Mark Pinilla, Author at Mark Pinilla

Dan Nziniga – Living the NAHREP Discipline #10

Dan Nziniga

Dreamworks – Inspiration Community Owner & Leader Dan Nzinga is being recognized for living Discipline #10.

Blood Isn’t Always Thicker Than Water: The Power of Chosen Family

They say that blood is thicker than water, but sometimes, there is no blood bond around. As a college student studying abroad, I found myself in a foreign country with no family by my side. My host family, though not related by blood, welcomed me with open arms. Almost instantly, I became a brother and an uncle, embraced as one of their own. Now, more than thirty years later, I am still called “uncle” and “brother,” a testament to the deep, unbreakable bonds we forged.

This experience embodies NAHREP’s 10 Disciplines, specifically Discipline #10: Be Active in the Lives of Your Family and Children (Learn more), because Familia is central to who we are. But family is not always defined by genetics—it’s defined by love, support, and shared experiences.

I see the same spirit reflected in Dan Nzinga and the community he has built. Through 21-day challenges, weekly Zoom calls, and constant mentorship, Dan has created his own family of coaches, trainers, and leaders who support one another in their personal and professional growth. He doesn’t just teach—he cares, guides, and inspires. His leadership has cultivated a self-made family that rallies around him and uplifts those who follow his path.

Every day, Dan delivers a dose of positivity and growth, reminding us that our true family isn’t always the one we’re born into—it’s the one we choose, the one that chooses us, and the one that pushes us to become better versions of ourselves.

Well done, Dan! Keep inspiring and leading your extended family to greatness.

Connect with Dan Nzinga: LinkedIn

#ChosenFamily #SupportSystem #NAHREP #DanNzinga #FamilyMatters #Mentorship #Inspiration

Ivan Hernandez – Living the NAHREP 10 Discipline #2

NAHREP West Broward Sponsorship Director was awarded the 2024 Empowered Award from Anywhere Real Estate Inc. Ivan Hernandez is a true testament to BE IN THE TOP 10% OF YOUR PROFESSION because being good is not good enough.

Beyond my role as a trainer, I am deeply committed to uplifting those around me—whether as a friend, speaker, motivator, or peer. I take pride in supporting individuals who are making a positive impact in our community.

As a NAHREP 10 Certified Trainer, my mission is to educate and inspire others on the 10 Disciplines that empower Hispanics to achieve Sustainable Generational Wealth.

In the few months that I have known Ivan, I have been consistently impressed by his resilience and professionalism. He embodies Discipline #2: Be in the Top 10% of Your Profession, and the recent award presented to him by his company is a testament to his excellence and the profound influence he has on those around him.

Well done, Ivan! Your dedication and hard work continue to inspire us all.

#NAHREP10 #GenerationalWealth #LatinoSuccess #WealthBuilding #PersonalGrowth #Top10Percent #ProfessionalExcellence #Leadership
#SuccessMindset #Motivation

Find out more about The NAHREP 10 Disciplines.

Get Off Your Butt: Take Action for Personal Growth

Personal Development: A Choice, Not an Accident

Denis Waitley once said, “Personal development is the belief that you are worth the effort, time, and energy needed to develop yourself.” Personal development is not just a concept; it’s a call to take action for personal growth. The key word here is belief—but belief without action is meaningless.

Too many people get stuck in the trap of waiting for the perfect moment. Newsflash: there is no perfect moment. Success doesn’t come to those who hesitate. It comes to those who decide, commit, and execute.

Why People Fail at Personal Development

Let’s be real. Most people fail at personal growth not because they lack intelligence or resources, but because they don’t take action. They get trapped in these mindsets:

“I don’t have time.” (Reality: You make time for what matters.)
“I’m not ready yet.” (Reality: No one ever is.)
“I don’t know where to start.” (Reality: Just start anywhere.)

Denis Waitley’s approach to personal growth was simple: self-discipline and self-belief lead to success. He studied high achievers and found that they all had one thing in common—they took action despite fear.

The Science of Personal Growth

Your brain is wired to resist change. It seeks comfort and predictability. However, pushing beyond your comfort zone is where growth happens.

According to neuroscience:

The prefrontal cortex (your decision-making center) weakens when you avoid challenges.
The amygdala (your fear center) triggers when you step out of your comfort zone.
The more you push yourself, the stronger your neural pathways for confidence and resilience become.

Bottom line? Growth happens when you force yourself to do hard things.

How to Take Action Today

You don’t need a five-year plan. You need to start now. Here’s a simple formula inspired by Waitley:

1. Rewire Your Mindset for Personal Growth

Stop saying “I can’t” and start saying “How can I?” Your brain listens to your words. Choose them wisely.

2. Commit to Small, Daily Wins

Don’t aim for massive change overnight. Aim for 1% improvement daily.

Read 10 pages of a personal growth book.
Wake up 30 minutes earlier.
Exercise for 15 minutes.

3. Eliminate Excuses

Ask yourself: Would my future self thank me for this decision? If the answer is no, then stop making excuses.

4. Surround Yourself with Growth-Minded People

Jim Rohn famously said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Choose wisely.

5. Take Action Before You Feel Ready

Confidence comes from doing, not from waiting. Just start—your future self will thank you.

Your Call to Action: Do It NOW

You’ve read this far. Now, it’s time to act. Take one step toward your growth right now.

What will you do today that your future self will thank you for?

🚀 No more waiting. No more excuses. Your time is now. Do it now!

Contact Mark Pinilla to get on track today!

#PersonalDevelopment #SelfGrowth #TakeAction #NoExcuses #MindsetMatters #SuccessHabits #DenisWaitley #GrowthMindset #SelfImprovement

You Can’t Control Everything, But You Can Control Your Response

Life has a way of humbling us. One moment, everything is going smoothly, and the next, you’re hit with an unexpected challenge—a job loss, a heartbreak, a health crisis. We scramble, trying to regain control, but here’s the truth: You don’t control the storm. You only control how you sail through it.

John C. Maxwell says, “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” Eric Thomas tells us that pain is temporary but quitting lasts forever. So, if we can’t dictate every outcome, how do we shift our energy toward winning despite the chaos?

1. Control Your Mindset

Your thoughts dictate your actions, and your actions shape your future. When you face obstacles, you have two choices: Let them defeat you or use them as fuel to push forward. Instead of saying, “Why me?” start asking, “What can I learn from this?” This mental shift transforms pain into power.

Exercise:

Every morning, practice gratitude. Write down three things you’re grateful for. This rewires your brain to focus on abundance instead of lack.

2. Adapt, Don’t Resist

Resistance leads to suffering. The more we fight what we can’t control, the more exhausted we become. Instead, embrace adaptability. Like water, flow around obstacles instead of smashing into them. Life doesn’t stop moving, and neither should you.

Action Step:

Identify one thing in your life you’ve been resisting and find a way to embrace it. Instead of fearing change, ask yourself, “How can this make me stronger?”

3. Channel Your Energy into What Matters

Worry drains energy. Fear paralyzes. Instead of obsessing over what you can’t change, shift your focus to things you can influence. Can’t control the economy? Master your financial discipline. Can’t control other people? Master your reactions. Your energy is a currency—spend it wisely.

Quick Hack:

List three things you can control today and take action on them. Small wins create unstoppable momentum.

4. Surround Yourself with Resilient People

Energy is contagious. If you surround yourself with complainers, you’ll become one. But if you align yourself with warriors—people who push forward despite adversity—you’ll rise with them.

Challenge:

Audit your circle. Who inspires you? Who drains you? Adjust accordingly. Choose to walk with winners.

5. Give More Than You Take

When life feels unfair, the best way to reclaim your power is by giving. Acts of kindness shift your focus from lack to abundance. Serve others, and you’ll find renewed purpose in your own struggles.

Mission:

Perform one selfless act today. Whether it’s a kind word, a donation, or a helping hand, put positive energy into the world.

Your Call to Action: Rise Up!

You weren’t made to break. Life is testing you not to destroy you, but to make you stronger. Refuse to be a victim. Choose to be a fighter. Embrace challenges, adapt, and thrive. Because at the end of the day, the ones who succeed aren’t the ones who control everything. They’re the ones who master themselves.

Are you ready to turn obstacles into opportunities? Start today. Share this with someone who needs to hear it.

#KeepPushing #MindsetMatters #TurnPainIntoPower #StrongerThanYesterday #YouGotThis #MarkPinilla

The Power of Planning: Transform Your Follow-Ups into Success

Success in business and life doesn’t happen by chance—it happens by planning. As Rick Guerrero, a NAHREP 10 Certified Trainer, emphasizes, preparation is everything. He starts each week by creating a call log every Sunday, setting the foundation for intentional and productive interactions. His approach mirrors NAHREP Discipline #2: Be in the top 10% of your profession by taking your craft seriously and working toward mastery. Learn more about the NAHREP 10 Disciplines here.

Sara Mendez Rodriguez, CEO of Titan Title & Chairperson for the Hispanic Wealth Project, suggests a themed call log to ensure balance and variety. For example:

Monday: VIPs
Wednesday: Focus on hot leads.
Friday: Reach out to business partners.
Weekend: Dedicate time to friends, family, and birthday celebrations.

Download Mark’s Call Log

Why Following Up Matters

According to statistics, 70% of buyers and sellers choose a real estate agent based on referrals from friends and family. This underscores the importance of maintaining personal and professional connections. Planning calls with intention, as suggested by Rick and Sara, ensures you never miss an opportunity to nurture these relationships.

Real Estate Insights for Relationships

To add his personal touch to the call log, Mark Pinilla, a NAHREP 10 Certified Trainer, added the weekend column. Birthdays and family milestones aren’t just personal—they can be professional goldmines. Studies show that buyers and sellers often prefer working with someone they know and trust. By incorporating these touchpoints into your weekend calls, you position yourself as their go-to expert when the time comes.

Action Plan with Mark Pinilla

For those looking to maximize their wealth-building strategy, contact Mark Pinill a, a trusted resource for investment properties and real estate expertise. Waiting is not in your best interest—contact Mark here.

Additional Resources

A Lifetime of Service & Leadership

Hispanic Financial Services: Empowering Families for Wealth

For Hispanic families in America, the journey toward generational wealth is rooted in resilience, ambition, and community. Hispanic Financial Services play a pivotal role in this pursuit, offering tools that can transform earnings into sustainable prosperity. Yet, barriers remain, and for true equity, systemic changes are necessary. Here’s how Hispanics engage with financial services and what needs to evolve to unlock their full potential.

A Foundation of Hispanic Financial Engagement

Contrary to common myths, Hispanic households are actively engaged in the financial system through Hispanic Financial Services. In fact, 96% of Hispanic households have a checking account, showcasing a strong foundation for managing day-to-day finances. Digital financial tools are particularly popular within the community, with 92% of Hispanics using fintech apps for banking, investing, or budgeting. This openness to technology offers a gateway to deeper financial participation.

However, deeper barriers to generational wealth remain, including lower participation in non-cash financial investments. Only 43.7% of Hispanic households own financial assets like stocks, retirement accounts, or bonds, compared to 68.2% of the general population. This gap highlights the need for expanded access and targeted education.

Challenges in Hispanic Financial Services

Limited Access to Financial Products: Many Hispanic families encounter obstacles in accessing wealth-building products. Traditional underwriting practices often overlook self-employed individuals or those with non-W2 income, which disproportionately impacts Hispanic households. Expanding the adoption of alternative underwriting methods, such as cash-flow-based assessments, could open doors for millions.
Cultural and Linguistic Barriers: Financial institutions often fail to meet Hispanic consumers where they are. Bilingual customer service, culturally relevant financial products, and targeted marketing can help bridge these gaps.
Lack of Representation in Financial Services: The underrepresentation of Hispanics in financial advisory roles limits trust and access. As of 2023, only 8.3% of financial analysts and 8.6% of financial advisors were Hispanic. Increasing this share is crucial for building rapport and guiding families through wealth-building strategies.

Advancing Hispanic Financial Services

Enhance Financial Literacy: Expanding bilingual education on retirement planning, stock market fundamentals, and the power of compound interest can empower families to start investing earlier. Financial literacy should also emphasize discipline #6 of the NAHREP 10 Disciplines: “Know your net worth including the value of your business because you can’t improve what you don’t measure.”
Leverage Technology: Fintech platforms tailored to Hispanic consumers—offering Spanish-language support and culturally relevant features—can drive participation in savings, investing, and insurance.
Expand Access to Investment Products: Financial institutions must simplify access to retirement accounts, mutual funds, and other long-term investment vehicles. Flexible contributions and reduced fees can make these options more accessible for first-time investors.
Increase Representation in Financial Services: Programs to recruit and train Hispanic financial advisors will foster trust within the community, creating pathways for wealth-building advice that resonates culturally.

A Call to Action

Hispanic families have the ambition and drive to build generational wealth. What they need are the right tools and an equitable financial system that supports their journey. By addressing gaps in financial literacy, access, and representation, Hispanic Financial Services can become a true partner in creating sustainable wealth.

If you’re ready to start building wealth through real estate and investments, reach out to Mark Pinilla for personalized guidance. Waiting isn’t an option when opportunities abound.

Additional Resources:
Get more information on Property Management
Get more information on Real Estate

#HispanicWealthProject #SustainableGenerationalWealth #WealthBuilding #Homeownership #NAHREP10 #TrainersInAction #EducacionFinanciera #LatinoWealth #Finhabits #RaicesyRiquezas #FinancialLeadership #GenerationalWealth #MarkPinilla

The Wealth-Building Power of Homeownership

Homeownership isn’t just a roof over your head—it’s a cornerstone of wealth-building, particularly for the Hispanic community. As the Hispanic Wealth Project™ outlines, homeownership is one of the most effective pathways to narrowing the wealth gap and fostering generational financial security. In fact, owning a home can significantly multiply household wealth, enabling families to thrive for generations.

Homeownership: The American Dream and Beyond

Owning a home is a classic symbol of the American Dream, representing stability, pride, and accomplishment. But its impact goes deeper. According to the 2024 State of Hispanic Wealth Report, the median net worth of Hispanic homeowners is $233,100, over 26 times higher than Hispanic renters. This wealth stems largely from home equity—a reliable, appreciating asset that serves as a financial foundation for future investments, education, or business ventures.

Building Wealth Through Real Estate

For many Hispanic families, homeownership isn’t just about having a place to call their own—it’s about building an ecosystem of financial growth. The equity gained from homeownership often acts as a springboard for other investments, including real estate. Hispanic buyers are entering the market earlier, with nearly 45% of Latino homebuyers under age 35.

Moreover, the Hispanic Wealth Project aims to increase the rate of Hispanic investment property ownership by 25%. By investing in real estate beyond primary residences, families can diversify their income and build even greater financial resilience.

NAHREP Discipline: Be Politically Savvy

One key to unlocking these opportunities is understanding the policies that shape access to homeownership. Advocating for affordable housing policies, first-time buyer incentives, and equitable mortgage practices can open the door for more Hispanic families to enter the housing market. This aligns with NAHREP’s discipline to “Be Politically Savvy” by staying informed about legislation that impacts wealth-building opportunities.

Your Partner in Real Estate Wealth

Whether you’re purchasing your first home or expanding into investment properties, having the right guidance is essential. Mark Pinilla, an expert in real estate and investment properties, can help you navigate this journey. Reach out to Mark at markpinilla.com to take the next step toward financial freedom.

Additional Resources:
Get more information on Property Management
Get more information on Real Estate

Busting the Myth: Hispanics Don’t Just Buy Low-Income Homes

A common stereotype about Hispanic homebuyers is that they only purchase homes in low-income areas. However, the data tells a different story. In 2023, 71% of real estate purchases by Hispanic borrowers were in middle- and upper-income neighborhoods, with only 4% in low-income areas. This shows that Hispanic homebuyers are not just entering the market—they’re investing in neighborhoods with long-term growth potential.

Why This Myth Persists

This misconception likely stems from outdated views of Hispanic economic mobility. In reality, Hispanic homebuyers are thriving in markets traditionally considered more affluent, particularly as they seek to build generational wealth. Many are drawn to high-cost metropolitan areas like Los Angeles and Miami, where opportunities for equity growth are higher.

The Future of Hispanic Homebuying

A Growing Market Segment

Hispanics are the fastest-growing demographic in the U.S., making up 30% of new household growth over the past decade. With a median age of 30, younger than any other group, this community will dominate the homebuying market in the coming decades.

Younger Buyers

Nearly 45% of Hispanic homebuyers in 2023 were under the age of 35, compared to 40% of non-Hispanic buyers. This trend indicates that Hispanics are entering the market earlier, giving them more time to build equity.

Strong Affordability and Accessibility Needs

While Hispanics are purchasing in higher-income neighborhoods, barriers like limited housing inventory and affordability challenges remain. Industry professionals and policymakers must focus on solutions such as affordable housing initiatives and innovative lending practices to keep this momentum going.

How the Industry Can Support Hispanic Homebuyers

Bilingual Services
Offering Spanish-language support for homebuying services ensures accessibility and trust in the process.
Culturally Relevant Programs
Addressing multigenerational housing needs, common among Hispanic households, will make the market more inclusive.
Advocating for Affordable Housing
Policymakers should support zoning reforms and funding for affordable housing projects to increase inventory and access.

Conclusion

The myth that Hispanics only purchase homes in low-income areas is not supported by the facts. This growing community is reshaping the housing market by investing in middle- and upper-income neighborhoods and driving demand in key markets. With the right support, Hispanics will continue to lead the way in homeownership, building wealth and opportunities for generations to come.

Explore More

Learn about NAHREP and Hispanic homeownership: Hispanic Wealth Project
Read the 2024 State of Hispanic Wealth Report: Access the Full Report

#HispanicHomebuyers #RealEstateTrends #WealthBuilding #HispanicWealth #NAHREP #Homeownership #HispanicWealthProject #SustainableGenerationalWealth #WealthBuilding #NAHREP10 #TrainersInAction #EducacionFinanciera #LatinoWealth #Finhabits
#RaicesyRiquezas #FinancialLeadership #GenerationalWealth
#MarkPinilla

Happy Holidays! – ¡Felices fiestas! 2024

As 2024 comes to a close, let’s take a moment to reflect on what truly matters—family, friends, and the time we share. These are the gifts we often overlook but cherish the most.

This holiday season, as we gather with loved ones, let’s celebrate the moments of joy and resilience that have defined this year. Let’s also look forward with hope to the opportunities of the new year. Whether you’re toasting with friends, laughing with family, or simply soaking in the quiet moments, remember that these are the treasures that make life meaningful.

Here’s to making 2024 a year filled with love, growth, and togetherness. Wishing you and your family a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year.

Al cerrar el 2024, tomemos un momento para reflexionar sobre lo que realmente importa: la familia, los amigos y el tiempo que compartimos. Estos son los regalos que a menudo pasamos por alto pero valoramos más profundamente.

En esta temporada festiva, mientras nos reunimos con nuestros seres queridos, celebremos los momentos de alegría y resiliencia que han definido este año. Miremos también con esperanza hacia las oportunidades del nuevo año. Ya sea brindando con amigos, riendo con la familia o simplemente disfrutando de los momentos tranquilos, recordemos que estos son los tesoros que hacen significativa la vida.

Brindemos por hacer del 2024 un año lleno de amor, crecimiento y unión. Les deseamos a ustedes y a sus familias unas felices fiestas y un próspero año nuevo.

Mark Pinilla asks Garry Acosta a question at a NAHREP Leadership event in Denver, Colorado.

Investment Property Management
& Real Estate Services

Supporting landlords with their ROI through rent collections, maintenance, evictions, and bookkeeping. It is a turnkey key system for investors who live abroad or for owners who do not want to deal with the day to day operations of their investment business.

Contact Mark today!
📸 Follow us on Instagram! @savvy.pm.org
📸 Follow us on Instagram! @markpinillarealtor

Speaker & Trainer

Mark Pinilla is a passionate speaker and trainer dedicated to creating awareness and driving change for veterans mental health, homeownership, and generational wealth.

As a Certified Trainer for NAHREP’s 10 Disciplines, he shares the wisdom, inspiration, and encouragement behind his success. Mark is also a trainer for the Miami Association of REALTORS® and The Keyes Company.

More Information
📸 Follow us on Instagram! @markpinilla

National Association of Hispanic
Real Estate Professionals

Mark Pinilla, incoming 2025 Co-Educational Director of NAHREP South Florida and a NAHREP 10 Certified Trainer, is passionate about advancing the Hispanic Wealth Project’s mission. Discovering NAHREP’s commitment to empowering communities through sustainable generational wealth and homeownership, he found their values to be fully aligned with his own vision for long-term economic impact.

More Information
📸 Follow us on Instagram! @nahrepsouthflorida

Dedicated to supporting veterans
and their mental health.

Our organization, a 501(c)(3), was created for and by veterans with the help of others who support our Military Hero’s. Vet Info is a one-stop website with essential information for discounts, services, programs and so much more.

Support Vet Info in its journey to reduce the #22, the number of suicides committed by veterans everyday.

More Information
📸 Follow us on Instagram! @vetinfo4vets

Support Military Veterans