Empowering Communities and Clients Through Smarter Real Estate With Alfredo Mejia

PodCast | Aug 04, 2025

Alfredo Mejia is a Principal at CIBA Real Estate, a commercial real estate firm that provides brokerage, property management, leasing, and development services across California’s San Gabriel Valley. He co‑founded CIBA in 2004 to deliver professional yet personal service rooted in family values and long‑term client relationships. Alfredo entered real estate in 2002 after managing a family‑owned restaurant and now specializes in acquisitions and dispositions of industrial, retail, multifamily, and land assets.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

[3:17] Alfredo Mejia shares why he left his family’s restaurant business to pursue a career in commercial real estate
[6:17] The importance of being a trusted advisor and “real estate Sherpa” for clients navigating complex deals
[10:40] How Alfredo uses real estate decisions to uplift communities across the San Gabriel Valley
[13:28] Integrating AI tools with industry expertise to identify ideal tenants and property uses
[25:51] What keeps Alfredo passionate about real estate after 20 years, and how walking into businesses fuels his curiosity

In this episode…

What does it take to turn real estate into a force for community growth and smarter decision-making? In an industry often driven by transactions, how can brokers go beyond the deal to become trusted advisors who shape neighborhoods and empower business owners?

According to Alfredo Mejia, a seasoned commercial real estate expert in California’s San Gabriel Valley, it starts with listening deeply and leveraging both experience and data to guide clients. He highlights the importance of acting as a “real estate Sherpa,” helping people avoid costly missteps while uncovering opportunities they may not even know exist. Alfredo also emphasizes the power of AI to uncover unmet community needs and match properties with tenants who will thrive. The result is a more sustainable, thoughtful approach to real estate that benefits both investors and neighborhoods.

In this episode of RAW Spotlight, host Victor Huynh sits down with Alfredo Mejia, Principal at CIBA Real Estate, to talk about using real estate as a tool for community impact and smarter decision-making. They discuss why being a true advisor matters, how AI is transforming property analysis, and what brokers should do to guide clients in uncertain markets. Alfredo also shares his passion for connecting with local businesses and walking through neighborhoods to stay inspired.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Victor Huynh on LinkedIn

Quotable Moments

“You want to make them feel good. You want to make them the hero. I mean, this is their story.”
“We’re kind of like your real estate Sherpas. We guide you and see danger you’re not going to see.”
“It’s the tool is great, but you have to have that knowledge that sits behind the tool.”
“I feel like I have a license to walk into any building and bring them some kind of value.”
“You got to use multiples to get to the end result and really leverage the AI to learn.”

Action Steps

Actively listen to client goals and pain points: Understanding what clients truly want builds trust and leads to better real estate outcomes.
Use AI tools to analyze market gaps and community needs: Leveraging data-driven insights helps match properties with tenants that strengthen the neighborhood.
Partner with advisors who specialize in local regulations: Navigating zoning and redevelopment opportunities correctly can unlock hidden property value.
Stay engaged with professional and civic organizations: Building relationships within the community enhances collaboration and the business’ reputation.
Educate clients on process complexities and timelines: Transparency reduces confusion, builds credibility, and ensures smoother deal execution.

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