We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ertugrul Ertuc. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ertugrul below.
Hi Ertugrul, appreciate you sitting with us today. Maybe we can start with a topic that we care deeply about because it’s something we’ve found really sets folks apart and can make all the difference in whether someone reaches their goals. Self discipline seems to have an outsized impact on how someone’s life plays out and so we’d love to hear about how you developed yours?
As far as I can remember, I have felt a strong responsibility for the outcomes of events since my childhood. If the outcome didn’t align with my expectations, I would question my role in that event, whether it was my math class or performing in the school’s soccer team. This way of thinking nurtured my self-discipline from an early age. I learned, through numerous examples, that if I did not feel responsible or obligated to do what was necessary, the outcome would likely be a failure. The name given to that sense of responsibility and obligation was self-discipline for me.
Naturally, I encountered many failures in my journey, but my discipline and consistency played a significant role in learning from them and avoiding repetition. I believe this is a crucial part of the road to success. Making mistakes and facing failures, learning from them, and persevering without giving up—this persistence comes hand in hand with self-discipline.
Especially in my career as a real estate agent, discipline and consistency play a huge role in achieving goals. If I deviate from my consistent routine, which includes daily, weekly, and monthly activities such as calling my sphere, sharing social media content, writing cards, and hosting open houses, I would notice a decline in my business activity very soon.
Therefore, as I reflect on my journey, I emphasize the paramount importance of building and nurturing self-discipline. It is the driving force behind resilience, continuous improvement, and ultimately, the key to unlocking sustained success. In every endeavor, whether personal or professional, the steadfast commitment to self-discipline not only shapes one’s character but also serves as the unwavering foundation upon which lasting achievements are built.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I arrived in America in 2009 with no knowledge of English and without a single contact. My primary goal was to learn the language and progress from there. This marked the beginning of challenging times that I hadn’t foreseen. Alone in a foreign country, I faced financial and mental struggles while trying to stand on my own feet and adapt to a new culture.
Financial hardships were so severe that, for two years, I couldn’t even afford a $150 bike. Despite my efforts to improve, circumstances were tough. With no contacts for assistance, I contemplated seeking help from my family in Turkiye, but I hesitated, not wanting to burden them, especially since my sister was in college. During this period, my lunches consisted solely of two apple pies from McDonald’s for an extended duration. I refrained from sharing the full extent of my challenges with my family, particularly my mom, knowing it would distress them. The situation demanded immense responsibility and dedication to succeed.
Having come 10,000 Km away from home, failure was not an option. Whenever I now eat an apple pie at McDonald’s, it serves as a reminder of the struggle, hard work, and dedication that defined that period. Despite the initial hardships, over time, I committed myself to continuous learning and stepped up my efforts.
Times has passed, I learned the English and then, I embarked on my professional journey in an office job and simultaneously pursued a master’s degree. However, limited savings posed a challenge, covering only the initial quarter’s tuition. Despite improving my English proficiency, I found myself working seven days a week, with a monthly income just over $2000. Realizing the need for financial adjustments to sustain my education, I focused on reducing my major expense—rent. I opted for a subleasing and Airbnb mix, sharing living costs with roommates. Although these practices were less popular at the time, they significantly impacted my finances, enabling me not only to cover school expenses but also to save extra money. This arrangement persisted for a while, ensuring my academic progress and financial stability.
Now, I’d like to discuss how I embarked on my real estate journey after my office job experience. My interest in real estate has always been rooted in my civil engineering background. During my initial days in the U.S., I turned to subleasing to manage expenses while working seven days a week and pursuing my master’s degree. This approach not only helped cover my tuition but also evolved into a solid investment strategy.
Following my meeting with my now-wife in 2016, we moved in together, got married in 2019, and the advent of COVID-19 led us to purchase a house just in time before the real estate market saw a surge.
Transitioning from subleasing, I discovered my passion for real estate and its investment potential. Obtaining my real estate license in Maryland, I immersed myself in various facets of the field, learning and establishing connections. As a full-time real estate agent in Montgomery County, Maryland, I specialize in residential homes and investment properties. Armed with a background in civil engineering and an MBA in finance, I provide comprehensive insights into construction and investment evaluations.
Known as Ertuce, a Real Estate Agent, Investor, and Social Media Creator, I am committed to delivering top-notch real estate service. My brand is anchored in honesty, helpfulness, and dedication, emphasizing the importance of forming genuine connections with clients. My aim is to inspire those grappling with challenges, illustrating that hard work and dedication can pave the way to realizing the American Dream.
As a real estate professional, I bring a distinctive blend of technical knowledge, financial expertise, and a people-centric approach. Buyers benefit from my knack for identifying potential property issues, while sellers appreciate my skills in promoting properties on social media. Beyond skills, I believe in building relationships and aiding individuals in reaching their goals.
For readers intrigued by real estate and road trips, I encourage them to follow and support my social media channels on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube. I share valuable insights and information to assist them on their real estate journey. My commitment is to provide the highest level of service with honesty and helpfulness, ensuring a positive experience for anyone seeking assistance in their real estate endeavors.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities that significantly influenced my journey were resilience, adaptability, and a strong work ethic.
Resilience was crucial in overcoming challenges and setbacks. My journey sure was not without its share of difficulties, and the ability to bounce back from adversity played a pivotal role in staying on course.
Adaptability was another key factor. Navigating a new country, learning a new language, and embracing different cultures required flexibility. Being open to change and ready to adapt allowed me to thrive in diverse environments.
A strong work ethic was foundational to my success. The commitment to working hard, putting in the effort consistently, and going the extra mile contributed to achieving both my short-term and long-term goals.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to focus on developing discipline, curiosity, and a growth mindset. Discipline provides the structure needed to stay committed to goals, while curiosity fosters continuous learning and adaptation to new circumstances. A growth mindset enables individuals to view challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement, fostering resilience in the face of setbacks.
In essence, I believe that the combination of resilience, adaptability, and a strong work ethic, coupled with discipline, curiosity, and a growth mindset, creates a powerful framework for success in any journey.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely, I am always open to exciting partnerships and collaborations. As a real estate agent, investor, and social media creator, I am particularly interested in collaborating with fellow real estate professionals, property investors, content creators, and individuals passionate about the intersection of real estate and digital media.
If you share a common interest in real estate, whether it be in the realms of buying, selling, investing, or creating engaging and informative content, I’d love to explore collaboration opportunities. Whether you are a real estate professional looking to expand your network, an investor seeking potential ventures, or a content creator interested in collaborative projects, I welcome the chance to connect.
Feel free to reach out to me through my social media channels on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Direct messages or comments on my posts are excellent ways to start a conversation. I’m excited about the prospect of joining forces with like-minded individuals to create valuable content, share insights, and potentially explore new opportunities in the dynamic world of real estate.
Looking forward to connecting and collaborating with fellow enthusiasts and professionals in the real estate and content creation space!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ertuce.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ertuce.tv/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ertuce.tv/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ertugrulertuc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ertuce
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ertuce
