Interviews
Gilbert Gonzalez: Leading with Purpose
March 21, 2025
By Arianna Marino
The San Antonio Board of REALTORS® (SABOR) is the largest professional trade organization in San Antonio, representing over 15,000 members. SABOR was organized in 1910, by 22 members of the city’s real estate community who felt San Antonio would benefit from a collective membership of REALTORS®. Shortly thereafter, SABOR became affiliated with the National Association of REALTORS®, and in 1920 the Texas Association of REALTORS® was formed under the guidance of SABOR. SABOR's jurisdiction encompasses Atascosa, Bexar, Frio, Karnes, Kendall, La Salle, McMullen, Medina, Uvalde, and Wilson counties. In 2018, SABOR appointed Gilbert Gonzalez as CEO to guide the company’s operations and strategic initiatives.
Gonzalez has been with SABOR since 2012 as Vice President of Risk Management and General Counsel, providing legal guidance and advice to the association on legal matters such as corporate governance, human resources, contract negotiations, policies and procedures, and strategic planning. Now, as CEO, he continues to work alongside the Board of Directors and direct the staff in developing and deploying strategies to support and enhance the operations at the association. In our conversation, Gonzalez shares how his leadership style is grounded in adaptability, collaboration, and purpose, and emphasizes his passion for empowering the people around him to find solutions together.
Gilbert S. Gonzalez joined SABOR in 2012 as vice president of risk management and general before becoming Chief Executive Officer in 2018. During his time as general counsel, he served the association by providing legal guidance and advice to the association on legal matters, spanning corporate governance, human resources, contract negotiations, policies and procedures, and strategic planning. In this role, he also supervised the government affairs team, providing legal interpretation of existing and new legislation and representing the board’s interest at stakeholder meetings. As Chief Executive Officer, he continues to work alongside the Board of Directors and direct the staff in developing and deploying strategies to support and enhance the operations at the association. Prior to joining SABOR, Gilbert served as a staff attorney for the Bexar County Courts Administration and also worked as an assistant district attorney in the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office. He is a native San Antonian and holds a bachelor of arts degree and juris doctor from St. Mary’s University.
A Solution-Driven Approach
How did you get involved with the MLS-PropTech industry?
As a lawyer by training, I began my career as a prosecutor and later worked as a staff attorney before becoming general counsel at SABOR. When I joined SABOR, I was immediately drawn to the MLS and its critical role in shaping the real estate market. It has been a continuous journey of learning and adapting ever since.
What inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?
I’m inspired by how the MLS empowers entrepreneurs to help people achieve the American dream of homeownership. Being part of an industry that supports such meaningful work is incredibly fulfilling. I remind my team that we are helping and supporting people as they make some of the most important decisions in their lives. It’s a powerful reminder of how impactful this work is every single day.
How have your previous experiences shaped your approach to managing an MLS?
My background in law, government, and public relations has provided me with a well-rounded perspective and the ability to navigate complex challenges. Each role has sharpened my problem-solving skills, which I now apply to effectively managing an MLS.
If you weren't working in MLS-PropTech, what would you be doing?
If I weren’t in the MLS industry, I’d likely be running my own law practice, continuing to support entrepreneurs. Problem-solving is my passion, and I would channel that energy into helping others achieve success.
What do you consider your biggest professional achievement?
Building and leading teams that create lasting impact. Watching them succeed and knowing I’ve played a part in fostering that growth is incredibly rewarding.
Industry Challenges and Opportunities
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the MLS industry today?
The greatest challenge for the MLS industry is navigating constant change. While change fuels innovation, the key is embracing it with agility and ensuring the industry is prepared to adapt swiftly. The challenge that I have as a leader in this industry is communicating changes clearly and executing them efficiently to minimize disruption.
How do you see technology transforming the real estate market in the next five years?
Technology will continue to redefine how information is accessed and shared. Consumers increasingly expect immediate, personalized insights, and the real estate industry will need to meet those expectations while simplifying complex processes.
How do you approach adapting to changes and disruptions in the business landscape?
Adaptability begins with accepting that change is constant. I focus on staying informed, remaining flexible, and leading my team with clarity and confidence through transitions.
Leading Through Change
How do you approach decision-making and strategy as CEO?
I believe in collaborative decision-making. By gathering diverse perspectives and using data to inform our choices, we aim to take calculated risks. Mistakes happen, but they’re part of moving forward and innovating.
What is your leadership style, and how has it evolved?
My leadership style prioritizes putting the team first. If the team feels supported, they’ll deliver their best work for our members. Over time, I’ve refined this approach by listening more and empowering others to take ownership of their roles.
How do you foster innovation and creativity within your team?
By creating a safe space for experimentation and learning. Mistakes are part of the process, and I encourage my team to think outside the box without fear of failure. This mindset fosters bold ideas and creative problem-solving.
What do you believe is key to maintaining a productive and happy team?
Listening is crucial. When team members feel heard and valued, it boosts morale and productivity. Open communication ensures we address concerns early and build a positive, collaborative environment.
How do you measure success for yourself and your team?
Success for me is about driving our organization toward its mission with integrity, innovation, and a focus on impact. For my team, it’s about empowering them to achieve their goals through clear objectives, effective support, and a positive, collaborative culture. While metrics like productivity and member satisfaction are important, I also value intangible outcomes like professional growth and engagement. Ultimately, success means making a meaningful difference for our industry and community while fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and inspired.
The Path Forward
How do you stay informed and ahead in this rapidly evolving sector?
I stay informed by reading industry publications, connecting with peers, and attending conferences. The conversations between sessions often yield the most valuable insights into emerging trends and challenges.
What is your vision for the future of MLS-PropTech?
I envision MLS and PropTech continuing to serve as the backbone of the real estate market. The focus will remain on enabling homeownership while embracing innovative solutions that simplify and enhance the consumer journey.
How do you plan to contribute to the evolution of the industry?
We aim to drive the industry forward by embracing innovative technologies and adopting forward-thinking practices. Resistance to change often hinders progress, but our MLS leadership is committed to staying adaptable and proactive, shaping a future that benefits both professionals and consumers alike.
What advice do you have for emerging leaders in the industry?
Be curious and ask plenty of questions. This industry is filled with seasoned professionals who are not only experts in their fields but also eager to share their knowledge and experiences. Over the years, I’ve found that most are more than willing to provide context, advice, and support—you just need to reach out.
Beyond the Office
How do you balance work and personal life in such a demanding industry?
Setting boundaries is key. It’s not always easy, but I’ve learned that “no” can be a complete sentence. I prioritize spending quality time with my family, especially my two young daughters, knowing that these moments are fleeting as they grow up so quickly.
What do you do to unwind or relax after a busy week?
Running is my favorite way to relax. It allows me to clear my mind, connect with nature, and focus on the simple act of moving forward—one step at a time.
What is your favorite quote?
“Only you can prevent forest fires.” To me, it’s a powerful reminder that we must take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.