I believe it’s only by the grace of God that I am alive today. Years ago, a tragic jet ski accident changed the entire direction of my life. That accident completely re-routed my life for the better, and I wanted to share the story behind how I found my way into real estate.
After college, my first job was selling mattresses. I moved up quickly and was relocated to Las Vegas to help start a new market. On paper, things were going well. But deep down, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was not where I was supposed to be.
As I was about to plant roots in Vegas, ignoring that small voice, life suddenly changed with a terrible jet ski accident. I shouldn’t be alive today. I was floating in the water with no other watercraft in sight when, by God’s grace, a lone boat appeared carrying a family of off-duty lifeguards. That family’s quick action, followed by an emergency airlift to the hospital, saved my life.
When I arrived at the hospital, it was a miracle that I was still alive, given the volume of blood lost. With a broken femur, through multiple procedures, the doctors were able to put my leg back together. I lost one of my quad muscles due to irreparable nerve damage. You won’t catch me running any marathons, but I still walk pretty good.
My family was a crucial part of my recovery. For a while, I required round-the-clock care. The mental toll of being immobile was hard. I felt strongly that I needed to re-route my life and career.
While I was recovering, I remembered something my Las Vegas real estate agent had told me: “You’d make a great real estate agent.” At the time, I didn’t think much of it. But lying there with my life on pause, that comment came back to me differently. The light bulb turned on.
During my recovery, taking advantage of the downtime, I proactively pursued a real estate license. As soon as I fully recovered, I headed south to Houston to begin my new journey.
I was excited and naive about what was to come. I officially started my real estate career on January 1, 2009, right after the market had “crashed.” Everyone thought I was crazy. Despite the challenges, I persisted.
My first breakthrough moment in real estate was when I found my way to Martha Turner Properties by, what I like to say, sliding through the basement door, as they weren’t interested in new agents. After working as an assistant for a while, I became the youngest agent to make their “Hall of Fame” list.
Martha Turner was a beautiful person inside and out, and I’m forever grateful that she took me under her wing and mentored me. I believe her initial fondness for me was rooted in the commonality of our deep East Texas upbringings. I learned her success and track record weren’t just from working hard but also from her unwavering faith in the Lord and her generosity to those around her.
Almost a year later, in 2010, I met my wife, Whitney. My mom had repeatedly told me my wife would be in Texas, and moms are usually right. It took me longer to learn that than I’d like to admit. Sure enough, my forever partner was in Texas all along. Thanks, Mom.
Whitney has played an integral role in my career, helping scale my operation at Martha Turner, and she continues to help today. If you ever get a chance to work with Whitney, know that you’re in great hands. We have been happily married for over a decade and counting. Today, we are blessed with five wonderful children: Douglas, Eden, Woodrow, Luke, and Hazel Grace.
Despite the temporary hardship my accident caused, my life was spared. Raising our children to be the next leaders of their generation and giving back to our community is what continues to motivate me and my family to strive for success and excellence in all that we do.
Growing up on a farm in East Texas, I was raised to have a strong work ethic. As a real estate professional, I apply that same work ethic to achieving my clients’ goals. But more than that, because of what I’ve lived through, I do not take trust lightly. When someone asks me to help with their home, their move, or a major financial decision, I treat that responsibility seriously.
My goal is simple: to be the person my clients trust before, during, and long after the transaction. In addition to being the principal of Martin Collum Real Estate, I also have a construction company and many local connections with trusted service providers. I aim to create a full-service experience.
Whether you need real estate guidance, a contractor recommendation, or simply a trusted local opinion, I want you to feel comfortable reaching out. I will happily help you through any of your real estate needs as your REALTOR® for life.
Sincerely,
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D. Leigh Martin, IV Broker-Owner Primary® Direct: 713.835.9839
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