Fernando De Leon, Founder and CEO of Leon Capital Group
Oct 10, 2024
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Fernando De Leon, Founder and CEO of Leon Capital Group, shares insights from his impressive journey, from a humble upbringing as the youngest of six to leading a $10 billion portfolio. He discusses the importance of cultural roots, entrepreneurial spirit, and overcoming obstacles in his career. De Leon reveals how he pivoted his real estate focus from distressed retail to thriving industrial properties driven by e-commerce. He also highlights the significance of teamwork in multifamily developments and the role of technology in shaping future growth strategies.
Fernando de Leon's upbringing in South Texas fostered a unique understanding of responsibility and opportunity across cultural divides.
His early entrepreneurial experiences negotiating real estate deals demonstrated his instinctive drive to leverage opportunities from a young age.
Leon Capital Group's strategic integration of technology aims to enhance operational efficiency and address the needs of the Latino demographic in the U.S.
Deep dives
The Impact of Cultural Duality
Growing up in South Texas as the youngest of six, with all siblings born in Mexico, shaped Fernando de Leon's perspectives on responsibility and opportunity. His unique background allowed him to recognize the stark differences between the American and Mexican educational systems, instilling in him a sense of accountability to capitalize on the opportunities available in the U.S. He attended school in the U.S. in the morning and went back to evening classes in Mexico, enhancing his understanding of both cultures. This duality motivated him to succeed and fueled his drive to establish himself in a competitive environment.
Entrepreneurial Spirit from a Young Age
Fernando de Leon's entrepreneurial bug was evident from his teenage years when he worked as a translator for American developers in Mexico. His early experiences led him to negotiate equity stakes in real estate projects, showcasing his instinct for seizing opportunities. At just 14, he successfully secured ownership in an industrial project by leveraging personal connections and utilizing his knowledge of the local systems. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for his later ventures in real estate and business development.
Navigating Harvard and Goldman Sachs
Upon arriving at Harvard, Fernando felt both excitement and intimidation, initially unsure if he belonged in such an esteemed institution. A supportive host family and inspiring professors helped him find his footing, revealing that he could thrive in this new environment. His internship with the Institute of Politics under Senator Alan Simpson further affirmed his capabilities, as interactions with influential figures boosted his confidence. Although he later transitioned from Goldman Sachs due to a lack of fit, the experience equipped him with vital insights into capital flow that would inform his future entrepreneurial pursuits.
Shifting Focus to Real Estate and Beyond
Leon Capital Group began with a focus on commercial real estate, but under Fernando's leadership, it has expanded significantly into various operating businesses including healthcare and financial services. This diversification stemmed from a desire to solve real-world problems, such as rising insurance costs and the need for accessible healthcare services, leading to the establishment of a pediatric dental clinic chain. Using his experiences and observations, he has built Leon Capital into a multifaceted organization that adapts to market demands and incorporates lessons learned in each sector. This agile approach has allowed Fernando to create substantial value for both himself and the communities served by his businesses.
The Future of Leon Capital and Technology Integration
As Leon Capital looks ahead, Fernando emphasizes the importance of integrating technology across all business verticals to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. He believes that the evolving landscape of technology presents substantial growth opportunities, particularly in understanding and servicing the Latino demographic in the U.S. The company is actively reallocating capital towards technology investments and enhancing its existing business operations through technology-driven solutions. By focusing on these strategic initiatives, Fernando aims to ensure the continued success and relevance of Leon Capital in an increasingly complex marketplace.
Willy was joined by Fernando De Leon, Founder and CEO of Leon Capital Group, a family holding company that built and operates a portfolio exceeding $10 billion in assets across multiple businesses in healthcare, financial services, and real estate.
He and Willy discussed his humble upbringing as the youngest of six and the drive that was instilled in him at a young age, his educational and career trajectory – including leaving Goldman Sachs to give into the entrepreneurial bug, his experience building Leon Capital Group, his management style and how to create competitive advantages, growth opportunities he’s seeing, and much more.
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