CEO of I Sell Palm Coast, Robert Flores is a tenacious businessman that can overcome anything and always knows what step to take next. Originally from Queens, New York, Robert made his way down to Florida where he eventually landed in Flagler County. He currently resides in Flagler Beach, working out of Palm Coast. Robert got his start in the sales world at a cellular company before making the jump into the real estate industry. He soon realized that he had a gift for sales and a great ability to negotiate as well as finding the right product for the right person. All of these skills came together with Robert’s sharp business abilities and he decided to open his own mortgage brokerage. When the housing market crashed and left many wondering how to make ends meet, Robert pivoted and opened a property management company in order to stay prosperous. During a real estate transaction, Robert gets in touch with the owner of Approved Mortgage Source and starts working for them. He is quickly promoted to Vice President after growing the company by hiring new loan officers and being integral in the opening of new branches throughout Florida and Georgia. With his new Business, I Sell Palm Coast, Robert is excited to bring all of his experience and savvy business background and put it to hard work for his clients to find them their dream home. Navigating the world of real estate can be difficult so it will be refreshing for clients to have someone on their side.
Where did the idea for I Sell Palm Coast come from?
I have a long, successful history in the real estate industry and I was ready to take on a new challenge so I did so with this new business venture.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
I keep my days full and I love to stay busy. Even if I have “down time” I will use it to learn something new, stay updated on products, check out area comps, anything to keep information coming in and productivity going out.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I like to talk things out, work through all of the pieces of an idea like a puzzle. My wife is usually the one I go to; she’s been such a great support through the years.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The customer service experience is changing. Customers are starting to expect a personalized experience. I am excited to incorporate that into my own business. There will be no scripts used, every experience will feel very “VIP”.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
My appetite to learn. I think it gives me an edge because I am usually the first to know about things just because I am constantly talking in information.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self: broaden your outlook, try to see things through the eyes of other people and it will help you get a better grasp on the world as a whole. Empathy is a great quality and can be incredibly helpful in setting you apart as a better businessman.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
It’s okay to sometimes compare yourself to others, you just have to do it in the right context. In a way that increases your self-awareness and helps you become a better person. Pay attention to the way other people do business and emulate the traits you like while avoiding those you dislike.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Take good notes. If you take good notes, you can write down the names of your client and maybe an interesting fact about them that they may have told you. It will certainly impress them the next time you meet if you remember their name and it will help you to grow meaningful client relationships more quickly which is important in any business where client trust is of the essence.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
I have a knack for hiring the right people. When you find great people to expand your team, the business will thrive and grow. I have done this several times in the past and it has resulted in business growing and expanding; across state lines even.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
It is hard to pinpoint one failure I have had but as far as overcoming difficulties, I think it is important to take time each day to meditate on what is important to you. Some do this in one big meditative session in the morning to start the day or at the end of their day, some may set aside several 10-minute periods throughout the day where they pause and reflect. No matter how you are doing it, it is important to take that time each day to reflect.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Smarter A.I. in the banking world could potentially save billions. Some sort of self-learning A.I. that tracks transactions and knows the spending habits of the person or business so that it can detect fraud more quickly.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
An incredibly beautiful bouquet of flowers for my equally beautiful wife. Starting a business can be a stressful time in your life so I wanted to show my appreciation for her support. It is also important to maintain an appropriate work life balance if you don’t want to burn yourself out.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
Monday.com helps you plan, collaborate, and track all from one piece of software. There are these visual boards that keep everyone up to date, it’s a great tool for productivity.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
Zero to One by Peter Thiel. This book presents a new way of thinking about what the future of startups will look like. It is a very intriguing concept and a great read for any entrepreneur.
What is your favorite quote?
“It is difficult, but not impossible, to conduct strictly honest business.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Key Learnings:
• Keep your days full and avoid down time, try to fill your time with learning as much as possible.
• Provide a personalized customer service experience and avoid scripts wherever possible.
• Empathy is a great quality and will make you a better businessperson.
• Hire the right people and you’ll find that your business will thrive and grow.
• Make sure you take time to show your appreciation for the ones in your life that are supporting your business ventures and keep a good work-life balance.
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.