Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Issa.
Hi Matt, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I came from the world of Academia where everyone in my family holds at least a B.S. degree or more. It was one of the scariest things that I have proudly done in my life. At times I was going back and forth and where I stood with my decision. Today, I am proud and happy with the decision of becoming an entrepreneur and a business owner. I was always drawn to the world of business but never fully submerged in it till COVID-19 hit and I was suddenly unemployed; In some ways, I am thankful for that as it pushed me to the edge and out of my comfort zone and that was one of the best decisions of my life!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It sure has not been a smooth ride but one thing I have learned in life is that I will not give up. My family and I immigrated from overseas since high school; Watching my parents work hard and hold multiple jobs had me thinking… you see, I came from the world of Academia where everyone in my family holds at least a B.S. degree or more. It was one of the scariest things that I have proudly done in my life. At times I was going back and forth and where I stood with my decision. Today, I am proud and happy with the decision of becoming an entrepreneur and a business owner in the real estate field. I was always drawn to the world of business but never fully submerged in it till COVID-19 hit and I was suddenly unemployed; In some ways, I am thankful for that as it pushed me to the edge and out of my comfort zone and that was one of the best decisions of my life! I have recently moved my Real Estate business to Compass Real Estate where I truly feel welcomed and inspired for the years to come. I got into real estate back in 2017 and have practiced real estate on a part-time basis while holding other full-time positions. After graduating from UH-Main with a degree in Biology and Health Sciences, I was able to obtain a great Research Analyst position with Baylor College of Medicine while I was prepping for MCAT and possibly going into medical school.
While at Baylor, upon visiting the OR and consenting cancer patients for our BioBanking and other ongoing Multicenter studies, I realized it wasn’t 100% for me; Although, I knew I wanted to be in an industry that I can show my passion and truly help and make a difference in people’s lives. After doing several other short-term jobs like Uber, tutoring; I start a new hospitality management position for IHG at Medical center Houston. Opening a new hotel isn’t easy but I loved the team-building aspect and truly enjoyed that. Meanwhile, I was doing real estate part-time and desired to engage in real estate business full-time. COVID-19, struck and events and hospitality was one of the first industries that were affected; This really pushed me to pursue my real estate career full time and with the grace of God, family and friends been able to complete over 6 Million in business volume production last year! I am currently at Compass real estate and counting down my blessings and looking into great career days in real estate and this amazing brokerage which currently ranks #1 in the nation.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about COMPASS?
I am a REALTOR® and aspiring to become a Broker Associate, hopefully in the next month or two. I have been in real estate about six years now and along the way have worn many different hats in my life; I have done it all, I think as far as work goes. My first job in high school was working at McDonald’s; throughout college, I worked in hospitality within luxury hotels and restaurants as a bartender, and server to pay for college. Later on, as I mentioned previously had plans for medical school so after a rigorous interview process, I was selected to be part of Elkin’s Pancreas Center research done by Dr. William Fisher and other centers within U.S. It truly was a challenge to study for MCAT and work and pay student loans. Coolest part of my job was meeting and consenting patients for different studies and have willing they were to contribute to science and research fields; Although, I came to realize it was not 100% for me and there are other fields I can pursue my passion of truly serving others.
I went back to Food and Beverage sector within hospitality as I had enjoyed that during college years but this time stepping into the management aspect as part of the opening team for IHG at medical center. Building a team of 50+ and managing over 2o thousand sq. ft of ballroom and meeting room space was challenging but yet another lifelong experience I will cherish. After COVID-19 hit, events and hospitality was the first field to shut down and I decided to go into real estate full force as I always intended to. Currently, I am at COMPASS HOU and loving it! surrounded by amazing professionals that I learn and look up to. I had my best year in real estate as I was able to sell over 5 Million dollar mark and superseded my own expectations. I focus on apartment locating, leases, residential and commercial sales. I have recently started another company of mine where I invest in rental properties and acquisitions. There are many realtors in our city and market; however, I am the brand and I give 110% to my clients. “quality over quantity”. There is only one of me and I believe everyone is unique and talented in their own way and we should let the world see it in action.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Covid-19 thought many lessons and some were harsh as most of us experienced the loss of a close friend or a family member. If that’s you, my sincere condolences goes to you and your family as I know it’s not easy!
Main lesson I learned during the time of lockdowns was giving gratitude, and NEVER taking life for granted. Life is short and we may not get another chance to tell someone close to us how we feel or you may not have the opportunity to take advantage of the opportunities you have today, so go for it!
Pricing:
- $300 or more in rebate depending on apartment pricing
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.compass.com/agents/matt-issa/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearded.agent.compass/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bearded.agent.compass
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/issamatt
- Other: https://www.har.com/matt-issa/ratings_681598
Image Credits
John Abraham
