David Pinto of the Law Office of James Hogan: Building Lasting Relationships

Let’s welcome David Pinto, the Director of Business Development at the Law Office of James Hogan, to our Member Spotlight this month.

Common Ground: How long have you been in this role, as the Director of Business Development at the Law Office of James Hogan?

DP: Approximately 6 months now.

CG: What inspired you to go into this business, and what keeps you passionate about it today?

DP: What inspired me was connecting with people, and that’s what the whole job entails.   I came from a sales background, over 4 years of sales and it just felt too transactional. There’s a reason those jobs weren’t fulfilling – I wasn’t truly helping them; I was mainly trying to sell something.  When this new position became available, it resonated with me because I no longer was selling. I was connecting with people and building long-term relationships, in order to bring growth to the business. I’m able to provide people with a service that’s actually good for them, a necessity.  

CG: What makes your approach different?

DP: We focus heavily on relationships and accessibility.  We take the time to build real connections with our clients and our referral partners. We offer transparent flat-fee pricing rather than billing by the hour.  This helps relieve a lot of stress and uncertainty for our clients. We even offer payment plans.

CG: How do you build lasting business relationships?

DP: Mainly it comes down to follow up and caring for the people you’re building relationships with, not just seeing them as numbers. Being there for them or checking up to see how they are doing personally, since the last time you’ve made contact.  It’s the small things – like having coffee with them.  One of our clients invited us out to eat and then for salsa dancing classes.  Sometimes it’s outside of your comfort zone, but it’s not only simple transactions - you’re building a friendship.

CP: What’s one thing most people don’t know about your business, but should?

DP: That estate planning isn’t only for wealthy individuals who have large estates or a bunch of properties. Anyone with a home, children, or assets of any kind should at least understand the basics of having a plan in place and why it’s important. Nearly 2/3 of American adults still don’t have an estate plan. This causes unnecessary stress and legal complications later on for the families. I’ve experienced this in my own family with my mother.  Her mother passed away and didn’t have anything set up. There are a lot of siblings, and there were many unexpected arguments about who gets what, etc.

CG: Can you share a recent success story or proud moment?

DP: I was proud of being able to present a recent coffee event for professionals.  For nearly a month, I consistently followed up with the people I met at various events. I focused on building genuine relationships rather than just handing out business cards.  The turnout was very strong.  I would say every person I invited ended up going.  They told me that they were able to find clients for their own businesses, the event really resonated with them.

CG: How can fellow members or readers best support you?

DP: Easiest way is to stay connected through my social media platforms. Regularly sharing educational content and updates related to estate planning, real estate and business development overall.

Connect with me on Instagram: DavidPintoFL

Connect with me on Facebook: David Pinto

CG: What’s a favorite quote, book, or piece of advice that guides your business mindset?

A passage from the Bible, Proverbs 24:16  “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.”

You’re going to have times in business or life where you fall, unexpected things happen, or maybe things are slower than you want it to be.

As a righteous person, you continue to get up every single time. That’s what makes you different from the other professionals around you. You don’t take those falls as the end; you take them as an opportunity to re-organize your mind. 

CG: What problem does your business solve?

DP: Our firm helps individuals and families to create clarity and protection around their assets, properties and future planning through estate planning and probate services.  We also do title work, alongside that. 

The Law Office of James Hogan, PLLC

Email: David@HoganLegalTeam.com