SDSU Imperial Valley alumnus finds new meaning in real estate career

When Emmanuel Gonzalez graduated from SDSU Imperial Valley in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in international business, he was determined to turn his passion for business into something bigger. Since then, he has established his own real estate agency in Imperial Valley. 

“My interest was always working closely with people while also being able to grow my own business,” said Gonzalez. 

During his time at SDSU Imperial Valley, one of his professors, Carmina Contreras, inspired him with her business growth and success in both Imperial Valley and Mexicali, Mexico. She gave him a new perspective on binational entrepreneurship and marketing strategies.

“As I was born in Mexicali, but mainly raised in Imperial Valley, it made me feel more comfortable to incorporate my culture and knowledge into my own work,” said Gonzalez. 

Following two years of working and studying full-time, Gonzalez after graduating began working as a teller for a local bank, where he would go on to work for 16 years. 

“I loved collaborating with customers and creating a relationship with them, but it also gave me great insight into the real estate business,” said Gonzalez. “I worked on the administrative side and helped in the consumer lending department.”

As a teller, Gonzalez also worked for a private translation services agency. His desire to build his own entrepreneurial career sparked his interest every day. Then, in 2019, a friend — now his business partner — encouraged him to sell houses as a side hustle. 

“I went into real estate with the goal to sell four houses in one year,” said Gonzalez. “What once became a hobby it is now a career that was meant to be for me.”

To his astonishment, his sales doubled the following year.

“When I give a family their keys to their first home and I see their excitement, there is such a sense of pride and accomplishment for being able to help them through that process,” said Gonzalez. “I know there is a lot of intimidation or nervousness when going through buying your first home, but I feel grateful that I can support them through that journey.” 

Gonzalez sees his clients as a way to establish a long-term relationship with them. He is now involved in the community and has served as president of the City of Brawley Chamber of Commerce since 2022.

“The one advice I give to younger entrepreneurs or students is to always work hard, have a strong work ethic and start even if you don’t feel prepared,” said Gonzalez. “I started real estate when I was 33, so age was never a factor to not begin something new and succeed.”