Paying It Forward
At 17, Nelson Duque launched what became a hugely successful paintball and extreme sports center. By 19, his financial irresponsibility nearly wiped out that accomplishment. But time and maturity have seasoned this real estate pro. Today, Duque, 29, leads a team selling units at major developments and holds a senior management role. The feather in his cap: He has sold three of Beyoncé’s condos. But he’s still drawn to his first love, selling to first-time buyers. His dream is to transform people’s lives through money management and real estate education. Meanwhile, he’s improving his Portuguese, learning Mandarin, and completing Harvard’s post-graduate real estate program. Spare time? It goes to his local Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and to We Let the Dogs Out, a rescue group.