Who is Mike Kobeissi? The Founder of Kobeissi Properties and His Controversial Past

Mike Kobeissi started the upscale real estate firm Kobeissi Properties in La Canada Flintridge, California, and now serves as its president. He is well-respected in the real estate industry for his expertise in design, remodelling, and staging. Personal details include his marriage to his first cousin, his role in his relatives’ sexual assault case, and his immigration from Lebanon as a youngster. This article will examine not just Mike Kobeissi’s career and the controversies surrounding him, but also his life.

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The Rise of Kobeissi Properties

Mike Kobeissi, at 19 years old, entered the real estate industry in 1987. He started off as an agent for several businesses before launching Kobeissi Properties in 1994. He expanded his firm into a major player in the market for high-end homes and other luxury real estate.

Among his many accomplishments and honours are being named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, being featured in the Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, Pasadena Magazine, and the La Canada Valley Sun, and being in the top one percent of real estate agents in the country.

The Mediterranean-inspired headquarters, the large Mediterranean villa, the secret resort, the wine and cheese evening, and the cars and coffee show are just some of the places and activities he has highlighted on his website and social media channels. These are examples of his ability to design beautiful, high-end residences that sell quickly.

The Dark Side of Mike Kobeissi’s Wealth

However, there is a troubling truth hiding underneath his dazzling success story. Mike Kobeissi was accused of sexually assaulting his young cousins Dan and Brad in a lawsuit filed in 2018. From 1986 through 1994, when the boys were 6 to 14 years old, they accused Mike of sexually abusing them on several occasions.

The complaint claims that Mike took advantage of his cousins’ trust and power to coerce and bribe them into silence. He plied them with cash, presents, drugs, drink, and use of his properties. If they ever informed anybody, he threatened them with physical harm and public shame.

The abuse severely damaged the boys’ mental and emotional health. They were emotionally unstable and had poor self-esteem, sadness, anxiety, PTSD, drug misuse, and thoughts of suicide. They had problems with both coming out as gay and maintaining healthy relationships.

In March of 2020, the study ran for a total of three weeks. The jury heard testimony from all sides of the case, as well as experts, friends, relatives, and former coworkers of the parties involved. Photos, videos, texts, emails, and papers were all shown to the jury.

The jury reached a unanimous verdict that Mike was responsible for sexual battery and causing deliberate mental anguish. They found the plaintiffs entitled to $24 million in damages ($12 million for past and $12 million for future pain and suffering).

After hearing the verdict, Mike’s attorneys requested a new trial. They said the judge made mistakes with the jury instructions, decisions on evidence, arguments in closing, and the determination of damages. They claimed that the verdict was biassed and based more on emotion than on the facts.

Mike Kobeissi, though, settled with his relatives before the court could hear the petition. It was claimed that Mike paid an unknown sum to resolve the lawsuit, while the exact details of the payment were kept secret.

The disclosures about his history left many people startled and outraged. Some of his customers either stopped using his services or put off using them. Many of his coworkers avoided him or even quit because of him. He lost business from several of his collaborators, who cut relationships or asked for money back. Some of his rivals even took advantage of his fall from grace and openly criticised him.

The Future of Mike Kobeissi

Mike Kobeissi has always said that the accusations and judgement against him are false. He’s devastated by the allegations and insists he did nothing wrong. He plans to challenge the decision and vindicate himself.

He has also gotten help from his devoted clientele, loved ones, and staff. They’ve stood up for his integrity and lauded his work ethic. They’ve been there for him through it all, cheering him on and helping him see he can do it.

Mike Kobeissi’s future, however, is fraught with difficulty and doubt. Criminal prosecution, civil litigation, or tax audits are all possible outcomes for him in the court system. He could stand to lose clients, customers, sales, and market share. He could have to restore people’s faith in him or restore his credibility. It’s possible that he’ll have to make some drastic changes to his identity, business, or professional trajectory.

However, Mike Kobeissi’s future may have some prospects as well. He may try to have the judgement overturned or the amount of damages reduced by filing an appeal. He might try to bargain with his debtors, insurers, and lenders for more favourable terms. It’s possible he’ll discover fresh opportunities for expansion. He could be able to gain from his knowledge, connections, or experience.

Conclusion

Mike Kobeissi is a divisive and multifaceted personality. He established Kobeissi Properties, a high-end real estate firm in La Canada Flintridge, for which he serves as president. His relatives have launched a lawsuit against him, accusing him of assaulting them while they were minors.

His private life is in stark contrast to his public persona. There have been many high points and bad points in his life and career.

Do your own research, check your sources, assess your alternatives, and make your own conclusions if you’re interested in learning more about Mike Kobeissi or working with him.