Daniel De la Vega and Mayi de la Vega - Photo courtesy of ONE Sotheby's International Realty
Spearheaded by Mayi de la Vega, ONE Sotheby's International Realty is recognized as a powerhouse market share leader in the industry. The brokerage firm has built its success around the reputation of its agents and the success stories of each client. Now, as the company expands to over 17 offices in the South Florida area, with presence in foreign markets like Brazil, Argentina, Canda and Mexico, Mayi de la Vega and Daniel de la Vega reflect on the last 10 years of ONE Sotheby's and what's to come for the successful firm.
What prompted the start of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty?
Mayi de la Vega: Ten years ago, I saw an opportunity in the market to build a global luxury real estate brand in South Florida. Sotheby’s International Realty had the heritage, marketing and reach that I thought South Florida needed. I fell in love with the brand, it was love at first sight! I purchased the franchise in South Florida and founded the company in 2008 during the depths of one of our country’s worst recessions. Many friends and colleagues, even family members, thought I was crazy – but I had a vision and could sense that Miami was changing. The city was always a hot spot for tourism but was ripe to develop into a real hub for business, art and culture. I knew a global luxury real estate firm was the future.
What do you accredit your success to over the last 10 years?
Daniel de la Vega: We credit our success to the agents and employees of ONE SIR. They are some of the most well-respected professionals in the industry. Without everyone that surrounds us, nothing that we do would be possible. We are very lucky to have such great people, which ultimately leads to an amazing culture.
Mayi de la Vega: Building the business has truly been a labor of love. We are celebrating our 10-year anniversary and together our team has accomplished so much to be proud of, and have helped build a company that offers the best talent, service and expertise in the industry. I am so grateful to our agents, leadership team and staff who share in our vision and pour their hearts into their work every single day. Our ONE family is stronger than ever and we are excited for what the future holds, the best is yet to come!
What sets ONE Sotheby's agents apart from others in the industry?
Daniel de la Vega: Our culture. We have taken some punches over the last 10 years, as any growing company does, but our culture has always been at our core. We are a large boutique organization with an amazing global network in Sotheby’s International Realty.
As you look back at the last 10 years, what were some of the company’s highs and greatest memories?
Daniel de la Vega: Some of the highs include the launch of our development division which has been so successful. Most recently, our greatest moment includes celebrating our 10-year anniversary. Definitely, some of our lows were hiring the wrong people to lead this organization. As I said earlier, you are only as good as the people you surround yourself with. If you surround yourself around bad people, bad things will happen.
What do you hope to achieve in the next 10 years?
Mayi de la Vega: Health, Happiness and Prosperity for all!
Photo courtesy of ONE Sotheby's International Realty
What advice would you give to agents just now getting into real estate?
Daniel de la Vega: Don’t fall for all the hype. This is a relationship business.
What is one motto that defines One Sotheby’s and the incredible success it has had in the last decade?
Mayi de la Vega: Your Vision is our Inspiration.
