Meet Devon Ogden | Realtor & Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Devon Ogden and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Devon, every day, we talk about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I try my best to live by the quote “do all the good you can, in all the ways you can.” Life is short, and there’s no greater feeling than serving another person.

While I was completing my thesis at USC, I was fortunate enough to spend a summer in East Africa, listening to and learning from genocide survivors in Rwanda. Among them was a young woman named Safi, who has since become one of my greatest friends and inspirations. Together, we built a nonprofit from the ground up called Safi Life. Safi Life invests in women in Rwanda and gives them the skills and training needed to become confident entrepreneurs. Over the years, we have helped to educate and empower hundreds of vulnerable women: genocide survivors, victims of trafficking or rape, HIV/AIDS survivors, those in addiction recovery, and solo mothers. It is our purpose to offer hope and a future to these brave women and their families, creating generational change.

For many years I kept my work in California separate from my volunteering for Rwanda, but realized there was a great deal of good that could come from combining the two.

I now run a charitably-focused, luxury real estate business in Los Angeles and Orange County, and absolutely love being of service to those who are looking to sell or buy property. A portion of my earnings from each transaction goes to Safi Life and a variety of other 501(c)(3) nonprofits that my clients are passionate about. I enjoy learning about what is meaningful to them, and providing that extra value.

I am also actively partnering with like-minded professionals to achieve the long-term goal of building a school in Rwanda! A schoolhouse will ensure a safe place to land for so many deserving women and their children, and enhance the programming that Safi Life is able to offer each year. I love the idea that the selling and buying of property in Southern California will also have a huge impact halfway around the world.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

I am a Realtor and enjoy negotiating, marketing, and finding hidden gem properties, but what truly sets me apart is my personal network and focus on charitable giving. I’ve lived in Southern California almost my entire adult life, and have built a solid group of close professionals ready to step in and help any way they can. Clients who are charitably minded can also rest easy knowing they’ve made a huge difference in the lives of others with each transaction.

The real estate market can be daunting and extremely fast-paced for sellers and buyers, but I pride myself on maintaining a steady hand for my clients. My team and I make sure that every single detail is accounted for, and walk my clients through the process each step of the way with individualized care.

My personal journey into real estate and becoming a Realtor actually stemmed from a passion for investing. The sale proceeds from my first home completely changed my life, and I thought: “if I can do this, anyone can!” From there, I was hooked. I love making similar dreams come true for other individuals and families that I work with. I’ve learned that the natural growth of the real estate market over time ensures that my clients will build real, and often substantial, wealth. I genuinely love meeting new people, adding real value to their lives, and building relationships that last.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

If a friend were in town, I’d want to show them something new every day, but build in time for rest and relaxation. I love Descanso Gardens, a gorgeous botanical garden, and feel very peaceful there. Swan boat rentals in Echo Park are a great way to unwind on a sunny day, or taking your dogs to Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach. If you’re a dog lover like me, it’s the closest thing to Heaven!

Universal Studios is right down the street from where I live, which is the coolest thing. Warner Brothers has lovely studio tours for tourists (or locals!) I was a theatre major in college, so of course I love seeing live shows. The Pantages in Hollywood is always stunning, as is the outdoor theatre at the Getty Villa, Shakespeare in the park, or even a rooftop movie downtown.

There are some really unique museums in LA and it’s fun to pop into them to get the full Hollywood experience. Walking through Beverly Hills and the little European enclave off of Rodeo Dr. always feels like a wistful adventure. I’d make sure to have tea at Laduree! Of course, a drive up the coast to Malibu is always a best bet, and you can grab a happy hour drink over the ocean at Moonshadows. If we were feeling adventurous one day, I’d take them to Catalina Island for a bison tour. Sometimes, all you want to do is eat giant pancakes at The Griddle Cafe, take a warm yoga class at Modo Yoga, or just wander into eclectic little shops in midtown. There’s so much to do here, you really can’t get bored!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am always grateful for and in awe of the people I have met in Rwanda. For a small country to go through such a devastating event as the genocide against Tutsi in 1994 and come out on the other side full of kindness, generosity, faith, and purpose continuously inspires me. Every time I am fortunate enough to travel to Rwanda, my cup is overflowing when I leave.

Website: www.safilife.org, www.carlgambino.com

Instagram: @devon.ogden, @carlgambino.realestate

Email: devon.ogden@compass.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/devonogden.realestate/