MBA Business Spotlight: Meet Krista Martelli of Ayre Rhinehart Real Estate Partners
This spotlight series is from The Midland Business Alliance.
The Midland Business Alliance is continuing their spotlight series, introducing the remarkable individuals behind Midland’s businesses. In this edition, they’re featuring Krista Martelli of Ayre Rhinehart Real Estate Partners, an MBA Ambassador who recently served as President of the Midland Board of Realtors, Inc.
Krista’s passion for real estate began early, inspired by her mother who transitioned from dental hygiene to construction, building her own company when few women were in the industry. "Growing up, our dining room table was filled with blueprints, design books, and engineering mathematics," Krista recalls. She watched her mother turn 2D drawings into beautiful homes, instilling the value of quality over quantity. “It’s never about how many houses you sell, but about the quality of service you provide,” Krista emphasizes—a principle that led her directly to Ayre Rhinehart, known for putting clients first.
To Krista, real estate transactions go far beyond the sale itself—they’re fundamental to vibrant, thriving communities. "Buying and selling homes fuel our local economies, generating jobs across construction, trades, and services," Krista explains. Real estate also generates essential revenue for schools, public services, and helps breathe new life into neighborhoods. “Our Realtors truly are Midland’s biggest cheerleaders,” she adds, “We spend our careers showing people why they should fall in love with Midland and call it home.”
Reflecting on her time as President of the Midland Board of Realtors, Krista stresses the importance of teamwork. “It’s never a one-person job,” she says, expressing appreciation for the collaborative effort needed during significant industry changes. “Our board was phenomenal, quickly analyzing data, making decisions, and always keeping members’ best interests at heart. It reminded me how important clear communication is, enabling everyone to make informed decisions.”
As an MBA Ambassador, Krista also loves guiding businesses from their earliest startup phases to ribbon-cuttings and grand openings. “Watching someone’s passion become reality is incredibly energizing," she says. "I'm always inspired by how Midland businesses continually reinvest in our community.”
Looking ahead, Krista is enthusiastic about Midland’s future. “Every day I see new growth, new businesses, and new opportunities," she says. "It’s inspiring to be part of a community always focused on becoming better.”
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