The setbacks I faced weren’t the end of the road—they were stepping stones that pushed me to grow, refocus, and build a stronger foundation. Every challenge taught me something of value, and those lessons continue to guide me.

 

It was 2016, and I had just been let go from my job in marketing management. No severance, no warning—they just didn’t need my services anymore. I remember sitting with my wife, Ivonne, trying to figure out what my next move would be. Even after everything, I realized I was still holding onto my love for real estate, despite the immense challenges I’d faced.

 

Back when I first got into real estate in 2006, I wanted two things: to own my own business and to have unlimited growth potential. A few friends had transitioned into real estate and started finding success quickly. I saw an opportunity to finally take that leap into entrepreneurship.

 

What I didn’t know was that the 2008 market collapse was on the horizon. Real estate quickly turned into something of a nightmare. I had just begun to find my footing—closing deals, flipping properties, even holding a couple of investments of my own—when everything spiraled. Practically overnight, the market crashed, and I was forced to let go of everything. I went through a foreclosure myself while helping clients navigate their own short sales and financial struggles. 

 

It was one of the most challenging periods of my life, leading me to step away from real estate in 2011. But as I learned, having a steady paycheck doesn’t necessarily mean you have real security. When my job was eliminated, I had to come to terms with the fact that control is an illusion—nothing is ever guaranteed. If that was the case, I figured I might as well take a chance on the one thing I could rely on: myself.

 

That’s when I realized the real estate bug had never fully left. Sure, I’d been discouraged, but I had also helped a lot of people through a really tough time. Why not give it another shot? When I told my wife, I thought she might think I was crazy. But she simply said, “Don’t worry about it. I got you.” That support was everything.

 

Getting back into the business was anything but easy. Every weekend, I was out doing open houses, meeting lenders, and building relationships. It took about ten months before things really started moving. But I kept showing up. I kept doing the work. Year after year the momentum grew, going from the top 10% in my association to the top 5%, and eventually reaching the top 3%. 

 

As my career stabilized, I had the chance to support Ivonne the same way she supported me. Her high-stress job was starting to impact her health. Because of my business, she was able to step away from her career in 2019. Being able to give her that freedom is one of the things I’m most proud of.

 

Looking back, I don’t see my first run at real estate as a failure. It taught me how to navigate adversity, how to stay grounded when things fall apart, and how to show up for people even when I was struggling myself. My experiences shaped how I approach business with more patience, more resilience, and a deeper understanding of what clients are really going through. Now, I’ve got my sights on helping even more families each year and reaching the top 1% in my association!

 

Ivonne and I have three fur babies, our dogs Lola, Pookie, and Toto. We love to travel, especially to Oaxaca, Mexico, which has great people, great culture, and great food. We enjoy finding new hobbies—Ivonne likes ceramics, and I’ve been taking outdoor grilling classes as well as cheering on my beloved Padres!

 

San Diego has always been home. I was born and raised here and have enjoyed helping people find their place in a city I know inside and out. Being bilingual has played a big role in the relationships I’ve built. Over half of my clients speak Spanish, and I’m proud to be a reliable resource in a process that often lacks clear support for Spanish-speaking families. Whether someone’s buying their first home, relocating, or investing, I take pride in making sure they feel heard, understood, and supported every step of the way.

 

My approach to real estate is rooted in consistency, transparency, and a genuine commitment to service. I don’t believe in rushing people through a transaction—I take the time to understand their goals, communicate clearly, and offer honest advice. With certifications in global luxury and a growing focus on investment and commercial real estate, I’m always working to sharpen my skills and expand my reach. I aim to deliver results for my clients and build lasting relationships that last beyond the transaction! 

 

Sincerely,

 

Ozzy Calderon

Salesperson | LIC# 01736073

Mobile (619) 781-2681

calderonrealestate@gmail.com

sdforsalehomes.com