We were lucky to catch up with Manuel Pablo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Manuel Pablo, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, folks often look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight – but that often obscures all the nitty, gritty details of everything that went into the growth phase of your business. We’d love to hear about your scaling story and how you scaled up?

2024 was a tough year for me, both professionally and personally. For a long time, I was afraid of change and unsure about what the future held. As you know, real estate is a commission-based business—there’s no guaranteed paychecks, no hourly safety net— and that’s where a lot of my uncertainty came from. But as cliché as it sounds, it’s in those uncomfortable, uncertain moments that we grow the most. I took a hard look at everything in my life—what was serving me and what wasn’t. I poured countless hours into my business, often without seeing immediate results. It was frustrating, but also humbling. Through trial and error, I learned, adjusted, and kept going. I believed it would pay off—and it has.

Last summer, I started working fully for myself—no longer part of a team—and 2025 has been the strongest start to a year I’ve ever had. I’ve closed over $6 million in sales in under 4 months, nearly a deal a month. But more than the numbers, the biggest shift is internal: I believe in myself more than ever.

There are no shortcuts. You have to show up every day, do the work, and trust the process. If you want the best the world has to offer, you have to give the world your best.

Manuel Pablo, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I blend luxury real estate with heart, personality, and a people-first approach. With over a decade of experience and years spent working alongside some of LA’s top agents, I’ve become a trusted LA realtor who treats every client like they’re my only one. Based in West Hollywood, I bring a sharp eye for negotiation, access to exclusive off-market inventory, and the latest Compass technology to every transaction. I pride myself on making the buying and selling process seamless, personal, and fun. Real estate can feel overwhelming for many people, but I take care of everything—from connecting clients with the best inspectors and vendors to solving any problems that arise during escrow with speed and ease. Unlike other agents who solely focus on closing a deal and moving on, I’m in it for the long haul—I aim to be a lifelong advisor, not just a one-time realtor. I care a lot about my clients and their happiness, and I believe that shows in the quality of my work. I manage every aspect of my business—from contracts to marketing to social media—so when you work with me, you’re always working directly with me. Outside of real estate, I’m passionate about movies, travel, tennis, figure skating, self-growth, and staying connected to the LA community I love.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the belief that success had to be difficult. Growing up as an immigrant, I carried this deep sense that I had to work twice as hard to prove myself and make it. That mindset pushed me—it gave me drive—but it also made me believe that success couldn’t be easy or enjoyable. And in real estate, where you can put in endless hours without immediate payoff, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you’re doing something wrong if the results don’t show up right away.

I also had to unlearn the idea that success is supposed to be linear or immediate. Growth takes time. Trust takes time. And just because something isn’t happening instantly doesn’t mean it isn’t working. These past couple of years, I’ve learned that when I stay consistent, grounded in who I am, and focused on delivering value with heart, everything falls into place. Now, I trust myself and my abilities more than ever. I know I deserve the success I’ve built—not because I struggled for it, but because I showed up for it, again and again, with purpose and belief.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Staying authentic to who I am. I share the things I’m genuinely passionate about—whether it’s real estate, travel, tennis, or even pop culture—and that creates real, lasting connections with people. I don’t see my clients as one-time transactions—I see them as lifelong partners. I genuinely care about them, their goals, their experiences, and their lives beyond the deal. Because of that, a lot of my business comes from referrals and repeat clients who trust me to guide their friends, family, and colleagues.

I also stay consistent with my brand through social media and marketing, where I highlight both my real estate expertise and who I am as a person, a little of my humor. People connect with that sincerity. I’ve found that when you lead with authenticity, are upfront and honest, and focus on helping others, meaningful relationships naturally follow. And in real estate, everything comes down to relationships—when you nurture those with integrity and care, growth comes naturally.

Your professional life is flourishing, but we’d love to know about your personal journey as well. What have the past few years taught you about relationships, and how have those experiences shaped who you are today?

The past couple of years have been really transformative. I was in a relationship that really changed me. It was deep, soulful, and beautifully complicated. The kind of love that makes you believe in soulmates—the kind where you see someone’s essence so clearly, even in the shadows… and they see yours right back. I didn’t think that kind of connection was real… until it was. It taught me more about love than I ever imagined.

It wasn’t without its challenges though—we were both navigating our own healing and growth, and timing wasn’t on our side. Still, I have nothing but love and gratitude for what we shared and the memories I’ll always cherish. I learned how to truly care for someone for the first time, how to forgive someone with an open heart, and how to never forget my own worth- no matter how much I love someone else.

Now I’m focused on building a life that’s in alignment—one rooted in purpose, passion, and peace. I know that whoever steps into my future will meet me there fully, with presence and commitment. But I’ll always hold space in my heart for the love that helped shape the man I am today. Some people end up leaving fingerprints on your soul, even long after they’ve let go, and no amount of time or distance can wash that away.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.compass.com/agents/manuel-pablo-arnao/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holamanuelpablo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manuelpabloarnao
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuelpabloarnao/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ManuelPabloArnao/shorts
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@holamanuelpablo