Recently, our managing broker & owner, Kayvon Homayoun, sat down down with local magazine SDVoyager for a chat about his day-to-day managing Harland Property Management and our sister maintenance company Octo Property Services. In this interview, Kayvon was able to go in-depth on his experiences and professional vision as a leading property manager in San Diego.
Today, we want to share that interview with you. To check out SDVoyager's original article and see more of Kayvon and team, click here.
An Inspired Chat with Kayvon Homayoun of La Jolla
Kayvon , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is a normal day like for you right now?
My mornings begin with a quick review of the week’s meetings and appointments, followed by a check-in with my team to make sure any property-related issues are addressed right away. I move on to emails and prioritize responses so I can stay focused on higher-level projects. The bulk of my day is spent managing ongoing projects, preparing for meetings, and making sure operations across the portfolio are running smoothly. I also carve out time each day for strategic planning, business development, networking, and looking for opportunities to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
After work, I head to the gym to reset and stay sharp. Once I’m home, I take my dogs on a long walk by the beach in Bird Rock, which gives me time to clear my head and reflect on the day. I often use the evenings to catch up on industry trends, review financials, or plan next steps for growth so I’m always moving the business forward.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers and tell them a bit about what you do, your brand or organization and what makes it interesting/special/unique or anything else you’d like them to know about you / your story / your brand and what you are working on / etc.?
My name is Kayvon Homayoun, and I’m the owner of Harland Property Management and Octo Property Services in San Diego. Harland oversees hundreds of rental units across the county, with a focus on protecting owners’ investments, maximizing returns, and ensuring a positive tenant experience. What sets us apart is our balance of efficiency and personal care—we’re not just managing properties, we’re creating systems that give owners peace of mind while still building real relationships with residents.
Alongside Harland, I founded Octo Property Services, which is growing into a truly standout maintenance and construction firm. Our vision is to raise the bar in property services by delivering reliable, high-quality maintenance solutions and construction projects that owners and boards can trust. Too often, property managers and owners struggle to find contractors who are responsive, consistent, and aligned with their long-term goals. Octo was created to solve that problem, giving us the ability to handle everything from everyday repairs to large-scale renovations under one roof, with the same commitment to professionalism and accountability that drives Harland.
Right now, my focus is on expanding both sides of the business—continuing to streamline and scale Harland Property Management while positioning Octo as the go-to partner for maintenance and construction in the San Diego market. By combining management, maintenance, and construction, we’re building a model that makes property ownership smoother, more profitable, and far less stressful.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
That would be my mother, father, and sister. They’ve always believed in me, even before I fully believed in myself. Growing up, they saw my drive, my ability to take initiative, and my determination to create something of my own. Where I sometimes saw obstacles, they saw potential.
Their confidence gave me the push to take bigger risks and eventually step into business ownership. When I doubted myself, they reminded me that I had the work ethic and vision to build something meaningful. That support has stayed with me as I’ve grown Harland Property Management and Octo Property Services, and it’s a big part of why I keep pushing forward to create businesses that stand out in the property management, maintenance, and construction industries.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Living with cystic fibrosis has taught me lessons that no amount of success ever could. I’ve faced major health setbacks, and I’ve come close to losing my life twice. Those experiences forced me to confront struggle head-on, and they gave me a perspective that shapes everything I do.
Suffering taught me resilience, discipline, and gratitude. It showed me that time and health are not guaranteed, so every day matters. Instead of letting my condition slow me down, I’ve fought it hard and refused to let it define me. That mindset carries over into my businesses—I approach challenges with determination, I don’t shy away from tough situations, and I focus on building systems that can withstand stress.
Success feels great, but it can sometimes make you comfortable. Suffering taught me grit, and grit is what makes long-term success possible
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes—what you see is what you get with me. I’ve never been able to put on an act or be anything other than genuine. Honesty is at the core of how I live and how I run my businesses. I don’t sugarcoat things, I don’t pretend, and I don’t believe in playing a role just to fit an image.
That straightforwardness carries into my leadership style. My team, clients, and partners know they’re getting the real me at all times. I’d rather be upfront—even when it’s tough—because that builds trust and long-term relationships. For me, authenticity isn’t just a personal trait, it’s a business principle.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m in the mountains—whether I’m skiing down a slope or hiking through a trail—and especially when I’m on vacation in nature with my wife. Those moments outdoors give me the chance to unplug, breathe, and reset. Skiing challenges me to be fully present, while hiking allows me to slow down and take everything in. Both experiences give me balance, perspective, and a deep sense of gratitude that carries back into my daily life and work.
