These Real Estate Leaders Are Shaping Los Angeles in 2026

Lucía Torres · 2026-08-17

Every year, there's this list that really matters in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Business Journal's Leaders of Influence. It’s not just another ranking—it's a spotlight on the people who are actually setting the standard for how business gets done here. We’re talking about the top professionals in finance, law, and of course, real estate. These aren't just the top sellers. They're recognized for something deeper. Their ability to collaborate skillfully, their unwavering commitment to excellence, and the sheer professionalism they bring to every single client conversation. It’s about the quality of the connection, not just the transaction. ### Celebrating Our Honorees This year, we have some incredible news to share. It fills us with immense pride. Eight of our own—three standout teams and five phenomenal individual agents—have been named to this prestigious list in the Residential Real Estate category. That’s a powerful statement about the culture and talent we’ve built. Think about it. In a market as vast and competitive as Los Angeles, being singled out like this is a testament to their daily work. It’s about navigating those multi-million dollar deals in Bel Air, finding the perfect first home in a family neighborhood, or understanding the unique pulse of a community like Silver Lake. They do it all with integrity. ### Meet the 2026 Leaders Let’s put names to this achievement. These are the professionals from our family who earned this honor: - Craig Knizek - Blair Chang - Santiago Arana - Sandro Dazzan - Rita Whitney - The Umansky Team - The Haskell Group - The George Ouzounian and Gina Michelle Team Looking at that list, you can feel the expertise. From legendary teams known for their market dominance to individual agents with unparalleled local knowledge. Each one has a unique story, but they all share that common thread of influence. They don't just work in LA's neighborhoods; they help shape them. One thing we’ve noticed about all these honorees? They lead with a kind of quiet confidence. It’s not about being the loudest in the room. It’s about being the most trusted. In an industry that can sometimes feel transactional, they remind us that real estate is deeply personal. It’s about people’s dreams, their futures, their biggest financial moves. ### What This Recognition Really Means So, what does making this list actually signify? For our clients, it’s a signal. It means they’re working with advisors who are viewed as leaders by the broader business community. These agents have a finger on the pulse of LA’s economic and social landscape. That insight is invaluable, whether you’re buying, selling, or investing. It also speaks to a collaborative spirit. Real estate isn’t a solo sport. These leaders excel at building networks, partnering with other top professionals, and pulling together the right resources to get a deal done seamlessly. That skillful collaboration the Journal mentions? You see it in action every day. As one honoree recently mentioned over coffee, "Influence isn't about having all the answers. It's about asking the right questions and knowing how to connect the dots for your client." That philosophy resonates. It’s that mindset—combined with relentless effort and deep market knowledge—that creates leaders. The kind of leaders who don't just close deals, but who build lasting legacies and elevate the entire profession around them. Congratulations again to each of our honorees. Your achievement inspires everyone around you. You demonstrate that leading with integrity and fostering genuine connection isn’t just good business—it’s the only way to build a lasting impact in a city like Los Angeles. We are so proud to see your hard work recognized in such a meaningful way.