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Life & Work with Austin Marvel of charleston

Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin Marvel

Hi Austin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
You know, I started out as a young photographer in the Pacific Northwest, guiding foreign exchange students on wild adventures. We’d go dog sledding, snowboarding, rock climbing—you name it. I loved every minute of it, teaching them about the outdoors while capturing it all with my camera.

Even back then, I was juggling a business degree, running things like I owned the place—content creation, advertising, the whole deal. But after a while, I felt the pull to move on. I spent time in Charlotte, took on assignments all over—from Alaska to Africa. Each place had its own story to tell.

Eventually, I found my way to South Carolina. It was perfect for raising my kids and being around great people. That’s where I shifted gears into land development and marketing. I buy and sell properties, using my camera skills to show people the potential in the land.

It’s been quite the journey, from the mountains to the Lowcountry, but every step has been worth it.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve hit my fair share of bumps along the way. When I first started out as a guide and photographer, there were countless challenges—like learning to manage a group of excited students while keeping them safe in unpredictable outdoor conditions. I was young and figuring things out as I went, often under intense pressure.

Moving to Charlotte wasn’t easy either. Starting fresh in a new place with a young family brought its own set of struggles. I took on assignments in far-off places like Alaska and Africa, which sounds exciting, but it also meant long stretches away from home. Balancing those opportunities with new family life was tough.

And then, shifting into land development and marketing was another leap into the unknown. It’s a competitive field, and there were plenty of times I felt out of my depth—dealing with complex deals, learning the ins and outs of the market and trying to make sure every decision was the right one for my family and my future.

But honestly, every struggle taught me something valuable. Each challenge shaped who I am today and gave me the skills to keep moving forward, no matter what came my way.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
These days, I’m all about land development and marketing. I specialize in finding undervalued properties and turning them into opportunities—whether that’s through creative development or smart marketing strategies. My background in photography gives me a unique edge; I use my camera to tell a story, to show the true potential of a piece of land. That’s something I’m known for—bringing a creative eye and a storyteller’s touch to real estate.

What I’m most proud of is the impact I’ve been able to make through my work. It’s not just about buying and selling properties; it’s about helping people see the possibilities and making smart investments that benefit everyone involved. I love knowing that I’m helping to build something that lasts, something that can make a real difference in people’s lives.

What sets me apart from others is my approach. I come from a background of adventure and storytelling, and I bring that spirit into everything I do. I’m not just about numbers and deals—I’m about the story behind the land, the people, and the potential. That perspective allows me to connect with clients on a deeper level and deliver results that go beyond just a transaction. It’s about creating something meaningful and lasting, and that’s what drives me every day.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
To me, risk-taking is all about faith. You have to trust that there’s a plan greater than your own and that stepping into the unknown is sometimes the only way to grow. I’ve taken some big risks in my life, like moving away from the steady life in the Pacific Northwest to start fresh in Charlotte with no guarantees. It was a HUGE leap of faith, but it led to incredible opportunities and growth.

Getting into land development and marketing was another big risk. I had no formal background in real estate, just a passion for finding hidden potential and telling a story with my camera. It wasn’t easy, but I believed that if I stayed true to my values and worked hard, good things would come. And they did.

In the end, I see risk as a part of God’s plan. It’s not about being reckless but trusting that when you take steps with faith and integrity, you’re moving in the right direction. Sometimes, you have to let go and trust that you’re always being guided towards something greater.

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