Meet Mark Maroki | Chief Operating Officer
We had the good fortune of connecting with Mark Maroki and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Mark, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
It’s okay if the people around you don’t believe or have faith in this “crazy idea”, that you have. As long as you believe in it, as long as you have faith in it, that’s all that really matters. I think sometimes we get caught up in wanting people to support and encourage the ideas that we have. But the reality is, some simply won’t. And sometimes, it’ll be your closest people that won’t. But like I said, that’s okay. A little belief in yourself and your vision, goes a long way.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started my career in the mortgage industry with a entry level assistant position. It was one of those things where I got presented with an opportunity, and simply ran with it. I’m the type where I’m never fully satisfied, so from that entry level position, I began leveling up in the industry year-by-year. By no means what so ever was it easy, it was by far the single most difficult thing I’ve accomplished in my entire life. I took a huge risk and bet on myself. And I’m beyond grateful and thankful, that it paid off. For anyone taking on a challenge that seems overwhelming at times, remember this word. Resilience. “Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.” Life knocks us down sometimes and that’s okay. What’s not okay, is letting life keep you down. Get back up, dust yourself off and tackle a new day.
One of the biggest things I attribute to the success I’ve had in my industry, is simply staying true to myself. I told myself from the moment I went off on my own, that no matter what, I’m going to stay true to the person I am and will not waiver from it. Somehow, people really appreciated that. My clients, my partners. They began to gravitate towards me. It sounds simple, but I always do my best to treat others the way I’d like to be treated. So I did that, with my clients, with my business partners and they really appreciated it. In a sales filled industry, I took and genuine approach and strived to educate vs sell.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I was actually born and raised in beautiful San Diego. So consider me your official tour guide! The great thing about San Diego that makes it so unique, is that there is a certain part of town for any kind of vibe/atmosphere. A couple of my favorites would have to be Little Italy, Carlsbad Village, Harbor Island, Coronado and North Park. Little Italy would be your go-to for some of the best restaurants in all of SD, my must try for you would have to be Barbusa! Carlsbad Village is a beautiful beach town with one of the most, if not the most, beautiful beach in SD! Harbor Island is located near the famous “GasLamp District”, where you can find some of the best city views in all of SD. Coronado is an island that you must take one of our famous bridges in order to get to. Beautiful area with lots of activities to keep you occupied. North Park is your go-to for any beer connoisseur, it also has some great bar and restaurant spots as well.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents. They fled a country that was being consumed by war in order to give their future kids a fighting chance at living a normal life. They left everything they knew for us. Not only that, but they took it another step further and worked their butts off to create as good of a life as they could for us in the US. They’re my inspiration, they’re my motivation. I work as hard as I do, because it’s a dream/goal of mine to give back to my parents in anyway I can. We clash at times just like any family, but I would do anything for them. I owe everything I have and am, to them..
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markmaroki/
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