Matt Battiata.

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Matt Battiata is CEO of the Battiata Real Estate Group in Carlsbad.

BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY

Essential business philosophy: Put the client first, anticipate their needs and give them live-star service.

Best way to keep a competitive edge: Abide by our business philosophy and constantly adapt to our clients and the changing market.

Guiding principles: Don't do anything in business you wouldn't want printed on the front page of the newspaper.

Yardsticks of success: Referrals. hitting higher sales numbers each year and enjoying the ride.

Goals yet to be achieved: Expanding into other markets in California and beyond; growing our luxury home division and building new homes.

JUDGMENT CALLS

Best business decision: Starting my own company, delegating, hiring slow and firing fast.

Worst business decision: Not doing these things sooner.

Toughest business decision: Trimming staff when the market changed.

Biggest missed opportunity: Not getting into the real estate owned market sooner.

Mentor: Peter Drucker.

Word that describes you: Inquisitive.

TRUE CONFESSIONS

What you like best about your job: Marketing.

What you like least about your job: Dealing with unreasonable and ungrateful people.

Pet peeves: Misconception that all agents are the same.

Most important lesson learned: Don't sweat the small stuff and it's (almost) all small stuff.

Person most interested in meeting: Jack London.

Greatest passions: Family, travel, wine and tequila.

First choice for a new career: Winemaker or tequila maker, but I'd still want to do real estate on the side, so not much would change!

PREDILECTIONS

Favorite quote: "The aim of marketing is to make selling superfluous," Peter F. Drucker.

Most influential book: "The Millionaire Real Estate Agent," by Gary Keller.

Favorite status symbol: My 2006 Battiata Vineyards Sal's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. It won a gold medal at the Orange County Fair Wine Competition.

Favorite restaurant: Esperanza in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Favorite place for business meetings: My home.

Favorite vacation spots: Italy and San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico.

RESUME

Name: Matt Battiata.

Company: The Battiata Real Estate Group.

Titles: CEO.

Education: Tulane University, B.A. in philosophy.

Birthplace: Washington, D.C.

Age: 40.

Current residence: Encinitas.

Family: Wife, Amy; daughters, Sophia, Mia and Madeline, and son, Salvatore.