Today we’d like to introduce you to Destiny Roxas.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I never thought I’d end up in real estate. My degree has a history focus, American Indian Studies, and I was intent on becoming a curator – I was working in the Museum of Man’s curatorial department prior to graduating. But I’ve always had a background in hospitality, specifically restaurants and serving. After leaving an office manager job downtown, I decided to try my hand at West Coast Funding back in 2015, where I met Brandon Martinez, the co-owner of the company. After a month, they moved me up into processing loans, and I did that up until 2017.
In early 2018, I received my loan origination license, and then my real estate license in November. I had taken some time to explore other fields in 2018, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to stay in real estate. I had a lot of self-doubts, and wasn’t sure if this field would be fulfilling enough for me – I’ve always had a desire to help others, but this industry can be perceived as flashy and shallow. But when I attempted the DRE exam, I passed on the first try and realized I wanted to see just how far I could go. Some people know exactly what they want to do in life from the very beginning. I didn’t – but it was the relationships I made with my coworkers that truly made the difference. When Brandon was ready to really put himself out there on a larger scale, he asked me to help him – and he would teach me everything he knows about loan origination and real estate. Not many people are willing to take a somewhat novice under their wing, particularly with the pacing of this industry. But recognizing my talents in networking and marketing, along with my base knowledge from processing loans and having studied the field, the partnership would be mutually beneficial for us both. And today, I work as his Director of Business Development and Marketing, while also bringing in clients of my own as a Loan Officer.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’m the happiest I’ve been in years, I get excited going to work – because it doesn’t feel like work. I get to do what I love, with an amazing group of people. But it wasn’t always this way, and it takes a lot of exploring and experimenting. I’ve worked in nightlife since 2010, and although it can be a fun gig, there is no longevity – people tend to get stuck on the easy money but not develop themselves personally or professionally outside of that. Spraining my ankle while being largely dependent on that income was devastating. My advice to younger women would be to invest in your education, whether that’s at a college or not – but spend time researching what interests you. Shadow people you admire, if you’re interested in certain jobs to try to intern. Create multiple streams of income, ideally something passive and stable. And be wary of who you surround yourself with: find people who are ambitious and progressing and learn from them. They will help keep you accountable and moving in a positive direction.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’ve been honing my skills as a social media guru since the MySpace days, I love it. It’s a huge part of my job, coming up with concepts, executing campaigns, creating engaging content that is informative but also humanizes the intimidating nature of mortgage lending. Additionally, I am the liaison between the public and the Brandon Martinez 24/7 team, directing new business in, but also facilitating relationships with other real estate business professionals, including agents, title, escrow, insurance reps, etc. This means attending as many networking outings as possible, from real estate caravans, company Happy Hours, open houses, installation dinners, business galas, and so on. I love meeting people, I thrive in a social setting, and I genuinely feel enjoyment talking to others – I’m very extroverted. I also feel passionate about what our brand represents, which is 24/7 availability in the lending field – completely unheard of in this field. Generally, lending is viewed as antiquated, heavily regulated, and full of stuffy, stringent bankers that work 9-5 and disappear during the evenings and weekends. We provide a service that not only works around the clock but closes faster than all of our competition (we’re home of the 10-day close, while so many others are still sitting on 30-45 day purchases – yikes). But most importantly, purchasing a home is one of the biggest financial decisions in a person’s life, we want to be there for every question or concern, and fully guide our clients throughout the entire process.
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
Confidence usually comes with age, but don’t be afraid to speak up. Ask questions, be willing to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. Learn as many skill sets as you can while starting, ambition is the most beautiful look on a woman. Also, take good care of your credit, ladies!
Contact Info:
- Address: 4275 Executive Square Unit #410, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Website: www.brandonmartinez247.com
- Phone: 6199668112
- Email: destiny@gowestcoastfunding.com
- Instagram: DestinyRoxas
- Facebook: Facebook.com/DestinyRoxasSD
Image Credit:
Brian Fontaine, Jason Kruml
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