Michael Umphrey Luxury Real Estate Leader Interview

Welcome to Business Innovators Magazine…Please introduce yourself and a brief thumbnail sketch of your background.

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MU: Hi, My Name is Michael Umphrey, and since 1994 I remain one of the Santa Fe’s preeminent purveyors of luxury homes. I have a Fine Homes Specialist designation. I am also an e-Certified sales professional, which recognizes expertise in using technology (specifically the Internet) in real estate marketing and sales.  I am a member of the Worldwide Recreation & Resort Sales Council (WRRSC) and have earned that organization´s Recreation and Resort Specialist (RRS) designation.

A resident of Santa Fe since 1986, I am a native Californian. Over the course of 25 years, I performed with the New Christy Minstrels, a popular Folk group. I studied Business Management and Economics at Texas Tech.   I am also a member of the Americana musical trio, American JeM

BI: What would you say is the area in business that you are most passionate about and why?

MU: I am most passionate in the area of residential, luxury Real Estate.  As CEO, CFO & COO, sales and marketing are my business and my calling.

BI: How are you different than your competitors?

MU: If I did not turn my clients into walking, talking billboards and raving fans then my business would dry up and blow away.  My unique services include a Client Appreciation Program, an After Sales Care Program, a blog on The Neighborhoods of Santa Fe, my Business Directory, Client Appreciation Parties, an “Easy Exit Guaranty”, video emails, and regular market reports.  I teach classes to Realtors on customer care and client care.

BI: Please tell me about any recent business accomplishments that you are most proud of and why?

MU: I am deeply involved in The Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce. This month, The Santa Fean Magazine honored me with an interview under the heading “People We Love”.  I stated, “I am a full-time, red meat-eating Realtor.”

As the guitar player/singer/songwriter in our my musical trio, American JeM, we are currently nominated for awards in three categories in the New Mexico Music Awards. We were winners last year, as well.

BI: What Leadership qualities in Leaders do you most admire and why?

MU: I believe leaders lead people and managers manage “things.” 

BI: What has been a key element of your success?

MU: My clients want to know two things… am I good at what I do and do I care about them. As with a professional athlete, the key element of my success is the coaching I receive. I am always working on myself to become a better husband, a better father, Realtor, and friend.

BI: What are some of the business projects that you are currently working on that you are excited about and why?

MU: When Realtors decide to retire they pack up their boxes and go home.  I do not ever plan on retiring, but if I do, I have a business worth selling.

BI: What are 1 or 2 things you would like to say to a prospective client who stumbles across this interview?

MU: Real Estate is a service industry, and I am here to serve you.  You can rest assured; I’ll be treating you to first class service!

To wrap this up, what are you most excited about in the upcoming months in your business?

MU: I plan to double my business every year.

 

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