Home: Aptos, CA. Age: 48 years of hard-earned experience. Birthplace: Santa Cruz, CA. Profession: Real estate and entrepreneurship. Organization: California Association of Realtors. Title: Real Estate Broker, Developer and Entrepreneur. Significant other: My beautiful wife, Shana DeBernardo.
Current project: Developing a luxury living community. Latest accomplishment: Closed over $500 million in lifetime real estate sales. Latest contribution to others: Mentoring new agents to achieve their first million in sales. Hobbies: Golf, soccer, reading and spending time with family. Recent travel or adventure: A golf trip to Pebble Beach with my sons. Last book read: The Go-Giver, by Bob Burg and John David Mann
Personality profile: Driven, strategic, approachable. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Tenacious. Moral compass: Treat others how you want to be treated. What motivates you every day? The desire to build a legacy for my family and make a positive impact in my community. How do you define a perfect friendship? Trust, loyalty, and shared laughter. What is at the top of your bucket list? Play a round of golf at Augusta. How do you relieve stress? A walk on the beach or a round of golf. What is your go-to workout? Weightlifting and soccer with friends. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Family and a world-class golf course.
What was your first paying job? Soccer referee. What was your favorite college course? Business Economics. What book have you repeatedly read? How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie. What movie have you repeatedly watched? The Godfather. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? A framed quote: Success is no accident. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Work hard and stay humble.
What is your big idea?
Redefining luxury living through golf-centered communities.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Raising the standard of service in real estate brokerage. What change would you like to see in the world? Greater focus on personal responsibility and giving back. What message do you want to send out into the world? Success comes from serving others first. What widely held belief do you reject? That success requires sacrificing family time.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? The Family Man. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Bradley Cooper. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My mother, Silvana. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A professional soccer player. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? A photo album of my family. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? At home with my family. What advice would you give your younger self? Start investing in real estate sooner.
Personal mission: To leave a lasting impact through mentorship, service and family legacy. Personal motto: Build relationships before transactions. Favorite quote: "The best way to predict the future is to create it" (Peter Drucker). Desired epitaph: He built a legacy of love for his family, leadership in real estate and service to his community.
