Next Level Agents: The Kevin & Fred Show - Interviews with the best and brightest minds in the real estate industry

You're busy. You're working hard. So why isn't your business growing the way it should? In this episode, Kevin Kauffman delivers the fifth and final truth in his Next Level Truths series — and it might be the most uncomfortable one yet. The problem isn't your market. It isn't your leads. It's the daily choice most agents don't even realize they're making. This one is short, focused, and built to hit. Kevin breaks down the hidden cost of staying comfortable, why burnout isn't from working too hard, and what separates high performers from everyone else grinding through the motions. Key themes from this episode: The difference between being busy and being effective — and why most agents confuse the two What "addicted to easy" actually looks like in your day-to-day business (hint: it's not laziness) Why organizing your CRM, watching training videos, and planning your week can all be forms of avoidance The comfort trap: how agents build businesses around what feels safe instead of what produces results Where burnout actually comes from — and it's not what most people think The single question to ask yourself before every task: "Is this easy, or is this effective?" Kevin's closing challenge: one uncomfortable action tomorrow to start building real momentum If this episode hit home, share it with another agent who needs to hear it. And if you're ready to build your business around what actually works — surrounded by people doing the same — learn more about what we're building at Next Level Agents.

Talent is overrated. There. We said it. In this episode of Next Level Truths, Kevin Kauffman breaks down one of the most misunderstood dynamics in real estate: why consistency will always outperform natural ability, and why most agents are chasing the wrong thing when they wait for motivation to show up before they take action. This is a short, focused episode, but don't let that fool you. The shift Kevin lays out here is one of the most practical reframes you can make in your business right now. If your results have been inconsistent, this is probably why. And the fix isn't complicated... it's just not easy. In this episode, Kevin covers: Why the "talent myth" keeps agents stuck and how to stop falling for it The real difference between discipline and habit — and why that distinction matters for your business Why operating from emotion is the #1 consistency killer The compound effect of daily action and what 90–180 days of consistency can actually produce How to stop asking "how do I get motivated?" and start asking the right question instead A simple, practical challenge to reset your habits starting this week If your business feels unpredictable right now, this episode is your starting point. Consistency isn't a personality trait — it's a choice. And the agents who make that choice every day are the ones building something that lasts. Ready to surround yourself with agents who are making that choice and building at the highest level? Learn more at nextlevelagents.com/exp.

Most agents have goals. Most agents have intentions. But intentions don't close deals — your calendar does. In this episode of the Next Level Truths series, Kevin Kauffman breaks down one of the most uncomfortable realities in real estate: your calendar is your actual business plan, whether you like what it says or not. If your days are filled with reactive tasks, random coffees, and administrative busywork, that's not bad luck — that's a choice. And the good news is, it's a choice you can change starting today. In this episode, Kevin covers: The "intention gap" — why there's a dangerous disconnect between what agents say matters and what actually shows up on their calendar Why top producers schedule their most important activities first, not last The four core activities that actually drive results in real estate (and why everything else is a distant second) The "protection principle" — how to guard your time blocks like a listing appointment you can't afford to lose Why "priority" is a singular word, and what that means for how you run your week A practical, no-fluff framework for building a calendar that reflects the business you actually want A simple 15-minute challenge to audit your last week and reset your focus going forward If your business isn't where you want it to be, the answer isn't a new strategy or a new tool. Open your calendar. That's where the truth lives. Ready to build a business — and a calendar — that actually gets you to the next level? Learn more about what we're building at nextlevelagents.com/exp.

Most real estate agents think leverage means hiring a team. Dave Zajdzinski built something different: a fully leveraged solo business that runs 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, across multiple time zones, while he's in Italy, France, or Maine. And real estate is his fifth priority. In this episode, Kevin Kauffman sits down with Dave to pull back the curtain on exactly how that system works, from the drip videos that generate listing appointments on autopilot, to the VA-managed CRM pipeline that moves buyers from first call to offer without Dave ever showing a house. If you've ever thought about hiring a virtual assistant but weren't sure how to make it actually work, this conversation is the one you've been waiting for. Key themes from this episode: Why 70% of first-time VA hires fail, and the two root causes nobody is addressing How Dave runs a real estate business as his fifth priority and still ranks near the top of his state in production The "airline model" for explaining your business structure to buyers (and why it closes them faster) How to build an irresistible offer drip sequence that makes ISA appointments easy to set The difference between leverage for growth and leverage for freedom — and why most agents need the second one first Dave's new "CRM Assist" product: seven-day-a-week buyer pipeline coverage for $750/month Why giving VAs culture and community is the missing piece most businesses skip entirely What it really costs to build an 8am–8pm system from scratch — and a smarter path to get there If this episode fired you up about what your business could look like with the right leverage in place, the next step is simple, head to nextlevelagents.com/exp to learn more about building your business inside a community that's already figured this out. Connect with Dave Zajdzinski: Website: leverageagent.org Phone: 480-332-6468 Event: 1-Day Marketing Audit Workshop Date: June 10, 2026 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Ticket price: $500 (use code KevinK for a free ticket) Details and registration: nextlevelagents.com (Events tab) Please leave us a review at⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠⁠⁠⁠

Most agents spend their careers chasing leads — buying them, testing new platforms, trying to crack the code. But the truth is, the highest-converting business in real estate isn't coming from strangers. It's already sitting in your phone. In this episode, Kevin Kauffman breaks down Next Level Truth #2: your database is your business. Not your CRM. Not your marketing plan. Not your brand. Your relationships. And if you shift the way you think about the people already in your world, it changes everything about how you build — and sustain — a real estate career. In this episode: Why chasing cold leads is costing you your most valuable long-term asset The difference between a storage system and a relationship system — and why it matters How trust shortens sales cycles, increases conversion, and drives referrals What real database nurturing actually looks like (hint: it's not email blasts) The "database flywheel" and how great agents build businesses that feed themselves Why playing the long game is your biggest competitive advantage A simple daily question that shifts your entire approach to prospecting If you're ready to stop chasing and start building, this one's for you. Learn more about what it looks like to grow your business inside a community that gets it at nextlevelagents.com/exp.

Most agents think they need more leads. Kevin Kauffman is here to tell you that's almost never the real problem. In the first episode of the new Next Level Truths series, Kevin breaks down one of the most recurring patterns he sees across agents at every level — and why fixing it doesn't require a new CRM, a new lead source, or a new strategy. This is a short, focused episode built around a single truth: leads don't create closings. Conversations do. If your business isn't where you want it to be right now, this one's going to hit differently. In this episode, Kevin covers: Why "I just need more leads" is the story agents tell themselves instead of facing the real issue The simple chain reaction that drives every single closing in real estate Why busy doesn't mean productive — and how to tell the difference The avoidance pattern behind why agents keep chasing new tools and systems How one team team closed 750 transactions in a small market by obsessing over one metric The 10-business-day challenge that could immediately shift the trajectory of your business If you're ready to stop spinning your wheels and start building real momentum, this episode is your reset button. Ready to find out what the next level actually looks like for you? Learn more about joining Kevin's team at nextlevelagents.com/exp. Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠⁠⁠⁠

Andrew Ricks walked away from a doctorate-level career in physical therapy, sold his clinics, let his license lapse, and went all in on real estate — with a newborn at home and zero safety net. Less than two years later, he's closing four to five deals a month, landing $4 million listings, and building the kind of client relationships that generate referrals for years. This episode is for every agent sitting on the fence, keeping a backup plan "just in case," or wondering if it's too late to build something real. Andrew's story proves it's not about how long you've been in the game — it's about how seriously you take it from day one. In this episode, Andrew and EK dig into: Why removing optionality (burning the bridge on his PT career) was the move that unlocked his full commitment to real estate The early mistakes that taught him you can't outsource lead generation and expect results How he built a relationship-first client system using automations, personal follow-up, and strategic touches that keep clients connected long after closing Why chasing commissions early in your career is the slowest path to building a sustainable business The imposter syndrome that came with transitioning from medicine to real estate and how he pushed through it What it actually looks like to evolve from being a "realtor" to being a full-service advisor clients call for the next 10 years If you've been treating your real estate business like a side hustle or a fallback, this conversation is the gut check you didn't know you needed. Ready to build something that lasts? Learn more about what eXp and the Next Level Agents community can do for your business at nextlevelagents.com/exp. ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠⁠⁠⁠

In today’s special episode of Next Level Agents, we’re putting our very own podcast producer, Sarah Heeter in the hot seat! As podcasting continues to explode, you’ve probably wondered if you need to start your own, what you would make your podcast about, and if you need to be a super tech nerd to launch. Sarah is here to answer these questions, and more, and provide a roadmap for turning your podcast idea into a reality.    Sarah Heeter is a full service podcast producer and strategic consultant. She is the host of Big Brave Business, a podcast about leadership and business ethics. Sarah loves to help people strategically launch, grow, and monetize podcasts in order to expand their audience, establish their expertise, and make more money.  Whether you want to build a deeper audience connection, establish your expertise, have great conversations about your passions, make money (or all the above), a podcast is an insanely powerful branding weapon. Having influence, and a strong know, like and trust factor in real estate is key. What accomplishes that more than a podcast?    Guest Info  Sarah K. Heeter transforms ambitious voices into influential platforms as CEO of Podfox Media, architect of 5,000+ episodes with millions of downloads worldwide. Her strategic guidance has launched multiple shows into the global top 1%, converting podcast success into bestselling books and thriving businesses. Host of Big Brave Business (top 2% globally), Sarah's expertise empowers creators to build authority platforms that convert listeners into revenue-generating communities.   Website: ⁠https://podfoxmedia.com Sarah’s podcast about podcasting: https://bigbravebusiness.com/listen Learn more about hosting your own podcast: ⁠Launchmyshow.com⁠ Follow Sarah on Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/sarahkheeter⁠

Most real estate agents are told the same lie: sell more, do more, hustle harder — and eventually, freedom will follow. But what if scaling your production is actually just scaling your stress? Kevin Kauffman gets real about the trap that catches even the top producers in the industry, and why the question you're asking about your business might be the very thing keeping you stuck. This episode is a mindset reset. Kevin breaks down the difference between transactions and ownership, hustle and duplication, and what it actually means to build something that pays you for decisions you made years ago — not the effort you're putting in today. In this episode: Why the top producers in real estate are often the least free — and what that tells us about how most agents are building their businesses The single question that changed everything for Kevin: "How does this work without me?" Transactions vs. ownership — and why restarting at zero every month is a choice, not a requirement Why your talent, charisma, and hustle don't scale — but simple, boring, repeatable systems do The compounding recruiting model: what it looks like to add one to two quality agents a month and build real leaders over time The identity shift that separates producers from builders — and why it's the hardest (and most important) move you'll make If you're done grinding for dollars that stop the moment you stop working, this episode is your next step. The game changes the moment you're no longer required for every dollar — and Kevin shows you exactly how to get there. Learn more about building with Next Level Agents at nextlevelagents.com/exp. ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠⁠⁠⁠

You're working hard. Your calendar is packed, your phone doesn't stop, and by Friday you're completely wiped out — but your business doesn't feel like it moved an inch. That's not a hustle problem. That's a clarity problem. In this solo episode, Kevin Kauffman breaks down a framework — inspired by his friend and business partner Brian Gubernick — that separates agents who grind forever from agents who actually grow. It's called the energy audit combined with a leverage audit, and it's one of the most honest diagnostic tools you can run on your own business right now. What's covered: The difference between "true drains" and "growth discomfort" — and why mixing them up keeps your business stuck How to assign a dollar value to every task on your plate and what most agents discover when they do The "collision point" framework: how to identify what to eliminate, delegate, or automate immediately Why high performers design their week around $1,000/hour activities first — and fit everything else around that The Gary Keller principle Kevin learned early in his career: never let current business get in the way of new business A 30-minute challenge you can do this week to start reclaiming your time right now Ready to audit your week and build a business that actually grows? Learn more about what Kevin and the Next Level Agents crew are building at nextlevelagents.com/exp. Referenced in this episode: Brian Gubernick's No Days Off podcast: nodaysoff.com ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠⁠⁠⁠

The market doesn't care about your excuses — and honestly, neither do the agents who are winning right now. In this episode, Kevin Kauffman and Erik Kelly get real about what's actually separating the agents who are thriving from the ones who are barely surviving, and it has nothing to do with interest rates or inventory. This one's a no-fluff, straight-talk conversation about consistency, mastery, mental health, and the kind of human connection that builds a business that lasts through every market cycle. If you've been waiting for the market to "get easier" before you go all in, this episode is going to challenge that thinking hard. What we get into: Why the market cycle is never the real problem — and what actually is The difference between agents who had their best year ever in 2024 and those who had their worst (hint: same market) Why waiting for rates to drop might be the trap you don't see coming The Tiger Woods and Paul Skenes approach to skill-building that most agents will never commit to Why 7 out of 10 agents didn't sell a single home last year — and the mindset shift that changes that How to consult instead of pitch, and why it's the communication skill that closes more deals The consistency principle that predicts your income better than any market report Mental health, human connection, and why going deeper in conversation might be the most underrated business strategy in real estate right now If this episode hit home, you're probably the kind of agent who's ready to stop waiting and start building — regardless of what the market is doing. That's exactly who we built Next Level Agents for. Learn more about what we're doing at eXp and how to plug in at nextlevelagents.com/exp. ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠⁠⁠⁠

Most real estate training tells agents what to do. Bryon Ellington, Chief Learning Officer of eXp Realty, is building something different — training that actually gets agents into action, backed by real data from real producers who are crushing it right now. In this episode, Kevin Kauffman sits down with Bryon to go deep on eXp University's FastCap program, the Elite Solo Agent Mastermind, and a brand-new lead generation training series that interviewed dozens of top agents to find the repeatable systems behind their success. Whether you're brand new, relaunching, or ready to scale from $5M to $10M, there's a path being built specifically for where you are. What We Cover Why traditional new agent training fails — and what eXp did differently to build FastCap The data behind FastCap: how average completers rack up 3.6 appointments and 1.9 agreements in just six weeks How a partnership with Realty.com is putting live seller leads in the hands of brand new agents — and the results that followed Why 71% of agents did zero or one deal last year, and what the industry needs to do about it The open house strategy most agents are completely missing (hint: the open house isn't the event — it's the excuse) Four totally different door-knocking and open house approaches from top producers, and why all of them work The "10 ponds" lead generation framework that helps agents fish beyond the MLS What the Elite Solo Agent Mastermind offers experienced agents who feel overlooked at most brokerages Why the best training content doesn't come from the most successful agents — it comes from people just two or three steps ahead of you How to use Instagram Stories to document every transaction without ever turning the camera on yourself Ready to level up? Whether you're just getting started or scaling past your current ceiling, the tools are already built — and if you're with eXp, they're free. Plug in, do the work, and go get different. Explore the Lead Mastery Agent Playbooks mentioned in this episode: https://www.expuniversity.com/agentplaybooks Learn more about joining eXp and the Next Level Agents community: https://nextlevelagents.com/exp/ ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠⁠⁠⁠

You're busy. You're closing deals. You might even be making great money. But are you actually building toward freedom — or just building a faster treadmill? Kevin Kauffman sits down with returning guest and real estate veteran Chris Bowers for a raw, no-fluff conversation about what it really takes to get to the next level in both production and building residual income through recruiting at eXp Realty. Chris has been chasing a specific goal for six years — $50,000 a month in passive income — and he's getting close. But what makes this episode hit different is the moment he realizes mid-conversation that it was never about the money at all. It's about time. And that distinction changes everything about how you approach your business. Key themes from this episode: The difference between flexibility and actual freedom — and why most agents are lying to themselves about which one they have Why the number of no's you get in recruiting is directly tied to the income you make — and how to get emotionally ready to handle more of them How clarity on your "one thing" makes tactics irrelevant — and why the agents who win aren't necessarily the smartest, just the most focused The ego risk of building at eXp vs. the capital risk of traditional brokerage ownership — and which one is actually harder to swallow What happens when you hit 200 agents in your organization and realize what got you there won't get you to the next level Why vision without daily action is just daydreaming — and how to close the gap between the life you want and the one you're actually living If you've been telling yourself you don't have time to recruit, this episode is a direct challenge to that story. Chris and Kevin break down why recruiting isn't a separate business — it IS the business — and how 30 focused minutes a day can change your financial trajectory more than another year of grinding production. Ready to learn more about what building at eXp could look like for you? Head to nextlevelagents.com/exp to get the full picture. ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you think social media is optional for real estate agents in 2025, this episode is going to challenge that assumption — hard. Guest host Carly Pederson sits down with Kaitlin Ward, a top-producing lender with Summit Funding on the West Coast, who has built the majority of her business through organic social media. No ad spend, no fancy production equipment — just a consistent strategy, a clear message, and the courage to show up. Kaitlin and Carly break down exactly how agents and lenders can stop overthinking social media and start treating it like the lead gen machine it actually is. From what to post, how often to post, how to turn your Instagram DMs into a full-blown CRM, and why starting a brand-new business page is one of the biggest mistakes agents make — this episode is packed with actionable, no-fluff strategy. Key Topics Covered: Why social media's reach is infinitely more powerful than mailers, door knocking, or open houses The 3 E's framework: Educational, Emotional, and Entertaining content that actually converts Why storytelling beats "Just Listed / Just Sold" posts every single time How often to post (and how to realistically build up to a consistent cadence without burning out) How to use Instagram DMs as a free CRM — including flagging, sorting, and lead labeling Why you should NEVER abandon your existing personal social media page to start a new business one How Carly made an extra $100K last year from social media with fewer than 1,000 followers The "silent audience" — why the people not liking or commenting are often your warmest leads Whether you're just getting started or you've been posting inconsistently and wondering why it's not converting, this episode gives you a clear, honest framework to make social media work for your business — starting today. Learn more about Next Level Agents / eXp Realty: https://nextlevelagents.com/exp/ ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠⁠⁠⁠

Your social media isn't underperforming because you're not posting enough — it's underperforming because most agents are missing the single strategy that makes social media actually convert into listings. Retargeting, hyperlocal brand-building, and ads that don't look like ads are what separates the agents who are recognized everywhere in their community from the ones who are still grinding for every lead. In this episode, co-host Carly Pederson sits down with Tim Chermak, founder of Platform Marketing, to break down the system behind social media marketing that generates real business. Tim has spent over a decade working exclusively with real estate agents, and this conversation gets specific — from why 80–90% of your ads should be retargeting ads, to how listing video views can change your price reduction conversations, to why some Platform clients are charging 4% commissions in today's market and still winning listings. Key topics covered in this episode: What retargeting actually is — and why it's the most powerful tool most agents aren't using Why the content that builds the deepest trust has nothing to do with real estate How 50,000–100,000+ listing video views changes the way you talk to sellers about price Why lead generation creates a time liability — and what strategy actually scales at high production levels The case for charging more than 3% commission when your marketing can back it up Why Platform Marketing only works with one agent per market — and what that means for the quality of the strategy A free, actionable tip you can use today even if a managed marketing program isn't an option If you've been showing up on social media without seeing real business results, this episode gives you a clear picture of what's missing and what to do about it. If you're ready to take your business to the next level, learn more about the NLA community at nextlevelagents.com/exp. Connect with Tim Chermak and Platform Marketing: Website: https://platform.marketing Podcast: The Platform Marketing Show (available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube) Interested in learning more about Platform Marketing? Reach out to Carly Pederson directly: Carly@CarlyPedersonTeam.com ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠⁠⁠⁠

Nick Kibby didn't build a billion-dollar team in Phoenix by doing something flashy. He built it by doing the right things — the same things — every single day for years. In this episode, Erik Kelly sits down with Nick to unpack the mindset, daily rhythms, and leadership philosophy that took him from corporate CFO to one of the most consistently productive agents and team owners in Arizona. If you're tired of chasing shiny objects that never close deals, this one is going to hit differently. Nick breaks down why sustainability beats intensity every time, how to use the word "fair" to disarm even the most difficult negotiation, and what's actually wrong with the way most team leaders approach splits, recruiting, and retention. What we get into: Why Nick ignored what everyone else was doing in his first year — and how that focus led him to outperform without realizing it The self-audit every agent needs to do before doing anything else in their business His daily structure: gym at 5am, prospect with intention, and deep work at midnight (yes, really) The "trading positions" framework that helps buyers and sellers get out of their own way in a tough market Why "fair" is the most powerful word in a negotiation — and how to use it without triggering anyone The difference between a great agent and a great leader (and why assuming they're the same thing is wrecking teams) Why obsessing over splits is a sign you've never actually made money in real estate What "thrive" means for 2026 — and the data Nick is tracking to back it up Nick and his partner at Relevate have closed over a billion dollars in sales across multiple states. They run expansion teams producing 2M+ GCI consistently. He is not guessing. He is sharing the actual playbook. If this episode lit a fire under you and you're ready to level up inside a brokerage that matches your ambition, check out what eXp has to offer at nextlevelagents.com/exp. ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠⁠⁠⁠

Most real estate agents think joining a team means sacrificing who they are. They imagine becoming a lead-conversion machine, hitting someone else's quotas, and losing their personality in the process. But what if the best teams actually help you become more of yourself—not less? Jason Nelson, Jenna Barnes, and Kristin Mazzei from the Rutledge Property Group in Medford, Oregon just proved that theory. These three agents closed a combined 52 transactions in one of the worst markets we've seen in 30 years. And they did it by staying true to who they are while leveraging a proven system. In this episode, host Katie DeWitt pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to thrive on a mega team. You'll discover why showing up at 9 AM is the only non-negotiable, how these agents are doubling their production by amplifying what already works, and the one decision that changed everything for Jason after five years of being "Adam's guy." Key themes and takeaways: Why the best teams create space for individuality instead of demanding conformity The one-hour daily meeting that drives 200+ transactions with just 12 agents How to build a 50/50 business model that protects you from market shifts The avatar exercise nobody's doing (and why it matters more than your ideal client) Why taking care of yourself first is operational strategy, not self-help fluff The simple math of doubling your production (hint: it's just turning up the volume) How three completely different social media strategies are all working If you're on a team and feeling like you're losing yourself, this episode will show you what's possible when structure meets authenticity. If you're thinking about joining a team but worried about giving up your identity, you'll hear exactly what to look for in a healthy team culture. And if you're a team leader wondering why your agents aren't producing, this conversation will challenge everything you think you know about accountability, culture, and what actually drives results. Ready to explore what your next level looks like? Learn more about building a sustainable, high-producing real estate business at nextlevelagents.com/exp. ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠⁠⁠⁠

What do you do when success itself becomes the ceiling? Alan Kushmakov didn't leave his independent brokerage because it was failing. He left because after six years of building Best Homes Real Estate to over 100 agents and ranking in the top 30 out of 2,400 brokerages in Phoenix, he realized something most entrepreneurs never want to admit: there had to be a better way. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Alan sits down with Kevin Kauffman and Fred Weaver to break down the decision that changed everything—transitioning from independent brokerage owner to strategic partner at eXp Realty. This isn't a story about desperation or burnout. It's about what happens when you ask yourself the hard question: what's my exit ramp? **Key themes and insights from this episode:** - The hidden trap of brokerage ownership: why 80% of the 100,000 brokerages in the US have 10 or fewer agents, and what that means for scalability and exit strategy - The difference between building income and building wealth: how most agents stay stuck in the hamster wheel of trading time for money with no residual income or equity - Why Alan turned down three offers to sell his brokerage and chose partnership over independence - The brutal honesty of transitioning 100+ agents: the emotional conversations, the pushback, the rumors, and what it takes to lead through change - How to build a 10,000-person vision without sacrificing the next decade of your life or reinventing the wheel in every new market - The real cost of independence: payroll, overhead, compliance, liability, and the weight of responsibility that comes with being a brokerage owner - Why proximity is power and how surrounding yourself with the right people accelerates growth faster than grinding alone ever will Alan's journey from solo agent to team leader to brokerage owner to strategic partner is a masterclass in knowing when to pivot, how to lead through uncertainty, and what it actually takes to build wealth in real estate—not just income. If you've ever wondered what's next after you've "made it," this episode will challenge everything you thought you knew about success, independence, and what it means to build something that lasts. **Ready to explore what strategic partnership could look like for your real estate business?** Learn more about the Next Level Agents community and how we're helping agents, team owners, and brokerage owners build wealth at https://nextlevelagents.com/exp/ --- **Connect with Alan Kushmakov:** DM Alan on Facebook or Instagram: @alankushmakov ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠⁠⁠⁠

What if everything you thought you needed to succeed in real estate was wrong? No massive sphere. No warm leads. No perfect market conditions. In this episode, Katie DeWitt sits down with Houston-based powerhouse Shelley Cooley, who sold 72 homes her first year as a licensed agent—and not a single one came from her personal network. Shelley's story will dismantle every excuse you've been holding onto about why you can't level up right now. From her unconventional start as a home stager during the 2009 crash to cold calling builder salespeople with zero sales experience, Shelley built her business on guts, relationships, and radical consistency. She stayed on a team for seven years, then left the same week the NAR settlement dropped to launch her own team with her husband. Two years later? Over $40 million in sales in one of the worst markets in decades. This conversation is packed with tactical advice on building quality relationships over chasing quantity, putting your ego aside to ask for help, and doing the boring work that actually moves the needle. If you're ready to stop waiting for perfect conditions and start building an empire, this episode is your blueprint. Key Themes: How staging 1,000 homes became Shelley's sales boot camp The builder relationship strategy that led to 72 first-year deals Why competing with yourself beats comparing to the market The "puppy dog problem" and how to avoid shiny object syndrome Transitioning from team member to team leader in a down market Small, intentional events vs. massive community activations Leading with humility and service in a high-ego industry Ready to stop making excuses and start building real relationships that convert? This episode will challenge you to rethink everything about how you approach your real estate business. Want to learn more about joining a brokerage that supports massive growth like Shelley's? Visit nextlevelagents.com/exp and discover how eXp Realty can help you reach your next level. ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠⁠⁠⁠

What if the role you're playing is the only thing standing between you and your next level? DeAnna Lee didn't start with money. She started as a single mom bartender who bought a duplex and house-hacked before it was even trending. She entered real estate in 2009—right after the crash—and worked transactions like most agents do. But she refused to let "realtor" define the limits of what was possible. Today, she owns a global portfolio of luxury experiential hotels and short-term rentals spanning multiple countries and climates. From the Caribbean to Southern Utah to the Dominican Republic, she's built an empire using creative financing, strategic repositioning, and the courage to think bigger than her circumstances. In this episode, DeAnna breaks down the strategies that took her from broken to boutique hotel mogul—and why most agents stay stuck in the transactional grind while helping everyone else build wealth. KEY THEMES: - Why your first property should never be your dream home (and what to buy instead) - The BRRRR model explained: how to scale without $100K in the bank - From self-employed to business owner: creating systems that work without you - Strategic portfolio diversification across seasonal markets to balance volatility - The power of speaking your intentions in the right rooms with the right people - How to negotiate creative financing deals (including zero-percent seller financing) - Repositioning instead of panicking when market cycles shift - Why you can't scale chaos—and how to build operations that actually support growth - The difference between heads-and-beds hospitality and experiential luxury retreats If you've been treating real estate investing as a side hustle or a "someday" dream, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what's possible. DeAnna proves that you don't need a pile of cash to make bold moves. You need creativity, courage, and a willingness to stop letting your current role define your future possibilities. Ready to unlock your own path to real estate wealth? DeAnna is hosting a free masterclass called "Unlocking Your Magical Ability to Create Wealth in Real Estate" where she breaks down the entire buffet of investment strategies—from long-term rentals to boutique hotels to passive income opportunities. Four hours. Multiple experts. Actionable steps that give you clarity on what resonates with your vision. Join the waitlist at the link below and discover which strategy is your next move. CONNECT WITH DEANNA LEE: Book Your Consultation with DeAnna Lee: https://go.collectivedestinations.com/booknow Join the Waitlist for "Unlocking Your Magical Ability to Create Wealth in Real Estate": https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/Qu56GYj0XTYJljDIGcEM Want to connect with a community of agents building real wealth and leveling up their businesses? Learn more about Next Level Agents and explore the eXp opportunity at nextlevelagents.com/exp. ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠⁠⁠