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© Michael Hobbs
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The Appraisers on Purpose Podcast showcases inspiring appraisers and professionals from the industry who are leaders in their field.
How did they get to where they are?
What have they learned along the way?
And what do they do now for their teams, their clients, and the industry?
Your host is real estate investor, seriel entrepreneur, and appraiser Michael Hobbs.
How did they get to where they are?
What have they learned along the way?
And what do they do now for their teams, their clients, and the industry?
Your host is real estate investor, seriel entrepreneur, and appraiser Michael Hobbs.
114 Episodes
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Before she helped shape appraisal policy, she almost starved the chickens.In this inspiring episode of Appraisers on Purpose, Lisa Desmarais shares her extraordinary journey, from pig farms and Shakespeare to writing the standards that shape the appraisal profession.Lisa reminds us that success in this industry isn’t about having a perfect résumé or linear path, it’s about curiosity, resilience, and the courage to say yes before you feel ready.She reveals how embracing complexity, not avoiding it, led her to lead 400-page valuation studies and help rewrite industry standards. And how USPAP’s flexibility gave her the freedom to grow into opportunities that once felt far beyond reach.But what stands out most is her message of hope: that there is room for every kind of thinker in this field, and that even the most non-traditional path can lead to impact.Tune in to hear Lisa Desmarais’s deeply personal and empowering take on what it really means to grow, lead, and thrive in today’s appraisal profession.
Two appraisals. One property. $8 million apart.That kind of gap didn’t just raise eyebrows, it helped break the system in 2008.In this episode of Appraisers on Purpose, Ken De Feo pulls back the curtain on the wild inconsistencies in appraisal during the lead-up to the financial crisis and why some of those same risks are still lurking today. Ken has seen it all: subprime chaos, default servicing, asset review, and now, he's helping lead the charge on UAD 3.6, the appraisal modernization project that might actually fix what’s broken.Inside the episode:▪️The $8M value gap that made Ken's team stop in their tracks▪️How appraisal inconsistencies fueled the 2008 collapse▪️Why UAD 3.6 could bring clarity, not more complexity▪️What appraisers need to understand about how their reports are used downstreamIf you think the appraisal report ends when you hit submit, this episode will change that. And if you’ve ever been blamed for a number someone else manipulated you'll feel seen.Listen why Ken believes the best days of this profession are still ahead.
Brent doesn’t chase clients anymore, he outlasted the collapse, and now they chase him.In this episode of “Appraisers on Purpose,” expert appraiser Brent Henry shares how a career he never planned for became a path to leadership, credibility, and legacy in the valuation world.Brought into the profession by family tradition, Brent started by holding the measuring tape, but ended up building appraisals that hold up in court. Today, 90% of his work comes from complex, high-stakes litigation cases.His secret? A relentless focus on building better reports, telling the full story, and never settling for “good enough.”But Brent isn’t just looking back, he’s looking forward. He’s mentoring younger appraisers, offering courtroom exposure, and showing that there’s a future in this business beyond AMC grind and burnout.If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s more to appraisal than chasing forms and fees, this episode will give you a hopeful, powerful roadmap.Tune in to hear Brent Henry’s journey and how appraisers can build meaningful careers that outlast the trends.
Appraisals pay the bills. Vision builds the business.In this episode of Appraisers on Purpose, David Ziccardi shares how an ill-timed investment during the 2008 crash sparked a bigger journey, one that led from doing reports to running a real business.David doesn’t just talk about appraisals—he talks about building a career that scales.From working under four supervisors just to get certified, to growing a 40% non-lender client base and mentoring trainees, his story is packed with lessons for every appraiser who’s feeling stuck.You’ll learn:Why mindset, not just market data, determines your growthHow embracing tech early gave David an edgeWhat every trainee (and trainer) needs to hear about mentorshipThis episode is for appraisers who are ready to shift from surviving to leading, and want to do it with purpose.🎧 Listen now and see what happens when vision drives your valuation business.
Can appraisers shape the future or are they stuck reacting to it? Chris Williams has an answer.In this episode of “Appraisers on Purpose,” tech-savvy appraiser and valuation innovator Chris Williams flips the script on what it means to be an appraiser in today’s world of rapid transformation.Chris doesn’t see AI, MISMO, or modernization as threats. He sees them as building blocks. With a unique background in both appraisal and enterprise IT (Cisco, EMC), Chris brings a refreshing perspective: we can shape the tools—not be replaced by them.He shares how appraisers can thrive by:• Embracing technology as a collaborator, not a competitor• Reclaiming value through direct relationships with lenders• Using their expertise to build tax-free wealth through sweat equity• Blending analytical rigor with creative thinking. Yes, math and art togetherFor Chris, this moment isn’t about survival, it’s about impact. Appraisers aren’t being pushed out. They’re being invited to lead.Tune in to hear Chris Williams’ inspiring roadmap for navigating change, seizing opportunity, and redefining what it means to be indispensable in a modern market.
Want to write better reports? Start by reading the worst ones.In this episode of Appraisers on Purpose, Matt Cowan shares an unexpected truth: the path to becoming a better appraiser often starts with reviewing the worst of our industry.Matt’s journey spanning hurricane zones, forensic reviews, and modernization pilots proves that chaos isn’t something to fear; it’s something to grow through. Whether he was inspecting disaster-struck properties or digging into flawed appraisals during the recession, Matt learned to find clarity where others saw confusion.But this episode isn’t just about weathering storms. It’s about evolving through them.For Matt, success came from saying “yes” before he felt ready and trusting that learning would follow. He champions modernization, not as a threat, but as a tool to create more consistency and restore public trust in the profession.This is an episode full of hard-won wisdom and hopeful perspective.If you’ve ever questioned whether your skills still matter in a changing industry, Matt’s story will remind you why they do.🎧 Tune in to hear Matt Cowan’s inspiring journey and practical take on thriving through change.
What do Fannie Mae, a rock band, and the 2008 crash have in common?
Technology won’t replace appraisers, but appraisers who use tech will.In this episode of “Appraisers on Purpose,” longtime industry insider Greg Ritter pulls back the curtain on a powerful truth: appraisers don’t have to stay in the field to make an impact they can help shape the future of the industry itself.Greg shares how his journey from residential appraising in Florida to managing valuation operations inside banks and AMCs opened up unexpected opportunities. Instead of fearing change, he embraced it from adapting to private lending’s fast pace to collaborating on AI-driven tools like Cloud Underwriter.But his core message is clear: appraisers who evolve, collaborate, and communicate clearly are the ones who thrive. Whether it’s interpreting complex data or helping internal teams understand reports, Greg reminds us that judgment not just data defines a great appraiser.Tune in to this inspiring episode to hear Greg Ritter’s hopeful vision for what’s next in valuation and how each of us can help build it.
When’s the last time someone reviewed yourwork?In this episode of “Appraisers on Purpose,” longtime reviewer and appraiser Susan Alley challenges the traditional path into the profession and offers a surprising alternative.Having reviewed thousands of reports from appraisers across the country, Susan believes that most appraisers are flying solo and that’s exactly the problem. Isolation breeds blind spots. And feedback, she argues, is the fastest path to excellence.Rather than entering the field through a single supervisor’s lens, Susan suggests trainees should begin by reviewing a range of reports. It’s a radical idea but one rooted in her deep experience and a genuine desire to elevate the profession.But Susan’s story is more than theory. From burnout to rebuilding, from staff appraiser to founder of her own national review firm, she proves that reinvention is always possible. She shares how connection, generosity, and community have been key to both personal growth and professional resilience.Tune in to hear Susan’s refreshingly hopeful take on how the appraisal industry can evolve together.
What if the key to a 40-year career in appraisal isn’t grinding harder but thinking smarter?In this inspiring episode of Appraisers on Purpose, industry veteran Scott Voltz shares how he built a lasting, trusted appraisal practice through bold focus, investor-level thinking, and a deep belief in showing up when it matters most.Scott didn’t chase every assignment or market trend. He built a career by specializing geographically staking his claim in a part of northern Los Angeles County and becoming the go-to expert. That single move set him apart and insulated his business for decades, including during the 1994 Northridge earthquake when no one else could reach the area.But Scott’s perspective goes deeper. Drawing from early experience in real estate syndication, he brings an investor's mindset to every valuation. It’s not just about accuracy it’s about understanding how clients think, and why trust beats transaction.For Scott, appraisal isn’t just a profession. It’s a calling grounded in trust, shaped by resilience, and proven over time.Tune in to hear how Scott Voltz built a business that lasts and how you can, too.
He stepped into appraisal during the 2008 crash—and stayed to lead.In this episode of “Appraisers on Purpose,” Danyl Collings proves that you don’t have to be born into the appraisal world to thrive in it.Starting in public relations and real estate sales, Danyl stepped into the industry during the 2008 financial collapse—managing a team before he was even certified. Instead of faking his way through, he leaned in, studied hard, and earned the credibility he felt his team deserved.For Danyl, it wasn’t about having the right resume—it was about having the right mindset. He built his success through communication, humility, and a deep belief in mentorship.Now, as the leader of his own firm, he’s solving one of the industry’s biggest challenges: the trainee pipeline. His method? Structured learning, clear expectations, and a refusal to gatekeep.Danyl’s story is a refreshing reminder that appraisal is a profession where second acts and fresh starts are not only possible—they’re powerful.Tune in to hear how curiosity, courage, and character shaped his journey—and how they can shape yours, too.
From NASA to potato farms, Glen Kemp’s career proves that no path in real estate appraisal is ever straight, but it can still lead somewhere meaningful.In this inspiring episode of “Appraisers on Purpose,” Glen Kemp reminds us that resilience often matters more than perfection.Across four decades in commercial real estate appraisal, Glen has seen it all — dairy farms disguised as grazing land, helipads with no value, and software that changed the game long before most appraisers even knew it existed.But what truly sets Glen apart isn’t the complexity of his assignments, it’s the clarity of his mindset.He shares how a surprise pivot into technical writing at NASA gave him the benefits his family needed, and how he eventually returned to appraisal with a renewed sense of purpose. He also reflects on forgotten files that turned out to be historic appraisals, including one for the Panama Canal.For Glen, the message is clear: this profession offers more than spreadsheets. It offers a front-row seat to history, a test of character, and a flexible path forward, even when life throws you a curveball.Tune in to this episode of “Appraisers on Purpose” to hear Glen’s quietly powerful take on what it means to endure, adapt, and thrive as a modern appraiser.
From Seal Beach to $30M Estates: How MJ Carroll Built a Career on Curiosity, Mentorship, and GritIn this episode of “Appraisers on Purpose,” veteran appraiser MJ Carroll proves that you don’t need to have it all figured out to build a long, successful career—you just need to stay curious.MJ started his journey as a bank teller in Southern California. A few decades (and thousands of inspections) later, he’s appraising high-end properties in places like Aspen and Laguna Beach. His secret? A willingness to ask questions, lean on mentors, and say “yes” before he felt ready.For MJ, mentorship was everything. He didn’t just learn appraising—he absorbed it alongside peers, through intense hands-on training and years of collaborative fieldwork.Even now, with luxury homes and resort estates on his resume, MJ remains committed to learning. His story is a reminder that growth doesn’t stop at certification—and that experience, not ego, is what sets great appraisers apart.Tune in to this inspiring episode to hear how MJ Carroll turned early doubt into decades of excellence—and why curiosity might be your most valuable credential.
From barges to bayous, how one riverboat captain built a thriving appraisal firm through heart, hustle, and local trust.In this episode of Appraisers on Purpose, we sit down with respected appraiser Joseph Mier, whose 30-year journey into the profession began in the most unlikely of places, the deck of a riverboat.Joseph shares how the decision to leave life on the water wasn’t just a career change; it was a commitment to being present for his family. That clarity of purpose fueled a bold pivot into appraisal, where he started small, taking classes on his days off, appraising any home he could, and grew into a trusted voice in Louisiana real estate.His message? You don’t need the “right background” to succeed. What you need is integrity, consistency, and the courage to start before you feel ready.Joseph also dives into why building trust through local expertise, community relationships, and a deep respect for the process has kept his business thriving for over two decades.Whether you’re new to the field or ready to take your practice deeper, Joseph’s story is proof that a meaningful, sustainable appraisal career is absolutely possible, and it starts with purpose.🎧 Tune in for a hopeful, grounded conversation on how to grow a lasting business, one relationship at a time.
When a bad appraisal cost him big, Bruce Jones didn’t get mad, he got in the game.In this episode of “Appraisers on Purpose,” Bruce Jones shares how a single flawed appraisal sparked a career change, and a mission.After years as a successful broker, Bruce hit a wall: a refinance on a multifamily property was nearly derailed by a wildly inaccurate appraisal. But instead of walking away, he asked a bold question: What if I could do this better?That question became a calling.Bruce pivoted mid-career, partnered with an MAI, and committed fully to becoming a designated appraiser. Along the way, he discovered what many in the industry miss: that mastery isn’t about shortcuts, it’s about purpose, persistence, and doing the work others won’t.From early mornings to earning the MAI the hard way, Bruce’s story is a reminder that growth is always possible, no matter where you start.🎧 Tune in to hear how Bruce turned a frustrating experience into a career of impact, leadership, and hope for the future of our profession.
“UAD 3.6 isn’t the end of the form, it’s the beginning of a smarter process.”In this special episode of Appraisers on Purpose, guests Matthew Hyatt, Hansel Dobbs, and Gynell Vestal come together to break down what may be the biggest transformation in residential appraisal since the 1004 form was first introduced.Forget fear, this trio sees UAD 3.6 not as a burden, but as an invitation to evolve.They reveal how this new reporting structure shifts appraisers away from just “filling in boxes” toward truly thinking through their valuation process. It’s not about compliance for compliance’s sake, it’s about becoming better at what we do.Matt shares how the new dynamic form is pushing appraisers to upgrade their tools, rethink workflows, and lean on AI-powered support like never before. Gynell and Hansel highlight the opportunities for those willing to lead rather than lag, especially those ready to embrace structure, specialization, and innovation.Yes, the learning curve is real. But so is the potential.This episode isn’t just a technical walkthrough. It’s a hopeful vision of what appraisal can become—more thoughtful, more empowered, and more professional than ever.🎧 Tune in to hear how three forward-thinking appraisers are navigating change, embracing challenge, and preparing to lead the future of valuation.
Big careers are built by those willing to take off, not just taxi.In this episode of “Appraisers on Purpose,” Rick Sagoo shares a powerful truth: thriving in real estate isn't about having a perfect plan — it’s about having the courage to take action.From chasing aviation dreams in London to building a career in appraisal through a $100 bet, Rick’s story is a testament to resilience, curiosity, and seizing opportunities when they appear. His journey reminds us that sometimes a small leap of faith can create a lifelong career.Rick also underscores the importance of adaptability. Instead of sticking rigidly to one path, he embraced new industries, new countries, and new chances — proving that flexibility isn’t just useful; it’s essential for success.For Rick, success wasn’t handed to him. He built it, one bold move at a time — and his story is an inspiring roadmap for any appraiser looking to carve their own path.Tune in to this episode of “Appraisers on Purpose” to hear Rick Sagoo’s uplifting story of risk, reinvention, and unstoppable hope.
From Sharks to Square Footage: How Harrison Kennedy Turned Underwater Grit into Appraisal ClarityIn this inspiring episode of Appraisers on Purpose, Harrison Kennedy shares an unexpected origin story—from tagging great white sharks as a freediving videographer to becoming a rising real estate appraisal professional.But it’s not just a career change. It’s a mindset shift.Harrison brings lessons from the ocean—calm under pressure, mental clarity, and precision—and applies them directly to the world of real estate valuation. In a profession that rewards quiet confidence and razor-sharp focus, his journey is a reminder that great appraisers aren’t born—they’re shaped by bold life experience.More than just a cool story, Harrison offers a message of hope: that wherever you’re starting from, there’s room to thrive in this field if you lead with purpose and curiosity.🎧 Tune in to hear how an unconventional past can become the foundation for a meaningful future in appraisal.
What does it take to grow from local appraiser to national leader? Chad Barker’s story might just change how you see your future.In this episode of Appraisers on Purpose, we sit down with Chad Barker — an appraiser who proves that thinking big isn’t reserved for Silicon Valley.Chad began like many of us: no real estate background, just a degree in finance and a chance meeting that led him into the field. Within a few years, he was helping build the largest appraisal firm in Indianapolis. But Chad didn’t stop there.He went on to help launch and scale a national appraisal management company that at its peak:Handled 40,000 appraisals a monthEngaged 10,000+ appraisers annuallyCaptured 30% of the AMC marketFor Chad, growth wasn’t about chasing volume — it was about embracing opportunity, saying yes to challenges, and building strong teams rooted in shared values.His journey reminds us that in an industry full of constraints, there’s still room for vision, courage, and meaningful impact.🎧 Tune in to hear how Chad went from rookie trainee to COO, and how any appraiser can turn hustle into a movement.
What if appraisers—not economists—were the true experts in housing markets? Jonathan Miller thinks it’s time we embraced that.In this episode of Appraisers on Purpose, veteran appraiser and market analyst Jonathan Miller shares a refreshing perspective: the appraisal profession has more power—and more potential—than most of us realize.Jonathan doesn’t just value properties—he tells the story of entire markets. From advising the Federal Reserve to teaching at Columbia University, his journey reveals how data, curiosity, and clear communication can elevate appraisers to industry leaders.He encourages us to think beyond form-filling and compliance. Instead, he advocates for speaking up, sharing insights, and positioning ourselves as trusted voices in a noisy economic landscape.And perhaps most inspiring: Jonathan proves that the ability to influence doesn’t come from credentials—it comes from clarity and conviction.🎙️ Tune in to hear how Jonathan Miller is redefining what it means to be an appraiser in today’s world—and how you can too.
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