Today we’d like to introduce you to Todd Martin.
Hi Todd, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in a relatively rural area, Clarkston, Washington, where the Snake River separates Washington and Idaho. After graduating high school, a life-long friend of mine and I departed to the Big City of Phoenix, Arizona and attended Phoenix Institute of Technology (PIT). I spent two years at PIT and earned a certificate in Electronics Technology. It was soon after that my career began in Chicago, where I worked as an Electronic Technician for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In this position, I supported agents in the field, maintained technical equipment, and learned firsthand how much precision and preparation matter. During that time, I attended night school at Northeastern Illinois University and earned my Bachelor of Science in Accounting, a degree that would eventually change the direction of my life.
As mentioned, I grew up in eastern Washington State, and after eight years in Chicago, I felt the pull to return home. I left the FBI and worked as an Apprentice Electrician for the same friend that I attended PIT with. It didn’t take long to realize that home wasn’t quite the same anymore, and I wanted to put my accounting degree to use. That decision led me to the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), where I became a Federal Credit Union Examiner. I trained in Spokane, Washington, then accepted assignments in Los Angeles and later Denver.
Denver became a defining chapter for me, as it’s where I met my wife and where our first child was born. After seven years with NCUA, I finally achieved a long held goal: becoming a Criminal Investigator with the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The job brought me back to Chicago, where our second child was born, and where I spent eight years investigating tax and money laundering crimes.
A promotion eventually took me to the Washington, D.C. area, where I returned to my electronics roots by researching and procuring advanced covert recording devices, the “spy gear” that supports federal investigations. Life in D.C. was busy and full, with my kids diving into swimming and baseball and our family settling into the fast pace of the region.
A couple years later, I accepted a Supervisory Special Agent position in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the final move of my federal career. A friend recommended Chanhassen, and it quickly felt like home. We loved the friendly neighbors, the trails, the outdoor lifestyle, and the sense of community. Minnesota is also where I picked up golf. I was late to the game, but it quickly became something I genuinely enjoy.
While assigned to the Minneapolis Field Office, I continued to advance in leadership roles, including the Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the Chicago Field Office and eventually serving as the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Denver Field Office during my final months before retirement. Federal criminal investigators face a mandatory retirement age, otherwise, I’d probably still be doing the work I loved.
My wife and I stayed busy raising our kids, and now they’re both in college. Time moves fast. Our son graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Materials Science Engineering and is now pursuing a PhD in Electrical Engineering at MIT. Our daughter is studying nursing at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire. We couldn’t be more proud.
After retiring, I have taken a part time job at Bluff Creek Golf Course, working in the pro shop and enjoying the chance to meet people (and the golf perks). I’m starting my second season this year. I also decided to pursue something I’d been interested in for a long time: real estate, as I had bought and sold several homes. After earning my license, I connected with an individual from The Minnesota Real Estate Team. She invited me to a team meeting, and I was immediately struck by the kindness, professionalism, and genuine character of the people there. It felt like the right place to be.
Today, I bring everything I’ve learned from federal investigations to financial oversight to community service into helping people buy and sell homes. I enjoy meeting folks at open houses, hearing their stories, and helping them navigate one of the biggest decisions of their lives. If you’re looking to buy or sell a home, I’d be happy to help!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For the most part, yes, it’s been a smooth road. Not because everything was easy, but I have approached change with a calm mindset. Also, a big part is the support from my wife and kids. Through every move and career shift, we supported each other, as its predominantly just been us. That stability made even the biggest transitions feel manageable. Looking back, I feel extremely lucky. Real estate, however, has stretched me in new ways and continues to do so. It’s a very different world from my federal career. I’ve had to open up my life more, put myself out there, and really work at building personal connections. That’s been challenging at times, but also rewarding. It’s pushing me to grow in ways I didn’t expect, and I’m grateful for that.
We’ve been impressed with Todd Martin, Realtor The Minnesota Real Estate Team, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I believe what separates me is the combination of my federal background, my calm and steady approach to problem solving, and the way I genuinely care about the people I work with. I spent nearly three decades in roles where integrity, attention to detail, and clear communication weren’t optional, they were the foundation of the job. That experience shaped how I show up in real estate. I don’t rush people, I don’t pressure them, and I don’t gloss over details. I take the time to explain things clearly, protect their interests, and make sure they feel supported every step of the way. Furthermore, when I say I’m going to do something, I do it. When a client has a question, I find the answer. When a challenge comes up, I stay calm and work the problem. That consistency builds trust, and trust is everything in this business.
In this new chapter, I’m proud that I’ve stepped into something completely different, real estate, and allowed myself to grow in ways that aren’t always comfortable. I’ve had to open up more, connect more, and put myself out there in ways I never had to in my federal career. It’s been challenging, but it’s also been rewarding. I’m proud that I didn’t shy away from starting something new.
Through my brand, I help clients buy and sell homes with a calm, steady, and detail oriented approach. I offer personalized guidance, thorough market analysis, strong contract review, and clear communication throughout the entire process. I enjoy working with first time buyers, hosting open houses, and connecting clients with trusted lenders and service providers. Above all, I bring integrity, patience, and a genuine desire to help people make confident decisions.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I love seeing other people achieve their goals and dreams, and if I can play even a small role in that, it genuinely makes me happy. That’s one of the reasons I enjoy real estate, it’s meaningful to help someone take a big step in their life, whether it’s buying their first home or moving into the next chapter.
On a lighter note, I’ll also be very happy if I ever break 80 in a round of golf. I picked up the game later in life, but it’s become something I really enjoy. It keeps me humble, gives me something to chase, and reminds me that there’s always room to grow in golf and in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://toddmartinrealestate.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todd.j.martin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577928646518
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-martin-40812815/
- Twitter: @ToddMartinRE
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ToddMartin-MNRealtor
