She Drove Uber to Survive the Market—Now She’s a Top Agent Again (Renee Burke)

Summary

Stay Paid Podcast: She Drove Uber to Survive the Market—Now She’s a Top Agent Again (Renee Burke)
Release Date: April 28, 2025

Hosts: Luke Acree and Joshua Stike
Guest: Renee Burke, Top-Producing Real Estate Agent, Arizona
Episode Duration: Approximately 32 minutes

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Introduction to Renee Burke [02:27]

In this inspiring episode of the Stay Paid Podcast, hosts Luke Acree and Joshua Stike welcome Renee Burke, a top-producing real estate agent from Arizona known as the "Real Estate Home CEO." Renee shares her remarkable journey from struggling in a challenging market to overcoming obstacles by driving for Uber and ultimately reclaiming her status as a leading agent.

Renee's Journey in Real Estate [02:37 - 07:16]

Renee begins by recounting how she discovered the Stay Paid Podcast in 2019 through a promotional postcard. Initially, her entry into real estate was unconventional; she didn't follow the typical path of cultivating relationships from the start. Instead, her husband, an aspiring home flipper, "threw her down the stairs" into real estate, making him her sole client initially. This led to early success, closing 18 homes in her first year. However, as the home-flipping business became less profitable, Renee had to seek her own clients, leading to significant challenges.

Notable Quote:

Renee Burke [04:14]: "I was really struggling with getting my own clients and because I was working in a company... I didn't know what to do with real estate."

Challenges Faced During Market Downturn [10:19]

Renee discusses the difficulties she faced in a tough real estate market exacerbated by rising interest rates and unrealistic home pricing strategies from the previous years. As the market shifted, she found herself needing additional income to meet financial commitments, which led her to take an unexpected step—driving for Uber.

Notable Quote:

Renee Burke [10:19]: "I am just going to use my vehicle as my way that I am meeting people, connecting people."

Driving for Uber: A Strategic Move [07:16 - 14:04]

To stay afloat, Renee began driving Uber, using her vehicle as a networking tool. She strategically displayed her real estate brochures in her car, creating opportunities to connect with influential individuals. This endeavor led to meaningful interactions, including a memorable encounter with Tom Maynard, CTO of ReMax, which culminated in a personal phone call from Nick Daley, CEO of ReMax.

Notable Quotes:

Renee Burke [13:07]: "I met the catching coach of the Chicago Cubs... and then the CTO of ReMax."

Renee Burke [14:49]: "I got a call from Nick Daley, the CEO of ReMax, personally encouraging me to stay with the business."

Impact of Networking and Serendipitous Connections [14:03 - 16:26]

The unexpected phone call from Nick Daley was a pivotal moment for Renee, reinforcing her commitment to her real estate career despite the hardships. This encounter highlighted the power of perseverance and the importance of maintaining authentic relationships.

Notable Quote:

Renee Burke [15:22]: "Nick Bailey, the CEO of ReMax, took the time to call me... it was the coolest thing."

Investing in Coaching and Personal Growth [16:26 - 21:56]

Renee emphasizes the significance of investing in herself through coaching, specifically with Tom Ferry. She credits this investment with revitalizing her business strategies, enhancing her productivity, and instilling a sense of accountability. Renee shares an experience where she took full responsibility for missing a coaching session, which reinforced her dedication to continuous improvement.

Notable Quote:

Renee Burke [20:24]: "I just had to take full responsibility. I owned it and I took responsibility for it."

The Power of Relationship Building [21:56 - 28:32]

The discussion shifts to the importance of building genuine relationships in real estate. Renee shares her philosophy of helping others without expecting immediate returns, fostering authentic connections that eventually lead to business growth. Hosts and guests agree that adding value and maintaining consistent, meaningful interactions are key to standing out in a competitive market.

Notable Quotes:

Stephen Acre [25:40]: "Look to just add value and build your relationship with people with nothing in return."

Luke Acree [26:02]: "If you can touch base with people in the off moments, that's when you actually stand out."

Lessons Learned and Key Takeaways [28:32 - 31:05]

Renee reflects on her journey, highlighting lessons of humility, persistence, and the importance of continuous learning. She reinforces the idea that top producers succeed by taking actionable steps, maintaining humility, and consistently adding value to their relationships.

Notable Quotes:

Luke Acree [31:12]: "The difference between top producers and mediocre producers is top producers take action. So give hope to somebody today. Go take action on that."

Conclusion and Action Items [31:12 - 32:25]

In closing, Renee provides her contact information and encourages listeners to connect with her through social media and direct communication. The hosts reiterate the episode's key messages about the importance of building authentic relationships, investing in personal growth, and maintaining resilience in the face of challenges.

Actionable Advice:

• Hope: Help one person every day.
• Take Action: Reach out to your network in meaningful ways beyond superficial interactions.
• Invest in Yourself: Seek coaching and continuous education to enhance your skills and accountability.

Final Notable Quote:

Luke Acree [31:48]: "Give hope to somebody today. Go take action on that."

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Connect with Renee Burke

• Instagram: @homeceoburke
• Phone: [phone]
• Tagline: Celebrating Every Opportunity
  Committed to Excellent Outcomes

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This episode of the Stay Paid Podcast offers a compelling narrative of resilience and strategic relationship-building in the real estate industry. Renee Burke's story serves as a testament to the power of persistence, authentic connections, and continuous self-improvement in achieving and maintaining success.

Transcript

[Luke Acree]

Welcome to the Staypay podcast, where we help agents and entrepreneurs master the latest business trends to unlock growth and create a life of freedom. Brought to you by Reminder Media.

[Joshua Stike]

Welcome to Stay Paid. My name is Joshua Stike.

[Luke Acree]

And I'm Luke Acree.

[Joshua Stike]

And if you haven't subscribed to StayPayed yet, please take a minute to go over to YouTube.

[Luke Acree]

We need your votes.

[Joshua Stike]

YouTube.com remindermedia we're trying to get more YouTube viewership. Make sure to go vote for us today because we're up to like, I think 13,000 subscribers.

[Luke Acree]

Dude, did you see the testimonial that just came in from the politician? Yeah. Well, the marketing company that's helping the podcast. Like, I don't want to get involved in politics at all. And we have a great show today. And I don't want to talk politics because, you know, but the only way.

[Joshua Stike]

It'S a local mayor, right?

[Luke Acree]

Yeah, I just want to get in politics from the promotion standpoint of making the money because we helped this guy with his mayor, I guess, campaign through postcards. Like, we're not doing anything but sending out some mailers for him. And his marketing person emailed in and said, your postcards hit at the exact right time. We won. And it made all the difference in helping us win. And I'm just like, I'm like, okay, that's great. And I'm wondering to myself, did we, did we want this guy to get elected? I have no idea. Maybe we should look into that. So now, ladies and gentlemen, we have new problems on our hands because our postcards, I guess politicians are, I say politicians, but their political campaigns are reaching out. Yeah. To do mailers with us. So it's pretty, pretty funny. So we need your vote.

[Joshua Stike]

We need your vote.

[Luke Acree]

Go vote for our podcast. You know, I mean, by subscribing.

[Joshua Stike]

Joining us as always on the podcast today, Cody Smith and Stephen Acre of the Acre Brothers Realty team, the number one team in Lynchburg, Virginia. Welcome, gentlemen.

[Cody Smith]

What's up, ladies and gentlemen?

[Stephen Acre]

What up?

[Joshua Stike]

And our very special guest. This is exciting because this has been somebody that we've had a relationship with a while here and has always had a goal, I think, to be interviewed on the podcast. Longtime listener, super supportive and we're super appreciative of her, Renee Burke. She is a top producing real estate agent out of Arizona. She is known as the Real estate home CEO, which stands for celebrating every opportunity in order to help others achieve their home ownership and investment dreams. Longtime listener, first time caller, Renee. Welcome to Stay Paid.

[Renee Burke]

Hey, welcome. I'm so excited.

[Luke Acree]

It is great to be. To have you here. I do have to say though, you know, you might need bigger goals if one of your goals is being interviewed by.

[Joshua Stike]

Like a top 300 marketing.

[Luke Acree]

Yeah, yeah, seriously, we're like up there in the top hundreds, you know. No, but Renee, so awesome to have you on the show. I know you've been a long time listener. We've been connected for a while. I would love for you to share kind of a little bit of your journey. How'd you get connected to us? How do you find Stay Paid to begin with?

[Renee Burke]

Okay, so how I found Stay Paid to begin with was in my mailbox. Remember when you guys had the. The Stay paid thing? That you had the thing and like somebody's opening up their shirt that says stay paid.

[Joshua Stike]

Yeah.

[Luke Acree]

Yes.

[Renee Burke]

That was. That was in my inbox and I'd seen it many times, but then I'm like, oh, I finally clicked on it. I don't remember exactly what stood out that made me click on it, but I clicked on it and listened to the podcast and this was in 2019. And I was actually thinking, I got started in the business because my husband wanted to flip homes, and he likes to say that he threw me down the stairs at real estate. And. And because I had no idea I was a stay at home mom. I had no idea that he wanted me to be like full time, like, doing this thing. And so my first year, I closed 18 homes. And so I was, I was, I was. It was, it was interesting because I actually didn't learn real estate the way most people get into real estate. I like, like you said, I was thrown down the stairs at it. And he was my only client. So I was spoiled in that I had a lot of business and then, you know, got more difficult flipping homes and the profit margin became smaller and he just lost his passion for that. And so he. So I started to need to get my own clients in business. And so in 2019, I was really struggling. I was. Having seen other people, friends of mine, and business. I mean, my little. I was watching my. Sorry. I feel a little nervous, dude.

[Luke Acree]

That's. That makes me feel.

[Joshua Stike]

I feel nervous around Luke as well. I get a little flustered, but that's okay.

[Luke Acree]

And that's because I yell at him a lot. You know, the fear.

[Renee Burke]

It's the fear because of that. All right, so anyway, I really. That was the year that I was struggling with getting my own clients and because I was working in a company that when I started working for them. I was greeted by a virtual receptionist, and I was like, I walk in the door to get my key fob, and when I walked in the door, the TV popped up and it said, hello, welcome to Homesmart. And I'm like, what did I just do? Because I didn't feel like I knew what to do with real estate. But fast forward in 2019, when I was starting to do my own, trying to get my own business, I didn't really have, you know, I wasn't. I wasn't cultivating the relationships and building the business from that perspective that you normally do when you get into real estate. And so I was. I was feeling frustrated. Like, why am I not. Why are my friends not using me? And I had a friend of mine that. That was working for Merrill lynch, and she said, you got to show, not ask. You got to. You gotta. You gotta just get your business and show people. People are gonna be attracted to you because of your results. And so then I started investing in myself. And through the podcast, I had been gleaning on really amazing guests like Ricky Carruth, Sean Carpenter.

[Luke Acree]

Those are some, I mean, great past guests that we've had.

[Renee Burke]

We.

[Luke Acree]

Sean.

[Renee Burke]

Sean Carpenter. Oh, I. I don't know.

[Joshua Stike]

Making a push for the most.

[Luke Acree]

Yeah, she's making a push. But, yeah, Sean, you.

[Joshua Stike]

You, Sean, you got some competition.

[Renee Burke]

Oh, no, Sean has been amazing. I love his. That, you know, I like to think, you know, everybody says real estate is a contact sport, but I love how his tagline is, you know, he's just building friendships, building relationships, solving problem. Solving problems and having fun. And I've can. I've actually taken the time to not only listen to these really great other agents and people and producers of really great. I mean, they're just out. Really amazing people out in their industry. I've not only just listened to them on the podcast, but I've taken the time to connect with them, and so I've built relationships with them. Like, Sean Carpenter and I text on, you know, like, we communicate on social media. And Barb Betts was a really amazing. I met Barb Betts actually through. She was in my inbox also. And I don't really connect with a lot of people in my inbox, but whatever they're sending, that just really resonates with me. And it's not. It's not salesy. It's just relation. It's like connecting. Those are the things. Those are the people that I've taken the time to connect with in real life. And so I've like, transpired that over into my business. But how I found you guys was actually Luke, you cold called me.

[Luke Acree]

There you go.

[Renee Burke]

In December. December of 2019, you cold called me, and I think you were doing a training with one of your employees, and you're trying to get me to buy the magazine. And I'm like, hey, wait a minute. I recognize this voice. Is this Lou? I might have even actually accidentally called you Josh. But I recognized and I said, hey, I know who this is. And you're like, yeah, that's me. And so anyway, I bought the magazine, and that was, you know, kind of the beginning of the journey. And then in March is when I got my first episode, and that's when we had our shutdown with COVID And I'm like, okay, I still need to invest in myself. So I pivoted to the digital magazine, and. And people remember me, like, because of that. And I remember one time coming into a restaurant, and I walk in, and there's a group of people that my husband knows. And when we walk in, the guy goes, hey, that's my favorite Realtor. Or, no, that's my. Yeah, I think he said, that's my favorite Realtor. And I'm like, I've never even done business with him to my husband. And so it was cool. And then. And then the guy that he was standing with walked away, and he was pissed. And then I walked over to him a little bit later because we're waiting for our table, and I said something to him, and he goes, oh, that really means. Oh, no. Before he walks away, he goes, oh, that's great. My wife's a realtor. So, like, the magazines really work. And I know that's not why you had me on the show, but the magazines really work, and they, like, just all of the products make people remember me. And, I mean, Reminder Media was super appreciate.

[Luke Acree]

Yeah. Super appreciative of you saying that means a lot.

[Renee Burke]

Yeah. And then when I was on the beta testing for the re. The Reminder or the Facebook ads is when I really got to know all of you guys a little. A lot better.

[Luke Acree]

Yeah, you got to see a little bit more in depth of our, you know, how we work and stuff like that. Because I remember that the beta group of Facebook ads, that was when we were trying to figure out. We were running them for you guys. Stephen. And then trying to figure out, would this work for other agents. And, Renee, you were part of. Think of a group of six or seven other agents that we were testing it out with. What's so great in that you practice, you know, what you preach and what we preach, which is relationships, because you literally reached out to so many of the guests we've had, like Sean Carpenter. You've reached out to Stephen before Stephen was even on the show multiple times. You have sent me gifts for my kids. You have done things like that throughout our relationship. It was pretty phenomenal. And you always shared, hey, you know, you had a goal. You would love to be interviewed on the podcast one day, and you just stay consistent, always giving, and it's pretty amazing. And then we talked, I don't know, a month or so ago, and you told me this story about where you were at in your business, which I think people can relate to, because this market is really hard right now. And you want to talk a little bit about that Uber story and kind of where you were at that time.

[Renee Burke]

Yeah. So last year was a really challenging year for many, many agents. I think that there's been some statistics rolling around online that NAR said that. I think it was NAR that said that it was either 71 or 74% of agents sold zero homes last year. And I think it goes to the next percentage was the agents that sold 11 between 11 and 20. And so I'm happy to report that I was ended up in that second category for the year last year. And so that was good. But the beginning of the year was really rough, and we had some big financial commitments last year that. That I'm like, I need to bring in some additional revenue because my. I. My. Once the interest rates hit 8% in October of 2024. Right. No, 2023, everybody put on the brakes, and it was just really challenging. And I think that. What. What. There's something interesting that I don't think people have been talking about, is there. You guys just had a podcast a couple days ago, and somebody brought up that statistic as well. And I think that part of that is, yes, the interest rates were higher, but I also feel like there was this. It was like the hangover from the 2021 and the 2022, where people were just unrealistically wanting to price their homes overpriced last year. And honestly, in my professional opinion now, I believe that that's not a great strategy. It helps sell other homes, period. And so that's part of one of the things. But going back to your question or what you wanted me to talk about was I. I ended up driving for Uber, and I'm like, you know what? I was a little bit like, oh, I don't really want to do this, but I'm like, you know what? I need to be proud of my accomplishment. I sold over 5 million in sales the year before, and I'm a great agent. I've reached, you know, executive, a hundred percent club. I'm. I'm a top producing agent. It's just. We were in a hard market, and I thought about it. You know what? I am just going to use my vehicle as my way that I am meeting people, connecting people. I had five listings, and I had all the brochures in my car, and they're beautiful. And I had. Had a nice. You know, I have a nice car. People would get in and they're. They. You know, they would see that I'm a successful person. And it's. It's not like I'm driving a beater car saying, hey, I'm a realtor. I. And. And I did it strategically because. Yeah, I did it strategically because we have, you know, Arizona is a great place for people to want to come. For Snowbirds, we had the Barrett Jackson. We had the Waste Management. We had the Arabian horse show. We had spring training.

[Luke Acree]

And.

[Renee Burke]

And spring training is actually what. Where I got my wonderful story. But I was meeting really great people. I met the catching coach of the Chicago Cubs, and the day that I dropped him off at the Cubs stadium, my next person that I picked up happened to be the CTO of ReMax. And I pick him up, and I get out of my car, and I'm, you know, open my. My lid for him to put his bag in, and I say good morning, or whatever. I said was kind of funny. And however he responded was. Was in a way that made me be more, you know, like, more. Not flirty, but playful. And I said, oh, every day we. We have breath in our lungs. That's a good day. And I hop in my car, and then he's. We're talking, and he sees my brochures in the back of the seat, and he goes, oh, you're ReMax? And I go, yeah, I'm ReMax. And I go, I'm not ReMax, but I'm with ReMax. And he goes, so am I.

[Luke Acree]

And.

[Renee Burke]

And then he tells me what his position is, and I'm like. All of a sudden, my eyes got all teary and welled up, and I'm like, I can't believe I feel embarrassed. And I'm driving this chief technology officer in my car, and he's like, you know what? I've been in many, you know, other Ubers that. And they're Realtors, but it's not often that it's ReMax. And then all of a sudden I'm.

[Luke Acree]

Like, yeah, that didn't make you feel too good.

[Renee Burke]

It. It made me feel. You know, what? It is what it is. And. And I'm like, I just gotta do what I have to do for my family. And. And actually, I made a lot of money working for Uber, and I met some really amazing people. And then the cool thing is, the next day, I know you're not gonna believe me, but the next day I got a phone call. You can't, can you. Can you see this?

[Luke Acree]

From Nick Daley.

[Renee Burke]

I got a Cally, the CEO of ReMax. He called me personally. And I look at. I look down and I see the. His name come up on my caller id, and I'm like, my heart kind of stopped. And I answered the phone, and I usually say, hello, this is Renee, but I answered, and I go, hello, is this Nick Bailey? And he goes. And I'm like, oh, my God, I can't believe that. The CEO of ReMax took their time to call me. And I thought it was the coolest thing.

[Luke Acree]

And.

[Renee Burke]

And he just encouraged me to say, you know what? We're in a hard market. Tom was really impressed with you. And. And, you know, we know that you're going to be, you know, continue to be a successful agent, and we appreciate what you're doing and just, you know, stay with it and don't give up on it. I'm like, oh, I'm not giving up. I have five listings and I'm gonna sell those babies. So anyway, that's. But I can tell you that I've actually shared this story with some people and, you know, some. It's. I feel like. I feel sometimes I. It's humbling to be there, but it's like, I'm not the only one that's there. I know there's a lot of other people that have felt that same way or struggled or a lot of people might have even left the business, but I didn't. I stuck around. And I've already achieved my executive level here, and I'm about ready to get in, achieve my 100% club. And so it's. You know, it's. I invested in myself, so it's so good.

[Luke Acree]

I. I wanted you to share. When you shared that story with me on the phone a month or so ago, I was like, oh, my gosh, I have got to get you on the show to share that story, because I think there's just so many incredible lessons from that. And one that really sticks out to me is just humility. And, you know, I was sharing this on a. Almost a different subject matter, but same concept of life. It's like one of the biggest problems in life is that you have to have confidence to stand up and keep going and believe. But humility and humbleness to not feel like you don't need help or that you're willing to get out there and be made fun of or fail in front of people. And I think just the. Like you said, there's literally nothing wrong with driving Uber. Everybody. Yeah, exactly. I'm thinking to myself, dang, dude. But the point being is, like, you were willing to do it where most people would quit, and you don't. Like, you were willing to push through that. And then, you know, you also think of. You said this guy's name was Tom, the cto, Tom Maynard. Right. And think about leadership. Pays attention to the details. Doesn't just meet you, but goes back and tells the CEO, Nick, that's a great story. Nick then is the. As a leadership principle, reaches out to his people to just check in and encourage. And then the inspiration that gave you, and now you're taking that inspiration as a ripple effect and sharing it with others. And, like, that is how it works. But it's all the small little details. And it starts with not giving up.

[Renee Burke]

No, I totally agree. I feel like I don't. I'm not embarrassed to tell a story just because of how it ended, because that I really. It's not about me. It's about. I really take. My biggest takeaway is that I loved how much REMAX cared about me. I'm just this little person. I'm just this little solo agent. And that ReMax cared enough about me to encourage me. So I think that that was really powerful. And. And then the cool thing is that we just had R4 in February, which is where we go, you know, when. When agents achieve their reward, awards and whatnot. We have an award ceremony, and we learn and do new things at the convention. And I saw Tom and I. And I said to my. My. The girl that I drove up there with, I said to her, man, there's two people I want to get a picture with. And. And one is Tom Maynard. And of course, I ran into him the first night that we were there, and I got a picture with him, and he's like, I knew you could do this. I knew you would be here. So it was cool. And. And the Other cool thing that, that. Well, it's not cool thing that came out of that but, but I, I continued to invest in myself and I started coaching with Tom Ferry and I feel like that's really grown my business and I'm you know, doing the magazines and I took a break from doing the magazines because I just didn't, I just, I was trying to manage my money and I took on the, took on the Tom Ferry coaching and I've, you know, with ReMax, I pay a lot of money to be there. But anyway, I have invested in myself and I am seeing that the re. The results are coming from me taking the time to invest in my business.

[Luke Acree]

I love that. It's interesting. What do you feel the Tom Ferry coaching is doing for you? Because I tend to agree. I think every, every person needs a coach and needs multiple coaches in their life. Right. So you need a coach for relationships, a coach for your faith, a coach for your business, coach for different aspects of your business from marketing to sales to operations. Like the, the bigger you get, the more fine tuned you, you want your coaching to be. But what do you feel like it, the difference has been made. Like structurally what are they having you do that's making a difference?

[Renee Burke]

Well, okay, so back when I was doing the beta test for you, remember when we first did that, I wasn't using a CRM, I was using little note cards. I remember now I have a CRM. I didn't have a system back then and, and like I said, I didn't learn how to do this business right from the beginning. And. Yep. So it's like brought me back to being a new, a new agent sort of where I'm, you know, I, I'm investing in the tools that are going to help me succeed and the things that are going to be doing work for me behind the background and they're just making me more productive. And I think the biggest thing for me is the accountability on it because I know I have that weekly call and I don't want to be, I don't want to show up and not have done the work. You know, there was one time where, where I didn't get all the stuff done because I took a little bit of personal time and, and I was thinking to myself that morning, I'm like, oh my God, I want to, I want to like make up an excuse. I want to, I want to call in and I'm like, I'm not doing this. I'm just going to take full responsibility. I'm going to get on the call and tell them, you know what? I didn't do what I needed to do. And it was again humiliating and humbling, but I owned it and I took responsibility for it. And I haven't had to have that other. I haven't had that feeling again since then because I don't want to feel like that.

[Stephen Acre]

There's so many foundational things that you've talked through today, which is so good for people to hear. Like the number one we always talk about when we're talking to someone wanting to get into real estate. And what's the number one thing that makes someone a good realtor? And the number one thing we always talk about is drive. You have to have the drive because it's going to be up, it's going to be down, it's going to be up, it's going to be down. And when you're in that down place, if you don't have that drive, you're not going to make it through. You're going to choose just to leave instead, which you've shown, you know, the drive that you have to get through it. That's such a good lesson. And in addition, like always learning, so looking to not understand that you don't have all the answers. Even if you've been in the business for five, 10 years, the top producers are still learning, still educating and then coaching. Like, all three of those things are so foundational in being a good realtor. And you're just like, preach that throughout, like your example of your life, which is awesome.

[Luke Acree]

Yeah, that's super. Well said. The more you grow and the more you learn, the more you realize, yeah, I don't really know anything. You know what I mean?

[Joshua Stike]

I'm finding that out.

[Luke Acree]

I literally, the more I grow, I go, gosh, all the things I was confident in.

[Joshua Stike]

Kruger.

[Luke Acree]

Yeah, I'm not confident anymore because you just realize there's so much that you don't know about certain topics. Like, I've changed. It used to be I would get on stage and be like, this is what you got to do. Now I'm just like, I really have no idea what you should be doing. But let me tell you what we've done that has worked. And I think it could work for you just because you just go, I, yeah, I don't know. But it's that type of mentality, that continuation of learning, no giving up also. Exactly. That's what makes a huge difference. I'm curious, like, do you find that the relationship building and you've invested money and time and energy pay has paid off for you. Would you do things different in what you have done with the relationship building the last few years? I think the struggle people have with the building of relationships is it's not instant gratification. And then to speak to your point, Cody, of the ups and downs, when you get into a down, you feel like, well, what's the point of this? You know what I mean? I've spent all this time loving on people, and I'm still not winning. So it gets really hard to keep going in the relationship style of business, which I believe is the right way to go. I'm just curious. Curious. Your take, Renee, of like, looking at what you've done from the relationship side, would you change things? Has it paid dividends for you?

[Renee Burke]

Yeah. Okay. So I like to think of myself as a student of. A student of learning. And when I wasn't seeing the results, and I remember when I asked that, my friend that worked at Merrill Lynch, I said to myself, you know, I had to have a paradigm shift where instead of me saying, man, why. Why are people not working with me? I took a shift and thought, you know what? I am actually someone stranger to their friend. And when I stopped getting all worried about me, why are people not working with me? Why are people that I know not choosing to work with me? And I stopped questioning that, and I just started just focusing on helping to serve other people. Like, I like to. I like to think of the acronym of hope Help one person every day. And whether I am. Whether. No, to answer your question, no, I wouldn't do anything different with relational. Relationally, because I think the way I'm wired is I have a heart to serve, and I want to make a difference. I want to leave a mark that matters, and I want to make a difference to people. And if the things that I do. Like, I'm really not a memorable person. I'm not. But the things that I do.

[Luke Acree]

Don't say that you're memorable.

[Renee Burke]

Well, the things that I do make me memorable because I. I want to. I want other people to know that they're seen, that they're heard, that they're important. And that's really my character and who. Well, it's my character that I strive to be. I hope that's how I am perceived. But.

[Luke Acree]

Well, to affirm you in. In that. In the. In one regard, and this is important, I think, for the audience to hear is, you know, how many thousands of agents do we work with? I mean, tens of thousands. I think it's been it's probably 150,000. Over 150,000 at this point. And obviously we've been at this podcast for seven plus years, you know, tens of thousands of listeners and you are someone for. No, like, it's not like you've, you like we have this quick or pro relationship or anything like that where you're out there as a spokesperson for Reminder Media. You've just been an awesome person and you've always been in my Instagram feed, we've DM back and forth like relationship wise. So that's a testament to like you are doing something that is cutting you through the noise of the 150,000 agents that I've worked with and I'm following thousands of agents on social media. So I think it is a testament of you do take the time to actually dm, to actually do the things that most people won't do. And there's someone similar to you. And it's funny, he's in Arizona and he's in the title business. The guy named Anthony that I just started to get to know in the past year. And he reminds me a ton of you in the way he, he just engages and does things. And he is in my mind, it's like someone, when I think of Arizona and I think of title and all that stuff, I think of this guy. And so just to affirm you have like, no, no, what you are doing is cutting you through the noise. And I think at a high degree because of just the amount of noise that I see all day long on social media and the people that I'm meeting with. And so it's like the lesson for me to the audience is going, the difference is that you're actually doing something in the relationship. Like you're calling Steven or you are DMing Sean Carpenter. You're not just liking his post, you're actually reaching out through the noise. You, you're sending me a gift for my son William. Like, you're like, you're doing things that are action based versus just what everybody else is doing. Like everybody else will comment on the happy birthday post. Everybody else will like your Instagram post. Everybody else will say great job on the post that everybody says great job on. It's like, you know, when Megan and I post about, you know, having another kid or something like that. Well, everybody's going to comment, you know, congrats. Because those are like the big moments. But you're doing it on the off moments. And if you can, if you can touch base with people in the off moments, that's when you actually stand out.

[Stephen Acre]

Right. It's like creating like an authentic relationship more than just a like or something like that. And I think that's. You can look at that to apply it to with your clients. But what we've been trying to teach to our agents is like that's why you go to conferences. That's why you go to different things to make these relationships. But it's not just the hey, send me a referral. Right. It has to be based on hey, how can I help you? How can I add value? And creating a true relationship that then moves your business forward, but also moves their business forward. So that's been one of the most impactful things I think with us as well as like when I'm. Because with agents it's so hard to do that because it's not instantaneous return. Right. It is a development of building a relationship. Someone to then eventually maybe possibly get a return which isn't the ultimate point. My first duplex that I bought was from building relationship with another person, another market and just adding value and looking to build something with nothing in return. We recently just got a referral from same thing from a mega agent camp. 120 acre development that they're looking for us to help with. All based on just that relationship goal that you did, Renee. And that's what people should take away is look to just add value and build your relationship with people with nothing in return.

[Joshua Stike]

Well said, Cody. Renee, this.

[Renee Burke]

Oh, I wanted to share one more thing.

[Joshua Stike]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Renee Burke]

I want to share one more thing. So. Okay. So you know how you got a lot of you guys? I think Cody, did you do 75 hard?

[Stephen Acre]

No.

[Joshua Stike]

That was the best reaction.

[Luke Acree]

Steven's done it. I've done it. Josh, you did it too.

[Renee Burke]

Okay. So I like to think of it as I'm not doing 75 hard because I would talk at it. But I try to be 365 consistent. I know that didn't really come out right. So instead of being.

[Luke Acree]

Yeah, I actually love it. 365 I will. I will. I will speak into your life, Renee. You like you have. You're saying the right things, doing the right things. Just have the confidence behind it because even that is gold. And that's for everybody to hear. It's like, don't doubt yourself because you know, I'm not doubting myself literally. That. That is spot on. 365. 365 consistent.

[Joshua Stike]

Love it.

[Stephen Acre]

Yes. Yeah.

[Luke Acree]

Yeah, yeah.

[Stephen Acre]

I do the 365.

[Luke Acree]

Yeah. He's like 75 hearts for voices. I do, I do the 365.

[Renee Burke]

Yeah.

[Joshua Stike]

This has been awesome. Before we close out, please let people know how they can connect with you and follow you.

[Renee Burke]

Renee Burke with. I'm so used to saying Renee Burke with ReMax. My handle on Instagram is home CEO. Renee Burke. And I do actually have a 303 phone number because I'm still from Colorado 303-995-3567. And I, I, my tagline is the celebrating every opportunity.

[Luke Acree]

But.

[Renee Burke]

But I also like to say this year committed to excellent outcomes. And so anyway, it's so exciting to be on the show. Thank you so much for having me.

[Stephen Acre]

Keep crushing it.

[Cody Smith]

Yeah, keep crushing it.

[Joshua Stike]

Steve and Cody. Thank you, gentlemen.

[Cody Smith]

Yep. Absolutely. Yeah, keep reaching out. Guys, I just got another phone call from someone about wholesales and I just love having conversations with you guys. And again, it's about relationships. You know, I get to network with agents all over the country and so I just love to hear about you guys business, how you're crushing it. And then if you want to know anything about our business, if you want to talk to Cody, you know, we'll get you on a zoom call phone call with him. We'd love to touch base.

[Stephen Acre]

Yeah, I'm sitting with someone next week that's just shadow me for a day that lives like three hours away.

[Joshua Stike]

Awesome.

[Stephen Acre]

If we can add value and like look and nothing in return, that's just to help their business and grow.

[Luke Acree]

Yep.

[Joshua Stike]

That's fantastic. Thank you all so much for listening. You can get all of that information in the show notes of this podcast episode as well as over@staypaid podcast.com and of course, you can subscribe to us on YouTube. We are YouTube.com reminder media. So go over there, subscribe to Reminder Media, make sure that you've got the stay Paid playlist enabled. And then like this video, give this video a thumbs up. Best way to show your support for the show is to share this episode with somebody that you know. If you want to get a hold of me or Luke, you can email us at podcast reminder media.com and of course you can follow us on Instagram. We are at Stay Paid podcast for this episode of Stay Paid. I'm Joshua Steik.

[Luke Acree]

And I'm Luke Acre. Rene, thank you so much for coming on. It really is a pleasure and it's been awesome getting to know you. And you dropped some insane wisdom today. My action item for everybody, I think can be broken down in that acronym that you gave of hope helping one person every day. And if you think about, you know, why I think I believe you're successful is because you are looking to add value. And the key here for everyone is stop for a second and think about your relationships and your database and go, who am I going to reach out to today? And not just do what everybody's doing, I'm going to do something different, whether it's a phone call to them, a video message actually sending them a dm, but do the activity, because ultimately that's going to create the ripple effect. And you saw it in your story where the CTO literally tells Nick Bailey and he reached out. And that has a massive ripple effect on you and the people that you interact with. And you could be that for somebody. I know you are that person for some people, Renee. So I appreciate you coming on. Remember, guys, the difference between top producers and mediocre producers. In every business, it's top producers take action. So give hope to somebody today. Go take action on that.