Eric Castelblanco is the Founder and Managing Attorney of Castelblanco Law Group, APLC, an LA-based firm exclusively representing tenants in housing habitability cases. Since founding the firm, he has represented over 10,000 tenants and secured more than $300 million in verdicts and settlements against negligent landlords in California. Originally from Bogotá, Eric is widely recognized for his tenant‑rights advocacy, including honors from Inquilinos Unidos (United Tenants) and a leadership award from the Loyola Marymount Latino Alumni Association. Beyond his legal work, Eric co-owns a successful shredding company in Arizona and serves on the Harvard Law School Leadership Council.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- [0:58] Eric Castelblanco shares his love for boating and how childhood experiences shaped his passion
- [7:40] Growing up as the first son of Colombian immigrants and developing independence early
- [13:19] How working alongside his father influenced Eric’s work ethic
- [18:32] Learning entrepreneurship from his uncle in Colombia — and the spark that led Eric to start businesses
- [19:18] Eric reflects on opening his law practice, struggling financially, and discovering tenant advocacy
- [29:35] How Eric built multiple businesses that help communities, including a shredding company and a traffic school
- [33:55] Lessons learned from being defrauded and turning setbacks into a long-term successful partnership
In this episode…
Many aspiring entrepreneurs struggle to transform early setbacks and limited resources into long-term success. Financial strain, lack of mentorship, and the temptation to chase get-rich-quick opportunities often derail even the most determined business owners. How can someone navigate these challenges to build meaningful businesses and leave a lasting legacy?
Eric Castelblanco, a housing rights lawyer and entrepreneur, shares how growing up as an immigrant shaped his sense of responsibility, independence, and drive. Eric describes how personal values and lived experiences — particularly watching his father’s work ethic — formed the foundation for his client-first approach to business. He suggests embracing slow, intentional growth over get-rich-quick schemes, doubling down on mission-driven business models, and surrounding yourself with mentors and partners who align with your core values. Eric also emphasizes the power of perseverance, especially when serving underserved communities, and shares how setbacks, like being conned early in his career, led to partnerships that fueled his future success.
In this episode of The Road Already Traveled, Rich Schuette interviews Eric Castelblanco, Founder and Managing Attorney at Castelblanco Law Group, APLC, about how to build a purpose-driven business that serves the community. Eric reflects on his immigrant upbringing, why he transitioned from corporate law to tenant advocacy, and how he grew a multimillion-dollar firm. He also discusses key lessons from failed ventures, the importance of trust-based mentorship, and building lasting businesses that do good.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Rich Schuette on LinkedIn
- Avalan Wealth
- Eric Castelblanco on LinkedIn
- Castelblanco Law Group, APLC: Website | TikTok | Instagram
- PD Shred
Quotable Moments:
- “I really do feel that my family has achieved the American dream here in the United States.”
- “I gave tenants a voice, and tenants now know what to expect in terms of their living conditions.”
- “I grew up very independent as well, and I try to do the same with my three daughters.”
- “There is no get-rich-quick. There’s a get-rich-slow, right? You get rich slow.”
- “I fight bullies, and I’ve been fighting bullies for a long, long time.”
Action Steps:
- Pursue purpose-driven ventures: Focusing on businesses that serve the community builds trust and long-term sustainability.
- Reflect on failures: Learning from mistakes accelerates growth and prevents repeating costly missteps.
- Maintain integrity in all dealings: Honest, reliable behavior strengthens partnerships and enhances your reputation.
- Use personal storytelling in marketing: Sharing authentic experiences creates deeper connections with audiences and attracts loyal supporters.
- Seek mentorship and peer guidance: Trusted advisors provide perspective, solutions, and support during critical decision-making moments.
Sponsor for this episode…
This episode is sponsored by Avalan, a wealth management firm dedicated to personalized financial, business, and investment planning.
We work with select high-net-worth individuals, corporations, and trusts, providing guidance tailored to their unique needs.
From supercar entrepreneurs to music industry entrepreneurs, our team employs proven investment strategies to help them preserve wealth, protect assets, and plan charitable giving.
With an unwavering focus on world-class service, our relationships are built to last generations, helping clients achieve lifelong goals through a thoughtful, consultative approach.
To learn how Avalan can empower you to reach your goals, visit https://www.avalanwealth.com/contact/.