Meet Shannon Paul | Realtor & Investor

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

Hi Shannon, what is the most important factor behind your success?
For me, it all starts with how I was raised. My father passed away when I was five, and from that moment, my life was shaped by watching my mom hold everything together. She was a single parent, an entrepreneur, and a provider who somehow managed to carry the weight of our world while still building something of her own. I grew up seeing what resilience, grit, and hustle looked like on a daily basis.

There was no backup plan, just determination. I learned early on that if something needed to get done, I’d better figure out how to do it. That kind of independence became my default mode. I didn’t realize it at the time, but those lessons became the backbone of my work ethic.

When I got into real estate, it clicked. Every relationship requires initiative. Every client needs someone who can be both deeply present and sharply strategic. And that’s what I bring to the table not just professionalism, but a sense of ownership and commitment that was passed down to me from my parents. This business is personal for me. I show up fully, because it’s what I was raised to do.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Zaia Estates was created with a bigger purpose in mind. We didn’t just want to help people buy and sell homes—we wanted to guide our clients toward financial freedom and generational wealth. Our slogan, “Life changing. Legacy building.” isn’t just a tagline; it’s the heart of what we do.

This journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Starting and growing a business—especially in real estate—means learning to adapt, problem-solve, and stay grounded in your “why.” There have been plenty of times when the easy path wasn’t available, so we found another way. Whether that meant getting creative with a structure, navigating tough conversations, or simply showing up with compassion when things got hard, we’ve always believed that with enough persistence and collaboration, there’s always a way forward.

What I’m most proud of is the way we serve our clients and think outside the box for strategic solutions. We treat everyone with respect, we communicate honestly, and we never ask someone to do something we wouldn’t do ourselves. We show up. We follow through. And we do it with heart. At the end of the day, we’re not just helping people find homes—we’re helping them build their future. That’s what sets Zaia Estates apart.

If there is one thing I want people to know about me and my brand, it is that I care. I care about the people I work with, I care about the work I do, and I care about doing things the right way. My story is not about overnight success. It is about grit, growth, and giving people an experience they will never forget.

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.
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I would make sure they experienced the heart and soul of the city the way I see it. I would start with a relaxed morning walk through El Dorado Park with coffee from Viento y Agua. It is the perfect way to slow down and appreciate the sunshine and greenery. Then we would head to brunch at The Attic where the mac and Cheetos is a really fun and delicious dish.

One afternoon would definitely be spent biking along the beach path from Belmont Shore to Shoreline Village, stopping for a cocktail at Parker’s Lighthouse with views of the Queen Mary. I would also carve out time to visit Retro Row for vintage shopping and a drink at The Blind Donkey or a craft cocktail at The Ordinarie.

A sunset dinner at Ballast Point in Alamitos Bay is a must. Sitting by the water with fresh seafood and a local brew feels like the ultimate Southern California evening. We would also spend a day out on the water, maybe renting a duffy boat and cruising through Naples canals with snacks and music.

For a little adventure, I would plan a day trip to Catalina or a hike in Palos Verdes for the ocean views and photo ops. At night, we could catch a show at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center or something more casual like live music at Boathouse on the Bay.

There is no shortage of great places to eat, but I would make sure we hit Ellie’s for a special dinner, Marugame Udon for something fun and casual, and Open Sesame for incredible Lebanese food.

Throughout the week, I would introduce them to the friendly, down to earth vibe that makes this city feel like home. It is a mix of culture, nature, and laid back energy that always leaves people wanting to stay a little longer.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes to my wife, Seema, and our kids. Their love, support, and patience have been the foundation that keeps me grounded and motivated. Seema has always believed in me, even during the tough moments when I doubted myself. Her strength, clarity, and partnership have shaped so much of who I am, not just in business but in life. And our kids are a constant reminder of what really matters. They inspire me to be better, work harder, and lead by example. Every late night, every big decision, every leap of faith has been made with them in mind. I would not be where I am today without their steady encouragement and the deep sense of purpose they give me.

Website: https://www.zaiaestates.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-paul-zaia-estates/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonpaulrealtor

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonpaulzaiaestates , https://www.youtube.com/@BuildMeUpPodcast

Image Credits
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