1 – Q) Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located, and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
Ans:- I am a real estate broker associate affiliated with Real Broker and am located in the Lincroft area of Middletown, New Jersey where I currently live. My primary focus is facilitating connections between clients and their ideal properties, whether residential or commercial. While I live in Middletown, I serve clients across multiple locations (Monmouth & Ocean County) and anywhere from Keyport/Hazlet down to Toms River area.
2 – Q) Kindly give us a brief description of yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
Ans:- I am Peter Cunha, a broker/salesperson at Real Broker LLC. With over 10 years of experience in the real estate industry, I specialize in both residential and commercial properties. My passion lies in assisting individuals in finding their perfect homes, whether they’re first-time buyers or seasoned investors.
My educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and a Master’s in Marketing, both of which have played integral roles in shaping my career. I am recognized for my strategic mindset, effective communication abilities, and knack for leading teams toward achieving ambitious objectives.
3 – Q) What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
Ans:- I got into real estate originally because of my personal experience when I purchased a condo in Asbury Park. I saw that there was a huge gap on client services and how they were handled between my Wall Street experience and the service that I was provided when I purchased.
I enjoy helping people and knew that I could fill a void for people when they decided to either buy or sell real estate. Ultimately, I will give the same “professional” service that I had experienced during my Wall Street days and bring that level of service to real estate.
4 – Q) What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
Ans:- Start with Passion: Choose a business idea that you’re truly passionate about. Building a business is a challenging journey; passion will sustain you through the inevitable ups and downs. When you genuinely care about what you’re doing, you’ll be more motivated to overcome obstacles and stay committed to your goals.
Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity: Failure is an inevitable part of entrepreneurship and an opportunity for growth. Instead of being discouraged by setbacks, see them as valuable lessons that can guide you toward success. Learn from your mistakes, adapt your approach, and keep moving forward with resilience and determination.
Build a Strong Support Network: Surround yourself with mentors, advisors, and peers who can provide guidance, support, and encouragement along the way. Networking with fellow entrepreneurs allows you to share experiences, learn from each other’s successes and failures, and access valuable resources and opportunities. A strong support network can help you navigate challenges more effectively and accelerate your entrepreneurial journey.
5 – Q) What are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Ans:- The top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur are:
• Resilience and Adaptability: Entrepreneurship is filled with challenges, setbacks, and unexpected changes. Successful entrepreneurs possess the resilience to bounce back from failures and setbacks, as well as the ability to adapt to evolving market conditions and new opportunities.
• Creativity and Innovation: Entrepreneurs must constantly innovate to stay ahead of the competition and meet the evolving needs of their customers. Creativity allows entrepreneurs to generate new ideas, solve problems creatively, and differentiate their products or services in the market.
• Strong Communication and Relationship-Building: Effective communication skills are essential for entrepreneurs to convey their vision, persuade investors, attract customers, and build strong relationships with employees, partners, and stakeholders. Entrepreneurs must be able to communicate clearly, listen actively, and cultivate trust and rapport with others to succeed in their ventures.
6 – Q) How many hours do you work a day on average?
Ans:- I put in 60+ hours per week as my days start with internal calls with my assistants to ensure we have a road map for the day, week and month. Additionally, I keep my afternoons available for my clients and to be as available to them as I can be. I also work weekends when necessary for showings and/or to help host open houses.
7 – Q) To what do you most attribute your success?
Ans:- I attribute my success to putting my clients first. I focus on them and “as-if” scenarios where we constantly try to improve their experience during the transaction.
8 – Q) How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
Ans:- In marketing my business, I employ a multi-faceted approach combining digital marketing strategies such as social media marketing, content marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO) with traditional networking, word-of-mouth referrals, and local advertising. By leveraging various channels, I aim to reach a diverse audience and create multiple touchpoints for potential customers to engage with my brand. While each marketing tactic plays a crucial role in promoting my business, I’ve found that personalized networking and cultivating strong relationships with clients and industry partners have been the most successful forms of marketing. Building trust and credibility through genuine connections has consistently yielded positive results and contributed to the growth and success of my business.
9 – Q) Where did your organization’s funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
Ans:- The only support available to me was my family during the lean years when I first began in the business, as I did not take on any outside money to either launch the career change or the brokerage back in 2021.
10 – Q) What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
Ans:- The best way to achieve long-term success is to focus on continuous learning, adaptability, and perseverance. Embrace a growth mindset, prioritizing innovation, improvement, and staying ahead of industry trends. Cultivate resilience to overcome obstacles and setbacks, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than roadblocks. Foster strong relationships with customers, employees, and stakeholders built on trust, integrity, and mutual respect. Invest in personal and professional development, constantly refining your skills and expanding your knowledge base. Remain agile and adaptable in the face of change, continuously evolving your strategies and approaches to stay relevant in an ever-changing business landscape. Committing to lifelong learning, resilience, and adaptability can pave the way for sustained success and achieve your long-term goals.
11 – Q) Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
Ans:- In 5-10 years, I envision my business as a thriving and respected leader in the industry, known for its innovation, customer-centric approach, and commitment to excellence. I see myself expanding my business to new markets and regions, leveraging technology to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. I aim to build a talented and diverse team of professionals who share my vision and values, fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement. Furthermore, I envision myself actively contributing to the community and industry through mentorship, philanthropy, and advocacy initiatives, leaving a lasting positive impact on both a local and global scale. Overall, I am committed to driving sustainable growth and making meaningful contributions to the world through my business endeavors.
12 – Q) Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
Ans:- I admire Tony Robbins, Elon Musk, and Warren Buffett. Elon Musk, thank you for dreaming bigger and truly making dreams into reality. I love using the example of what Tesla sells. If you look at it from selling cool EV cars, then I feel you are missing the vision of making cars via its electronic batteries to help humanity.
Warren Buffett because he only invests in things that he knows. He would rather invest in Wrigley’s Chewing Gum vs. some technology he knows nothing about.
Tony Robbins for helping me change my mindset and encouraging me to focus on others selflessly.
13 – Q) How important have good employees been to your success?
Ans:- Good employees have been vital to my success. They are the backbone of my business, contributing their skills, dedication, and expertise to help achieve our goals and deliver exceptional service to our clients. Having a team of talented and motivated individuals has allowed us to innovate, adapt to changing market conditions, and consistently cater to clients’ needs. Furthermore, good employees play a crucial role in fostering a positive work culture, driving teamwork, and creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive and grow professionally.
14 – Q) How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
Ans:- The duration I stick with an idea before considering giving up depends on various factors, including the viability of the idea, market feedback, and the resources invested. Generally, I believe in giving an idea enough time to develop and gather sufficient data to evaluate its potential for success. This could range from several months to a few years, depending on the complexity and scope of the idea. However, if, despite efforts and adjustments, the idea consistently fails to gain traction or market conditions change significantly, I am willing to reassess and potentially pivot or abandon the idea in favor of more promising opportunities. Flexibility and adaptability are essential traits in entrepreneurship, and knowing when to persevere and when to pivot is crucial for long-term success.
15 – Q) What motivates you?
Ans:- My primary motivation stems from a passion for my work and the real estate industry. I find fulfillment in helping people find their dream homes or lucrative investment properties. Additionally, the opportunity to innovate and positively impact the industry drives me forward. Financial success is also a motivating factor, as it allows me to grow my business and support my personal and professional goals. Ultimately, the satisfaction of seeing my ideas come to life and contributing to the community fuels my drive to succeed.
16 – Q) What are your ideals?
Ans:- My entrepreneurial ideals revolve around prioritizing a customer-centric approach, innovation, integrity, continuous learning, leadership, community impact, and long-term vision. I strongly emphasize understanding and meeting my client’s needs, constantly seeking new ways to innovate within the real estate industry. Upholding honesty and ethical standards in all my interactions is paramount, as is investing in ongoing personal and professional development to stay ahead in a dynamic market. I believe in leading by example, empowering my team, and fostering collaboration to achieve our goals.
17 – Q) How do you generate new ideas?
Ans:- I generate new ideas through a multifaceted approach that includes thorough market research, brainstorming sessions with my team and industry peers, problem-solving to address existing challenges, and networking to gain inspiration from diverse sources. I foster a creative environment where innovative ideas can flourish by staying informed about industry trends, collaborating with others, and remaining open-minded to experimentation. This iterative process allows me to continuously refine and develop new concepts, ultimately driving growth and success in my business.
18 – Q) How do you define success?
Ans:- Success, to me, is achieving a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in both personal and professional endeavors. It goes beyond financial prosperity and encompasses various aspects of life, including meaningful relationships, personal growth, and making a positive impact on others. Success is about setting and pursuing goals that align with my values and aspirations, overcoming challenges, and continually striving for improvement. It involves finding balance and harmony in all areas of life, maintaining integrity, and leaving a lasting legacy that contributes to the well-being of others and the world around me. Ultimately, success is about living authentically, pursuing my passions, and finding joy and fulfillment in the journey.
19 – Q) How do you build a successful customer base?
Ans:- Building a successful customer base involves understanding your target audience, delivering exceptional value and service, and fostering loyalty through personalized communication, attentive customer service, and genuine engagement. By consistently meeting customer needs, soliciting feedback, and building trust, you can establish a loyal customer base that drives the success of your business.
20 – Q) What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Ans:- One of the favorite aspects of being an entrepreneur is the autonomy and freedom it provides. Entrepreneurs enjoy the ability to pursue their passions, make their own decisions, and create something meaningful on their terms. I enjoy the opportunity to challenge myself, take risks, and see ideas come to life. Additionally, many entrepreneurs find fulfillment in the potential for personal and professional growth and the opportunity to positively impact their communities and industries.
21 – Q) What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Ans:- I saw the joy on a kid’s face when I came to visit the home that their parents recently purchased. Them running around and telling me how excited they are about their “new” houses.
22 – Q) What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
Ans:- The major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else lies in their approach to work and risk. Entrepreneurs typically take on the responsibility of starting and running their own businesses, assuming the associated risks and rewards. They often have a greater degree of autonomy and control over their work, decision-making, and financial outcomes. On the other hand, employees who work for someone else typically have more structured roles within an organization, with set responsibilities and boundaries. They may enjoy greater stability and benefits provided by their employer but have less control over their work environment and direction. Overall, entrepreneurs thrive on independence, innovation, and pursuing their visions, while employees value security, structure, and stability in their careers.
23 – Q) What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
Ans:- In our organization, we foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. This tone is established through open communication, mutual respect, and a commitment to our core values. We prioritize teamwork and adaptability because they are essential for achieving our goals and serving our clients effectively. This culture encourages diverse perspectives, celebrates achievements, and creates a positive work environment where every team member feels valued and empowered.
24 – Q) In a word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
Ans:- EXCITING
25 – Q) If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
Ans:- I would plan my goals starting with the long-term vision and work backward from there. I realized that the earlier years of my career were mainly focused on current events as I didn’t consider some of the longer-term goals.
26 – Q) How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
Ans:- Having to work longer hours certainly had an impact on my availability. There were many discussions early on that the family had to collectively embrace as goals were set and accomplished.
27 – Q) What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?
Ans:- My greatest fear is trusting others to do things I have done my entire life. At some stage, you need to delegate and take the time to train others and let them ultimately make their own mistakes as they learn and grow.
28 – Q) How did you decide on the location for your business?
Ans:- My original offices were close to areas that I was familiar with. With the virtual office model, we are more focused on where the clients want us to be. If it is an unfamiliar area or somewhere that we don’t serve, we will typically refer to another agent that is well-versed and can appropriately help the client.
29 – Q) Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
Ans:- Yes!! Having a passion can only take you so far. Having a plan and surrounding yourself with those who can share that passion goes a long way.
30 – Q) If you could talk to one person from history, who would it be and why?
Ans:- Jesus. He committed the biggest sacrifice to help the most people and his legacy will continue forever.
31 – Q) Who has been your greatest inspiration?
Ans:- My family!! Without there support and encouragement I would still be working in corporate.
32 – Q) What book has inspired you the most?
Ans:- Tim Ferris’ the Five Hour Work Week. This book has been recommended to me over my career by several people who have challenged me to focus on what is truly important and how to achieve those goals. Otherwise, in their immortal words, “you don’t want it bad enough”.
33 – Q) What are some of the biggest mistakes you’ve made?
Ans:- Not asking others for help soon enough.
34 – Q) If you were conducting this interview, what question would you ask?
Ans:- What are you passionate about?
