Real Estate Success Stories

Welcome to Real Estate Success Stories!In this episode of Real Estate Success Stories, Leo Pareja interviews Rob Chevez, a visionary real estate powerhouse, accomplished investor, and founder of the GRID Investment Network—a global community with over 40,000 members. With more than $1 billion in real estate sales since 2009, Rob has redefined wealth-building through innovative strategies and impactful collaborations.Rob shares how he transformed the challenges of the dot-com crash into the foundation of a thriving real estate empire. From flipping properties during the Great Recession to scaling a multi-state operation, Rob reveals his proven strategies for leadership, team building, and succeeding in new markets. Whether you’re an agent, investor, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your real estate game!Why Watch?✅ From Failure to Fortune: Learn how Rob bounced back after the dot-com bust.✅ Leadership Uncovered: Uncover the challenges and rewards of team building in real estate.✅ Investment Gold: Hear the secret to achieving a 15% cash-on-cash return.✅ Market Domination Tactics: Discover how to succeed in brand-new markets.About Real Estate Success Stories with Leo ParejaJoin host Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty, as he delves into the exciting world of real estate with top producers from around the globe. Each episode offers exclusive, in-depth interviews with industry leaders who reveal their journeys, strategies, and tactics for achieving unparalleled success in their local real estate markets and beyond.🔔 Subscribe to stay updated: Don't miss out on the latest insights and stories from the best in the business. Click the subscribe icon to get notified when new episodes drop.🎧 Listen on the go: Find us on your favorite podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more.⏱️ Chapters:[00:00] - Rob’s Accidental Start in Real Estate[05:55] - Building a Team: From Solo Agent to Multi-State Leader[11:03] - Investment Goldmine: Achieving 15% Cash-on-Cash Returns[18:28] - The Cost of Mistakes: Investing in Declining Markets[23:01] - Starting Fresh: Dominating a New Market[26:13] - Scripts That Sell: Connecting with Distressed Sellers[27:52] - The Future of Grid Communities💬 Join the conversation: We love hearing from you! Leave your comments below, and let us know what topics you want to hear about or questions you have for our guests. Your feedback makes our show even better!📢 Share with your network: If you find our episodes valuable, please share them with your colleagues and friends in the real estate industry. Let's grow and learn together!🌐 Follow eXp Realty on social media:Facebook: eXp RealtyX: @eXpRealtyInstagram: @eXpRealtyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exp-realty/🌐 Follow our host on social media:Instagram: @leopareja🌐 Follow our guest on social media:Instagram: @robchevezFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/robchevez/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertchevez/Thank you for tuning in to Real Estate Success Stories! See you next week!

01-29

28:12

In this episode of Real Estate Success Stories, Leo Pareja sits down with Elias Astuto, a standout eXp Realty agent who transformed his career from selling timeshares to spearheading one of the industry's most successful teams. With a staggering $600M in annual production, Elias shares the secrets behind his team's rapid growth, emphasizing the transformative power of group coaching, authentic leadership, and a laser focus on accountability.Elias shares essential mindset shifts for thriving in today’s competitive market, offering practical advice on tackling boutique brokerage challenges, fostering collaboration, and scaling success. Whether you're a new agent or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with insights on leveraging analytics, building resilience, and leading with passion.Why Watch?✅ Leadership That Inspires: Discover how Elias uses vulnerability and genuine connections to build a winning team culture.✅ Strategies That Deliver: Uncover the secrets behind the Fast Team’s explosive 7x growth in just 5 years.✅ Mastering Market Shifts: Get Elias's insider tips on staying calm, confident, and thriving during market turbulence.✅ Real-World Tactics: Dive into game-changing insights on tracking success, hosting impactful community events, and dominating social media.About Real Estate Success Stories with Leo ParejaJoin host Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty, as he delves into the exciting world of real estate with top producers from around the globe. Each episode offers exclusive, in-depth interviews with industry leaders who reveal their journeys, strategies, and tactics for achieving unparalleled success in their local real estate markets and beyond.🔔 Subscribe to stay updated: Don't miss out on the latest insights and stories from the best in the business. Click the subscribe icon to get notified when new episodes drop.🎧 Listen on the go: Find us on your favorite podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more.⏱️ Chapters:[00:00] - Elias’ Accidental Start in Real Estate[02:36] - Why Agents Fail & How to Succeed[05:20] - The Fast Team’s Journey to $600M in Production[08:10] - The Power of Group Coaching and Accountability[11:50] - Inspiring Agent Success Stories[15:56] - The Struggle for Boutique Brokerages in Today’s Market[19:40] - Leo’s Golden Advice for New Agents💬 Join the conversation: We love hearing from you! Leave your comments below, and let us know what topics you want to hear about or questions you have for our guests. Your feedback makes our show even better!📢 Share with your network: If you find our episodes valuable, please share them with your colleagues and friends in the real estate industry. Let's grow and learn together!🌐 Follow eXp Realty on social media:Facebook: eXp RealtyX: @eXpRealtyInstagram: @eXpRealtyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exp-realty/🌐 Follow our host on social media:Instagram: @leopareja🌐 Follow our guest on social media:Instagram: @eliasastutoYouTube: @eliasastuto3000LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elias-astuto-79b44746/Thank you for tuning in to Real Estate Success Stories! See you next week!

01-22

22:34

In this episode of Real Estate Success Stories, Leo Pareja sits down with Ricky Carruth, an eXp Realty agent and founder of the Zero to Diamond real estate coaching program. Ricky, also known as the "No-Pressure Agent," has made it his mission to transform the real estate industry by reducing failure rates and shifting the focus from deals to relationships. Born and raised on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, Ricky has been selling real estate since 2002, weathering market ups and downs to become the top agent in Alabama since 2014.Listen as Ricky and Leo tackle one of the industry’s hottest debates: Will AI replace real estate agents? With Ricky’s "relationship-first" philosophy and Leo’s tech-savvy leadership, they deliver a game plan for agents to thrive in 2025 and beyond. Whether you're an experienced pro or a newcomer looking for direction, this episode is packed with insights that will change how you think about real estate.Why Watch?✅ Shocking Predictions: Learn why real estate isn’t doomed by tech (but could be if you’re unprepared).✅ Market Insights: Discover why 2025 might bring a 10% surge in transactions.✅ Agent Survival Guide: Find out how to remain indispensable despite changing trends.✅ Future-Proofing Your Career: Understand how mentorship, strategy, and adaptability can keep you ahead.About Real Estate Success Stories with Leo ParejaJoin host Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty, as he delves into the exciting world of real estate with top producers from around the globe. Each episode offers exclusive, in-depth interviews with industry leaders who reveal their journeys, strategies, and tactics for achieving unparalleled success in their local real estate markets and beyond.🔔 Subscribe to stay updated: Don't miss out on the latest insights and stories from the best in the business. Click the subscribe icon to get notified when new episodes drop.🎧 Listen on the go: Find us on your favorite podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more.⏱️ Chapters:[00:00] - The Big Fear: Is AI Coming for Agents?[05:58] - Why Real Estate Isn’t Just About Numbers[09:45] - 2024 Market Forecast: A 10% Boom?[18:25] - Agent Challenges: Commissions, Contracts, and Survival Tips[29:25] - Learning from Market Crashes: Leo’s 2008 Lessons[37:04] - From Realtor to CEO: Leo’s Inspiring Leadership Journey[45:18] - The Future of Real Estate: Tech, Teams, and Trends💬 Join the conversation: We love hearing from you! Leave your comments below, and let us know what topics you want to hear about or questions you have for our guests. Your feedback makes our show even better!📢 Share with your network: If you find our episodes valuable, please share them with your colleagues and friends in the real estate industry. Let's grow and learn together!🌐 Follow eXp Realty on social media:Facebook: eXp RealtyX: @eXpRealtyInstagram: @eXpRealtyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exp-realty/🌐 Follow our host on social media:Instagram: @leopareja🌐 Follow our guest on social media:Instagram:  @rickycarruthYouTube: @RickyCarruthLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricky-carruth-373359161/Thank you for tuning in to Real Estate Success Stories! See you next week!

01-15

57:09

In this episode of Real Estate Success Stories, Leo Pareja sits down with Avery Carl, a top-ranked eXp Realty agent and true trailblazer in the real estate space! Named one of Wall Street Journal’s Top 100 and Newsweek’s Top 500 Agents, Avery has redefined success in the vacation and short-term rental space. From her start in music marketing to becoming the undisputed queen of short-term rentals, Avery’s journey proves that the riches are in the niches! In this episode, Avery shares her journey, her strategies for thriving during market downturns, and her insights into scaling with investors. Her story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of thinking big. Whether you're a rookie agent, seasoned investor, or just exploring the real estate world, this episode is loaded with insights you can’t afford to miss!

01-08

41:49

In this special episode of Real Estate Success Stories, host Leo Pareja welcomes Jack Miller, President and CEO of T3 Sixty, a trusted advisor and management consultancy in the residential real estate brokerage industry. With over two decades of experience in real estate — including leadership roles in franchising, franchise ownership, and brokerage — Jack brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation. Before his real estate career, Jack honed his expertise in technology startups as a partner and investor, giving him a unique edge at the intersection of tech and real estate.

12-18

48:09

In this episode of Real Estate Success Stories, Leo Pareja sits down with the legendary Chris Voss – Former FBI lead hostage negotiator and author of the best-seller, Never Split the Difference. Chris shares jaw-dropping insights into the art of negotiation, drawing from high-stakes FBI cases and applying them to real estate and business. Learn how “no” can be more powerful than “yes,” how to uncover hidden motivations, and the game-changing strategies every real estate agent must master.

12-11

37:18

In this episode of Real Estate Success Stories, Leo Pareja explores the extraordinary path of Phil Stringer—a master of reinvention and relentless innovation. From launching a six-figure online business as a teenager to becoming a sought-after global speaker on AI, Phil’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. As a best-selling author and leading AI Efficiency Coach, he’s transforming industries by empowering professionals to unlock AI’s potential for business growth.

12-04

32:03

In this episode of Real Estate Success Stories, Leo Pareja interviews powerhouse real estate agent and business leader, Veronica Figueroa. Veronica’s story is one of resilience, tenacity, and transformation—from a part-time agent juggling a full-time HR job to a leading force at eXp Realty. Veronica opens up about her start in real estate right after 9/11, her growth from solo agent to owner, and why she ultimately chose eXp Realty to grow her business. She shares the challenges of leading a real estate business, the unexpected benefits of eXp's revenue share model, and her strategic approach to expanding into new markets.

11-20

27:26

In this episode of Real Estate Success Stories, host Leo Pareja sits down with Sandra Schlaupitz, a powerhouse solo agent from Naples, Florida, who overcame incredible odds to build a thriving real estate career. From biking to job sites with no car to becoming one of NAREP's top agents, Sandra’s journey shows the true power of resilience and vision. Hear her inspiring path from immigrant beginnings to real estate triumph, and learn her strategies for navigating life’s challenges.

11-13

27:46

In this episode of Real Estate Success Stories, host Leo Pareja dives into the evolving landscape of real estate with Jared James, a renowned national speaker and coach. Beyond discussing business growth and productivity, Jared— a former top Realtor and an original member of Realtor Magazine’s 30 under 30 shares his journey from a struggling agent to a real estate powerhouse by embracing the mantra, "visibility trumps ability." Tune in as Leo and Jared explore the shift from transactional to relational models, break down the industry-altering NAR settlement, and offer strategies for thriving amidst new regulations. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you dominate today’s market.

11-06

55:43

In this episode of Real Estate Success Stories, host Leo Pareja chats with Emmy-nominated TV host, eXp Realty agent, and Life Masters podcast founder, Tanya Memme. Tanya opens up about her powerful journey from hitting rock bottom to rebuilding a thriving career, all while navigating public failures and personal struggles. She reveals how she turned her lowest points into the fuel needed for a fresh start. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, authenticity, and practical steps to transform failure into success.

10-16

25:46

In this episode of Real Estate Success Stories, host Leo Pareja sits down with Shirin Alipanah, an eXp agent from San Diego, California, who made the leap from part-time to full-time success. Learn the strategies, mindset shifts, and failures Shirin overcame to build a thriving career in real estate. Whether you're just starting or looking for that final push, Shirin’s journey will inspire and equip you to make your move in the real estate world.

10-09

26:51

In this episode of Real Estate Success Stories, host Leo Pareja sits down with Jason Bosch, a seasoned real estate pro with over 31 years of experience across California and Illinois. Jason shares his journey from a humble loan officer to managing real estate brokers and navigating the ever-changing market. Discover how Jason’s dedication, adaptability, and hyper-local knowledge have helped him thrive through recessions, foreclosures, and short sales.

10-02

29:24

In this special episode of Real Estate Success Stories, we’re celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month by highlighting the incredible achievements of Rosie Rodriguez, a proud Latina and powerhouse in the real estate industry. Host Leo Pareja sits down with Rosie, who shares her powerful journey from personal loss to becoming an influential leader in the industry.  Discover how she transitioned from working solo to embracing the power of partnerships and collaboration. Rosie dives deep into the challenges brokers face, and why leveraging support systems is crucial. She highlights eye-opening statistics in today’s market and emphasizes the importance of mentorship, community, and personal growth, especially for new agents navigating the competitive world of real estate. Whether you’re a new agent, a seasoned broker, or somewhere in between, this conversation is packed with actionable insights on how to thrive in today’s real estate landscape. Don't miss this powerful episode that honors the contributions of the Hispanic community in real estate and provides key strategies to help you thrive in the industry!

In this episode of Real Estate Success Stories, host Leo Pareja sits down with celebrated leader and author of one of our favorite books, Building an Empire, Brian Carruthers. During this conversation, Brian shares stories about how he built his empire and the mindset strategies that helped him succeed. They also delve into practical business tips that you can start applying right away. This discussion is packed with insights and actionable advice that can help you elevate your game. Prepare to be inspired!