Carl Marzola is a familiar face in Greater Fort Lauderdale. His roots, which originate in upstate New York, were planted early in South Florida soil. While barely into his teens, Marzola moved to South Florida (in 1980). A licensed real estate broker, he is a member of the Florida Realtors and is the Broker and President of Fort Lauderdale- and Wilton Manors-based Atlantic Properties International.

In addition to his experience as a business leader, Marzola’s credentials also extend to that of community leader, serving on the City of Wilton Manors Economic Development Task Force.

Marzola says he sees a great deal of growth and further changes to an already-dynamic community. He spoke with the Agenda about the area’s past, its present, and what he sees in the future.

What is the best part about being a professional Realty broker in today’s market?

I have always found it to be tremendously rewarding to assist first time buyers in making their first purchase of a home; in a way it’s like helping to deliver someone’s first child. Big picture, I find it equally invigorating when my International clientele seeks my professional advice about purchasing a second or third luxury residence or commercial acquisition, and they do it here, where it creates further opportunity for the community.

Why did you choose to invest in Wilton Manors?

Wilton Manors is becoming a destination location, one that’s not only known by South Floridians and our “snow birds,” but also internationally. The potential of doing business in Wilton Manors is unlimited as the economy continues its growth.  I recognized this and wanted my firm to take an active part in Wilton Manors’ progress. We just don’t sell homes; we sell what our community has to offer.  The ones who are able to weather tough economic times will see the rewards of hanging in there. It’s all about timing.

Why did you become a professional Realtor?

Being a Realtor has given me many opportunities to meet and work with people from all walks of life, and from all around the world.  What a wonderful life experience I am having. My clients become my friends. I couldn’t think of doing anything else. When you meet me, you quickly realize I have passion for my profession.

Would you recommend your life’s work to someone else?

I think if you walked into a room full of people, four out of 10 of them are probably Realtors, so I guess the word is out. It’s a respectable profession for those who treat it like professionals. I’m always recommending it. What we do in the present prepares us for a great future.

How else should a business or community leader occupy his or her time?

Real estate can take up a great deal of your time, so it’s important to remember to give yourself time to get involved in other activities, both personal and professional. I try to keep personally involved in as many civic and community activities as my schedule permits and if I cannot make time, I make a contribution to different organizations or charities that are making a positive difference in this place we call home.  Currently I am active with the Wilton Manors Economic Advisory Board.

What people would you consider your heroes, or the people you most admire?

Our men and women in the military services are my heroes. They place themselves in danger for our safety. Our country and our community really need to provide better attention to these patriotic men and women, and service to help them integrate into society. Hire a Vet: he or she is the one who saved your life and your preserves your liberty.

Is there a skill you wish you possessed, or did better?

That’s a difficult one. I wish I was able to grasp learning more languages.

What quality do you think a person needs to acquire in order to succeed?

Simply stated, persistence.

If you could be any other person, who would it be?

I wished you had said an animal—then I would be a dog. That would be the life: I would just sit back, not have to worry about food or shelter, sleep whenever I wanted to, lick the hand that feeds me, then roll over and go back to sleep. (Laughs) If only.

What qualities do you most admire in others?

Courage, focus, and discipline. Who wouldn’t want some of those?.

Of what quality do you wish other possessed more?

Understanding, tolerance, and compassion for others. We should spread that around.

What would you be doing if not what you’re doing now?

I admit that I’m a creature of habit. So if you placed me on a desert island, I’d love to relax, enjoy some piña coladas for a long weekend, and then start organizing the locals to start selling the pineapple juice to the visitors, along with those terrific oceanfront views.