Her Story
About Sandi
Sandi Gugliotti serves as president of the Southern California Real Estate Investor Association, an organization she leads with a focus on events, education, and supporting real estate investors as they transition into financial planning products. Her career in real estate began in 2002 in the mortgage industry before she pivoted to investing following the market crash. She is also affiliated with a full-service financial planning firm and works to facilitate property transitions between investors. Sandi is currently a doctoral student beginning her dissertation in organizational change and leadership at the University of Southern California. She earned her master's degree in psychology from Arizona State University and her bachelor's degree in psychology from San Diego State University. In addition to her professional roles, Sandi founded Carly's Cause, also known as Ed Action, in 2014, a nonprofit dedicated to serving children with disabilities and their parents through support groups, iPads, music and art programs. She attributes her drive for education, advocacy, and leadership to her daughter Carly, who inspired her to pursue greater opportunities after growing up in poverty. Sandi emphasizes values of integrity, trust, honesty, and ethical considerations in all business dealings, particularly when working with finances or housing for vulnerable individuals.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sandi
01What do you attribute your success to?
Honestly, Carly, my daughter, because I grew up in extreme poverty with no opportunity, but I also was extremely good at sales and marketing from the gate, but it wasn't until I had her at the age of 32 that everything changed about me and my thinking. I really went after education, opportunities, advocacy, and all of my skills became full circle because she was born. She's the reason.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Surround yourself with leaders. Decide what you like about them and don't try to recreate that skill. Just apply it and see how it works for you. You're gonna come across a lot of mentors in life, and each person that you meet can give you one golden nugget that defines your character as a leader. Every person that I have worked with has taught me something. You're a direct reflection of the 5 people closest to you, so if you have anything toxic happening in your life, you need to clean house and start putting people around you that are going to empower you.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I want to see integrity and trust. If I bring Carly to the grocery store and she presses 0 for bags, I will pay for those bags with pocket change. That type of honesty and integrity in every business transaction is almost always going to end in your favor. Keeping your side of the street clean. Always think with honesty and integrity. When working with someone's finances or house, there needs to be complete disclosure and ethical considerations. For example, with a disabled tenant, require the buyer to provide resources, compassion, moving help, and $5,000 cash.
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