The Real Deal with Asher Cohen

On this episode of The Real Deal Podcast, Asher sits down with Matthew and Irena Mielke, the husband-and-wife team behind one of Scottsdale’s most respected aesthetic practices, The Perfect Secret. But this conversation goes far beyond aesthetics. We dive into what it really takes to build a business as partners, balancing growth with sustainability, navigating competition with an abundance mindset, and creating an experience that keeps clients coming back. From redefining success beyond just revenue, to raising confident kids, to building a brand rooted in trust and care, this episode is about doing business (and life) differently. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to do more, be more, or chase the next level… this conversation will ground you in what actually matters. ✨ Inside this episode: The truth about growth vs. “chasing more” What actually sets a business apart in a saturated market How confidence is built (not injected) The power of client experience and trust Raising confident kids in a comparison-driven world This is the real deal on business, partnership, and becoming the best version of yourself, from the inside out.

If you’ve owned investment real estate, you’ve probably heard the term 1031 exchange, but many investors still don’t fully understand how it works or how powerful it can be. In this episode of The Real Deal Podcast, host Asher Cohen sits down with Sheila Long, Vice President and Certified Exchange Specialist at Old Republic Exchange Company. Sheila works with investors every day helping them defer capital gains taxes and strategically transition from one property to the next through 1031 exchanges. Together they break down: • What a 1031 exchange actually is • Who it’s designed for (and who it’s not) • The strict 45-day and 180-day timelines investors must follow • Common mistakes property owners make • How investors can scale from one property to multiple properties • The difference between vacation homes, second homes, and investment properties • What a reverse exchange is and when it makes sense If you’re thinking about selling an investment property or growing your real estate portfolio, this episode will help you understand one of the most powerful wealth-building strategies in real estate.

In this episode of The Real Deal with Asher Cohen, Asher sits down with Chris Prefontaine, CEO of Smart Real Estate Coach, multi-bestselling author, and host of the Smart Real Estate Coach Podcast — to unpack what’s ahead for real estate professionals entering 2026. With uncertainty, optimism, and noise swirling in equal measure, Chris brings it back to what he knows best: creative real estate, strategic mindset, and the power of staying consistent in any market. What We Cover: 2026 Market Sentiment: Why even billionaires can’t predict the future — and how to bulletproof yourself no matter what happens Creative Real Estate 101: Chris breaks down real estate on your terms in the clearest way you’ve ever heard The Real Deal Questions: The three must-ask questions he uses to uncover real seller motivation and create win-win deals Why Creative Strategies Thrive in Uncertain Times: From tired landlords to buyers locked out of traditional financing The Success Formula: Why plans outperform goals, and what agents/investors often get wrong about “results” How to Become the Authority in Your Market: Books, podcasts, consistency, and the long game Family Business Insights: How Chris built a thriving multi-generational real estate company — without forcing roles 2026 Growth Priorities: What Chris and his team are focusing on this year, and why it matters for agents and investors everywhere Chris also shares a powerful reminder: “Exposure matters more than any of us realize. Follow the people who are where you want to go — not the noise.” And to top it off, Chris gifts all listeners free access to two of his bestselling books, no shipping, no gimmicks: 👉 Get your free books: 3paydaysbooks.com/asher This episode is packed with practical wisdom, mindset shifts, and real strategies you can apply immediately — whether you’re a brand-new agent, seasoned investor, or somewhere in between. Listen now and walk into 2026 with clarity, confidence, and creative options.

This episode of The Real Deal started as a casual business conversation—and quickly turned into a gold mine of insight. Asher sat down with architect Nicholas Tsontakis of Dwell Boldly, and what was supposed to be a simple chat about architecture became a real-world breakdown of what actually matters when you’re thinking about land, custom builds, or complex remodels. No fluff. Just the kind of things people wish they knew before they buy. We talked through things like: What can make or break a land purchase before you ever close (yes… easements and utilities matter more than you think) The real difference between working with an architect vs. a draftsman—and when each makes sense Why hillside, Paradise Valley, and Arcadia projects are in a category of their own How the right team turns “this might be impossible” into a real plan If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “I love the idea… I just don’t know where to start,” this conversation will meet you right there. 🎧 Listen in—and if land or a custom build is on your radar, let’s talk.

Today, I’m sitting down with Stuart Babcock, owner of Complete Pest Management. But this conversation isn’t just about termites, rodents, or scorpions, it’s about leadership, transparency, and building a business with integrity. Stuart’s journey is anything but ordinary: from firefighter to high school teacher, to police officer, and now leading one of the most respected pest control companies in Arizona. His philosophy? Treat people the way you’d want your family treated. That approach has shaped every role he’s taken on and is at the core of his business today. In this episode, we cover: Why small details make or break a business. The power of servant leadership and leading from the field. How Complete Pest Management became the go-to authority for termites, rodents, weeds, and more. Stuart’s best advice for business owners: don’t sweat the small stuff—but never ignore the small details. Why proactive prevention beats reactive fixes every time (in pest control and in business). Whether you’re a homeowner, entrepreneur, or just someone who appreciates real conversations with real leaders, Stuart’s story will inspire you to build with purpose, integrity, and care.