Back to Blogs
This week it is the turn of Carl Mizzi from the St Paul’s Bay Branch. As part of a young and hungry pack at Frank Salt Real Estate, Carl keeps his mind razor sharp and ready for action through his fitness training and Ju-Jitsu. He has an extended diploma in sports and fitness to boot, so he really has the stamina to go the extra mile for his clients! Carl is passionate about property and as a very successful rental agent in the St Paul’s Bay area; he often ranks as one of the top agents in the group. As one that believes in good manners and honesty in all walks of life, especially business, Carl has had some rave reviews from his clients and in the business of real estate, word-of-mouth referrals are everything.
In his spare time he loves to continue his fitness regime although in a more indirect way with kayaking around the scenic spots of Malta. He cares deeply about the environment and does his fair share of minimising his carbon footprint.
We sat down with him and this is what he had to say:
What description sums you up as a person… in about a 100 words?
I consider myself a down-to-earth person, as being kind and trying to live a stress-free life. I have also learned that I should not focus on castles in the air and to know when to say no. I am passionate about martial arts, particularly Brazilian Ju-Jitsu. I also love nature, particularly the sea or a quiet forest and music is a big part of my life… no genre in particular but as long as something is playing, I’m good to go! I like to mingle with different kinds of people and to socialise, but I can also simply enjoy my own company which I personally think is very important. Life is always better when you focus on the positive side and there is always some measure of positivity if you look for it.
We heard that you have extensive experience as a fitness trainer?
Feeling fit and strong was always important to me, in fact I believe it is vital. Staying active and fit helps me mentally and physically, for instance by not running out of breath when climbing all the way to the 4th floor in a building that has no lift! It also does wonders for one’s confidence and self-esteem.
When did you start training in Ju-Jitsu and how does it play a role in your everyday life?
I started training in Brazilian Ju-Jitsu (BJJ) around 2 years ago after a recommendation by one of my best friends. Honestly, it was one of the best decisions I ever made and the club I attend (Avant-Garde) makes it even better! It is filled with amazing people with plenty of good vibes. It helps me to blow off steam after a long day, it is a big support for my mental health and on top of it all, I sleep like a baby afterwards! Nowadays BJJ is a big part of my life and one of my biggest priorities: in fact skipping one training session makes me feel edgy. It is a shame that my schedule doesn’t allow me to go every day… well, that and the possibility that my body will most probably seize up if I did. 🙂
Tell us about your younger days, about your background and your family…
I had a beautiful childhood! I grew up in a big family with 5 siblings, close cousins and best friends. My fondest memories are the Sunday picnics at Buskett and in the summer we used to hang out at the Sirens pitch in St Paul’s Bay and I basically grew up there. I always had big and different groups of friends in my life, so I’ve always had options – depending on one’s mood at the time.
Tell us about your past work experience…
My previous employment was as a fitness trainer in a number of gyms and hotels. I liked the fact that it was a fun job and it also kept me fit. However, I never liked waking up early, especially when I had to open the gym at 5am!
I wanted a change after my job at the gym and I was always into sales: at that time a friend of mine was working at Frank Salt Real Estate and, as always, he gave me that necessary push of encouragement that I needed.
We believe you are a big fan of kayaking! Have you ever come across anything unusual in your trips around the islands?
Yes, I think it would have to be dolphins… they’re way bigger in real life and in this instance of coming across them, they actually startled me 🙂 But despite that unfortunately, the most bizarre thing is the pollution I find floating in our beautiful sea. I always try to collect at least one bag of rubbish, but there is only so much I can do when I am out there on the water.
What do you like about working in the St Paul’s Bay area?
Mostly that it’s close to where I currently live, so no morning traffic! But the area feels like home to me: I know every corner of it and that quick escape or drive by the sea is always a favourite moment for me.
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
The fact that I meet a lot of different people and sometimes I get to listen to their life stories, then there’s the thrill of closing a deal and also the flexible hours.
Referrals mean a lot in anyone’s professional life and you’ve had some good reviews from clients. Tell us your secret to keeping a client happy.
I always believed in honesty and stating the story or truth as it is. Being organised and knowing my job plays a big part too.
Tell us about your favourite film or series.
I’m a big fan of anime: for those of you that do not know, it is hand-drawn and computer-generated animation in a particular style from Japan!
What would you do if had enough money and did not need to work?
Travel everywhere and enjoy life with the closest people in my life.
We believe you have some family members also working in real estate. Are you competitive with them?
Even though I’m a very competitive person, it is not the case. I’m always happy for my brother when he manages to sell a property. Him being in a different department also helps 😉
Imagine you are at karaoke night. What song will you be singing and will someone sing with you?
After a couple of shots, mayybeee… I’ll sing anything that I know and with anyone, I’m not too picky.
What is the most unusual thing you have ever eaten?
I’m actually not a very big fan of food. I obviously like to eat well, but as long as it meets the nutrition requirements and fills my belly, I’m good to go!
Do you have any superstitions or habits?
Not really, no.
Is there anything you hate doing or cannot stand having to do?
Having to sit it out in a never-ending and pointless meeting, knowing that it all could have been conveyed in an email… and then also waiting for someone to open the door!
What advice will you give to someone who wants to become a rental agent?
If you’re ready to work and seize the opportunity, you’ll manage. I always said “Do it… what’s the worst that can happen?!”
Is there anything that you wonder about, like life on other planets, mysterious phenomena, the pyramids…if so, tell us more!
Everything of this sort interests me. I’m always amazed with new discoveries even local finds such as tombs, shelters and history.
What’s your view on climate change?
It’s real, that’s for sure! I am a very economic and green-friendly person: I do my utmost not to leave a big carbon footprint; I constantly recycle and re-use things. But sadly, not everyone feels the same way resulting in a lot of damage to our precious earth. In my book, “waste” is a sin.
What is your best advice to younger people starting out in life?
Do the things you love, the little things are what matters and always trust your gut!
Did you enjoy your school years and would you relive them if you could?
I loved my school years, from primary to college. I would definitely relive them; in fact I am actually organizing a school reunion as we speak!
If you had a warning label, what would it say?
“No smoking!”
Imagine we gave you a limitless budget for hosting your own party. What would you do and who would you invite?
I would do my own festival on a private island… well you did say limitless budget!
How important is your mobile phone to you and can you get along without it for a weekend?
If I didn’t have any responsibilities and I had good company at the time, I would definitely put it aside.
What is your favourite food and can you make it yourself?
I don’t think I have a favourite food… but if I had, I most probably couldn’t cook it, no! I am not the best cook, but I try 🙂
What would be your superpower?
I’ve thought about this plenty of times…. I would go for super speed like the superhero “The Flash”.
What will you do if you had a time machine?
Probably go to the past!
What is top of the list for you when it comes to good manners?
Be respectful to everyone and everything.
Some fun facts about Carl we'd like to share
Capricorn
Ice tea or water… I am not a fan of hot drinks.
Definitely a night owl.
I would say April as the weather is usually perfect: its hike and camping season.
Probably to be 5-10 years old again, with no responsibilities… and just enjoying my care-free days.
Cocktails by the beach and/or around a table with my closest friends laughing about anything.
Learning to play an instrument.
It doesn’t really matter for me; it all depends on the mood. But I would say a takeout is mid-way.
Carl Mizzi
Property Letting Consultant
Carl is a property letting consultant at our St. Paul’s Bay branch
