Meet Ashley Marquez | Ashley Marquez | Realtor & Owner of GTX Realty Group

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Marquez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting GTX Realty Group was a natural step in my journey. I’ve always been passionate about helping people find their dream homes, invest wisely, and navigate what can be an emotional and life-changing process. Real estate is deeply personal to me—it’s not just about transactions; it’s about building relationships and making a positive impact in people’s lives.

When I started GTX Realty Group, I wanted to create something more than just a real estate business. I envisioned a collaborative and supportive team environment where agents could thrive, clients could feel truly cared for, and we could set a new standard for excellence in our community. My experience in real estate, from flipping houses to leasing, selling, and helping clients with emotional sales, gave me a well-rounded perspective. I knew I wanted to bring that expertise to a business that would serve all price points and needs, not just luxury homes.

I also felt a responsibility to lead by example—whether it’s showing new agents how to grow their business, working with trusted contractors to help clients with renovations, or simply being a resource for someone curious about their home’s value. Starting GTX Realty Group was about turning my passion into a legacy, building something meaningful, and creating a team that could serve the Galveston community with the same care and dedication I bring to every transaction.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career in real estate has been an incredible journey. I’ve built my business on the foundation of relationships, trust, and a genuine passion for helping people. Whether it’s guiding first-time buyers, supporting clients through emotional sales, or working with investors, my focus is always on creating a seamless and successful experience tailored to their needs.

What sets me apart is my dedication to excellence and my ability to adapt to the diverse needs of our market, from beachfront properties to luxury homes, vacation rentals, and everything in between. Starting GTX Realty Group has been a highlight of my career. In our first year in business, we were honored to be voted Best Real Estate Company by Galveston.com for 2024. Being recognized like this, so early on, is a testament to the hard work, passion, and commitment of our entire team.

Getting to this point wasn’t easy. Building a business from the ground up required resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace every challenge as an opportunity to grow. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people—whether it’s a supportive team, trusted mentors, or clients who believe in your vision.

What I want the world to know about GTX Realty Group is that we’re more than just a real estate company. We’re a team of people who genuinely care about our clients and community. From helping families find their dream homes to connecting them with the resources they need for renovations or investments, we’re here to make a difference. Our story is just beginning, and I’m excited for what’s ahead as we continue to grow and serve the amazing people of Galveston.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, here’s how I’d show them the best time in Galveston:

Day 1:

Start the trip with a relaxing day at Stewart Beach or East Beach, complete with chairs, umbrellas, and snacks.
Grab a casual seafood lunch at The Spot, where the views of the Gulf are as good as the food.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at Rudy & Paco, a fine-dining experience that showcases Latin American flavors.

Day 2:

Spend the morning exploring the Strand Historic District, browsing the boutique shops and grabbing a coffee at MOD Coffeehouse.
Stop for lunch at Shrimp ‘N Stuff, a local favorite for fresh Gulf seafood.
Visit Moody Gardens for an afternoon of adventure—whether it’s the aquarium, rainforest pyramid, or a scenic paddlewheel boat ride.
End the day with dinner and drinks at Katie’s Seafood House, overlooking the harbor.

Day 3:

Head to Galveston Island State Park for hiking, kayaking, or birdwatching.
Pack a picnic lunch or stop by Sunflower Bakery & Café for a hearty meal before hitting the trails.
Cap the day with a sunset cruise with Out Cast Charters leaving from Bayside Event Center for an unforgettable experience.

Day 4:

Visit the Galveston Arts Center and Bishop’s Palace to immerse yourself in the island’s rich history and art scene.
Have a lunch break at Cajun Greek, enjoying their famous watermelon sangria and boudin appetizer.
Spend the afternoon at The Bryan Museum, home to one of the largest collections of historical artifacts in Texas.
Dinner at Porch Café in Beachtown is perfect for a cozy yet upscale meal.

Day 5:

Spend the morning on the water with Out Cast Charters, Galveston’s #1 fishing charter company, for an unforgettable experience catching fish in the Gulf. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a first-timer, their expertise makes it fun for everyone.
Afterward, enjoy a light lunch at Willie G’s, where you can relax and swap fishing stories while overlooking the harbor.
For dinner, head to Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant, a Galveston institution with over 100 years of history, to round out the day with a delicious meal.

Day 6:

Start with breakfast at Mosquito Café, known for their fresh and creative menu.
Spend the afternoon strolling along the Seawall, stopping at local shops or just enjoying the ocean breeze.
Dinner at Gypsy Joynt, a funky spot with live music, delicious pizza, and a bohemian vibe.

Day 7:

Brunch at Blvd. Seafood, offering a perfect mix of fresh seafood and brunch classics.
Take a final stroll along the Pleasure Pier, enjoying the rides, games, and views.
For the grand finale, enjoy cocktails at Hearsay on the Strand, where the ambiance is as spectacular as the drinks.

Galveston has a mix of everything—history, culture, incredible food, and outdoor adventures—and this itinerary captures the best of it. It’s the perfect way to show off the charm of the island while making unforgettable memories!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s no question that my shoutout goes to my amazingly supportive husband. He has been my rock and my biggest cheerleader from the very beginning. Almost six years ago, he gave me the push I needed to step into real estate, a field I’d always admired but hadn’t yet pursued. Without his belief in me and his encouragement, I might never have taken that first leap of faith.

From the late nights of studying for my license to the endless hours building my business, he’s been there every step of the way. He’s not just my partner in life but also in my dreams—always reminding me of my potential, celebrating my wins, and supporting me through the challenges. I wouldn’t be where I am today, starting and growing GTX Realty Group, without his love, encouragement, and constant motivation.

So this is for him—a heartfelt thank you for believing in me and for being the foundation that made all of this possible. I’m forever grateful to have him by my side on this journey.

Website: https://www.gtxrealtygroup.com

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