Steve Pantalemon is a Southern California–based entrepreneur, real estate investor, and media business owner. His career has been built through steady growth, hands-on work, and a long-term view of value creation.

Born in New York and raised in Orange County, Steve grew up with older sisters who shaped his early outlook. He credits that experience with developing a strong sense of empathy and responsibility, qualities that later influenced both his leadership style and philanthropic priorities.

Steve attended Esperanza High School before earning two bachelor’s degrees from California State University, Long Beach, in Marketing and Business. He later completed one year of MBA coursework at Pepperdine University. His education gave him a practical understanding of how businesses operate and how stories are communicated.

His professional career centres on residential real estate investment. Steve has acquired, remodelled, and managed a portfolio of 13 homes, using a mix of short-term and long-term rental strategies. He is closely involved in property evaluation, renovation decisions, and ongoing management. He believes real estate rewards discipline and patience over speed.

Alongside real estate, Steve is the owner of P5 Video Production. The company focuses on video storytelling, branding, and content creation. For Steve, media is another form of structured problem-solving, where clarity and purpose matter.

Philanthropy is a constant thread in his work. Through personal giving and the P5 Group foundation, Steve supports organisations including Laura’s House, Children in Toyland, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and sober living initiatives. His career reflects a balance of business leadership, creative thinking, and community responsibility.

An Interview with Steve Pantalemon on Business, Real Estate, and Building Value

Q: Let’s start at the beginning. How did your early life shape your career mindset?

I was born in New York but raised in Southern California. Growing up with older sisters had a big impact on me. You learn empathy early. You pay attention to how people are affected by decisions. That carries into business whether you plan for it or not.

Q: You studied both marketing and business. Why that combination?

I liked understanding both sides. Marketing is about how ideas are communicated. Business is about how decisions hold up over time. I saw early on that you need both. One without the other usually falls apart.

Q: What drew you into residential real estate?

Real estate felt tangible. You can see the asset. You can improve it. You can manage it directly. I started focusing on acquiring, remodelling, and holding properties rather than chasing quick turnover.

Q: You now manage a portfolio of 13 homes. What did that process teach you?

Patience. Every property has its own challenges. Renovations never go exactly as planned. Tenants have different needs. Over time, you learn that consistency matters more than speed.

Q: How do you approach decision-making in real estate?

I try to stay close to the details. Location, layout, long-term use. I do not rush decisions. Real estate punishes impatience.

Q: Alongside real estate, you run P5 Video Production. How did that come about?

I’ve always been interested in storytelling. Video allows you to communicate clearly if it’s done well. P5 lets me work creatively while still applying business discipline.

Q: Do you see similarities between media and property investment?

More than people think. Both require structure. Both fail when you cut corners. And both work best when the goal is long-term value, not attention.

Q: What does leadership mean to you today?

Being involved. Not disappearing behind a title. I like to understand what’s happening on the ground. That keeps decisions honest.

Q: Philanthropy plays a visible role in your life. Why is that important?

Because success means very little if it only benefits you. Supporting organisations like Laura’s House or sober living programmes affects families and communities. That matters.

Q: How do you define progress in your career now?

Stability. Impact. Building things that last. I’m less interested in noise and more interested in results that hold up over time.

Read more:
Steve Pantalemon on Real Estate, Media, and Long-Term Thinking