HotChat Podcast featuring Emmitt Smith

Welcome to another Hotchat podcast episode with Emmitt Smith. Smith was a record-holding machine known for his footwork and his winning attitude. He helped lead the Cowboys to three Super Bowl wins over four seasons (1992-93 to 1995-96 seasons) and was named first-team All-Pro during those four years. 

After football, Smith focused on business. He began working in real estate where, in 2013, he founded Emmitt Smith Enterprises, an umbrella company including his real estate and commercial construction companies. He’s also co-founder and Chairman of E Smith Legacy, a Baltimore-based company that specializes in commercial real estate development and investment management, as well as Chairman of E Smith Advisors, a global commercial real estate solutions and services provider in partnership with Newmark Knight Frank.

Smith’s three key pieces of advice are, first, never say you can’t because doing so will limit not only your ability but also God’s ability to work through you to achieve things you truly want to achieve. If you can believe in yourself, work and have all the dedication that you can have to get things done, you can get them done. Second, do not put all your eggs in one basket. Learn how to diversify your investments and what brings you money. Emmitt’s ability to fully immerse himself into talent, education, and other areas of interest was so valuable.

Third, once you study somebody doing something that you are interested in or have passion for, ask yourself how you can put together all the resources he uses. Once you start learning how those things can work and how they can be put together, you ask yourself why you cannot do it, why you can do it, and what you need to learn about it. That is the strategy Emmitt used to learn from his partners and become a successful real estate investor. You can do it too. 

Tune in!

Here’s What You’ll Get In This Episode

[00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of today’s guest; Emmitt Smith

[03:54] Three key lessons Emmitt has learned in his incredible journey

[08:34] From a professional in sports to business, why did he choose real estate?

[11:40] Why is real estate such a competitive industry, especially for an African-American 

[13:30] What is diversification to Emmitt, and how does his portfolio look like

[15:41] Insights on the best approaches to strategic partnerships

[17:36] Deals that Emmitt left on the table needed to have second thoughts

[21:38] Tips to ensure you have the right teamwork around you

[23:30] What’s next for Emmitt and his advice for kids

[28:26] Emmitt’s predictions of the future and the impact of social unrest

[32:37] Ending the show and call to action

Notable Quotes

• “Can’t” is such a limiting word. If you use it, you will truly never achieve what you aspire to.
• Real estate can be very competitive, especially if you do not have relationships and networks.
• Real estate is a long-term game and but it is a great game. 
• Partnering can be difficult if you do not have the right partners. Always ensure you partner strategically. 
• Never be the smartest person in the room. Surround yourself with a team that is more intelligent in the things you do not know.
• We all have room to grow every day.

Connect with Emmitt Smith

Website: https://www.esmithadvisors.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/esmithadvisors/