Tacos, Teams, and Tenacity: The Real Estate Rise of Richard Calderon
June 23, 2025
Today, we're joined by Richard Calderon, whose path from Navy air crewman to managing broker is anything but ordinary. After serving in the military, Richard found his footing in real estate through the world of affordable housing in California, helping families find stable ground. That same spirit of service guided him through a return to the East Coast, where he built his reputation in property management, carved out a niche in new construction, and steadily rose through the ranks to become the managing broker of over 100 agents. But what sets Richard apart isn’t just his resume—it’s his mindset. From cold calls and open houses to development strategy and mentorship, he’s always treated real estate like a business built on relationships. Along the way, he’s used social media—and tacos—to build connection and community, proving that authenticity is a powerful marketing tool. In this episode, Richard shares the pivotal moments, lessons learned, and the leadership values that guide him today. If you're ready to think bigger about what real estate can be—and how you can grow within it—this conversation is for you. Whether you're just starting out or thinking about what legacy you want to leave in this business, Richard’s story offers lessons in longevity, generosity, and smart, intentional growth.
What You’ll Learn:
- How Richard transitioned from military service to real estate, leveraging discipline and experience in public housing
- The mindset shift that helped him go from a salaried role to full commission and team leadership
- How building a personal brand around tacos and new construction set him apart
- The importance of marketing—even when budgets are tight—and how it became a cornerstone of his business
- How he uses planning commission meetings to anticipate inventory and stay ahead of the market
- Practical strategies for time management when leading a brokerage and maintaining high-level production
- Why adopting a business-owner mindset is key to achieving long-term financial independence
- What it looks like to create a team-first culture based on collaboration, not competition
Key Takeaway:
Richard’s story is a reminder that real estate is a business, not a side hustle. Success is built on intention, consistency, and a willingness to serve—whether it’s clients, teammates, or your local community.