For over a decade, Vanessa Fukunaga, Owner, President, and CEO of Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate, has been a powerhouse in the luxury real estate sector. Her innovative sales tactics, forward-thinking marketing strategies, and unwavering commitment to excellence have made her a transformative figure not just within the industry, but also within the broader entrepreneurial community. Her ability to lead, inspire, and uplift those around her has garnered her both personal and company accolades, solidifying her status as a leader and visionary.
As the voice of luxury real estate in Mexico’s Baja California Sur, Fukunaga has redefined what success means in an industry that is constantly evolving. But her impact extends far beyond real estate—she is also the driving force behind Ocean Blue World, a luxury networking platform, and continues to champion philanthropic initiatives, making a lasting difference in the Los Cabos community.
From Corporate Leader to Luxury Real Estate Mogul
Vanessa Fukunaga’s journey into real estate began after a successful 16-year tenure as a senior executive with Carlson Wagonlit Travel, the largest corporate business travel company in the United States. In 2012, she discovered her passion for Los Cabos during a vacation and identified the region’s potential for immense business success in luxury real estate. This realization led to her acquiring Snell Real Estate, a brokerage established in 1997, which has since blossomed into Mexico’s #1 luxury real estate brokerage under her leadership.
Fukunaga’s international business acumen and strategic expertise were welcomed with open arms in the real estate industry, allowing her to incorporate the first Engel & Völkers shop in Mexico. This milestone marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the company, and over the years, her relentless drive and determination have propelled the business to new heights.
Redefining Luxury Real Estate: A Global Brand
Under Vanessa Fukunaga’s leadership, Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate has maintained its position as the top luxury real estate brokerage in Mexico, amassing nearly $3.5 billion in sales volume since its inception. The brokerage connects iconic homes with discerning buyers through a uniquely personalized approach. Offering a seamless buying and selling experience, the company is globally recognized for its unparalleled resources, influence, and commitment to excellence.
The company’s global partnership with Engel & Völkers provides a direct line to 16,621 members across 957 shops worldwide, allowing for unmatched expertise and value in every transaction. As Fukunaga often says, “Luxury is a service, not a price point.” Her approach emphasizes skill, global connections, and an unwavering dedication to delivering the best possible experience for her clients.
Values That Inspire Admiration
Vanessa Fukunaga’s clients admire her not just for her business success, but for her values, ethics, and relentless drive. Her openness and willingness to motivate others make her a respected figure in the real estate world. With a deep understanding of global markets and a wealth of experience, Fukunaga consistently uses her stories and insights to inspire positive change in others. A prime example of this is her podcast, Mod Pod With Fukunaga.
Fukunaga’s leadership style reflects a deep-rooted commitment to her team, encouraging a culture of empowerment and success. She galvanizes her organization through teamwork and provides her advisors with the confidence, resources, and strategies they need to excel in an ever-changing industry. Whether through regular team meetings, educational series, or business and social gatherings, Fukunaga ensures that her team remains informed, inspired, and ready to tackle the next challenge.
A Leader Committed to Giving Back
Beyond her accomplishments in business, Vanessa Fukunaga is deeply committed to philanthropy. She believes in the power of giving back to the Los Cabos community and dedicates time, energy, and resources to organizations supporting the arts, education, environmental issues, children, and individuals with intellectual disabilities. Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate is involved with numerous charitable organizations, including Casa Hogar, Liga Mac, The Boys & Girls Club, and Los Cabos Humane Society, among others.
“Our participation in these causes provides meaning to what our teams stand for,” says Fukunaga. “As we grow, so does our ability to give back to the community,” she adds. Her dedication to philanthropy is not just a reflection of her values, but also a core part of the Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate brand, which places the greater good at the heart of its operations.
Embracing Technological Advancements in Real Estate
Vanessa Fukunaga’s success is not only driven by her leadership skills but also by her ability to stay ahead of technological advancements that are reshaping the real estate industry. She leads her company in embracing new platforms, systems, and AI technologies that maximize efficiency and enhance client service.
By staying on the cutting edge of real estate technology, Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate continues to lead the charge forward, ensuring that clients receive the highest level of service in a competitive and rapidly evolving market.
Advice for Aspiring Women Business Leaders
Vanessa Fukunaga is not just a leader; she is a mentor to aspiring women entrepreneurs. Her advice to those looking to make a significant impact in business is simple but powerful: “Be the expert, persevere, and always be innovating.” Fukunaga’s success is a testament to her ability to constantly push boundaries and create new opportunities, and she encourages other women to do the same.
Her philosophy is built on perseverance, expertise, and creativity—qualities that have propelled her to the top of the luxury real estate world and will continue to guide her as she inspires the next generation of business leaders.
The Future
Looking ahead, Vanessa Fukunaga’s vision for the next five years is clear: to remain the leading real estate brokerage in Baja California Sur, to reinforce Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate’s foothold in the luxury market, and to continue driving expansion. With a finger on the pulse of global real estate trends, Fukunaga is focused on ensuring her company stays ahead of the curve, consistently delivering an unmatched luxury property experience.
