Fernando De Leon and Mike DeGiorgio talk Crexi’s founding, AI’s role in CRE, compounding wealth, and the grit needed to build lasting companies.

The Crexi Podcast connects CRE professionals with industry insights built for smart decision-making. In each episode, we explore the latest trends, innovations and opportunities shaping commercial real estate, because we believe knowledge should move at the speed of ambition and every conversation should empower professionals to act with greater clarity and confidence.  

In this episode of The Crexi Podcast, host Mike DiGiorgio, CEO and founder of Crexi, sits down with his long-time mentor Fernando, founder of Leon Capital Group, to discuss the origins and journey of Crexi. Fernando shares insights into his investment philosophy, the importance of data and technology in commercial real estate, and the fundamental role of compound interest. The conversation spans various topics, including the impact of AI, the dynamics of different business industries, and the essential traits of successful entrepreneurs. 

Additionally, Fernando speaks about his philanthropic efforts and the values that drive his investments. This episode provides a deep dive into the strategic and personal elements that have shaped Crexi success and offers valuable lessons for commercial real estate professionals and entrepreneurs alike.

• First Impressions of the New Office
• The Origin Story of Crexi
• Assessing the Competitive Landscape
• The Will to Succeed in Business
• The Impact of AI on Business and Real Estate
• Lessons from Building Multiple Businesses
• The Importance of Good Team Members
• Resilience and Optimism in Business
• Reflections on Early Career Choices
• The Importance of Gratitude
• Impact of Upbringing on Real Estate Perspective
• Investment Committee Insights
• Philanthropy and Giving Back
• Advice for Future Generations
• The Future of Commercial Real Estate
• Closing Remarks and Reflections

About Fernando De Leon:

Fernando De Leon is the founder and CEO of Leon Capital Group, a diversified holding company with subsidiaries across financial services, healthcare, and real estate. What began as a modest Texas real estate developer has grown into a platform overseeing ~4,000 employees and businesses operating nationwide and abroad.

Under his leadership, Leon Capital has invested in or developed over $15B in real estate, including 20,000 rental housing units, 25M SF of industrial, 15M SF of retail, self-storage, healthcare assets, and 10,000 residential lots. The firm also co-founded a European logistics platform with the Perot Companies that has developed more than 40M SF across the EU.

In healthcare, Leon’s portfolio includes Specialty Dental Brands, Frontline Dental Implant Specialists, Advanced Medaesthetic Partners, and others managing 600+ locations and serving 2M patients annually. In financial services, Leon operates Bastion Insurance, Finsurity Premium Finance, and Patient Capital. Fernando is also a co-founder of Crexi, now one of the largest CRE marketplaces, serving 3M professionals with real-time transaction data.

A Harvard graduate and former Goldman Sachs analyst, he was named a Horatio Alger Award recipient in 2025. Through the De Leon Family Foundation, he supports poverty relief, healthcare access, and education, including scholarships for Texas students dedicated to community impact.

For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog.

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