We were lucky to catch up with Murat Gocmen recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Murat with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic was forged in the military. As a pilot, I learned early on that discipline isn’t just a value — it’s a survival skill. Every mission demanded precision, focus, and responsibility not only for myself but for the entire crew. Long hours, strict training schedules, and the pressure to perform under any circumstance taught me that excellence comes from consistency, not convenience.
That environment built habits I still carry today — showing up early, staying calm under pressure, and finishing what I start no matter how tough it gets. In the cockpit, there’s no room for shortcuts, and I bring that same mindset into every professional challenge I face. My military years didn’t just teach me to work hard — they taught me to work with purpose, integrity, and resilience.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Murat Gocmen, a licensed real estate agent in both Nevada and California, a full-time Tahoe local, and the founder of MG Vacation Rentals. My journey here wasn’t the usual one. I began my career as a software engineer, developing systems behind large-scale booking platforms. The technology was powerful — fast, automated, efficient — but I realized something was missing: the human touch. Guests had become data points, and the authentic charm of local hospitality was fading away.
That realization sparked MG Vacation Rentals, a company built on the belief that technology should enhance connection, not replace it. We use advanced systems to keep operations smooth and transparent, but our focus always remains on people — the guests, the homeowners, and the Tahoe community we serve.
What excites me most is creating meaningful experiences. Whether it’s helping a family find their perfect vacation home or guiding investors toward smart real estate decisions, it’s about blending innovation with heart. And as we grow, we’re expanding our services to include real estate sales and investment consulting, helping more people make Tahoe not just a destination, but a part of their life story.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities have shaped my journey more than anything else: discipline, adaptability, and genuine connection.
Discipline came from both my military and engineering background. The military taught me structure, accountability, and the importance of doing things right — not just fast. Engineering reinforced that mindset with long hours spent solving complex problems where patience and precision mattered. Together, they shaped how I approach real estate today: with consistency, focus, and the understanding that success comes from showing up every day, even when progress feels slow.
Adaptability has been equally important. Moving from software engineering into real estate wasn’t a straight line. Technology evolves, markets shift, and client needs change — being open to learning and unlearning has kept me ahead of the curve.
And finally, genuine connection. Behind every property is a person, a story, a dream. Building trust with clients and treating every deal as a partnership has made all the difference.
For those just starting out — master your craft, stay flexible, and never forget the human side of what you do. Skills open doors, but relationships build legacies.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself of one simple rule I learned early — keep moving. In the military, there was no room to freeze under pressure; you focused, prioritized, and kept going. The same applies in business. I take a step back, break the chaos into smaller pieces, and start tackling one thing at a time.
But honestly, sometimes the best cure is just work — showing up and putting in the effort. Action clears the noise. Once you get momentum, the overwhelm fades. My advice to anyone feeling stuck is this: don’t wait for perfect clarity or motivation. Start moving, even if it’s one small task. Progress, not perfection, is what builds strength over time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mgvacationrentals.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mgvacationrentals/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mgvacationrentals/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mgvacationrentals
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