TV host and real estate specialist Pina Armentano was recently on the cover of Hola Latinos Magazine, and for a good reason. She has reached audiences through programs such as Miami con Pina, Viva Florida TV, and, more recently, Viva Florida Real Estate and Luxury Lifestyle online TV shows. Viva Florida reached more than 25,000,000 million viewers in 24 countries throughout Latin America, including the United States. In addition, it remained the number one Real Estate program in the world, promoting the most prestigious Real Estate developers from Florida, Panama, Argentina, Costa Rica, Mexico, Belize, and Uruguay through E! Entertainment Television Latin America. She also happens to be the Real Estate editor for the prestigious South Florida magazine Hola Latinos Magazine. Pina’s unique vision and the charisma that characterizes her have earned her an essential role in the flow of real estate information in the Latin American market.
Born in Argentina to Italian parents, Pina Armentano was raised to be proud of her heritage. She was interested in business, the arts, and creativity early on. By the end of her teens, she had developed a strong entrepreneurial spirit of independence, interested in running her own organization. She attended Loyola University in Chicago, IL, where she obtained her degree in business. After graduating, she envisioned Miami becoming the U.S. center for Latin Americans and relocated to Miami in 1994. After connecting with Eduardo Columbo, a local real estate developer, she landed a position representing his organization in Argentina as a buyer-developer liaison. In 2001, she created a real estate TV show -promoting properties in the Miami area – for the Latin American Entertainment channel, which she still manages.
Miami’s real estate rock star certainly works hard to pocket monstrous commissions. She’s currently in Miami, fulfilling a busy professional schedule and personally serving investors and buyers of developments in Miami. Since 1993, Pina has bet on Miami as a city in constant change and development, with an evolution that today has made it the cosmopolitan center it is. Pina has been recognized worldwide as an ambassador of the city of Miami on several occasions and has more than 20 years of experience in international real estate. She has had the opportunity to get close to different cultures in her countless travels. She has also interviewed the world’s most influential real estate developers, including President Donald Trump as well as many top celebrities.
Global Millionaire Magazine recently caught up with Pina to discuss her journey in the industry, and here’s what went down:
How did you become a Real Estate professional and TV reporter?
Before becoming a professional TV reporter, I developed a keen understanding and interest in entertainment while married to a successful television show and film distributor, attending film festivals, and learning about the industry, its power players, and how to develop and sell ideas and productions. Through these experiences and real estate knowledge, I created the show “Viva Florida” to uniquely serve developers and those interested in their properties to connect with premium content and my expert context. This approach saved developers travel time and helped them digitize the real estate business development process. In 2006, I received formal recognition from the mayor of Miami for my contributions to its development and increased status within the U.S. real estate market. I said at the time that I fell in love with the city, and the city fell in love with me. Since 2006, Miami has become the premier real estate market, with recent news outlining that the most expensive rental properties in the U.S. are in Miami (e.g., 1374 S Venetian Way at $150,000 per month). In addition to these efforts, I worked on a unique marketing approach, platform, and service that allows realtors to better reach targeted and qualified buyers. This service has enabled my businesses to continue to expand.
What’s it like to juggle both careers?
It’s exciting and challenging to juggle both careers. However, I feel very blessed to be supported by my real estate developer partners, especially those who initially helped me get started. This early foundation allowed me to develop and demonstrate my talents and effort, the various unique approaches and services, to deliver tangible results, and connect with even more developers. In addition, the crossover from my public appearances, TV shows, and real estate promotional business creates a unique synergy between roles and allows me to succeed in both than if I had only one of them.
What has been your greatest triumph to date?
My greatest triumph is my two children. I love them dearly; they know who I am and love what I do, and I am very proud of them. They are very involved in my life and support both me and my ex-husband, as well as our businesses and pursuits. Leonardo and Ornella have learned to follow their hearts and pursue their lives and careers with passion and love.
What has been your greatest lesson, and how have you used that lesson in your life?
My greatest lesson is that gratitude is a powerful force in life. When you are grateful, you can reach any goal and obtain almost anything you want. Gratitude is the key to prosperity. You put what you have and achieved at risk when you forget that. Conversely, if you are thankful, you receive even more, and goodness and blessings will come to you. When you are blessed, you can help other people. In this way, I’m very grateful for achieving many of my dreams, which has allowed me to help others obtain their dreams. That is my greatest gift.
What do you think you came into this life to learn, and what do you think you came here to teach?
I learned in life to be humble, learn, and gain trust through my efforts but, more importantly, through those that put their faith in me, for which I am very grateful. So, always be humble and thankful.
What projects are you working on right now?
I’m working on a Netflix project centered around Miami as an ambassador and interfacing with influential people and power players from around the globe. I’m also working on a book and so many other projects. I love staying busy, exploring many ways to help others, and growing my businesses.
What would you still like to attempt in your career?
Often I feel as if I’m just getting started. There are so many things I want to accomplish; I have new dreams and want to help so many others to achieve their goals too. In addition to my real estate and entertainment accomplishments, I’d like to expand into sports and work with famous and up-and-coming athletes across the globe. I’d love to interview more celebrities, entertainers, and accomplished entrepreneurs, such as Jeff Bezos from Amazon, Richard Branson of the various Virgin companies, and similar innovative and successful business leaders. I think they have a positive message to share – despite the negativity put on them by other parts of the media – and I want to be a person that listens to that message and helps convey it. Then I can share this information in my area of influence, including Latin America, the Latin community in the U.S., the European Community, and the American public. I want to be known as an example of a woman who trusts and believes in herself, wakes up every morning with a dream that everything is possible, understands there are no limits, and proceeds into life fearless.
What advice would you give to those hoping to follow in your footsteps?
My advice would be to never give up! Please don’t compromise concerning your dreams and goals; go for it. Elevate people around you, and help them to elevate themselves. Concerning self-care, wake up early, eat healthily, don’t get intoxicated – no drugs, no alcohol – and don’t smoke. You don’t need anything to help you feel better; you must create your wellness and feelings of good health daily. Avoid unnecessary medicine and stay away from things like sleeping pills—eat healthy food. Additionally, make sure to take care of your house and all those in it, take care of your mind, always work on action plans to complete your objectives, and most of all, keep yourself humble, thankful, and full of gratitude!
