Martin was introduced to the mortgage industry in 1996 and became a Mortgage Loan Officer, but by 1997 he was so in love with the industry that he upgraded to a Utah Mortgage Broker and started his own mortgage business. Martin achieved great success by staying on top of current mortgage products and linking the right product to individual clients and then motivating his team of loan officers through discipline and leadership by example to do the same.

The incredible challenges that the real estate market faced in 2008-2010 were felt first hand by Martin due to his deep involvement in his real estate business, and he knows personally how devastating it is to lose your livelihood, home, and freedom. This life-changing era not only made Martin wiser, but also extremely empathic toward homeowners who are struggling and need an equitable, timely, and ethically grounded transaction all throughout the home selling process.

Martin has been married since 1997 to an incredible lady from Venezuala and has a grown son doing missionary work in Peru.  Martin’s story of overcoming immense setbacks and coming back from the abyss has given him a heart for those in the Northern Utah community with real needs. He is very involved in his church, sits on the board to help homeless veterans secure safe and affordable housing, and works and volunteers in the addiction recovery community both in and out of prison. In his free time, Martin enjoys traveling and spending time with his family, fishing, and is an active runner.

James M. Smith is a seasoned entrepreneur, real estate investor, and business strategist  recognized for his decades of experience in deal-making, negotiation, and wealth-building strategies. Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Business with concentrations in Economics and Finance, James has spent his career helping individuals and organizations think differently about opportunity, investment, and financial independence. 

Known for his sharp instincts and ability to structure creative deals, James developed his business and negotiation skills early in life and has built a reputation as a strategic thinker and trusted advisor. His practical approach to business and investing has allowed him to mentor countless entrepreneurs and investors seeking to grow their financial knowledge and expand their opportunities. 

As a dynamic speaker, trainer, and mentor, James has shared his insights with audiences of more than 10 million people worldwide, inspiring individuals to take greater control of their financial futures.  

His engaging speaking style combines real world experience with practical guidance, making complex business and investment concepts easy to understand and apply. 

Throughout his career, James has shared the stage with an impressive list of global leaders and influential figures. These include former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan  Greenspan, U.S. Presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush, Bill  Clinton, and George W. Bush, Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and former South African President F.W. De Klerk.  He has also appeared alongside notable business leaders such as Steve Forbes, Richard Branson, Kevin O’Leary, Robert Herjavec, Mark Cuban, Steve Wozniak, Daymond John, Robert Kiyosaki, Donald Trump and others, as well as motivational icons Zig Ziglar and Tony Robbins. James’ expertise has also led to appearances on national  television and syndicated radio programs. 

Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, James was taught the values of hard work, service, and personal responsibility from an early age. While working as a roofer, he put himself through college and completed his degree in just three years—an experience that shaped  his work ethic and determination. 

Beyond business, James remains committed to giving back. He actively supports charitable initiatives and has been personally involved in assisting indigenous communities around the world. 

Through his work as an investor, speaker, and mentor, James continues to share the lessons he has learned over a lifetime in business—empowering others to pursue opportunity, think strategically, and build lasting success.