The Culture Matters Podcast

"Adversity is the trial principle. Without it, a man hardly knows whether he is honest or not." - Henry FieldingAuthor and real estate renaissance man Brett Grossman joins the show today and we're ecstatic that it finally worked out to get him on to share some his knowledge and expertise over a variety of different subjects.  Brett and Jay discuss some of the elements that have turned Brett into a top notch salesman, how time and repetition and rejection are some of the best teachers out there, and how the way you end one quarter will set you up for everything you have to do and accomplish in the quarter that follows.  It took a while to get him here, but we're super glad it finally happened, so we hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"In the same way, let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." - The Bible, Matthew 5:16Chris Vester is the COO of the Hubert Vester Auto Group, creator of the "Faith. Family. Fulfillment." podcast, and the author of the book Answers From the Stairs and he's back on the show today to talk about culture; more specifically, the culture of the automotive sales.  Chris and Jay discuss how the automotive sales industry has been portrayed in popular culture and how HVAG does not exemplify those tropes, the ways in which HVAG's culture goes beyond selling cars and ways they have become a pillar in their community, and there may even be a little Dr. Seuss in there for good measure.  Chris goes above and beyond to explain why the "sleazy car dealer" is a thing of the past and all the ways that HVAG and the industry at large has evolved on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Facing it; always facing it. That's the way to get through. Face it." - Joseph ConradPennsylvania and New Jersey real estate boss Jacqueline Silva Steuer has finally made her way to the program and we couldn't be happier to have her.  Jackie and Jay dive into Jackie's early career in the industry, some of the traits that make a true real estate professional, and how bidding against 10 people for a house with a lower interest rate a few years ago has turned into slightly less competition for a much higher rate.  Jackie really knows her stuff and anyone who is interested in learning more about the business should really enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"God creates out of nothing. Wonderful, you say. Yes, to be sure. But he does what is still more wonderful; he makes saints out of sinners." - Søren KierkegaardAndrew Berman is an advisor, mentor, and the Head of Engagement and Outreach at American Business Media and he's making a stop on the show for a quickie of a chat.  We're talking about the value of hugs, how your future self will look back on your current self, and maybe even a little bit about theological accountability.  It might be a briefer episode, but there is a lot to unpack on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"No man is free who cannot control himself." - PythagorasLong-time New Jersey real estate aficionado and good friend to the show John Swartz stops by the show today and what else would be talking about other than real estate?  John gives Jay some insight into lending and what influence banks have on appraisers, making sure you've got your money ready when you get to the closing table, and what the market looks like now that there is a little bit of stability.  We always appreciate having John on the show to spread a little wisdom and we think you will too after this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"We're not fighting against evil. We're fighting to be good." - Christine BeckwithFounder of 20/20 Vision for Success and the author of Finding Honor: The Journey to Truth Christine Beckwith is back with us on the show for part 10 of our ongoing series discussing her book.  Today, we're discussing chapter 10 entitled "Forgiving Your Killers".  Christine and Jay discuss Christine's writing style and her pursuit of expanding her vocabulary, the personal events in her life that laid the groundwork for this chapter, and being able to detach yourself from whatever your calamity is so that you can find yourself once again.  As always, we're going really deep today with Christine, so please enjoy this conversation on The Culture Matters Podcast. 

"The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances. If there is any reaction, both are transformed." - Carl JungAdvisor, mentor, and founder and CEO of Board of Advisors Mike Calhoun has made his way back to the show after far too long away and we're taking it back a little bit as this conversation was recorded on New Year's Eve 2023 going into 2024.  Jay and Mike discuss what challenges and victories made up 2023, the hopes and outlook for the then New Year of 2024, and a myriad of things in between including decision making and finding answers when you start asking the right questions.  We're excited to to have Mike on the show whenever he can make it and we wish you all a retroactive Happy New Year!

"I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts." - John LockeChris Vester is the COO of the Hubert Vester Auto Group, creator of the "Faith. Family. Fulfillment." podcast and the author of the book Answers From the Stairs and we've got him back on the show today to finish up our previous conversation discussing the book, but this time we're going deeper.  Chris and Jay discuss the power of thought and why some people may think their mindset can't be changed, how passion in a certain subject can sometimes get in the way of accomplishing your goals related to that subject, and why the more you educate yourself the better you will be able to serve others around you.  We love having Chris on the show to share his thoughts and we hope you'll feel the same after this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Having the desire to help, the courage to move, and the patience through the process."Robert Frehafer is the owner and founder of Guardian Roofing & Siding and he's back today to continue our series on the values of Guardian.  Today, we are looking at "R" which stands for responsibility.  Being responsible with your clients, with your business, with your perspectives, and with your behavior all lead to being the best version of yourself you can be both personally and professionally.  Of all of the Guardian values, responsibility stands among the highest as responsibility is going to lead to trust which is going to lead to bigger and better things for your business.  We hope you enjoy this conversation in this ongoing series with Robert Frehafer.

”We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.” - AristotleCo-founder of Opus Elite Real Estate and the leader of The Gatta Group Mark Gatta is our guest today and he's here to share a lot of great information and insight with our listeners.  Mark and Jay discuss the undeniable continued relevance of the real estate agent in the home buying space, positivity breeding more positivity, and why it's always the smartest thing you can do to go out of your way to keep your bridges unburned.  Today is all about positivity and being a good person and we can't think of a better person to deliver that message than the one and only Mark Gatta.