Fernando De Leon is making waves as an immigrant billionaire, but he prefers to identify as a Texan rather than being labeled by his demographics. De Leon’s journey from poverty in Mexico to becoming the founder of Leon Capital Group, a multi-billion dollar conglomerate, is one of perseverance and determination. Raised in a family of Mexican immigrants, De Leon was the only one born in a U.S. hospital, granting him citizenship and access to American education. This allowed him to attend Harvard and eventually start his own business in Texas, focusing on real estate and essential services.
Despite his immense success, De Leon maintains a humble mindset, attributing his wealth to company ownership and a deep understanding of the markets he invests in. He avoids luxury developments and instead focuses on providing services that cater to the everyday needs of people. With a diverse portfolio spanning industries like healthcare, real estate, and beauty salons, De Leon’s investments are strategic and long-term, targeting high-growth areas like Dallas and Phoenix where the Latino population is rapidly increasing.
One of De Leon’s notable investments is Crexi, a commercial real estate data platform that he co-founded with CEO Mike DeGiorgio. The platform has grown rapidly, offering users a comprehensive database of properties for sale and lease. De Leon’s approach to building businesses from the ground up and sharing ownership with key stakeholders has been successful, leading to the expansion of his ventures in various sectors. His commitment to staying diversified and uncorrelated to the market has allowed him to weather economic fluctuations and maintain steady returns for his investors.
As his empire continues to grow, De Leon is focused on expanding his industrial real estate business in Mexico and investing more heavily in lending and insurance companies. With plans to establish himself as a model for young Latinos from disadvantaged backgrounds, De Leon aims to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. His ultimate goal is to surpass the success of legends like Warren Buffett and solidify his legacy as a prominent figure in the business world. Despite his achievements, De Leon remains grounded in his upbringing and values the hard work and determination that led him to where he is today.
