Diversity Spotlight: Montez Martin
In 1990, Montez C. Martin, Jr served as the first African American President of the CTAR Multiple Listing Service (MLS) President. During his presidency, Montez worked with Trident Technical College to update and incorporate a new MLS computer system for members that increased efficiency and helped streamline MLS searching. His commitment to implementing new technology for the MLS helped pave the way for the technology-forward MLS products we use today.
Martin’s career in real estate officially began in 1976 when he opened Montez Real Estate, originally located in the Old Darlington Apartments. The office was sparsely appointed with just a phone, desk and filing cabinet and he didn’t have well-established connections to other agents in the area yet.
Knowing he needed support, Martin reached out to well-known local Realtor® Max Hill, who he had worked with previously at the Chamber of Commerce and on other community projects. When he reached out, his first question to Hill was, “How do you keep the lights on?” From there, a mentorship developed as Hill allowed Martin to view his file forms and process and supported him as he got his business off the ground.
In 1980, Martin joined CTAR to become a Realtor®. At the time, the Association required agents to pass an exam to join. Martin said, “The test wasn’t hard but I didn’t want to score a 100. I went back through the test and changed answers until I believed the score would be around 80.” At the time Martin believed scoring a 100 as a black person would come with potential unwanted attention.
After joining CTAR, Martin served on several boards and committees in the community and at the Association. Association committees and board included Legislative committee, MLS committee and Property transfers and TMS committee and the CTAR Board. In the community, he served on the Charleston Chamber of Commerce Board, Trident Community Foundation, Co-Chair of Regional Transportation Authority and Trident Technical College Board. In 1986, he was named President of the Charleston Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and became their first African American President.
A native of Columbia, South Carolina, Martin graduated from Hampton University with a degree in Architectural Engineering and Building Construction. Shortly after graduation, he joined the Army as a commissioned officer in the Corps of Engineers. He was assigned to Vietnam where he commanded a port construction detachment. After 7 years of service, Martin joined the Army Reserves. Martin’s impressive career resume includes a high school mechanical drawing teacher, a camera person and interviewer for WSB-TV, Executive Director for WSB Savannah Radio Station, Director of Construction at the College of Charleston and a news reporter and talk show host for WCBD channel 2.
In 1992, Martin left real estate and accepted a position as the Executive Director of the Charleston County Housing Authority where he remained until retirement in 2012.
Martin’s determination to succeed in both his real estate business and his path to leadership is inspiring and remarkable—during this year’s Black History month, we reflect on the contributions of trailblazers like Montez Martin and celebrate his achievements!
