Biz Look: Zach Martin & Adept Commercial Real Estate
Zach Martin has deep Edmond roots and even bigger Edmond dreams.
Zach Martin launched his career in the real estate business in 2005 when he worked as an office broker at Sperry
Van Ness, which later merged with Newmark LSB. In 2018, he started his own company called Adept Commercial Real Estate. Adept CRE is an investment firm that acquires, owns and operates commercial real estate properties in the greater Oklahoma City area. They own and operate in excess of 600,000 square feet of commercial space. Zach was born in Edmond, a graduate of Oklahoma Christian School and University of Central Oklahoma. Today, Zach owns a number of investment properties in Edmond, both residential and commercial. He operates in the capacity of an owner of commercial real estate, and in the capacity of a commercial real estate broker.
When did your interest in commercial real estate begin?
Perhaps I was a weird kid. From the age of 8, I knew I wanted to own and operate commercial real estate. I grew up on a farm in north Edmond with the closest sign of civilization being a shopping center a few miles from our house. The center was anchored by a restaurant/convenience store by the name of IB’s. I met the man that owned the place and knew that’s what I wanted to do when I grew up. At the age of 15, I got my first job working at IB’s. My goal was to save up and start buying rental houses.
Shortly thereafter, I started mowing lawns. My lawn business, Martin Lawns, INC grew to have 5 employees and regularly service over 100 properties in Edmond.
I bought my first house when I was 21; it had three bedrooms. I quickly rented out the 2 of the bedrooms. I then rented out the third bedroom, which was mine. I moved into the attic. Trying to make extra money, I went so far as to install a coin operated washer/dryer in my house. My roommates were less than thrilled.
When I was 25, I finally rounded up enough money to buy my first rental houses. I also became a commercial real estate broker. I spent the next several years brokering office buildings throughout the Oklahoma City Metro. I used brokerage commission to buy smaller investment properties.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I’ve been attending Life Church since it was just one campus located at 178th and Penn. I’ve volunteered in numerous capacities over the years, and I currently lead a Life Group and
serve coffee on the Life Church Host Team. I also serve on the Board of Directors at the City Rescue Mission. I’ve been studying Spanish since I was in high school, and I continue to go to conversational Spanish classes once a week. I played soccer throughout high school and college, and I still play on an indoor team.
What’s an exciting project you’re working on in Edmond?
In August of 2019, I purchased a 19,000 square foot industrial building along Broadway Extension in Edmond. It was an old automotive service center. We just finished the renovation and are working on marketing the property for lease. The already-popular Broadway Extension corridor has a bright future.
Has work brought any unexpected surprises?
Last year, I found a dog at one of my industrial buildings,
and I hoped he would find his way home. After asking around, I learned that someone dumped him and didn’t want him. I ended up adopting him and naming him Barney. Barney goes to work with me everyday.
Adept CRE
My business partner Andrew Hwang and I started Adept 2 years ago. I had previously been with the same commercial real estate firm for 12 years. Andrew had a similar background; he is also an attorney. The timing was right for both of us. we are 50/50 partners. We have been fortunate to add other industry veterans to our team. Adept is a full-service brokerage company offering comprehensive buyer and seller representation, landlord and tenant representation, and property management.
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