If someone had told me when I was a kid living in Section 8 housing in San Pedro that one day I’d become CEO of a thriving real estate and property management company, I wouldn’t have believed them. But here I am today, CEO of Coastline Equity, with a journey that was deeply shaped by one key factor: mentorship.
Mentorship isn’t a buzzword for me; it was a lifeline. The power of mentorship transformed not just my career but my entire life trajectory. It provided me with a sense of possibility, hope, and a tangible vision of what life could look like beyond my immediate environment.
Growing up in the Harbor Area of Los Angeles, I saw firsthand the harsh realities of poverty. I experienced instability, and uncertainty was a constant companion. Yet, in that chaos, there were moments of resilience, thanks largely to the mentors who stepped into my life.
One of my earliest mentors was my fifth-grade teacher, who believed in me before I knew how to believe in myself. She told my mother, "Anthony can go to college. He could get an MBA. He has real potential." Those words stuck with me. They were the first seeds of possibility planted in my young mind.
But the most pivotal mentorship came from the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor. It was there, in my teenage years, that mentorship transformed from encouragement to active, structured support. Mentors like Mike Lansing, Leo, Hilda, and later George Mayer, my lifelong mentor, guided me not only in academics and leadership but in navigating the complexities of life itself.
These mentors taught me fundamental principles that shaped my character:
Listening and Communication: They showed me the power of being heard, validating my experiences and teaching me how to communicate effectively with others.
Ethics and Integrity: They emphasized doing the right thing, always, even when nobody is watching.
Growth Mindset: They encouraged me to embrace challenges as opportunities, a mindset crucial for entrepreneurial success.
Mentorship was not just about advice; it was about action. My mentors exposed me to experiences outside my immediate reality, taking me to museums, plays, and college campuses. They opened doors, literally and figuratively, showing me that life beyond the end of the 110 freeway was not just possible, it was attainable.
Through the College Bound program at the Boys & Girls Club, I learned how to apply to college, secure financial aid, and explore career opportunities. This mentorship program directly impacted my trajectory, guiding me towards higher education and eventually, entrepreneurship.
After college and through my early career, mentorship continued to guide me. George Mayer, a successful entrepreneur and Holocaust survivor, took me under his wing. His mentorship was profound, teaching me invaluable lessons about business, real estate, property management, and life. It was George who showed me how business could be both profitable and purpose-driven.
This profound impact inspired the foundation of Coastline Equity’s approach to business. Our values of integrity, empathy, ethics, and community-building are direct reflections of my mentors’ lessons.
Today, as CEO of Coastline Equity, I incorporate mentorship into our company’s DNA. Here is the framework we use to cultivate mentorship internally:
Structured Mentorship Programs: We pair experienced employees with newcomers, ensuring they have structured guidance to navigate their career paths.
Leadership Training and Development: Ongoing training that emphasizes leadership, communication, and growth mindset.
Community Engagement: Encouraging our team to volunteer and mentor young people in local organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs, to pay it forward.
Mentorship is transformative for both the mentor and the mentee. Here’s how you can become involved:
Volunteer at Local Organizations: Reach out to organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs to offer your experience and time.
Mentor Within Your Organization: Create formal or informal mentorship programs to support emerging leaders within your company.
Advocate for Mentorship in Your Industry: Promote mentorship as a critical component of professional development.
The real estate industry uniquely impacts communities. By investing in mentorship, leaders in our industry can:
Build more sustainable, community-focused businesses
Foster talent that aligns with ethical, values-driven business practices
Transform communities through empowered, visionary leadership
Mentorship shaped my life profoundly, from Section 8 housing to the C-suite. As I share my journey in my new book, Property Management Excellence: A Values-Based Approach to Real Estate and Property Investing, I hope to inspire others to embrace mentorship as a powerful catalyst for personal and professional growth.
Mentorship doesn’t just change individual lives; it builds lasting legacies, thriving communities, and purposeful businesses. My journey is living proof.
If this resonated with you, learn more about mentorship, real estate investing, and leadership principles in my new book, Property Management Excellence.