What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
Licensed sports agent representing WNBA and International basketball players
Where did you grow up?
Waterbury, Connecticut
Growing up, what did you want to be?
Fighter pilot
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
Go for a walk or — I hate to admit — play games on my phone.
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
Vernon Jordan. I was really moved when I read his book. Sadly, I had the chance to meet him at an event I was working but was too afraid to introduce myself. I missed my opportunity as he passed later that year. It taught me the lesson that when opportunity presents itself you have to act.
What is Dallas-Fort Worth’s best-kept secret?
It used to be Fort Worth. I would say Southwest Arlington around Sublet Road, there are some very nice established neighborhoods in the area.
What do you love most about the industry?
I love helping agents build their business in order reach their goals.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
I don’t like echo chambers or group think. Having a background in marketing working with Fortune 500s, I look to other industries to see what works and how I can adapt what I learn to benefit my clients and my agents.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
The most frustrating aspect for me is seeing the potential in so many agents only for them to chase every new ideal or concept they hear. I’m a learner, but in today’s world agents spend too much time going to trainings and events that don’t help them improve their business and are often taught by people who will begin with “I used to be an agent…” which makes me think that they used to be an agent, weren’t successful and now they work elsewhere. If they have never been to Disney, how can they tell me how to get there?
What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
Having worked with major brands, I know that defining your target market is key. The best advice I can give for generating new leads is to determine who you want to be your client and talk to them about what concerns them and how you can help them get the result they desire.
What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?
“Night Agent” on Netflix, and I’m always listening to sales trainings grounded in human behavior (Chris Voss, Jeremy Miner, Matt Ryder, Bill Walsh).
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Dallas-Fort Worth?
The Tarrant County Court House. The level of detail and the openness of the interior is just something you don’t find in modern buildings.
What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?
I’m 56 years old.
What is your favorite vacation spot and why?
Any small East Coast town, meaning from New Jersey up. There are some really great small towns with great history and friendly people.
What is your favorite city after Dallas-Fort Worth?
New York City. For me, whenever I step into the City there is an energy that I can feel and a spirit of anything is possible.
What is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Choose a path and commit 90 days to it, then review.
What are your social media handles?
Instagram: @johnbaptistetx, @localrealtyagencymidcities
Facebook: John Baptiste, Local Realty Agency Mid-Cities