Leo Desselle is the Broker/Owner of Pennant Real Estate and is known for combining hard work, integrity, leadership, and a client-first approach in every aspect of the real estate business. Originally from New Orleans, Leo developed a strong work ethic at an early age while helping his mother operate her successful tourism business. By just 10 years old, he was balancing school, football, martial arts, and homework while cleaning tour vans after hours—an experience that helped shape the discipline, consistency, and perseverance that continue to define his career today.
An accomplished athlete, Leo earned a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo, later advancing in Judo and Jiu-Jitsu while winning a Junior Olympics gold medal in Judo. His passion for competition and teamwork carried into his years at Archbishop Shaw High School and ultimately to LSU, where he played football for the Tigers from 2002–2007 and was part of LSU’s 2003 National Championship team.
After graduating from LSU in 2007, Leo launched his real estate career and quickly built a reputation for exceptional service, market knowledge, and strong negotiation skills. In 2014, he founded Pennant Real Estate, which has consistently ranked among the top 1% of Baton Rouge real estate companies year after year in sales and production. Under Leo’s leadership, the company has continued to grow into one of the area’s most respected brokerages, built on strong relationships, innovative marketing, and a culture centered around professionalism, teamwork, and client service. Leo now leads and mentors a team of more than 40 Realtors, emphasizing communication, integrity, and putting clients first in every transaction.
Leo specializes in residential, luxury, investment, and new construction real estate throughout Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas. He was formerly endorsed by Dave Ramsey and has built extensive real-world experience not only as a broker, but also as an investor and developer. Leo owns and manages a strong personal rental property portfolio and also partners with a local builder on the construction of one to two large luxury spec homes each year, giving him valuable hands-on insight into investment strategy, construction, development, design, and long-term property value. Known for his strategic marketing, strong local relationships, and hands-on guidance, he works closely with lenders, inspectors, appraisers, contractors, and attorneys to help clients navigate the process smoothly from the first conversation to the closing table.
Faith and family remain at the center of Leo’s life. He and his wife, Leslie, who is also a Realtor with Pennant Real Estate, are proud parents of three children and share a passion for health, fitness, and community. Both have competed in CrossFit competitions, and Leo enjoys spending time in the gym, mentoring agents, and supporting his children’s activities and sports.
Inspired by mentors such as Zig Ziglar, Dale Carnegie, and Robert Kiyosaki, Leo approaches both business and life with a mindset centered on growth, service, leadership, and long-term relationships.
Five words that define Leo Desselle:
Integrity. Consistency. Perseverance. Passion. Fun.
Pennant Real Estate Mission Statement:
“Heart of a Champion, Soul of a Servant.
Real Estate Professionals Putting the Client First.”
