“I am incredibly proud of the thousands of families we’ve helped navigate difficult situations, whether avoiding foreclosure or settling estates. Each transaction represents a story of resilience and hope. Knowing that we’ve made a meaningful difference in these families’ lives is deeply a1qfulfilling and reminds me why I do what I do.”
Toni Patillo, the Principal and Broker of Toni Patillo & Associates, has spent over twenty four years becoming one of the leading experts in Real Estate, Business, and Mindset in Los Angeles. Through her role and by hosting the popular show Call Toni Real Estate Radio Talk Show, she has dedicated her career to empowering people to enhance their lives and their communities.
With the launch of her initiative ‘Empowered Mindset,’ Toni is encouraging her clients to discover their unique talents and create lives and businesses that operate smoothly and effectively. Her passion for education has recently led her to partner with Genius University, where she serves as a Faculty Partner and Community Partner. Her exemplary work in real estate makes her “The Most Iconic Real Estate Expert to Watch in 2025”.
From Advocacy to Real Estate
Toni Patillos inspiration largely comes from her mother, a pioneering real estate broker in California who actively advocated for civil rights. When her mother moved to Washington for a brokerage opportunity, her African American identity led to the position being rescinded, which propelled her into the civil rights movement. Toni spent much of her life viewing her mother primarily as an advocate, only later recognizing her roots in real estate. This background ignited a passion in Toni that became her calling.We do need to point out that I come from a very strong family foundation.
My siblings and I were very fortunate to have both of our parents lay the bricks for our love of community, culture and music. My father, right by our mothers side the entire time, was very much a supporter of their journey in civil rights, human rights and education. My father played a very powerful role and together they created a powerhouse unit that would set examples for other families dealing with “The Struggle”. I wouldn’t be here without them and they are my “Sacred Why”. Later in life I have come to realize, it is my honor to continue their legacy.
After a career in entertainment, Toni entered entrepreneurship by purchasing a franchise in the health and wellness industry. This franchise, based in South Africa, enabled her to open the eighth store in the U.S. in Pasadena, California. However, her entertainment boss discouraged her dual pursuits, prompting her to reconsider her path.
Realizing the franchise alone could not support her lifestyle, Toni established Toni Patillo and Associates early in her real estate career. Interestingly, she did not actively seek real estate; it found her. Her real estate agent recognized her negotiation and marketing skills, encouraging her to explore this field. Initially resistant, Toni eventually embraced the industry, especially after the market crash, which inspired her to specialize in strategies for distressed properties.
The Approach to Real Estate Challenges
One of the biggest challenges in navigating complex liquidations and acquisitions in real estate is understanding the diverse personalities involved. Each person, scenario, and transaction has its own complexities, requiring a tailored approach. In intricate cases such as probate, trust sales, or pre-foreclosures, legal intricacies often combine with significant emotional weight. The greatest challenge is balancing these dynamics while providing clear and compassionate guidance.
Toni Patillo has faced numerous challenges, both personally and professionally, that have shaped her into a resilient individual. In 2007, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and between 2011 and 2021, she underwent four major spinal surgeries to combat severe stenosis and scoliosis. Despite these obstacles, she has persevered with a strong mindset and a deep connection to her faith. While her life has changed in many ways, her goals remain constant: to inspire and support others while making a positive impact.
The Method for Managing Emotional Sales
Managing emotionally charged transactions begins with active listening and a commitment to understanding each client’s unique situation. Since every case is different, it is crucial to assess what is happening, what needs attention, and how to proceed effectively. Toni’s goal is to provide calm and clarity while offering practical solutions.
With her AI certification, she can analyze data and quickly deliver tailored strategies, giving clients peace of mind during uncertain times. This process goes beyond technical solutions; it emphasizes connectivity, compassion, and creating an environment where clients feel comfortable, empowered, and safe.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of my career is handling complex cases. The more complicated the situation, the more excited I become, as it challenges me,” she states.
However, it is essential for her to manage her own emotions. While Toni must show compassion for her clients, she cannot allow herself to become overwhelmed by their feelings. The objective is to maintain balance and bring a sense of calm and clarity to the situation.
Leading with love, professionalism, and integrity consistently produces the best outcomes for everyone involved. Toni avoids judging clients or forming opinions about their circumstances, focusing instead on being solution-oriented and operating from a place of love—love for the client, the process, and the opportunity to make a difference.
Empowered by Innovation
The pandemic brought significant changes to business operations, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and innovation. Joining eXp was one of the most transformative decisions of her career, as their cloud-based platform allowed her to pivot, scale globally, and maintain excellent client service. The collaborative culture, revenue-sharing programs, and opportunities for passive income have been transformative. Recently, she reviewed her stock portfolio and felt optimistic about its growth potential, as eXp provides a clear path to sustainable growth and financial stability.
She also became involved with Genius University, founded by Roger Hamilton, which focuses on mindset and includes an assessment to identify personal strengths. This assessment helped her understand her restlessness after 13 years as a broker of record, revealing that she had been working outside her natural abilities. This insight clarified her discomfort during those later years and helped her realign with her passions, eventually becoming a certified Flow Consultant.
One valuable lesson from the Genius assessment is its effectiveness in team building, ensuring individuals are in roles that suit their strengths. Today, Toni Patillo is proud to be AI-certified, one of the first 42 AI-certified real estate agents globally. This certification equips her with advanced tools for data analysis, enhancing her efficiency while allowing her to maintain essential personal connections in real estate.
Innovating Through Adversity
The pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, but it also sparked innovation. To adapt, she increasingly embraced technology, utilizing eXp’s cloud-based platform for virtual tours, video consultations, and smooth transactions. She welcomed the strategies and challenges that the pandemic brought because they encouraged her to evolve in ways she might not have considered otherwise. It showed that it is possible to operate on a global scale and conduct almost everything remotely.
Becoming AI certified marked a significant turning point for her. Learning to work with technology, especially AI, has been transformative. She believes that these tools should not be feared; instead, they enhance the work and capabilities rather than replace them.
The Empowered Mindset Coaching Program
‘Once clarity is achieved, it feels as though the universe supports you. Without clarity—without knowing exactly what you want—you are unlikely to achieve it.’
- Empowered Mindset is a program aimed at helping individuals unlock their potential by aligning their thoughts with their goals. Toni believes that ‘success starts with our mindset and actions.’
- Through this program, she trains professionals in negotiation, marketing, and leadership while also teaching them to develop resilience and clarity. Many individuals often lack a clear understanding of what they truly want.
- This coaching program emphasizes the importance of mindset, highlighting that everything begins with how we think.
- Empowered Mindset complements her real estate business by addressing the personal growth needed to achieve professional excellence. It takes a holistic approach to success, based on the principle that – ‘what you think and say, you create.’
- Empowered Mindset provides that essential foundation. Mindset is the cornerstone of success, and this program is designed to help individuals build a strong mental framework to reach their goals.
Message of Resilience and Worth
“There are countless stories, each deeply personal. I’ve had the privilege of making a difference in people’s lives, especially when they felt defeated and considered giving up. Some believed they had failed in such a way that life wasn’t worth living,” Toni Patillo states.
She reminds them:
‘You are not your credit score. You are not your home. You are much more than those material things. What truly matters are your heart, your love, and the relationships you build. All material possessions—your home and belongings—can be replaced. However, your resilience, heart, and the love you surround yourself with are irreplaceable.’
Helping people recognize this truth and rediscover their value is one of the most rewarding aspects of her work. By focusing on what truly matters, Toni Patillo empowers individuals to see their worth beyond material possessions, providing a sense of hope and strength during challenging times. This approach enhances their lives and strengthens the connections they have with others.
Empowering Leadership Style
Her time as the broker of record at Keller Williams, where she oversaw over 400 agents across three market centers, significantly shaped her leadership style. She learned that effective leadership is based on service and collaboration, which enhanced her ability to mentor and develop systems that encourage others to reach their potential. A key aspect of her approach was mindset, dedicating much of her time to helping agents develop a mindset that allowed them to achieve what they once thought impossible.
“I firmly believe that our thoughts and words shape our reality, and a large part of our success is tied to our approach to challenges,” she states.
Initially hesitant to take on the role of broker of record, she was encouraged by Tamara Robinson, who said, “You need to step into this position—it will change your career.” Although she feared it would be like “babysitting” agents, she reframed her perspective to focus on empowerment and inspiration, ultimately accepting the role.
Her experiences at Keller Williams highlighted the importance of mindset, education, innovation, and accountability. After 13 years, she recognized that leadership is about inspiration and empowerment, while management often involves administrative tasks. As her responsibilities shifted toward management, she felt burnt out, realizing her true passion lies in leadership and mentorship. For her, leadership is fundamentally about empowerment, not just management.
Commitment to Philanthropy
“Philanthropy is about giving back, and I truly enjoy it as an opportunity to help others. There are countless organizations and ways to get involved, so I do not limit myself to just one,” Toni Patillo states.
Over the years, she has worked with organizations such as the MS Society, Toni’s House, RootLight, and the NAAM Organization. She is also involved with a group called Forward Thinking, which focuses on assisting children in Africa and underserved regions around the world.
She firmly believes that giving back is essential. If we receive, we should also give. It is not an obligation; it is a way to make a difference in someone else’s life. She says, ‘When we make giving a habit, it not only benefits others but also enriches our own lives.’
Advice for Aspiring Real Estate Professionals
Toni’s advice is straightforward: stay curious and embrace change. Never stop investing in yourself—view yourself as always in school and continue learning.
She emphasizes the importance of building a strong team and utilizing technology, such as artificial intelligence, to enhance your efforts. At the same time, it is crucial to focus on relationships, as they are the foundation of any business in any industry. Most importantly, she encourages leading with authenticity and a clear purpose. Clarity is power. Be clear about what you are doing and why you are doing it.
She also reminds others that scaling up a business begins with scaling up one’s mindset. That is where it all starts.
The Vision for Growth in 2025
2025 promises to be an exciting year of growth and innovation for Toni Patillo and Associates. They are expanding the TPA brand, with a significant development being the launch of their luxury division. This new offering is tailored for high-end clients who seek exceptional service, reflecting her commitment to delivering unparalleled value in every market they serve.
She is also eager to share insights on building a scalable business through their new course, The Seven-Figure Global Shift. Developed by her team and herself, this program is designed for agents aiming to create a sustainable business model by building and managing a global team. It focuses on increasing income, reclaiming time, and creating a business that works for the individual.
Having implemented these strategies herself, she looks forward to providing a clear roadmap that empowers others to achieve their own version of success.
“Above all, my focus remains on delivering innovative solutions, fostering meaningful connections, and making a positive impact on the lives of my clients and colleagues,” she concludes.
Key Takeaways from Toni Patillo’s Empowering Real Estate Journey:
- Toni Patillo emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset in achieving success. She believes that our thoughts and beliefs shape our reality, and by cultivating a strong mindset, we can overcome challenges and achieve our goals.
- Despite the increasing role of technology in real estate, Toni highlights the importance of human connection. She believes that building strong relationships with clients is essential for success.
- Toni is passionate about philanthropy and believes in the power of giving back to the community. She encourages others to find ways to make a positive impact on the world.
- Toni embraces innovation and technology to improve her business and provide better service to her clients. She encourages others to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and to embrace new tools and strategies.
- Toni has faced numerous challenges throughout her career, but she has persevered and achieved success. She inspires others to stay resilient and to keep pushing forward, even in the face of adversity.
