Spotlight On: Mark Menendez

Mark Menendez had to try many different career paths before realizing his true calling was real estate. Finding himself both excited and energized after his first client, he knew he would never look back. Elliman Insider sat down with Mark to find out some lessons he’s learned along the way, how his travels have taken him from New York City to Texas, and where we can find him when he’s not working. Elliman Insider: You’ve been in real estate for over two decades. When did you know that it was your calling? Mark Menendez: I come from a real estate family. I took many paths: a degree in Commercial Art, I owned a Mexican restaurant in Riverdale (where I grew up), opened a nightclub in The Village and worked in Construction Management until my family convinced me to get licensed. After working with my first client, I was so energized and excited I couldn’t get enough and knew it would be my future. All the experiences in my professional life have led and prepared me for what I do today. EI: What are some lessons you’ve learned along the way? MM: Empathy is essential to working with people.  Kindness seeds your future. Listen before speaking. Cut to the point. Share your successes, “Everyone eats” – my stepfather’s advice has been golden EI: Do you live by a personal mantra or favorite saying? MM: Change is progress. Make it rain, then go with the flow. EI: You’ve lived and worked in NYC, Miami, Hawaii, and now Texas. What is it about new scenery that motivates you? MM: New environments inspire growth and renew awareness that I believe to be essential to one’s evolution. Travel is key but living somewhere new is invaluable. Plus, they all have beaches. EI: Why is Douglas Elliman the right place for you? MM: Growing up in New York City, I remember seeing the Douglas Elliman logo and ads when my parents were reading the Sunday Times. The brand always represented a higher level and I wanted to be with the best of the best. I’ve been fortunate to have worked my entire career at Douglas Elliman with amazing people from my start as an agent at 3 East 54th Street, as a Manager in TriBeCa and now with DE Texas. Elliman is truly family to me.  EI: What compelled you to transition back to sales from your management career? I loved working with the leadership teams and really enjoyed coaching agents, it was a fulfilling experience. I’ve learned so much from everyone I’ve worked with, but m y heart has always been in sales. “I think I have an innate appetite for creatively crafting deals, uncovering different perspectives and problem solving.” I think I have an innate appetite for creatively crafting deals, uncovering different perspectives and problem solving. I also see an amazing future ahead for the growth of Houston and Texas overall and I feel I will have a greater opportunity to impact and influence it from this side of the table.  I lived in South Beach just as it became the place to be and moved to the Financial District in NYC just before the residential condominium boom. Houston has many of the same basic dynamics those markets had before they became hot spots so fasten your seatbelts and get in now. EI: Any advice for new agents? MM: Opportunity can come from the most unlikely places so treat everyone with great respect and always be excited about your profession. EI: Where can we find you when you’re not working? At the beach. MM: I live for all things ocean and love to surf, snowboard and I play many sports. I play third base in a very competitive softball league here in Houston and like to ride bikes through the parks and neighborhoods—it’s a great way to get to know a city. But I most enjoy joking around with my family and helping my little guy discover the world.  Mark and family. View some of Mark’s Listings: 120 Carnarvon Drive | $29,500,000 Escape to the English countryside in the heart of Houston at The Manor on Carnarvon. A quintessential, classic country estate, designed with extraordinary quality taking inspiration from some of Europes finest appointments and details. Situated on over four acres, this masterpiece mansion arranged over three floors, is meticulously crafted so every room looks over the park-like grounds and parterre gardens. Crafted in the finest luxury details, gold gilded accents, patina wall panels, silk upholstered walls, vaulted ceilings, authentic walnut flooring and French antique fountains. No detail or expense has been spared, one of Houstons most esteemed estates, private and secure, a wonderful blend of both intimacy and a place for gathering and entertaining. 2 Longbow Lane | $23,500,000 Escape to an exclusive oasis in the heart of Houston at 2 Longbow Lane. Inspired by the worlds great luxury retreats, this 4.4-acre property provides a true sense of seclusion not found anywhere else in the city. Bespoke appointments are found at every turn with dramatic architectural features including cathedral ceilings, rare wood appointments, two story floor-to-ceiling windows, and stone details throughout. Crafted for entertaining, the home provides multiple flexible spaces, perfect for intimate gatherings or grand events. Enjoy several relaxing settings on the vast grounds where lush landscaping, mature trees, streams and ponds will transport you away from the city. Designed to accentuate the picturesque topography and vistas with exceptional natural light and inspiring surroundings. 5420 Holly Street | $1,680,000 Charming American craftsman style home perched on an oversized, raised lot on tree-lined Holly Street in Braeburn Estates. The charming front porch includes classic tapered columns and wide lot frontage with excellent curb appeal leading to a triple wide driveway. Designed for energy efficiency with large Pella windows surrounding the family room and a stone fireplace. An additional fireplace centers the living room adjacent to a formal dining room or library with built-in shelving and extra lounge area. Chefs sized island kitchen with Viking & Sub-zero appliances opens to the breakfast room. Two story gallery for large artwork separates the primary and secondary bedrooms from the living areas. A screened in porch or family room for outdoor dining overlooks the saltwater pool. Extra-large backyard for events or activities. New roof freshly painted, and this home has never flooded. Contact Mark for all your real estate needs today.