Editorial
Front Page - Monday, December 21, 2009
Bruce Martin passionate about people, real estate and life
Rebecca Brockman
Some interviews are formal, while others are informal and as comfortable as talking with an old friend. Interviewing Bruce Martin, the recently elected North Pulaski Board of Realtors president, falls into the latter category.
I noticed a large green Rubbermaid box sitting in Martin’s office as we made introductions and small talk. He informed that he is in charge of hanging the Christmas lights outside the Crye-Leike office located in North Little Rock. He said it was one of his responsibilities when he started at the company six years ago and he does it every year. He didn’t seem to mind that our interview interfered with the annual lighting production.
Helping others and making things bright comes naturally to Martin. Before selling real estate, he worked for and eventually managed his family’s business. His family ran a national Yellow Page advertising agency. They sold Yellow Page ads to regional and national companies such as Dillard’s and Coca-Cola. Martin’s role in the business kept him busy and on the road three to four days a week. “It was great. I loved it. I got to do big-city things and come home and be with my family. I had the best of both worlds,” said Martin. While working for his dad, Martin was indoctrinated with the fundamentals of managing a successful business. “I learned that customer is always right and you do whatever you can do to make sure everything is right and they are happy,” said Martin. When the road warrior turned manager left the family business after 22 years, he came to Crye-Leike. Martin was the ninth agent at the company at the time. “Now we have close to 95 agents,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed watching this office grow.”
Martin said he was attracted to the company’s marketing, training, commission structure and absence of desk fees. Another thing he liked about the company is the Crye-Leike College, where once a quarter, important topics pertaining to real estate are taught.
“There isn’t any reason for you not to know (something), because they have plenty of training,” said Martin. But it’s the people that he works with that keep Martin going and encouraged. “We have some really great people (working) here,” he said.
When he started working at the company in 2004, he had the rare opportunity of meeting one of the owners. One night, Martin was at the office working really late on about nine contracts. He said papers were scattered everywhere and in the midst of the craziness a man walked in and asked Martin if he needed some help. To which he replied, “I’m not really big on this paper work.” Turns out, the man he was talking to was Harold Crye, co-founder of the real estate company Martin was working for.
After formal introductions, Martin told Crye with a big laugh, “I think we need to think about putting a third name on the business because this paperwork isn’t really good for me!”
From the first meeting, Martin and Crye became good friends. “I can call him anytime. I have his cell phone number. He has over 3,800 agents, but he returns every call,” said Martin.
Although on a much smaller scale, Martin understands what the owners of Crye-Leike deal with due to his experience managing his father’s business. And in addition to his father, has had some great mentors along the way. Right away he mentioned David Goldstein and Marilyn Anglin. “Marilyn actually wrote my first contract for me,” Martin said. Being the rookie when he started, he looked up to people who had been in the business for a long time.
“As far as people on the board, Dana Powell and Bob Walker have been very instrumental in getting me involved,” said Martin. “That’s how I got to this point.” The point he is referring to is the presidential role he will be occupying on the North Pulaski Board of Realtors next year.
Prior to being president, Martin served as co-chair and chair for the Awards of Excellence banquet and vice president. “(Serving as president) will be an experience and it will be fun,” said Martin. “One of my goals is to have agents work closer and better together with agents from other companies. We are all working toward the same goal.” He pointed out that ultimately it’s not what the real estate agents or board want; it’s about what the customers need.
Speaking of the consumer, one of Martin’s other goal as president involves educating the consumer. “It’s the only business I know of where you can sell a million dollars worth of product and still be flat broke, It’s a big misconception that people have,” he said. “There is a lot of things we do that people don’t see.” Martin is hoping to change that in the coming year and one thing that will aid in his goal is a Realtor community project called ‘Spokes for Little Folks.’
Martin is working with Ron King, who started the bicycle recycle program that gives refurbished bikes to kids in need. A smile spread across Martin’s face as he described the program. “I am so excited,” he said. “Ron and I think this will really be a great project.” More details will unfold as the project gets underway in the new year.
Overall, the husband and father of two is an optimistic and genuine person who is thankful for his career. “I’ve never been more happy doing something that I love,” said Martin. “It’s great. It’s a really, really super job.”
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