The One Life Podcast

Legacy, Leadership & Creating Opportunity – with Leo Pareja


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Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about creating opportunity for others.

In this episode, Matt Farnham sits down with Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty, to explore his journey from top-producing agent to executive leader. Leo shares how his immigrant upbringing, entrepreneurial drive, and desire to leave a legacy have shaped the way he leads—and lives.

This conversation is packed with insight for real estate professionals and business leaders who want to build something meaningful while staying grounded in purpose and impact.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

  • How Leo’s childhood experiences shaped his mindset and mission
  • The tension between rapid growth and intentional leadership
  • How to lead at scale while staying personally aligned
  • What it means to build a business with legacy in mind
  • Why impact matters more than image

Top 3 Takeaways:

  • Leadership at any level begins with clarity and humility
  • True success is about multiplying opportunity, not just personal achievement
  • Building legacy starts with making decisions today that serve others tomorrow

Special Guest Leo Pareja

Leo Pareja began his real estate career at the age of 19. By 28, he had become the #1 Keller Williams agent worldwide. Over his 15-year career in sales, his team personally sold approximately 4,000 homes.

In 2012, he co-founded Washington Capital Partners, transforming it into one of the largest private lending companies on the East Coast, with over $2 billion in originated hard money loans. In 2016, he co-founded Remine, which quickly became the fastest-growing MLS platform in the industry—capturing 80% market share and serving more than 1.1 million users.

After successful exits from both WCP and Remine, Leo joined eXp Realty’s executive leadership as a named officer of EXPI. He has served as President of Affiliated Services and Chief Strategy Officer, leading strategic initiatives that have strengthened eXp Realty’s competitive edge and agent value proposition. He currently serves as CEO of eXp Realty.

Leo has been named to the Swanepoel Power 200 (SP 200) six times, recognizing him as one of the most powerful and influential executives in residential real estate.

In 2020, Leo co-founded the Pareja Family Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing economic disparities by equipping individuals with the tools and opportunities to achieve financial independence. The Foundation supports women, minority-led startups, and underserved communities through education, mentorship, and financial assistance. It offers a Financial Literacy Course—developed in partnership with Miami Dade College—that teaches essential financial skills for long-term success.

By investing in economic equity and empowering the next generation, Leo continues to drive meaningful impact beyond the real estate industry.

Connect with Leo

https://www.instagram.com/leopareja/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/leo.pareja.104/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leopareja/

Let’s connect!

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The One Life PodcastBy Matt Farnham