Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Jerome.
Michael, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve been involved in visual arts since childhood always drawing, painting, creating, sculpting, photographing and designing. In middle school, I took my design aspirations to the next step auditioning for Design and Architecture Senior High in the Design District. I was accepted into the Architecture program which involved parallel study in art history, fine art, graphic design and interior design. While in high school I was a dual enrollment student taking FIU Architecture courses along with standard high school courses. I eventually graduated and started at FIU changing major for engineering.
During my studies at FIU I reached a crossroad, that led me into a program outside of FIU for emergency medical services. At the end of that program I became an emergency medical technician and decided to pursue a care in fire rescue. After becoming state firefighter certified and licensed as a paramedic I eventually ended up working for Palm Beach County Fire Rescue which I am currently still employed as a Lieutenant. About two years ago I returned to my creative past picking up again photography. And given my Architecture background real estate photography became my focus. This became a great outlet for me to take an area of personal interest and transform it into a business. I started out hitting the ground looking for customers, building connections, making office visits, offering discounts and working my way to where I am now. I became licensed as an FAA drone pilot to offer aerial photography, I also became a Matterport Service Provider to provide 3D virtual tour services.
Today my business has grown into something I don’t think I could have imagined it would have. I currently provide services to several South Florida real estate agents, brokerages, vacation rental companies, commercial real estate firms, interior design companies and the list goes on.
I’ve also received mention by some online publications being featured twice as one of South Florida top 20 real estate photography services. And once again I find myself extremely humbled to be contacted by this publication.
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?
The road to where I am was definitely not easy, I actually started my real estate photography business after a major failure in a previous business venture. I was at rock bottom with defeat still fresh on my mind when I imagined I rolled all the frustration, feelings of defeat and despair into this new endeavor.
My past business failed because I had to rely on so many variables outside of my control and with my real estate photography business I felt there would be challenges but at least I could better control my own destiny. I was relieved to not have to rely on lawyers, patents, bureaucracy and major corporations having a hold over my creativity. Of course, funding and finances was another pitfall, my previous venture brought me to the brink of financial collapse and this never venture further buried me in personal loans, credit card debt etc.
However, my resolve was to make something great because now I hold the cards and could build my own future.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Elevate Your Travels Real Estate Photography – what should we know?
I believe what makes my real estate photography business special is the focus on the client. My business isn’t a major corporation that has no personal connection, it’s actually the complete opposite, every communication and contact is with me. Giving my customers a unique, individual experience.
There are several large real estate photography firms that provide services in South Florida but as with anything on a large scale the personal touch is lost.
Another problem that arises with some photography business’s is a lack of focus. Some photography firms are out shooting weddings, engagement photos and then they occasional jump into real estate which tends to make it hard to be a master of a niche.
Real estate photography is my niche and I strive everyday to master it.
There is so much that goes into real estate marketing and I help my clients to accel. There is so much more that goes into real estate photography besides pictures, you also need to have an understanding of the marketing platforms and how to give your clients the most leverage. I bring my clients photography, social media marketing, web pages, listing videos, 3D virtual tours, floor plans and many other media presentations to set my clients apart.
Whether it’s a home for sale, a vacation rental or commercial photography shoot my goal is always the same, to deliver the very best.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Given my background as a firefighter, I’ve seen people at their very worst, sometimes at their last moment of life, sometimes bringing them back from death those experiences I think give me a unique perspective. I try to see the best in life because I’ve seen the worst. Given the opportunity to experience the worst, I try to make the best out of everything I can directly influence.
Anything can be overcome if you have the mindset to take control and make it yours.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elevateyourtravels.com
- Phone: 305-972-7577
- Email: contact@elevateyourtravels.com
- Instagram: @elevateyourtravels
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevateyourtravelsphotography/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/elevateyourtrav
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/qTKq/xkcMvJdNuE
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