Realtor Conversations

In this episode we’re welcoming Amber Steiner with LPT, who became interested in real estate after experiencing her own home buying journey. We hear how she rebuilt her career after hitting rock bottom and why gratitude became the key to success. From thank-you cards to client events, she shows us why the job is less about transactions and more about the people. In this episode: How Amber ended up...

In this episode, we trace how GCS Title evolved from a closing service into a title company shaped by change, service, and relationships. Husband-and-wife owners Charlie and Tera Lawson, plus Marketing Director Nicole Michel, are here for the conversation. The story begins in 2007, when closings disappeared overnight and the company had to pivot. From there, we hear about how COVID changed client...

We’re alongside Rick Morris with Lakes Area Realty in this episode. In addition to being a Realtor, he also works as a Salesforce Developer. This technological background shapes the way he approaches clients, contractors, marketing, pricing, and follow-up. Rick turns each transaction into information that he can use to make the next one even better. In this episode: Why child adoption costs provid...

In this episode, we’re joined by Dylan Seurer with Lakes Sotheby's International. As a new member of the Sotheby’s team, Dylan shares his thoughts on how brokerage differences impact agents. We also hear about his detailed buyer consultation process where he covers inspections, earnest money, and strategies that many agents skip. In this episode: How an early start during college shaped Dylan’s re...

In this episode, John Ahnemann with KW Integrity Lakes joins us and explains how he launched his real estate career in 2019 with no savings. John makes regular TV news appearances in the Twin Cities area, showcasing his expertise on topics such as cash buyers and housing challenges for elderly homeowners. He shares his thoughts with us on wholesaling practices that target vulnerable sellers and ho...

Today we’re joined by Aslim Zrinsky with Coldwell Banker Burnett, whose path into real estate has taken her from Turkey to Wisconsin to Minnesota. She explains that despite being a relatively new agent, a family fireworks business taught her valuable lessons about risk and growth. Additionally, building her own real estate portfolio across state lines has prepared her for the challenges of the ind...

Today we’re joined by Jen and Rick Scherek of LaBelle Real Estate Group. Based in Stillwater, they bring over 20 years of experience in the real estate industry. In this episode, they share what it takes to succeed as a modern real estate agent—from having the right support system to marketing homes in ways that resonate with today’s buyers. They also highlight current interior design trends and r...

Today we’re joined by Chantell Hendrix of the Pinnacle Team and eXp Realty, whose background as a paralegal has given her valuable skills that translate seamlessly into real estate. Passionate about helping clients navigate major life transitions—especially during challenging times—Chantell shares how her legal experience shapes the way she supports and advocates for those she serves, along with h...

On this episode of Realtor Conversations, we’re joined by Brandon Doyle of RE/MAX and the Doyle Real Estate Team. Although Brandon grew up with firsthand exposure to the real estate world, it was his passion for sales and marketing that truly drew him into the industry. He shares how he’s built a business that stays aligned with his clients while still prioritizing a healthy work–life balance. Thr...

Today we’re joined by Realtor Shannon Stelton with LPT, who is licensed in Florida, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Initially, she was drawn to a career in real estate decades ago, but it wasn’t until she went through some life changes that she was finally ready to take the leap. During the episode, she shares what she’s learned over the last several years in the industry and how she successfully moved...

Today our guest is Ana Vogler, with Coldwell Banker. She has faced her fair share of challenges in breaking into the Minnesota real estate industry. From moving from another country, learning English, changing careers, and making new connections where she didn’t know anybody, she persevered (even when it felt intimidating) and has built a successful real estate career. In our conversation, she ope...

We’re joined by Taylor Housley with LPT Realty in this episode. After her mom brought her into the business, Taylor found herself in the real estate industry starting off as a buyer’s agent. Eventually, as she grew professionally and her mom’s focus changed, she would move on to take the helm as Owner and Lead Agent of Housley Homes. Taylor shares about her team members and what stands out about h...

Today we’re joined by Wyatt Lemon from REAL. On top of being a real estate agent, Wyatt also recruits new faces to join him at REAL. He truly enjoys attracting new talent over a cup of chai—especially when it’s someone he sees will be great to work with. In today’s conversation, he shares that signs that show new talent will do well in the business, what the most successful agents do that others d...

On this episode of Realtor Conversations our guest is Michelle Markuson of Lakes Sotheby's International Realty. Michelle loves negotiating, and this is one of the top skills she brings to her clients in real estate. We hear all about her interests outside of real estate in this episode, and how they also play into her career in a positive way. She also gives extremely useful advice that buyers ne...

Jackie Garofalo with Keller Williams Premier is with us in this episode to talk about how having a positive mindset in your work is crucial, especially in the real estate industry. There will be things that happen that are out of your control, like market changes and internal shifts with clients. As a Realtor, Jackie emphasizes that it’s important to take care of yourself, trust your instincts, an...

In this episode our guest is Ellissa Friedman from Keller Williams Premier Realty of Woodbury. It’s no secret that people love working with Ellissa—she has a great energy that people are drawn to. Teaching is at the forefront of her approach, and she’s passionate about helping her clients make great decisions. This conversation has her sharing how she got into the real estate industry, as well as...

Today we’re chatting with Paige Tollefsbol, an up-and-coming real estate phenom. From a young age, Paige knew she was going to enter the real estate industry. Now, three years in, she’s learned a lot—which lends to her coming across a lot more seasoned than she is. Being at the start of her career, she also brings a lot of excitement, enthusiasm, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to get th...

We have the pleasure of hosting both Dominique Redmann and Amanda Gilman of Coldwell Banker and The Home Sweet Homies Team today. These women have transitioned from careers in nursing and the military to real estate, so they tell us all the details about their decision to launch their own venture. With candid stories, they share the realities of the post-COVID housing market, and debunk myths abou...

Nick Moucha, a charismatic real estate expert with Keller Williams, is chatting with us in this episode. He takes us through his bold exit from banking to navigating the challenges of commercial real estate, including an unbelievable phone call he received while on vacation in his early days. We explore his transition to the residential market in Rochester, Minnesota, leveraging his banking connec...

We welcome Collin Vold with eXp Realty in this episode, a military veteran turned real estate agent who has now been in the industry for over 15 years. Collin shares his captivating journey from serving in the Army with deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq to finding his calling in real estate. We hear about his genuine passion for real estate, exploring his insights on the evolving market and the...

We have the pleasure of hosting Leanda Andrade from RE/MAX Advantage Plus. Leanda shares her journey into the real estate industry, beginning with her ambitious goals in multifamily investing and the challenges she encountered along the way. Supported by Minnesota's diversified workers program, Leanda transitioned into a successful real estate agent after attending Minnesota Realty School. Our dis...

In this episode, we are thrilled to have real estate experts Kim Jackson and Elise Tagg from Keller Williams Premier in Stillwater. Their journey spans nearly two decades, with Elise transitioning from a sandblasting business to real estate, driven by her passion for design. Kim, on the other hand, moved from a career in corporate relocations and is also regularly involved in house flipping. Toget...

Today we’ve got Jeff Sundsmo of the Olsen Group and Keller Williams Premier Realty, who was involved in the medical field and in selling cars before transitioning to real estate. We hear about the origins of the Olsen Group and explore the resilience that Jeff strongly believes is needed in the industry. Our conversation takes a lighter turn as we discuss family dynamics, Jeff's passion for softba...

We’re joined by Angel Rangel Chavez with RE/MAX Advantage Plus today, a remarkable individual excelling in both the healthcare and real estate sectors. Angel shares his inspiring journey from Mexico to the United States, highlighting the challenges he overcame, such as mastering English and navigating a new education system. As a registered nurse and a savvy real estate agent, Angel discusses how...

Danielle Eaves with eXp Realty is our guest in this episode. She shares her thoughts about living in Inver Grove Heights and her creative parenting strategies for her daughter who is a promising swimmer. Getting into the current housing market, we discuss the implications of interest rates and the potential influence of political shifts. Danielle explains financial and seasonal trends that are poi...