Stop Wineing About Real Estate

In part two of this two-part conversation with Ben Schachter, Broker and President of The Signature Real Estate Companies, Emmanuel and Sarah shift from planning to real-world strategy. This episode dives into what is happening right now in the South Florida market and what today’s agents must understand to stay competitive. Ben breaks down key trends, from migration shifts and buyer behavior to t...

Most real estate professionals skip one of the most important tools for long-term success — a solid business plan. In part one of this two-part episode of Stop Wineing About Real Estate , Emmanuel and Sarah sit down with Ben Schachter, Broker and President of The Signature Real Estate Companies, to break down why business planning is non-negotiable for serious agents. Ben shares how to write an ef...

Emmanuel and Sarah welcome brothers Ari and Danny Tokar from Benchmark Mortgage for a real, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a thriving mortgage business built on trust, communication, and consistency. The Tokar brothers share how their hospitality roots shaped their people-first approach, why they still prefer to take most applications one-on-one, and how balancing sales energy wi...

 Emmanuel and Sarah sit down with Compass luxury agent Reina Carioti for a clear and real world look at what buyers and sellers are asking most often: how’s the market? They unpack why the answer depends on your price segment, how scripts fall short, and what a smart, educated response sounds like when rates, Fed meetings, and quick “head fakes” move pricing. Reina breaks down essential condo due...

We’re re-airing one of our favorite episodes featuring Rachel Williams—Compass agent, media personality, and former “Cookie Bandit.” Rachel takes us from her days as a cookie entrepreneur to her rise in the luxury Palm Beach real estate scene. With charm, humor, and sharp market insight, she shares how authenticity and storytelling shaped her brand. Pour a glass and enjoy this fan-favorite convers...

Today we sit down with branch manager Andy Novak for his first ever podcast appearance. Andy shares how he started writing loans at 18 and why his calm steady presence wins trust from first time buyers and luxury clients alike. We dig into his Tuesday calls system for transparent updates and confident referral asks, the reputation mindset that keeps every file tight, and the follow up muscle that...

Emmanuel and Sarah sit down with repeat guest Jeff Creegan and rising agent Zach for a real talk power session on building in a shifting market. Jeff breaks down how posting three to five TikToks a day led to a six figure view spike and why engagement rules the algorithm. The crew digs into Compass Private Exclusive strategy with millions in off market inventory, prospecting expireds that are conv...

We sit down with Noreen Payne, Realtor and co leader of the Amy and Noreen Team at Lang Realty, to trace her path into real estate, the power of true partnership with Amy Snook, and how a concierge, relationship driven approach sets clients up for wins across South Florida. We dig into Palm Beach County trends and Delray Beach standouts like Lake Ida, Palm Trail, Tropic Isles, and new downtown dev...

In real estate and mortgages, it is easy to feel like you are spinning plates while chasing leads, closing deals, and trying to keep your business afloat all at once. In this episode, Emmanuel and Sarah sit down with Carlos Rojas from The Profit Recipe to talk about EOS, the Entrepreneurial Operating System, and why it matters. Carlos shares how agents, loan officers, teams, and brokerages can use...

This episode was just too good not to bring back. We’re replaying one of our favorites so you can catch (or re-catch) all the insight and energy. Ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes of condo insurance? Join us for an eye-opening episode of Stop Wineing About Real Estate, where we sit down with insurance expert Tim Renfro. With a career that began on the University of Kentucky'...

In this lively roundtable, Emmanuel welcomes John Hinks from South Carolina and Brian Mozley from Albuquerque for a candid conversation about leadership, community, and keeping the joy alive in a challenging market. From lessons learned in coaching groups to creative sales meeting strategies, the group shares how accountability, collaboration, and focusing on your “25 percent” can reignite passion...

In this episode of Stop Wineing About Real Estate, we flip the script for a candid conversation about the true challenges and triumphs of business development in the real estate world. Hosts Emmanuel and Sarah are joined by two powerhouse women, Adriana Bates and Tammy Schneider, who share their journeys in the mortgage and real estate industry.  From navigating the complexities of loan officer pa...

In this episode of Stop Wineing About Real Estate, we uncork a conversation with Palm Beach native and powerhouse agent Jeff Creegan - founder of The Creegan Team and a true master of modern real estate hustle. From his roots behind the bar to building a high-performing team at Compass, Jeff shares how hospitality taught him to read people, stay nimble, and deliver unforgettable service. We get in...

On this episode of Stop Wineing About Real Estate , we’re diving into the fine print of property insurance with Dan Labow, Senior Public Adjuster at Coastal Claims Services. With more than a decade of experience handling thousands of claims, Dan breaks down what public adjusters really do, how agents and homeowners can avoid common pitfalls, and why calling your insurance company first might be a...

In this high energy episode of Stop Wineing About Real Estate , we sit down with Shane Eslahi, also known as Solar Shane, to hear how he went from door-to-door sales newcomer to building a nearly 10-million-dollar solar division in under three years. As the Sales Director of Rack Electric’s Solar Division and Co Founder and President of Peace Love Solar LLC in Boca Raton, Florida, Shane shares his...

Today’s guest wears two powerful hats - helping people rebuild their financial futures with Liberty Credit Experts and helping entrepreneurs expand their reach through Networking Beast. Gabe Kutlin is a credit coach and connector extraordinaire who’s here to break down credit myths, share wild success stories, and remind us why both who you know and what you know really matter. We dive into the wo...

What happens when breaking news collides with the housing market—and the banner on national TV reads “Raw Dogging at the White House” ? We’re diving into that and so much more in this sharp, unfiltered episode featuring Erin Parker , Emmy-nominated television producer and Director of Programming at Newsmax. With decades of experience shaping some of the most-watched political and cultural narrativ...

What does it really take to thrive in real estate through market shifts, personal doubt, and national-level policy debates? In this lively, unfiltered conversation, co-hosts Sarah Biernbaum and Emmanuel St. Germain sit down with powerhouse realtor Monica Hands—Florida NAR Director, co-broker at Century 21 Hansen, and someone who’s seen the grind from AOL dial-up days to DC-level influence. From sl...

This re-release of one of our most talked-about episodes brings back powerhouse agent Stacy Plean, who unapologetically pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to stand out in real estate. From spending $14K/month on Zillow leads to fielding 1AM client calls, Stacy breaks down the raw hustle and heart behind her strategy. She’s part coach, part closer, part therapist—and 100% committed to b...

This episode was just too good not to serve again! We’re re-airing our wildly popular conversation with Shaina Wizov, the creative force behind Take a Bite Out of South Florida . In this listener-favorite, Shaina shares how she turned her passion for food, travel, and storytelling into a full-blown influencer brand. From navigating press trips and partnerships to surviving travel fails (yes, broke...

What happens when deep industry knowledge meets genuine empathy? In this candid and entertaining episode, underwriting manager Marla Grassgreen joins the show to pull back the curtain on what really goes on behind mortgage approvals. From debunking industry jargon to revealing how one underwriting decision saved a borrower $1,700, Marla shares how her sales background, detail-driven mindset, and c...

This episode brings the laughs, the leadership, and the real talk. Special guest Amy Stark-Snook, powerhouse Realtor®, leadership coach, and co-founder of the Amy & Noreen Team at Lang Realty, joins us for a ride that’s anything but business as usual. With 25+ years of experience across real estate and title, Amy shares her signature no-nonsense wisdom—from navigating contracts like a boss to...

This episode is packed with stories you won’t hear in sales training. From wild AmeriQuest memories and money-tree incentives to navigating $10 million cash closings, hosts Emmanuel and Sarah sit down with longtime friends and real estate pros Paul Richmond and Mark Barone for a brutally honest (and hilarious) look at the industry. They break down what it really takes to survive in South Florida’s...

What happens when a former business development exec from LA pivots into South Florida real estate—and builds a $45M portfolio in under three years? In this high-energy episode, Sarah Galperin joins hosts Sarah Biernbaum and Emmanuel St. Germain to unpack the real-life lessons behind her rise in one of the most saturated markets in the U.S. From nailing client expectations to calling out lazy list...

What happens when a former financial professional decides to walk away from her career and dive headfirst into podcasting and television production? In this episode of Stop Wineing About Real Estate , Janine Stella—TV producer turned podcast strategist—shares her incredible journey from working with Montel Williams and Fox Business to building her own production company, Stella Mix. You’ll hear ho...