had him highly interested in real estate.
He had considered studying to obtain his license in 2021 and invested in the coursework to become certified before being talked out of it. But being in close proximity to the kwELITE office and an email that the course he paid for was set to expire pushed him to go for it. He didn’t want his investment to go to waste.
Martinez recently earned his license and without hesitation knew he wanted to join kwELITE.
“I get along with everyone so well. Everyone here is super nice, easy going and has a lot of knowledge,’ Martinez said. “And when you look at the numbers, kwELITE runs a majority of the market share and that has to be for a reason. That’s why I chose kwELITE.”
A 2017 Columbus High School graduate, Martinez said he’s appreciative of his parents for their support throughout the years. He’s ready to bring a new sense of youth to the local real estate market.
“I’m really hungry and excited,” Martinez said. “Hopefully I can lead by example and make a difference in somebody’s life if they see a young cat doing this.”
Ready to start looking for your dream home? Call our office at 402-563-4663 to speak with Martinez or any other of our realtors.