Michael Martin

With over 25 years of experience, Mike Martin has not only ranked in the top 1% of all realtors in the Nation but also in the Top 1% in the Greater Milwaukee Area.

A self-described adrenaline junkie, Mike Martin found himself chained to a desk in his first job out of college when he worked as a trader at Robert W. Baird. Lunch was even catered in because the traders couldn’t leave their desks to eat. Martin decided he wanted a bit more freedom and to meet more people and entered the family real estate business. The race car driver and driving instructor loved it. He discusses the similarities he’s found in thrill of speed and the thrill of closing a deal in this edited interview.

Tell me how you got into the real estate business.
It’s a family business. My father, Bruce Martin, started in it when I was about two years old. When I was six, he opened his own real estate company and now he’s the broker/owner of Remax Realty 100 in the Milwaukee area. My mom was also in the business for more than 20 years, and she’s now retired. I guess it was in the blood. I started 25 years ago.

What do you enjoy about selling real estate?
Being out of the office every day, meeting people face to face and not being chained to a desk and phone. I also enjoy running my own business and the fact that the harder I work, the more successful I can be. It’s 100 percent me and it’s all on my shoulders. The adrenaline rush from racing is similar to bringing a transaction together.

What is your biggest challenge?
Today’s changing environment. Lending regulation has made it more difficult than it needs to be. There should be more common sense as part of the lending practices. They’ve made it so even good buyers find it difficult to get approved for financing. Money is very available, there’s just a lot of red tape getting to that point.

What role do you believe a realtor should play for a client?
That of problem solver. Things will come up in a real estate transaction but there is always a solution. If we never give up, we’ll get there.

What’s the most important advice you give a client?
Real estate transactions are very emotional and I work with them to take the emotions out of it. This can be difficult for both buyers and sellers. Both of them have to look at it as a business decision. I also recommend they get negotiations settled as quickly as possible. The longer it takes to get to an agreement, the less likely it is they’ll get there.

Have you had any mentors along the way?
No question, my dad. He’s been there all the way through my career for 20 years. He’s still there for me and I’m still seeking his advice.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Be as knowledgeable as you possibly can. I try to walk into every appointment fully prepared. I want to be as professional and knowledgeable as I can and communicate that to the client that I’m working with at the time.

What do you do for recreation or to relax?
We have a home on Elkhart Lake and I spend a lot of time there with my family. I also love racing. I have a Porsche race car and I’ve raced for about 15 years. I’m a driving instructor for a Porsche club, a Corvette club and others. I like the adrenaline rush I get out of racing. I’m into boating, motorcycles – anything that goes fast.

What charitable activities are you involved with?
RE/MAX is really involved with the Children’s Miracle Network and we raise about $30,000 for them each year. I’ve also done some work through my racing hobby for the March of Dimes by auctioning rides on the racetrack.