Meet Stephanie Evans-Zalma | Real Estate Agent, Investor & Triathlete

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Evans-Zalma and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, is there something you believe many others might not?
I don’t believe you have to consistently move “up” in order to succeed. One of my biggest career moves, that catapulted me into the next phase of my life involved a pay cut. Sheryl Sandberg said it best in her book “Lean In” where she described success as a jungle gym and not a ladder. I believe wholeheartedly that sometimes you have to move down, go around, fall off or stop completely for a minute in order to progress forward.

What should our readers know about your business?
It feels like there are a million real estate agents in LA but for me it’s about quality over quantity. I believe the client/agent relationship should be like any other good relationship which involves mutual respect, trust, reliability, accountability, and goals that align. I love being part of the agent community in LA specifically because it is so robust! I see other agents as assets and teammates rather than competition. If we are all working with clients that we are a great fit for, then everyone wins.

I am so excited that I get to work with a brokerage team that promotes and nurtures both of my real estate passions: investing and helping clients buy and sell residential real estate.

What sets me apart from other agents is that I have a Risk Management and Corporate Law background. My ability to analyze data, create a team, strategically negotiate, communicate complex issues and problem solve was already fully established before I even started doing real estate. Those skills have enabled me to relate to and assist the most discerning professional clients with their real estate goals. I also live, work, and play in the areas I sell in. I intimately understand the lifestyle, the uniqueness and sheer beauty of living by the beach and it’s so rewarding helping clients continue to be part of these wonderful West Side communities in LA County.

Building a business brick by brick is inherently challenging and, I think, continues to be challenging indefinitely. However, over time the specific things that you find difficult are always new and different. The biggest lessons I’ve learned for overcoming challenges and growing a successful business is to surround yourself with a team of people who you trust, that you work well with, and who know more than you do in different areas. I overheard a very successful businessman tell someone that he likes to be “the dumbest person in his boardroom”. I think if you continue to have an attitude like that, you will never stop learning and by default become successful.

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?
Most of my favorite things are near the ocean. I’d have to take them on two fun drives. One out to Malibu for a wine tasting day at Malibu Wines or a tour of Adamson house and the other to Rancho Palos Verdes to grab dinner and drinks at Terranea. Then I’d stay close to home and take them to my favorite spots in town which are Elefante, FIG and Bacari PDR. Then I’d end with a bike ride to Manhattan Beach to get a Paradise Bowl (peanut butter pipeline please!!!).

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?
First, my husband Holden, who is a successful businessman and entrepreneur himself. It is 100% because of his example, support and encouragement that I am where I am today. I never would have taken the leap and exited the corporate world without him. Second, my triathlon training group, The Circle of Champions. They are inspiring individuals in their own professional lives and push me physically and mentally as friends and as teammates. Many aspects of triathlon training such as goals, accountability, mental toughness, and perseverance in difficult situations directly correlate to running a business. Success is a marathon not a sprint and each finish line is usually just the start of a new race ahead.

Website: https://www.delreyurban.com/agents/stephanie-evans-zalma/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieevans-zalma/

Image Credits
SB Creative Photography (photo #1).