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

Hi Erik, how do you think about risk?
I believe there is just as much risk involved in inaction as in taking a chance. Often times some of my biggest business-related regrets are not in deals I was involved in but in opportunities, I passed on due to a miscalculation of risk.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a commercial real estate broker with a specialized focus on shopping centers in the Southern California region. In 2022 I closed over $75 million in private capital transactions and was ranked as the #1 broker in the state for my firm.

Brokerage is an incredibly competitive business with ~90% of people leaving the industry within a year of starting. I took a bit of an unconventional route as I refused to apprentice under a senior broker as I was very stubborn about having to split my commission check in too many different directions. This led to a lot of heartbreak and frustration over the first few years as I lacked the guidance and industry know-how to avoid many of the common pitfalls of putting together real estate deals. This did however force me to build up an indestructible resolve which has kept me motivated and benefited me greatly in negotiating deals later in my career.

The biggest lesson I have learned along the way is that persistence is the secret to long-term success, Knowledge, talent, and family connections provide short-term gains however persistence is how long-term value is created.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Golf on Coronado Island, Lunch at the University Club in Downtown, Happy Hour Drinks at Pete’s Place in La Mesa

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give a shout-out to my dad who has supported me in times of adversity and humbled me in times of triumph. Your leveled-head approach to life has been paramount in the success I have achieved.

Website: https://erikegelko.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikegelko/

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