Erica Lehmkuhl and Sarah “Eli” David: From Military Leadership to Real Estate Success
In Search of Excellence, Island Style
Release Date: 05/06/2026
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info_outlineErica Lehmkuhl and Sarah “Eli” David: From Military Leadership to Real Estate Success
In this episode of In Search of Excellence: Island Style, Larry sits down with Erica Lehmkuhl, Owner of Seaside Realty, and Sarah “Eli” David, Mortgage Loan Officer at The Broker, for a powerful conversation about leadership, resilience, and transitioning from military service into real estate and lending.
Erica and Eli share their journeys from the military into the civilian world, offering a real look at what it means to lead in high-pressure environments, earn respect in male-dominated spaces, and carry those lessons into business. From paratrooper deployments to leading teams of over 200 personnel, they break down how discipline, accountability, and service shape long-term success.
Larry, Erica, and Eli also dive into the realities of Hawaii real estate today, including affordability challenges, market mindset, and why buyers need to focus on long-term strategy instead of trying to time the market. The conversation highlights how transparency, communication, and leadership directly impact both client outcomes and business growth.
The episode also explores entrepreneurship, scaling a business, and the importance of building trust-based relationships, not just transactions. Through real stories and experiences, they emphasize why taking care of people always comes first, whether in the military or in real estate.
Guest List
Erica Lehmkuhl
Owner, Seaside Realty LLC
Real Estate Broker and Property Management Leader
IG: @ericainhawaii
Sarah “Eli” David
Mortgage Loan Officer, The Broker
Former U.S. Air Force Officer
IG: @elidavid_2074
Timestamp Highlights
00:00 – Military banter and setting the tone
01:10 – Introducing Erica Lehmkuhl and Eli David
03:00 – Women in the military and leadership realities
07:20 – Double standards and earning respect
12:00 – Transitioning from military service to real estate
18:30 – Erica’s journey into real estate
25:00 – Building a business from zero
32:40 – Leadership lessons that translate to business
38:20 – Transparency and communication in transactions
44:00 – Navigating Hawaii’s real estate market
50:30 – Mindset, discipline, and long-term success
57:00 – Life lessons from military experience
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