Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about your company and the duties of your position.
Marshall Carrasco: My role as the owner of the company is to mentor our agents and staff to make sure we consistently offer current and valuable expertise in residential real estate. We work with individuals and families on some of the largest and most significant transactions they will complete and we take that very seriously. In addition to staff development and oversight, I oversee marketing and operations. I ensure processes are done completely and correctly and that the homes we are tasked with selling are given the exposure in the market place they deserve and result in a sale.
NNBW: How did you get into this profession?
Carrasco: I got into this profession because of the advise of my grandfather. He always told me that there would always be a need for quality help in buying homes, airplanes and cars and that always resonated with me. I decided selling homes was my direction.
NNBW: What do you enjoy most about working in your field?
Carrasco: The real estate market is constantly changing which provides a challenge. But I think what I like most is finding the opportunity regardless of the condition of the market. No matter what is going on there is good and bad. We have seen an increasingly strong market in the last couple of years, but it will be very interesting to see what comes next. There are economic indicators that suggest we could see significant change.
NNBW: What is the most challenging part about your job?
Carrasco: As any business owner knows, managing a company is hard work. There are factors affecting the market, staff, clients and me personally that require attention and balance. That being said, starting my own company has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done and I would not change it.
NNBW: What advice would you give to someone who wants to get into your profession?
Carrasco: Education is of course a great foundation for moving forward in life. However, I think possessing good communication skills are among the most important in what we do. Because we work alongside people making decisions that will have an impact on their lives, we need to be able to understand their goals and clearly communicate the information they need to make the best possible decisions.
NNBW: What was the best advice anyone ever gave you either professionally or personally?
Carrasco: My grandfather always told me that you don’t lose until you decide you have lost. Life is full of uphill battles and I have no intention of giving up.
NNBW: Has there been someone who was especially influential in helping you establish your career or in reaching your higher goals? If so, who and how?
Carrasco: Not to keep going back to my grandfather, but I have to say he was one of the most influential people in my life growing up and watching his perseverance helped shape my approach to life.
NNBW: Do you belong to any professional/networking organizations? How has membership benefited your career?
Carrasco: I belong to the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) and the Nevada Legislative and Policy Board. Not only do these organizations benefit our profession but they allow me to stay on the cutting edge of market trends.
NNBW: Is there any educational advancement that is essential for someone in your career field?
Carrasco: While it’s not technically required outside of being licensed by the state, I think there is great value in higher education in any field and mine is no exception.
NNBW: How do you manage your time between the responsibilities of your profession and your personal life?
Carrasco: I think this is always a struggle. My professional life demands a lot of time and energy and I think my clients deserve that from me. But I also think family time is important for me and for my staff. I try to take time away when possible and encourage others here to do the same.
NNBW: Why did you choose a career in northern Nevada? What do you like about living/working here?
Carrasco: Northern Nevada is a beautiful and wonderful place to live. I am happy to be raising a son here and have the ability to give back to the community I call home.
