From Youth Advocate to REALTOR®: A Conversation with C.J. Lynch
At the Sacramento Association of REALTORS®, we believe our greatest strength is the people who make up our membership. On the latest episode of the House Keys podcast, host Cam Villa sat down with one of those standouts, C.J. Lynch, for a conversation about mentorship, service, and how a passion for community can shape a career in real estate.
C.J. is a second-generation REALTOR® with a background in youth development and education. He joined Cam to share the journey that brought him into the real estate world, what motivates him every day, and how he’s helping lift others up along the way.
Rooted in Mentorship and Family Legacy
Before he ever sold a home, C.J. was deeply invested in Sacramento’s youth. After an injury cut short his plans to play football at San Jose State, he pivoted to coaching high school athletes. That experience sparked a love of mentorship that led to a long career in education, including starting his own nonprofit when he returned to Sacramento in 2014.
But it was a heart-to-heart conversation with his father, a seasoned REALTOR®, that shifted C.J.’s path. His dad painted a picture of real estate that went beyond transactions. He talked about impact—how helping a family buy a home could be just as life-changing as any work in the classroom. That perspective helped C.J. see how his passion for people could translate into a career in real estate.
And it stuck.
C.J. now sees his work as a REALTOR® as a direct extension of the work he’s always done—helping families, building relationships, and making a difference in the community.
Real Estate as Civic Engagement
C.J.’s involvement doesn’t stop at open houses and escrows. He’s also been active in local politics, helping run campaigns for school board and city council. As he puts it, he didn’t follow a traditional path into that world—he just saw opportunities to help and stepped into them.
That civic mindset shows up in his approach to real estate. Whether it’s guiding a first-time buyer through the process or helping someone understand how their property taxes fund the neighborhood they live in, C.J. is all about empowerment through education. He sees REALTORS® as frontline ambassadors for their communities, often serving as the first connection people make when they move into a new area.
“We’re not just helping people buy homes,” he said. “We’re shaping communities.”
Serving at SAR and Giving Back
C.J. is currently the Chair of the Professional Development Committee at SAR, where he’s helping ensure our members have access to relevant, high-impact learning opportunities. His background in education makes him a natural fit for this role. He’s also served on the Community Outreach Committee and is a big believer in the power of association involvement.
He encourages new agents to start at the Association level—not just for the resources, but for the relationships. “The answers are in this building,” he said. “The more you get involved, the faster you grow.”
C.J. also emphasized the importance of mentorship and making space for new voices in leadership. His own journey was shaped by people who saw something in him and encouraged him to step up. Now, he’s paying that forward by making sure others feel seen too.
A REALTOR® with Purpose
For C.J., motivation comes from his family. His wife and two kids fuel his drive to build something lasting and meaningful. He’s also committed to modeling balance and well-being, sharing that physical activity and downtime are just as important as professional hustle. Whether he’s binge-watching a historical series or lifting weights at the gym, he sees these moments as essential resets that help him show up fully for his clients, his community, and his family.
He lives in North Natomas, a neighborhood he champions for its diversity, affordability, and access to everything from parks to great food. He also loves downtown Sacramento and has seen firsthand how much it’s evolved. For him, real estate is not just about selling a home—it’s about helping people build their lives here.
Final Thoughts: Take the Leap
C.J. left us with this message: If you’re new to the industry, don’t be afraid to step into the room. Get involved. Join a committee. Ask questions. Take that first step toward something bigger.
Because the truth is, REALTORS® aren’t just selling homes. They’re building communities, shaping lives, and creating space for the next generation of leaders to rise.
We’re grateful to C.J. Lynch for sharing his story and for the work he continues to do both in and outside the real estate world. Be sure to say hello to him at the next SAR event
