It’s a miracle I am alive today. Only by the grace of God was my life spared when I was in a tragic accident. My life was completely re-routed for the better, and today I’m sharing my story with you. It’s the kind of redirection where the Lord forcefully sets you on a new trajectory.
My first job outside of college was selling mattresses. I’d quickly moved up in positions and was relocated to Las Vegas to start a new market. Despite the successes, there was still something in the back of my mind telling me I didn’t belong there.
As I was about to plant roots in Vegas, ignoring the small voice, life suddenly changed with a terrible jet ski accident. I shouldn’t be alive today. Floating in the water with no other watercraft on the horizon, I was rescued by a lone boat with a family of off-duty lifeguards. Swift action by that family, and the Las Vegas version of Life Flight, saved me.
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.
Bedridden, my interest in real estate materialized while reflecting on a comment from my Las Vegas real estate agent. When he told me that I would make a great agent; 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 started my career in real estate on January 1st, 2009, and the market had just “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 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 continues to help today. 
If you ever get a chance to work with her, know that you’re in great hands. We have been happily married for over a decade and counting. Today we have four lovely children – Douglas V. (9), Eden (7), Woodrow (4) and Luke (1).
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. Whitney and I are passionate about disciplining the next generations and have been led to start a Biblical Classical School here in Houston, and First Liberty Academy.
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.
I always conduct business with the highest level of integrity and honesty. I strive to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for my clients. I take the time to truly understand their needs and goals and offer solutions that are in their best interests.
My ultimate goal is to help my clients achieve their real estate dreams and to build lasting relationships with them. 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. You will never have to search for answers or recommendations; just call me! 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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