The Real Estate Success Podcast

Matt Salway's journey to becoming one of Hampton Roads' top-producing real estate agents didn't start in real estate—it started in the United States Navy. In this episode of the Real Estate Success Podcast, Matt shares how he built a thriving real estate business while serving 14 years on active duty, raising a family, and balancing the demands of military life. What began as a side...

My guest on today’s podcast is Angie Clark , a powerhouse of quiet strength, resilience, and intentional leadership in the real estate world. Angie’s journey is anything but linear. From co-owning a restaurant in her early 20s to carving her own path in new construction and later resale, she’s walked through the fire, to build a business grounded in integrity and service. What began as a practical...

My guest on today’s podcast is Katie Donahue—a top producer in the Hampton Roads area and the recent recipient of a 2025 Top 3% Producer Award. Katie’s journey into real estate is anything but traditional. After a successful early career in nonprofit leadership and years as a stay-at-home mom navigating active duty military life with her husband, Katie found her way into real estate not through a...

My guest on today’s episode is Allison McCarthy—an inspiring realtor in the Virginia Beach area whose journey into real estate was anything but ordinary. The youngest of 14 children, Allison grew up in a household where real estate was more than just a business—it was the tool her parents used to put every single one of their children through college. Even as a doctor and a nurse, her parents reli...

Most real estate agents feel like they’re constantly chasing the next deal. There’s always another lead to follow up with, another deal to keep alive, another month to figure out. But there’s another way to build a business. One that’s rooted in trust, relationships, and doing the kind of work that naturally brings people back and sends others your way. In this episode of the Real Estate Success P...

My guest on today’s podcast is Perrin Duvall , a dynamic force in the Virginia Beach real estate scene and a personal friend. Perrin’s journey is both heartfelt and strategic—beginning in full-time ministry, pivoting through a career change, and eventually building one of the most recognizable personal brands in our local market. In this episode, Perrin shares how she followed her instincts into r...

In this episode of What Works Wednesday, Cody Hawkins from PeaceLink Financial Planning explains the ins and outs of Roth conversions, especially in light of the  2026 rule change allowing federal employees and military personnel to convert TSP funds internally. Whether you're considering switching your retirement accounts or planning for future tax efficiency, this episode covers key insight...

Welcome to the Real Estate Success Podcast, where we dive into the personal journeys behind professional success. My guest on today’s podcast is Garrett Maroon—a man whose story embodies faith, grit, and purpose. From a steady W-2 role to launching a referral-based real estate business that’s sold over 650 homes, Garrett didn’t step into entrepreneurship with a full game plan. He stepped in with b...

Why do most financial goals fail by February? Because most people are chasing tactics instead of clarity. In this episode of What Works Wednesday, the Certified Financial Planners at PeaceLink Financial Planning break down how to set financial goals that actually lead to progress — not frustration. They explain why goals like “max out a Roth IRA” or “pay off debt” aren’t real goals on their own, a...

My guest on today’s podcast is Laura Blackwood , a dynamic real estate professional whose journey began on the east coast of Mexico and led her to build a thriving real estate career in Hampton Roads, Virginia. With roots in psychology and education, Laura unexpectedly found her calling in real estate through a college side job—and what began as a way to earn extra income turned into a lifelong pa...

Many real estate professionals are great at making money but still feel stressed about cash. Commissions come in, deals get funded, life keeps moving, but somehow it feels like there is never quite enough liquidity when it matters most. In this episode of What Works Wednesday, Leland and Cody unpack the critical aspects of cash flow management for realtors: knowing how much cash to keep, where to...

Today, we’re diving deep into a niche that’s booming—but more complex than it looks: short-term rentals. My guests on today’s podcast are two powerhouse professionals—Lisa Moison, a seasoned real estate agent with over 25 years of experience in short term rentals across Montana, Colorado, and now Virginia Beach, and Liz Copeland, a sharp and strategic lender at Cross Country Mortgage with a backgr...

Welcome back to The Real Estate Success Podcast ! Today’s episode is an unforgettable ride through grit, growth, and the relentless pursuit of purpose. My guest on today’s podcast is the one and only DJ Julian Rivera —entrepreneur, community leader, owner of Iron Valley Real Estate Norfolk, and a man whose fingerprints are on some of the most impactful ventures in Hampton Roads. From spinning reco...

LLCs vs. S-Corps: What Every Realtor Should Know Financial planners Leland Gross and Cody Hawkins from PeaceLink Financial Planning break down the key differences between LLCs and S-Corps for real estate professionals. They clarify what each structure does, why liability protection matters, and when electing S-Corp status can improve tax efficiency. If you’re earning commission income, the right s...

My guest on today’s podcast is Jake Maines —a realtor whose path to success blends sharp marketing expertise with a passion for building genuine relationships. Before becoming a top-producing agent, Jake spent years mastering digital marketing—running Google ads, crafting SEO strategies, and learning the art of targeted outreach. But during COVID, his own real estate investing goals pushed him to...

In this episode of What Works Wednesday, Leland Gross and Cody Hawkins discuss the common mistakes made by realtors, emphasizing the importance of treating oneself as a business owner. They explore issues such as cash flow management, tax preparedness, and retirement planning, providing insights on how realtors can improve their financial practices and achieve greater success in their careers. The...

My guest on today’s podcast is Andy Hubba, has a journey that flips the usual real estate playbook on its head. Andy went from being afraid of sales to owning a brokerage before he even had his license. Along the way, he’s navigated the collapse of the 2008 housing market, built a thriving niche in off-market deals, and proven that success isn’t about chasing trophies — it’s about building trust,...

Welcome to this week's "What Works Wednesday" episode as Leland delves into the intricacies of debt management. Join us as we explore efficient repayment strategies, including the debt avalanche and debt snowball methods. Then, discover how to make informed decisions about allocating extra funds between debt repayment and investments. Don't miss out on this insightful discussio...

My guest today is Cosette Lambourne—a powerhouse entrepreneur, devoted mother, and respected leader in the real estate world. Cosette’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and an unwavering commitment to living a life rooted in joy and purpose. In this episode, Cosette shares her journey from being a young mom working as a divorce paralegal to launching her construction company with her husba...

Today we’re diving into one of the most misunderstood (but incredibly powerful) tax tools for business owners and real estate investors: bonus depreciation.  If you’ve ever wondered how some folks seem to write off huge purchases – or how real estate pros manage to wipe out their income with the right tax strategy — this episode is for you.  We are talking about how bonus depreciation actually wor...

Today I have the joy of sitting down with two of my very best friends—John and Kaylee Powers. These two are not only incredible real estate professionals here in Virginia Beach, but they’ve also played a huge role in my life—including the small detail of introducing me to my wife! John and Kaylee lead a thriving husband-and-wife real estate team that’s evolved through many seasons—navigating leade...

Today we’re diving into one of the most common questions I get from parents and future parents alike: how do I start saving for my child’s future? Now if you know me—you know I like to keep financial planning both practical and purposeful. And when it comes to college savings, there’s no one-size-fits-all. From traditional bank accounts to 529 plans to custodial investment accounts, there are more...

Today, we're joined by Richard Calderon, whose path from Navy air crewman to managing broker is anything but ordinary. After serving in the military, Richard found his footing in real estate through the world of affordable housing in California, helping families find stable ground. That same spirit of service guided him through a return to the East Coast, where he built his reputation in prop...

In this episode of What Works Wednesday , CFP® Leland Gross tackles one of the most common questions he receives: “What should I do with an old 401(k) or 403(b) from a previous employer?” This is especially relevant for self-employed professionals and entrepreneurs who’ve left corporate jobs to start their own businesses. Leland breaks down the high-stakes options for handling old retirement accou...

My guest today is Cavelle Mollineaux—a Navy veteran, entrepreneur, and the visionary founder of Onyx Real Estate. Cavelle is a powerhouse in the Hampton Roads real estate market, not just because of the volume his brokerage produces, but because of the culture of excellence, impact, and community he’s built. He’s a board member for organizations like The Up Center and the Minority Business Council...