Stay Paid - A Sales and Marketing Podcast

"If you're going to build people, you must care more about their outcome than yours." Mark Perkins—founder of Pivot Realty Group—shares the truth most brokerages avoid: the real estate industry is broken, and most agents fail because no one tells them what the job actually requires. Mark explains how he built a 200-agent brokerage without traditional recruiting and why culture, leadership, and service—not tech or branding—are the true drivers of growth. Learn about: How he built a 200-agent independent brokerage from scratch Emphasizing long-term strategy over short-term profit What's broken in real estate & why agents fail Focusing on the "middle 60%" who can succeed with the right mentorship Accountability, standards, and clarity matter more than perks Why brokerages should develop agents—not use them Recruiting should come from value, not persuasion

Heather Corrigan—better known as The Hurricane—closed 80 transactions and $20M in volume while most agents were slowing down. From creating her own business hub to leveraging every deal into content and referrals, Heather proves that success isn't about perfect systems—it's about movement. If you want to dominate in any market, this conversation will light a fire.

You're closer to a breakthrough than you think.   Luke and Josh coach three very different agents through three very real problems. Jean asks how to recruit agents to her small brokerage, Naquata wants to know how to make the most of 20–25 hours a week as a part-time agent, and Stefan calls in after burning through his savings with one month left to survive.     Stay Paid hosts breaks down recruiting funnels, sphere-first strategy, activity levels, masterminds, prospecting blocks, and what it actually takes to break through when you feel like quitting. If you're growing, rebuilding, or barely hanging on, this episode will meet you where you are.   Key Takeaways: What to do when you're struggling to recruit agents Mentorship is good but not unique — every broker claims it Create a recruiting funnel the same way agents create a sphere funnel The 3 E's of agent content: Education, Entertainment, Endearmeny Your 100-person sphere is the foundation — call all of them 65% of listings and 56% of buyers come from relationships Every hour must go to: Prospecting, Sphere, Open Houses, Conversations You must track actual conversations, not just time spent Schedule 4 hours/day of phone time Ask sphere for referrals TODAY Success = increased intensity + structure + accountability   ⁉️ Do YOU have a question you'd like us to answer on air? Send us an email at Podcast@ReminderMedia.com or shoot us a DM on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/staypaidpodcast 

He used this CMA strategy to list $11M in 90 days. In this new Stay Paid interview, Jimmy Burgess, The Chief Coaching Officer At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices & HomeServices of America, reveals the three strategies every agent should execute in 2026—and they're simpler than you think. He breaks down why you should buy lunches instead of leads, how a weekly "Deal of the Week" email reactivates your database, and why unsolicited video CMAs remain one of the most profitable activities in real estate. You'll learn about: Jimmy framing his approach using John Maxwell's Rule of 5 Why you should 'Buy Lunches, Not Leads' Sending 'Deal of the Week' Emails MLS-based outreach ideas (price drops, nearby sales to spark conversation) Unsolicited Video CMAs Jimmy returning as Head Coach at Berkshire Hathaway Why legacy and helping agents do more deals fuels his mission ▶️  Checkout Jimmy's YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@JimmyBurgess 

Real estate school teaches square footage, contracts, and math… but almost nothing about how to actually build a career. In our latest episode of Stay Paid, we sit down with Jenifer Morin, author of Beyond the Sale, who shares the real-world skills agents need to build a lasting career. From calendar discipline to lead generation, mindset to capacity, Jenifer breaks down the exact habits that separate top producers from everyone else. ⭐️You'll learn: Why most agents fail within the first 5 years How to structure your day for success Why your calendar is the best predictor of income The truth about treating real estate like a career How to avoid burnout and find your true strengths If you want stability, income, and longevity in this business, this episode is a must-listen.  

You're not selling them DOWN—you're selling them UP to the real price!  In this Stay Paid Q&A episode, Luke, Josh, and Acree Brothers Realty answer real agents' biggest challenges—including how to handle a seller who overpriced their listing and now blames the market.  You'll learn the exact script to reset expectations, how to relaunch a listing without losing the client, and what to include in a high-energy marketing plan. You'll also hear advice on how to follow up without sounding salesy and how to use items of value to make conversations feel natural—not forced. Plus, a deep dive into where AI actually fits into your business today. You'll hear advice about: How to talk to sellers who demand unrealistic pricing Why you're actually "selling them UP" to the correct price How long overpriced listings hurt momentum and perceived value Luke's "Call to Say Hello" script + FORD framework (Family, Occupation, Recreation, Dreams) How to use items of value (magazine, equity reports, contractor lists) to make follow-up natural Why niche messaging works better than "we help everyone" Why personal social profiles outperform business pages Leveraging pastors, partnerships, and email marketing

Relationships are your savings account. In this Stay Paid interview, we chat with Rei Mesa, President & CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty. Rei shares the leadership principles, customer service philosophy, and relationship mindset that built one of Florida's most respected brokerages. He explains why agents must work with a cadence of accountability, how full-service real estate creates customer loyalty, and why relationships are your greatest long-term asset. You'll hear about: ·      Rei's origin: from college student helping at open houses to Rookie of the Year ·      How relationships became his "savings account" philosophy ·      Why customer experience beats technology & AI every time ·      The 600-person wedding analogy for sphere of influence ·      Rei's advice to his younger self: buy real estate and lead with courage, strength, humility, and gratitude Rei also shares what agents must do in 2026 to win more business despite a shrinking "pie." If you want to grow like a true leader, this episode is packed with wisdom.

Your listing isn't selling? It's price, promotion, or presentation. In this week's Q&A episode, agents call in with real problems — wasted marketing spend, low-converting leads, and a condo sitting 116 days on the market — Luke, Josh, & the Acree Brothers Realty team walk them through how to fix each one. Learn how long ROI really takes, how to talk a seller into a price drop, and when vendors should enter the deal to save a falling escrow. Fast, tactical answers you can use today. You'll learn: ✔ How to stop wasting money on marketing platforms that don't convert✔ Why ROI often takes years (not months) — and how to survive the "float"✔ What to do when your listing sits for 116 days✔ The real way to avoid "annoying" prospects while doing effective lead gen✔ Why Facebook leads take 18+ calls and years of nurturing✔ How insurance & vendor partnerships SHOULD work (and where agents go wrong)✔ How belief, tonality, and confidence make or break your sales conversations ⁉️ Do YOU have a question you'd like us to answer on air? Send us an email at Podcast@ReminderMedia.com or shoot us a DM on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/staypaidpodcast

Vince Leisey—president of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Network—reveals what truly separates top agents from the 90% who don't make it. In this powerful Stay Paid interview, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices President Vince Leisey breaks down what truly separates top producers from the 90% who fail. Vince explains why discipline—not skill—is the defining characteristic of elite agents, why culture must be built in person, and how leaders can create teams that thrive in a changing industry. You'll learn: Vince's leadership lesson: patience + decision-making with facts The "Google model" for innovation: roll out fast, adjust fast, don't fear failure Why competition prevents complacency Why culture is built in person and cannot be replaced by virtual work Why relationship-building has remained unchanged for 40+ years   ⁉️ Do YOU have a question you'd like us to answer on air? Send us an email at Podcast@ReminderMedia.com or shoot us a DM on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/staypaidpodcast

What if AI could tell you EXACTLY who will buy your listing—before you ever shoot the video or write the description?

How do you go from hustling solo to running a scalable real estate business? In this Stay Paid Q&A, Luke Acree, Josh Stike, and Acree Brothers Realty take live calls from agents across the country to discuss how to build systems, track performance, and stay consistent in an unpredictable market. From picking the right CRM to turning Zillow leads into long-term clients, this episode breaks down what separates agents who survive from those who scale.

How do you lead 40,000 agents, stay fit, balance family, and navigate industry change? In this Stay Paid interview, Chris Kelly, CEO of HomeServices of America, shares powerful lessons from leading one of the nation's largest real estate organizations through massive industry change. From balancing family, fitness, and leadership to navigating the NAR lawsuits and AI transformation, Chris opens up about what it really takes to lead at scale—and stay grounded doing it.

In this Stay Paid interview, Garrett Maroon — agent, team leader, podcast host, and author of The Balanced Breakthrough: Winning at Work Without Losing at Life—shares how he built a $60M business by focusing on faith, family, and alignment. Garrett breaks down how to define your own scoreboard for success, why "balance" is a question of priorities, and how mastering one system (his Rule of 8 and PDA Formula) helped him sell 650 homes without losing what mattered most.

"Your job isn't to make someone sell—it's to remind them why they wanted to." In this Stay Paid Q&A episode, Luke Acree, Josh Stike, and Cody Smith take live calls from real estate agents nationwide to tackle their toughest business questions. From handling hesitant sellers to mastering cold calls and structuring your perfect day, this episode dives deep into the systems, mindset, and habits that separate top producers from everyone else.

How does a solo agent sell 60+ homes and $40M a year? In this Stay Paid interview, Olyvia Salyer, a top-producing luxury agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in Williamsburg, Virginia, shares exactly how she built a $40M solo business through referrals, community, and smart systems. From running client events and pop-bys to leveraging AI for listing presentations and coaching, Olyvia proves that success comes from a mix of old-school connection and new-school tools.

Never underestimate a steak dinner—big partnerships start with small actions. Jason Meyers and Dawn Myers from Ritter Insurance Marketing join Luke and Josh to talk about the power of relationships in business—and how genuine connection drives growth more than any marketing tool. You'll hear how a single steak dinner led to years of partnership, why Ritter continues to invest in personal relationships even in the AI era, and what separates successful agents from those who struggle.

Referrals alone won't scale your business—systems will. In this week's Stay Paid Q&A, Luke, Josh, and Cody coach agents through real challenges. Learn how to grow your database through circle prospecting and paid ads, standardize your cadence of outreach, and turn your referral business into a machine that runs without you.

What does it take to lead thousands of agents, stay grounded, and build a people-first company? In this Stay Paid interview, Craig Witt, U.S. CEO of EXIT Realty Corp. International, shares his lessons from leading one of the nation's top real estate brands through growth, change, and challenge. Craig reveals how humility, delegation, and purpose-based leadership have shaped his journey from franchise owner to CEO, and why putting people first is the key to scaling sustainably.

What if the best way to market your business wasn't advertising at all—but giving back? In this episode of Stay Paid, we sit down with Mike Kirtley of Kirtley Insurance and the AC Companies to learn how he built his brand through authenticity, relatability, and giving back. From buying livestock at county fairs, to sponsoring race cars, to creating Chamber of Commerce scholarships, Mike shows how the best marketing often looks like community involvement  

Recruiting agents? You need a funnel, not just cold calls. In this week's Stay Paid Q&A, Luke and Josh answer live calls from agents and entrepreneurs across the country. From building recruiting funnels and creating the right scripts, to overcoming slumps with accountability and visualization, to leveraging TikTok leads with the right funnel—this episode is packed with strategies you can use today.  

How do you stay focused when distractions pull you in every direction? In this week's Stay Paid Q&A, Luke, Josh, and Cody tackle real agents' toughest questions about farming, focus, and follow-up. Discover why cookouts and partnerships work, why time blocking is critical, and why asking for referrals should never feel uncomfortable.

Is AI a threat — or the biggest opportunity in real estate? In this episode of Stay Paid, we sit down with Drew Thompson, head of Real Academy at Real, to dive deep into how agents can practically use AI for content, coaching, rapport building, and sales. Learn why follower counts don't matter, why human connection will always win, and how to harness AI as your creative edge instead of fearing it.  

What does it take to build a 900-agent downline? His secret? Don't pitch. Deliver value. In this week's episode of Stay Paid, New Jersey powerhouse Matt Curcio reveals how he went from top-producing agent to leading Real Broker's first NJ office—and recruiting nearly 1,000 agents along the way. From running high-quality events to helping agents grow through coaching and community, Matt shares the real keys to long-term success in recruiting, retention, and leadership.  

Real estate success is simple—but it isn't easy. In this Q&A episode of Stay Paid, Luke, Josh, Stephen, and Cody take live calls from agents facing the same struggles you are. From finding free leads without Zillow, to breaking through Instagram plateaus, to leading a team without burning out, we dig into the strategies, standards, and mindset shifts every agent and team leader needs.  

From HBO to high-end homes, Tom McCormack has built a career around storytelling, relationships, and leadership. In this episode of Stay Paid, Tom, co-owner and senior partner at Resources Real Estate, shares how his background in television shaped his approach to marketing, why caring about clients is the ultimate differentiator, and what it takes to compete (and win) as an independent brokerage.

Trust has a new currency—and it's reviews 

If you've ever wondered “What should I be doing right now to grow?” — this episode is your roadmap.  Bookkeeping headaches. Social media that doesn't convert. Wondering if you should start a podcast or not. Every agent struggles with these at some point—and in this Q&A episode of Stay Paid, we break it all down.  

In this episode of Stay Paid, Luke & Josh sit down with Troy Reierson, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arizona, California & Nevada Properties, and JT Thompson, industry veteran and general manager, to talk about the real fundamentals of success in real estate.  

Tired of prospects ghosting your calls? Wondering how to follow up without being “that pushy salesperson”? In this episode of Stay Paid, Luke, Josh, Stephen, and Cody tackle your real-world questions like turning social media likes into actual clients, getting people to answer the phone, and following up in ways that build trust (not annoyance).  

If you've ever struggled with consistency, accountability, or building the right mindset for success, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. In this episode of Stay Paid, we sit down with legendary real estate coach Bill Pipes, who has led over 100,000 coaching sessions and worked with the industry's best. Bill breaks down the three pillars every agent needs to succeed: skills, standards, and strategy. We dive into the rise of AI in sales prospecting, how to structure your day for maximum impact, and why identity shifts are the secret to breaking through income ceilings.

Following up doesn't have to be awkward - and it shouldn't feel like begging for business. If you've been letting follow-up slide or struggle to find the right words, this episode will give you the exact playbook to reconnect, nurture, and convert your network into repeat and referral business.

In this episode of Stay Paid, we welcome back Matt Halloran, co-founder and Chief Relationship Officer at ProudMouth, TEDx speaker, and host of the Top Advisor Marketing Podcast. Matt has appeared on over 1,000 podcasts, coached thousands of advisors, and built a business helping professionals grow their influence through podcasting.  

Get ready for actionable strategies you can implement from Luke & Josh during our latest Q&A episode. Whether you're a new agent or a seasoned producer, this episode is packed with real-world insights to help you level up and create momentum in your business.  

What if the way you open a listing appointment is actually the most important part of the whole pitch? Real estate leader Andrew Undem (The SURE Group at Berkshire Hathaway) joins Stay Paid to share how he's closed over $1B in sales and why it all starts with one thing: how you open.  

In this week's episode of Stay Paid, we're joined by The Broke Agent himself, Eric Simon, for a Q&A unlike any other. He's helping agents just like you overcome the biggest obstacles in content creation & social media. If you've ever stared at your phone wondering what to post (or whether anyone even cares), this one's for you.

Ninety-four years of real estate wisdom in 30 minutes

In this episode of Stay Paid, Josh and Luke take live calls from agents across the country to tackle the real struggles real estate professionals are facing right now. From fighting social media burnout to breaking into the luxury market to preparing for retirement after decades in the business, our guests ask it all—and our hosts don't hold back. You'll hear real talk, proven advice, and systems you can put in place immediately to gain traction.  

He didn't go viral - he just closed over 100 homes. Here's proof that consistency, daily engagement, and personal touches will always beat chasing views.  In this episode, Nick Harris, a top-producing agent from Michigan, breaks down how he closes over 100 homes a year—without a single viral post. From DMs to database strategy, Nick walks us through the systems that keep his pipeline full and his clients engaged.  

In this live Q&A episode of Stay Paid, we coach three agents through some of the biggest challenges in real estate right now: recruiting in small towns, bouncing back after a tough year, and finding balance while juggling caregiving and business. This is real talk—unscripted and unfiltered.

Whether you're feeling stuck in this market or looking for inspiration to lean in harder, Stephanie's story will light a fire under you. Stephanie Xelowski is a top-producing San Diego-based luxury agent who's built her brand on authenticity, strategy, and straight-up hustle. In this episode of Stay Paid, she shares how she bounced back after tough market years, why she finally launched her podcast “Behind the Lock Box,” and how she's using social media to stay top of mind—and top of her game.  

In this special live Q&A episode of Stay Paid, Luke Acree, Josh Stike, and the top-producing Acree Brothers Realty team tackle your biggest questions—from marketing to mindset. Whether you're in real estate, insurance, or entrepreneurship, you'll walk away with practical steps for growing your business and staying motivated through tough seasons.

Would you give up your CEO title to pursue your purpose? He did. In this episode, Jimmy Burgess, former CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida and one of Inman's most-read contributors, returns to Stay Paid to share: ✅ Why he walked away from a prestigious CEO position ✅ How he defines real leadership ✅ The metaphor that changed how he views business and growth ✅ What agents must focus on in today's market ✅ His plan to help 1 million agents close a deal Whether you're feeling stuck, burnt out, or unsure of your purpose, this episode will help you realign and reenergize.

He joined real estate in 2023 and has already closed over 120 transactions—without a massive sphere or years of experience. In this episode of Stay Paid, Tim Bushnell from Acree Brothers Realty in Lynchburg, VA, shares the exact action plan he followed to crush 40 deals his first year and then double it the next.

Want to stand out and get more listings—even in a frozen market? Then take notes from this episode with Marie Boatsman, a real estate powerhouse who built her business on referrals, community outreach, and creative video marketing. Marie blends killer listing content with relationship-driven client care, delivering everything from subscription-style gift boxes to behind-the-scenes Easter Bunny tours of her listings.

Lead gen isn't your problem. Your client experience is. In this Stay Paid episode, Sheila Reddy, founder and CEO of Mosaik, joins us to share how she transitioned from healthcare leadership to building one of the most client-focused real estate platforms on the market. What started as a frustration with her own homebuying experiences has turned into a solution that gives agents a competitive edge where it matters most—during the transaction.

AI isn't just coming—it's here, and it's already changing the way the top real estate pros do business. This week on Stay Paid, we welcome back Jason Pantana, marketing coach and Tom Ferry speaker, for a deep dive into the AI strategies every real estate agent must understand to stay competitive. From ChatGPT and Claude to CapCut and Canva, Jason shares the exact tools, prompts, and real-world applications agents are using right now to scale their marketing and dominate locally.

From Uber Driver to Top Producer: Renee Burke's Story of Grit, Growth & Giving When the market slowed, Renee Burke didn't give up—she pivoted. A former stay-at-home mom turned real estate agent, Renee built her business with her husband flipping homes. But when the flips stopped and interest rates soared, she had to find new ways to connect and stay relevant. So she started driving Uber—with a stack of listing brochures in the back seat. And it worked.

71% of Agents Aren't Closing Deals—How to Be in the Top 29% With market uncertainty, commission shakeups, and lead-gen costs rising, many agents are frozen—but not the best ones. In this episode, NextHome Co-CEOs James Dwiggins and Keith Robinson get real about what agents MUST do to survive and thrive in today's chaotic market.

Ditch Smart Goals—Set Stupid Ones with Verl Workman   Tired of chasing “realistic” growth that never moves the needle? Verl Workman says it's time to get stupid.   In this game-changing episode, Verl—a speaker, author, and the CEO of Workman Success Systems—shares how the most successful agents scale their businesses using “stupid goals,” team specialization, and strategic systems that run without them.  

Are you stuck chasing the next transaction while your past clients disappear? Industry legend Allan Dalton—former CEO of Realtor.com and SVP at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices—joins Stay Paid to reveal the exact strategy top agents use to create lifelong clients (and stop paying referral fees for leads they should already own).