Q&A with Margo Steahly, SVP at MCB Wealthbridge

Margo Steahly, Senior Vice President of National Sales at MCB Wealthbridge, is a respected industry veteran with more than 20 years of experience in the 1031 exchange and Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) marketplace. Known for her deep understanding of both commercial real estate fundamentals and the broker-dealer ecosystem, Margo plays a pivotal role in making MCB’s client-first commitment a reality for investors across the country.

For Margo, this philosophy isn’t just corporate language, it’s personal. 

Learn more about her, and MCB Wealthbridge, in this in-depth Q&A. 

Q: Margo, what’s the core philosophy that guides how MCB Wealthbridge approaches DST investments?
Margo: It always starts with the investor. Every decision we make, every offering, every partnership, is centered on what’s in the best interest of the investor. That goes beyond just financial performance. We’re dealing with people’s retirement savings, their life’s work, the legacy they want to leave for their families. That carries a weight of responsibility that we take very seriously.

Q: A lot of companies say they put the investor first. How is MCB different in practice?
Margo: I’ve been in this space a long time, and while many firms talk about being investor-focused, the actions don’t always match the words. At MCB, we don’t treat these transactions like simple numbers on a spreadsheet. This is more than just money. These are real people entrusting us with their life’s work. We talk to them, we hear their stories, and we know what it means to earn their trust. We strive to deliver on every promise, and we’re not afraid to say, “Don’t just take my word for it—do your due diligence.” Because the more you investigate our track record, our experience, and our approach, the more confidence you’ll have in MCB.

Q: What’s your pitch when you’re reaching out to advisors and investors?
Margo: Honestly, it’s not a “pitch” in the traditional sense. This business is built on long-term relationships. I’ve spent over 20 years developing a network of trusted contacts, and that history matters. When I call someone to talk about MCB Wealthbridge, it’s not about delivering a sales message, but a conversation rooted in mutual trust where I can share our track record, our experience, and our mission to do right by investors. Yes, we’re a new DST sponsor, but we’re backed by a respected company with deep experience and an institutional mindset.

Q: How do you help advisors and investors get comfortable with a newer sponsor like MCB?
Margo: Transparency. As I said, we invite them to dig in. Look at the deals we’ve done, the square footage we’ve developed, the communities we’ve transformed. The more you peel back the layers, the better the story gets. Our leadership team has been through many economic cycles. Our properties are thoughtfully selected, and our offerings are backed by a sponsor with real heft, not just a startup hoping to gain traction. Once people take a closer look, they realize that this is not just a new platform, but a serious, capable operation.

Q: You mentioned community impact. How does that factor into your work?
Margo: It’s one of the most rewarding aspects. Yes, we’re focused on investment real estate, but we’re also building things that matter. I think about the kinds of turnarounds MCB Real Estate has helped bring to life: transforming long-neglected industrial and brownfield sites into vibrant mixed-use communities with housing, restaurants, grocery access, fitness, and healthcare offerings; restoring historic buildings into spaces for makers, manufacturers, and growing businesses; supporting university and institutional growth by building much-needed housing; and advancing large-scale developments that can bring new jobs, amenities, and economic opportunity to underserved areas. That kind of revitalization is powerful.

Q: You’ve been in the DST space since the early days. How have things changed over the years?
Margo: Dramatically. I started when Tenant in Common (TIC) investments were the norm. They were awkward to navigate, limited to 35 investors, and required unanimous decisions by all involved. DSTs changed the game. Now we can support larger, more diversified investments with lower minimums and streamlined authority. That evolution means more investors can participate, diversify across sponsors and asset types, and build truly customized portfolios.

Q: Speaking of diversification, you don’t want investors to put all their 1031 exchange dollars with MCB?
Margo: That’s right. I hold my securities license, and I understand the regulatory and ethical fiduciary responsibility we have. Our reps operate under Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI),  and Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) are fiduciaries  which means putting the client’s interests first. A truly diversified DST portfolio might include offerings from several sponsors. We want to earn a place in that portfolio but not monopolize it. That kind of thoughtful allocation is how we protect investors and deliver better outcomes over time.

Q: Final thoughts—what keeps you excited about this work?
Margo: It’s the people. The investors, the advisors, the communities we serve. This is about so much more than transactions. It’s about relationships, integrity, and impact. Helping someone transition out of active property management and into a stable, income-producing investment they can pass on to their children, their grandchildren- to countless generations. That’s life-changing for them. And being a trusted part of that journey is what drives me every day.

You can reach Margo Steahly at msteahly@mcbwealthbridge.com