In this episode of GRIT: The Real Estate Growth Mindset, Brian Charlesworth hosts Ken Hirschmann and Brandon Verlinden from Best Life & Co., a rapidly growing real estate team in Michigan. Ken and Brandon share their unconventional journey from managing grocery stores to leading one of the most productive teams in the state, highlighting how their background in high-accountability roles shaped their leadership style.

The duo dives into their focus on agent productivity over agent count, sharing how their disciplined approach and consistent coaching have driven the team’s success. “We’ve maintained a morning call every day since day one,” Ken reveals. “It’s the consistency that sets the tone and builds a strong foundation.”

They also discuss the pivotal role of Sisu in transforming their operations, moving away from manual spreadsheets to automated systems that provide real-time insights. Brandon adds, “The automated task lists keep us a step ahead in every transaction, helping us avoid hiccups and streamline the entire process.”

Ken and Brandon share a glimpse into their upcoming projects and offer practical advice for leaders looking to scale. As Ken puts it, “Growth is messy, and that’s okay—it’s where real progress happens.” Their forward-thinking vision and adaptable approach leave you excited for what’s next at Best Life & Co.

Top Takeaways:

(3:40) What happens when you step into leadership at 23?

(7:46) How did the grocery store experience help scale a real estate team?

(9:34) Can hiring a business expert beat hiring a top realtor?

(12:46) Why is making a million dollars now just the starting point?

(13:28) Is manual data entry holding real estate teams back?

(15:12) The chaos of manual data collection

(17:05) How did adopting Sisu solve major visibility issues in deal tracking?

(21:39) The power of daily training meetings

(22:30) The benefits of automated insights in coaching

(29:41) Combining Sisu and Follow Up Boss for results

(31:13) What’s the formula for a $10 million goal?

(34:02) Why are Thanksgiving pies part of the client experience?

(36:36) Why focus on quality over quantity in team growth?

(37:58) How does feedback shape team growth?

(39:05) Why is growth always messy?

Tune in to this episode for a candid look at what it takes to build a resilient, data-driven real estate business, with actionable advice on leveraging technology, fostering a winning team culture, and driving consistent growth. Discover how Ken and Brandon have doubled their transaction volume while maintaining high standards.

About Ken & Brandon

Ken Hirschmann, Broker/Owner, and Brandon Verlinden, President, lead Best Life & Co., a real estate team based in Royal Oak, MI. Despite a shrinking real estate market, they have consistently grown their business by 25-50% each year, capturing significant market share. Their approach includes strong client communication and effective use of tools like Sisu for better tracking and efficiency.

Connect with Ken & Brandon Today! 

Best Life & Co.

Ken Hirschmann

Brandon Verlinden