Elite 25 Luxury Real Estate

In this episode of the Elite 25 Podcast, Jim Trungale shares how he transitioned from an early sales career in the insurance industry to becoming a 33-year cornerstone of residential mortgage lending and a premier sponsor of Austin’s luxury real estate market.  Jim discusses his deep history in the business, tracing back to an early childhood surrounded by real estate, inspired by his mother, Pat ...

In this episode of the Elite 25 Podcast, we sit down with Central Austin luxury real estate expert Megan Cavazos of Gottesman Residential. Megan shares her unique journey into the industry, starting her real estate career at 36 as an assistant to legendary Elite 25 agent Carol Burdette, before launching on her own and making the Elite 25 in her very first full year. Megan dives deep into the disti...

In this episode of the Elite 25 Podcast, Stephanie Panozzo shares how she transitioned from a meaningful first career in pediatric physical therapy to becoming a 24-year staple in Austin’s luxury real estate market. Stephanie discusses her West Texas roots and her long history in Central Austin, where she has lived and built her book of business since 2001. She breaks down her philosophy on profes...

In this episode of the Elite 25 Podcast, Tricia Keith shares how she transitioned from a 14-year career in substation engineering to becoming a premier powerhouse in Central Texas’s luxury ranch real estate market. Tricia discusses her deep roots in the Texas Hill Country, where she leverages a decade of ranch management experience and a fascinating "past life" running an exotic wildlife business,...

In this episode of the Elite 25 Podcast, Kirk Lewis of Kuper Sotheby's International Realty shares his journey from the dot-com era to leading the #1 team in Central Texas. Kirk breaks down his start at the tech-forward startup HomeCity, where they pioneered virtual tours before Google Maps existed, and how he transitioned from corporate sales to "winging it" as a rookie. He also shares why deep g...

In this episode of the Elite 25 Podcast, Tory Wortham shares how she transitioned from the corporate world at Dell and eBay to becoming a staple in Austin’s luxury real estate market.  Tory discusses her deep history in Austin, rooted in a family that has been in the city since the 1950s and a family lake house that has seen seven decades of Austin’s evolution. She breaks down her philosophy on "r...

World traveler turned Elite25 agent. In this episode of the Elite 25 Podcast, Karen Kelly of Van Heuven Properties shares how she went from a global search for an epiphany to over two decades as a leader in Austin luxury real estate. Karen breaks down her early career pivot after losing a business patent, how she cut her teeth during the original Downtown Austin condo boom, and why she has spent h...

Former school teacher turned top producer. In this episode of the Elite 25 Podcast, Leslie Davenport of Gottesman Residential shares how she went from the classrooms of Hill Country Middle School to nearly three decades in Austin real estate. Leslie breaks down her early career pivot, how she balanced teaching with her first real estate deals, and the mentors who shaped her along the way. She also...

Real Estate, Resilience, and a Lifelong Love for Austin Homes In this episode of the Elite 25 Podcast, we sit down with Kristi Larkam, a born-and-raised Austin agent whose passion for real estate began when she was just ten years old — circling open houses in the weekend newspaper and convincing her parents to take her to every listing. Kristi shares how early encouragement from her dad, a family...

Condos, Development, and Austin’s Changing Skyline In this episode of the Elite 25 Podcast, we sit down with Jessica Yates of Moreland Properties, an Austin real estate veteran with more than 20 years of experience and a rare path into the luxury market. Jessica shares how starting in the development world — from condo conversions to major high-rise projects like the W Residences, Proper, Rainey,...

Drive, Discipline, and the Mindset Behind Long-Term Success In this episode of the Elite 25 Podcast, we sit down with Scott Michaels, a six-year Elite 25 member whose career has been defined by resilience, consistency, and an unshakeable work ethic. Scott talks about how he wakes up every day with something to prove to himself — and how that internal drive has fueled 22 years in Austin real estate...

Real Estate, Family, and Austin’s Luxury Market In this episode of the Elite 25 Podcast, we sit down with Bridgette Hager of Engel & Völkers in Westlake, a seasoned Austin luxury real estate agent with over 30 years of experience. Bridgette shares how her background managing Barton Creek developments and navigating life as a professional athlete’s spouse shaped her approach to helping clients...

Stoicism, Strategy, and Navigating Austin’s Luxury Market In this episode of the Elite 25 Podcast, we sit down with Andrew Ware, a seasoned Austin luxury real estate agent whose career is shaped by discipline, resilience, and thoughtful strategy. Andrew shares how his background in law and fine jewelry sales prepared him for high-stakes negotiations, and why the Stoic philosophy “the obstacle is t...

Building a Legacy With Family — Beth Drewett In this episode of Elite 25, we sit down with Beth Drewett, a leader who has built not only an impressive real estate business but a true family legacy. Beth shares what it’s like to work side-by-side with her four sons and her husband, how their different strengths come together to serve clients at the highest level, and why family values are the found...

Lake Life Luxury with Tammie Bennett In this episode of Elite 25 , we sit down with Tammie Bennett , a leader in luxury lakefront real estate. Tammie shares how Austin’s proximity makes it the perfect feeder market for second homes and what makes lake life so irresistible to her clients. She opens up about the balance of professionalism and personal touch required in resort markets — from managing...

Exploring Austin’s Heart with Joanie Capalupo In this episode of Elite 25, we sit down with Joanie Capalupo of Compass Real Estate, a seasoned Austin expert with more than two decades of experience and deep roots in the Westlake community. Joanie shares how her personalized “Chamber of Commerce” tours give clients an authentic feel for Austin — from local lifestyle tips to hidden neighborhood gems...

Building Trust Through Connection – Laura Gottesman In this episode of Elite 25 , we sit down with Laura Gottesman of Gottesman Residential, a powerhouse in Austin real estate known for her deep community ties and hands-on leadership. Laura shares her perspective on what makes Austin’s market so unique, from the city’s subtle luxury to the strength of relationships that drive it. She talks about t...

Designing a Career with Intention – Brooke Mozersky In this episode of Elite 25, we sit down with Brooke Mozersky, an Austin realtor who carved a second career after nearly two decades in the fast-paced world of film and television. Brooke shares how her background in wardrobe and styling sharpened her eye for detail and taught her to thrive under pressure—skills that translated seamlessly into re...

Building Legacy Through Relationships – Nicole Kessler In this episode of Elite 25, we sit down with Nicole Kessler of Compass, a powerhouse in Austin luxury real estate with decades of experience and deep community roots. Nicole shares how she built her career on trust, relationships, and consistency—values that have carried her through market shifts and positioned her as one of Austin’s most res...

Shaped by Community – Leah Petri In this episode of Elite 25 , Leah Petri opens up about growing up in Austin and how those early roots shaped her career in real estate. She shares how mentorship and leaning on others helped her through the difficult early years, why she believes community and relationships are everything, and how intentional gatherings and diverse perspectives fuel her growth. @e...

Leading with Vision – Dave Murray In this episode of Elite 25, we sit down with Dave Murray, one of Austin’s most trusted voices in real estate. Dave reflects on starting out in the business with nothing but grit and determination, and how years of consistency built the foundation for his success. He talks about the value of long-term relationships, the importance of staying true to your vision, a...

With over 30 years of experience and $4 billion in total sales, Eric Moreland is Austin’s trusted name in luxury real estate. Averaging $450 million annually over the last five years, EMgroup has been the Lake Austin Sales Leader since 2003, the Downtown Austin Sales Leader agent since 2010, and a consecutive member of Elite25 since 2001. Eric offers unmatched insight and access through a custom-b...

Rooted in Austin Real Estate – Greg Walling In this episode of Elite 25, we sit down with Greg Walling, whose deep Austin roots and commitment to community have shaped his remarkable career in real estate. Greg shares stories from his journey, the strategies that help him navigate a changing market, and the relationships that keep his work meaningful. This conversation offers valuable perspective...

Blending Ambition with Authenticity – Monica Fabbio In this episode of Elite 25, we sit down with Monica Fabbio, a standout in luxury real estate known for building her business on strong relationships and unwavering resilience. Monica opens up about her journey in the industry, sharing valuable lessons learned along the way and the mindset that has fueled her success. This conversation is full of...

Setting the Standard – Wade Giles In this episode of Elite 25 , we sit down with Wade Giles of Compass, a top-producing Austin agent who made Elite 25 by his third year in the business. After relocating from the New York area, Wade quickly set his sights on the highest level of real estate in Austin—and never looked back. Wade shares how his early impressions of Elite 25 shaped his goals, what it...