Meet Justin Juárez | Brick&Lane CEO & Founder

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

Hi Justin, every day, we know how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
It might sound like something straight out of a startup playbook, but the idea for my business came together in a way that felt both natural and inevitable. After college, I dabbled in media and digital advertising until landing a job in the marketing studio of a boutique Southern California luxury real estate brokerage. They specialized in representing historical and architecturally significant homes. I’d been exposed to real estate growing up—thanks to my mom’s time as an agent—so stepping into this world felt like an easy transition. The boutique company’s secret sauce was its white-glove marketing services, something larger, flashier brokerages struggle with. But I knew there was more room to grow. And that’s when I started thinking bigger.

Around 2016-2017, while the world was shifting digitally, I saw an opening. I started pitching the brokerage’s listings to top-tier publications for organic editorial coverage in their real estate columns—think Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Architectural Digest, Dwell, Robb Report. These weren’t just publications, they were gateways to a world of high-net-worth individuals—the type of readers who don’t just dream of luxury; they live it. Getting a home featured in these outlets was more than a marketing win—it became the ultimate endorsement. It turns out, I was building a PR machine that would change the game for a boutique firm.

Fast forward, I was with the brokerage for 9 years and I’d climbed the proverbial ladder, leading the marketing studio from day-to-day advertising campaigns to creative operations to building an in-house PR department from the ground up. In 7 years, I had secured over 670 press hits—an average of 95 per year. This allowed the firm to go toe-to-toe with the big players, all while staying boutique. But, as life often does, things changed. The brokerage caught the eye of a big company and was acquired. As things transitioned, the new brokerage didn’t prioritize white-glove service. I saw firsthand how agents quickly became underserved. At the same time, some personal life challenges came up and realized it was time for me to take the leap—build something and do it my way.

It didn’t take long for the idea to crystalize. In two weeks, I went from conceptualizing a business plan to landing my first clients. Brick&Lane’s mission is simple: help real estate listings get the coverage they deserve. Whether it’s a standout listing hitting the market or a home that sold in record time for well over asking, it’s got headline potential. In just 8 months, we’ve supported $186M+ in listings, securing 700+ press features across major outlets, reaching an audience of 23B+.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
You might be thinking, “PR for real estate listings? That’s incredibly niche!” And yes, it is. But that’s exactly why the potential is huge. We’re focusing on a single, powerful element of an agent’s or brokerage’s marketing strategy—and after running nearly every type of marketing and advertising campaign you can imagine, I’ve learned this: a well-executed PR campaign doesn’t just get a listing exposure—it also boosts the agent and brokerage brand long-term, staying evergreen, unlike fleeting paid ads.

Here’s the thing: as we connect with more and more agents in different regions, we often hear that they don’t get the support they need from their brokerages. Big companies often have hundreds or even thousands of agents, and they may not offer this service at all—or if they do, it’s typically reserved for their top producers. And that’s where we come in. Brick&Lane is all about giving agents—who may be underserved by their own firms—local, national and even international opportunities to amplify their exposure without busting the marketing budget. Because we’re not juggling thousands of agents, we give each campaign the time and attention it deserves. That means extracting every bit of PR potential and securing multiple press features, no one-offs. PR isn’t for every listing, and that’s what makes it such a valuable investment. When a special listing comes around, your marketing strategy needs to match it. Today’s luxury sellers expect more—and they certainly notice when agents deliver.

Though we’re still under a year old, the feedback and results have been incredibly inspiring. When clients come back for new campaigns and refer us to their peers, we know we’re doing something right. This all started with a focus on what we do best—getting homes with unique stories featured in top-tier publications. But now, we’re seeing clients who aren’t quite ready to sell turning to us to help craft and share their stories. Whether it’s about the homes they’ve restored, the rich history behind their properties, or the unique features that set them apart, we’ve been listening closely to our clients and evolving along the way. And unlike many businesses confined by geography, Brick&Lane isn’t limited to one region. We’re based out of Los Angeles, California, but have already worked with agents and brokerages in Central and Northern California, Arizona, and even have our sights set on the Pacific Northwest and abroad.

This journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth every challenge. The most important lesson? When you’ve got the skills, the right mindset, and the timing on your side, success becomes inevitable.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Wow—90% of this itinerary will revolve around eating, so it’s going to be absolutely epic. Before we dive in, let me mention that my wife recently discovered a dairy allergy, so my diet has shifted along with hers. And honestly? I’ve pleasantly discovered a whole new world. This itinerary will highlight many spots with delicious vegan options—because that’s my world now—along with some cheat-day indulgences sprinkled in. Another note—my wife and I are big fans of the San Gabriel Valley, so we’ll primarily be on the eastside of town.

Day 1 – Eastside Eats + Huntington Strolls

Morning: Start strong at Just What I Kneaded in Frogtown for vegan pastries, a breakfast sando, and an oat milk latte.

Afternoon: Ease into LA with a leisurely stroll through the Huntington Gardens. The Japanese and Desert gardens are my personal favorites, but don’t miss the serene lake in the Chinese Garden.

Evening: Dinner at Dune in Atwater Village—grab the falafel and fried chicken plates (you won’t regret it).

Nightcap: Head to Granville in Pasadena to soak up the rooftop views and enjoy the glowing backdrop of the San Gabriel Valley mountains.

Day 2 – Disneyland All Day, Baby

Morning to Night: Grab a quick acai bowl at Tru Bowl in Monrovia and hit the road early for a full day at Disneyland. Go all-in with the Genie+ pass and ask for the plant-based Ronto wrap at Galaxy’s Edge.

On the way back: IF there’s room, swing by 626 Ice Cream in Arcadia for a vegan scoop (or two). Their rotating seasonal menu is always on point.

Day 3 – Pasadena Day + Drive-In Night

Morning: Coffee and brunch at Millie’s Cafe in Pasadena. The vegan waffles and chilaquiles (you can opt for vegan or regular) are always clutch.

Midday: Pop into Old Town Pasadena and check out the Norton Simon Museum for some culture.

Afternoon: Pick up a vegan pie from Prime Pizza in Altadena and head to Lacy Park in San Marino for a relaxing picnic.

Post-Lunch: Take a lap around the Arcadia Mall to work off a bit of that pizza.

Dinner: A few blocks away, swing by Hmart and grab a combo from Kazumori for later. Trust me, it’s so good and the portions are sizable!

Night: Catch a flick at the Vineland Drive-In and bring the Kazumori haul—this is how it’s done.

Day 4 – DTLA Culture + Chicken Sandwich Dreams

Morning: Head downtown and grab some sushi rolls at Kazunori.

Midday: Visit The Broad or stroll through Grand Central Market—because more food!

Lunch: Howlin’ Rays in Chinatown for the best chicken sandwich in town. Go for medium if you’re feeling brave. Either way, it’s pure magic.

Evening: Catch a sports event—Lakers, LAFC, Dodgers, Kings, take your pick! We’re a basketball household, so we’ll be lobbying for the Lakeshow all day.

Day 5 – Solvang Day Trip

Morning to Evening: Leave early and stop at Just What I Kneaded again for road snacks.

Day in Solvang: Explore the quirky perfection of Danish bakeries, bike rides, wineries, and mini windmills.

On the way home: Stop for a sunset in Santa Barbara and fuel up at Loquita for a some Spanish tapas.

Day 6 – Catalina or Chill

OPTION A: Catalina Island

Catch the ferry from Long Beach. Hike, snorkel, rent a golf cart, or just chill out.

Afterward, ferry back and hit The Hangar in Long Beach for a laid-back dinner and drinks.

OPTION B: Chill Day

Morning: Sleep in and grab a relaxed brunch at Yang’s in Alhambra.

Afternoon: Head to Descanso Gardens for a tranquil stroll through nature.

Dinner: Enjoy a feast at Baekjeong KBBQ in Temple City and let them do the grilling for you.

Day 7 – Wrap Up + Backyard Vibes

Morning: Take it easy, grab any last-minute snacks from local markets, and soak in the final moments of the trip.

Afternoon: Take one last lap around South Pasadena or Highland Park for shopping and cool thrift shops.

Dinner: Wrap things up with a homemade hot pot, then start plotting the next trip back.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be here without the support of my family. Cliché but it’s the truth. From my wife and mom to my grandma—these amazing people have been my backbone through every hurdle, every sleepless night, and every moment of doubt. Starting a business is no joke, and without their encouragement, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to make it happen. It’s really true: it’s all about timing, and this time was just right. Would I have done it sooner? Probably! But I’m grateful for the journey—and for them.

Website: https://brickandlane.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brickandlaneofficial/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brick-lane-official/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572252849921

Other: Google Business

https://maps.app.goo.gl/8v7m8bYW4sEfJUFY8

Linktree

https://linktr.ee/brickandlane

Image Credits
Hero Image: Hayleigh Mckay