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Mark Pinilla: A Lifetime of Service and Leadership
Mark Pinilla has spent nearly three decades making an impact in real estate, property management, and community service. Overseeing more than 250 properties across South Florida, he has built a reputation for professionalism, trustworthiness, and a steadfast commitment to serving both clients and tenants. But his contributions go far beyond property management.
As the cofounder of Vet Info, LLC, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting U.S. veterans, Mark has shown a deep passion for advocacy, education, and empowerment. His leadership extends to training and mentoring professionals through his role as a NAHREP 10 Certified Trainer, where he champions financial literacy and wealth-building within Hispanic communities.
Mark’s journey has been marked by an unwavering dedication to uplifting others—whether it is through helping tenants find homes, creating opportunities for fellow professionals, or advocating for veterans’ well-being. A natural educator and leader, he’s inspired countless individuals to achieve financial independence and build stronger communities.
We asked Mark five questions to get a deeper look into his mission, values, and vision for the future.
What inspired you to pursue a career in real estate and property management?
Mark: In 2008, I was offered the opportunity to change careers and begin managing associations. I jumped at the chance, and I have not looked back since. While managing the associations, I was getting a lot of calls to rent the units. People thought it was a rental community. All too many times, I would tell them to look for a realtor to find out what was on the market. Sometime in 2011, I got my first investment property management deal, and it grew from there. I found myself giving away the rental side of the business and decided to get my license in 2012. I closed 11 rentals that year without looking for one client.
I have enjoyed the work and flexibility that real estate and property management provide. Some days I am in the office and others on the road. As a father, it was great because I was able to pick up my daughters from school, do homework, participate in the PTA, fundraise, take them to Karate, Jiu Jitsu, Tae Kwon Do and so much more. Sure, I had to work later at night on the computer, but my daughters had a father who was active in their lives during the most important years of their lives. Both graduated high school with honors, scholarships, and their associate’s degree at the age of 18. A testament to why Discipline 10 is so important. My family is my North Star.
How has your experience founding and leading Vet Info shaped your approach to community service and advocacy?
Mark: Vet Info, a 501(c)(3), started four years ago to address the needs of veterans and the need to distribute information to veterans in a simple way. After four years, we solely work through the good will of the community. There are no employees, salaries, or bonuses to distribute!
My two incredible co-founders, William “Bill” Watts and Precious Leaks-Gutierrez, Ed. D., MBA, CCRP have worked hard with me to integrate the community with our organization. And it is going to take a community to make the necessary changes for our humanity to be saved.
At least twenty-two veterans commit suicide every day. 24% take their lives within 5 minutes, 48% within 20 minutes, and 71% within 1 hour. 40% of the suicides did not have any indication in their medical records that suicide was on their mind.
How can the VA system combat something they did not know? Only through the participation of our community. Disciplines 7 and 9 encourages us to be politically savvy and generous to those who are less fortunate. We can turn the tide of suicide by being responsible for those who are in our sphere of influence. The community must come together to serve and support veterans in need. We need to be better brothers, sisters, neighbors, parents and be in the life of veterans who have withdrawn from society. Our program, “Cast Off 22”, aims to be part of that solution. Piscatorial therapy (fishing), whether on the shoreline, from a kayak or boat, is a promising method to reducing the stress and anxiety veterans feel.
Vet Info has allowed me to work with the City of Doral, Bass Pro Shops, JT McDonald Foundation, Keyes Property Management, to name a few, which have been supportive and generous to our cause. We have also worked with the local schools to have high schoolers write Christmas cards for veterans when we deliver about 600 care packages to the veterans living in the VA retirement homes.
My daughters, Samantha and Isabel, were given the task of finding volunteers. I never expected it would lead them to gaining valuable life skills like leadership, organization, and management. They organize the volunteers, put them to work, and decide if the volunteer would come back based on their work ethic. Both recruited from their respective high schools and colleges so that Vet Info could be successful in their events.
These young volunteers, including my daughters, have seen the impact and great things we do for veterans. Our legacy will be that we taught our children how to love and respect others through service in our community. It brings new meaning to “lead by example.”
What role does financial literacy play in empowering communities, and how do you incorporate this in your work?
Mark: Financial literacy is the capital needed by our community to create wealth.
As a property manager, my day-to-day activities require me to understand the Florida Lease Agreement and how to apply the agreed upon terms and conditions to the owner or the tenant. My experience with leases has led me to train at multiple Real Estate offices and for the Miami Board of Realtors.
As a certified trainer, I am commissioned to share the NAHREP 10 Disciplines that will empower and guide Latinos to financial freedom.
Through my training sessions with Realtors, I encourage realtors to help renters to become homeowners and for homeowners to become investors. In this way, I am able to impact more Latinos because I am creating my own little army of realtors who work towards the same goal of sustainable generational wealth.
As a NAHREP 10 Certified Trainer, what do you see as the most significant challenges and opportunities for Hispanic professionals in real estate?
Mark: Teaching the NAHREP 10 Disciplines is important. The problem is not the teaching, it is getting the person motivated to change. We can lead the horse to the water, but we cannot make them drink.
I am not a believer in scaring people, but some fear must be instilled. The consequences of not changing need to be outlined to help motivate the change.
When I speak to people about their financial future, especially ones with children, most want to save money for their children’s education or leave some kind of inheritance. This is the kind and loving nature of a good parent. Once I establish this mentality, I ask a couple more questions and the conversation are little like this:
As the cofounder of Vet Info, LLC, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting U.S. veterans, Mark has shown a deep passion for advocacy, education, and empowerment. His leadership extends to training and mentoring professionals through his role as a NAHREP 10 Certified Trainer, where he champions financial literacy and wealth-building within Hispanic communities.
Mark’s journey has been marked by an unwavering dedication to uplifting others—whether it is through helping tenants find homes, creating opportunities for fellow professionals, or advocating for veterans’ well-being. A natural educator and leader, he’s inspired countless individuals to achieve financial independence and build stronger communities.
We asked Mark five questions to get a deeper look into his mission, values, and vision for the future.
What inspired you to pursue a career in real estate and property management?
Mark: In 2008, I was offered the opportunity to change careers and begin managing associations. I jumped at the chance, and I have not looked back since. While managing the associations, I was getting a lot of calls to rent the units. People thought it was a rental community. All too many times, I would tell them to look for a realtor to find out what was on the market. Sometime in 2011, I got my first investment property management deal, and it grew from there. I found myself giving away the rental side of the business and decided to get my license in 2012. I closed 11 rentals that year without looking for one client.
I have enjoyed the work and flexibility that real estate and property management provide. Some days I am in the office and others on the road. As a father, it was great because I was able to pick up my daughters from school, do homework, participate in the PTA, fundraise, take them to Karate, Jiu Jitsu, Tae Kwon Do and so much more. Sure, I had to work later at night on the computer, but my daughters had a father who was active in their lives during the most important years of their lives. Both graduated high school with honors, scholarships, and their associate’s degree at the age of 18. A testament to why Discipline 10 is so important. My family is my North Star.
How has your experience founding and leading Vet Info shaped your approach to community service and advocacy?
Mark: Vet Info, a 501(c)(3), started four years ago to address the needs of veterans and the need to distribute information to veterans in a simple way. After four years, we solely work through the good will of the community. There are no employees, salaries, or bonuses to distribute!
My two incredible co-founders, William “Bill” Watts and Precious Leaks-Gutierrez, Ed. D., MBA, CCRP have worked hard with me to integrate the community with our organization. And it is going to take a community to make the necessary changes for our humanity to be saved.
At least twenty-two veterans commit suicide every day. 24% take their lives within 5 minutes, 48% within 20 minutes, and 71% within 1 hour. 40% of the suicides did not have any indication in their medical records that suicide was on their mind.
How can the VA system combat something they did not know? Only through the participation of our community. Disciplines 7 and 9 encourages us to be politically savvy and generous to those who are less fortunate. We can turn the tide of suicide by being responsible for those who are in our sphere of influence. The community must come together to serve and support veterans in need. We need to be better brothers, sisters, neighbors, parents and be in the life of veterans who have withdrawn from society. Our program, “Cast Off 22”, aims to be part of that solution. Piscatorial therapy (fishing), whether on the shoreline, from a kayak or boat, is a promising method to reducing the stress and anxiety veterans feel.
Vet Info has allowed me to work with the City of Doral, Bass Pro Shops, JT McDonald Foundation, Keyes Property Management, to name a few, which have been supportive and generous to our cause. We have also worked with the local schools to have high schoolers write Christmas cards for veterans when we deliver about 600 care packages to the veterans living in the VA retirement homes.
My daughters, Samantha and Isabel, were given the task of finding volunteers. I never expected it would lead them to gaining valuable life skills like leadership, organization, and management. They organize the volunteers, put them to work, and decide if the volunteer would come back based on their work ethic. Both recruited from their respective high schools and colleges so that Vet Info could be successful in their events.
These young volunteers, including my daughters, have seen the impact and great things we do for veterans. Our legacy will be that we taught our children how to love and respect others through service in our community. It brings new meaning to “lead by example.”
What role does financial literacy play in empowering communities, and how do you incorporate this in your work?
Mark: Financial literacy is the capital needed by our community to create wealth.
As a property manager, my day-to-day activities require me to understand the Florida Lease Agreement and how to apply the agreed upon terms and conditions to the owner or the tenant. My experience with leases has led me to train at multiple Real Estate offices and for the Miami Board of Realtors.
As a certified trainer, I am commissioned to share the NAHREP 10 Disciplines that will empower and guide Latinos to financial freedom.
Through my training sessions with Realtors, I encourage realtors to help renters to become homeowners and for homeowners to become investors. In this way, I am able to impact more Latinos because I am creating my own little army of realtors who work towards the same goal of sustainable generational wealth.
As a NAHREP 10 Certified Trainer, what do you see as the most significant challenges and opportunities for Hispanic professionals in real estate?
Mark: Teaching the NAHREP 10 Disciplines is important. The problem is not the teaching, it is getting the person motivated to change. We can lead the horse to the water, but we cannot make them drink.
I am not a believer in scaring people, but some fear must be instilled. The consequences of not changing need to be outlined to help motivate the change.
When I speak to people about their financial future, especially ones with children, most want to save money for their children’s education or leave some kind of inheritance. This is the kind and loving nature of a good parent. Once I establish this mentality, I ask a couple more questions and the conversation are little like this:
Mr. and Mrs. Client. It is so nice of you to think about your children. It is a wonderful goal that we will work towards. When we look at your son, little Joey, at the age of 18, he has a couple of options. He can go to college and get scholarships, grants, and/or loans. He can also work and pay for his schooling. He can join the military and have them pay for his education. Joey can also go straight to work and never get a college degree. Joey has options.
Now let’s look at your situation. You told me that you would like to retire at 65. At 65, can you or your spouse get a scholarship, grant, or loan? Start a job? Join the military? Not so many options, right?
If you agree with me, the focus can be to make sure that you and your spouse invest in your future so you can have options. The option to travel, enjoy your retirement without the need to work, and if there is extra money, support Joey in his education.
If you do not do this, then what may happen is that you will need to go to little Joey and have him support you during your retirement years if you did not save enough. Is that something you are willing to do?
Now let’s look at your situation. You told me that you would like to retire at 65. At 65, can you or your spouse get a scholarship, grant, or loan? Start a job? Join the military? Not so many options, right?
If you agree with me, the focus can be to make sure that you and your spouse invest in your future so you can have options. The option to travel, enjoy your retirement without the need to work, and if there is extra money, support Joey in his education.
If you do not do this, then what may happen is that you will need to go to little Joey and have him support you during your retirement years if you did not save enough. Is that something you are willing to do?
As a real estate professional, my goal is to show you how to reach your financial goals. This will include reducing debt, saving for emergencies, investing in stocks and real estate.
Let’s establish what you want to do so we can lay the groundwork to get there.
Discipline number 2 asks us to be in the top 10% of our profession. How can we say we are professionals if we are not painting the right picture? The picture is often the sale or purchase of the house. This is completely wrong!
“What is the right picture,” you ask?
Our clients will benefit from the purchase of their home in several ways. It will bring stability to their house and a great environment to raise their children in. Memories will be created. Over time, they will gain equity and be able to use it to buy a bigger home, an investment property, and eventually leave it for their children and create generational wealth.
As a professional, this is the kind of community I want to create.
What advice would you give to someone looking to combine a career in real estate with a passion for community service?
Mark: A career in real estate requires all of us to understand that it is not a transaction. The sale or purchase of real estate is a milestone. It is one of many milestones. The question is, “does the agent want to be a part of every milestone or not?” What value will you provide to your client so that when they reach the next milestone, they will think of you? In my case, I want to be called Uncle Mark. When I go to my client’s home, I am not the real estate agent. I am Uncle Mark. My clients will be like family. Not only will the milestones be transactions, but they will also include birthdays, weddings, and vacations!
Mark’s decades-long commitment to leadership, service, and education is a testament to his passion for creating meaningful change. From real estate to advocacy, his work continues to build a legacy of impact and inspiration.
Let’s establish what you want to do so we can lay the groundwork to get there.
Discipline number 2 asks us to be in the top 10% of our profession. How can we say we are professionals if we are not painting the right picture? The picture is often the sale or purchase of the house. This is completely wrong!
“What is the right picture,” you ask?
Our clients will benefit from the purchase of their home in several ways. It will bring stability to their house and a great environment to raise their children in. Memories will be created. Over time, they will gain equity and be able to use it to buy a bigger home, an investment property, and eventually leave it for their children and create generational wealth.
As a professional, this is the kind of community I want to create.
What advice would you give to someone looking to combine a career in real estate with a passion for community service?
Mark: A career in real estate requires all of us to understand that it is not a transaction. The sale or purchase of real estate is a milestone. It is one of many milestones. The question is, “does the agent want to be a part of every milestone or not?” What value will you provide to your client so that when they reach the next milestone, they will think of you? In my case, I want to be called Uncle Mark. When I go to my client’s home, I am not the real estate agent. I am Uncle Mark. My clients will be like family. Not only will the milestones be transactions, but they will also include birthdays, weddings, and vacations!
Mark’s decades-long commitment to leadership, service, and education is a testament to his passion for creating meaningful change. From real estate to advocacy, his work continues to build a legacy of impact and inspiration.
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