At just 23, Tajay Francis is already a realtor, and he is laser-focused on making big waves in the real estate space.
"I became a first-generation realtor in April 2023, with no guidance and limited resources," the ferociously ambitious young adult told Loop Business, speaking recently from Kitson Town, St. Catherine where he calls home.
"Coming from a modest background, I knew I needed a brokerage that could support my growth. Despite hearing that RE/MAX only works with established agents, I kept faith and relentlessly applied."
His dogged tenacity eventually landed him an interview with O'Neil Kirlew, country manager of RE/MAX Jamaica.
"I was an hour late due to traffic but refused to cancel," Francis remembered of the evaluation meeting last year at Kirlew's Worthington Avenue offices in New Kingston.
Of that interview, the country manager recalled that his immediate impression of the then newbie who sat in front of him was promising. "He was bright and had a clear idea of his career path. Tajay is new to the industry and has much to learn ... he seemed persistent, and with time he will do well for himself. [I believe] young persons should consider a career in real estate as it builds grit, self confidence and patience. Young people should also consider it as a viable profession, similar to other traditional careers such as being a doctor, lawyer, or accountant "
Officially 14 months into his RE/MAX agent position, Francis is refreshingly assured beyond his years. "I didn't enter real estate for quick money," he reflected. "I want to grow into one of Jamaica's top realtors. I believe knowledge and experience, applied over time, will lead to lasting success, If you're in real estate, just for quick wealth, this industry might not be for you."
The groundwork of his attraction to real estate was laid while a student at Spanish Town High, activated by his grade-10 principles of business teacher Keisha Powell.
"She marked my papers more critically than others, which I initially resented. Over time, I realised she did this because she saw potential in me," he divulged during a stroll down memory lane. "Thanks to her, I became the school's top student in the subject. Then, she nominated me for the Jamaica Stock Exchange High School Competition, sparking my interest in investing and real estate. After sixth form at Old Harbour High, I quickly realised that true wealth lies in assets like real estate that appreciate or generate cash flow. This led to my passion for understanding the industry's inner workings."
Francis is savouring the weekend's rest after an intense week of classes at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus where he is a first-year student pursuing a bachelor's degree in international relations with a minor in international law.
"I joined the RE/MAX family in October last year," he shared with LOOP, momentarily putting our telephone call on hold to tend to 'uncle duty' with his eight-year-old nephew Jayden.
"I can't express how much it means to me. I had prayed for the day I would become a RE/MAX agent because it's such a reputable brand. Being associated with RE/MAX is a huge accomplishment, and I'm proud to be part of this incredible team. I currently represent the Shortwood branch, and have two listings, with more on the way."
To date, he's humbly reflective of the targets he's hit.
"In my first year of real estate, I successfully listed properties with a total value of $35 million and one of them has already gone under contract."
"In my first year of real estate, I successfully listed properties with a total value of $35-million and one of them has already gone under contract.
He pushes back when asked if age is, in any way, an issue in commanding respect from his older colleagues in the workspace.
"The truth, RE/MAX supports every agent whether new or experienced, providing the same level of guidance and assistance whenever needed. As a young realtor, I sometimes feel overlooked in the field due to my age. However, I am grateful for the leadership of Hope Codlin, qualifying director and broker at RE/MAX Elite. Her training has helped me mentally prepare for the challenges I face. At RE/MAX, there's a strong focus on investing in young realtors because we represent the future, Unfortunately, there's a common misconception in Jamaica that young people are inexperienced, but that couldn’t be further from the truth, As young realtors, we bring fresh perspectives, adaptability, and expertise in using advanced technology and social media to sell properties effectively."
A quick study, Francis said he's had valuable life lessons from the profession. "I have learned that building trust and strong relationships is essential, adaptability to market trends is crucial in navigating the industry, and patience ... is key to overcoming challenges and ensuring clients achieve their goals," he noted.
Francis is business-minded too, registering his own company, Fenzeku Holding Limited, which he founded in 2021 at the ripe age of 20.
"It focuses on investing in real estate investment trusts (REITs) on the Jamaica Stock Exchange. In the future, I plan to expand the company further. Once I own my first property, I intend to build a twin tower --- one for housing rentals and the other as a hotel. Recently, I was approved by the NHT, allowing me to search for land to purchase and register under my company's name. I wasn't born into wealth, but I'm focused on running my own race, working hard to achieve my goals, just as Andrew Duncan, Jamaica's top-selling realtor, and a member of RE/MAX family, advised me."
Tajay joined his sister Tashari to see their mother Sylvia Burrell (centre) off to the United States at the Norman Manley International Airport in August last year.
The multi-tasking overachiever --- one of six offspring for his educator-turned-farmer father Maurice Francis and housekeeper-turned-nursing assistant aspirant mother Sylvia Burrell --- has even loftier ambitions beyond becoming a successful realtor in his line of sight.
"My ultimate goal is to become a Jamaican diplomat and the first Caribbean person to serve as Secretary-General of the United Nations," said the younger Francis, who credits international media mogul Oprah Winfrey -- who once liked a tweet of his back in 2020 --- as his biggest inspiration. "My passion and excellence in international relations are reflected in my two record-breaking achievements. At 18 and still a high school student, I made history as the only Jamaican youth leader to be elected chairperson of a committee at the World Federation of United Associations (WFUNA) International Model UN in New York back in 2020."
Last February, Francis was the first Jamaican to be appointed vice chairperson at the Global Media World Health Organisation(WHO), an annual initiative organised by WFUNA and the WHO.
Pleased as punch of her son's growth and career promise, Burrell sees more on his horizon.
Now resident in Massachusetts in the United States, where she is currently studying to be a nurse assistant, she told LOOP Business: "I am extremely proud of Tajay becoming a realtor at 21 years old. It is such an admirable achievement for someone his age. I've always known he had a special drive and mature sense of responsibility, but to see him stepping into such a competitive professional world and thriving speaks volumes about his work ethic and determination. He's proving that age doesn't have a limit on what you can achieve."
Parents, she encouraged, should be supportive of their children's dreams when expressed early on. "While parents may have their own ideas about what they think is best, it's about nurturing the talents and aspirations your child shows," the young realtor's parent shared. "Tajay's success is proof of what happens when a child's ambitions are supported rather than redirected."
