Tom Sandoval Reveals Tom Schwartz’s Leadership Behind Closed Doors

Tom Sandoval recently highlighted the dynamic of his friendship with Tom Schwartz, stating that Schwartz “wears the pants” when the cameras are off. This revelation came during an exclusive interview with Us Weekly at BravoCon 2025 in Las Vegas on November 14, where the two have been strong supporters of each other’s ventures.

Sandoval, 43, emphasized that while he is often the more outspoken of the two, Schwartz possesses a strong sense of identity that is not always visible on camera. “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 explained. Their bond dates back to their early days working at Lisa Vanderpump’s SUR restaurant and starring on the reality show Vanderpump Rules.

The friendship has weathered challenges, particularly with the closing of their joint restaurant, Schwartz & Sandy’s. Sandoval noted the toll this experience took on their relationship but expressed optimism about their future. “It sucks, and it definitely wears on your friendship, but overall, since we’ve moved past that, it’s definitely been better,” he remarked.

Schwartz, also 43, made a surprise appearance at the panel for The Valley, a spinoff of Vanderpump Rules, where he confirmed his involvement. This opportunity is seen as a chance for Schwartz to carve out his own identity in the reality TV landscape. Sandoval praised his friend for embracing new ventures, stating, “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. I love it.”

When discussing his own future, Sandoval revealed that he has been considering his involvement in The Valley. “Not currently for this season, I’ve been on the fence about whether I wanted to be on The Valley,” he said. He expressed a newfound openness to participating, especially alongside Schwartz and Lala Kent, suggesting it would feel more natural.

Reflecting on his life after Vanderpump Rules, Sandoval shared that he has enjoyed some privacy. He has been in a relationship with Victoria, 33, since 2024, and hinted at the possibility of marriage. “Who knows,” he quipped, noting that Victoria attended her first BravoCon with him.

The atmosphere at BravoCon was filled with excitement, which Sandoval described as having “great energy.” He mentioned that he and Victoria have connected with fellow cast members, including Schwartz, Teddi Mellencamp, Tamra Judge, and Brittany Cartwright. “There’s so much love here, and it’s a really cool way to connect with the fans, and I love that,” he added.

As both Sandoval and Schwartz navigate their respective journeys in the entertainment industry, their longstanding friendship continues to play a pivotal role. With new projects on the horizon, both are poised to redefine their identities beyond Vanderpump Rules, showcasing their resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing landscape.