Icons of Real Estate Podcast

Join host Tomás Fonseca as he talks with Karina Chavez, a New Mexico realtor on a mission to make homeownership accessible and dignified. Karina shares how she transformed multiple Route 66 motels into affordable housing for veterans, teachers, and seniors—while creating a new food hall and cultural hub for her community. Through resilience, faith, and dedication, she's redefining what it means to serve through real estate.

On this episode of Icons of Real Estate, we interview John Scalia, one of the top agents at eXp Realty, who has achieved Icon Status for multiple years in a row. With over $300 million in closed transactions, John shares how he built his business, leveraging his years of experience in real estate, and why he believes in the eXp model. He also discusses how he navigates high-volume transactions, works with investors, and utilizes AI tools to improve business efficiency. Whether you're an experienced agent or just starting, John's insights are valuable for anyone looking to scale their real estate business.

Host Tomas Fonseca talks with Laura Rapaport about C-PACE financing, a private credit solution for sustainable and energy-efficient commercial real estate projects. Laura shares her insights on the financing process, why traditional investors are hesitant, and the impact of the new Carlyle partnership in expanding access to C-PACE.

In this episode of Icons of Real Estate, Tomas Fonseca sits down with Sam Khorramian, the founder of Big Block Realty, as he shares his journey from numerous business failures to achieving success in the real estate industry. Sam dives deep into the importance of perseverance, determination, and creating a supportive culture for agents. He talks about the evolution of Big Block Realty and his transition to LPT Realty. With a focus on the significance of mentorship and balancing visionary leadership with operational management, Sam offers key insights on growing a thriving business and creating a strong foundation for real estate success.

In this episode of Icons of Real Estate, cofounder Tomás Fonseca reflects on how podcasting has become essential for real estate agents looking to grow their business in 2025. Tomás shares insights on how podcasting helps agents build authority, engage with clients, and expand their network. He also outlines exciting plans for future community engagement, masterclasses, and growth within the real estate industry. Whether you're a seasoned agent or just starting, podcasting can be the key to setting yourself apart in today's competitive market.

Ashlei De Souza shares her journey as a seasoned real estate agent across markets from Kentucky to NYC and Connecticut. She discusses staging, social media, AI tools, memorable transactions, and building a strong brand while growing her team in the competitive luxury real estate market.

Josh Jerman shares his journey as a top Maui realtor, emphasizing trust, reputation, and community involvement as the pillars of his success. He discusses client relationships, philanthropy, and adapting to diverse client needs, offering actionable advice for realtors looking to grow their business while staying authentic.

Gary Harper shares his real estate journey filled with challenges and triumphs. He emphasizes shifting from employee to entrepreneur, introduces the RISE Business Framework for business growth, and highlights the critical role of purpose in achieving long-term success. Actionable advice for personal development and scaling your business awaits.

 Bailey Tarr, a successful real estate agent in San Diego, shares her insights on relocating from Sacramento and building a successful business in a new city. In this episode, Bailey talks about the role of social media in her business, with 80% of her deals coming from referrals due to her online presence. She explains why authenticity and networking are essential, and how joining a local team and engaging with the community has contributed to her growth.

In this episode of the Icons of Real Estate Podcast, Tomas Fonseca interviews Russell Kubach, a successful realtor in Philadelphia. Russell shares his transition from the beer industry to real estate and the lessons he learned along the way. He emphasizes the importance of community connections, giving back, and how authenticity in building relationships has helped him stand out in a competitive market. Russell also discusses his long-term goal of building an empire in real estate and the significance of numbers in making key decisions.

In this episode of Icons of Real Estate, we sit down with Cindy and Jason, the powerhouse couple behind $1B+ in luxury real estate sales in Fairfield County, Connecticut.Together, they've built a high-touch, tech-forward real estate team known for delivering seamless service to high-net-worth clients. From their Wall Street backgrounds to creating an AI-enhanced client experience, the Raneys share what truly sets them apart.

In this episode of Icons of Real Estate, Taylor Klein, a rookie agent from Pensacola, shares her inspiring journey from struggling with no income to successfully closing 12 real estate deals in her first year. Host Tomas Fonseca dives deep into Taylor's tactics, including cold calling, CRM management, and how Instagram helped her generate leads and build a brand. Learn the exact steps Taylor took to find success in her first year in real estate.

In this episode of The Icons of Real Estate Podcast, host Tomas Fonseca chats with Anthony Scavo, President and COO of Basis Industrial, about growing a successful industrial real estate business. Anthony shares how his background in construction and development has shaped his leadership style and helped him scale Basis Industrial to over 5 million square feet of space in just a few years. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in the industrial sector and offers valuable business advice.

Jenn Grandjean—Realtor, coach, and founder of The Hype Collective—joins Tomas Fonseca to reveal the three essential pillars of real estate success. With her background in psychology and real estate leadership, Jenn dives deep into mindset, follow-up, and the key pillar of business growth that most agents neglect.Tune in to find out:Why “confidence” isn't the goal—and what to work on insteadThe most important question every agent must ask themselvesRelocating your business: How to replicate real estate success in a new market What true leadership looks like in real estateAnd how to find your tribe to scale faster

In this episode of Icons of Real Estate, host Karen Roberts chats with a seasoned real estate duo Charity & Joe Slawter who combine decades of experience in coaching, home building, and remodeling to create a client-first business. They share how deep listening, servant leadership, and robust systems help their team thrive through market shifts and challenges. They also discuss their commitment to affordable housing solutions and growing a sustainable, relationship-driven real estate business in Washington State.

In this episode of Icons of Real Estate, host Karen Roberts welcomes Joan Herlong, a real estate powerhouse with over 30 years of experience, founder of Joan Herlong a top-producing agent in the Greater Greenville area. Joan shares her unexpected entry into real estate, her rise through recession-era challenges, and her bold transition into boutique agency ownership and leadership.

In this inspiring episode of the Icons of Real Estate podcast, host Timothy Kaitano welcomes Kimberly Falker, a real estate powerhouse with over 20 years in the industry. From her early days as a lawyer to becoming a top-performing real estate agent and coach, Kimberly shares her evolution, lessons learned, and her unique “Fail Forward” coaching approach.Tune in as Kimberly breaks down how she built a six-figure real estate business in her first year, her strategic use of open houses, navigating luxury markets, and why working with the right clients matters more than working with every client. 

On this episode of Icons of Real Estate Podcast, host Karen Roberts talks with Steve Nash, leader of the top Keller Williams team serving Clarksville, Hopkinsville, and Fort Campbell. A military veteran and VA loan expert, Steve shares his inspiring journey from military service to real estate success. Learn how his no-nonsense approach, dedication to client service, and creative marketing keep his team at the top. Discover practical tips for navigating shifting markets and the importance of understanding the client's “why” behind every move.

In this episode of Icons of Real Estate Podcast, host Karen Roberts sits down with Darin Tansey, a Miami real estate expert with over 17 years of experience. Specializing in luxury waterfront properties, Darin shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings in Iowa to dominating the competitive Miami real estate market. With a sharp, high-touch approach, Darin discusses the importance of listening to clients, understanding market shifts, and staying tenacious in the face of adversity. He also shares valuable insights on how to succeed in today's luxury real estate market.

In this episode of Icons of Real Estate Podcast, host Karen Roberts interviews Gary B. Bailey Senior, broker and owner of Crossroads Realty of Michigan since 2003. Gary shares his inspiring journey from construction work to founding a trusted brokerage known for integrity and personalized service. Discover his strategies for building strong client relationships, vetting partners, leading a successful team, and thriving through market shifts. Gary also offers valuable advice for aspiring agents and reveals what's next for his growing business.

On this episode of Icons of Real Estate Podcast, host Timothy Kaitano sits down with Harrison Polsky, a top 1% luxury real estate agent in the U.S. Harrison shares his inspiring journey from commercial analyst to real estate powerhouse, including how he closed $16M in his first year, built a successful new construction business, and leads a high-performing team. Get actionable advice on breaking into real estate, leveraging social media, building a team with drive, and planning for long-term growth in luxury markets.

In this episode of Icons of Real Estate, host Kat Sparrow interviews Nick Harris, a top real estate agent in Metro Detroit. Nick shares his journey from being a personal trainer and strength coach to becoming a successful real estate agent. He talks about how his background in sales and relationship-building helped him transition into real estate, and how his approach to connecting with clients on a personal level has led to success. Nick also shares his strategies for marketing, networking, and building long-term relationships in real estate.

In this episode of Icons of Real Estate, Karen Roberts interviews Minu John, a top real estate agent and building contractor in the Twin Cities. Minu shares her journey from a cashier to completing over 400 transactions. She discusses the value of transparency, her dual expertise in real estate and construction, and how she helps clients with buying homes, investing, and planning construction projects, offering a unique approach to achieving real estate goals.

In this episode, Karen Roberts speaks with Michelle Pauley, MBA, founder of Success Commercial Real Estate. Michelle shares her transition from residential to commercial real estate, driven by her passion for data and logic. She discusses leveraging her nonprofit experience, navigating commercial transactions, and building strong relationships. Michelle also reflects on balancing personal passions with running a successful business and outlines her future goals, offering valuable insights into the world of commercial real estate.

In this episode of the Icons of Real Estate Podcast, we connect with Montgomery, Alabama's Michael Stroup. Michael, a realtor with Harrison Atkins Real Estate, shares his journey from a childhood spent around fixing homes to leading a successful real estate career. He talks about his deep connection to the community, the joy he finds in helping clients navigate the real estate market, and how his construction and home repair background gives him a unique advantage in the field. Tune in for inspiring insights and real-world advice from this passionate professional.

In this episode of the Icons of Real Estate Podcast, host Karen Robertson sits down with Joey Martin, a true hometown success from Central South Carolina. Starting with $20,000 fixer-uppers and working his way up to multimillion-dollar estates, Joey has built one of the Southeast's most trusted real estate teams. He shares his incredible journey, how he's adapted to meet clients' diverse needs, and the power of commitment in achieving success. Tune in to learn about his approach to real estate, leadership, and community building.

In this episode of the Icons of Real Estate Podcast, host Karen Robertson sits down with Dr. Sam Giordano, a physician turned passive real estate investor and co-founder of Passive Advantage. Dr. Giordano shares his journey from practicing medicine to discovering passive real estate syndications in 2016, leading him to achieve financial independence. He discusses how his new tools, like the Limited Partner Deal Analyzer, are helping other physicians and investors evaluate syndications and make informed decisions. Tune in for insights on how passive income can change your life and career!

Join us on this exciting episode of the Icons of Real Estate Podcast as we chat with Libby Satterfield, a second-generation realtor with a wealth of experience in the Columbia, South Carolina market. Libby shares her inspiring journey from working a government job to taking the plunge into real estate, growing her business organically, and providing outstanding service to clients. From staging homes to building strong client relationships, Libby talks about how she has transformed her career and her goals for the future.

In this episode of Icons of Real Estate Podcast, Timothy Kaitano sits down with the incredible Yashmit Gutierrez, a real estate agent who transitioned from a career in pharmacy to real estate. Yashmit shares her journey of overcoming challenges, her dedication to helping clients, and how she built her business organically in Central Florida. She opens up about her multilingual skills, strategies for connecting with clients, and her goals of becoming an investor and building a team. A must-listen for anyone considering a career change or wanting to succeed in real estate!

Welcome to Icons of Real Estate Podcast! Today, host Karen Roberts is joined by the one and only Blake Sloan, a Myrtle Beach native who has made a name for himself in the real estate world. Starting his career at just 18, Blake founded Sloane Realty Group in 2008 and has since earned national recognition in Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, NBC, and more. With his innovative marketing strategies and top-tier sales skills, Blake has built one of the top 1% real estate teams globally and frequently appears on Fox News. Tune in as Blake shares his inspiring journey, his approach to real estate, and how he became the “real estate whiz kid” of Myrtle Beach!

In this episode of Icons of Real Estate Podcast, host Karen Roberts sits down with Tamairo Moutry, a real estate powerhouse and CEO, to discuss her remarkable journey in the industry. With 27 years of experience, Tamairo  specializes in distressed properties, property management, and helping clients build wealth through real estate. From starting her career as a single mom to becoming a self-made millionaire with 41 doors, Tamairo  shares her insights into investing, managing properties, and empowering clients with the knowledge to succeed. Tune in to learn how she balances it all and continues to grow her empire in multiple states.

In this episode of Icons of Real Estate Podcast, host Karen Roberts sits down with Georgeanna Newmones, President of the Atlantic City and County Board of Realtors. Georgeanna Newmones brings over 27 years of experience, specializing in Atlantic County and beyond. Georgeanna Newmones shares her personal journey in real estate, from buying her first home at 19 to becoming a leader in the industry. Learn about her passion for educating clients, promoting collaboration, and her unique approach to the ever-changing market. Georgeanna Newmones also dives into her work with investors and first-time homebuyers and offers advice on the challenges and opportunities in today's real estate landscape.

In this episode of Icons of Real Estate Podcast, host Ethan interviews Jordan Ray, a dynamic real estate professional with EXP Realty. Jordan shares his inspiring story of transitioning from a truck driver and military staff sergeant to a successful real estate agent and investor. Learn how he built his business by focusing on investors, sellers, and military clients, and how his military background shaped his work ethic and success. Jordan also reveals his strategies for working with investors, tackling unique challenges in Memphis real estate, and his vision for his future career.

In this episode of Icons of Real Estate Podcast, host Timothy Kaitano interviews Amy Scialdo, an accomplished real estate agent at EXP Realty. Amy shares her incredible journey from being a nervous part-time real estate agent to confidently running her business full-time. She discusses the importance of mentorship, how she grew her career through relationships, and the lessons she's learned about perseverance, scalability, and the value of hard work in real estate.

Welcome to another episode of Icons of Real Estate Podcast! Today, host Karen Roberts is joined by Jeff Gonzales, the powerhouse behind Icon Home Group. With 14 years of experience in real estate, Jeff teamed up with his wife Amberly to lead a successful team of 75 agents and earn Icon Agent status with eXp Realty in 2023. Join us as Jeff shares his inspiring journey, lessons learned, and insights into building a top-tier real estate team in today's competitive market.

Join Kat Timpson as she speaks with Brett Chotkevys, a real estate investor and founder of Platinum Resort Assisted Living. Brett shares his unique journey from house flipping to creating custom luxury assisted living mansions. Learn how his innovative business model is revolutionizing end-of-life care and providing a comfortable, community-driven solution for seniors.

Join Karen Cooper, founder of the Platinum Group Real Estate Team and Empowering Women in Real Estate Podcast, as she shares her journey from the pharmaceutical industry to real estate. With over 700 families served and a thriving community of 39,000 women in real estate, Karen's insights into leadership, community building, and team success are invaluable.