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

Kevin Kauffman and Fred Weaver
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Jul 14, 2025 • 28min

How to Turn Your Biggest Competitors Into Your Best Referral Sources

What if your biggest competitors became your biggest referral sources? Most agents would rather delete fellow agents from their database than risk "helping the competition." Katie DeWitt did the exact opposite and built a referral empire that generates multiple six figures annually. In this game-changing episode, Katie reveals the counterintuitive strategies that made her the go-to agent for competitors across her entire market. She shares why abundance thinking beats scarcity mindset every time, and how strategic relationship building with other agents creates compound referral returns. Key Topics Covered: The "Prophet Principle": Why ordinary knowledge becomes referral gold when shared outside your immediate market Strategic imbalance: How going intentionally "out of balance" creates breakthrough results The coffee shop empire strategy that generated an entire book of business Why friending every agent in your city on Facebook is brilliant business development How to leverage BNI groups and speaking opportunities without being the "top producer" The abundance mindset shift that separates next-level agents from the competition Three actionable steps to build your agent referral network starting this week Katie's approach terrifies average agents because it requires abandoning the scarcity mindset that keeps most people stuck. But for agents ready to think differently about competition and collaboration, this episode delivers pure gold. Stop guarding empty secrets and start building the relationships that will generate referrals for decades. Your next level starts with your next coffee invitation. Ready to join a community of agents who think differently about collaboration and growth? Discover how abundance thinking and strategic relationship building can transform your real estate business. Visit nextlevelagents.com/exp to learn more about our approach to next-level real estate success. Connect with Katie DeWitt: Katie's Facebook Katie's Instagram ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla
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Jul 10, 2025 • 21min

Stop Blaming the Market: How 20 Connects Per Day Creates 32 Pendings

While most agents are complaining about interest rates and market conditions, Matt Chick's team is absolutely crushing it with 32 pending transactions and 45 prequalified buyers in the pipeline. Same market. Same challenges. Completely different results. Matt joins Erik Kelly to expose the brutal truth about market excuses and reveal the systematic approach that creates consistent success regardless of external conditions. This isn't about waiting for better times—it's about building a machine that works when everyone else is struggling. Discover the exact daily activities that separate high performers from excuse-makers, plus the revolutionary four-square strategy that converts 75% of listing appointments and the speed system that gets buyers in houses within 48 hours. Key Topics Covered: • Why "market conditions" are just excuses and how top producers adapt instead of complain • The 20 connects per day system that drives consistent results in any market environment • Four-square listing strategy that gives sellers multiple options and converts 75% of appointments • Live transfer system that gets buyers prequalified and shopping within 48 hours • The "natural deal flow" concept and how to systematically expand beyond your organic network • Partnership strategies for agents who want advanced options without building their own investment company • The "regardless of how you feel" principle that separates professionals from pretenders • Why consistency over time beats talent, luck, or perfect market conditions every single time This conversation will eliminate your excuses and give you the exact blueprint for building a business that thrives when others are struggling. Because while your competitors are waiting for better conditions, the real opportunities are happening right now. Ready to stop making excuses and start making deals? The agents who dominate understand that market conditions are universal, but your response to them is what separates you from everyone else. Join the community of agents who execute regardless of circumstances at nextlevelagents.com/exp. Connect with Matt Chick: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iammattchick/?hl=en • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealMattChick/ • Phone: (480) 980-7078 ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla
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Jul 7, 2025 • 42min

Why 'Verbal Violence' Is Sabotaging Your Real Estate Success (And the 4-Step Framework to Fix It)

Most real estate agents think they're great communicators—after all, we talk for a living. But what if the way you're speaking to clients, team members, and partners is actually destroying your potential for success? Communication expert Micah Salaberrios joins Katie DeWitt to expose the hidden "verbal violence" that's costing agents deals, relationships, and their sanity. This isn't about being "nice" or politically correct—it's about wielding communication like a precision tool that gets you exactly what you want while building unshakeable relationships. Discover the revolutionary four-step Nonviolent Communication framework that transforms hostile negotiations into collaborative problem-solving, plus the "Emergency Empathy" technique that can de-escalate any triggered person in seconds. Key Topics Covered: • Why saying "this client is unreasonable" is an act of verbal violence that triggers defensiveness • The four-step framework that turns conflict into connection without compromising your position • Emergency Empathy: The secret weapon for handling triggered clients, agents, and team members • How to express authentic feelings without accidentally blaming or attacking others • Why addressing small issues prevents major relationship breakdowns and business disasters • The practice routine that separates peak performers from everyone else in high-pressure situations • Advanced techniques for setting boundaries and accountability without creating resentment This conversation will revolutionize how you handle every difficult situation from hostile negotiations to team accountability. Because when you change how you communicate, you change everything. Ready to master communication strategies that eliminate drama and multiply your success? The agents who breakthrough to their next level don't avoid conflict—they navigate it more skillfully than everyone else. Join the community of agents committed to this level of excellence at nextlevelagents.com/exp. Connect with Micah Salaberrios: • Book: "The Art of Nonviolent Communication: Turning Conflict Into Connection" (available on Amazon) • Podcast: "The Art of NVC Podcast" ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla
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5 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 24min

Why Most Real Estate Agents Are Lazy (And How to Actually Win in Any Market)

The brutal truth about today's real estate market isn't what most agents think. While everyone complains about how "hard" things are, a select group of agents are absolutely crushing it. Same market, same challenges, completely different results. In this raw conversation, Kevin Kauffman (the original Next Level Agents host) drops uncomfortable truths about why most agents are still struggling and exactly what the winners are doing differently. This isn't feel-good motivation—it's real talk about what building a business actually requires. Key Topics Covered: • Why focusing on interest rates and inventory is just "noise" and the one metric that actually matters for your success • The lazy habits agents developed in 2020-2021 that are killing their businesses today • How to stop "going through the motions" and start working with mathematical purpose • Why every lead generation method works (but only if you actually work it until it's boring) • The environment factor that separates stuck agents from those building empires • How to position yourself to ride the wave when market conditions improve Bottom Line: Your success isn't about perfect market conditions, secret strategies, or waiting for easier times. It's about clarity, consistency, and making peace with the fact that building a business requires doing boring things every single day until they produce extraordinary results. Ready to stop making excuses and start making moves? The agents winning right now didn't wait for permission or perfect timing—they just started working and haven't stopped. Take Action: If you're ready to be surrounded by agents who refuse to settle for mediocrity and are committed to reaching their next level, learn more about our community at nextlevelagents.com/exp. Resources Mentioned: • Next Level Agents community: nextlevelagents.com/exp • Upcoming virtual and in-person masterminds: nextlevelagents.com/events ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla
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Jun 30, 2025 • 28min

Proven Real Estate Scripts and Strategies from 30-Year Top Producer

Real estate isn't a transaction business. It's a relationship business disguised as transactions. And if you're still chasing deals instead of building authentic connections, you're working way harder than you need to. Will Carter proves this better than anyone. After 30 years in the business, he's cracked the code on building sustainable success through genuine relationships, creative problem-solving, and showing up as himself (not as a salesperson). His approach challenges everything you think you know about "networking" and sphere of influence. In this episode, you'll discover why Will's $120,000 in commissions from a dog training hobby wasn't an accident—it was the inevitable result of prioritizing relationships over transactions. Plus, his game-changing approach to commission negotiations will completely shift how you position yourself with clients. Key Themes and Takeaways: • Why calling your sphere about their life (not real estate) builds more business than any sales script • How "networking on accident" through genuine interests creates lasting client relationships • The mindset shift that lets you be bad at something consistently until you master it • Creative problem-solving strategies that turn you from vendor to trusted advisor • The commission conversation that positions you as strategic partner, not discount service • Why investing in coaching and mentorship accelerates success faster than figuring it out alone • How to differentiate yourself through authentic connection in a commoditized industry Your sphere doesn't need another market update—they need someone who genuinely cares about their world beyond your business needs. Will's approach isn't just about building a real estate business; it's about building a life and career that feels authentic and sustainable. Ready to stop chasing transactions and start building relationships that last? This conversation will challenge everything you think you know about what it takes to succeed in our industry. Listen now and discover how authentic connection beats every sales tactic. Ready to take your business to the next level? Join the Next Level Agents community at nextlevelagents.com/exp/ and connect with agents who understand that success starts with relationships, not transactions. ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla
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Jun 26, 2025 • 1h 10min

Choose Your Hard

What if everything you've been taught about "working hard" in real estate is actually keeping you trapped? In this unfiltered bestie episode, Kevin Kauffman, Nolan Rucker, and Chris Bowers dive deep into the uncomfortable truths about building a real estate business that works without you. This isn't your typical "hustle harder" conversation. Instead, it's a raw exploration of why being busy has become the enemy of being profitable, and how choosing the right kind of hard can set you free instead of keeping you trapped. Key Themes Explored: • The 80/20 revelation that changes how you see your entire business • Why successful agents choose neutrality over emotional roller coasters • The compound effect of smart decisions vs. daily time drains • How to build systems that generate revenue without constant intervention • The mountain climbing philosophy: supporting others without converting them to your method • Strategic counterbalance vs. perfect balance in business and life • Why most agents avoid leverage and how to overcome the mental barriers Major Insights: Chris shares his journey of realizing that 20% of activities drive 80% of results, leading to his "less is more" philosophy. Kevin discusses his conscious decision to prioritize time over maximum income. Nolan reveals how he maintains 10+ pending deals while staying emotionally neutral and taking vacations. The conversation challenges conventional real estate wisdom and offers a refreshing perspective on building sustainable success without sacrificing your life in the process. Ready to design your next-level business strategy? These three agents prove that working smarter, not just harder, is the path to both financial success and personal freedom. It's time to choose your hard differently. Learn more about building your leverage-based real estate business at nextlevelagents.com/exp ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla
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Jun 23, 2025 • 23min

How 400 Handwritten Cards Monthly Built a Real Estate Empire in Small-Town Nevada

What if the secret to dominating your market wasn't another tech platform or lead generation system, but something as simple as a handwritten card with a $10 Starbucks gift card? Katie Gillespie from Fernley, Nevada proves that authentic relationship-building still crushes every digital marketing strategy out there. Katie doesn't just talk about gratitude – she weaponizes it. With 75 units sold and $28 million in production last year, she's the #2 agent in Nevada and top 66 at eXp. Her secret? A systematic approach to appreciation that most agents would call "impossible" to scale. But Katie found a way to send up to 400 handwritten cards monthly while building a side business around the very machines that help her do it. This isn't your typical "send holiday cards" strategy. Katie's approach challenges everything you think you know about client retention, referral generation, and building lasting relationships in a digital world. She's created a system so powerful that other agents pay her to use it, and so authentic that clients refer to her as "the agent who actually cares." Key themes and insights: • Why consistent gratitude beats sporadic grand gestures every time • How a $5,000 investment in handwriting machines became a profitable side business • The psychology behind why people don't care about frequency – they care about intention • How to scale personal touches without losing authenticity • Why small-town agents have massive advantages that big-city agents are missing • The compound effect of helping others in your community (from basketball teams to single moms) Ready to revolutionize your approach to client relationships? Katie's story proves that in an industry obsessed with the next shiny marketing tool, the agents who win are the ones who remember that real estate is still a relationship business. Her system isn't just about cards – it's about creating a culture of appreciation that turns every client into a raving fan and every community connection into a referral source. Want to join a community of agents who think differently? Learn more about Next Level Agents at https://nextlevelagents.com/exp/ ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla
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Jun 19, 2025 • 25min

The Three Ps of Selling Success Every Agent Must Master

While most real estate agents are cutting marketing budgets and playing it safe, Becky Kennard's Desert Luxe team is doing the exact opposite—and their results are staggering. In just two years, they've transformed from a 90% buyer-heavy business to a perfectly balanced, $100+ million producing empire that's literally doubling in size. Their secret? Strategic investment when others are paralyzed by fear. From spending $1,500 monthly on listing advertising to delivering luxury service regardless of price point, Becky reveals how premium service delivery and bold marketing strategies are capturing massive market share while competitors retreat. When market averages show 70-96 days on market, her listings generate 9-12 offers on day one. When others put up yard signs and hope for the best, her team creates 700 times more visibility than comparable properties. This conversation challenges everything you've been told about navigating tough markets. Key Topics Covered: • The strategic investment mindset that separates winners from survivors during market shifts • How $1,500 monthly advertising spend generates 700x more visibility than traditional marketing • The "Three Ps of Selling Success": Price, Presentation, and Promotion strategies that drive results • Authority positioning techniques that win listings and realistic pricing conversations • Premium service delivery models that justify higher commissions at every price point • Why cutting marketing budgets is the biggest mistake agents make during challenging times • Data-driven approaches to helping buyers overcome analysis paralysis and make decisions • Building luxury brand positioning that attracts both buyers and sellers consistently If you're tired of hoping market conditions improve and ready to start creating results regardless of external factors, this episode provides the strategic roadmap. The agents making bold investments today are building businesses that will dominate for years. The fundamental question: While others are cutting back and waiting it out, will you have the courage to invest strategically and capture market share? Connect with Becky Kennard: https://www.instagram.com/becky_kennard https://desertluxeteam.com/ Ready to build a business that thrives in any market? Discover strategic approaches to real estate success at nextlevelagents.com/exp ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla
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Jun 16, 2025 • 26min

Are You Building Wealth or Just Buying Yourself a Very Expensive Job?

Most real estate agents think they're building businesses, but they're actually creating very expensive jobs that own them instead of serving them. In this game-changing conversation, business coach Erica Thau reveals the strategic shifts that separate agents who build wealth from those who just stay busy. After 22 years in the industry and building a number one brokerage during the 2006 crash, Erica shares the exact systems and mindset changes that help agents work strategically instead of just working hard. From understanding your true financial numbers to positioning yourself in moving markets, this episode challenges everything you think you know about real estate success. Key Topics Covered: • Why 95% of agents are unknowingly sabotaging their success by building jobs instead of businesses • The "addiction cycle" that keeps top producers trapped in seven-day work weeks • How one agent discovered she could cut her workload by 60% and increase profitability • Strategic market positioning: getting in the middle of markets that are actually moving • The database systems that separate professionals from amateurs • Why motivation is unreliable but systems create consistent success • Building businesses that create wealth, freedom, and impact beyond individual transactions If you're ready to stop being owned by your business and start building something that serves your life goals, this conversation provides the strategic roadmap you need. The difference between working hard and working strategically could transform everything about how you approach your career. Ready to make the shift from transaction chaser to strategic business builder? The principles are proven, the systems are available, and the only question is whether you're prepared to do the work required to build something that lasts. Connect with Erica Thau: https://linktr.ee/ericathau Ready to take your business to the next level? Discover how eXp Realty's innovative model supports strategic business building at nextlevelagents.com/exp ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla
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Jun 12, 2025 • 27min

The Real Estate Agent's Exit Strategy (Why You Need a "Phone in the Ocean" Plan)

When was the last time you went to a real estate agent's retirement party? If you're drawing a blank, you're not alone—most agents never actually retire. They're still taking listings on the way to their funeral. Financial coach Matt Plumer went from $500,000 in debt to complete financial freedom, and his journey reveals why 99% of real estate agents are trapped in a cycle that will never lead to true wealth. His story will challenge everything you think you know about building wealth as an agent. Key Themes and Takeaways: • The "Phone in the Ocean" Moment - Designing your financial exit strategy instead of being trapped in the next-deal cycle forever • Why Your Money Goes Backwards - How agent income patterns destroy long-term wealth and the framework to "add age to your money" • The Power of Radical Sacrifice - How driving one car for eight years led to complete financial transformation • Death by a Thousand Cuts - Why small expenses kill your financial future and how to eliminate them systematically • Consistency Over Intensity - Small decisions that compound over time equal dramatic results • Lifestyle Design Through Financial Freedom - How getting small financially allows you to ask bigger questions about where and how you want to live Matt's approach isn't about following someone else's financial guru philosophy—it's about designing your own plan, getting intentional with your money, and building a life of true freedom instead of just a bigger business. If you're ready to break free from the financial hamster wheel and design an actual exit strategy, this episode will show you exactly how to start. Ready to design your financial future and connect with agents who are building wealth, not just businesses? Learn more about our Next Level Agents community and discover the coaching, mentorship, and systems that successful agents use to create lasting freedom at nextlevelagents.com/exp. Free EBook - Stress Free Wealth - https://www.mattplumer.com/ebook Free Masterclass - Stress Free Wealth -https://www.mattplumer.com/masterclass ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla

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