Beyond The Closing Table - Hosted by Michael Martin of the Martin Mortgage Group

Michael Martin interviews Jonathan Schunker, a Triangle-based loan officer, about what it actually looks like to guide clients through the mortgage process with clarity and purpose. With over 20 years in the nonprofit space before transitioning into lending, Jonathan shares how his background shaped his approach to communication, service, and simplifying what can feel like an overwhelming process....

Michael Martin interviews Laurie Evans, a Triangle native and award-winning real estate agent, about redefining what luxury means in today’s market. From her background working with builders and developers to becoming one of the area’s top agents, Laurie shares how service, design, and client experience became the foundation of her business. This episode is a practical look at how to stand out in...

In this episode of Beyond the Closing Table , Michael Martin sits down with Jason Isley, founder of Midtown Law, to break down what really happens behind the scenes of a real estate closing. Jason shares lessons from building one of the premier real estate law firms in the Carolinas, common mistakes buyers and agents make during transactions, red flags that signal a deal may get messy, and why who...

In this episode of Beyond the Closing Table , Michael Martin sits down with Alex “Big Al” Lawrence to break down what it really takes to build a successful real estate business. Alex shares how he went from getting started in residential real estate to becoming a referral-driven agent, why relationships matter more than any script, and the key moments that shaped his career. They also dive into op...

In this episode of Beyond the Closing Table , Michael Martin sits down with Kelli Smith of ERA to talk about what really drives success in real estate today. Kelli shares her unique background growing up in a military family, how constant relocation shaped her perspective, and why she’s built her business around helping clients truly feel at home, not just find a house. They dive into: Why referra...

On this episode of Beyond The Closing Table, Michael sits down with Army veteran and financial advisor Matt Griffith to talk about real-world wealth—what it means, how to build it, and how to protect it. Matt shares lessons from his time in the military that shaped his discipline and leadership in the world of finance, and how that mindset translates into helping clients make smart, confident mone...

In this episode of Beyond the Closing Table , I sit down with Anna Powell — founder of APRE powered by eXp, a top 1.5% Realtor nationally, and a powerhouse team leader based in Fuquay-Varina, NC. Anna shares her unexpected journey from the world of performing arts to becoming one of the most respected and intentional real estate leaders in the Triangle. We explore how she’s scaled her business wit...

In this episode, I sit down with Brooke Dickhart, the founder and Executive Director of The Joel Fund , a nonprofit that uses the healing power of the arts to support veterans and their families. What began as a way to honor her father, Joel, a Vietnam veteran who battled the invisible wounds of war, has grown into a thriving organization helping countless service members reconnect, heal, and find...

On this episode of Beyond the Closing Table, Michael sits down with Brette Davis, one of Raleigh’s most respected real estate professionals. Known for her genuine approach and ability to stay meaningfully connected with clients long after closing, Brette shares how relationships—not transactions—have fueled her success. From staying top-of-mind with her database to creating experiences that client...

In this episode, I’m joined by Alley Buscemi, a dynamic Raleigh real estate agent with Compass. Alley’s journey from set designer in New York City to thriving real estate professional is nothing short of inspiring. With a background in styling for film, TV, and commercials, Alley has an innate ability to turn style into sales. She shares her experience in the design world and how it shaped her suc...

In this episode, I sit down with Lindsay Wilson, owner of Lindsay the Stager , a home staging and design expert based in Raleigh. Lindsay shares her journey in the industry, offering valuable insights into how thoughtful staging can turn any property into a must-have for potential buyers. Whether you're selling a home or simply looking to refresh your space, Lindsay’s expertise in creating mo...

On this episode of Beyond The Closing Table, we sit down with one of the Triangle’s most trusted and beloved names in real estate — Ida Terbet of Coldwell Banker, Howard Perry and Walston. With nearly 40 years in the business, Ida has built a legacy of excellence rooted in service, heart, and hard work. She opens up about how real estate became her life’s calling, how her family — including her da...

In this episode of Beyond the Closing Table , we sit down with Tim Mock—a real estate pro with a story as compelling as his resume. A proud West Point graduate and son of a CIA agent, Tim’s life has been shaped by service, structure, and a relentless commitment to excellence. After years of military service, he returned home to North Carolina to apply his leadership and mission-first mindset to a...

In this episode of Beyond The Closing Table, we dive into the wild, sweet, and inspiring journey of Sam Ratto — founder of Videri Chocolate Factory and Golf Golf Golf in Raleigh, NC.Sam takes us back to his roots growing up on the California coast, managing a pizza shop by the ocean, and then grinding it out in a warehouse job before hitting the road for a cross-country RV adventure. That chapter...

This episode is special. Ginger Peters, Operating Partner at Keller Williams Preferred, and I go way back—back to when she was brand new in the business and we were grinding through open houses on foreclosures just to build a database. Fast forward, and Ginger is now leading one of the most successful brokerages in the region. Her story is a masterclass in grit, consistency, and vision. We talk ab...

In this episode of Beyond The Closing Table , I sit down with Jason Dapkevich , a top 1% REALTOR® in the Triangle and an ICON Agent with eXp, to dive into what makes him one of the best in the business. From his award-winning career as an educator to becoming a powerhouse in real estate, Jason’s journey is packed with lessons on leadership, service, and success. We break down:  ✅ How Jason’s teac...

In this episode of Beyond The Closing Table, I sit down with my good friend Aaron Voss—entrepreneur, real estate broker, and award-winning custom home builder. Aaron’s journey is anything but ordinary. He started in real estate flipping homes, then became a full-time agent before stepping into the unexpected world of firefighting. But his passion for creating something lasting led him back to real...

In this episode of Beyond the Closing Table, I sit down with Stephen Dunn, President of Exeter Building Co., a luxury custom homebuilder in Raleigh. Stephen shares his journey from business and accounting to answering a call to serve in the military, overcoming self-doubt, and embracing servant leadership. We dive into what it takes to lead a top-tier homebuilding company, the values that drive hi...

On this episode of Beyond The Closing Table, I sit down with the unstoppable Amber Harvalias—a top-producing real estate agent, fearless entrepreneur, and multi-business owner. With 19+ years of experience helping buyers, sellers, and investors across Ohio, North Carolina, and South Carolina, Amber has built a thriving career through grit, passion, and an unshakable commitment to excellence. But r...

This week on Beyond The Closing Table, we’re thrilled to welcome Ashley Quinn—a powerhouse entrepreneur and dynamic real estate expert who’s as passionate about helping people thrive as she is about finding the best tacos in Raleigh! 🌟 With a background in both analytical chemistry and start-ups, Ashley has mastered the art of blending strategy with heart. She’s built a reputation for fostering c...

In this episode of Beyond The Closing Table , I sit down with the one and only Steve Richman —a dynamic speaker and industry legend who has inspired and educated over 500,000 professionals across all 50 states! 🌟 We dive into Steve's fascinating journey from being a litigation attorney to becoming a nationally recognized speaker in the mortgage and real estate industry . With his unique blen...

In this episode of Beyond The Closing Table, I sit down with the incredible Darrena Yehia—one of the youngest Chick-fil-A owner-operators ever, turned rock star real estate broker. We dive into the invaluable lessons she learned from running restaurants, hiring and training teams, and navigating the fast-paced world of hospitality before making the leap into real estate. Darrena shares how those e...

Brian has spent over 27 years mastering the real estate game, wearing just about every hat in the industry—agent, manager, coach, instructor, and training manager. The teams he’s led have produced over $1 billion in real estate sales—yes, you heard that right, billion with a B! But Brian isn’t just a top-tier real estate expert—he’s also got a background that might surprise you. Before real estate...

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Michael Terbet, Team Leader, Broker, and Owner with the Terbet Group, whose tagline says it all: “Who you work with matters.” Michael’s journey is one of resilience, growth, and inspiration. From starting his career in college basketball coaching to joining forces with his mom, the legendary Ida Terbet, Michael has forged his own path to success. Tod...