Darin Tansey is the vice president of Barclay’s Real Estate Group in Miami Beach.
What was your first job in the realty industry?
My first job in the realty industry was with Meridian Realty Management in 2005.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Burlington, Iowa where I learned all my Midwestern values and manners.
What is your favorite free-time activity?
The concept of free time is slightly foreign at this point in my life, but I do love to travel and hang out with my 12-year-old chocolate lab, Bosco.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
I’m a firm believer in the saying “if you tire the body, you can quiet the mind,” so I usually hit the gym or run the beach to blow off steam.
Growing up, what did you want to be?
As a child, I wanted to be an Air Force fighter pilot. Things change!
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be?
Steve Jobs. Despite the obstacles he faced, he pressed on with his vision, which revolutionized his field and had a global impact on the way people interact with technology.
Where is your favorite place to hang out?
To truly “hang out,” I usually need to get out of town. My favorite place to travel is Las Terrenas in the Dominican Republic where I have a few close friends, and I have also gotten involved with a local charity called the Dominican Joe Foundation. The foundation is committed to providing literacy programs for underprivileged children and orphans throughout the DR.
What do you love most about the industry?
Each client and deal is ever changing, and the challenges that accompany those changes offer variety, but my relentless commitment to getting the best deal for my client remains consistent.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
Not only do I maintain the highest professional standards with meticulous attention to detail, I also take personal style very seriously. Staying true to my corporate roots (and penchant for three-piece suits) in this often casual South Florida environment lets my clients know that I am serious.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Time is never on your side. There are never enough hours in the day. Time can kill a deal and time management is imperative to success in this business.
Where do you go to network and meet new clients?
My clients are referred to me by my other happy clients, but everywhere I go I let people know that I am a Realtor, so I am always networking. I am doing a deal right now with a guy that just walked over to me in the gym one day and asked me to find him a new place to live.
What has been your greatest accomplishment?
Many people like to talk about making a big change in their life to find success and fulfillment but most never will. I am someone who did. Leaving the programmed, corporate successes I attained in pharmaceutical sales with Johnson & Johnson to come to South Florida and make my own way has been immensely rewarding and a great accomplishment.
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read?
I haven’t seen many great movies lately or had much reading time, but I’d recommend Malcolm Gladwell’s “Outliers” as a great read.
What is your favorite restaurant?
There is a new neighborhood eating hub forming in the Sunset Harbor area where Pubbelly is leading the way, and a new parking facility has opened offering more places to come. I love to support local spots, and Pubbelly is always a favorite.
What is your favorite building in Miami?
The soon to be developed 1000 Museum.
What kind of car do you drive?
My transportation comes in small, medium and large: Vespa to avoid traffic, a Porsche 911 for fun and a Mercedes SUV for the client’s comfort.
Smartphone, or paper?
Both.
What is your favorite city after Miami?
Chicago, Chicago, Chicago.
What is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Listen. And always pay attention to the details.
What is your favorite iPhone/Android app?
Interesting question: I have been working with two partners over the last few years developing a new real estate app that will change the South Florida industry and beyond.
Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter?
Other than @MIAAgentMag… I love staying up to date on the latest news and trends in Miami, so @MiamiHerald, @OceanDrive, and @SFlaBizJournal…@forbes, @WSJRealEstate, @CurbedMiami, and @entrepreneur are close seconds. We’ve also found that it’s a great way to connect with brokers to let them know about open houses and new listings.
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