Today we’d like to introduce you to Rueben Hernandez-Valdez, Top Latino Rookie Agent in San Antonio.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
When telling my “story” I usually start from the earliest memories I have of my life and when I started to become who I am today. So, with that, it goes back to my middle school days.
I was raised on the Southside of San Antonio (and very proud of it). Middle school days, although full of bullying and belittlement, were most definitely the days that molded me to be a stronger individual.
I went to the University of Texas at Austin and moved back to San Antonio in 2015. My career path has always been something I stressed about because I am from the Southside of San Antonio (I am sure many of us identify with this) and I feel the utmost responsibility and pressure to “get out” or “break the stereotypes”.
I think hurdles, trials, and tribulations are normal when it comes to your evolution in life but I have learned lately that telling your truth and walking people through instances can open doors for others and inspire those individuals to keep pushing and arrive at a better place in life.
After moving back to San Antonio in 2015 (and meeting David who would become my husband in January 2019), I worked in the hospitality industry in events for 3 years but I quickly realized that, although I was excelling at it, it wasn’t my passion and I was not being challenged in the ways I felt were necessary.
Fast forward to my journey which was Director of PR/Marketing at San Antonio Spirit (a competitive cheer and dance facility). My brain works in a very “PR/Marketing” way so this was the perfect fit for me during this time in my life.
One thing I learned as I evolved as an adult was to do things that make ME happy and bring ME success. This is not to say that all my past career moves were not making me happy or successful in those periods, but it is important to note that people grow and people change and it was my time to grow and fulfill my utmost skillsets and see what the world had to offer. Thus finding me here as a Real Estate agent.
My real estate journey began in early 2020 (pre-pandemic); however, it was quickly side swept by COVID-19 restrictions and shutdowns. I was forced to re-evaluate WHY I did real estate, how I was going to excel, and think outside the “norm” to ensure I was being seen as an option for those looking for an agent.
My “why” was easily defined as my parents had yet to ever purchase a home and that resonated deeply. I do talk a big talk, but I also make sure I walk the walk. As stated, it is important to give back to my community so why not start with my own parents!!?
I was lucky enough to help my parents buy their FIRST EVER home and followed with a house for my husband and me. Although those two moments were OUT OF THIS WORLD, the cherry on top was being RANDOMLY chosen to sell a home I grew up in (one of the first homes we actually lived in as a family growing up!).
I am known to be a doer and a hustler for whatever it is I am trying to achieve and my real estate career has been nothing short of just that. In 2020, I was named “Best Realtor” by the San Antonio Current and am currently running for 2022’s Best Realtor as well. Some may wonder how on Earth I was able to get such a title with only 6 months under my belt and to that I say “RESILIENCE!!!”
I tend to use my PR/Marketing brain very often when it comes to my business. Pair that with true humility and passion and I believe it is the perfect recipe for success. I have learned that if you truly care about what you do and who you do it for, the rest follows suit.
I was recently a lead sponsor alongside BudLight, Visit San Antonio, and The San Antonio Riverwalk in presenting the FIRST EVER Pride Riverwalk Parade! It was amazing to have the opportunity to show my community of all ages that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!!! Not only did I have a dedicated float, but my photo and logo were on the stage for all to see and, that right there, meant the world.
It wasn’t because of the “leads” or “potential clients” I was capturing (because let’s be honest who is searching for their realtor at a parade). It was because I was putting a face to “success” for those that come after me. I was showing anybody that feels their dreams or goals are unattainable that IT IS POSSIBLE!! If I did it… so can they!
I have a wonderful husband and family behind me that applaud and push me to be the best! David, my husband, reminds me every time I am too hard on myself, that I am enough and am amazing! Whether or not he says it cause he “has to” I truly believe it with every bone in my body!!
My story is just beginning but I have always said that Real Estate is my VESSEL to reach, touch and inspire people to achieve the dreams they were once told were “impossible”. I constantly remind myself to believe in something greater, something amazing that’s on its way; because, if not, why keep pushing day to day?
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It is definitely cliche to state that “we all have our struggles” or “the struggles made me who I am” but, to be honest, those two statements are just a few that come to mind when I think of the road I have journeyed on to get here today.
As I mentioned, growing up (in the early years) things weren’t easy because as a millennial, we were the first of our kind. There were not many “anti-bully” campaigns or “me too” movements. It was just us millennials trying to find our way.
For me, specifically, leaning towards the rather “cliche” statements, I look back and think “wow, I thought I had it bad then but the world is so much harsher now!” From being a closeted kid to trying to find my way as a gay young man, I experienced every uncomfortable situation possible; however, I have always been pretty resilient at my core!
Outside of my identity and sexual orientation, I would say I struggled within myself because nothing ever felt good enough. I never felt successful enough. I never felt like I was making my family proud.
Most of these “struggles” (in hindsight) came from growing up on the Southside of San Antonio in a Mexican-American family/neighborhood. These ways of living were never hammered in my head intentionally; however, they did reside, rent-free, in my head as I journeyed through my young adult life.
As you know, we’re big fans of what you do. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
With my background in PR/Marketing/Advertising, I am HUGE on my brand and how I am perceived by the general public or potential clients.
Although I am such a nerd for the above three subjects, I also am fully aware that they must be backed up with complete knowledge and strong skillsets in any field. So, it is important to note at the beginning of my real estate career I studied and learned and failed and learned again.
Almost three years in now, I am known to be “great at social media and marketing” within the industry for sure and, although I am proud of that, I am most proud when referrals come in from past clients of mine. Part of my “brand” you will be making people feel good. Yes, I must present their home in a great light or dig deep to find out their wants for their new home, but ultimately I work hard to ensure my clients feel something!
I know what it is like to not have a home growing up (we rented a lot). I know what it is like to have “bad credit”. I know what it is like to live check to check. But, I also know how it feels to get out of all of those situations. I know what it is like on the other side. With that, I make sure that translates into my brand.
I am proud to say that I AM NOT an entrepreneur that just posts about their services or sales they have going on. I tell stories and inspire. Will my logo be visible on almost all posts/marketing pieces? Yes, but strategically and tastefully. I could go on and on about what I am most proud of when it comes to my business or brand but the top 3 would have to be:
1. The evolution of my brand and how it has evolved over the past years
2. Where RuebenRealtor is there will always be light or reminder
3. I do things differently.
Most real estate professionals (the seasoned ones at least) look at my real estate business and see “only social media” or “the new guy” or even “competition.”
BUT that’s what fuels me because I AM SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT! My numbers, success stories, and testimonials speak for themselves but I welcome questions/doubts because, as I stated before, struggles really catapult me.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I feel (pretty passionately) that you must have a balance of business, news, and pop culture so I frequent all 3 religiously!!! I listen to The View on ABC (don’t judge) via podcast.
But as far as business is concerned, I am constantly reading the business section of various news outlets and jamming to the newest #1 hit on Apple Music.
Music is my medicine. I can’t sing (I dance) but I most definitely turn to music when I am in a celebratory mood or frustrated with a transaction.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ruebenrealtor.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/rueben_realtor
- Facebook: Facebook.com/ruebenv
- Youtube: YouTube.com/ruebenrambles
Image Credits
Miguel Flores
