
Interview with Mauro Martinez – The Story Behind FM Properties
FM Properties is not just a real estate agency; it is the result of a vision, constant effort, and a passion that has transcended generations. Since its inception, this company has grown alongside Marbella, becoming a benchmark in the luxury real estate market. Today, that evolution continues with a new generation committed to innovation and development.
One of the pillars of this transformation is Mauro Martínez Schouten, Director of Business Development at FM Properties, who, after years of training and international experience, made the decision to return to Marbella to carry the family legacy into the future:
"I was born in Marbella, and I proudly consider myself a Marbella native. Although my roots combine my father’s Spanish heritage and my mother’s Dutch ancestry, my story is deeply connected to this city.
My parents met while working in the hospitality industry. My father was a hotel manager at the time, marking the beginning of a story of hard work, dedication, and passion for the world of service and hospitality. Perhaps it was that legacy that planted the seed of entrepreneurship and global vision in me.
I grew up in Marbella and studied at Colegio San José, a place where I began building the foundations of my education. However, my academic journey took me beyond the borders of Spain. I moved to Madrid to study Business Administration and Management at CUNEF, an experience that broadened my horizons and immersed me in a high-level academic environment, entirely in English.
But my curiosity for the world didn’t stop there. During my studies, I did an exchange program in Germany and later lived in Australia for a year, a country that opened my eyes in many ways.
It was precisely in Australia where I had a revelation. Being far away, in a completely different context, I understood something fundamental: my family had built something special. What today is our business group was not the result of chance but of my parents’ hard work, vision, and sacrifice. I realized that this legacy not only had to continue but also had the potential to evolve even further.
With this idea in mind, I made the decision to return to Marbella. Not only to be close to my family but also to continue the business and contribute to its growth. Marbella is much more than a tourist destination; it is a vibrant city full of opportunities, with a constantly expanding luxury real estate market.
My goal is to leverage everything I have learned from my international experiences to bring a fresh perspective, innovate, and continue positioning our group in a competitive market. Because, at the end of the day, there is no place like home, and Marbella has always been and will always be my home."
Mauro’s story is, in essence, the story of FM Properties. It represents our evolution, our commitment to Marbella, and our passion for helping others find their ideal home. We don’t just offer properties; we share a legacy of hard work and vision, bringing generations together in the pursuit of a better future.
Just as our company has grown with Marbella, we continue looking forward with the same dedication and innovative spirit that has brought us this far. Because FM Properties is not just a real estate agency; it is a reflection of our history, our family, and our commitment to this unique city.