

GRIT: The Real Estate Growth Mindset
Brian Charlesworth, Sisu
Brian Charlesworth’s Grit Podcast is a powerful resource for anyone seeking to develop the mindset and resilience needed to achieve success in life. Hosted by Brian Charlesworth, an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader, this podcast provides valuable insights and practical strategies for overcoming obstacles, embracing challenges, and achieving one’s goals.
At its core, the Grit Podcast is all about developing grit, a term coined by psychologist Angela Duckworth to describe the combination of passion and perseverance that enables individuals to pursue their long-term goals with resilience and determination. Through interviews with successful entrepreneurs, business leaders, and other high-achievers, Charlesworth explores the qualities that underpin grit, such as self-discipline, adaptability, and optimism.
One of the strengths of the Grit Podcast is its emphasis on practical advice and actionable strategies. Charlesworth is a skilled interviewer who knows how to draw out insights from his guests that can be applied in everyday life. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a busy professional, or simply someone who wants to achieve more in life, the Grit Podcast offers a wealth of valuable insights and strategies to help you succeed.
Another key feature of the Grit Podcast is its focus on real-world stories of grit and resilience. Charlesworth’s guests are individuals who have faced significant challenges and setbacks in their lives and careers, yet have managed to overcome them and achieve great success. These stories serve as powerful inspiration for listeners, demonstrating that with the right mindset and strategies, anything is possible.
In addition to interviews with successful entrepreneurs and business leaders, the Grit Podcast also features episodes focused on specific topics, such as overcoming fear, building resilience, and developing a growth mindset. These episodes offer in-depth explorations of key concepts and strategies, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of how to develop grit and resilience in their own lives.
Overall, Brian Charlesworth’s Grit Podcast is a must-listen for anyone seeking to develop the mindset and resilience needed to achieve success in life. With its practical advice, real-world stories of grit and resilience, and deep exploration of key concepts and strategies, the Grit Podcast is a powerful tool for anyone looking to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.
At its core, the Grit Podcast is all about developing grit, a term coined by psychologist Angela Duckworth to describe the combination of passion and perseverance that enables individuals to pursue their long-term goals with resilience and determination. Through interviews with successful entrepreneurs, business leaders, and other high-achievers, Charlesworth explores the qualities that underpin grit, such as self-discipline, adaptability, and optimism.
One of the strengths of the Grit Podcast is its emphasis on practical advice and actionable strategies. Charlesworth is a skilled interviewer who knows how to draw out insights from his guests that can be applied in everyday life. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a busy professional, or simply someone who wants to achieve more in life, the Grit Podcast offers a wealth of valuable insights and strategies to help you succeed.
Another key feature of the Grit Podcast is its focus on real-world stories of grit and resilience. Charlesworth’s guests are individuals who have faced significant challenges and setbacks in their lives and careers, yet have managed to overcome them and achieve great success. These stories serve as powerful inspiration for listeners, demonstrating that with the right mindset and strategies, anything is possible.
In addition to interviews with successful entrepreneurs and business leaders, the Grit Podcast also features episodes focused on specific topics, such as overcoming fear, building resilience, and developing a growth mindset. These episodes offer in-depth explorations of key concepts and strategies, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of how to develop grit and resilience in their own lives.
Overall, Brian Charlesworth’s Grit Podcast is a must-listen for anyone seeking to develop the mindset and resilience needed to achieve success in life. With its practical advice, real-world stories of grit and resilience, and deep exploration of key concepts and strategies, the Grit Podcast is a powerful tool for anyone looking to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 14, 2025 • 32min
Episode 152: From Shiny Objects to Sustainable Growth: Veronica Figueroa’s Real Estate Pivot
 In this episode of GRIT: The Real Estate Growth Mindset, Brian Charlesworth talks with Veronica Figueroa, a leader in real estate team operations and growth. Veronica shares her journey from managing a complex business that sold over 2,200 homes a year to building a streamlined, sustainable model.
Veronica opens up about the challenges of scaling too quickly, explaining how a focus on simplicity transformed her team’s operations. "We realized the business was too heavy, and simplicity became our goal," she shares. Her insights into focusing on what truly matters, like clear leadership and sustainable growth, will resonate with anyone feeling overwhelmed by complexity.
A major part of Veronica’s transformation involved leveraging technology like Sisu to simplify processes and cut costs. "Every transaction starts in Sisu now, and it’s made a huge difference for us," she says, reflecting on how operational efficiency has allowed her team to focus on what matters most—culture, performance, and growth.
The conversation also dives into key lessons about recruiting and accountability. Veronica stresses the need to maintain high standards even when it’s difficult. "You can’t lower the bar just because someone doesn’t want to comply—it only hurts the team," she explains. She emphasizes that leadership requires balancing data with heart, ensuring every agent feels valued and connected.
As the episode closes, Veronica leaves a piece of advice for leaders tackling market shifts. "People need to know where they’re going and why they’re doing it," she says, adding that clarity and authenticity are essential for inspiring teams to thrive.
 
Top Takeaways:
(2:07) Simplicity and sustainability in real estate leadership
(3:58) The dangers of chasing shiny objects in business
(8:06) Why recruiting never stops in real estate
(8:59) Why team standards should never be negotiable
(10:29) The cost of becoming too transactional
(12:04) Can outsourcing leadership hurt your company’s culture?
(15:53) What happens when your team isn’t ready for a shifting market?
(20:01) How does a strong culture attract top agents?
(25:14) How Sisu eliminated redundancies and saved thousands
(28:15) Filling operational gaps with vision and talent
 
This is a must-listen for anyone looking to simplify operations, build a winning culture, and lead with purpose in today’s competitive real estate market.
About Veronica Figueroa
Veronica Figueroa is the CEO and Team Lead of The Figueroa Team at eXp Realty, recognized as one of the top-performing real estate teams in the nation. Her team has served over 2,000 families, achieving $646 million in sales volume in a single year. She has been a Zillow Advisory Board Member since 2016 and is known for her forward-thinking approach to real estate, including leading the I-Buyer movement.
As a sought-after speaker, Veronica has shared insights on leadership and business growth at major industry events such as Inman Connect, NAHREP, and the eXp Shareholders Summit. She is passionate about mentoring real estate professionals, helping them strengthen their leadership skills and scale their businesses effectively.
Connect with Veronica Figueroa Today! 
The Figueroa Team
LinkedIn 

Nov 12, 2024 • 41min
Episode 151: Leadership, Data, and Automation: How Ken Hirschmann & Brandon Verlinden Scale Effectively
 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 

Nov 5, 2024 • 51min
Episode 150: Celebrating 150 Episodes with Jon Cheplak: Mastering Grit, Accountability, and Building Mental Toughness
 In this celebratory 150th episode of GRIT: The Real Estate Growth Mindset, host Brian Charlesworth welcomes Jon Cheplak for a powerful conversation on mental resilience, personal accountability, and building a business that lasts. In this special episode, Jon dives into the highs and lows of his career and shares how his journey from addiction to success shaped his approach to life and work.
Jon discusses the critical role of mindset in today's market, emphasizing the power of discipline and responsibility. "Anything that you don't own, you can't change," he says, explaining why accountability is the first step to personal and professional growth. His story is a testament to the impact of daily habits, relentless focus, and a commitment to growth—even when the odds are stacked against you.
This episode uncovers Jon’s unique perspectives on leadership, his philosophy of “forced suffering” as a tool for mental strength, and the value of community in creating success. For him, success isn't about reaching the finish line but about who you are becoming along the way. “Forget about the outcome,” Jon reflects, “obsess over the person you are becoming every single day.”
Jon also discusses the importance of aligning personal values with business goals, emphasizing how this alignment drives lasting fulfillment and genuine connections with others. He shares how embracing vulnerability and humility has strengthened his relationships and contributed to his success. Building a brand that prioritizes authenticity and integrity, Jon believes success means lifting others up.
Top Takeaways:
(1:39) The role of mental toughness play in personal growth
(4:12) Can losing teach more than winning?
(8:46) How can hitting rock bottom ignite unstoppable growth?
(14:06) How do easy wins make agents unprepared for real challenges?
(17:08) How does owning your past lead to personal transformation?
(18:56) Why is "forced suffering" essential for true progress
(20:58) The role of personal values in breaking free from stagnation
(23:20) Why does "Who am I becoming?" matter more than achievements?
(26:21) How vulnerability makes you a stronger leader
(30:12) How does focusing on daily victories fuel personal growth?
(33:56) The true power of an abundance mindset
(36:02) How does teaching others make you an expert
(40:54) How visualizing others' happiness impacts work relationships
(43:46) The purpose behind creating real community in business
(45:49) How do events open doors for emerging leaders?
(47:35) Why do small style choices matter in building confidence
Join us for this inspiring 150th episode to learn what it takes to build unshakable resilience and celebrate this milestone with Jon’s remarkable story. Discover how to develop the mental toughness needed to transform your path forward.
About Jon Cheplak
Jon Cheplak is the CEO of The Real Recruiter and Founder & Coach at Cheplak Live, bringing over 27 years of hands-on experience in real estate. With a background as a successful agent and former executive of a multi-office company, Jon now focuses on coaching team leaders, brokers, and agents to achieve higher productivity and profitability. He has spent the past decade guiding real estate professionals across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, using a proven system to attract, develop, and retain top-performing agents, adding billions in sales volume to teams worldwide.
Connect with Jon Cheplak Today! 
LinkedIn 
YouTube
The Real Recruiter
Cheplak Live 

Oct 22, 2024 • 46min
Episode 149: Leading with Data: How Matt Smith Drives Growth and Accountability
 Join Brian Charlesworth on this episode of GRIT: The Real Estate Growth Mindset as he talks with Matt Smith, a real estate leader whose journey from managing a small team to becoming one of the top performers in the Missouri market offers invaluable lessons in leadership, strategy, and accountability. Starting with just 8-10 agents in 2018, Matt now oversees a team of 27, but his success hasn’t come without challenges.
Matt opens up about how using Sisu transformed how he tracks performance, sharing that one key metric – the appointment set-to-close ratio – helped him realize his team was missing out on $3 million in GCI. “We lost $3 million in GCI from one metric that we wouldn’t have known existed if it weren’t for Sisu,” he explains. He dives deep into why understanding these numbers is essential for any real estate team leader and how even small changes in performance tracking can lead to significant gains.
The conversation moves into how Matt built a foundation of accountability with his agents, explaining that quality is often more important than quantity. "The quality of the lead is determined by the skill and the will of the agent," Matt shares, emphasizing that success doesn’t come from flooding agents with more leads but from improving their ability to convert the ones they have.
Matt also reflects on the importance of simplifying business systems. He highlights how over-complicating processes can create unnecessary roadblocks and how focusing on the fundamentals allows his team to thrive even in challenging markets. He describes his recruiting and onboarding process as one that pushes agents to meet high standards from day one, ensuring that those who stay are fully committed to success.
Top Takeaways:
(2:31) The chaos that nearly cost $3 million
(4:55) Is better pipeline management the key to team success?
(7:45) Are agents getting out-scripted by their leads?
(10:24) How does willpower affect business outcomes? 
(15:01) How do messy business breakups lead to owning your success?
(16:20) The power behind automating transactions with Sisu
(20:26) Why are spreadsheets holding back business growth
(26:07) What happens when agents don’t track their business numbers
(30:20) What’s the real focus of successful team leaders?
(33:42) What makes onboarding multiple people at once more effective?
(35:48) Why does building a five-agent team lead to a rollercoaster
(40:11) The must-have steps for onboarding new agents 
(43:12) One activity that can win your day in real estate
If you're looking for strategies to streamline your operations, recruit the right talent, and drive your team to new heights, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Tune in to hear how Matt Smith uses Sisu to track the correct numbers and build a high-performing team that adapts to the ever-changing real estate landscape.
About Matt Smith
Matt Smith is the owner of Matt Smith Real Estate Group, based in Missouri, where his team of 27 agents leads the local market. His team’s success has earned them a spot on the Inc. 5000’s fastest-growing companies list, and they’ve held the #1 ranking in their marketplace for five consecutive years. Matt’s approach to leadership and metrics-driven performance has helped his team close hundreds of homes, including 100 homes in one month with just 18 agents. He also coaches real estate professionals across the country.
Connect with Matt Smith Today!
 
LinkedIn 
Matt Smith Real Estate Group
All or Nothing in Real Estate 

Oct 1, 2024 • 46min
Episode 148: Building a Real Estate Powerhouse: Steven Myers on Growth, Strategy, and Sisu
 Join Brian Charlesworth, founder of Sisu, as he interviews Steven Myers, the visionary owner of Urban Cool Brokerage. Steven shares his journey from corporate aerospace engineer to leading real estate investor and team owner in Wichita, Kansas. From selling his first property to growing a team of over 60 agents, Steven’s story is a testament to the power of grit and resilience.
In this episode, Steven discusses the challenges of leaving a high-paying corporate career and the risks he took to follow his entrepreneurial calling. Reflecting on his decision, he says, "I saw these people in their 60s still grinding away, and I thought, this isn’t the life I want for myself."
He talks about the systems he put in place, including Sisu, to track performance and build a scalable business. "If you’re not really understanding your numbers... you’re just not really doing a good service to your business," Steven emphasizes as he shares how he grew his team to over 60 agents and completed more than 500 transactions in just a few years.
With a unique perspective as a former "rocket scientist" and a real estate team leader, Steven offers listeners fascinating insights into growing a business by leveraging technology and effective leadership.
Steven also explains his strategy for building ancillary services, like mortgage and title, and why controlling the entire client experience has been key to his success. It's not just about selling houses—it's about managing every aspect of the client journey.
Top Takeaways:
(3:39) From aerospace projects to real estate success
(6:05) What happened when the corporate job said "no more real estate"?
(9:02) The shift from flipping houses to going all-in on sales.
(12:53) Why ditch spreadsheets to build a real business system?
(15:52) Building the right systems before scaling a team.
(18:49) How did this team grow from 0 to 60 agents in just 4 years? 
(20:59) Why do systems only work if you have the right people?
(24:09) A $1.7 trillion opportunity that sparked a change
(29:52) How does Sisu’s data lead to a million-dollar difference?
(31:33) What do your metrics reveal about your business gaps? 
(35:01) Spotting changes early to keep growth on track
(39:20) Why 2025 is about conversations and service. 
(40:22) How does Sisu help deliver that "white glove" customer service?
(42:44) Why is spending on tech crucial for agent success?
Want to know how Steven overcame market shifts and learned from the challenges of running multiple businesses? Tune in to learn more about his journey and how you can apply his insights to grow your own real estate business.
About Steven Myers
Steven Myers is the CEO of Urban Cool Homes, a real estate business he founded in Wichita after realizing his passion for property went beyond his corporate career. After graduating at the top of his engineering class at Wichita State University, Steven climbed the corporate ladder to become a director of program management before transitioning into real estate. He has also worked as a realtor at eXp Realty and is the owner of Motto Mortgage Charged.
Connect with Steven Myers Today! 
Urban Cool Homes
LinkedIn  

Sep 25, 2024 • 39min
Episode 147: Real Estate Agents Are Losing Thousands—Shahar Plinner on How to Stop It
 This week on GRIT, host Brian Charlesworth welcomes Shahar Plinner, founder and CEO of Formations, to discuss an often-overlooked aspect of running a real estate business: taxes. Shahar brings decades of expertise in tax planning for the self-employed, particularly real estate agents and team leaders. From his roots in Israel to building one of Seattle’s top accounting firms, Shahar has always been driven by one goal—helping entrepreneurs keep more of their hard-earned money.
In this insightful conversation, Shahar reveals how real estate agents can save tens of thousands of dollars annually by structuring their businesses correctly. “Ninety percent of the agents who come to us aren’t set up as S Corps—and they’re losing significant money because of it,” he explains. Shahar walks through the process of shifting from a sole proprietor or LLC to an S Corporation, which allows agents to reduce their tax liability while still growing their business.
The episode also touches on how real estate agents often procrastinate tax planning until it's too late, leading to missed opportunities. Shahar emphasizes the need for intentional tax management throughout the year rather than scrambling at tax time. “The sooner you start thinking about your taxes, the better the outcome. It’s not just about saving on taxes; it’s about creating a long-term strategy that supports your business growth.”
Brian and Shahar also discuss the exciting new partnership between Sisu and Formations, offering real estate professionals a seamless integration between business performance tracking and tax optimization. This collaboration allows agents to have a holistic view of their business and finances in real-time, enabling smarter decisions year-round.
Top Takeaways:
(4:27) Why real-time financial planning beats last-minute tax fixes. 
(9:47) Making sense of real estate taxes—Depreciation, aggregation, and more.
(11:19) How does having a dream team simplify real estate investing?
(12:27) The untapped tax benefits for 1099 real estate agents. 
(18:10) Automating 90% of real estate tasks
(23:01) Why live financial data is the key to business confidence. 
(24:21) Sisu and Formations—The integration every real estate agent needs. 
(28:08) How to eliminate data friction with Sisu’s seamless integration.
(33:27) What are the benefits of S Corps for real estate agents? 
If you’re looking to gain a better understanding of how smart tax planning can support your real estate business, this episode is a must-listen. Shahar’s expertise will change the way you think about taxes and how they can be used to fuel your success.
About Shahar Plinner:
Shahar Plinner is a tax and accounting expert with over 20 years of experience. After moving from Israel to Seattle, he built and sold one of the top tax firms in the area. Now, as the founder and CEO of Formations, he focuses on helping self-employed professionals manage their taxes and maximize financial efficiency.
 
Connect with Shahar Plinner
Formations 

Sep 10, 2024 • 43min
Episode 146: When the Market Changed, So Did He: JD Reese’s Blueprint for Thriving Through Shifts
 In this episode of GRIT: The Real Estate Growth Mindset, Brian Charlesworth sits down with JD Reese, founder of The Genuine Group, one of Southern Utah’s rising stars in real estate. JD shares his evolution from selling over 1,000 homes as a builder agent to creating and leading a team that’s now ranked in the top five in just three years. How did he do it? JD credits much of his success to the systems and processes he built from the ground up.
JD takes us back to when he worked long days as a builder agent at Salisbury Homes, where he learned the value of grit and consistency. After experiencing significant changes in the builder market, JD decided to start his own team. In his words, "I realized I could make ten times the amount of money by doing my own thing, and that was eye-opening."
The episode dives deep into how JD created a strong foundation for his team, starting with using tools like Sisu and Follow Up Boss to manage accountability and streamline operations. He shares how his focus on building a repeatable system allowed him to transition smoothly into team leadership. JD also touches on his recruitment strategy, which emphasizes hiring young, trainable agents who align with his team's culture of hard work and innovation.
What sets JD apart is his hands-on leadership style. He continues to prospect daily alongside his agents, which has helped his team maintain high performance even in challenging markets. "I still prospect an hour to an hour and a half every single day, including Saturdays," JD explains, showcasing his dedication to staying connected with his team and clients.
Top Takeaways:
(2:29) The secrets behind selling over 150 homes a year.
(7:34) Can you hit your income goals by prospecting every day?
(13:29) Why the right CRM is your new best friend in real estate. 
(17:20) Is data the key to a team that never drops the ball? 
(18:00) What’s the real edge of 24/7 reporting for agents? 
(25:26) What’s the real cost of wearing too many hats in real estate?
(29:43) How did training turn market challenges into opportunities? 
(31:31) AI, PPC, and Facebook—How to use all to win. 
(34:28) How do open house registrations boost conversions? 
(36:07) How do proper SOPs transform lead management?
(38:41) Why Every Real Estate Deal Needs a "Pizza Tracker" System. 
Don't miss this insightful conversation as JD explains how to grow a team, foster a winning culture, and consistently push the needle forward. Tune in to learn more about JD's journey and what it takes to build a high-performing real estate business.
About JD Reese
JD Reese is the owner of The Genuine Group and a Utah native, born and raised in St. George. With a background in new construction and experience as a general contractor, JD aims to provide a genuine experience for clients, whether they are buying, selling, investing, or building homes. He founded The Genuine Group to share his knowledge from nine years in real estate and to build a tech-driven, supportive team environment. In his free time, JD enjoys skateboarding, golfing, playing video games, and spending quality time with his wife and their pets.
Connect with JD Reese Today! 
LinkedIn 
JD Reese - Instagram
The Genuine Group - Instagram 

Sep 4, 2024 • 44min
Episode 145: When Growth Hurts: How Zach Geisendorfer Recovered from Rapid Expansion
 In this episode of the "GRIT" podcast, Brian Charlesworth sits down with Zach Geisendorfer, Director of Client Relations at FAM Realty Group, which started with five agents and is now at nearly 40 in Orange County, California. Zach shares the ups and downs of growing quickly, including the hard lessons learned about the need for solid systems and a strong team culture. “We thought we were on top of the world when we added 25 agents in two weeks,” Zach says, “but without a solid system, things fell apart fast.” This experience taught them that growth without structure isn’t sustainable.
Zach talks about his own journey, from making over 130,000 calls a year as an ISA to leading a team that has more than quadrupled in size. He jokes about his early days as a "cowboy," jumping from task to task without any real plan, and how that approach just didn’t cut it once the team started to grow.
They also chat about how the team is moving into the luxury market, using data to make smart decisions, and keeping agents motivated through friendly competition. Zach’s approach to training and accountability has made a big difference in their success. With Sisu, Zach says, “we’ve moved beyond spreadsheets and guesswork—it’s all about clear, actionable steps now.”
Top Takeaways:
(4:44) Why do team leaders with five agents often struggle?
(5:49) Can rapid growth really destroy your team?
(7:50) What’s the cost of being a ‘cowboy’ in business?
(9:28) How was a hot lead list created from cold contacts?
(13:03) The crash-and-burn after adding 30 agents.
(17:54) What’s the secret sauce in a 30-60-90 day plan?
(20:32) What happens when a whole team goes paperless?
(23:30) Turning leads into wins with the Sisu pipeline
(27:46) Roleplay, coaching, and conversions: a winning combo
(31:33) How did aggressive prospecting dominate the $5m market?
(36:42) What daily habits are driving massive success in sales?
(41:51) Turning accountability into a growth catalyst
If you’re looking to scale your real estate business or just want to hear how a team can grow and thrive, this episode is full of practical tips and insights you won’t want to miss.
About Zach Geisendorfer
Zach Geisendorfer is the Director of Client Relations at FAM Realty Group. With a strong background in sales, he began his career as an ISA, making over 130,000 calls a year before transitioning into his current leadership role. Zach has been instrumental in growing the real estate team from 5 to nearly 40 agents in Orange County, California, focusing on building solid systems and fostering a strong team culture.
Connect with Zach Geisendorfer Today! 
LinkedIn 
Instagram 

Aug 27, 2024 • 32min
Episode 144: From Tech to Real Estate: Glen Baker on Navigating Market Shifts and Scaling Up
 In this episode of "GRIT: The Real Estate Growth Mindset," Brian Charlesworth welcomes Glen Baker, founder of the MorrisAgent Team, for a conversation about growing a business when the odds seem stacked against you. Glen shares his fascinating journey from selling a tech company for $91 million to diving into real estate after a personal tragedy, driven by a passion for improving customer experience.
Glen opens up about the challenges of expanding into new markets like Massachusetts, where he had to overhaul his processes without losing the "magic sauce" that makes his team successful. He explains the importance of having a consistent customer experience across all locations, regardless of the specific state regulations or contracting processes. Glen emphasizes that building a business in multiple markets is not for the faint of heart—it’s like setting up a whole new company each time—but once it’s operational, consistency in metrics and performance is critical to success.
The conversation also delves into how Glen uses Sisu to not only streamline operations but also to predict market trends. By analyzing Sisu data, Glen can foresee shifts in the market, which allows his team to stay ahead and make informed decisions. This ability to anticipate changes has led to a stronger performance in the final quarter of the year, with some agents expected to do 75% more business than the previous year.
Top Takeaways:
(2:15) What life event triggered a drastic career shift?
(6:28) Why are clients more than just transactions?
(9:18) How did a simple portal transform client trust?
(11:09) What’s driving expansion when others shrink?
(15:14) How are videos transforming agent relations?
(16:12) How new agents are closing $700k deals instantly
(17:19) Three components that run an entire real estate business
(18:43) How to see market shifts before they happen
(20:30) 15 minutes that keep the team on track
(22:21) The must-have report for every agent one-on-one
(27:11) From Doordash to deals: the power of client portals
If you're looking for strategies to enhance your client communication, recruit top talent, and expand your business in challenging times, don't miss out on Glen's advice on why now is the perfect time to leverage technology and boost your value in the real estate market.
About Glen Baker
Glen Baker is a leading real estate agent in North Jersey and the founder of the MorrisAgent Team. He specializes in helping individuals, investors, and developers find properties in Morris, Sussex, and Bergen counties. With a reputation built on trust and consistent results, Glen has earned a place among the top .05% of agents nationwide and has been recognized with the Circle of Excellence every year.
His team’s footprint extends across New Jersey and Massachusetts, with plans to expand into Delaware and Florida, guided by the principle of "No Surprises, Ever!"—a commitment to consistency, reliability, and transparency. The team is known for combining advanced digital tools with a seamless customer experience, ensuring that every transaction is smooth and transparent. Glen’s business is largely built on referrals and social media, reflecting his dedication to building lasting relationships.
Glen is also committed to giving back to the community, contributing over $300,000 in Hero Rewards through the Homes for Heroes program, where he is ranked #1 in New Jersey. Beyond real estate, Glen has an entrepreneurial background, having sold his last company for $91 million and serving in C-suite roles throughout corporate America. He also actively serves as the Deputy Chief of the Boonton Fire Department, advocates for suicide awareness, and fosters dogs with over 65 pups under his care to date.
Connect with Glen Baker Today! 
LinkedIn 
MorrisAgent Team 

Aug 20, 2024 • 29min
Episode 143: The Big Picture: Ryan Young on Surviving Market Shifts and Leveraging Technology in Real Estate
 This week on the "GRIT" podcast, Brian Charlesworth is joined by Ryan Young, a third-generation real estate expert and the innovative mind behind Fello. Ryan's journey is anything but typical—from a burnt-out chef to leading a team selling hundreds of homes yearly. He looks back at how starting in a down market gave him the grit and know-how to tackle today's challenges.
Ryan dives deep into the current state of the real estate market, pointing out how it can mess with your emotions if you need to be more careful. He shares his thoughts on why agents who can manage these ups and downs will emerge stronger and more successful. From dealing with skyrocketing interest rates to the dwindling number of agents in the field, Ryan talks about how those who stick it out are likely to see big wins in the coming years.
Ryan also introduces Fello, the software that's helping agents turn their databases into treasure troves of listings. He breaks down how understanding your data can seriously boost your bottom line and make your life a lot easier.
Top Takeaways:
(4:42) Was 2010 really the hardest market, or is it now?
(7:11) Will the market shake out the weak agents?
(9:03) Could rising rates be a blessing in disguise?
(10:24) Is the market cutting agent numbers in half?
(11:54) Is the NAR’s influence fading fast?
(13:07) Are new agents facing a 2010-level challenge?
(14:21) Have agents forgotten how to hustle for leads?
(15:31) The high cost of cherry-picking leads
(16:22) Sisu: the power behind smart lead assignments
(19:08) Do you fear discussing compensation?
(20:36) Can 15 questions win more listings?
(23:32) The hidden dangers in your client database
(24:58) Are buyer leads hiding goldmines?
(26:45) Could missing data be costing you listings?
If you’re ready to learn how to keep growing in a crazy market and turn your leads into gold, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for Ryan’s expert tips and a few laughs as you take your real estate game to the next level.
About Ryan Young
Ryan Young is the CEO of The Young Team, recognized as the #1 large real estate team in Ohio and #15 in the U.S. by WSJ RealTrends. In 2021, he founded Fello, a platform that transforms agents’ databases into 24/7 listing engines. Ryan comes from a family deeply rooted in real estate, being a third-generation professional in the field. His approach focuses on innovation and efficiency, helping agents thrive in a competitive market.
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