Rachel Goldman, an associate advisor for SVN Commercial Advisory Group, brings real estate academic knowledge, and business management skills to the firm. Rachel blends her academic knowledge with real-world applications. She’s been a serial entrepreneur for most of her life, and has developed, manufactured, globally imported/ exported, and marketed several USPTO-granted patents. Aside from that, she has operated and sold a restaurant. Having experience in SEC syndications, she believes that evaluating each property carefully to determine its strengths and weaknesses allows for maximum efficiency and profitability. Rachel has entitlement and ground-up development experience.
Please tell us a little bit about your business – what is SVN Commercial Advisory Group all about?
My name is Rachel Goldman, and I am a commercial real estate advisor at SVN Commercial Advisory Group. We help clients buy, sell, build, and lease commercial real estate in Southern Florida. I like to say that I have a strong command at identifying high & best use for maximizing real estate value for my clients. I am a great speaker and networker so I have yet to niche down on an asset class because I have so many contacts and connections and personal knowledge for all aspects of CRE. Whether it’s urban land or agricultural land, self-storage, multi-family, retail, flagged hotels, RV resorts, parking garages or even selling a liquor license. I’ll get it done, no job is too small or too big!
Tell us briefly about your background and how you started your company.
I initially entered the commercial real estate field by trying to put together a non-profit initiative for affordable housing. Through this process, I wanted to learn more about the industry. The next thing I did was obtain my real estate license, which led to me collaborating with experienced investors to take on real estate projects
What would you say are the top 3 skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur, and why?
Good leadership is very important for entrepreneurship. You want to inspire others, motivate your team and clients, you need to make sure you are on the clock 24/7, the real grind. Entrepreneurship only works if you have excellent time management to complete work efficiently and correctly. I would like to point out that it is beneficial to have training or knowledge on finances for the business plan and to understand your own business, and it is beneficial to have marketing for many reasons, one is to attract the right people for your business.
What are your plans for the future, how do you plan to grow this company?
My vision for growth is centered on strategic expansion and innovation. I have always been an innovator and an entrepreneur. My goal is to become a trusted leader in this industry. One step I took in my business is I started to identify promising investment opportunities in emerging markets and established cities. We are also committed to keeping strong relationships with clients and partners with data driven decision making, and spending time and experience with the team.
How do you separate yourself from your competitors?
I separate myself from competitors with a combination of commitment to innovation, dedication to customer satisfaction, and expertise. I also run my business through data-driven intelligence software, I spend the money on the software, and I take the time to learn how to operate them. Additionally, our commitment to sustainability and environmental goals set us apart from the rest. We incorporate sustainable practices in our developments and make sure that the growing demand for a green world with many socially responsible investments.
What were the top three mistakes you made starting your business, and what did you learn from them?
As a real estate advisor and investor, I’ve encountered my share of challenges while building up my business. All of my mistakes have become valuable lessons that I learned a lot from. Not having the proper planning, not having a mentor at the beginning of my CRE journey, needs another one here, and not starting sooner. These mistakes were valuable learning experiences that have significantly changed my approach as a CRE advisor. The importance of meticulous research, financial planning, and strategic partnerships are important for achieving success.
Tell us a little bit about your marketing process, what has been the most successful form of marketing for you?
Marketing is crucial for CRE because it gives your property visibility, competition to do better than someone else with a competitive edge. As I stated before, face-to-face networking and connections are probably the most important marketing because they build trust. Advertising your name and business spreads brand awareness and has the ability to help get precision for an ideal target client.
What was your first business idea and what did you do with it?
My first business idea was a carpet cleaner that I would sell at the flea market! I came up with this when I was 18 years old. It worked and it sold, but the flea market will only take you so far. I like to think of myself as pretty creative so my second business, involved a few patents that I designed and manufactured in China, imported and sold on 3rd party websites. It was fun till the pandemic caused major supply chain disruptions. On to bigger and better, but I will always have the lessons and memories.
What are you learning now? Why is that important?
I’m currently a dual degree graduate student, getting an MBA / Masters in Real Estate Development. I love learning new things, it’s the most magical feeling ever. I want to be a student forever, whatever that ends up looking like! I feel complete when I am in school learning.
If you started your business again, what things would you do differently?
I would prioritize the pipeline first and always be selling – ensure we have a scalable system to acquire clients. Prioritize profit, think profit first and reverse engineer expenses.
What’s a productivity tip you swear by?
To be productive I turn my phone on Do Not Disturb to minimize distractions, I make sure I am at a desk for good posture and attention, sometimes taking a quick walk even helps get back into the groove. It is important to me to have specific set goals to try to reach so that I can identify the most important tasks and tackle them first.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help and make sure to delegate work that they can finish more efficiently than you can at the time.
Can you recommend one book, one podcast, and one online course for entrepreneurs?
Black Fortunes by Shomari Wills, I enjoy reading anything that has historical content to it, it talks about slaves that obtain freedom, and become the first Black millionaires in America. It’s a reminder that through adversary, tribulation and starting with nothing, obtaining wealth is still achievable. If a slave with nothing can do it, we can do it today. I think people forget about how hard times really really were.
If you only had $1000 dollars to start a new business, knowing everything you know now, how would you spend it?
I love real estate, so I would rent out a house with a bunch of bedrooms, and get a few roommates, and repeat the process until I had enough for a down payment on a property, and then scale it from there.
What helps you stay driven and motivated to keep going in your business?
I am a wife, and a mother, and I own multiple businesses. It is difficult to juggle all of the hats I wear, but I am extremely grateful to be so busy in my career. I’m consistently driven and motivated by my family, my friends, my mentors, and my colleagues who have taught me so much.
What is your favorite quote?
Comparison is the thief of joy
What valuable advice would you give new entrepreneurs starting out?
My valuable advice is to do your research, try to obtain a helpful mentor, prioritize getting out into the market, and always be networking and connecting with people because you never know in CRE.
Who should we interview next and why?
Ryan Reiss from digital marketer. I like how simple he explains everything – his mini-scaling course is highly valuable
What is your definition of success?
My definition of success is finding your passion and making a living from it. I literally catch myself singing getting ready for work at times. I love what I do, even when the days are 18 hours long and grueling.
How do you personally overcome fear?
I usually tell myself to get comfortable being uncomfortable, things that used to baffle me years ago, are a breeze from me today. So, easy does it!
How can readers get in touch with you?
They can go to my Instagram @TheRealRachelGoldman and send me a direct message.
