Pay It Forward: "I Find the Most Satisfaction in Helping Others Achieve Their Goals"
"When you are truly passionate about your field and career, you will start to yearn for more…and that’s when you find your greatest potential," states Naomi Ayala, co-founder of DMT Transact.
Naomi Ayala, co-founder of DMT Transact in Miami, FL
Naomi Ayala is an experienced attorney focused exclusively on real estate and business law. In addition to her practice, Ayala is passionate about the I/DD (intellectually and developmentally disabled) community and currently serves on the board for the IDDeal Foundation, a local non-profit organization serving the I/DD community. She’s also involved in Lawyers for Children, a pro bono organization, serving as the Attorney Ad Litem for a young girl. For several years, Ayala also supported the Streetlaw program, which partners with local schools to provide interactive methods to teach students practical law lessons.
Area of expertise or focus: Title insurance, escrow, closing and legal services.
What has been the biggest challenge in your particular role and how have you overcome those obstacles/? Since we are a new company, the biggest challenge we face (at present) is building awareness surrounding who we are and what we do – and of course, finding the best talent out there to join our growing team. Prior to launching DMT Transact, I was a litigation associate at a major law firm in Miami, which presented obstacles including competitiveness, high pressure, client reluctance, and more. The key to overcoming those hurdles – and the ones I’m sure we will face ahead – is communication. It’s our job to ensure that clients, team members, and anyone involved in a real estate transaction has constant clarity and complete understanding throughout the entire process.
What about your current role/position at the company are you most happy with? Following years at a major law firm, I realized there was an incredible opportunity to blend my legal skills with the multifamily market, all while maintaining relationships and helping clients navigate complex situations such as buying, leasing, renting, or selling. Earlier this year, I partnered with Alyssa Brody, a friend, entrepreneur, and Co-Founder of Development Marketing Team (DMT), to launch DMT Transact, a full-service title insurance and escrow agency based in South Florida. Our goal is to improve the commercial and residential real estate process and provide end-to-end services for our clients. Right now, the most exciting part of my role is building this company and becoming an entrepreneur – it’s an incredible thrill to be part of growth and an integral part of creating this one-stop shop that is centered on the consumer experience.
What is the best piece of advice you have received that has helped you succeed in your industry/? Also, do you have any advice specifically for the next generation? I find inspiration in those that have come before me, including my dad who served for over thirty years in our military. I learned perseverance, dedication, and sacrifice from him, and he forever reminds me that we constantly need to pay it forward. So each day I show up to work, my goal is to help grow the next generation and pay it forward by sharing the knowledge and experiences I’ve encountered throughout my career. When speaking with those just starting a career, I give one piece of advice – be passionate. Any job, whether a lawyer or real estate professional, requires time, energy, and a great deal of hard work, but when you are truly passionate about your field and career, you will start to yearn for more…and that’s when you find your greatest potential.
Would you advise any younger person to begin a career in CRE? Yes, I would definitely advise younger generations to start a career in commercial real estate. I waited a long time before making the transition into real estate, and often wonder what my future would have looked like if I started earlier. But, at the same time, that is the beauty of real estate – you can enter at any stage in your life and, with the right amount of grit and perseverance, find success.
It’s also extremely important to create and maintain relationships. Find someone who will be your biggest advocate or cheerleader and tap into their network. Relationships are key to success in any job but are especially in CRE.
Please share with us the best lessons learned or a surprising component of your unique journey. Being open to change. We’ve all heard it before and know it to be true but when put into practice it will allow your life and career to unfold. I love problem-solving – I find the most satisfaction in helping others achieve their goals. To me, everything crystallized when I realized real estate is a vehicle for just that. Whether it’s leasing your first rental or closing on your 30th investment property, the process of helping clients throughout the process is so fulfilling. I’m grateful I am part of the CRE industry and can play a small part in impacting others’ lives.
In your opinion what takeaways did we learn from the COVID-19 crisis? Throughout my career, I’ve come to understand the importance of building meaningful relationships with clients and providing them with the best possible experiences, especially in navigating complex situations within CRE. The past two years during the pandemic were no different – clients would look to me as a strategic advisor and I was there to help guide them.
I also think mastering the ‘new norm’ of the market is key. At DMT Transact, we understand the needs of today’s buyers, and as such, are implementing new tools and technologies to meet the needs of clients, ultimately eliminating countless inefficiencies, errors, and delays in the leasing process, and I truly believe data and technology are the future of CRE.
What three terms would you use to describe your work mindset?
- Trust the process. Do your best and remember that things will eventually fall into place.
- There is no substitute for hard work. It’s very comfortable to think things come easy, but that’s never the case. This job takes early mornings, late nights, and hard work to be successful.
- At the end of the day, work is work. Enjoy the ride and make sure to prioritize a healthy work-life balance.
