Steve Pantalemon is a Southern California-based entrepreneur, real estate investor and media company owner. His career is based on constant growth, practical work and a long-term view of value creation.
Steve was born in New York and grew up in Orange County. He grew up with older sisters who shaped his early attitudes. He credits this experience with developing a strong sense of empathy and responsibility, traits that later influenced both his leadership style and his philanthropic priorities.
Steve attended Esperanza High School before earning two bachelor’s degrees in marketing and business administration from California State University, Long Beach. He later completed a one-year MBA course at Pepperdine University. His training gave him a practical understanding of how companies work and how stories are communicated.
The focus of his professional career is on residential real estate investments. Steve has acquired, remodeled and managed a portfolio of 13 homes using a mix of short- and long-term rental strategies. He is closely involved in property valuation, renovation decisions and ongoing administration. He believes that in real estate, discipline and patience are more important than speed.
In addition to 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 that focuses on clarity and purpose.
Philanthropy is an integral part of his work. Through personal donations and the P5 Group Foundation, Steve supports organizations such as 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 social responsibility.
An interview with Steve Pantalemon about companies, real estate and building values
Q: Let’s start at the beginning. How did your early life shape your professional outlook?
I was born in New York but grew up in Southern California. Growing up with older sisters had a huge impact on me. You learn empathy early. They pay attention to how people are affected by decisions. This impacts the business whether you plan for it or not.
Q: You studied both marketing and business administration. Why this combination?
I liked understanding both sides. Marketing is about how ideas are communicated. Business is about how decisions endure over time. I saw early on that you need both. One without the other usually falls apart.
Q: What got you interested in residential real estate?
Real estate felt tangible. You can see the asset. You can improve it. You can manage it directly. I began to focus on acquiring, remodeling and owning real estate rather than pursuing quick sales.
Q: You now manage a portfolio of 13 homes. What did you learn from this process?
Patience. Every property has its own challenges. Renovations never go exactly as planned. Tenants have different needs. Over time you learn that consistency is more important than speed.
Q: How do you go about making real estate decisions?
I try to stay close to the details. Location, layout, long-term use. I don’t rush into decisions. Real estate punishes impatience.
Q: In addition to real estate, you also run P5 Video Production. How did this come about?
I have always been interested in storytelling. Video allows you to communicate clearly when done well. P5 allows me to work creatively while applying business discipline.
Q: Do you see any similarities between media and real estate investing?
More than people think. Both require structure. Both fail if you make compromises. And both work best when the goal is long-term value, not attention.
Q: What does leadership mean to you today?
Be involved. Don’t disappear behind a title. I like to understand what is happening on the ground. This ensures that decisions remain honest.
Q: Philanthropy plays a visible role in your life. Why is this important?
Because success means very little if it only benefits you. Supporting organizations like Laura’s House or sober living programs impacts families and communities. This is important.
Q: How do you define progression in your career now?
Stability. Effects. Building things that last. I’m less interested in noise and more interested in results that last over time.
