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

Hi Matt, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I came from the world of Academia where everyone in my family holds at least a B.S. degree or more. It was one of the scariest things that I have proudly done in my life. At times I was going back and fort and where I stood with my decision. Today, I am proud and happy with the decision of becoming an entrepreneur and a business owner. I was always drawn to the world of business but never fully submerged in it till COVID-19 hit and I was suddenly unemployed; In some ways I am thankful for that as it pushed me to the edge and out of my comfort zone and that was one of the best decisions of my life!

What should our readers know about your business?
I have recently moved my Real Estate business to Compass Real Estate where I truly feel welcomed and inspired for the years to come. I got into real estate back in 2017 and have practiced real estate on a part time basis while holding other full time positions. After graduating from UH-Main with a degree in Biology and Health Sciences, I was able to obtain a great Research Analyst position with Baylor College of Medicine while I was prepping for MCAT and possibly going into medical school. While at Baylor, upon visiting the OR and consenting cancer patients for our BioBanking and other ongoing Multicenter studies, I realized it wasn’t 100% for me; Although, I knew I wanted to be in an industry that I can show my passion and truly help and make a difference in people’s lives. After doing several other short term jobs like Uber, tutoring; I start a new hospitality management position for IHG at Medical center Houston. Opening a new hotel isn’t easy but I loved the team building aspect and truly enjoyed that. Meanwhile, I was doing real estate part time and desired to engage in real estate business full time. COVID-19, struck and events and hospitality was one of the first industries that were affected; This really pushed me to pursue my real estate career full time and with grace of God, family and friends been able to complete over 6 Million in business volume production last year! I am currently at Compass real estate and counting down my blessings and looking into great career days in real estate and this amazing brokerage which currently ranks #1 in the nation.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many cool unique spots in the city that it’s hard not to name them all! some of my favorite spots are:

La La Land Kind Cafe, Wild Cafe – Coffee
Loch Bar – Amazing Oysters etc.
Clarkwood – Awesome signature drinks
Doris Metropolitan – Steak house

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am huge on giving back and also recognizing and crediting the amazing folks that have touched my life in the making and as a result of their contributions I am here today; First and foremost, my amazing parents for all the years of having my best interest in mind over their own and pushing me forward and always believing in me when others didn’t. My adopted American grand parents (Papa & Grammee Hall) for teaching me English and being the best grand parents that one person can ask for although I was not not their biological grand child but yet I never felt any different than their own.

Website: https://www.compass.com/agents/matt-issa/?referrer=omnibox

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearded.agent.compass/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattissa/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004907179472

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