Meet Mario Fogg

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mario Fogg and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mario, what’s the end goal, career-wise?

To be honest, I’m not sure. Because I have learned that things change. Our minds change over time. A lot of times, depending on what’s going on in your life, your experiences, or what information you have access to, or your level of understanding. However I do believe in having a plan, goals, or something to work towards. Right now for me, it is to be able to control my time, and do the things that are meaningful to me. I don’t want to be forced to do anything, everything I do, I want it to be my choice. Of course that’s not always possible but you get what I’m saying. To be in a position to dictate what I do with my time. That’s why I strive to make a living doing the things I love.

So professionally by the end of my career, I would have hoped to create a work lifestyle that allows me to live that freedom. To do that, I have to make the right decisions. I have to be successful in business, I have to know what to do with the money I make, the relationships I build, and the things I choose to spend my time on.

Ultimately, I want to build something of substance. Something that can be passed on to my son, and future generations.

What should our readers know about your business?

Well I’m not sure why I’m being interviewed or how you even heard of me. But I am a Real Estate agent to some people, and a drummer to others, and to some, I have played both roles. Pun intended.

I’m still building my business, and I’m in the early stages of growth but I have learned many lessons already. Building strong genuine relationships is the key to continued success.

In real estate, I seek to serve the community, with knowledge, understanding and integrity. Helping people make the best decision for them based on their needs, with my understanding of the real estate market and the resources from my network. To take part in the advancement and improvement of this city. For me, it is about helping people and building relationships. If the people around you are better, your life will be better! I believe owning real estate is the key to building wealth. Along with other investments, we (meaning my brothers and sisters) have been shut out from participating in those markets on a larger scale but things are changing to a degree. We have a long way to go.

As a musician, I am just doing something I love. I love music and I happen to be able to play the drums a little. Some people can make a living by doing the things they love. Being a musician is one of those things that will allow that luxury. However, just as most industries in the world, entertainment can be a ruthless and heartless business. Especially in the “industry”. But on a local level, you can build relationships, and be a little more personable with who you work with and for. My goal as a musician is to play with intent, with understanding, with purpose. When someone hears me play, I hope they can feel something. I hope it causes them to think. I hope it takes them places. I hope it helps them, heals them, and moves them. Something positive. But in order for me to accomplish that, I have to do certain things, and make certain decisions. As far as the business side, I operate as a one stop shop for clients. Whatever you need, I can provide. Meaning, I am a resource to get whatever you need entertainment wise. I work hard to build relationships and contacts. When you hire me, you get my network. I was fortunate to move to Atlanta, and meet some of the most talented people in the entire world. Many live here and many who travel through here to play. When opportunities come my way that I can’t do, are not what I do, or I feel there is someone that is a better fit, I make a phone call. I can get you what you need. I am a resource. One of my goals was to have some type of talent agency, and that is kind of how I operate. I connect people. So if you see my number, pick up the phone. HAHA.

Being a musician and a real estate agent has allowed me to meet so many different people from different walks of life. Attend events I would otherwise may not even have known about, or have been invited to. Giving me access to places that people don’t have access to. I see how everybody lives, I’m inside your homes. I see how you enjoy your leisure and entertain. I’m at your private parties, events, restaurants, social clubs, weddings, anniversaries, church service, graduation, you name it, I’m there. Sometimes, I might even pop up on your tv. HAHA. But all this allows me to see things from a different lens than most and gives me a broader perspective on life. Some good and some bad, but all of this makes up who I am, and I won’t take it for granted.

Also I do have merch on my website at www.mariofogg.com. Keep an eye out for a few limited items, I’m releasing for my birthday at the end of this month.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I mean, I live a different life than most. Nowadays for me, life is pretty simple. Being around people that makes you better, or that brings good out of you. Since I am a musician, we will most likely be where music is. But I will try to answer your question. On any giving day of the week, we will go to one of Atlanta’s thriving restaurants for breakfast. I suggest going as early as possible because it seems as if brunch is a religion here and nobody is at work during the day. We will eat at Nana’s Chicken and Waffles, The Real Milk and Honey, Buttermilk Kitchen, The Flying Biscuit, Ray’s on the River Brunch Buffet, or most likely go to one of the newer spots I haven’t tried yet because it is always so busy. Like Breakfast at Barney’s, or The Breakfast Boys who just opened.

On Monday, we are going to Ten Atl in East Atlanta Village. The hottest jam session in town. On a Tuesday we are going to get a 10$ Husky from Slim and Husky’s.

We will go to Piedmont Park. Hopefully it’s Jazz festival time, looking forward to the return of that. If they are reading, we need more local musicians on all the stages, especially on the main stage. We will walk and ride the beltline multiple times. Get a Playa Bowl or two.
Philly’s from Weeyum’s is a must. Take them to Slutty Vegan, because I know they will want to go. Wadada Healthy Market and Juice bar will be visited of course. Soul Vegetarian, and Tassili’s. Eating roti and plantain patties from Island Vibes Caribbean Grill.

Might play some pool at Chairs. Grab a cupcake from Kupcakerie. Sammy Cheezecake must be visited. Maybe visit Amicalola Falls and do some climbing, because obviously we have gained weight.

I still haven’t seen the view from the Sun Dial yet. I miss Wine Down Wednesdays at Centennial Olympic Park. We would have gone there if it was 8 years ago. Googie Burger… HAHA

Sundays at Gallery 992, is how I relax from a long week. “Sunday Jazz” as they call it.
But this is all post covid. But pre covid, ahh man, how much time do we have?

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to Shoutout everybody that knows me personally! They all make up my life experiences. I know it sounds like a cop out answer but it’s not. If you know me, you know the relationship we have and the time we share. In that time, I hope you know what you mean to me. If I reach out to you, if I answer a call, respond to a message, or allow you to take up some of my time, I have just shouted you out. They know! I appreciate you.

Website: www.mariofoggrealestate.com / www.mariofogg.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mdotfdot

Linkedin: Mario Fogg

Twitter: www.twitter.com/mdotfdot

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mario.fogg

Other: www.linktr.ee/mdotfdot

Image Credits
Umcolisi Terrell Steve Eberhardt