Marika Tolz is a visionary entrepreneur , strategic thinker and experienced problem solver.
As the CEO of State Wide Realty and State Wide Financial Services she provided real estate expertise to customers over the past 35 years with insurmountable success. The clients made fortunes just by following and implementing the advise they were given
In the past she has served as a dedicated Federal and State Trustee always helping the businesses and persons embroiled in complicated litigation that could result in an end of the business venture and a catastrophic loss for the individuals . With her tutorship and skills the businesses were salvaged and the individuals were able to go n with their lives.
During the past 3 decades , businesses like the following were reorganized or liquidated as successful operations rather than merely bricks and mortar :
Supermarkets
Real Estate Development projects
Auto parts manufacturers
Large commercial warehouse complexes
Medical practices
Law Firms
Ostrich Farms
Marinas
Restaurants and Night Clubs
Condo conversions
Rental complexes between 10 and 500 units
Retail furniture businesses
Boat manufacturers
Home improvement stores the size of Home Depo and Lowes
Collection of Paso Fino show horses Horse stables and boarding facilities
Garbage Collection Businesses
And many more
Marika is warehouse of knowledge and experience. She has a following of entrepreneurs who continue to follow her and seek out guidance. She is a skilled mediator and has committed herself to finding resolutions for the individual needing help to multi national companies.
After all what would life be like if we could not find the way to succeed even in these very difficult times.
Born In Hungary, raised in France , and settled in South Florida to raise her two children, as a widow from the time they were infants to become successful in their own rights.
Where did the idea for your company come from?
It was a derivative of A.T and T Realty. A.T. and T realty was my late husbands company and the name carried his initials. With a plan to move on, State Wide Realty was formed. The name came after we got the bad news that World Wide was no longer available. Just as well, as we focused on making our mark in Florida, a true paradise.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
My typical day start about 5:30 AM and is consistent boots on the ground until about 6 PM or later . I spend my day working on commercial projects and helping people who don’t know or cannot help themselves consisting of helping with referrals, review of documents, family financial planning, divorce issues, and other personal matters. But none of that happens before I know what is happening in the world with interest rates, futures, and economics. Bloomberg is whom I follow.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life by dissecting the problem and finding a viable solution. Sometimes ideas just come from crossing paths with a present situation that did not exist yesterday. We like to think that the idea or opportunity is immediately recognized.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that excites me is the reactions both of the market and the population as it relates to the economy, the Ukraine crisis, and world finances. Then there is the individual whom receives advise with direction and is able to actually see the light at the end of the tunnel….. it brings tears to your eyes.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
One habit of mine is always dissecting the issue or the problem to reach and identify the core . I always approach a project as if it was my own .
What advice would you give your younger self?
Advise to my younger self is: Stop being such a workaholic . You will miss a lot of good things passing you by. So take some time off and smell the flowers
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
It is true that I have always worked too hard. No one agrees that the sacrifices I have made are worth it. But when I see the joy on the people I have helped, I makes it all worth it.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
The one thing that is most important is to listen to the client or customer to make sure you are on the same page.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
My business and professional life has grown by putting myself in the shoes of the client and finding the solution or recommendation I can honestly say I would do myself in the same situation.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
One failure I had was allowing others to do my work for me when I was unable to do so myself. The result was a true disaster. I promised myself that would not happen again, and that the work would be shared with colleges with very strict oversight.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A good business idea would be to create a business that will solely promote health food for your age group.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
The best $100 I have spent (actually many times) was extended a hand to someone I come across by giving them $100.00 to help through their troubles without asking for anything in return
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
Microsoft products are the best for just about everything. You can do everything from creating documents to converting them for custom use. I use all of their software on a daily basis, never ceases to amaze me. Everything is synched to my phone so I never miss a step.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
One must read is Blue Ocean Strategy. A well written analysis of our economy and what drives it. By W Chn Kim and Renee Maugorgne
What is your favorite quote?
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”
Mahatma Gandhi
Key Learnings:
- Learn to have a really good understanding of the scenario being offered to you.
- Take the time to evaluate the challenge .
- Find and identify your options , research to back up your findings
- Process the odds of success as if it was for your own benefit
- Reach findings and conclusions with an open door for change
- Continue your education and learning
Steve (Stefan) Junge hails from Germany and helps with the day-to-day publishing of interviews on IdeaMensch. While he and Mario don’t share a favorite soccer club, their enthusiasm to help entrepreneurs is a shared passion.