Improve Your Hustle

Peak inside a moment with Kendall and Her Team during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“I want to be involved in people’s stories, I want to be there for these huge moments in people’s lives – it’s what I’ve always wanted to do.”Michael Thorne is keenly aware of the gravity of his chosen occupation. He doesn’t take lightly the fact that clients trust him to be a steady hand – and a source of “compassion and passion” – to hold on to through something as life-changing as a move. His daily motivation comes from “the legacy of the people we’re able to help.”Michael’s relationship to real estate has been a lifelong (and family) affair. Both of his parents were agents, and he started working at a real estate office when he was 15 years old. He got his real estate license at 19. Real estate, he says, allows him to be an ambassador for the community that shaped him.Michael is known (and beloved) for his curiosity. Michael attributes his notoriety as one of Inman News’ 100 Top Real Estate Innovators to his confidence in two simple words: what if? While his ebullience and fun-loving nature are what make him an esteemed character in the industry, his drive to provide a cutting-edge experience for his clients has made him a pioneer in the expert union of real estate and video.Video, for Michael, changed everything. And once you get to know him, you see why. Stillness is not a natural state for Michael, and thus his energy and passion translates perfectly to video.Michael uses his expertise in video not only to sell clients’ homes, but also to showcase the neighborhood where he has lived his entire life. “I built my business in North Langley, I built my life here – this is home.”. He now lives 10 blocks from the hobby farm where he grew up, 7 blocks away from the high school he graduated from (his was the then-new high school’s first graduating class), and 5 blocks away from where he began his real estate career.Michael sees himself as owing a great debt. Not monetary, but rather the sense of duty to the community that has given him what he calls his “ridiculously amazing life.” His passion for his home town stems from an eagerness for “other people to be able to experience living here, to raise their kids here and have their kids feel about this area the way I feel about it.” And outside of real estate? Michael describes himself as “[living] at the hockey rink, at the baseball diamond,” coaching his kids. “My dream was to be a great dad.”Connect with Michael Thorne Here!By the way, if you would like a copy of my show outline – I need you to do three things for me!  Leave a review, share the podcast with a friend, and then send me a DM with your review, the episode # and your email.  I’m happy to email you my notes on the episode!  So...You Think You Want to Be A Real Estate Agent by Kendall E. Bonner, Ann Carlson, & Teresa RogersJoin My Facebook Group to continue our discussion! Find me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube! #LevelUp, Kendall

Mark Scuderi is a highly motivated individual, a passionate trainer and mentor, perpetual student and a natural born leader.While working full time as a police officer, Mark obtained his New Jersey Real Estate License, to make extra money for his family. Although part time, Mark was the top sales agent in the office his very first year in business!A short time later, he purchased his first REMAX Franchise with the desire to build a successful Real Estate Brokerage. He knew to accomplish such a large goal he had to become a great recruiter, trainer, mentor and coach, and that he had to surround himself with the best possible people to grow his company and brand.Fast forward 15 years, Mark is retired from Law Enforcement and is the proud owner of two RE/MAX Real Estate Franchises. He enjoys managing a team of dozens of sales associates, three administrative staff, and one manager.Mark is one of the Founding Franchisee's of Motto Mortgage. He oversees three Loan Officers and Processing Staff.Mark owns a CrossFit Gym and is a Level 1 CrossFit Trainer. He enjoys training new Athletes to Challenge themselves and improve their overall health and fitness, which he considers to be a "Non Negotiable" on the path to success.Mark recently obtained his Private Pilot License, and plans to one day travel the world with his wife, Katie & 3 kids!Meet Mark at TakeFlightCoach.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please write a review, share it with a friend and don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes!!!So...You Think You Want to Be A Real Estate Agent by Kendall E. Bonner, Ann Carlson, & Teresa RogersJoin My Facebook Group to continue our discussion! Find me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube! #LevelUp, Kendall

#NoMoFOPOAdam Contos - Chief Executive Officer and Board DirectorResponsibilities:Adam Contos is Chief Executive Officer of RE/MAX; he is responsible for providing strategic direction on all aspects of major RE/MAX corporate decisions, operations and resources of the company.   RE/MAX Career:Following a successful career in law enforcement, Adam came to the RE/MAX organization in 2003 as an independent contractor presenting a safety training program he created specifically for real estate professionals. He introduced his highly regarded S.A.F.E.R. (Safety Awareness For Every Realtor) program to RE/MAX Affiliates and other agents across North America.  In 2004, he joined RE/MAX full-time as a Senior Franchise Development Consultant for the RE/MAX Mountain States Region. He was named Region Vice President the following year.  In 2007, soon after RE/MAX, LLC acquired the formerly independent RE/MAX California & Hawaii Region, Adam was named its Region Vice President. In 2010, he moved to the RE/MAX Florida Region, which under his leadership was named Region of the Year for both 2011 and 2012. He was promoted to Vice President, Region Development, in 2013 and shifted his focus to Business Development in February 2014. Adam was promoted to Senior Vice President, Marketing in February 2015. In January 2016, he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer and in May 2017 he was promoted to Co-CEO. Adam was named Chief Executive Officer in February 2018. Roots:Adam grew up in Denver, studied criminal justice at Metropolitan State College of Denver and earned an Executive MBA from the University of Denver. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves from 1990 to 1996 and was honorably discharged as a sergeant.  From 1993 to 2004, Adam worked for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado, advancing through a number of positions, including Deputy Sheriff, Corporal/Investigator, Sergeant of Court Services and Detentions Division, SWAT Tactical Commander, and Lieutenant (Watch Commander) for the Patrol Division.Connect with Adam via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn and Listen to His Podcast Start With A Win! By the way, if you would like a copy of my show outline – I need you to do three things for me!  Leave a review, share the podcast with a friend, and then send me a DM with your review, the episode # and your email.  I’m happy to email you my notes on the episode!  So...You Think You Want to Be A Real Estate Agent by Kendall E. Bonner, Ann Carlson, & Teresa RogersJoin My Facebook Group to continue our discussion! Find me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube! #LevelUp, Kendall

This is Part 2 with Adam Contos, CEO of RE/MAX LLC, where he shares how he learned and taught sales strategy through Narc Marketing, where he can improve as a Leader, and why we talk to strangers! Tune in to learn more about #NoMoFOPO!  What is Que, Routine, Reward? And of course, the true power of habits! Adam's 2020 Book RecommendationsThe Power of HabitAtomic HabitsExtreme OwnershipCompound EffectKendall's Favorite 2019 ReadThe Road Less StupidAdam Contos - Chief Executive Officer and Board DirectorResponsibilities:Adam Contos is Chief Executive Officer of RE/MAX, responsible for providing strategic direction on all aspects of major RE/MAX corporate decisions, operations and resources of the company.    RE/MAX Career:Following a successful career in law enforcement, Adam came to the RE/MAX organization in 2003 as an independent contractor presenting a safety training program he created specifically for real estate professionals. He introduced his highly regarded S.A.F.E.R. (Safety Awareness For Every Realtor) program to RE/MAX Affiliates and other agents across North America.  In 2004, he joined RE/MAX full-time as a Senior Franchise Development Consultant for the RE/MAX Mountain States Region. He was named Region Vice President the following year.  In 2007, soon after RE/MAX, LLC acquired the formerly independent RE/MAX California & Hawaii Region, Adam was named its Region Vice President. In 2010, he moved to the RE/MAX Florida Region, which under his leadership was named Region of the Year for both 2011 and 2012. He was promoted to Vice President, Region Development, in 2013 and shifted his focus to Business Development in February 2014. Adam was promoted to Senior Vice President, Marketing in February 2015. In January 2016, he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer and in May 2017 he was promoted to Co-CEO. Adam was named Chief Executive Officer in February 2018. Roots:Adam grew up in Denver, studied criminal justice at Metropolitan State College of Denver and earned an Executive MBA from the University of Denver. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves from 1990 to 1996 and was honorably discharged as a sergeant.  From 1993 to 2004, Adam worked for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado, advancing through a number of positions, including Deputy Sheriff, Corporal/Investigator, Sergeant of Court Services and Detentions Division, SWAT Tactical Commander, and Lieutenant (Watch Commander) for the Patrol Division.Connect with Adam via Facebook, Twitter, 

Adam Contos - Chief Executive Officer and Board DirectorResponsibilities:Adam Contos is Chief Executive Officer of RE/MAX, responsible for providing strategic direction on all aspects of major RE/MAX corporate decisions, operations and resources of the company.   RE/MAX Career:Following a successful career in law enforcement, Adam came to the RE/MAX organization in 2003 as an independent contractor presenting a safety training program he created specifically for real estate professionals. He introduced his highly regarded S.A.F.E.R. (Safety Awareness For Every Realtor) program to RE/MAX Affiliates and other agents across North America.In 2004, he joined RE/MAX full-time as a Senior Franchise Development Consultant for the RE/MAX Mountain States Region. He was named Region Vice President the following year.In 2007, soon after RE/MAX, LLC acquired the formerly independent RE/MAX California & Hawaii Region, Adam was named its Region Vice President. In 2010, he moved to the RE/MAX Florida Region, which under his leadership was named Region of the Year for both 2011 and 2012. He was promoted to Vice President, Region Development, in 2013 and shifted his focus to Business Development in February 2014. Adam was promoted to Senior Vice President, Marketing in February 2015. In January 2016, he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer and in May 2017 he was promoted to Co-CEO. Adam was named Chief Executive Officer in February 2018.Roots:Adam grew up in Denver, studied criminal justice at Metropolitan State College of Denver and earned an Executive MBA from the University of Denver. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves from 1990 to 1996 and was honorably discharged as a sergeant.From 1993 to 2004, Adam worked for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado, advancing through a number of positions, including Deputy Sheriff, Corporal/Investigator, Sergeant of Court Services and Detentions Division, SWAT Tactical Commander, and Lieutenant (Watch Commander) for the Patrol Division.Connect with Adam via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn!By the way, if you would like a copy of any show outline – I need you to do three things for me!  Leave a review, share the podcast with a friend, and then send me a DM with your review, the episode # and your email.  I’m happy to email you my notes on the episode!  So...You Think You Want to Be A Real Estate Agent by Kendall E. Bonner, Ann Carlson, & Teresa RogersJoin My Facebook Group to continue our discussion! Find me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube! #LevelUp, Kendall

Today’s episode is unique because I have two guests with completely different backgrounds and experiences, and both are very influential none the less.   Because this interview was quite long, I did break it up into Part 1 & Part 2!  Enjoy J Matt van Winkle is the CEO of RE/MAX Northwest with 10 offices, almost 400 agents and support staff, and $2.5 billion in sales. RE/MAX Northwest was founded to address the shortcomings of the current real estate brokerage model.  As a result, he has built RE/MAX Northwest into the #1 RE/MAX in Washington State and is also a consultant and coach for brokers and brokerage owners across the country. His strategy? Work Hard. Be Nice.®  Nick Bailey rejoined RE/MAX as Chief Customer Officer in September 2019 where he oversees all support services provided by RE/MAX LLC to its expansive network of franchisees and Affiliates.  He also is responsible for driving the network’s business growth, professional development and engagement.  Nick’s experience includes being a Sr. Vice President at Market Leader, a Vice President at Trulia/Zillow and, most recently, the President and CEO of Century 21.   Our topics include: -       Buffini’s 2019 Mid-Year Review (The changes to come and the reduction in # of brokerages)-       iBuyers / Zillow Instant Offers / OfferPad / Open Door-       NW MLS/Redfin Commission Publication and DOJ Inquiry -       Coming Soon/Exempt Listings/Pocket Listings -       Teams vs. Brokerages & Tech!-       The Customer Experience Focus: How it impacts Marketing, Transactions, and Relationships & The Digital Age of Video & Social MediaBonus Topics:-       Part 1: Market Status: Any Downturn Predictions???-       Part 2: Your Final Words of Advice to the Audience! Links Mentioned:iBuyer StatsBy the way, if you would like a copy of my show outline – I need you to do three things for me!  PLEASE leave a review, share the podcast with a friend, and then send me a DM with a screenshot of your review, the episode # and your email.  I’m happy to email you my notes on the episode!  So...You Think You Want to Be A Real Estate Agent by Kendall E. Bonner, Ann Carlson, & Teresa RogersJoin My Facebook Group to continue our discussion! Find me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube! #LevelUp, Kendall

Today’s episode is unique because I have two guests with completely different backgrounds and experiences, and both are very influential none the less.   Because this interview was quite long, I did break it up into Part 1 & Part 2!  Enjoy... Matt van Winkle is the CEO of RE/MAX Northwest with 10 offices, almost 400 agents and support staff, and $2.5 billion in sales. RE/MAX Northwest was founded to address the shortcomings of the current real estate brokerage model.  Moreover, he has built RE/MAX Northwest into the #1 RE/MAX in Washington State and is also a consultant and coach for brokers and brokerage owners across the country. His strategy? Work Hard. Be Nice.® Nick Bailey rejoined RE/MAX as Chief Customer Officer in September 2019 where he oversees all support services provided by RE/MAX LLC to its expansive network of franchisees and Affiliates.  He also is responsible for driving the network’s business growth, professional development and engagement.  Nick’s experience includes being a Sr. Vice President at Market Leader, a Vice President at Trulia/Zillow and, most recently, the President and CEO of Century 21.  Our topics include: -       Buffini’s 2019 Mid-Year Review (The changes to come and the reduction in # of brokerages)-       iBuyers / Zillow Instant Offers / OfferPad / Open Door-       NW MLS/Redfin Commission Publication and DOJ Inquiry -       Coming Soon/Exempt Listings/Pocket Listings-       Teams vs. Brokerages & Tech!-       The Customer Experience Focus: How it impacts Marketing, Transactions, and Relationships & The Digital Age of Video & Social MediaBonus Topics:-       Part 1: Market Status: Any Downturn Predictions???-       Part 2: Your Final Words of Advice to the Audience! Links Mentioned:iBuyer StatsBy the way, if you would like a copy of my show outline – I need you to do three things for me!  Leave a review, share the podcast with a friend, and then send me a DM with your review, the episode # and your email.  I’m happy to email you my notes on the episode!  So...You Think You Want to Be A Real Estate Agent by Kendall E. Bonner, Ann Carlson, & Teresa RogersJoin My Facebook Group to continue our discussion! Find me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube! #LevelUp,Kendall 

Are you the STAR of a predator’s fantasy?  In this episode we get into the MINDSET of a predator and what behaviors and language you are using that causes you to appear weak, subservient, and vulnerable.  Did you know that you may be at even greater risk when you haven’t closed a deal in a while?  Listen to learn more!  Our guest shares #TIPS to avoid a false sense of security.  What’s your office/team distress signal?  Listen for some fresh ideas on how to better PREVENT a dangerous situation.  Our guest, Dave Legaz is a Broker/Owner, Team Leader, and Instructor for NAR specializing in Realtor® Safety!  This podcast is a MUST Listen because he takes us way beyond the typical teachings.  He is also a Board of Director with the Beverly Carter Foundation whose mission is to ensure that real estate agent safety remains top-of-mind year round and not just during September which is also NAR’s official Real Estate Safety month.  Please review his Presentation & Safety Guide! He is very involved with his local, state and national association of REALTOR® organizations.  And last but certainly not least, he has LOTS of acronyms titled behind his name which are all evidence of his commitment to learning and mastery.  He has obtained the following designations: ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative), AHWD (At Home With Diversity), CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist, CRS (Certified Residential Specialist), e-Pro, GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute), RSPS (Resort and Second Home Property Specialist) & SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist).  You can email David here or find his website here. Some of the Questions we asked our Guest:-       Why is realtor safety so important right now?-       Where are agents most vulnerable and How can agents better protect themselves and their customers?-       What are your thoughts and opinions on concealed weapons?-       What are your best safety tips for agents to implement right now?-       How do we better educate our customers on the necessary changes to our customs so that we are all better protected?-       Where can agents go to learn more about Beverly Carter Foundation?  PLEASE!!! Leave a review, subscribe, & share the podcast with a friend.  So...You Think You Want to Be A Real Estate Agent by Kendall E. Bonner, Ann Carlson, & Teresa RogersJoin My Facebook Group to continue our discussion! Find me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube! #LevelUp, Kendall

Our next guest comes to us with an extensive background in banking and customer service. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Admin in 2003,  he worked for over 10 years with banking giants like Suntrust Bank, JP Morgan, and GTE Financial Credit Union where he successfully managed multiple branch locations before getting his RE license in 2013.  The lessons he learned in banking and management have helped him learn the extreme value of the customer experience.  As a result, since then he has closed over 500 transactions for over $100 million in volume.  He is also an inaugural member of the Arete Syndicate which is an elite group of entrepreneurs looking to better themselves and others.  He is the Team Leader of Bello Home Team where is strives to “Make it Happen” for his customers and he is also the father to 4 awesome kiddos and husband to a wife he treasures.  Please help me welcome, Sean Bates!  By the way, if you would like a copy of my show outline – I need you to do three things for me!  Leave a review, share the podcast with a friend, and then send me a DM with your review, the episode # and your email.  I’m happy to email you my notes on the episode!  So...You Think You Want to Be A Real Estate Agent by Kendall E. Bonner, Ann Carlson, & Teresa RogersJoin My Facebook Group to continue our discussion! Find me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube! #LevelUp, Kendall

WINS, GPS, SPAR, CARE, CIAPI, LIVE, TIME, BASICS, ENGAGE, GRIT!!!  These 10 Acronyms could change your world like they did mine!!!  By the way, if you would like a copy of my show outline – I need you to do three things for me!  Leave a review, share the podcast with a friend, and then send me a DM with your review, the episode # and your email.  I’m happy to email you my notes on the episode!  So...You Think You Want to Be A Real Estate Agent by Kendall E. Bonner, Ann Carlson, & Teresa RogersJoin My Facebook Group to continue our discussion! Find me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube!  Email me at Kendall@ImproveYourHustle.com#LevelUp, Kendall

Lindsey Fowkes is the CEO and Team Leader of The Fowkes Group, a top producing team in Tampa, FL.  She tells us about the evolution of her business from the science behind golf courses, to a top sales agent, and then to a top team leader.  She discusses what she’s learned, why she built a team, and where teams can go wrong.  If you are an aspiring team leader or team member or just want to know more about how a successful team functions – join us on her journey!  You can connect to Lindsey on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.  By the way, if you would like a copy of my show outline – I need you to do three things for me!  Leave a review, share the podcast with a friend, and then send me a DM with your review, the episode # and your email.  I’m happy to email you my notes on the episode!  So...You Think You Want to Be A Real Estate Agentby Kendall E. Bonner, Ann Carlson, & Teresa RogersJoin My Facebook Group to continue our discussion! Find me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube! #LevelUp, Kendall

Ryan R. Owens is the President of Marketing and Media for Milestone Title in Tampa, FL.  Ryan is high energy and super creative!  His passion for marketing and video is evidenced in his masterful content creation.  In this week’s episode, he shares with us strategies and a Map of all the places video can take you in your business! He gives us best practices, tips, and removes the barrier to getting started!  Ryan is also passionate about being an Agent of Change for mental health.    You can connect to Ryan on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.  By the way, if you would like a copy of my show outline – I need you to do three things for me!  Leave a review, share the podcast with a friend, and then send me a DM with your review, the episode # and your email.  I’m happy to email you my notes on the episode!  So...You Think You Want to Be A Real Estate Agent by Kendall E. Bonner, Ann Carlson, & Teresa RogersJoin My Facebook Group to continue our discussion! Find me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube! #LevelUp, KendallEmail: Kendall@improveyourhustle.com

Shadd Boucher is the Director of Development at a real estate company in Tampa, FL.  He talks to us about how he builds “Badass Unicorns”, Slaughters a Sacred Cow, and that to be Lazy is expensive!  He also shares some ideas on how to move from transactions to relationships in order to protect from real estate industry disruption and the oh-so scary iBuyer!  Don’t forget to stay tuned until the end, where he says his piece on the gang mentality of real estate!   You can connect with Shadd on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram!  He is a vortex of knowledge, experience, and care.  Be sure to review his articles for Lab Coat Agents! By the way, if you would like a copy of my show outline – I need you to do three things for me!  Leave a review, share the podcast with a friend, and then send me a DM with your review, the episode # and your email.  I’m happy to email you my notes on the episode!  So...You Think You Want to Be A Real Estate Agent by Kendall E. Bonner, Ann Carlson, & Teresa RogersJoin My Facebook Group to continue our discussion! Find me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube! #LevelUp, Kendall

 This is Deepening Digital Relationships Part 2!!! If you haven't listened to IYH 102 - you might want to start there first!  Are you taking all the steps necessary to grow and engage your audience?   We discuss several different ways to grow your following and add new contacts.  We also break down multiple strategies for Engaging your Audience as well.  Details on Post, Reply and Target are found inside this episode.  You don’t want to miss it!  By the way, if you would like a copy of my show outline – I need you to do two things for me!  Leave a review, and then send me a DM with your review, the episode #, and your email.  I’m happy to email you my notes on the episode!  So...You Think You Want to Be A Real Estate AgentJoin My Facebook Group to continue our discussion! Find me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube! #LevelUp, Kendall

“A Digital Relationship is 100x more powerful than a real-life relationship in the same period of time!” – Tony Giordano, The Social Agent 2.0  Do you have a love-hate relationship with social media?  If so, I want to help change the way you think about Social Media and how you can use it to generate more leads for your business.  I will share some tips and strategies for how you can organically build and maintain digital relationships through social media that lead to repeat, referral and new business.By the way, if you would like a copy of my show outline – I need you to do two things for me!  Leave a review, and then send me a DM with your review, the episode # and your email.  I’m happy to email you my notes on the episode!  So...You Think You Want to Be A Real Estate Agent by Kendall Bonner, Ann Carlson, & Teresa Rogers Join My Facebook Group to continue our discussion! Find me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube! #LevelUp,Kendall

What’s stopping you from living your best life as a Real Estate Agent, Broker, or Entrepreneur?  Leverage! Leverage is the key to abundance and entelechy.  At Improve Your Hustle, you will be inspired & empowered to take your career to the next level!  So...You Think You Want to Be A Real Estate Agent Join My Facebook Group to continue our discussion! Find me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube! #LevelUp,Kendall

Get a taste of the Hustle and Heart that I have for the Real Estate Professional! Learn some valuable skills, unique strategies, and proven systems for increased leverage for a profitable business and enriched life!  So...You Think You Want to Be A Real Estate Agent Join My Facebook Group to continue our discussion! Find me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube! #LevelUp,Kendall