Luis Perez de Leon jokingly compares his career to a “Three Stooges” episode.

“In every episode they’re always doing a different job,” said the businessman.

In the 20 years since he graduated from college, Perez de Leon has worked in the computer, hospitality, real estate industries, as an independent filmmaker, community advocate and now a community bank founder in American Canyon. Unlike the Stooges, he’s been successful in each.

Recently, Perez de Leon became the newest partner at ReMax Vista Real Estate.  

A member of the Napa County Hispanic Network and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Perez de Leon, whose family comes from Mexico and Nicaragua, said he feels a calling “to give back to my community and my heritage” by serving the Latino community’s real estate needs.

“I wanted to do something not just for me but for the community,” he said.

What three people would you most like to have dinner with?

Abraham Lincoln, Leonardo Da Vinci and St. Paul the Apostle. St. Paul because of his determination in growing the church. One individual can start from nothing and help grow something tremendous.   

What job would you like to try/not like to try?

Try: U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.

Not try: Tax collection for the IRS.

What was your first job?

Mowing neighbor’s lawns and bailing alfalfa hay in the summer of 1978 in the south part of Fremont before it became Silicon Valley. He paid me 8 cents a bale. That was a tough job.

What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?

Currently, the housing industry in general is seeing one of its biggest challenges in a long time and navigating through the ailing housing market and credit woes is formidable.

What’s the most significant project you’ve been involved with in your career?

I was fortunate to raise more than $30 million in venture capital to start my data center management company called Non Stop Net. Ultimately, the company grew to around 250 employees, in five offices throughout the United States and London.   

Who do you most admire in the business world?

There are so many good business people in our community. Locally — Salvador Renteria, owner of Renteria Wines, a man from very humble beginnings and on the way to greatness; and Gary Garaventa, his business does a great job at customer service. Nationally  — Steve Jobs, hands down.

If you could change one thing about your business, what would it be?

Create more competition within theconsumer reporting agencies and have alternative credit scoring companies that compete directly with Fair Isaac Corporation “FICO.”  It’s the most powerful private financial organization in the country, second to the Federal Reserve.

What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?

I produced and co-wrote a low budget feature film called “The Secret of the Superheroes.” It was a comedy  released in Europe.  

What was your childhood ambition?

I wanted to be a General in the Army — just like ‘old blood and guts’ General George Patton.

What other business person(s) would you like to see featured in “10 Questions?”

Joseph Carrillo, M.D., Harvest Pediatrics. He does a lot for our community.

More from Luis Perez de Leon with ReMax Vista Properties

Luis Perez de Leon is also helping create a new community bank in American Canyon.

“I’m part of a group who are (applying) for a charter (to start) a community bank. My role has been the chairperson for that corporation. We have raised close to $200,000 from American Canyon residents.”

Along with one of his sons, Perez de Leon is an admitted Star Wars fanatic. “We just came back from a Star Wars convention,” he said.

His favorite character? “It’s got to be Yoda, because he is (so) wise, and for a little guy he sure knows how to manage the universe. And connect to the good side of the force. Which is truly spiritual.”

How did you get involved in filmmaking?

“I had a good friend and we had been making films since high school. We thought that was going to be our career,” he said. Graduating from San Francisco State, Perez de Leon considered becoming a TV producer.  Instead, the two raised $200,000, and made their independent film debut “The Secret of the Superheroes”

Was it a success? “We made just enough to pay back our investors,” he said with a laugh.

Being an independent filmmaker “is extremely hard job,” said Perez de Leon. “It’s all up to you ... feeding the crew, lugging equipment, it’s a daunting task. I got burnt out on it.”

Finishing his film, “I got a phone call from someone who said come to Napa and help us run the Wine Train. At that point I said I could do it for six months.”

After meeting his wife Nancy working on the train, the couple settled in Napa for good.  

What happened to Non Stop Net?



“We sold the business and it was rolled up into another company and consolidated,” said the businessman.

“They are still in business.”  

Perez de Leon said he didn’t become independently wealthy from the sale, just “enough to help with retirement.”

To suggest a candidate for “10 Questions” e-mail: jhuffman@napanews.com, or call 256--2218.