Some people find their way into real estate by chance, while others arrive after a journey marked by unexpected turns and reinvention. For Martin Percival, it’s been the latter—shaped by a willingness to adapt to new stages, both literally and metaphorically, Martin danced his way into real estate.

 

Born in England in 1973, Martin's path began far from Denver. Raised in a working-class family that became middle-class thanks to his father's dedication to completing his degree while working full-time and supporting the family, Martin was no stranger to reinvention from an early age.

 

Encouraged by his mother who wanted him to stay connected to his Irish heritage, Martin started Irish dancing at the age of five. He quickly showed a natural talent for dance, winning regional competitions and becoming the Great Britain Champion, eventually ranking third in the world. “I took to Irish dancing like a duck to water,” Martin recalls.

 

Martin’s talent carried him across international stages, joining high-profile productions such as Lord of the Dance. He became a principal dancer in 1998, starring as the “Lord” in a Las Vegas residency. He then joined an experimental dance troupe with a show called Dancing on Dangerous Ground before becoming a trainee understudy in Riverdance from 2000 to 2003.

 

While Martin's dancing career brought success and excitement, it was his passion for teaching that defined his years from 2003 to 2013. He taught competitive Irish dance in Denver for a decade. Yet, as he approached 2014, a sense of discontent began to stir.

 

“A malaise in life and career led me to get sober in January 2014 and then get my real estate license in March 2014,” Martin shares. “I’ve always had my own business - since I was nine (I helped out on the milk round as an independent contractor!), so I wanted my next career to be entrepreneurial but better paid than teaching!”

 

Transitioning from the free-spirited world of dance to the structured demands of real estate wasn't without its challenges. “My free spirit gets in the way of consistency!” he admits with a laugh. It’s this same free spirit, though, that has led him to live authentically and embrace the unexpected twists and turns along the way.

 

Joining Live Laugh Denver Real Estate Group five years ago was a turning point for Martin. The brokerage provided him with a new kind of support, making him feel part of a team that truly had his back—he found excellent mentorship, training, and trustworthy colleagues that has helped his business grow exponentially.  

Known as the “Condo Kween” of Live Laugh Denver, Martin has carved out a niche for himself, specializing in condos with an expertise that’s unmatched. He brings a joyful and creative approach to every transaction, making what can be a stressful process something more lighthearted and memorable for his clients.

 

While humor is an essential part to Martin's style, his professional philosophy is quite serious. “REALTORS® have an extremely important job,” he emphasizes to other agents. “We are the custodians of dreams and people’s wealth. Do not take the responsibility lightly. If you are part-time and not committed to the fiduciary aspects of the job—find another one! It’s too important a service for people to do it half-arsed.”

 

For Martin, success is defined not just by numbers but by the joy found in everyday life. Part of that joy comes from his commitment to community. Recently, Martin co-founded, along with his partner, Zach. “Queer Audacity,” a community-based group fostering creativity and connection among Denver's LGBTQ+ community. The project reflects Martin's belief that real estate isn't just about transactions—it’s about creating a sense of place and belonging for everyone.

 

Outside of his real estate and his community endeavors, Martin is a passionate creator, choreographer, writer, and storyteller. He and Zach share a love for reading, fantasy novels, and reality shows like The Traitors, which offer an escape into different worlds. Whether dancing, reading, or spending time with friends, Martin seeks joy in all he does.

 

Reflecting on his journey, Martin's advice for new agents is simple yet profound: “A big part of a REALTORS® job is to be empathetic. We need to understand why people want various outcomes.” Empathy is one of Martin’s superpowers, as well as connection, and a love of bathtubs!

 

From the stages of Irish dance to the home stages of real estate, Martin's journey is one of transformation, passion, and authenticity. As he moves forward, Martin continues to dance to his own beat, making every step count and inspiring those around him to do the same.