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

Most real estate agents say they want growth, but they're actually committed to emotions that keep them stuck. In this raw conversation, Kevin Kauffman sits down with top-performing coach Dustin Runyon to explore the uncomfortable truths about what it really takes to break through to your next level. This isn't another strategy session about lead generation or marketing tactics. It's about the internal work that separates agents who plateau from those who build empires. If you've been saying you want to scale but keep finding yourself back in the same patterns, this episode will challenge everything you think you know about growth. Key Topics Covered: Why most agents are addicted to emotional comfort zones that limit their potential The difference between confidence built on affirmations vs. confidence forged through endurance How avoidance creates a compound effect that sabotages long-term success Why your team uses what you do to justify what they don't do The critical distinction between deep work and tactical work in business growth How to turn your biggest mistakes into leadership gold Why the strongest professional relationships are built on shared struggle, not shared success Bottom Line: Your next level isn't waiting for you to learn more strategies. It's waiting for you to become comfortable being uncomfortable and to address the internal blocks that show up as external limitations in your business. If you're ready to stop avoiding the work that actually matters and start doing the hard things that create real transformation, this conversation will give you the roadmap. But fair warning: it might make you squirm a little, which probably means you need to hear it. Ready to break free from the patterns keeping you stuck? Your breakthrough is on the other side of what you're avoiding. Connect with Dustin Runyon: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dustin.runyon.2025 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dustinjrunyon/ Website: https://www.dustinrunyon.com/ Ready to take your real estate business to the next level? Visit nextlevelagents.com/exp to learn more about joining a community of agents committed to breaking barriers and building empires. ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla

While most agents chase the latest marketing trends, legendary Phoenix agent Carlie Back built an empire the old-fashioned way: showing up every single weekend for nine years straight. Her relentless commitment to open houses didn't just generate leads—it created the kind of market dominance that most agents only dream about. In this episode, my business partner Erik Kelly sits down with Carlie to unpack the strategies that have kept her thriving for over three decades. This isn't your typical "tips and tricks" conversation. It's a masterclass in consistency, client communication, and the courage to do what works even when it feels boring. Key themes covered: Why open houses remain the ultimate lead generation strategy in today's market The art of turning motivated sellers into closed deals through strategic communication How to physically tour competing properties with your sellers (game-changer alert) The psychology of showing up when everyone else is making excuses Why being present in your community beats any digital marketing strategy If you're tired of chasing shiny objects and ready to build something sustainable, this episode will remind you that the fundamentals still win. Carlie proves that in a world obsessed with innovation, sometimes the most revolutionary thing you can do is master the basics and execute them flawlessly. Ready to stop making excuses and start building real market presence? Listen now and discover why the agents who dominate tomorrow are the ones who show up today. Learn more about joining a community of next-level agents at https://nextlevelagents.com/exp/ ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla

Most real estate agents are trapped in the same tired lead generation cycle—fighting over expired listings, cold calling FSBOs, and begging their sphere for referrals. But what if there was a proven system that puts you directly in front of motivated buyers AND sellers, gives you insider access to their financial details, and builds relationships with proven investors? In this episode, Katie DeWitt sits down with Jason Elvin, who cracked this code in his first year by going where other agents won't: directly to landlords who are literally raising their hands for help. His simple but brilliant approach generated 7-8 transactions in year one and continues to build compound relationships with property investors. Key Takeaways: • Why rental listings on Facebook Marketplace are the most overlooked lead source in real estate • How to position yourself as the solution to landlords' biggest headache (tenant screening) • The exact script and process for converting rental prospects into homebuyers • Why higher-priced rentals attract better conversion prospects than budget properties • How to build relationships with proven investors that lead to referrals and joint ventures • The "main domino" strategy that multiplies your efforts across multiple revenue streams What You'll Learn: • Jason's step-by-step system for finding and approaching landlords on social media • How to get prospects' credit scores, income verification, and housing timeline in the first conversation • Why focusing on a 50% finder's fee creates win-win relationships with property owners • The difference between interruption-based marketing and positioning yourself where solutions are needed • How to adapt this strategy for higher interest rate environments and premium markets This isn't about tricking people into buying instead of renting. It's about presenting options to qualified individuals while solving real problems for property owners. The result? A sustainable lead generation system that compounds over time instead of requiring constant prospecting. Ready to stop fighting over the same recycled leads and start building relationships with proven real estate investors? This episode shows you exactly how to get started. Ready to Take Your Real Estate Business to the Next Level? Join our community of ambitious agents who are implementing strategies that actually move the needle. Visit nextlevelagents.com/exp to learn about our exclusive coaching programs, mastermind events, and proven systems for building a next-level real estate business. ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla

The coaching world is screaming "work harder" during this market shift, but what if working harder is actually making you broker? EK and Chelsea Wright drop truth bombs about why your busy work isn't paying your bills and what actually moves the needle when you need revenue now. Stop burning cash on lead sources that take 18 months to convert. Stop planning client appreciation events when you need deals this quarter. It's time to get surgical about where you spend your time and energy. Key themes covered: Why "precision productivity" beats grinding harder every single time The immediate lead sources most agents ignore (hint: they're free and ready to buy/sell right now) How to reverse-engineer your income goals into actual daily actions Why open houses are the ultimate multi-win strategy even when nobody shows up The expensive mistake of trying to "purchase your way out" of a market pivot How to identify which lead pillars actually convert vs. which ones drain your bank account Ready to stop working poor and start working smart? The agents thriving right now aren't the ones doing more—they're the ones doing better. This episode will rewire how you think about productivity, profitability, and what it really takes to weather any market storm. Want to connect with agents who get it? Learn more about joining a community that prioritizes precision over panic at https://nextlevelagents.com/exp/ ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla

Stop blending in with every other agent posting the same content and hosting the same tired events. In this game-changing episode, Mandy Wilson reveals how she sold over 300 homes in just four years by doing something radical: she stopped trying to impress people with her success and started impressing them with her service. While most agents contribute to the white noise drowning out real opportunity, Mandy built a business that grows itself through authentic relationships and unforgettable experiences. From her "Fun Fact Friday" strategy to family photo events featuring potty-trained pigs, she's proven that standing out isn't about shouting louder—it's about being genuinely different. Key Themes Covered: Why your sphere knows 12 agents but only remembers 3 (and how to be one of them) The entertainment factor that keeps you top-of-mind without being pushy How to create client experiences that generate referrals automatically The delegation strategy that frees up time for relationship-building Why family-focused events outperform traditional networking every time The 3-5 contact method that prevents analysis paralysis Building systems that let your business run itself This conversation will challenge everything you think you know about growing a real estate business. If you're tired of competing in the "who can post bigger numbers" game and ready to build something sustainable through genuine service, this episode is your blueprint. Ready to stop being white noise and start being the agent your market can't forget? Your sphere is waiting for you to give them a reason to choose you over everyone else who sounds exactly the same. Connect with Mandy: https://www.instagram.com/themandywilson_realtor/ Connect with Katie: Take action: Visit nextlevelagents.com/exp to discover more strategies for building relationships that build your business. ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla

Real estate agents are sitting on hidden goldmines they don't even realize exist. While you're stressed about monthly expenses and wondering where your next commission will come from, there's a massive revenue opportunity flowing right through your hands—and you're giving it away for free. In this episode, Grant Wise reveals how agents are transforming from house sellers into business empire builders by monetizing the influence they already possess. This isn't about working harder or finding new clients—it's about finally getting paid for the value you're already creating. Key Topics Covered:  • Why the "when people pay, they pay attention" psychology revolutionizes vendor relationships • How to generate $5 leads instead of paying Facebook $20+ for lower quality prospects • The interview strategy that creates 500+ pieces of content while building revenue partnerships • Real examples of agents generating $300-$6,000 monthly in additional revenue  • The 29 industries that rely on real estate agents (and why you're the only one not getting paid)  • Step-by-step blueprint for building your own "preferred partner program"  • How to eliminate business stress by creating multiple revenue streams from existing relationships This episode isn't just about making extra money—it's about the fundamental difference between selling houses and building a business. Grant breaks down exactly how regular agents are creating financial freedom by treating their referral networks like the revenue-generating assets they actually are. If you've ever felt frustrated helping others build million-dollar businesses while you start every month at zero, this conversation will change how you think about your entire business model. Your influence has massive value—it's time to get paid for it. Ready to stop being everyone's unpaid marketing department and start building the business empire you deserve? Learn more about taking your real estate business to the next level at nextlevelagents.com/exp. Connect with Grant Wise: Co-Marketing Platform: comarketing.com ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla

In this episode, Kevin Kauffman sits down with Ari Jakobov, a Phoenix-based real estate powerhouse who has generated over $75 million in sales in just three and a half years. What makes Ari's journey particularly remarkable is his unconventional path—dropping out of college against his parents' wishes and building his business through relentless cold calling when everyone around him relied on easier lead sources. Ari reveals his "sponge mentality," approaching every interaction as a growth opportunity and showing genuine interest in others rather than trying to appear important himself. This fundamental shift in perspective has not only fueled his business success but created a foundation for meaningful relationships that transcend transactions. The conversation explores how Ari's background in chess taught him to think several moves ahead in business, preparing for market shifts while others focused only on immediate gains. When interest rates jumped in 2022 and the market cooled, Ari continued thriving while others panicked—a direct result of mastering skills that work in any market condition. Perhaps most valuably, Ari breaks down his specific approach to cold calling, including pattern interrupts, tonality shifts, and questioning frameworks that transform this often-dreaded activity into a consistent source of business. For agents struggling with consistency or worried about market volatility, this episode provides both tactical guidance and the mindset shifts required for sustainable success. Key Points & Themes: The "sponge mentality" that transforms every interaction into a learning opportunity Why "I hate small talk" reveals poor communication skills and how to fix this mindset The Dale Carnegie principles Ari implemented to build deeper relationships How to think like a chess player in business, anticipating market shifts before they happen The exact pattern interrupts and frameworks that make cold calling effective Why teaching your team to "hunt" creates more sustainable success than feeding them leads How proper time blocking prevents the peaks and valleys that plague most agents Ready to transform your approach to business relationships and develop skills that transcend market conditions? This conversation provides the blueprint. Connect with Ari Jakobov on Instagram: @ari.jakobov Ready to take your real estate business to the next level? Learn more at https://nextlevelagents.com/exp/ ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla

In this game-changing episode, Kevin Kauffman sits down with 20+ year real estate veteran Erik Kelly to uncover the deceptively simple framework that has allowed him to build a thriving business through multiple market cycles. Erik shares his journey from corporate burnout (flying 100,000 miles annually) to building a sustainable real estate business while raising a family. His "Five and Five" system reveals why consistent, authentic conversations trump flashy marketing tactics for long-term success. They tackle the elephant in the room: in an industry where 7 out of 10 licensed agents had ZERO closings last year, what separates those who thrive from those who struggle? The answer challenges conventional wisdom and might be the mindset shift you've been searching for. Key points: Why finding YOUR strategy is more important than finding the "best" strategy The surprising reason "old school" tactics like open houses are more effective now than they've been in decades How to recalibrate your scoreboard to measure activities you can control, not results you can't The three phases of business growth: traction, momentum, and acceleration Why both success and failure are the result of compounded daily decisions How consistency in small actions can transform your business (and life) in 30-90 days This episode is essential listening for agents at all levels who want to build a business that's both profitable and sustainable through changing market conditions. Ready to take your real estate career to the next level? Learn more at https://nextlevelagents.com/exp/ Connect with Erik Kelly: Find his book "The 100K Business Blueprint" on Amazon Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikkellyhomes/ ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla

In this episode of Next Level Agents, Kevin Kauffman sits down with industry thought leader Rob Hahn to discuss a provocative idea that challenges the very foundation of what it means to be a realtor. Starting with a controversial tweet suggesting realtors should help low-income renters pro bono, the conversation expands into a bold examination of the housing affordability crisis and how real estate professionals should respond. Rob breaks down why he's been calling millennials and Gen Z "generation screwed" for over a decade and explains how the housing crisis affects everything from birth rates to social cohesion. He challenges the real estate industry to look beyond transactions and commissions to embrace their "grave social responsibility" and "patriotic duty" as outlined in the Realtor Code of Ethics. The discussion dives into the distinction between being a realtor versus just a real estate agent, the structural problems with NAR's membership model, and concrete actions professionals can take to address the housing crisis while building a more sustainable business. Key Points The housing affordability crisis is reaching a breaking point, with Fannie Mae research showing prices would need to drop 40% or incomes double to restore affordability Being a true "realtor" means embracing social responsibility and patriotic duty beyond just facilitating transactions The real estate industry primarily serves buyers and sellers while missing the struggles of renters who make up half the housing market NAR's structure of tying MLS access to membership creates "hostages, not members" and prevents authentic engagement Deregulation of housing development is necessary but politically challenging Real estate professionals should consider helping renters pro bono to understand their challenges and demonstrate their commitment to all housing consumers For younger generations of consumers, authenticity matters more than polished sales scripts or techniques Whether you're a seasoned real estate veteran or new to the industry, this conversation will challenge you to rethink your role in society and consider how you can be part of the solution to one of America's most pressing crises. Connect with Rob Twitter/X: @robhahn Newsletter: https://notoriousrob.com/ Podcast: Industry Relations (with Greg Robertson) Learn more about Next Level Agents and explore ways to take your real estate business to the next level at https://nextlevelagents.com/exp/ ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla

In this eye-opening episode of Next Level Agents, top-producing agents Katie DeWitt and Chelsea Wright reveal the unexpected strategies that are flooding their businesses with opportunities—even in today's challenging market. Katie shares her embarrassing wake-up call when a friend bluntly told her that "no one calls you to buy or sell a house from a newsletter," forcing her to abandon her perfect systems and start making real connections. Meanwhile, Chelsea discovers that announcing she's stepping back from real estate to focus on a new business venture somehow triggered an avalanche of 20+ listings in just three weeks. Their candid conversation challenges everything you think you know about growing a sustainable real estate business and offers a refreshing perspective on what it really takes to break through to your next level. Key points: Why your "perfect systems" might actually be preventing deals How stepping away from real estate paradoxically attracts more business The simple daily practice that's rebuilding Katie's pipeline after her hardest year Why authenticity in the community outperforms traditional marketing every time How to protect your energy while still making meaningful connections Breaking free from self-limiting beliefs about who you are and what you're capable of If you're tired of the same old advice that isn't moving the needle for your business, this episode delivers the perspective shift that could transform your approach and results. Ready to take your real estate career to the next level? Learn more about joining a community of bold, innovative agents at https://nextlevelagents.com/exp/ Connect with today's guests: Chelsea Wright - ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ Katie DeWitt - ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla