Business

Esmeralda Baez, How To Stand Out In a Male Dominated Industry.

Published

3 years ago

February 14, 2022

You can find almost anything on the internet, for free, if you have enough time. There are millions of pages on public relations alone. Many sites promise to do the work for free (or a small charge). I would suggest avoiding them. Finding and keeping media contacts, earning how to craft pitches and compelling stories, isn’t free and doesn’t come cheap.

Meet Esmeralda Baez, A public relations expert and entrepreneur who has been part of many successful national campaigns as well as international projects with major record labels.

How did you get into the industry?

I originally got into the PR world by chance. Years ago while I was working an event, I was offered a position at a PR agency who needed help with their latin division. I took on the role and quickly progressed to being a publicist after signing several new clients.

What traits make a great publicist?

A good sense of judgement, taste, timing and the ability to know when to step it up and pull it back. Being honest with your clients is extremely important as well. Reading people helps too, and I learned very early in my career that my instincts tend to be right so I will always follow them.

How is your firm different from other PR agencies and how does social media connects with it?

The unique thing about Elite Vision Media is that we can represent anyone in any field.

Social media plays either a huge part of a clients campaign or a very small part depending on the comfort level of the client. We can completely set up a client on all social media platforms and guide them through keeping content relevant and entertaining. However there are some clients who refuse to engage in the social media world and we also support that position.

What’s next for the Business in the near future?

With each year we are in business, I see the opportunity for more growth and expansion.
I would love to continue creating more partnerships. We are interested in being part of the development process of new talents. and we definitely want to remain committed to representing our clients to the best of our abilities while still having fun.

Your biggest success and achievement?

I have been fortunate enough to find success in this field mostly due to my instincts and ability to navigate dynamic situations. And of course there have been mistakes along the way but each mistake has made me better and wiser in the end.

I wouldn’t feel comfortable pointing out any specific “achievements” but I am proud to say that most of the clients I have represented have been via referrals (word to mouth) or because they like me as a person and respect my work ethic.

Business

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke: A New Approach to Fine Real Estate

Published

3 weeks ago

December 16, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Photo credit: Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke.

Byline: Andi Stark

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke, a real estate platform operating across Hawaii, is rewriting how properties are bought and sold in the region. Unlike larger firms reliant on public listings and mass marketing, Private Listings’ strategy prioritizes personalization, privacy, and meticulous curation of ultra-high-end, off-market properties, including oceanfront estates, gated community residences, and architectural masterpieces.

Harold Clarke, founder of Private Listings, describes their method as one that rejects “cookie-cutter solutions in favor of understanding the nuances of both buyers and sellers.” This approach has resonated with ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) seeking refined and discreet real estate transactions.

The Hawaiian real estate market remains a hub for global investors, with the median price for a single-family home in the state reaching $900,000 in 2024, according to the Hawaii Association of Realtors. Within this competitive landscape, Private Listings is building up to be a trusted name for properties that extend beyond luxury into generational investments.

Challenging the Industry Norms

Private Listings deliberately avoids the conventions of large-scale real estate firms. By focusing on fewer, higher-value properties, the company ensures that each transaction is treated with the same level of care and confidentiality.

Public listing platforms, while effective for broader markets, often expose sellers to unnecessary attention or unqualified inquiries. For Clarke, this model is misaligned with the needs of UHNWIs. “Privacy isn’t a luxury for our clients—it’s a necessity,” Clarke explains.

This philosophy has led Private Listings to handle some of Hawaii’s most significant real estate transactions, including off-market properties valued at over $40 million. Its success is not measured by the volume of listings but by the depth of trust built with clients, many of whom return for subsequent transactions.

Adapting to Changing Client Demands

While Private Listings maintains a foundation of traditional practices, the firm also recognizes the evolving needs of its clientele. The global real estate market is increasingly influenced by concerns over digital security, with a 15% rise in data breaches targeting high-net-worth individuals in the past three years, according to cybersecurity firm NortonLifeLock.

To address these risks, Private Listings employs rigorous screening for potential buyers and uses secure platforms for communication and transactions. The firm’s “by invitation only” model ensures that clients remain protected from the pitfalls of public exposure. Clarke notes, “Our goal is not just to sell homes but to create an environment where clients feel safe and confident during every step of the process.”

The Human Element in Real Estate Transactions

Despite advancements in technology, Private Listings firmly believes that real estate transactions cannot be reduced to algorithms or automation. Unlike firms that depend heavily on online data aggregation, Private Listings emphasizes human connection and insight.

The company’s sales strategy integrates personalized client interactions, in-depth market analysis, and years of experience navigating Hawaii’s unique real estate ecosystem. Clarke’s background in managing family assets and his global perspective is significant in shaping this essence.

Future Directions for Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke

As Hawaii continues to attract global attention, Private Listings aims to expand its influence within the state while maintaining its core principles. The company is currently developing a new platform to streamline services for UHNWIs, blending their demand for discretion with seamless access to Hawaii’s finest off-market properties.

Additionally, Private Listings is strengthening its ties with local communities, recognizing that sustainable growth benefits both the company and the islands’ ecosystems.

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke has set itself apart in Hawaii’s real estate scene by moving away from the typical mass-market approach. Through a mix of traditional values and modern sensibilities, the firm continues to define what it means to transact ultra-high-value properties with integrity and care.