I believe your life purpose changes with time. You may enjoy the grind of working in corporate america in your 20's or even your 30's, and then decide you want to build something on your own.
Today we had an opportunity to interview Francisco Socarrás.
Francisco Socarrás is a Commercial Real Estate advisor with over 18 years of experienced focused on helping users and investors in the acquisition and/or refinance of Assets related to Industrial , Office, Retail , Multifamily, and Hospitality and other Specialty Assets.
In this featured article, Francisco shares his story of starting a business during the pandemic, leadership styles and three character traits that were most instrumental to his success.
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Let’s learn a little about you and really get to experience what makes us tick – starting at our beginnings. Where did your story begin?
Francisco Socarrás: I began my career in banking when i was 19 years old. Since I began my business, i help bridge my clients financing needs for real estate acquisition and refinance with the right Lenders I’ve built relationships with through my banking career.
Can you tell us a story about the hard times that you faced when you first started your journey? Did you ever consider giving up?
Francisco Socarrás: Starting your own business in a covid year was not the plan I had in mind. Many business owners were not making decisions and it took me several months to not only find my first deal, but also find a lender willing to take a chance. I never considered giving up. I saw 2020 as an opportunity to work harder in building my network of Lenders and solidifying my relationships with my existing network of lenders, bankers and other COI’s
Often leaders are asked to share the best advice they received. But let’s reverse the question. What’s the worse advice you received?
Francisco Socarrás: Worse advice I received is that you need to know everything before you start your business. The best thing to do is jump right in. By doing this, you’ll learn from your initial mistakes and build your confidence for future deals. You don’t need to know everything. Overthinking freezes your progress.
Is there a particular podcast you listened to, or business thought leader that you find helpful while maneuvering this pandemic?
Francisco Socarrás: I’m huge on Podcasts. It’s basically free education. I listen to an array of podcasts that help various aspects of my life. Tim Ferriss, Seth Godin, Grant Cardone, many more. These interviewers bring their own ideas along with the ideas of the wonderful guest.
What is most important to your organization—mission, vision or values?
Francisco Socarrás: Values. We pride ourselves in transparency, honesty, and providing great service to our clients. We do this by being completely up front from the beginning and guiding our clients step by step through their particular transaction.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success?
Francisco Socarrás: Thank you for this. I don’t think I’m there yet, but hey, that could be one.
Humble: You need to be humble and learn from anyone you interact with in business. Don’t be afraid to say I DON’T KNOW.
Emotional Intelligence: Every deal is going to be different and you can’t let emotions dictate your decisions. You are the leader and must hold a steady and calm demeanor.
FOCUS: First learn your what and why and once you figure out what you want to achieve and build, don’t stray from this goal no matter what. Make the sacrifices, stay working, work on your mind and body to make clearer decisions. Whatever it takes!
How important do you think it is for a leader to be mindful of his own brand?
Francisco Socarrás: I think understanding your brand is the first step. Who are you and what do you want your clients to know about you and your company? Once you have decided on this, let your team know what this message is and what it means to you, your company, and eventually how it should be carried out.
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How would you define “leadership”?
Francisco Socarrás: Leadership to me is leading by example.
Do you think entrepreneurship is something that you’re born with or something that you can learn along the way?
Francisco Socarrás: This is a very good question.
I think it’s something you learn along the way. It’s sort of like your life purpose.
I believe your life purpose changes with time.
You may enjoy the grind of working in corporate america in your 20’s or even your 30’s, and then decide you want to build something on your own. This could be something that may be a life purpose, or a void you may see in this world. This comes from experience and years of seeing what works and what doesn’t.
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What’s your favorite “life lesson” quote and how has it affected your life?
Francisco Socarrás: “All of humanity’s problems stem from a Man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone” – Blaise Pascal
Its helped me really focus on the task in hand and be mindful on present moment in all aspect in my life.
Esther Pinky Kiss, VIP Contributor to ValiantCEO and the host of this interview would like to thank Francisco for taking the time to do this interview and share his knowledge and experience with our readers.
If you would like to get in touch with Francisco or his company, you can do it through his – Linkedin Page
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