Two very different paths—both shaped by resilience—led us to the same purpose: helping people find homes that touch their hearts.

Mendy: I’m originally from Michigan, one of eight children in a big Jewish family. When I was sixteen one of my brothers passed away unexpectedly, and the loss shook me to my core. Along with the grief came a realization most teenagers never face: life is short. That awareness pushed me to take risks, seek meaning, and start truly living.

Soon after, I traveled to Florida to help my older brother build a community that eventually became a synagogue and preschool. We didn’t know a soul when we arrived, yet somehow we created a space where people gathered, connected, and supported one another—all in honor of my brother who had passed. Being part of something that meaningful changed me. I loved the feeling of impacting people’s lives while forming close relationships.

That sense of purpose stayed with me when I visited my sister in Los Angeles. I immediately fell in love with the city—the weather, the energy, the vibrancy. I knew I wanted to build a life here, and real estate felt like the perfect path: meaningful relationships paired with work that genuinely helps people.

When I joined my current brokerage, I quickly realized how much I loved their auction model and dove into mastering it. Within my first few weeks, my broker pulled me aside and said, “You should talk to Steve. You two would be a really good fit.” So I reached out.

From our very first conversation—two hours long—I could tell Steve was generous, grounded, and deeply committed to people. He valued connection and quality time, both in business and in life. It was clear we shared the same philosophy, and partnering up felt completely natural.

Today, that partnership is one of the best decisions I’ve made. It brought together everything I’ve always cared about: service, connection, and building something meaningful.

Steve: I’m a California native, and ever since high school I knew I wanted to own my own business—even though I had no idea what form it would take. I studied marketing at California State University Northridge with the hope that it would eventually lead me there, but the real inspiration didn’t strike until I turned 30: I wanted to sell real estate—big, luxury, high-stakes real estate.

I was drawn to the challenge. Selling million-dollar homes requires skill, deep market knowledge, and a true understanding of investment strategy and financial implications. I wanted to master all of it.

I started my career in commercial real estate in 2009—right as the market crashed. No one wanted to sell, income evaporated, and agents were leaving the industry in waves. I had just invested in my education, and suddenly it felt like there was no work and no future. I faced a choice: walk away or push through. I chose to stay, and somehow, I managed to close enough deals to turn a profit. I was even honored with an award for my sales volume—something that meant a lot during such difficult market conditions.

But even as I found success, commercial real estate felt sterile to me. The transactions were cold, focused solely on numbers. I wanted to work with clients who were excited and emotionally invested in their homes. I’ll never forget selling my parents’ house to a buyer who absolutely lit up the moment he stepped inside. Seeing that joy made me realize I wanted to sell properties that touched people’s hearts.

That’s how I transitioned into residential real estate and eventually met Mendy in 2020. I was dealing with a particularly tough transaction and my broker suggested I speak with Mendy—known for his ability to get deals unstuck. It turned out to be a perfect match. We complement each other’s strengths, and working together has brought even more meaning to the work I love.

We deeply care for our clients and consistently show up for them. We’re always available—if one of us is out of town, the other immediately steps in. Every client benefits from both of our minds working together. We brainstorm, evaluate situations from two different perspectives, and present as many thoughtful options as possible.

We’re also known for our ability to close transactions that others simply can’t. We don’t give up easily; in fact, we specialize in getting stalled or complicated deals to the finish line. Our track record is filled with completed transactions that many agents would have walked away from. We’ve worked with every type of client and navigated nearly impossible situations with persistence and creativity.

Another key differentiator is our mastery of selling luxury properties through our live-auction platform. Having access to the tool doesn’t make someone an expert—training, repetition, and strategy do, and we’ve invested years into becoming true specialists. We know exactly when an auction will maximize a seller’s price and when a traditional sale will serve them better. We’re committed to constant improvement, always sharpening our skills to serve our clients at the highest level.

Steve Dempster

Mendy Zaklos