How Lee Edward Smith & Katherine Aguilar Turned Dance, Culture & Real Estate Into an Empire
Timestamps are as accurate as they can be but may be slightly off. We encourage you to listen to the full context.
Podcast Summary
This episode of Level Up features Lee Edward Smith and Katherine Aguilar, the power couple behind DCBX events and Rhythm Investor. They share their remarkable journey from professional Latin dancers touring the world to building a multi-million dollar network connecting entrepreneurs with billionaires and ultra-high net worth individuals. (41:00) The conversation explores how they pivoted their passion for dance into commercial real estate during COVID, eventually creating the unique Find Your Rhythm Investor Summit that bridges entertainment with high-level business networking.
- Core themes: The evolution from entertainment entrepreneurs to real estate investors, leveraging cultural connections for business networking, and building authentic relationships with ultra-high net worth individuals through shared experiences and genuine value creation.
Speakers
Lee Edward Smith
A professional entertainer-turned-investor who started as a magician at age 11 and built a touring entertainment business spanning 600+ college campuses over 20+ years. He attended George Mason University on a public speaking scholarship and co-founded seven touring shows that still operate across the country.
Katherine Aguilar
A first-generation American entrepreneur whose parents emigrated from El Salvador and Peru. She started working at 15, earned her real estate license at 18, and built a successful dance instruction business while maintaining a demanding corporate career. Her family background in real estate provided the foundation for their commercial real estate ventures.
Key Takeaways
Leverage Your Existing Foundation Rather Than Starting Over
Lee and Katherine demonstrate that pivoting industries doesn't mean abandoning your core competencies. (35:00) Their entertainment background became their unique selling proposition in real estate, allowing them to flip Katherine during their keynote presentations and create memorable experiences that differentiate them from traditional real estate professionals. Their 17+ years in entertainment provided them with event production skills, networking abilities, and stage presence that translated directly into business success.
Create Value-First Relationships Before Seeking Benefits
The couple's approach to networking focuses on genuine connection and mutual value creation rather than transactional relationships. (41:00) When they met billionaire family office representatives in an elevator at Formula One, they initiated conversation based on shared presence at the event, leading to a friendship that included wedding invitations and ongoing business collaborations. This demonstrates that authentic relationships with high-net-worth individuals stem from showing genuine interest in people as humans first.
Take Imperfect Action When Opportunities Arise
Lee's decision to pitch a nonexistent keynote presentation to conference organizers exemplifies the power of acting before feeling fully prepared. (29:51) Within two days, they secured a 25-minute slot on the main stage after Patrick Bet-David, launching their speaking career in the business world. This pivotal moment occurred because they were willing to commit to delivering value before having all the details figured out.
Use Crisis as a Catalyst for Creative Reinvention
COVID-19 shut down their touring business, but instead of waiting for recovery, they immediately pivoted to virtual programming and launched new revenue streams. (15:00) They created virtual lip-sync battles for universities, started a hot sauce brand, and produced online dance instruction content, making their highest-grossing year during the pandemic. This demonstrates how constraints can spark innovation when approached with an entrepreneurial mindset.
Build Your Network Through Consistent Presence in High-Value Environments
Success in connecting with influential people requires strategic positioning in environments where they naturally gather. (40:00) The couple emphasizes that regardless of location, finding convergence points like country clubs, cigar lounges, or exclusive events provides access to high-net-worth individuals. They stress that deals happen in these informal settings because trust and rapport develop through shared experiences rather than formal business meetings.
Statistics & Facts
- The couple tours 175 days per year with their entertainment shows and has performed on over 600 college campuses during their 20+ year career. (11:14)
- Their DCBX Festival attracts 4,000 attendees from 50 states and 19 countries, featuring 200 classes over four days with Grammy-nominated bands and world-famous parties. (47:23)
- During COVID, they achieved their highest-grossing year in 20 years by pivoting to virtual programming, performing for over 220 universities through virtual shows. (15:21)
