Leave Your Shoes by the Door

“Find your people.” REALTOR® and social media expert Danielle Stiles is always pursuing a more effective way to move her business forward into the new era of technology. Witnessing the reach and potential of the internet at a young age (on a Morgan County farm no less. Yes, this is a Hoosier story), Danielle invested her time into learning everything she could about photography, social media, marketing and how to integrate those concepts into effective business marketing. Danielle doesn't hold back on providing several strategies and ideas that will surely help any REALTOR® find their market; their people.

We start 2022 off with the President of MIBOR: Stacy West. Stacy has been involved with several REALTOR® associations over her near 30 year long career in real-estate. As an agent Stacy believes in being proactive and being as educated about the homebuying process as possible. By asking the simple question, “Am I setting my clients up for success?”, Stacy exemplifies the understanding that it's the responsibility of the REALTOR® to ensure an exceptional experience for homebuyers!

2019 MIBOR REALTOR® of the Year Steve Zachary focuses on the negative space. Though he's just as determined as any other successful REALTOR® in our industry, he believes it's not about the finish line, but the quality of the ride there. Sometimes, that ride can be difficult, such as taking almost a year before his first deal in this industry. An experience that Steve will never forget, but also an experience he works so that others will not have to have the same experience. What's most important to Steve is the ability to help people- from his time in the REALTOR® Foundation to serving his clients. Steve loves to be in victory lane in life, but wants to make there on his terms.

“As long as you treat people right, they'll come back.” In an industry that seems to be becoming more complicated, sometimes we lose sight of our purpose. In just over 2 years, Danielle has committed herself to succeeding our industry. Trying to keep things simple- accountability, time management, and maintaining positive relationships- and being sure to surround herself with good people. Beyond succeeding professionally she also applies herself to getting involved with MIBOR to fully understand all aspects of real estate in central Indiana. This industry can throw a lot of things at you, but Danielle Coleman does her best to be prepared for whatever comes next.

“The information isn't the value; the value is the service.” Lynn Wheeler has put 16 years into our industry with a clear vision: it's all about service. Whether you're with clients or in front of your peers, it's never about the product, but the service you provide. Lynn has an extensive history with MIBOR through the Divisions, REAL and of course our presidency- but she's not done. Lynn is always looking for that next opportunity to inspire and be a force of positive energy in our industry. After an hour sitting down and talking with Lynn, we're glad she left her employment at Kings Island to serve in our industry.

Appraiser Brian C. Lee has a lot to say and we don't blame him. These past few years has put a lot of pressure on the appraisers in our industry, but Brian's not backing down. On this special episode we dive deep into the Appraiser's role in our industry and its importance to our marketplace. From the appraisal gap, to evolving technology, to current behaviors in the BLC® and everything in between. Brian has also cultivated an enterprise of podcasts, motivational speaking, and teaching. All found at www.BrianCLee.com. Beyond all the hats Brian wears, he is ultimately an educator.

On this episode of “Leave Your Shoes by the Door” we sit down with Brown County REALTOR® Bob Kirlin. Bob began his career in real estate at the age of 65, but don't think he was new to the world of sales! Bob spent years on the road all over the country (and sometimes out of the country) selling textiles out of his car. Bob brings decades of experience and continues to practice the sales philosophies that have made him the successful REALTOR® he is today. Of course picking up a few new 21st century tricks along the way, such as using Facebook to understand his client's values and needs before meeting them.

Tyler Hankins isn't one for what's called “corporate culture”. He tends to think and behave outside of the box, which has led to a successful career in our industry. At a young and formative age, Tyler experienced poor service in our industry and has cultivated a mindset to focus on a philosophy of service rather than sales. Tyler pushes himself to learn more and be more valuable to his clients every single day. He knows nothing is going to be handed to him in this industry; it has to be earned. These themes and behaviors has led Tyler to be declared “Not Your Father's REALTOR®”.

Who is an entrepreneur? Are all REALTORS® entrepreneurs? One thing we can agree when defining an entrepreneur is the ability to take risks. Jen Short has been taking risks her entire life. She sees an opportunity, understands its value and says “What the heck?” and goes all in on the risk. Whether it's participating in IU's Little 500 or flipping houses, she pursues a life of taking chances with big rewards.

Carrying the philosophies his father taught him, Ted leads his life with purpose, impacting those around him. From a childhood in Iowa, Arizona, Indiana (and a few more stops in Iowa), Ted adapted and learned to embrace the diversity and new perspectives of his surroundings. Determined to communicate his intentions to help his clients, it's just as important to accept the valleys in this industry as well as enjoying the peaks. Labeled a “salesman” at a young age, Ted understood his strengths and brought them into two decades as a successful REALTOR®.

Katie Malott is driven. From her incredibly successful career as a gymnast, to coach, to a career as a REALTOR®. Achieving goal after goal. One thing is made clear when talking with Katie: what she sets out to do, she achieves it at the highest level. From a teenager driving across central Indiana 6 days a week to pursue gymnastics, to a REALTOR® connecting Hoosiers with their dream home, to working with the REALTOR® Foundation to raise the quality of life in our communities. A professional in the pursuit of perfection.

REALTOR® Steve Thompson reacts. Which sounds counterintuitive to our industry. From his time on the wrestling mat (Steve “The Spear” Thompson), to serving the in the military, then police officer, to his time as a REALTOR®, Steve breaks down his approach to reacting to events in life as they come to you. This event comes to you: you study it, you understand it, then you take a calculated risk to get the most out of it. Steve applies his passion of community and service to manifest a successful career.

We start 2021 properly with the President of MIBOR: Regina Jones. Regina was present in the epicenter of change in Indianapolis, as she was a Pacemate with the Pacers as they outgrew Market Square Arena and moved to Conseco Fieldhouse while participating in the NBA finals. During this time, Regina would study real estate in the hallway of Conseco Fieldhouse before running out to do a routine! Regina has prepared for her real estate career with a simple philosophy backed with the credentials of industry knowledge: never coming from a place of “no”. She provides her clients with solutions.

In our final episode of the year we host the Broker/Owner of Plat Collective, Mark Nottingham. A proud Indy resident, Mark brings a philosophy of focus and simplicity to his leadership and approach to our industry. First misconception he clears up: we are in a service industry, not sales. Our priority as REALTORS® is to provide the best service we can to our clients. Do you view our industry in terms of scarcity or abundance? Check out our episode and find out where you stand.

MIBOR NextGen Chair Angi Oakes has made quite a splash in our industry in her 4 years. Bringing in experience and skill from her previous career in the restaurant business, Angi runs her business similarly to a restaurant: doing everything she can to give her clients the best service and experience as possible. Although she's not willing to spill all of the secrets to her success, there is plenty to learn from in this month's episode!

District 6 Representative, RPAC Trustee, Division Chair, but above all, REALTOR® Zach Miller is a man of many endeavors. From his previous career in talent management, Zach leads of life of servant leadership. A professional who applies himself to these facets of our industry in the hopes for a bright future in a pro-REALTOR® central Indiana.

REALTOR® Cheryl Strode-Gregory has lived her life as a student, always challenging herself and sharpening her professional toolkit to be a successful REALTOR® for over 18 years. From her time working for non-profits, to her current career helping her clients find their dream home, Cheryl has always held herself to a high integrity that allows her reputation to speak for her character in our industry.

On this August episode of “Leave Your Shoes by the Door”, northside agent Annie Caruso shares her process of getting to know her clients, their interests and lifestyle, to best serve them. How does her process differ from her peers who work in the suburbs? Andrew labels Annie an “explorer” on her approach to experience a life of traveling the road less traveled, and how those life experiences have led to her career as a successful REALTOR®.

In our July episode, we chat with MIBOR REALTOR® Foundation President and REALTOR® Amy Mocas. Amy has lived her unpredictable life driven by passion and the desire to help others find success. From her time as a cheerleader at Warren Central to a professional cheerleader as a manager of agents in our industry, Amy has always been one to understand the importance of positive thinking. One of her sources of positivity? Goats. Cute goats.

In this June episode, James Abner gives us his experience on his dual approach on real estate- buying/selling real estate and flipping houses with his son. James provides tips to his success and glimpses into his thought process, such as knowing when to outsource certain processes and when to challenge the system. And yes, James is the person who reads the fine print before selecting “I Accept Terms & Conditions”.

In this special episode, we talk with Drew Schroeder who caught our eye after posting on Facebook a detailed video on virtual showings. Drew has used technology and innovative ideas to virtually serve his clients and succeed during a time where our industry is anything but “business as usual”. From day one Drew had sought a career in helping people, from automatic pool covers to REALTOR®. Listen and find out what mindset it takes to thrive during a difficult time.

2019 NAR Good Neighbor award winner Paul Wyman sits down with us this month to tell his story from selling seeds door to door in Pennsylvania to his time in the military where he'd learn a motto he'd carry into his life as a REALTOR®: lead, follow, or get out of the way. Paul's fresh perspective on leadership and collaboration demonstrate a business model that empowers individuals to work together to achieve a collective goal in this competitive industry.

Joe sits down with us this month to tell us about his journey from hopeful P.E. teacher to successful REALTOR® and everything in between. Though unpredictable, he's lived his professional life with calculated risk taking. As opportunity presents itself, you must know the right time to invest your time and assets as a professional. We also learn that he's the greatest dodgeball player in country.

Our guest for February is 2020 MIBOR President Jenni Ruiz. We discuss her two-phased career in the industry, fresh out of High School then after raising her children, to the importance of a mentor in a challenging industry. We also discuss her vision for as the President for 2020. Jenni asks the tough questions that we as an industry face going into a new decade!

This month, Kathy Hall shares with me her difficult decision from being successful in the accounting field to becoming a REALTOR®. The journey from showing open houses, building her business, adapting and embracing technological innovation, to be the successful REALTOR® she is today. She also elaborates on the importance of the relationships she cherishes with her clients, all under the mutual appreciation of live music.

John Stone is the Managing Broker of Nest Real Estate and been in the industry for 11 years. In this episode of, John tells me his story of cream and crimson beginning with Indiana University to his current position as a Managing Broker. John has found success with one ongoing understanding- there is no “Plan B”. John shares experiences such as his first deal (that occurred on a tennis court of all places), his early struggles as a small business owner, his inspirations, and the philosophies he carries in his career.