During an exclusive interview at BravoCon 2025 in Las Vegas on November 14, reality star Tom Sandoval emphasized the strong personality of his longtime friend and business partner, Tom Schwartz. While Schwartz considers his role in the spinoff series The Valley as an opportunity to step out of Sandoval’s shadow, Sandoval insists that Schwartz has always held his own behind the scenes.
“Schwartz has always had his own identity. It’s really funny that he says that because, you know, behind closed doors, Schwartz definitely wears the pants in a lot of ways,” Sandoval stated. He further explained, “I’m just the more outspoken one, but behind closed doors, Schwartz has a very strong-set mindset.” This camaraderie has been evident since their early days at Lisa Vanderpump’s SUR restaurant and their collaboration on two dining ventures, TomTom and Schwartz & Sandy’s.
Schwartz’s New Venture and Its Impact
Schwartz made a surprise appearance during the panel discussion at BravoCon, announcing his full-time involvement with The Valley. This new chapter is seen by Sandoval as a significant step for Schwartz to establish his own identity. “I mean, dealing with the restaurant and facing challenges, constant pressure and negativity, definitely wears on your friendship, but overall, since we’ve moved past that, it’s definitely been better,” Sandoval reflected on their journey together.
He expressed support for Schwartz’s decision to be in the spotlight, adding, “I’m glad that he’s on there and doing his own thing and being himself. He’s got his podcast, he’s got his own voice. It’s great.” Sandoval noted that he had been uncertain about joining The Valley himself, saying, “Not currently for this season, I’ve been on the fence about whether I wanted to be on The Valley. I don’t think they want someone who is hesitant about being involved.”
Life After Vanderpump Rules
Reflecting on his life away from Vanderpump Rules, Sandoval mentioned the benefits of some distance. “It’s nice to have a little privacy. I’ve been pretty private lately,” he said. He highlighted his relationship with Victoria, who has been by his side since 2024. Sandoval hinted at future possibilities, quipping, “Who knows?” regarding marriage.
Victoria attended BravoCon for the first time, and Sandoval shared his excitement about her experience at the convention. “It’s been nice, like, I get to coast and just sort of chill and meander. There’s so much love here, and it’s a really cool way to connect with the fans,” he stated, emphasizing the positive energy of the event.
The duo has already connected with fellow reality stars including Schwartz, Teddi Mellencamp, Tamra Judge, and Brittany Cartwright during their time at the convention, further enriching their experiences.
As both men navigate their evolving careers and personal lives, their friendship remains a cornerstone, illustrating the complexities and dynamics of relationships in the public eye.
