Skip to main content
All PodcastsLeadership, Team, & Personal Development

Living with Margin: Beyond the Next Deal with David Marshall

By October 21, 2025No Comments

In this episode of Texas Land Guys, hosts Tim and Tom Dosch are joined by their partner David Marshall for an honest and practical conversation about one of the hardest things to get right: finding balance between work, family, and personal life. They open up about how easy it is for driven professionals to let work take over, especially in the land brokerage business, where effort directly impacts success. That constant push, they admit, can quickly become all-consuming if not managed intentionally.

The discussion centers on redefining work-life balance as a purposeful investment rather than an equal division of time. David shares how he committed early on to be present for his kids’ games and family moments, while Tim and Tom reflect on how DMRE’s team culture encourages flexibility and mutual support through different seasons of life.

They also touch on deeper themes such as how men often find more confidence at work than at home, and the importance of faith, community, and self-care in maintaining perspective. The takeaway is clear: success is not measured by hours worked or deals closed, but by how well you invest in the relationships and priorities that truly matter.

Key Takeaways:

  • Work-life balance is a daily choice, not a perfect formula.
  • Success and competition drive growth, but can also drive burnout.
  • Be present where it matters most with your family, not your phone.
  • Team culture makes balance possible; lean on your peers for support.
  • Redefine success beyond money; focus on purpose and relationships.
  • Small habits build strong families: dinners, movie nights, morning talks.
  • Don’t hide at work; confidence starts at home, not in the office.
  • Serve beyond business; give back to your church and community.
  • Health fuels everything: sleep well, eat clean, move often.
  • Guard your time; create margin for rest and reflection.
  • Hustle culture is short-term; real success is sustainable.
  • Show up for the moments that actually matter.

In This Episode:

  • [00:29] Introduction: Work-life balance for land brokers

  • [01:54] Motivation, competition, and the pressure of entrepreneurship

  • [04:24] David on the decision to  prioritize his  family and presence

  • [06:58] How the DMRE team supports each other to achieve work-life balance

  • [09:15] Influence and healthy work culture

  • [11:38] Personal investments in relationships, such as couples’ vacations and simple joys

  • [15:48] How their family interactions evolve as children grow older

  • [18:52] Work as escape for men vs. deep relationships

  • [22:22] Community involvement and strategic giving

  • [26:40] Learning from leaders and self-care

  • [29:24] Time leadership and long-term fulfillment

  • [32:44] No off days, beast mode, work on weekends.

  • [34:50] Simple self-care and final encouragement

 

Resources and Links:

David Marshall

Tom Dosch