Next Level Agents: The Kevin & Fred Show - Interviews with the best and brightest minds in the real estate industry

Most real estate training tells agents what to do. Bryon Ellington, Chief Learning Officer of eXp Realty, is building something different — training that actually gets agents into action, backed by real data from real producers who are crushing it right now. In this episode, Kevin Kauffman sits down with Bryon to go deep on eXp University's FastCap program, the Elite Solo Agent Mastermind, and a brand-new lead generation training series that interviewed dozens of top agents to find the repeatable systems behind their success. Whether you're brand new, relaunching, or ready to scale from $5M to $10M, there's a path being built specifically for where you are. What We Cover Why traditional new agent training fails — and what eXp did differently to build FastCap The data behind FastCap: how average completers rack up 3.6 appointments and 1.9 agreements in just six weeks How a partnership with Realty.com is putting live seller leads in the hands of brand new agents — and the results that followed Why 71% of agents did zero or one deal last year, and what the industry needs to do about it The open house strategy most agents are completely missing (hint: the open house isn't the event — it's the excuse) Four totally different door-knocking and open house approaches from top producers, and why all of them work The "10 ponds" lead generation framework that helps agents fish beyond the MLS What the Elite Solo Agent Mastermind offers experienced agents who feel overlooked at most brokerages Why the best training content doesn't come from the most successful agents — it comes from people just two or three steps ahead of you How to use Instagram Stories to document every transaction without ever turning the camera on yourself Ready to level up? Whether you're just getting started or scaling past your current ceiling, the tools are already built — and if you're with eXp, they're free. Plug in, do the work, and go get different. Explore the Lead Mastery Agent Playbooks mentioned in this episode: https://www.expuniversity.com/agentplaybooks Learn more about joining eXp and the Next Level Agents community: https://nextlevelagents.com/exp/ ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠⁠⁠⁠

Chris Bowers, an eXp Realty team leader building revenue share and residual income, talks about prioritizing recruiting over transactions. He discusses the emotional work of handling rejection and why daily 30–60 minute recruiting habits matter. The conversation pivots from chasing money to reclaiming time and shows how scaling leadership requires different actions, not just more effort.

If you think social media is optional for real estate agents in 2025, this episode is going to challenge that assumption — hard. Guest host Carly Pederson sits down with Kaitlin Ward, a top-producing lender with Summit Funding on the West Coast, who has built the majority of her business through organic social media. No ad spend, no fancy production equipment — just a consistent strategy, a clear message, and the courage to show up. Kaitlin and Carly break down exactly how agents and lenders can stop overthinking social media and start treating it like the lead gen machine it actually is. From what to post, how often to post, how to turn your Instagram DMs into a full-blown CRM, and why starting a brand-new business page is one of the biggest mistakes agents make — this episode is packed with actionable, no-fluff strategy. Key Topics Covered: Why social media's reach is infinitely more powerful than mailers, door knocking, or open houses The 3 E's framework: Educational, Emotional, and Entertaining content that actually converts Why storytelling beats "Just Listed / Just Sold" posts every single time How often to post (and how to realistically build up to a consistent cadence without burning out) How to use Instagram DMs as a free CRM — including flagging, sorting, and lead labeling Why you should NEVER abandon your existing personal social media page to start a new business one How Carly made an extra $100K last year from social media with fewer than 1,000 followers The "silent audience" — why the people not liking or commenting are often your warmest leads Whether you're just getting started or you've been posting inconsistently and wondering why it's not converting, this episode gives you a clear, honest framework to make social media work for your business — starting today. Learn more about Next Level Agents / eXp Realty: https://nextlevelagents.com/exp/ ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠⁠⁠⁠

Your social media isn't underperforming because you're not posting enough — it's underperforming because most agents are missing the single strategy that makes social media actually convert into listings. Retargeting, hyperlocal brand-building, and ads that don't look like ads are what separates the agents who are recognized everywhere in their community from the ones who are still grinding for every lead. In this episode, co-host Carly Pederson sits down with Tim Chermak, founder of Platform Marketing, to break down the system behind social media marketing that generates real business. Tim has spent over a decade working exclusively with real estate agents, and this conversation gets specific — from why 80–90% of your ads should be retargeting ads, to how listing video views can change your price reduction conversations, to why some Platform clients are charging 4% commissions in today's market and still winning listings. Key topics covered in this episode: What retargeting actually is — and why it's the most powerful tool most agents aren't using Why the content that builds the deepest trust has nothing to do with real estate How 50,000–100,000+ listing video views changes the way you talk to sellers about price Why lead generation creates a time liability — and what strategy actually scales at high production levels The case for charging more than 3% commission when your marketing can back it up Why Platform Marketing only works with one agent per market — and what that means for the quality of the strategy A free, actionable tip you can use today even if a managed marketing program isn't an option If you've been showing up on social media without seeing real business results, this episode gives you a clear picture of what's missing and what to do about it. If you're ready to take your business to the next level, learn more about the NLA community at nextlevelagents.com/exp. Connect with Tim Chermak and Platform Marketing: Website: https://platform.marketing Podcast: The Platform Marketing Show (available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube) Interested in learning more about Platform Marketing? Reach out to Carly Pederson directly: Carly@CarlyPedersonTeam.com ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠⁠⁠⁠

Nick Kibby didn't build a billion-dollar team in Phoenix by doing something flashy. He built it by doing the right things — the same things — every single day for years. In this episode, Erik Kelly sits down with Nick to unpack the mindset, daily rhythms, and leadership philosophy that took him from corporate CFO to one of the most consistently productive agents and team owners in Arizona. If you're tired of chasing shiny objects that never close deals, this one is going to hit differently. Nick breaks down why sustainability beats intensity every time, how to use the word "fair" to disarm even the most difficult negotiation, and what's actually wrong with the way most team leaders approach splits, recruiting, and retention. What we get into: Why Nick ignored what everyone else was doing in his first year — and how that focus led him to outperform without realizing it The self-audit every agent needs to do before doing anything else in their business His daily structure: gym at 5am, prospect with intention, and deep work at midnight (yes, really) The "trading positions" framework that helps buyers and sellers get out of their own way in a tough market Why "fair" is the most powerful word in a negotiation — and how to use it without triggering anyone The difference between a great agent and a great leader (and why assuming they're the same thing is wrecking teams) Why obsessing over splits is a sign you've never actually made money in real estate What "thrive" means for 2026 — and the data Nick is tracking to back it up Nick and his partner at Relevate have closed over a billion dollars in sales across multiple states. They run expansion teams producing 2M+ GCI consistently. He is not guessing. He is sharing the actual playbook. If this episode lit a fire under you and you're ready to level up inside a brokerage that matches your ambition, check out what eXp has to offer at nextlevelagents.com/exp. ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠⁠⁠⁠

Most real estate agents think joining a team means sacrificing who they are. They imagine becoming a lead-conversion machine, hitting someone else's quotas, and losing their personality in the process. But what if the best teams actually help you become more of yourself—not less? Jason Nelson, Jenna Barnes, and Kristin Mazzei from the Rutledge Property Group in Medford, Oregon just proved that theory. These three agents closed a combined 52 transactions in one of the worst markets we've seen in 30 years. And they did it by staying true to who they are while leveraging a proven system. In this episode, host Katie DeWitt pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to thrive on a mega team. You'll discover why showing up at 9 AM is the only non-negotiable, how these agents are doubling their production by amplifying what already works, and the one decision that changed everything for Jason after five years of being "Adam's guy." Key themes and takeaways: Why the best teams create space for individuality instead of demanding conformity The one-hour daily meeting that drives 200+ transactions with just 12 agents How to build a 50/50 business model that protects you from market shifts The avatar exercise nobody's doing (and why it matters more than your ideal client) Why taking care of yourself first is operational strategy, not self-help fluff The simple math of doubling your production (hint: it's just turning up the volume) How three completely different social media strategies are all working If you're on a team and feeling like you're losing yourself, this episode will show you what's possible when structure meets authenticity. If you're thinking about joining a team but worried about giving up your identity, you'll hear exactly what to look for in a healthy team culture. And if you're a team leader wondering why your agents aren't producing, this conversation will challenge everything you think you know about accountability, culture, and what actually drives results. Ready to explore what your next level looks like? Learn more about building a sustainable, high-producing real estate business at nextlevelagents.com/exp. ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠⁠⁠⁠

What do you do when success itself becomes the ceiling? Alan Kushmakov didn't leave his independent brokerage because it was failing. He left because after six years of building Best Homes Real Estate to over 100 agents and ranking in the top 30 out of 2,400 brokerages in Phoenix, he realized something most entrepreneurs never want to admit: there had to be a better way. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Alan sits down with Kevin Kauffman and Fred Weaver to break down the decision that changed everything—transitioning from independent brokerage owner to strategic partner at eXp Realty. This isn't a story about desperation or burnout. It's about what happens when you ask yourself the hard question: what's my exit ramp? **Key themes and insights from this episode:** - The hidden trap of brokerage ownership: why 80% of the 100,000 brokerages in the US have 10 or fewer agents, and what that means for scalability and exit strategy - The difference between building income and building wealth: how most agents stay stuck in the hamster wheel of trading time for money with no residual income or equity - Why Alan turned down three offers to sell his brokerage and chose partnership over independence - The brutal honesty of transitioning 100+ agents: the emotional conversations, the pushback, the rumors, and what it takes to lead through change - How to build a 10,000-person vision without sacrificing the next decade of your life or reinventing the wheel in every new market - The real cost of independence: payroll, overhead, compliance, liability, and the weight of responsibility that comes with being a brokerage owner - Why proximity is power and how surrounding yourself with the right people accelerates growth faster than grinding alone ever will Alan's journey from solo agent to team leader to brokerage owner to strategic partner is a masterclass in knowing when to pivot, how to lead through uncertainty, and what it actually takes to build wealth in real estate—not just income. If you've ever wondered what's next after you've "made it," this episode will challenge everything you thought you knew about success, independence, and what it means to build something that lasts. **Ready to explore what strategic partnership could look like for your real estate business?** Learn more about the Next Level Agents community and how we're helping agents, team owners, and brokerage owners build wealth at https://nextlevelagents.com/exp/ --- **Connect with Alan Kushmakov:** DM Alan on Facebook or Instagram: @alankushmakov ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠⁠⁠⁠

What if everything you thought you needed to succeed in real estate was wrong? No massive sphere. No warm leads. No perfect market conditions. In this episode, Katie DeWitt sits down with Houston-based powerhouse Shelley Cooley, who sold 72 homes her first year as a licensed agent—and not a single one came from her personal network. Shelley's story will dismantle every excuse you've been holding onto about why you can't level up right now. From her unconventional start as a home stager during the 2009 crash to cold calling builder salespeople with zero sales experience, Shelley built her business on guts, relationships, and radical consistency. She stayed on a team for seven years, then left the same week the NAR settlement dropped to launch her own team with her husband. Two years later? Over $40 million in sales in one of the worst markets in decades. This conversation is packed with tactical advice on building quality relationships over chasing quantity, putting your ego aside to ask for help, and doing the boring work that actually moves the needle. If you're ready to stop waiting for perfect conditions and start building an empire, this episode is your blueprint. Key Themes: How staging 1,000 homes became Shelley's sales boot camp The builder relationship strategy that led to 72 first-year deals Why competing with yourself beats comparing to the market The "puppy dog problem" and how to avoid shiny object syndrome Transitioning from team member to team leader in a down market Small, intentional events vs. massive community activations Leading with humility and service in a high-ego industry Ready to stop making excuses and start building real relationships that convert? This episode will challenge you to rethink everything about how you approach your real estate business. Want to learn more about joining a brokerage that supports massive growth like Shelley's? Visit nextlevelagents.com/exp and discover how eXp Realty can help you reach your next level. ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠⁠⁠⁠

What if the role you're playing is the only thing standing between you and your next level? DeAnna Lee didn't start with money. She started as a single mom bartender who bought a duplex and house-hacked before it was even trending. She entered real estate in 2009—right after the crash—and worked transactions like most agents do. But she refused to let "realtor" define the limits of what was possible. Today, she owns a global portfolio of luxury experiential hotels and short-term rentals spanning multiple countries and climates. From the Caribbean to Southern Utah to the Dominican Republic, she's built an empire using creative financing, strategic repositioning, and the courage to think bigger than her circumstances. In this episode, DeAnna breaks down the strategies that took her from broken to boutique hotel mogul—and why most agents stay stuck in the transactional grind while helping everyone else build wealth. KEY THEMES: - Why your first property should never be your dream home (and what to buy instead) - The BRRRR model explained: how to scale without $100K in the bank - From self-employed to business owner: creating systems that work without you - Strategic portfolio diversification across seasonal markets to balance volatility - The power of speaking your intentions in the right rooms with the right people - How to negotiate creative financing deals (including zero-percent seller financing) - Repositioning instead of panicking when market cycles shift - Why you can't scale chaos—and how to build operations that actually support growth - The difference between heads-and-beds hospitality and experiential luxury retreats If you've been treating real estate investing as a side hustle or a "someday" dream, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what's possible. DeAnna proves that you don't need a pile of cash to make bold moves. You need creativity, courage, and a willingness to stop letting your current role define your future possibilities. Ready to unlock your own path to real estate wealth? DeAnna is hosting a free masterclass called "Unlocking Your Magical Ability to Create Wealth in Real Estate" where she breaks down the entire buffet of investment strategies—from long-term rentals to boutique hotels to passive income opportunities. Four hours. Multiple experts. Actionable steps that give you clarity on what resonates with your vision. Join the waitlist at the link below and discover which strategy is your next move. CONNECT WITH DEANNA LEE: Book Your Consultation with DeAnna Lee: https://go.collectivedestinations.com/booknow Join the Waitlist for "Unlocking Your Magical Ability to Create Wealth in Real Estate": https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/Qu56GYj0XTYJljDIGcEM Want to connect with a community of agents building real wealth and leveling up their businesses? Learn more about Next Level Agents and explore the eXp opportunity at nextlevelagents.com/exp. ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠⁠⁠

What happens when you move to a brand new city, know absolutely no one, and decide to build a massive real estate business from scratch? Mark and Kelli Brewer found out when they relocated from Houston to Tennessee two years ago with zero connections, zero sphere of influence, and zero local credibility. Last year, they closed over $40 million in production. This episode challenges everything you think you know about building a real estate business. You don't need a massive sphere. You don't need years of local presence. You don't even need to know everyone in your neighborhood. What you do need: clarity on who you actually serve, the guts to show up consistently even when year one is brutal, and the willingness to pivot when your original plan isn't working. Katie DeWitt sits down with Mark and Kelli to break down exactly how they did it—from their first painful YouTube video edited in CapCut to building a content engine that generates pre-qualified, high-converting leads who already trust them before the first conversation. In this episode, you'll discover: Why "community" has nothing to do with geography and everything to do with shared experience How Mark and Kelli pivoted from their original hyper-local strategy to building a national audience on YouTube The uncomfortable truth about year one (and why most agents quit right before the breakthrough) How an eXp connection sparked the insight that transformed their entire business model The exact content strategy they used to turn YouTube viewers into $40M in closed production Why their YouTube leads are "a lot hotter" than traditional paid leads The CRM and automation systems they use to manage massive lead volume without dropping the ball How they went from editing their own rough videos to investing in professional editors as they scaled Why they've turned down clients who weren't ready—and how those relationships became their biggest wins The discipline required to work 65-70 hour weeks (including two days on their anniversary trip) to build momentum If you're stuck thinking you need a massive sphere of influence or years of grinding to hit big production numbers, this conversation will completely shift your perspective on what's actually required to dominate in real estate. Mark and Kelli proved that you can build a $40M business in two years in a market where you know no one. The question is: are you willing to do what it takes? Ready to join a brokerage that connects you with agents building at this level? Learn more about the eXp opportunity at nextlevelagents.com/exp Subscribe to Next Level Agents: Don't miss future episodes with top-tier agents, game-changing strategies, and the mindset shifts you need to dominate in real estate. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠⁠⁠