I thought success meant working harder than everyone else—until I realized the real win was creating a life I didn’t need to escape from.

The year was 2019, and Florida was buzzing with new development and construction. Having been deeply involved in the construction world for years, I could see the shift—and I wanted to be part of it. Selling real estate seemed like a natural next step.

In many ways, I think I was destined for this path. My dad was a private commercial lender, and my mom was a REALTOR®, both leaving a lasting imprint on my outlook. When I was a baby, we moved to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where my dad built a portfolio of investment properties. I’d often help him with his work, learning about deals and negotiations without realizing how valuable those lessons would become. My mom later became a REALTOR® and would take me to see new construction sites. Watching her hustle in heels, full of determination, made a deep impression on me.

When I was eleven, we moved to Miami in search of a safer life, and my world expanded. I was social, curious, and surrounded by opportunities. One of those came through my friend Alex, who owned a trucking company that supplied materials for construction sites. At the time, I was a bank teller, wondering if there was more to life. Alex offered me a job, and before long, I became his director of sales—opening offices, learning about construction, mining, and materials distribution during one of Florida’s biggest real estate booms.

In 2017, I married my wife, and soon after, we welcomed our daughter. Fatherhood hit me hard—in the best way. I couldn’t stop asking myself, “How can I give this little girl the best life possible?” That question pushed me to grow up fast, but it also forced me to face uncomfortable truths. I realized I was too dependent on my corporate job and needed a second source of income. Living in Naples, I was witnessing how fast the city was transforming—the skyline changing, new developments everywhere—and that’s when I decided to get my real estate license in 2019.

At first, I sold just a few homes a year to friends and family. I’ll admit, I didn’t know what I was doing. But after moving to Lakewood Ranch, I found a mentor who saw potential in me. He helped me understand not only how to navigate the business but also how to believe in myself. Slowly but steadily, my confidence grew, and so did my success. 

Yet, there came a point when the harder I worked, the emptier I felt. My marriage was strained, and I barely saw my wife and daughter. I was also facing a high-pressure, demanding environment that left little room for balance or fulfillment.  

I reached a breaking point and asked myself, “Who do I want to become?” The answer was clear: someone who’s present for his family. I spoke with my wife, determined to rebuild what we had lost. Together, we decided to leave Naples behind and start over in Lakewood Ranch, near Sarasota. The moment we arrived, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace—like life was giving me a second chance. 

Now, our daughter goes to a wonderful school, we’re surrounded by caring neighbors, and my focus is exactly where it should be: on family and purpose. Real estate remains a hugen part of my life, but it’s not the whole story. I serve as the BNI chapter president, helping Spanish-speaking business owners connect, grow, and support one another. I’m active in the Archdiocese of Venice, promoting Latin culture and helping children reconnect with the Spanish language. I also work with Rotary International on projects that bring clean water and sanitation to communities in the Dominican Republic.

 

Looking back, I see how every chapter prepared me for this one. From construction and  corporate life to fatherhood, I am driven not just by success, but by meaning, family, and service.

What sets me apart is my multicultural background and ability to connect with anyone—whether it’s first-time buyers taking their first step toward homeownership or lifelong renters approaching retirement and finally ready to invest in their future. I  approach every client with patience, understanding, and genuine care.

For me, real estate is first and foremost about relationships. I treat every client like family and take pride in helping those who think homeownership is out of reach. No matter the challenge, I find solutions.

 I excel at solving “impossible” cases that other agents might turn away from. Backed by a trusted team of lenders—including Spanish-speaking professionals—and reliable vendors, I make the process smooth and transparent from start to finish. I’m a one-stop shop for any real estate need. I fight for my clients’ best interests and never leave their side. My goal isn’t just to help people buy a home—it’s to empower them, guide them, and often, gain a lifelong friend in the process.

With gratitude,

  

 

 

Robert Hildreth

REALTOR®

(941) 326-0278

robert@myhomesearch.me

myhomesearch.me