Exploring Life & Business with Mike Coffey Sonya Zepeda of Lion&Lux Realty, SmartMovesPodcast with Sonya and Mike

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Coffey Sonya Zepeda.

Hi Mike Coffey , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Our story didn’t start with a business plan or some grand vision. It started with real conversations—usually over long drives between job sites or grabbing coffee after another open house. Sonya and I both had years of experience in real estate, but we found ourselves drawn to bigger questions: What if we could make this industry more human? What if we could blend the best of personal relationships with the latest in technology and marketing?
We launched our business on that idea, helping clients not just buy or sell a home, but truly move forward in their lives. That led us into development projects, from working with small local builders in Arizona to helping launch luxury homes in places like Hawaii. Honestly, those opportunities came from simply saying “yes” when other people said “that sounds impossible.” Whether it’s filming a sunrise virtual tour on the beach or helping a family settle into a community they never thought they could call home, we’ve tried to stay open to whatever comes next.
The podcast was a bit of a happy accident. We wanted a space to share the real stories, the stuff you won’t hear at a sales meeting or see on Instagram. Sometimes it’s advice, sometimes it’s a laugh, and sometimes it’s just two friends admitting what we don’t have figured out yet. But people kept reaching out to say it helped them, or it felt like they weren’t alone in the messiness of life and business. That’s what keeps us going.
If I had to sum up how we got here, it’s this: we care, we show up, and we don’t pretend to have all the answers. Whether we’re working on a project in Arizona, collaborating with developers in Hawaii, or recording an episode late at night after a crazy day, we’re just two people who love what we do, and genuinely want to help others move forward, too.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Has it been a smooth road? Definitely not, and honestly, I don’t think we’d trust anyone who says it ever is.
One of the biggest challenges for us has been staying motivated through all the ups and downs, especially when you’re building something from scratch. There are days where the energy is there and everything clicks, and there are just as many days where it feels like you’re pushing a boulder uphill. That’s when having a real partner matters. Sonya and I have gotten pretty good at cheering each other on and reminding each other why we started.
We’ve also run into our fair share of obstacles with PR and what we can share publicly, especially on social media. In real estate, you walk a fine line between promoting your brand and respecting company rules, confidentiality, and client privacy. There have been times where we’ve created content or had a great story to share, but had to hold back because of strict company policies or because we didn’t want to overstep. It’s tricky, because being transparent and authentic is important to us, but we also need to protect relationships and our reputations.
Add in the normal stress of real estate, market changes, unpredictable schedules, and the pressure to deliver for your clients and your family, and it’s clear that the road isn’t smooth. But honestly, it’s these challenges that have made us better partners and better professionals. We’ve learned to adapt, to pick each other up, and to get creative with how we tell our story while staying true to our values.
At the end of the day, the tough moments are just part of the journey. We try to stay grateful for the wins, big and small, and remind ourselves that nobody has it all figured out, we’re just doing our best to enjoy the ride and bring people along with us.

We’ve been impressed with Lion&Lux Realty, SmartMovesPodcast with Sonya and Mike, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At our core, our business is about people, real people, real stories, and real results. Sonya and I built Lion&Lux on the idea that real estate isn’t just about transactions, it’s about transitions. Whether someone is moving up, downsizing, relocating to Arizona, or investing for the first time, we want them to feel seen, heard, and supported at every step.
We specialize in full-spectrum residential real estate and development, but what really sets us apart is the way we connect with our clients. For us, it’s not about volume, it’s about impact. We’re known for going the extra mile, being genuinely available, and giving honest advice (even if it means talking someone out of a deal if it’s not right for them). Our clients trust us because we’re not afraid to tell the truth, and we always put relationships before short-term wins.

Our podcast, “Smart Moves with Sonya and Mike,” has become a natural extension of that mission. We use it as a platform to break down what’s happening in real estate, but also to have candid conversations about entrepreneurship, family, and the day-to-day reality of working in this business. We don’t sugarcoat anything, and we love that our listeners feel like they’re getting the real story, not just another sales pitch.

Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the reputation we’ve built for authenticity, transparency, and hustle. We don’t pretend to be something we’re not. We want our clients and listeners to feel like they’re part of our community, like they have someone in their corner, whether they’re buying a home, looking for honest advice, or just need a little motivation.

If there’s one thing we want your readers to know, it’s that Lion&Lux isn’t just about selling homes or building a brand. It’s about making a difference, building genuine connections, and using our platform to give people the confidence and information they need to make smart moves, whatever that means for them.
If you’re looking for a team that will treat you like a person (not a number), who’ll show up, put in the work, and have your back through every stage, that’s what we do, and that’s what we love.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something that might surprise people is that, for all the time we spend in front of clients, on camera, or recording our podcast, both Sonya and I are actually a little introverted at heart. A lot of people assume we’re always “on” or thrive in the spotlight, but the truth is, we have to work at it just like anyone else.
We also both have a strong creative side that doesn’t always show up in the real estate world. Whether it’s filming and editing our own content, brainstorming podcast episodes late at night, or getting way too invested in the details of a marketing campaign, we really love the storytelling and visual side of what we do.

On a personal note, what surprises most people is that despite the high standards we set for ourselves, we’re both huge believers in embracing the messy, imperfect moments, both in business and in life. Our best ideas usually come when things aren’t going as planned, and we’re not afraid to laugh at ourselves along the way.
At the end of the day, we’re just regular people who care deeply about what we do, and who we do it for, even if it sometimes means stepping outside our comfort zone to make it happen.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/lionandluxhomes
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@SmartMovesRealEstatePodcast