Today, I am excited to share some of the highlights of our interview with Joey Martin, the CEO of JW Martin Real Estate, JW Martin Property Management, and JW Martin Investments and a partner within Freeman and Martin Land Development. He is a living example of authenticity, grit, overcoming adversity, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Joey Martin: Building a Real Estate Legacy from Humble Beginnings
Joey Martin, owner of JW Martin Real Estate, is well-acquainted with hard work, determination, and the drive to succeed. Based in Seneca, South Carolina, Joey has built a thriving real estate business from the ground up, and his story is both inspiring and filled with resilience.
A Legacy of Entrepreneurship
Joey comes from a long line of entrepreneurs rooted in Clemson, SC. His family’s name has been synonymous with local business success for generations. Joey’s Grandfather, E.A. Martin, ran a successful car dealership in Clemson, while his Great-Uncle operated a well-known grocery store, Martin’s Grocery. His Uncle owned a mechanic’s shop, and his Grandmother managed an apparel store. This deep connection to entrepreneurship is one Joey holds dear, and it’s one of the reasons he named his business JW Martin Real Estate.
“My full name is Joseph William Edward Martin,” Joey explains. “I thought it would be meaningful to continue the legacy of the Martin name as entrepreneurs in the Tri-County area. I have fond memories of visiting these businesses as a child, and now I’m proud to carry on the family name.”
Humble Beginnings and a Determination to Succeed
Joey was not born into privilege, but he credits his upbringing with instilling in him a strong work ethic. “I come from very humble beginnings. My father was disabled and suffered from mental health challenges such as bipolar disorder, agoraphobia, and manic depression, which meant I had to grow up early and take on extra responsibilities around the house. There was a lot of abuse due to the mental illness, some intentional but most unintentional—just a byproduct of mental illness, I suppose. My mother worked in a textile mill, so financial times were hard. There were times we lived on government assistance along with my father’s disability check; needless to say, there wasn’t a lot of extra money for things that weren’t necessities. I knew that if I wanted nice things, I would have to work for them.”
Before his real estate career, Joey’s professional life was a patchwork of various jobs—everything from working in mills and chemical plants to selling vinyl siding and even driving a beer truck for a year. “I was kind of wandering through life, trying to figure out where I fit in,” he recalls.
The pivotal moment in Joey’s life came during one hot summer day in Clemson, as he helped his best friend’s father, Jeff Davis, bale hay. After hours of hard labor, Joey found himself laughing and smiling despite the exhaustion. That’s when Jeff Davis approached him with a life-changing suggestion: “Joey, with your personality, you would do well in real estate.”
At the time, Joey didn’t know much about real estate or what Jeff’s words truly meant, but he decided to take a chance. He packed up everything he owned and made the trip to Charleston in an $800 Lincoln Mark VII. “The engine was knocking by the time I got there,” Joey remembers, “but I made it, and that’s where my career in real estate began.”
The Founding of JW Martin Real Estate
Joey’s early days were challenging, but he persevered. After losing everything early on and even filing for personal bankruptcy at the age of 21, he was committed to success. He found a niche in the luxury real estate arena with Ginn Resorts & Clubs, thanks to mentorship from Jeff Davis. His career with Ginn took him to Charleston, SC, Orlando, FL, and Lake Oconee, GA, working for some of the most prestigious communities in the Southeast, including Reunion Resort and Club, Rivertowne Country Club, and Patrick Square. After years of working for others, he finally founded his own company, JW Martin Real Estate, in 2011. What started as a small operation on Main Street in Central, SC, has now grown into a company with 35 licensed agents, 3 administrative staff members, and 2 offices—one centrally located at 10622 Clemson Blvd in Seneca and the other at 1103 Tiger Blvd. in downtown Clemson.
“When I first started, it was just me,” Joey says. “I was often flying by the seat of my pants. As the company grew, I realized I needed better systems and processes, so I started researching what other successful businesses were doing.”
One of the key systems that helped streamline operations at JW Martin Real Estate is EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System). “EOS was a real game-changer,” Joey explains. “It helped me establish a vision for success, set long-term goals, and define our company’s core values. It also helped us organize the business in a way that allowed me to step back and be the visionary, rather than wearing too many hats.”
The People Behind the Success
Joey attributes his success not only to his hard work but also to the incredible team he’s built. Amy Adkins, his Executive Assistant, is described as having a caring heart and is an integral part of the company’s daily operations. Kimberly Holland, who handles property management and payroll, is known for treating everyone like family. And Ashton Locklear, who manages digital media, has earned the nickname “Swiss Army Knife” for her flexibility and willingness to help.
The team also includes 35 real estate agents specializing in everything from first-time home buyers to luxury lakefront properties and large acreage tracts. Joey emphasizes that the culture at JW Martin Real Estate is one of mutual support and ongoing learning. “We truly have each other’s backs,” he says. “I feel incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by people who are so dedicated to each other and to our clients.”
A Focus on Personal Growth and Giving Back
In recent years, Joey has taken time to focus on personal growth and enjoys traveling—a luxury he couldn’t afford in the early years of building his business. “For nearly a decade, I didn’t take a vacation. There were virtually no days off. I was in survival mode,” he admits. “But a few years ago, I decided it was time to stop and smell the roses. Now, my partner Alyssa and I take a trip somewhere new every year, and we look forward to it.”
Outside of real estate, Joey is passionate about land development through his company, Freeman and Martin Development, and enjoys real estate investing via JW Martin Investments.
Beyond business, Joey is dedicated to giving back to the community that helped him rise. Over the years, he’s been involved in numerous civic organizations, including serving as the Central Area Business Chairman and sitting on the board of the Clemson Chamber of Commerce. Joey was also the recipient of the David Spittal Award from Southern Wesleyan University, given to individuals who selflessly contribute to their communities.
The Future of JW Martin Real Estate
As the company continues to grow, Joey is committed to maintaining the boutique culture that makes JW Martin Real Estate unique. His original vision for the company was to change the negative perception associated with the real estate industry, by operating with a servant’s heart and placing people above profits. That hasn’t changed. “We prioritize teaching and training our agents, which in turn leads to agents who pay close attention to the needs of our clients,” he says. “Our slogan is, ‘Be the kind of Realtor you’d want your Mother to have,’ and I think that sums up our approach perfectly.”
Looking to the future, Joey hopes to expand the company’s footprint while staying true to the values that have made JW Martin Real Estate successful. “Success for me is waking up everyday with a purpose,” he says. “When I was younger, that purpose was more about financial success and having nice things. But as I’ve grown older, my purpose has shifted to leaving a legacy—teaching the next generation of real estate professionals and helping others achieve their dreams.” We’ve recently expanded into the real estate development business, thanks to a partnership with a close friend and mentor, Dan Freeman. We both had a passion for development and Dan has over 40 years of experience developing communities, it seemed logical to work together towards a common vision.
A Final Word of Wisdom
For aspiring real estate professionals, Joey offers this advice: “You get out of this business what you put into it. Be prepared to make sacrifices, but know that those sacrifices can lead to success beyond your wildest dreams. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, and never stop learning. If you’re willing to fully commit to your career and ignore all of the many distractions that are so easy to take away your focus, you can truly set yourself up for success for a lifetime. The big house, the fancy cars, and dream vacations must be put on hold for a while. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) is a dream killer for many.”
With his inspiring journey, unwavering work ethic, and dedication to his team and community, Joey Martin has,not only built a successful business, but also a lasting legacy in the world of real estate.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There was no silver spoon in my mouth. As a child, my family struggled financially. My mother was hardworking and employed at a textile mill. My father suffered from agoraphobia, bipolar disorder, and manic depression. There was a lot of abuse, some intentional, but most unintentional. There was violence, physical abuse, and tremendous mental abuse. After 22 years of marriage, they finally divorced. My Father went to a short-term mental health facility and my Mother to a battered woman’s shelter, leaving me to handle the family bills for a period of time, when I was just 18 years old. I wasn’t mature enough at that time to manage that load. Just before starting my career, I filed for personal bankruptcy at the age of 21. There’s a lot more to the story that I could share. I’ve had a lot of highs and lows over the years. As difficult as life can be sometimes, I always learned the most valuable lessons from the worst of times. That’s when you get stronger and build character. I certainly wouldn’t attribute any of my success to intellect, I just refuse to give up. When most would throw in the towel, is when I go back to the drawing board to figure out a way to persevere.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about JW Martin Real Estate?
We are a local, non-franchise business built on the foundation of hard work and placing the needs of others ahead of our own. We started as a team of one, which was me, and now we’ve gradually evolved into a team of 35 agents with a variety of specialties. I am especially proud of the fact that we’ve maintained our identity as a small local business and will continue to do so, even if the team doubles or triples in size. We also have agents that specialize in various aspects of real estate, including first-time homebuyers, land, farms, agriculture, luxury homes, lake homes, land development, and investment properties. We truly have agents that specialize in every aspect of the real estate business.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory would be fun times spent with my friends when we were young and carefree.
Contact Info:
Website: https://www.jwmartinhomes.com
Instagram: @jwmartinrealestate
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomesForSaleClemson
