Into The Storm

Nothing was directly handed to highly successful REALTOR®, Jerod Johnson. Growing up, Jerod maneuvered through his adolescent years with his head held high, maintaining a goal of doing whatever it may take to find his own success. Dedication, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to his future, are only some of Jerod’s core characteristics that have aided him to prosperity along his life path. Jerod leaves no discredit to the critical friends-turned-family who took him under their wing, opening a vault of present and future opportunities. Tune in to follow the inspirational story of a young real estate professional that is far from over, and continuing to evolve with every new day.

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1:59 – How It All Started

4:53 – Finding a Mentor

15:15 – Networking

17:05 – No Excuses, Just Bring Back the Boat

22:45 – Professional Career Beginnings

27:00 – Falling Back on Your Network

28:30 – Defining Jerod’s Brand

41:06 – Navigating Today’s Market

47:09 – Social Media’s Role in Jerod’s Marketing Strategy

50:24 – Next Steps

58:40 – Do-It Mentality

1:06:30 – Nurturing Relationships

1:08:55 – Looking for the Right People at Bison Ventures

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CONTACT INFO:

• UCSB in the 90s (5:00)

• the California Parks system (10:45) 

• his early career (16:22) 

• personal/professional development (18:40) 

• why no one should ever sell (22:00)  

• UCSB in the 90s (5:00) 

• the California Parks system (10:45) 

• his early career (16:22) 

• personal/professional development (18:40) 

• why no one should ever sell (22:00)  

• learning from his mistakes (23:15) 

• discipline (27:15)  

• real estate romance (29:35) 

• getting into the property management game (34:30) 

• someone who gave everything (36:55)  

• Capstone Contributes event (41:25) 

• Sleep in Heavenly Peace (50:00) 

• sellers’ regret (56:26)  

Capstone Realty Professionals Website https://soldonphoenix.com/  

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Instagram 

Versatility is key. Sam Levy’s professional career has fell nothing short of unexpected. After finishing his undergrad in marketing, Sam fell into the world of real estate – with a helpful nudge from his seasoned grandmother. Utilizing the skills and strategies he perfected throughout his college years, Sam has learned to connect with his clients successfully and genuinely, on a daily basis. There’s a world ahead of Sam, and we are patiently waiting to see what’s in store!

• his first real estate deal at age 22 (5:21)
• his Jewish grandmother (6:43)
• video marketing (10:29)
• authenticity on social media (12:35)
• being a North Central authority (13:52)
• The Brokery (19:04)
• Business and life coaching (23:09)
• the shift in the local market (30:24)
• how LinkedIn has impacted his business (32:43)
• Reads (41:00)
• the sales and marketing dichotomy (43:09)

SOCIAL MEDIA

Instagram

Although Lauren Rosin has spent the entirety of her adulthood in the Valley, her New York roots are undeniable. She is fearless, feisty, and unabashedly committed to her craft and addicted to the hustle.  She offers a unique combination of education – a Masters in Real Estate Development from the W.P. Carey School of Business – and almost twenty years of real-world experience in two of the nation’s most competitive markets, Metro Phoenix and San Diego.   This firecracker has parlayed her experience with trustee sales, fix and flips, investment holdings, and mortgage lending (and more!) into a robust enterprise anchored by her retail real estate company, the RosinTeam at eXp Realty. 

the Wild West of trustee sales (3:45)

building her first team (8:25)

1Listing = 5 Deals (10:18)

the eXp Realty Movement (11:35)

masterminds (15:45)

Entrepreneurs' Organization (19:50)

having multiple streams of income (23:45)

the biggest regret of her career (28:15)

leveraging the brand, systems, and partners (34:00)

advice for high schoolers (41:25)

coaching and giving back (44:40)

Meet our newest additions to “The Herd” here at Bison Ventures! Vanessa Accra and Brandon Bialkowski share today their varying paths in life, and how they fortunately merged together to form The BraVa Team. Brandon, forming his career under the guidance of his real-estate-experienced parents, and Vanessa, finding her passion for the business unexpectedly, form the perfect pair. Not only do these two share an equally strong adoration for this industry, but their commitment to surrounding themselves with empowering, supportive team members may be even more powerful.

• being a mortgage youngster (4:50)
• from lending to real estate and back again (6:40)
• joining forces (12:00)
• their first big break (15:10)
• why Bison Ventures (21:20)
• dolphins and horses (31:45)
• Brandon's illustrious football career (33:55)
• recruiting with authenticity (36:10)
• getting back to basics (41:00)
• women in mortgage (46:45) 
• Bison Ventures 

Bison Ventures website https://bisonventures.com/ 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Instagram 

On this episode we ride Into the Storm with real estate strategist, Steve Valentine, providing countless bits of expertise. With over 20 years of real estate experience under his belt, Steve gives us a peek into his tried and true technical strategies that have brought him mounds of success within the industry. 

Steve finds the most valuable elements of his success in the life-changing exchanges he is able to make with clients. Providing investment guidance to clients and sharing his expertise with real estate professionals is where Steve’s talent and expertise shine the brightest. 

• Out-of-the-Box Mindset (2:33)
• Portfolio Leverage (6:15)
• Agents buying real estate (9:20)
• Where he gets his deals (11:30)
• Relationship Capital/Private Money (15:30)
• The importance of a CPA (17:40)
• The Taj Majal of Munds Park (18:05)
• Mentorship program (19:40)
• The Tattooed REALTOR, Justin Mercer (23:15)
• Impacting lives by building wealth (25:40)
• Rapid Fire: gifting, favorite word (32:30)
• Regret (34:45)
• The Arizona market (37:17)
• Youth and the “school” of real estate investing (40:50)
• Thinking OTB Podcast w/co-host Bernie Espinosa, Lawyers Title (45:10)

Social Media

What is a brand? Behind a company’s logo and font choices, there is much more to uncover. Emily Soccorsy, the co-founder of branding agency Root + River, reveals the power of aligning your brand with the personal values you hold true. Through the help of Emily and the practices Root + River upholds, Bison Ventures was empowered to unearth all the meaning behind their brand that was waiting to be discovered.   

• The Power of Story Telling (3:50)   
• Founding of Root & River (6:30)   
• Building Bison Ventures (10:20)   
• Practicing Intrinsic Branding (14:34)
• Uncovering Brand Through Root Sessions (16:20)    
• Bison Ventures’ Beliefs and Standards (23:18)
• Root & River is Not For Everyone (27:25) 
• Bison Representation (30:36) 
• Impact of Root Sessions (34:54) 
• Loyalty to Our Partners, Through Storytelling (38:02) 
• Obtaining Clientele (41:49) 
• BeMa – Being Marketers (42:45) 
• Why Blog? (45:00)  
• Rapid Fire Questions (50:05) 
• Captioning Social Media Efficiently & Effectively (56:45)

SOCIAL MEDIA

Instagram

Over the course of the past two months, we have all seen countless articles and news stories recounting the utter tragedy that has suddenly changed the lives of so many. The Russian invasion on Ukraine has left millions of citizens without a life to live, left with nothing but overwhelming feelings of uncertainty and terror. On this episode, we are joined by Oleg Bortman and Art Shalomov, both born in the former Soviet Union, who are passionate about informing everyone of the drastic effect Russia’s actions have taken on the lives of so many. Take a moment to learn and delve deep into the perceptions of Oleg and Art with regards to this crisis, while simultaneously discovering ways you can help to make a difference.    

• Oleg’s and Art’s Immigration to America (2:16)   
• Ukrainian Culture (6:28)
• “Why Is This Even Happening?” (10:13)  
• How We Are Helping (18:40)
• Analogy to Understand (21:35)
• Realities for Those Living this War (25:28)
• How You Can Help (27:03)

LINKS

Carol Taylor grew up in an affluent Jewish community right outside of Chicago. But she was a mountain girl at heart and set out for Colorado right after high school. In the ski towns of Steamboat and Durango, she found her people and her purpose – helping companies grow through strategic marketing. Now, as the CMO of VIP Mortgage, she and her team work tirelessly to promote the brand and drive traffic.

On this episode of Real Talk, Carol gets real on several topics, including:

• Colorado ski resorts
• Life on a cruise ship
• Getting into the Mortgage Industry 
• Technology and marketing 
• The importance of being healthy
• Financial literacy 
• The Marketing Department Pitch 
• Rural Living

Jon Storey is a polarizing figure in the real estate industry. But he’s not trying to win any popularity contests; his goal is to help people move the needle. And guess what? He’s phenomenal at it. 

After years as a title rep, Jon founded his own coaching company, Professional Marketing Specialists and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs develop accountability, systems, and marketing strategies that stimulate mindboggling growth and revenue. 

And don’t let him fool you…he’s actually one hell of a nice guy.

On this episode of Real Talk, Jon gets real on several topics, including:

The resilience of his daughter (8:50)

How he produces and distributes content (18:22)

Who Not How (21:25)

Accountability and consistency (24:00)

Parenting (27:00)

The social media ego grab (28:24)

Time and freedom (32:00)

How his program works (34:30)

Real estate CRMs (41:07)

The value of video (43:30)

Education and chasing your dreams (48:30)

His favorite word - “Dad” (59:25)

RESOURCE LINKS

Who knew that networking could be a bonafide job?! As the Executive Director and Owner of BNI (Business Networking International) Arizona, Nate Dominguez has elevated the concept of “connecting the dots” to an art form and has parlayed it into a thriving business. With nearly eighty chapters around the state, BNI members are collaborating, supporting, and creating opportunities for one another every single day!

His high school sweetheart success story (4:15)

The legacy of his best friend JJ (6:00)

Discovering BNI as a kid (10:00)

Viewing networking as an opportunity (16:00)

Networking strategies for introverts (17:50)

The car accident that saved his son (27:10)

Phoenix Children’s Hospital (37:50)

Larry Fitzgerald (40:40)

His favorite word (43:45)

How to join BNI (46:45)

The importance of structure (55:38)

Episode Links:

Recruiting quality leadership talent is critical to the success of any organization, but the candidate who looks ideal on paper may not be the right fit. Skills, qualifications, and background are never enough. Max Hansen believes that we need to look beyond the resume and focus on human factors like values, vision, and purpose.

On this episode of Real Talk, Max gets real on several topics, including:

· High school shenanigans 

· The transition from Job Brokers to Y Scouts 

· Focusing on purpose values in Executive Leadership Search

· The fitness routine-business success correlation 

· His podcast: Built on Purpose

· Diving into the cannabis industry 

· The strategy of extending an offer 

· His supplement business - Human Elements

· His WHY

EPISODE RESOURCES

Everybody talks about the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in building relationships, but how many are REALLY walking the walk? Too few. 

But she is - Crystle Mulzet, leader of the INSPIRE Team at Chicago Title, puts herself out there like no other Business Development Manager in the business. Most of us have plenty of cringe-worthy memories that we’ve packaged up and placed in the “Top Secret – Never Reveal” section of our minds and for some, that tactic seems to work (until it doesn’t). 

Crystle, on the other hand, has chosen to live her life out loud with great intention and (sometimes painful) honesty, and it's definitely working for her. Years sober and crushing it in the Title and Escrow world, she is an inspiration!

On this episode of Real Talk, Crystle gets real on several topics, including:

• Growing up with alcoholic parents 

• Starting her sobriety journey and falling off the wagon

• The Evolution of Self 

• Bereavement and guilt

• Chicago Title Agency/INSPIRE Team 

• #1 REALTOR activity to generate business – social media 

SOCIAL MEDIA

What's a full-service marketing agency's most important offering...Brand Development? Social Media? SEO?  Those elements (and dozens more) are essential, but without a keen eye on the customer experience, all the talent and productivity in the world will only take you so far. Andy Parnell and his colleagues at Lane | Terralever take pride in honoring their clients’ business goals, consistent communication, and creative visions. That noble ethos makes up the fabric of their corporate culture.  

On this episode of Real Talk, Andy gets real on several topics, including: 

• His Nevada Assemblywoman mom – Bonnie Parnell

• Segueing from a non-profit to the private sector

• Otis Redding and Top Gun

• The stressors of a corporate merger - E.B. Lane and Terralever 

• The value of Net Promoter Score (NPS) and the Customer Experience

• EOS/Traction Leadership Model

• Their post-COVID office transition

• Fresh Start Women’s Foundation

EPISODE RESOURCES 

Defining national events brand both our minds and hearts. We can recall listening to our parents’ precision-like recants of the JFK and MLK assassinations, the first moon landing, Nixon’s resignation, etc., We Gen Xers (and older Millennials) have our own set of horrific developments, but none so prolific as that of September 11, 2001. 

On this episode of Real Talk, 9/11 Survivor Danny Brown got real on several topics, including:

• His training program at The World Trade Center

• The mass exodus in the stairwell

• Running for his life

• His trek back to AZ

• Putting things into perspective

• His spousal partnership 

May we be reminded today of the strength of the American people when faced with adversity and the importance of a country united. Today, and every day, may we vow to never forget.

EPISODE RESOURCES

Jason Boyer is at the helm of Boyer Vertical, an architect-led real estate development firm that brings sustainably minded, architecturally significant projects to life. After decades in commercial and industrial design, he took a leap of faith and created artHAUS, an award-winning community in the heart of midtown Phoenix. In July, Boyer launched his latest project in North Central – KARMA. This development is a collection of eleven smart, modern single-family residences carefully curated to provide more time, energy, and freedom to pursue your intentional lifestyle. 

On this episode of Real Talk, Jason discusses several topics, including:

· Catching the real estate bug in his early 20s 

· Tackling his first project - artHAUS 

· His newest development - KARMA 

· The challenges of urban development 

· Sustainable development 

EPISODE RESOURCES 

Websites: 

When we considered inviting a non-VIP loan officer, some thought that it was a foolish, counter-intuitive move. However, our industry is full of great people, several of whom are our direct competitors. So, in the spirit of collaboration and friendship, we reached out to one of the most respected guys in the business – Mike Freeman. He and his partners recently opened the doors to Spire Financial and have hit the ground running. 

On this episode of Real Talk, Mike got real on several topics, including:

• The Implode-O-Meter 

• Cody Sperber of The Clever Investor

• The secret to Business Development

• Taking a professional leap of faith

• Recruiting and finding the right cultural fit 

EPISODE RESOURCES

Hard work is in John Chavez’s DNA. His colleagues, clients, and referral partners are well aware of his workaholic tendencies, but what we didn't realize is that he’s been hard at it his entire life. John started his first enterprise at age eleven customizing diecast model cars and became a professional upholsterer at age fourteen! His creative spirit, engineering mind, and tireless drive make for an exceptional mortgage professional thriving in the challenging Builder Space.

On this episode, John gets real on several issues, such as:

• Growing up in a small mining town (4:45)

• Meeting his first “coach” in kindergarten (10:00)

• Pimp My Ride - Model Cars Edition (14:30)

• Starting an upholstery business at age 14 (20:10)

• Being a recovering workaholic (23:00)

• Breaking into the mortgage industry (30:30)

• Tackling the tough deals (37:45)

• His Mexico ventures - Manny’s Beach Club (39:45)

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Chey Castro, luxury real estate guru, graduated with a perfect GPA from ASU with a degree in Finance and went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Accountancy from Notre Dame. He has worked for some of the finest real estate brokerages in the Valley and recently launched the Chey Castro Group at eXp Realty.

Like many of our guests, Chey has experienced the thrills of a red hot real estate market and the agonizing lows of the downturn. This episode digs into the personal challenges that are byproducts of such a rollercoaster and how, with his Christian faith, he has emerged better than ever!

On this episode, Chey gets real on several issues, such as:

· going from ASU to Notre Dame

· his early years at DMB Associates

· Silverleaf/DC Ranch 

· family adversity and addiction 

· becoming a born again Christian 

· his near-death experience

· bouncing back with God 

· his big news! EXP Realty 

EPISODE RESOURCES

SUBSCRIBE! 

“C’mon, everybody that lands in title and escrow have no idea it exists. So when growing up, when people would ask me what my mother did, I always thought she was a lawyer because she worked at Lawyers Title. Even through college I had no idea…”

Despite having zero understanding of the title and escrow world, nearly two decades ago, a newly graduated Ryan Banovac jumped in, learned the ropes, and went on to create a wildly successful career at one of the foremost companies in the industry. But the nice paycheck and comfy lifestyle couldn’t keep his entrepreneurial dreams at bay, so he ventured out on his own and founded Navi Title Agency in the beginning of 2021. 

On this episode of Real Talk, both Ryans got real on several topics, including:

• The mystery of Title (2:35)

• Reinventing himself in college (7:00)

• His entrepreneurial leap of faith (9:20)

• The Genesis of Navi Title Agency (15:30)

• The good vibes that come with giving to his employees (23:10)

• Finding talent in unexpected places (26:48)

• Recruiting, onboarding, and coaching - NaviGateway (32:15)

• The antiquation of the title industry (40:20)

• Title company joint ventures (46:40)

EPISODE RESOURCES

Jamison Manwaring comes from a large, traditional Mormon family and grew up with a sincere desire to follow in the footsteps of his parents and siblings: mission...marriage...lots of kids. However, as a gay man, this plan was not his destiny. Instead, he studied finance, hustled hard to get Wall Street, and ended up at the preeminent financial institution, Goldman Sachs. But guess what? He didn't like working with billionaires and hedge funds, so he shifted gears, moved to Phoenix, and eventually found his “something different” – bringing the crowdfunding method of finance to the commercial real estate realm.    

On this episode of Real Talk, Jamison gets real on several topics, including:  

• setting his sights on Wall Street 

• making it happen in New York 

• his time at Goldman Sachs

• coming out as a Mormon gay man

• his experience at LifeLock

• the concept of crowdfunding

• his business partner John Kobierowski, Managing Partner/President

• pivoting their business model 

• Rocky Petersen, Director of Investor Relations/Lead Designer

• Leveraging quality media

• How to get involved  

EPISODE RESOURCES 

Alex Smith is hardcore, both in business and life. He and his wife Lesleigh run SmithRE, a North&Co team that has seen tremendous growth in the last five years. When he discovered the program "75 Hard" everything that mattered started to take on greater meaning and the success followed - completely transformative. On this episode of Real Talk, Alex gets real on several topics, including:  

• snowboarding - his "happy place" (1:55)  

• 75 Hard (5:30)  

• partnering with wife Lesleigh – “Spouses That Sells Houses” (10:50)  

• leveling up (16:40)  

• moving into development, flipping, and wholesaling (23:20)  

• his morning routine (32:00) 

• getting into the business (37:00)  

• the importance of great relationships with other agents in the Valley (39:50)  

• incorporating video into marketing (43:00)  

• raising hardcore/disciplined kids (47:45)  

• the role that fitness plays in personal success (52:25)  

EPISODE RESOURCES: 

Eric Kilstrom is a leader, educator, and podcaster with heart. He developed the Young Guns program at VIP Mortgage to help create opportunities for “kids” to become loan officers without the pain of starting off with zero income. When he moved to Anthem in the early development years, he recognized the struggle of families and children battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and his nonprofit, We Care Anthem, was founded. His podcast, “Eric's Eye on Anthem” generously spotlights local entrepreneurs and community members, giving them an opportunity to promote their businesses. He does all this with absolute quiet humility and a belief that it is an honor to help others.   

On this episode of Real Talk, we dive into many topics, including:  

• getting into the mortgage business (3:07) 

• becoming a VIP OG (7:40) 

• Rapid Fire: fighter pilot (9:40) 

• developing the Young Guns Program (13:20)  

• his role as Branch Manager “Camp Kilstrom” (24:10)

• Rapid Fire: LOL at Pebble Beach (27:05) 

• pricing (28:45) 

• We Care Anthem foundation (30:40) 

• marketing (38:40) 

• social media (40:00) 

• developing humility (43:30)  

• Rapid Fire: morning routine (45:14)  

EPISODE RESOURCES: 

Andrew Rafal has dedicated more than a decade to helping clients achieve their retirement dreams. He specializes in creating strategic financial plans and retirement income strategies for retirees and pre-retirees that preserve and maximize their retirement savings. It's not easy to break into the wealth management industry, especially in your early 20s. After all, what successful middle-aged+ man or woman is going to take advice from a fresh faced kid? Andrew overcame that obstacle through educating and developing deep bonds with leads and clients, as well as focusing tremendously on ROR. 

During this episode, Andrew gets real on several topics, including: 

Bayntree’s new office location (2:10)

Overcoming the youth objection (10:00)

Breaking out on his own (12:20)

Launching on the tails of the recession (15:50)

Importance of team (19:00)

Marketing/Branding (22:30)

Pre (25:35)

Giftology and Return on Relationships (34:30)

Staying in touch with former clients; CRM (43:30)

preparing for a podcast (55:16)

favorite episodes (56:48)

Brian Mohr – anthym (58:00) (include link)

What you can learn from Grateful Dead in Business (1:01:54)

Rapid Fire – Rejection, Authenticity, Work Ethic, James Michener (1:06:05)

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Growing up in the Grand Canyon (3:00)

Filming his vasectomy and putting it on Instagram (5:30)

Soulpod (11:00)

the BRRR method (13:15) Buy Rehab Rent Refinance Repeat

His focus on Chandler (19:20)

Transitioning to a minimalist lifestyle (20:00)

Becoming a father at 19 years old (28:45)

Getting into the real estate industry (33:00)

Rapid Fire – Morning Routine, Mark Wahlberg, Kauai, and Love (46:55)

Resources:

Templeton’s Instagram @templeton_walker

Troy Conrad is our first "famous" guest. Another friend from back in the day who has gone on to create an enviable career as a comic, producer, writer, and first officla photographer for The Comedy Store.   

On this episode of Real Talk, we discuss a variety of topics, including:  

his early standup comedy days (9:30) 

the creation of "Set List: Stand Up Without a Net" - guests including Robin Williams, TJ Miller, Drew Carey, Gilbert Godfried, and more (19:45) 

"Lizard Brain" (34:00)

mental health in the comic community (39:00) 

contributing to "The Comedy Store" documentary (1:00) 

becoming the first-ever official photographer of The Comedy Store 

Rapid Fire: high school, "Pleasantville," and Instagram (1:23) 

EPISODE RESOURCES: 

On any given day, more than 10,000 people in Arizona find themselves homeless. Howard Epstein, CEO of the Arizona Housing fund, dives into why the organization was founded and how the private sector and individuals can help bring the homeless home.   

• During our conversation with Howard got real on several topics, including:  
• What is Arizona Housing Fund and who it serves (3:51) 
• Escrow Donation Program – how it works (10:22) 
• Establishing the VIP Foundation (16:30) 
• AZ Homelessness Stats (26:24) 
• Shoutouts to current fundraising partners HomeSmart, North&Co, The Brokery, and Pioneer Title (36:22) 
• Rapid Fire Questions: COVID vaccine, Twitter, and Dream Jobs (37:18) 

EPISODE RESOURCES: 

Jeremy Brown is like the Clark Kent of REALTORS® - polished, Scottsdale real estate professional juxtaposed with backwoods grease monkey ultra-athlete. A perpetual seeker of adventure, Jeremy is truly living his best life and if you check him out on Instagram (@jeremiah_jonathan) you'll see what we mean. 

On this episode of Real Talk, we discuss a variety of topics, including:  

• growing up on a farm with a "hippie" mom
• entering the real estate industry and meeting his mentor 
• building relationships with referral partners
• extreme sports
• how health and adventure have benefitted his business
• the rocky start to 2020
• the dangers of comparing yourself to other agents

EPISODE NOTES AND RESOURCES:  

Do you ever ask yourself, "How did I get here?" - Stephanie Hendrick found herself pondering her life and chose bravery over complacency. 

During this episode, Stephanie gets real on a variety of topics, including:

• her career in the mortgage industry
• having a spouse as a business partner
• finding her voice
• being a role model for her daughters
• becoming an author and public speaker

Episode Notes and Resources:

Sentari Minor is a social impact advocate, passionate relationship builder, and co-host of the podcast Sentari & George Figure It Out. Nationally, he speaks on governance, leadership, and the concepts of venture philanthropy, nonprofit capacity building, and social entrepreneurship. 

On this episode of Real Talk, we discuss a variety of topics, including:  

• Sentari’s podcast (Figure It Out): co-host, politics, favorite episodes (3:11) 
• evolveMD: marrying behavioral health practitioners with traditional family practices
• How COVID is impacting valley businesses (30:30) 
• Community involvement (39:09) 
• Rapid Fire Questions: movies, poetry, and Kim Kardashian (44:01)  

EPISODE RESOURCES: 

From awkward high school friends to mature business partners, Mark Hutchins and Jereme Kleven are at the helm of My Home Group. As the fastest growing real estate brokerage in AZ, and the second fastest in the nation, they are forging a new path for REALTORS® through collaboration, community, and culture. 

Episode Topics: 

• getting off the ground
•  living lean
• fake it ‘til you make it
• agent vs corporate branding
• having patience as a new agent
• work/life balance
• car sales and voice acting 

Let's Get Social!

"I feel like this is the greatest industry in the world…I'm a college dropout that was in the military, that was broke and didn't know what he was going to do and now I'm fortunate enough to be living a life that I consider very successful." – A. Payne

There’s nothing that Aaron loves more than making people happy – a simple concept, but one that permeates all that he does. Over the years, he has morphed from lackluster student and wannabe entertainer to Army veteran and well-respected Producing Branch Manager at VIP Mortgage. During our conversation, Aaron got real on several topics, including:

· his Hollywood aspirations (1:46)

· joining the Army (4:35)

· playing collegiate volleyball (11:00)

· how retail sales led to the mortgage industry (14:15)

· getting slapped by the Housing Bubble (19:00)

· how he found VIP Mortgage (24:18)

· the Tempe branch culture (30:05)

· coaching club volleyball (35:57)

· the importance of referral partners (43:55)

· embracing technology (51:34)

· making videos with the Xunami app (56:02)

· Instagram shopping obsession (1:02:28)

Guest Details:

Aaron Payne, Producing Branch Manager, VIP Mortgage NMLS: 197472 | Licensed In: AZ - 917188; CA -DOC197472; NM - 197472 | Office: 480-500-2820 | Cell: 480-862-9976 | Fax: 877-311-8617 Email: apayne@vipmtginc.com | 9280 S Kyrene Road, Suite 134, Tempe, AZ 85284

"Connessione…the interconnectedness of life - often it’s invisible, you don’t realize how impactful a meaningless moment is until you’re older and you look back at your life and it literally looks, and feels, and sounds like a symphony.” - M. Iles-Cremieux

Once upon a time, there was a boy who grew up in the Greater Phoenix west valley, discovered that he was good at football and went on to play in college. After he graduated, he had no idea what he wanted to be when he grew up but liked the idea of working at a place where people drove really nice cars.

That place turned out to be a land brokerage and after decades of opportunities, hard work, and generous mentors, that boy is now Division President of Richmond American Homes. During our conversation with Michael "Frenchy" Iles-Cremieux, he got real on several topics, including:

· his history with the Madrids

· Nature vs Nurture

· how childhood friendships impacted his future

· the expectations we place on our kids

· the principle of "Connessione"

· letting go of the glory days

· growing up on the westside

· the shift from land to production building - KB Home, Richmond American, and Meritage

· his lack of entrepreneurial courage

· navigating the recession

· the quest for work-life balance

· traumatic parenting

· Imposter Syndrome

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In 2012, newly licensed Oleg Bortman and Tucker Blalock met at a showing in Arcadia. Shortly thereafter, they forged a partnership with a handshake and dove into learning the real estate business and staking their claim on The Biltmore. After a few brand iterations and a lot of growth, they founded The Brokery, a hyper-local boutique brokerage centered on the neighborhood where it all began.  

During our conversation, Oleg and Tucker got real on several topics, including: 

“Say yes and figure it out later!” - Justin Hodge  

Justin Hodge, Co-Founder & CEO of Muscular Moving Men is an anomaly in his industry. In the twelve years since he and his partner Josh Jurhill started the company, they have seen tremendous growth as a result of their commitment to unparalleled service and building relationships, particularly with real estate professionals.   

During our conversation, Justin got real on several topics, including:

How he ended up in the moving business (4:33) 

Where they got their name (7:55) 

Hiring an attack dog service (15:40) 

Company core values (18:24) 

Starting a commercial division (25:55)  

Teaching his kids about community service (33:14) 

Helping an agent with a close of escrow crisis (35:55) 

How MMM is expanding into the future (41:10) 

Episode Resources: 

“I think that whenever you get into positions where a lot is asked of you…you have to grab onto something that’s much larger than yourself.” -Ray Damm

Ray Damm is our first guest that comes from the nonprofit world. He is CEO of ACCEL, a private nonprofit organization serving children and adults who have developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders and cognitive disabilities. In this episode, Ray shares his passion for mission-driven work and the impact that ACCEL is having on underserved populations in our own backyard, as well as in Saudi Arabia. He reflects on coming from a family of over-achieving do-gooders, his penchant for timepieces with history, and the importance the private sector plays in giving back to the community.

During our conversation, Ray got real on several topics, including:

• The Mission of ACCEL (8:49)
• Autism prevalence rates (10:14)
• Saudi Arabia - How did that happen? (12:03)
• Non-profit Misconceptions (16:40)
• Private industry supporting non-profit organizations (26:13)
• Mentors/Family (28:48)
• Travel Goals (34:47)
• Chronography obsession (37:02)Please Enjoy, Like & Share!

Instagram: @realtalkwithryanmadrid

YouTube: Real Talk with Ryan Madrid

Real Talk with Ryan Madrid is sponsored by:

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