Learning and networking are probably the two most important elements in business. Having relationships is very powerful. You need relationships to succeed not only in business but also in life.
Martin Mbeteni is the Vice President of Capital Markets for Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL). He secures capital Debt & Equity for owners and operators of healthcare properties across the country.
Martin Mbeteni earned his BA degree in business administration and went on to achieve his MBA in finance and accounting from Helzberg School of Management at Rockhurst University, in Kansas City Missouri. Even as an executive, Martin continues to enhance his education by utilizing online education opportunities whenever possible. One extremely beneficial course he recently took for our rapidly changing world was “Managing Change Initiatives for Business Leaders.”
Martin Mbeteni has been in the financial service industry for almost fifteen years. Prior to joining JLL, he served in executive management positions providing his expertise in roles such as portfolio management, credit, loan production support, and asset management. He has previously worked at Citibank, HSBC, and KeyBank.
As VP of Jones Lang LaSalle Martin Mbeteni envisions a bright future over the next ten years for the healthcare and seniors housing industry. He serves his clients with passion, enthusiasm and vigor.
Where did the idea for your company come from?
I have always been fascinated by the concept of independent wealth and how different financial tools can be used to build a business and accumulate assets. My curiosity began at an early age with a strong interest in how the concept of money, shares, dividends and world financial markets interconnect. Consequently, I thought the best way to learn how all these diverse financial pieces come together is to get a degree in it. I earned my bachelor’s degree in business administration to learn how money works and how businesses are run. That was also my catalyst to get my MBA in finance. I wanted to go into the analytics of finance. I met a colleague in the industry who convinced me that I was an excellent fit for this particular niche of the industry. Once I got into it, I realized he was right. I have an analytical mind, an affinity for numbers, natural talent to build relationships and I love the complexities of deals. I enjoy reviewing financing requests and helping my clients secure capital for their businesses. It gives me great satisfaction knowing that I am helping people and specific demographic group realize their business or personal goals.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
One thing I love about my line of work is the fact that each day is different and no two deals are the same. Some days can be more hectic than others. I manage my day by prioritizing. I typically make a “to do” list for the following work day before I leave office each evening. In short, to remain productive I set a goal and thrive to hit it. If I fall short in a day, I pick up where I left off and hit that goal before deadline. That’s being productive.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Through research and reading, both of which are never-ending tasks. In general, I have 2 layers of business acumen when it comes to ideas. The first being; details, numbers and figuring transaction complexities. My comfort zone is being in the midst of some of the most complex deals involving several levels of intricate analysis in order to provide clients with creative solutions. However, the end result once deal challenges are conquered is invigorating. Challenging deals get my creative mind going. This is my homeroom. That is where I thrive!
The second layer being philanthropy, service and leadership. Leading others and being a mentor is my passion. It is what makes me feel whole. Passing on tips, advice, support and leading others give me gratification.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The growth of our industry. The number of baby-boomers turning 65 and older continues to grow each day and the demand for capital markets solutions to meet the needs of this demographic group continuously grow with it. I get thrilled to play a role in serving this important group of people.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I read a lot. It is imperative. I stay current on what is going on in the global financial markets and the economy as a whole. I keep up with industry trends. I stay up to date on domestic and international capital flows, interest rate movements and the latest government fiscal and regulatory policies. I also look at how all of these trends and movements impact what I do. That is what keeps me successful because knowledge is power.
Networking is a close second. Learning and Networking are probably the two most important elements in business. Having relationships is very powerful. You need relationships to succeed not only in business but also in life.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
The majority of people think our industry is uniquely going to go through a challenging time within the next two years or so. I believe that every business goes through challenging periods. Every business experiences its fair share of bumps and bruises along the way. It is just a business cycle. If you look at the global picture, the business is healthy. The demand is there and it is only going to continue to grow. I don’t know exactly what it will look like, but I believe we will be experiencing growth for at least the next ten years.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Persistence. Things are not always going to be easy. You have to get out of comfort zone and just do it. Don’t give up if it doesn’t work the first time.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Knowing how to solve clients’ needs. For me, it is knowing my products very well and how those products help my clients meet their capital needs. Clients want to know that you understand what their needs are. That requires you to have a knowledge base. Clients want to be confident that you know the industry and understand their businesses. All of this will make a potential client decides if s/he will go with you or your competitor.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
I started in the commercial real estate industry when the economy was in a tailspin. However, I learned a great deal about the industry during that time and that experience has made me a better banker. I saw what happens to the industry and to the broader economy in challenging times. The knowledge I gained helped to make me as successful as I am today.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
As an industry, we are a little behind in technology. We still mostly use excel spreadsheet models to analyze deals. I would like to see someone come up with a better solution to analyze real estate transactions other than having to use a spreadsheet. Perhaps an easy to use software to take a deal from the beginning to the end.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
My wife and I had our oldest daughter 8th birthday party recently. She wanted a glow in the dark birthday party. The joy of seeing her smile and the laughter that she shared was the best way I could have spent any amount of money.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
My company has recently installed an internal company-wide application which is integrated as a cell phone application as well. It allows employees in over 80 countries to communicate and exchange ideas with each other. It also allows us to easily identify potential international capital market solutions which we might not otherwise been aware of. It is an extremely useful tool.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel H. Pink. The book gives practical advice in the art of timing and time management. The author provides some great insights on how to be more effective in choosing when to tackle a new task, when to give a big presentation, or even when to book a plane ticket!
What is your favorite quote?
“If you don’t ask, the answer is always no” (Nora Roberts)
Key learnings:
• Loyalty to business and clients
• A leader in the industry
• Focus on management and team knowledge
• Persistence and Passion
• Service
Connect:
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.