Matthew Mondo’s Path to Success in Commercial Real Estate
Follow Matt's story as he turned his career around in four years after realizing he was banging his head against the wall selling MSP (Managed Service Provider) services.
In this episode, Mark Mondo and Cynthia Zimmerman host a two-part series finale on commercial real estate, featuring insightful stories from Matthew Mondo and Conor Mackin. They discuss their unconventional journeys into the field, from overcoming corporate frustrations to building thriving careers in commercial real estate. The conversation highlights the grit, relationship-building, and entrepreneurial mindset required to succeed, while sharing practical advice for aspiring agents and entrepreneurs.
Key Takeaways
- Corporate Frustration: How dissatisfaction with rigid corporate structures drove Matt and Conor to seek entrepreneurial freedom.
- Skills for Success: Communication, resilience, and the ability to build trust are key to thriving in commercial real estate.
- The Role of Mentors: How brokers like Jeremiah Baron guided their paths with hands-on advice and support.
- Entrepreneurial Freedom: The advantages of owning your career path and working directly with clients.
- Turning Relationships into Results: Stories of building long-term client trust and creating multimillion-dollar deals.
In This Episode
- 00:00 – Show Introduction and Underwriter Support: Mark introduces guest Vivek Gargav and the topic of using AI for marketing.
- 05:00 – Vivek's Career Transition: Vivek discusses his journey from microbiologist to marketer and how he navigated various challenges.
- 12:00 – The Power of AI: Vivek explains how AI tools, especially ChatGPT, revolutionized his approach to content creation.
- 20:00 – Using AI to Create SEO Content: Vivek describes leveraging AI for writing SEO-optimized articles and content marketing strategies.
- 30:00 – AI’s Role in Business Pivot: How AI helped Vivek pivot his company’s focus, saving time and resources.
- 40:00 – Concrete Results from AI: Vivek shares the direct business results from using AI, including increased leads and improved content marketing efficiency.
Guest Bio
Matthew Mondo is an accomplished commercial real estate broker with over a decade of experience in property management and IT services. Since 2019, Matthew has specialized in commercial real estate in the Treasure Coast and South Florida region, earning recognition as a top performer. Before entering real estate, Matthew spent 10 years in IT support and managed service provider (MSP) sales, where he honed his client-focused approach and problem-solving skills. Today, he combines his technical expertise and industry knowledge to deliver exceptional service to clients, helping them achieve their property goals.
CoStar Awards
Q3 2022 Power Broker – Quarterly Industrial Lease
Q3 2022 Power Broker – Quarterly Retail Lease
Q4 2021 Power Broker – Quarterly Industrial Lease
Q2 2021 Power Broker – Quarterly Retail Lease
Additional Resources
From Donuts to Deals: Unconventional Success in Commercial Real Estate with Conor Mackin
Discover how Conor Mackin transformed his life from serving donuts to closing deals in commercial real estate within two years, proving that resilience and putting a support team together can lead to extraordinary success.
In this episode, Mark and Cynthia interview Conor Mackin, a rising star in commercial real estate. Conor shares his inspiring journey from working at Dunkin’ Donuts and overcoming personal challenges to becoming a successful commercial real estate agent. He provides a candid look at the determination, mindset shifts, and relationship-building skills required to succeed in the competitive commercial real estate world. Conor’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and the support systems that help people transform their lives.
Key Takeaways
- The Journey from Struggles to Success: How Conor transitioned from battling personal challenges to thriving in commercial real estate.
- Lessons in Resilience: The importance of grit and adaptability in navigating setbacks and failures.
- Relationship Building: Why forming strong connections is essential in the real estate industry.
- Navigating Rejection: How Conor reframed rejection as a stepping stone to success.
- Support Systems: The role of mentors, colleagues, and a strong community in achieving personal and professional goals.
In This Episode
- 00:00 – Show Introduction: Mark introduces Conor Mackin and sets the stage for the discussion.
- 05:00 – Early Career and Challenges: Conor recounts his journey from Dunkin' Donuts to starting his real estate career.
- 15:00 – Overcoming Addiction: How Conor’s personal struggles shaped his resilience and drive for success.
- 25:00 – Breaking into Real Estate: The steps Conor took to enter the commercial real estate industry without prior experience.
- 35:00 – Handling Rejection: How Conor reframed rejection as part of the process and stayed motivated.
- 45:00 – The Power of Collaboration: Working with colleagues and building a strong network to close deals.
- 55:00 – Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Conor’s tips on staying focused, maintaining a positive mindset, and leveraging support systems.
Guest Bio
Conor Mackin is a leading commercial sales and leasing agent with Jeremiah Baron & Company Commercial Real Estate, serving the Treasure Coast of Florida since 2021. Specializing in retail and industrial properties, Conor has earned recognition as a CoStar Power Broker, receiving awards for Top Retail Leasing and Top Industrial Leasing Broker. Known for his strong relationship-building skills and commitment to client success, Conor is dedicated to helping businesses find the perfect spaces to grow and thrive while upholding the highest professional standards.
Additional Resources
Owning a Franchise: Lessons on Building a Business and Community
If you want own a gym franchise, listen to Maureen's story before you put up that down payment.
In this episode, Mark Mondo and Cynthia Zimmerman interview Maureen Tuohy, owner of a 9Round Kickboxing franchise in Wheeling Illinois, about her journey from personal trainer to franchise owner. We explore the benefits and challenges of owning a franchise, from startup costs and employee management to navigating the pandemic and fostering a strong community. Maureen shares practical insights and personal stories, offering inspiration for anyone considering franchising as a business model.
Key Takeaways
- Why Franchising? Maureen explains her choice of the 9Round franchise for its affordability and strong support system.
- Startup Challenges: Balancing significant upfront investment, training, and adapting to franchise requirements.
- Employee Management: Tips for finding, training, and retaining dedicated staff members.
- Navigating the Pandemic: Overcoming unprecedented challenges with the help of government loans, community support, and creative solutions.
- Building a Community: How 9Round fosters a sense of belonging among members while supporting their fitness goals.
In This Episode
- 00:00 – Show Introduction: Mark introduces the topic of franchising and welcomes Maureen Tuohy.
- 05:00 – Why Franchising? Maureen shares her reasons for choosing the 9Round Kickboxing franchise over other business models.
- 15:00 – Startup Investment: The costs and sacrifices involved in launching a franchise.
- 25:00 – Employee Retention: Strategies for building a loyal and flexible team.
- 35:00 – Overcoming the Pandemic: How Maureen kept her business afloat during COVID-19 through innovative solutions and community support.
- 45:00 – Marketing Tips for Franchisees: The importance of grassroots marketing and leveraging digital tools like social media.
- 55:00 – The Value of Community: Building a supportive environment for both members and staff.
Guest Bio
Since 2017, Maureen Tuohy lives her dream as the owner of a 9Round Kickboxing franchise in Wheeling, Illinois. Along the way, she’s built amazing teams, connected with incredible customers, and turned many of those connections into lifelong friendships. Now, Maureen spends her days helping people reach their fitness goals and creating a welcoming, empowering community.
Additional Resources
Affordable Tools for Starting a Professional Services Business
Setting Up a Professional Services Business with the Right Software on a Shoestring Budget
In episode 4 of Getting Down to Business, Mark Mondo and Cynthia Zimmerman discuss how entrepreneurs can set up a professional services business on a tight budget. They cover affordable or free software solutions for website hosting, CRM, email marketing, video editing, and collaboration tools. We explore how AI tools, like ChatGPT, can help streamline content creation, making it possible to run a business efficiently without breaking the bank.
Key Takeaways
- How to find affordable website hosting and domain services (Weebly, GoDaddy, Zoho Sites).
- Affordable tools for video and image editing (Vimeo, CapCut, GIMP, Canva).
- Collaboration and communication tools for teams (Zoho Cliq, Slack, Zoom).
- Using AI (ChatGPT) to assist with content marketing and other creative tasks.
- Introduction to email marketing tools (Mailchimp, Mailjet) and free invoicing/accounting tools (Zoho Invoice, PayPal).
In This Episode
- 00:00 – Show Introduction: Mark and Cynthia introduce the topic of setting up a professional services business on a budget.
- 05:00 – The Importance of a Website: How to set up a professional website using affordable services like Weebly or Zoho Sites.
- 15:00 – Domain Names and Hosting: Discussion on buying domain names and the importance of having a professional email address.
- 25:00 – Tools for Video and Image Editing: Free tools like CapCut and GIMP for video and image editing, and when to invest in premium services like Vimeo.
- 35:00 – Collaboration Tools: How tools like Zoho Click and Zoom can help teams collaborate efficiently without high costs.
- 45:00 – AI for Content Creation: Using ChatGPT to generate marketing content, including blog posts, cold emails, and SEO strategies.
- 55:00 – Email Marketing and Invoicing Tools: Free email marketing platforms like Mailchimp and Mailjet, and accounting software options like ZohoBooks and PayPal for startups.
Guest Bio
Mark Mondo founded MondoCRM 1997 and earned his skills growing up in the family business and working in the software industry as VAR, publisher and consultant since 1993. Cynthia Zimmerman has worked in the non-profit space since 1991 in event and project management, and when she’s away from the desk, she’s singing utilizing her classical training for Christ Church in Winnteka, Illinois.
Additional Resources
- Website Hosting and Domain Services:
- Weebly: https://www.weebly.com
- GoDaddy: https://www.godaddy.com
- Zoho Sites: https://www.zoho.com/sites/
- Video and Image Editing Tools:
- CapCut: https://www.capcut.com
- GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program): https://www.gimp.org
- Canva: https://www.canva.com
- Vimeo: https://www.vimeo.com
- Collaboration and Communication Tools:
- Zoho Cliq: https://www.zoho.com/cliq/
- Slack: https://www.slack.com
- Zoom: https://www.zoom.us
- AI Content Creation:
- ChatGPT by OpenAI: https://openai.com/chatgpt
- Email Marketing Tools:
- Mailchimp: https://www.mailchimp.com
- Mailjet: https://www.mailjet.com
- Invoicing and Accounting Tools:
- ZohoBooks: https://www.zoho.com/books/
- PayPal: https://www.paypal.com
Stakeholder Business Case: Profit for All
Let's create the case for all stakeholders to profit along with the shareholders.
In episode 3 of Getting Down to Business, Mark and Cynthia interview guest Michael Woyan delve into how businesses can adopt a stakeholder approach to ensure the success of not only shareholders but also employees, communities, and the environment. They explore case studies that highlight the benefits of creating equitable and socially responsible business models, including improving customer loyalty, reducing employee turnover, and fostering cooperation between businesses.
Key Takeaways
- The Stakeholder Approach: Why businesses must prioritize all stakeholders, not just shareholders, for long-term success.
- Benefits of Social Responsibility: How customer loyalty, employee retention, and community involvement strengthen a company.
- Cooperative vs. Competitive Business Models: The advantages of collaboration over competition in solving social and economic problems.
- Practical Steps for Entrepreneurs: How small business owners can start building socially responsible business models, including becoming a B Corporation.
In This Episode
- 00:00 – Show Introduction: Mark welcomes guest Michael Woyan, returning to dive deeper into unfinished business from Episode 1.
- 05:00 – The Stakeholder Approach: Michael discusses the shift from a shareholder-first model to a stakeholder-focused business approach.
- 12:00 – Social Impact in Action: Michael shares his experience working with communities to improve economic development, including his work with the Lakota tribe.
- 20:00 – Employee Retention Strategies: The discussion shifts to how businesses can reduce employee churn by treating employees as assets rather than commodities.
- 30:00 – Cooperative Business Models: Michael explains how cooperative models can foster stronger businesses, sharing examples from the Chicago B Corp community.
- 40:00 – Practical Steps for Entrepreneurs: Mark and Michael provide practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to adopt a stakeholder model, including how to start the process of becoming a B Corporation.
Guest Bio
Michael Woyan is a social impact entrepreneur with a background in real estate development and nonprofit work. As the founder of Marketsling Innovation Labs, he focuses on ethical business practices and creating economic opportunities in underserved communities.