Podcast
The Real Experts
Hosted by Brett Jennings · EN
If you're ready to go from ordinary to extraordinary and become the best version of yourself, The Real Experts podcast is here to motivate, lead, and inspire you to create your best life through real estate. Get the mindset, strategies, and tactics essential for elevating your business. Hosted by Brett Jennings, a Harvard-trained negotiation expert and Mega-team leader who sold over $1B in real estate in a single year. With experience training under Tony Robbins and Deepak Chopra, Brett brings a unique perspective on success, blending personal growth, business growth, and servant leadership.
13episodes
Episodes
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EP12: From Burnout to Breakthrough: Mindset Shifts That Took Spring Bengtzen From Stuck to Scaling
Jun 1900:31:32Tap to summarizeSuccess in real estate isn’t just about market trends. It’s about mindset, adaptability, and leadership. On this episode of The Real Experts Podcast, Brett Jennings sits down with Spring Bengtzen, CEO of Utah Life Real Estate Group.Spring’s journey into real estate wasn’t planned. She started her career in cosmetology, but a chance dinner conversation led her into a role she never expected. Her first six months in the industry were spent shadowing an agent, learning everything she could. Until one day, she closed her first deal over the phone. "I just repeated what I had heard the agent say a hundred times: 'Would you like to make an offer?' And the answer was yes." That moment changed everything.But real estate success isn’t a straight line. When the 2008 financial crisis hit, Spring had to pivot...fast! She went from selling luxury homes in a resort town to handling short sales and foreclosures, an experience that reshaped how she viewed the industry. "Homes will always sell in any market. You just have to be willing to adjust."Over the years, Spring built her team, but growth wasn’t immediate. She ran a small, elite group of agents, each closing over 40 homes a year until a mentor challenged her to scale. That moment of reflection led to a complete rebuild of her business model, shifting from a tight-knit unit to a high-growth team of 80+ agents.In this episode, Spring shares how she overcame self-doubt, the game-changing lessons from coaching, and why she believes that vibration and energy are the real currencies of success. She also discusses her next chapter, which includes expanding beyond real estate into coaching and mentorship.Here are the key takeaways:(2:23) First real estate breakthrough after rejection(7:47) Owning a small market & making 30 under 30(9:47) Overcoming stagnation & learning to scale(12:05) Making the same money for 17 years(13:24) Burnout, marriage, and finding a bigger purpose(14:53) The NLP training that changed everything(19:02) Understanding mindset and energy in business(22:34) Finding your zone of genius(24:18) Why market downturns are a blessing in disguise(25:28) The decision to step out of the bubble and grow(28:15) How to scale fast as a small teamCurious about what it really takes to scale a real estate business while staying aligned with personal growth? Tune in now to hear Spring’s story and how her mindset shift took her from surviving to thriving.About Spring BengtzenSpring Bengtzen is the CEO of Utah Life Real Estate Group and an associate broker at eXp Realty. Leading one of the top real estate teams in the country, she and her team sold 750 homes in 2023, totaling $350 million in volume. She speaks across North America, sharing strategies with real estate team owners on building successful businesses. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.Contact Spring at: Utah Life Real Estate GroupSpring BLinkedIn About Brett Jennings Brett Jennings is the founder of Real Estate Experts and a recognized figure in the real estate industry, known for his expertise in luxury home marketing and negotiation, certified by Harvard Law. His achievements include being named in the top 1/10th of the top 1% of real estate groups by the Wall Street Journal. Beyond accolades, Brett is passionate about coaching clients through real estate decisions to impact their lives positively. His unique approach combines real estate knowledge, financial insight, and life coaching, ensuring clients navigate the market confidently.Contact Brett at: LinkedInWebsite
Transcribe →EP11: Kyle Whissel Proven Strategies to Close Over 800 Deals a Year
Jun 5, 202500:44:35Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The Real Experts Podcast, Brett Jennings welcomes Kyle Whissel, the CEO of Whissel Realty Group, recognized as the top real estate team in San Diego. Kyle’s introduction to real estate came with a surprising twist—he initially hated it. But after seeing an opportunity during the 2008 housing crash, he pivoted from commercial real estate to residential sales and started building his brokerage. “I’ve always thought about streams of sales, not just one transaction,” Kyle explains. This mindset has driven his approach to building a team and a business that thrives even in tough markets.In this conversation, Kyle dives into the critical mistakes he made early in his journey, like hiring anyone willing to work, which cost him over $100,000 in one year. He shares how identifying the right team members and adopting the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) helped him create a culture rooted in core values. From there, Whissel Realty Group grew to over 110 agents, closing nearly 900 deals annually.Kyle also talks about leveraging technology to streamline operations and scale effectively. But it’s not just about tools—it's about the people using them. “The right person with the right platform can achieve extraordinary results,” he notes.Whether it’s structuring his team based on performance quartiles or setting expectations that are enforced across all levels, Kyle’s leadership style ensures accountability and fosters consistent growth. This episode highlights the importance of thinking big, staying disciplined, and building a team culture that lasts.Here are the key takeaways:(2:32) How a $17k sale started a real estate career(5:56) The $100k hiring mistake that changed everything(9:52) How relationships built a real estate network(13:39) Core values and systems: fixing the hiring process(15:00) Why isn’t your CRM delivering results?(19:37) Defining core values the right way(28:05) Why do performance quartiles work?(30:04) The role of expectations in team retention(33:21) The model that balances support and autonomy(34:07) The danger of blinders in real estate(36:53) Shiny object syndrome: the real estate trap(38:51) The three-thing rule for business growth(40:54) The power of partnering for growthJoin us as we explore Kyle’s journey and the systems that have made Whissel Realty Group a standout in the industry.About Kyle WhisselKyle Whissel is the CEO and team leader of Whissel Realty Group, brokered by eXp Realty. With over 16 years of experience, Kyle has built a top-performing team in San Diego, recognized as the #1 real estate team in the county by The Wall Street Journal. His leadership focuses on leveraging systems, technology, and a team-oriented approach to deliver exceptional results across three locations in San Diego County. Kyle is also a national speaker and a prominent figure in the Fast Forward Movement at eXp Realty.Contact Kyle at: WebsiteLinkedIn About Brett Jennings Brett Jennings is the founder of Real Estate Experts and a recognized figure in the real estate industry, known for his expertise in luxury home marketing and negotiation, certified by Harvard Law. His achievements include being named in the top 1/10th of the top 1% of real estate groups by the Wall Street Journal. Beyond accolades, Brett is passionate about coaching clients through real estate decisions to impact their lives positively. His unique approach combines real estate knowledge, financial insight, and life coaching, ensuring clients navigate the market confidently.Contact Brett at: LinkedInWebsite
Transcribe →EP10: Jon Cheplak’s 7-Step Framework for Redefining Accountability and Driving Results
May 19, 202500:38:23Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to move from managing chaos to mastering clarity? In this episode of The Real Experts podcast, Brett Jennings sits down with Jon Cheplak, a renowned real estate coach whose principles have transformed how real estate leaders approach growth, accountability, and leadership. Jon’s journey is not your typical success story. From working 110-hour weeks juggling jobs as a nightclub bouncer and seafood warehouse worker to selling 100 homes annually in his early career, Jon’s story exemplifies grit and determination. “The growth of your business is not outside of you—it’s inside of you,” Jon shares, emphasizing the undeniable link between personal development and professional success.A key highlight of this episode is Jon’s groundbreaking Seven-Step Accountability Framework. This principle-based approach reshapes how leaders motivate teams and hold them accountable with love, not condemnation. According to Jon, “Accountability is the highest form of love you can show another human being.” Jon also delves into the power of reframing challenges. Whether it was navigating his daughter’s health issues or redefining his identity in real estate leadership, he used fear as fuel and obstacles as stepping stones. His story illustrates how a shift in perspective—such as viewing accountability as a tool for growth rather than judgment—can unlock new levels of success.Here are the key takeaways:(2:11) How 100 doors a day transformed a real estate career(3:47) Medical bills, setbacks, and a leap into leadership(6:54) Fear as a catalyst for growth(9:03) Real estate business or a human behavior business?(11:12) 100 doors a day and the lesson in growth(12:50) How challenges shape resilient leaders(18:16) Why changing lives is the ultimate achievement(20:40) Accountability: the essential link between goals and success(26:24) The risk and reward of giving honest feedback(27:43) The seven steps of accountability(31:38) The leadership mistake holding accountability back(34:23) The hard truth about popularity vs. principlesThis episode isn’t just about strategies; it’s a call to action for leaders to align with their principles, embrace vulnerability, and empower their teams through authenticity. Tune in to learn how Jon’s approach to leadership, growth, and accountability can reshape not only your business but also your life.About Jon CheplakJon Cheplak is a leadership and productivity coach specializing in real estate. As the CEO of The Real Recruiter and founder of Cheplak Live, he has coached over 60% of the top real estate brokers and team leaders in the U.S. With decades of experience spanning sales, management, and executive roles, Jon focuses on helping organizations achieve growth by attracting, developing, and retaining top talent. His proven systems have added billions in sales volume to teams worldwide.Contact Jon at: Cheplak Live WebsiteThe Real Recruiter WebsiteLinkedIn About Brett Jennings Brett Jennings is the founder of Real Estate Experts and a recognized figure in the real estate industry, known for his expertise in luxury home marketing and negotiation, certified by Harvard Law. His achievements include being named in the top 1/10th of the top 1% of real estate groups by the Wall Street Journal. Beyond accolades, Brett is passionate about coaching clients through real estate decisions to impact their lives positively. His unique approach combines real estate knowledge, financial insight, and life coaching, ensuring clients navigate the market confidently.Contact Brett at: LinkedInWebsite
Transcribe →EP09: Live to Give: Secrets of a $2Billion Dollar Real Estate Leader
Mar 17, 202500:39:59Tap to summarizeWhat drives a $2 billion career in luxury real estate? Brett Jennings explores this question with Anthony Marguleas, founder of Amalfi Estates, in this episode of The Real Experts Podcast. With over three decades of experience, Anthony has built a reputation for excellence, including a record-breaking $63.1 million sale of the Hearst Estate.Anthony’s story begins with a leap of faith. Starting his brokerage in 1994 without prior sales experience, he taught himself the ropes and developed innovative strategies that set his firm apart. He shares how Amalfi Estates evolved from working solely with buyers to becoming a leading full-service luxury brand.Giving back has always been central to Anthony’s philosophy. His team donates 10% of earnings to charity, totaling $200,000 last year. “Charity is personal, but it’s also powerful. When you give, you inspire others to do the same,” he shares. Mentorship is another focus, with Anthony helping agents achieve clarity and success through consistent guidance and goal-setting.Anthony highlights the 1-3-5 rule, a framework that helps his agents set clear income goals, prioritize lead generation strategies, and develop actionable steps for success. He shares how applying this rule to his own business helped him break out of a $25M sales plateau and hit $110M in just one year.Here are the key takeaways:(3:01) Starting a brokerage with no experience(6:20) Referring $100 million in listings without taking a fee(9:04) The law of reciprocity: giving without expectations(14:01) What happens when you grow a team too quickly?(14:55) Shifting the focus from units sold to net income(16:55) Why developing people matters more than numbers(20:15) Finding focus through coaching and planning(21:26) Why transactional experience beats years in real estate(24:03) Why “slow markets” are a myth(27:33) The income buckets needed to hit $30 million(29:56) What are the most effective lead-generation pillars?(33:12) How do you scale real estate success to new levels?(35:50) Mentoring agents for financial and personal growth.By focusing on strategies like vision boards and data-driven planning, he has consistently thrived in challenging markets. Anthony reflects on how identifying opportunities—even in downturns—has been key to his growth, saying, “It’s about finding the motivated buyers and sellers in any market.”Tune in to discover how Anthony’s journey blends business success, philanthropy, and a passion for mentoring the next generation of real estate leaders.About Anthony MarguleasAnthony Marguleas is the founder of Amalfi Estates, an independent real estate firm established in 1995 in Southern California. With over 31 years in the industry, he has closed more than $2 billion in sales, including the $63.1 million Hearst Estate auction. Anthony is deeply committed to philanthropy, donating 10% of commissions to charities, which has totaled over $2 million since 2015. He also mentors agents and shares his expertise through teaching and speaking engagements at industry events and universities.Contact Anthony at: WebsiteLinkedIn About Brett Jennings Brett Jennings is the founder of Real Estate Experts and a recognized figure in the real estate industry, known for his expertise in luxury home marketing and negotiation, certified by Harvard Law. His achievements include being named in the top 1/10th of the top 1% of real estate groups by the Wall Street Journal. Beyond accolades, Brett is passionate about coaching clients through real estate decisions to impact their lives positively. His unique approach combines real estate knowledge, financial insight, and life coaching, ensuring clients navigate the market confidently.Contact Brett at: LinkedInWebsite
Transcribe →EP08: Jeff's Journey to Selling 1000 Homes
Feb 5, 202500:38:07Tap to summarizeThis week on the Real Experts podcast, Brett Jennings sits down with Jeff Glover, founder of Glover U and one of the top real estate trainers in the nation. Jeff’s story isn’t just about selling houses; it’s about building a system that works. From cold-calling furniture customers at 16 to leading a team that sells over 1,000 homes a year, Jeff’s journey is filled with lessons about persistence, discipline, and accountability.In this episode, Jeff talks about the importance of embracing your identity as a salesperson and mastering the fundamentals. He shares how his early experiences shaped his approach to prospecting and how he built a team that follows the same principles of success. Jeff also dives into the power of mindset, explaining how he set standards that kept him and his agents focused on what matters most—going on appointments and closing deals. "If I didn’t have an appointment that day, I had to go door-knocking," he shares about his early hustle.Beyond the numbers, Jeff discusses his philosophy of living an "unreal life" and how this mindset has helped him and his team achieve extraordinary results. “The best life you can imagine is often limited by your past experiences. But there’s an unreal life beyond that, one you can barely believe is possible,” Jeff shares.Here are the key takeaways:(4:06) How one manager’s faith changed Jeff's career forever(7:44) The journey from furniture sales to real estate management(10:13) The formula behind selling 100 homes a year(11:05) How a coach’s tough penalty reshaped sales habits(13:57) How many days a week should you be knocking on doors?(16:06) The dangers of hiring too fast when success hits(18:47) The secret to aligning your actions with your identity(22:33) Are realtors hiding behind titles instead of embracing sales?(25:32) Why mastering presentations beats lead generation(27:00) Why is it important to know your script inside and out?(28:30) The unreal life formula: Breaking past your “best life”(33:08) How the “unreal life” philosophy transforms business culture(35:41) What makes top industry leaders stand out?This episode is packed with practical advice for anyone looking to take their career to the next level. Join us to hear how Jeff’s relentless drive and focus on personal growth can inspire you to create your own unreal success.About Jeff GloverJeff Glover is the Founder of Live Unreal Companies and Head Coach at Glover U. He has been listing and selling real estate for over 20 years and consistently averages 100 transactions annually. Jeff started his career at 19 and quickly became a top producer. In addition to selling real estate, he leads Glover U, offering coaching and training to real estate professionals. He is dedicated to helping agents implement proven strategies to grow their businesses.Contact Jeff at: WebsiteLinkedIn About Brett Jennings Brett Jennings is the founder of Real Estate Experts and a recognized figure in the real estate industry, known for his expertise in luxury home marketing and negotiation, certified by Harvard Law. His achievements include being named in the top 1/10th of the top 1% of real estate groups by the Wall Street Journal. Beyond accolades, Brett is passionate about coaching clients through real estate decisions to impact their lives positively. His unique approach combines real estate knowledge, financial insight, and life coaching, ensuring clients navigate the market confidently.Contact Brett at: LinkedInWebsite
Transcribe →EP07: From Surviving to Thriving: Mike Schumm's Formula for Turning Failures into Fortunes
Jan 22, 202500:54:41Tap to summarizeJoin Brett Jennings in this episode of The Real Experts podcast as he interviews Mike Schumm, a serial entrepreneur who has built multiple businesses from scratch. Mike’s journey didn’t start with a clear path. From his humble beginnings in Long Island to becoming a successful business owner, Mike’s story is one of grit, adaptability, and lessons learned through real-life experiences. Mike’s early years were shaped by hardship, and his first ventures involved small jobs like painting fences and mowing lawns to help him escape his tough environment. Eventually, he moved into larger endeavors, from running a painting business to growing a million-dollar meat distribution company, all while balancing family commitments. His relentless pursuit of success led him to the world of real estate, where he built a seventh-level real estate team and learned how to delegate and scale effectively. In this episode, Mike shares insights on managing partnerships, dealing with failures, and the importance of systems and processes in business. From overcoming bankruptcy to finding new opportunities, Mike’s story is full of valuable lessons for anyone looking to grow both personally and professionally. Here are the key takeaways: (3:28) How a simple hustle earned enough to buy a car as a teenager (9:02) Learning on the job to grow a booming business (15:09) How one family decision brought down a successful business (21:00) The power of niche marketing in business growth (24:48) Growing a business from $200 a week to $1 million (31:16) The key hire every business owner needs to scale (35:13) Lessons learned from closing deals with high-profile clients (39:41) What’s more important to clients – you or your team? (44:43) Can a business bounce back stronger after bankruptcy? (49:36) Balancing family and business for long-term success (51:28) Can saying "no" drive business growth? Tune in to hear how Mike's approach to life and business challenges can inspire you to take bold steps, embrace the unknown, and focus on creating long-term success. About Mike Schumm Mike Schumm is a real estate investor and coach with over 35 years of experience. He is the co-founder of Profytz Coaching, which is focused on real estate coaching. Over 30 years as an entrepreneur, he has built businesses in residential and commercial real estate, mentoring and scaling enterprises across North America with over 10,000 hours of coaching experience. Mike prioritizes time with his family, especially his son Mikey while balancing his professional responsibilities. Contact Mike at: Website LinkedIn Instagram About Brett Jennings Brett Jennings is the founder of Real Estate Experts and a recognized figure in the real estate industry, known for his expertise in luxury home marketing and negotiation, certified by Harvard Law. His achievements include being named in the top 1/10th of the top 1% of real estate groups by the Wall Street Journal. Beyond accolades, Brett is passionate about coaching clients through real estate decisions to impact their lives positively. His unique approach combines real estate knowledge, financial insight, and life coaching, ensuring clients navigate the market confidently. Contact Brett at: LinkedIn Website
Transcribe →EP06: How Brian Combined Technology & Accountability to Drive Success for 70k Agents!
Nov 18, 202400:41:29Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The Real Experts podcast, Brett Jennings talks with Brian Charlesworth, Founder & CEO of Sisu, about the intersection of technology and real estate. Brian’s career, spanning 25 years, is a fascinating blend of tech innovation and hands-on real estate experience, leading to the creation of a platform that’s now used by over 70,000 agents and is changing the way the industry operates. Brian’s entrepreneurial journey began long before Sisu. From founding Talk2 Technology during the early days of the internet to navigating the challenges of the dot-com bust, Brian has always been at the forefront of technology. However, it was his involvement in his wife’s real estate team that sparked the idea for Sisu—a platform designed to simplify and enhance the real estate transaction process. In their conversation, Brian shares how Sisu grew from a simple idea to a tool now used by over 70,000 agents. He discusses the importance of aligning with the right investors, the challenges of growing a tech company in a competitive market, and why he believes Sisu is positioned to lead the industry into the future. Brian also touches on the broader changes happening in real estate today, including the impact of recent market shifts and legal challenges. He explains how Sisu is not just a tool for today’s market but a solution that will continue to evolve with the industry. Here are the key takeaways: (4:10) What’s the secret fuel behind unstoppable entrepreneurs? (7:10) The startup that put voice internet on the map. (11:03) The power of mentorship in securing a $43 million raise. (15:33) The leadership mistake that nearly sunk the business. (17:52) The lesson of not stepping back too soon. (19:25) How do you know if your investor is the right fit? (21:20) What’s the real role of a CEO in shaping company culture? (24:18) How did Sisu eliminate the chaos in real estate operations? (27:33) What’s the impact of Sisu on agent accountability? (29:11) Can lead analytics reveal where your money’s going? (35:16) What’s the new way buyers choose their agents? (37:59) What’s the opportunity in a shrinking market? Whether you’re an agent, a tech enthusiast, or simply curious about where real estate is headed, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of the industry. Listen in to hear how Brian’s vision for Sisu is helping to shape the next era of real estate. About Brian Charlesworth Brian Charlesworth is the Founder & CEO of Sisu, a platform transforming how real estate businesses manage and scale their operations through automation. He has a diverse entrepreneurial background, including founding Talk2 Technology and other successful ventures. Brian also hosts the GRIT Podcast, where he shares insights on growth and leadership in real estate. Contact Brian at: Website LinkedIn GRIT Podcast About Brett Jennings Brett Jennings is the founder of Real Estate Experts and a recognized figure in the real estate industry, known for his expertise in luxury home marketing and negotiation, certified by Harvard Law. His achievements include being named in the top 1/10th of the top 1% of real estate groups by the Wall Street Journal. Beyond accolades, Brett is passionate about coaching clients through real estate decisions to impact their lives positively. His unique approach combines real estate knowledge, financial insight, and life coaching, ensuring clients navigate the market confidently. Contact Brett at: LinkedIn Website
Transcribe →EP05: The Bold Moves to Go From Agent to Team Leader to Investor
Oct 25, 202400:50:19Tap to summarizeJoin us on this episode of The Real Experts Podcast as we sit down with Neil Canlas, the co-founder of The Canlas Brothers Real Estate Group. Neil’s journey into real estate isn’t your typical story—it’s a tale of taking risks, learning from every experience, and ultimately reshaping his career. In a market as cutthroat as San Francisco, Neil’s success is a testament to his relentless drive and innovative approach. From an early interest in real estate sparked by a family member to a bold career shift that paid off in unexpected ways, Neil’s path is filled with lessons for anyone looking to take control of their professional life. What motivated him to leave a secure career and dive headfirst into real estate? How did he and his brother manage to break through in one of the most competitive markets in the country? Neil shares insights on the strategies that fueled their rapid success, the challenges they faced along the way, and the decisions that continue to shape their business today. But it’s not just about the wins, Neil opens up about the moments that tested their resolve and what they learned from them. Here are the key takeaways: (6:00) How did a state school student land a job at Deloitte? (12:07) The bold move that left a manager in shock (15:45) Why first impressions matter more than you think (20:03) How Neil used doubt as fuel for a $54 million success (21:54) The sushi meeting that changed everything for the Canlas brothers (23:59) How Neil turned expired listings into a goldmine? (28:25) How does commitment change everything? (35:19) The uncertain future of buyer agents: what’s next? (43:02) Why simplicity is the secret to high-level success (43:50) Why delegating tasks is essential for success (46:00) The strategy for consistent sales and breaking records Curious about what it takes to make it in real estate, or any other industry? Tune in to hear Neil’s story and discover the principles that have guided his journey. This isn’t just another success story, it’s a playbook for anyone who wants to understand the real grit behind the glamor of real estate. About Neil Canlas Neil Canlas is the co-founder of The Canlas Brothers Real Estate Group, alongside his brother, Daryll. Before entering real estate, Neil worked in management consulting at Deloitte & Touche. In their first year, the Canlas brothers achieved over $50 million in sales volume, despite starting without an established network. Neil also operates a multi-state purchase and remodel business, Brothers Buy Homes, and mentors high school students in San Francisco. He enjoys spending time with his family, weightlifting, and traveling. Contact Neil at: Website About Brett Jennings Brett Jennings is the founder of Real Estate Experts and a recognized figure in the real estate industry, known for his expertise in luxury home marketing and negotiation, certified by Harvard Law. His achievements include being named in the top 1/10th of the top 1% of real estate groups by the Wall Street Journal. Beyond accolades, Brett is passionate about coaching clients through real estate decisions to impact their lives positively. His unique approach combines real estate knowledge, financial insight, and life coaching, ensuring clients navigate the market confidently. Contact Brett at: LinkedIn Website
Transcribe →EP04: From $300 to $1 Billion: Kevin Cruz’s Story of Growth and Resilience
Oct 2, 202400:26:23Tap to summarizeJoin Brett Jennings, the founder of Real Experts, and Kevin Cruz, the founder and president of Kinetic Real Estate, one of the top 15 Mega Teams in California and ranked #54 in the US with over $1 billion in real estate sold, in this episode of The Real Experts podcast. Kevin's journey began in the Philippines, where he immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 13. Starting with just $300, Kevin's entrepreneurial spirit led him to a range of ventures, from working in a pizza shop to launching his own event production company. Kevin's story is not just about business success. He navigated immigration hurdles, early setbacks in multi-level marketing, and the pivot to real estate. Each experience shaped his mindset and approach to helping others. Starting part-time in real estate in 2015, Kevin quickly realized the importance of personal development and mentorship. By 2021, he scaled his business to over 250 units annually, emphasizing client care and leveraging social media. Kevin shares how he turned personal challenges into growth opportunities, the impact of hiring a business coach, and the importance of a supportive environment. He discusses his vision for Kinetic Real Estate Group and how he plans to reach new heights. Here are the key takeaways: (3:18) How did "$300 bucks enterprises" start with just $300? (5:33) Dropping out of college to chase millionaire dreams (8:12) Moving from hustle to higher success (14:17) Can juggling two businesses and family lead to burnout? (16:32)What led to the doubling his business from 40 to 80 deals? (17:25) How did exceptional work attract an avalanche of clients? (19:13) Can one decision really boost deals from 82 to 250? (21:32) What should you really look for in a business coach? (24:32) The best advice for ambitious entrepreneurs As we delve into Kevin's story, we explore broader themes of resilience, personal growth, and the power of community. How do we balance ambition with making a meaningful impact? And how do our biggest challenges become our greatest achievements? Join us to hear how Kevin's journey goes beyond business success, highlighting his impact on others and his vision for the future. About Kevin Cruz Kevin Cruz has been a licensed real estate agent since 2016. Within two years, he won the “Entrepreneur of the Year” award in 2017 and sold over 100 homes. Born in the Philippines, he moved to the U.S. at 14. He quit college to pursue various business ventures and later transitioned to real estate. Kevin specializes in single-family homes, condos, and multi-unit properties. He also owns a home-staging and moving company and aims to inspire his community as a Filipino entrepreneur. Contact Kevin at: LinkedIn Website About Brett Jennings Brett Jennings is the founder of Real Estate Experts and a recognized figure in the real estate industry, known for his expertise in luxury home marketing and negotiation, certified by Harvard Law. His achievements include being named in the top 1/10th of the top 1% of real estate groups by the Wall Street Journal. Beyond accolades, Brett is passionate about coaching clients through real estate decisions to impact their lives positively. His unique approach combines real estate knowledge, financial insight, and life coaching, ensuring clients navigate the market confidently. Contact Brett at: LinkedIn Website Disclaimer: The content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investment, legal, or tax advice. Always seek the advice of your financial advisor or other qualified professionals with any questions you may have regarding your business or personal planning.
Transcribe →EP03: From Struggling Developer to Real Estate Leader: Dave’s Journey to $380 Million in Sales
Aug 29, 202400:46:19Tap to summarizeWelcome to another episode of The Real Experts Podcast. Join Brett Jennings, the founder of Real Experts Podcast, as he has a conversation with Dave Ness, the founder and president of Thrive Real Estate Group. Dave's journey in real estate began out of necessity during the 2008 market downturn, transitioning from a successful development career to becoming a real estate agent. Dave's story is a testament to resilience and transformation. In 2008, Dave found himself in his kitchen, face in his palms, on the verge of tears. With one child and another on the way, his wife suggested he shift to real estate. Initially resistant, Dave eventually embraced the idea and thus began the journey that led to the creation of Thrive Real Estate Group. Starting from scratch, he built Thrive, which has grown to sell over 600 homes in 2023, generating nearly $380 million in sales. Dave's focus on creating a positive impact has driven his team's success and fostered a culture of excellence. Dave shares how his experiences shaped his approach to real estate, emphasizing the importance of simplifying and clarifying the home buying and selling process. Dave's journey from struggling developer to successful real estate leader underscores the power of resilience, purpose, and continuous personal development. By prioritizing team growth and maintaining a clear, mission-driven approach, Dave has cultivated a thriving real estate business that stands out in the Denver market. Here are the key takeaways: (3:57) The unexpected path from developer to agent (9:18) How does picking a lane change your career path? (11:25) What happens when success isn't enough? (15:05) Shifting the focus to "who" & "how" from "what" (18:56) Can a house be more than just a closing deal? (22:16) Who matters more: the client or the team? (32:08) How do you balance planning and action in real estate? (37:18) What happens when leaders stop evolving? (41:43) The battle against our negative thoughts As we listen to Dave's journey, it prompts us to reflect on our paths. How can we transform challenges into opportunities for growth? How can we build a legacy that goes beyond business success? Let’s dive into Dave Ness’s inspiring story and discover insights that might just change the way you approach your goals and aspirations. About Dave Ness Dave is the founder and president of Thrive Real Estate Group. His entrepreneurial journey kicked off with Fortis Riders in 2000, significantly contributing to its growth to over a million dollars in revenue. In 2004, Dave co-founded Modo in Denver, turning it into a leading condo conversion company. After the 2009 downturn, he shifted to real estate, founding Thrive Real Estate Group in 2011. Since its inception, Thrive has sold over a billion dollars of real estate, garnered over 1500 five-star reviews, and achieved a top national ranking by Zillow for client experience. Contact Dave at: LinkedIn Website About Brett Jennings Brett Jennings is the founder of Real Estate Experts and a recognized figure in the real estate industry, known for his expertise in luxury home marketing and negotiation, certified by Harvard Law. His achievements include being named in the top 1/10th of the top 1% of real estate groups by the Wall Street Journal. Beyond accolades, Brett is passionate about coaching clients through real estate decisions to impact their lives positively. His unique approach combines real estate knowledge, financial insight, and life coaching, ensuring clients navigate the market confidently. Contact Brett at: LinkedIn Website
Transcribe →