Kevin Lam

Building with His Best

When you talk with Kevin Lam, it’s easy to see his vision and the way he dedicates himself to helping those around him each day. Kevin is the founder of The Mezon Group, a newly established real estate team within Compass that takes its name from the French word, “Maison,” which means “home.” But his journey to becoming a top-producing real estate professional, completing nearly $100 million in sales in just four years, has been shaped by resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to his clients.

A Pandemic Pivot: From Corporate to Real Estate

Real estate wasn’t always part of Kevin’s career trajectory. Raised with the mindset of climbing the corporate ladder, he never envisioned himself in the housing market. A graduate of Yale University with a degree in Economics, Kevin went on to work in finance and investment banking, followed by business school at the University of Pennsylvania. His career continued to evolve with stints in management consulting and tech before making a bold pivot to real estate.

"The pandemic was a turning point," Kevin explains. "Like many people, I began rethinking my goals and what I wanted from life. During the lockdown, I found myself studying for my real estate license." What began as a personal goal—acquiring knowledge to help with his own real estate transactions—soon evolved into a full-fledged career change.

At first, Kevin admits, it was daunting. "The thought of leaving a stable income for something as uncertain as real estate was scary. But once I took the leap, I never looked back. The opportunities in real estate to build wealth and make a tangible impact on people's lives were too compelling to ignore."

Facing the Transition Head-On

Transitioning to a new industry at the age of 40 came with its fair share of challenges. Kevin's extensive corporate background did little to prepare him for the unpredictability of real estate. "The biggest challenge in the beginning was the uncertainty. When I had downtime, I’d reflect on my past career and wonder if I was making the right decision," he admits. But what he lacked in real estate experience, he made up for with determination.

"I was used to high-pressure environments. In finance, consulting, and tech, there was always pressure to perform," he says. "In real estate, that pressure is still there but in a different form. I had no room to fail, and that drove me. I worked harder than I ever had before. Building trust with my network was my focus."

For Kevin, success in real estate is about relationships. "I made it my mission to build trust with my sphere of influence. In real estate, you can’t just focus on the sale—you have to focus on building relationships and delivering value. It’s a long-term game," Kevin shares. His strategy paid off, and he quickly gained a reputation for being hardworking, reliable, and deeply invested in his clients' success.

The Excitement of Real Estate

What excites Kevin most about his career is the opportunity to have a meaningful impact on his clients. "Every day is different, and each client I work with matters to me. In the corporate world, I was often just another cog in the machine. But in real estate, I’m helping people start a new chapter in their lives. That’s what keeps me motivated," he says with passion.

The emotional reward of helping clients through significant milestones, such as buying or selling a home, is central to Kevin's philosophy. "It's not just about closing deals; it’s about creating a huge impact on someone's life. There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing a family find their dream home or helping a client sell a property for more than they ever expected," he says.

With his background in economics and finance, Kevin brings a unique analytical approach to his work. As he explains, "I use my financial background to evaluate properties from an investment standpoint. I can help clients assess potential returns, which is valuable whether they are buying or selling."

Building a Legacy: Mezon Group

As Kevin continues to grow his business, he has set his sights on expanding beyond individual transactions. He’s in the process of forming a team within Compass called the Mezon Group. "Starting my own team is the next step for me," Kevin reveals. "I’ve learned so much in my first four years, and now I want to build a group of like-minded professionals who share my values and my approach to real estate."

The name "Mezon" holds personal significance for Kevin. It symbolizes his commitment to creating a space where clients and agents alike can thrive. "The name represents the idea of home, community, and growth—values that are at the core of what I want to build," Kevin explains.

Balancing Career and Family

Despite his relentless work ethic, Kevin emphasizes the importance of balance, especially when it comes to his personal life. "Real estate is a 24/7 job, and it’s been challenging for my wife, Kiki, as well. She’s incredibly supportive, but it required some adjustment," he admits. Kiki, who transitioned from being an accountant to studying design at Parsons School of Design in New York City, is also navigating a career change, which Kevin says has brought them closer together as they both focus on pursuing their passions.

When he's not working, Kevin enjoys spending time with his family, particularly their Golden Doodle puppy. "He’s a big part of our lives. When we visit new homes, he loves exploring every room, and it’s always a fun experience to see him get so excited," Kevin says.

A Global Perspective

Born in Toronto and raised in Hong Kong, Kevin's international upbringing has contributed to his adaptability in the fast-paced world of real estate. "Growing up in different cities helped me become comfortable with change and transition, which is a huge asset in real estate. Whether it's a new neighborhood or a completely different type of property, I’ve learned to adapt quickly," he points out.

Kevin’s experiences living in the U.S. and Japan also offer him a unique perspective when working with clients from diverse backgrounds. "Being able to connect with people from all walks of life has been an advantage in my career," he says.

Advice for Aspiring Real Estate Professionals

For those looking to enter the real estate field, Kevin offers a valuable piece of advice: "There are so many different paths in real estate. Whether you’re interested in development, resale, or land acquisition, take the time to learn from others who are already in the industry. Build a network, ask questions, and take what works for you. That’s what I did in my first few years, and it helped me build a strong foundation."