✅ The pivotal role mentorship, systems, and certifications played in his rapid success.

✅ How his background as a rugby captain shaped his leadership and team-building skills.

✅ The mindset shift that turned 30 failed listing appointments into a 70% conversion rate.

✅ Why Mate prioritizes agent success and aims to help 70% of his team earn six figures.

✅ His approach to real estate investing and how he helps clients build long-term wealth.

In this episode of Agents with Grit, host Brad Seid sits down with Mate Granic, a Miami-based real estate agent who transitioned from part-time hustler to a full-time industry leader. Mate shares his journey from moving to the U.S. in 2009 to scaling his real estate business to over $23 million in sales in just nine months.

Mate opens up about the struggles of starting out, including balancing multiple jobs, facing early failures, and navigating personal challenges like divorce and raising a son with special needs. Instead of backing down, he doubled down—honing his skills, refining his sales approach, and shifting his mindset to focus on client needs over self-promotion.

As a Certified Residential Specialist, Mate understands the power of education, mentorship, and systems in achieving real estate success. He dives into how he scaled his business, transitioned into team leadership, and built an investment portfolio that includes fix-and-flips, duplexes, and land rezoning projects.

Mate now prioritizes his agents’ success, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to hit six-figure incomes while maintaining work-life balance. His story is one of resilience, adaptability, and a relentless drive to help others succeed in real estate.

NOTABLE QUESTIONS WE ASKED:

Q: How did your background in rugby help shape your leadership style in real estate?

Q: What mindset shifts helped you go from struggling to securing listings at a 70% success rate?

Q: Why did you transition from solo production to focusing on agent mentorship?

Q: What are the biggest mistakes new agents make when trying to build a sustainable business?

Q: How do you balance personal real estate investments while leading a team?

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✅How Middy turned her background in marketing and photography into a real estate advantage.

✅The power of niche marketing—why focusing on the cycling community skyrocketed her business.

✅How Middy built a database of 6,000+ contacts and nurtures long-term client relationships.

✅The importance of structured training and mentorship for new agents.

✅Why in-person branding and community engagement outperform traditional real estate marketing strategies.

In this episode of Agents with Grit, host Brad Seid welcomes top-producing real estate agent Middy Matthews to share her unconventional path to success. With 12 years of experience, Middy has built a business rooted in strategic marketing, community involvement, and a competitive drive honed from her past as a college tennis player and teaching pro.

Middy’s journey into real estate began when she realized that her photography and marketing skills were helping realtors more than just taking property photos. She quickly pivoted, got her real estate license in 2012, and developed a strong lead generation system that helped her close over 30 transactions in 2024, despite a slower market.

Beyond transactions, Middy’s success is largely fueled by her deep involvement in the cycling community. From sponsoring aid stations at races to branding high-quality event photos with her logo, she has created a recognizable presence among thousands of riders. Her business strategy isn’t forced networking—it’s organic relationship-building through shared passions.

Middy also dives into the importance of client follow-up systems, mentorship, and social media automation. She discusses how she nurtures her 6,000+ contact database, the necessity of consistent branding, and why investing in her community has led to long-term real estate success.

Whether you're a new agent looking for guidance or a seasoned professional searching for fresh strategies, this episode is packed with insights on leveraging your passions, creating meaningful connections, and building a sustainable real estate business.

NOTABLE QUESTIONS WE ASKED:

Q: How did your marketing and photography background give you an edge in real estate?

Q: What advice would you give new agents struggling to generate leads?

Q: How do you maintain relationships with thousands of contacts over time?

Q: What are the biggest mistakes agents make when trying to build a niche brand?

Q: How can realtors use community engagement to build trust and long-term success?

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✅ How Lars Rygaard's concierge-style real estate business has revolutionized the customer experience.

✅ The power of licensed handyman services in smooth real estate transactions.

✅ Why Lars embraces AI tools like ChatGPT and Google LM to stay ahead of the competition.

✅ The shift from traditional SEO to social media-driven strategies and automated marketing.

✅ Lars’ journey from Utah to Florida and how he turned a slow market into a thriving business.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Agents with Grit, host Brad Seid is joined by real estate innovator Lars Rygarrd, who has built a successful concierge-style business in Destin, Florida. Lars discusses how offering handyman services, handling repairs during real estate transactions, and working with out-of-town clients has become a game-changer in the industry. With his team of licensed professionals, he ensures that homes are ready for sale, building trust and relationships along the way.

Lars also shares how he’s using AI tools, like ChatGPT and Google LM, to enhance content creation for blogs and podcasts, while remaining hands-on to ensure relevance to his audience. He delves into how leveraging social media and CRM systems has allowed him to automate marketing efforts, saving time while maximizing business growth. Social media, according to Lars, has become more crucial than traditional SEO tactics in driving traffic and generating leads.

From embracing cutting-edge technologies to providing personalized services for each client, Lars’ journey exemplifies how innovation can lead to lasting success in real estate. His move from Utah to Florida, driven by the desire for a new lifestyle and business opportunities, proves that adaptability and embracing change are essential in today’s market.

NOTABLE QUESTIONS WE ASKED:

Q: How did concierge services help shape your real estate business model?

Q: What challenges did you face when transitioning from traditional marketing to social media-driven strategies?

Q: How has AI, like ChatGPT and Google LM, contributed to your content creation process?

Q: Why did you focus on automating marketing with CRM systems, and what impact has it had on your business?

Q: What advice would you give agents looking to implement technology without losing the personal touch?

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✅ Mastering lead generation with Red X to connect with clients.

✅ The importance of consistency in follow-ups and relationship-building.

✅ How partnering with Emily Albright transformed Jennifer’s business.

✅ Balancing real estate with personal health and fitness goals.

✅ Using Trello to stay organized and maximize productivity.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Agents with Grit, we sit down with Jennifer, a dedicated and hardworking real estate agent who has built a thriving business through strategic lead generation, persistence, and strong client relationships. Jennifer shares her journey, from making hundreds of calls a day with Red X to forming a game-changing partnership with Emily Albright that has helped her stay motivated and accountable.

Jennifer also opens up about her personal transformation—how prioritizing her health and fitness has boosted her confidence, energy, and overall performance in the real estate industry. She discusses her 3 AM morning routine, including Bible reading and goal-setting, which sets the foundation for her daily success.

Through smart marketing, such as a weekly newsletter and social media engagement, Jennifer has built a strong presence in her market. She shares insights into how these efforts keep her top-of-mind with clients, leading to consistent deals and referrals.

Whether you're an aspiring agent or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with valuable strategies and motivation to help you elevate your real estate career!

NOTABLE QUESTIONS WE ASKED:

Q: How do you stay consistent with lead generation and follow-ups?

Q: What impact has your business partnership with Emily Albright had on your success?

Q: How has prioritizing health and fitness improved your work performance?

Q: What are your best marketing strategies for staying top-of-mind with clients?

Q: How do you manage your time efficiently while working from home?

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show!

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✅ Turning a single transaction into a lifelong mission of helping an underserved community.

✅ How cultural understanding and trust transformed Mark Haddock’s real estate career.

✅ The role of branding and personal reputation in long-term success.

✅ Why Mark sold 11 churches pro bono and how it impacted his business.

✅ Creative ways to build relationships and loyalty with clients.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Agents with Grit, host Brad Seid sits down with veteran real estate agent Mark Haddock, who has closed over 50 transactions annually for more than 33 years. Mark shares how his career took an unexpected turn when he helped a Burmese refugee family buy their first home in Battle Creek, Michigan. That one act of service led to an entire business built on trust, cultural understanding, and community impact.

Mark details the challenges of serving a non-English-speaking community, the creative ways he educated his clients about homeownership, and why he sold 11 churches pro bono to help meet their spiritual needs. He also dives into how he built his reputation through personal branding—choosing to be known simply as “Mark”—and why small gestures, like delivering apple pies to clients, created lifelong loyalty.

Beyond transactions, Mark’s story is a testament to how purpose-driven work leads to financial and personal fulfillment. He and Brad discuss the power of relationship-building, why serving with authenticity beats traditional sales tactics, and how real estate agents can find their own niche to create lasting success.

NOTABLE QUESTIONS WE ASKED:

Q: How did helping one Burmese family turn into a full-time niche business for you?

Q: What were the biggest challenges in working with a refugee community, and how did you overcome them?

Q: How has your personal branding helped shape your success?

Q: What role does community involvement play in growing a real estate business?

Q: What advice do you have for agents looking to build a business rooted in service rather than sales?

Tune in to hear Mark’s inspiring journey and learn how you can create a thriving real estate career by truly serving others!

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EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

✅ Joseph transitioned from the auto industry to real estate, turning a side hustle into a full-time success.

✅ "Realtor Joseph" built a strong personal brand that drives leads and referrals.

✅ Showtime Realty achieved rapid growth through strategic scaling and strong agent retention.

✅ Joseph prioritizes mentoring new agents to ensure long-term success in real estate.

EPISODE SUMMARY:

In this episode of Agents with Grit, host Brad Seid sits down with Joseph Sinishtaj, a top-producing real estate broker based in Shelby Township, Michigan. With over 1,000 transactions under his belt, Joseph shares his inspiring journey from working in the auto industry to building a thriving real estate business.

Joseph’s story begins in 2014 when he first got his real estate license while juggling a corporate job at General Motors. A pivotal investment opportunity sparked his interest in real estate, leading him to transition full-time into the industry. By leveraging social media branding and exceptional client service, he quickly grew his business, closing 175 deals in just the past year.

Recognizing the value of mentorship, Joseph launched Showtime Realty in 2018. He’s built a brokerage that prioritizes agent development, ensuring new agents receive hands-on training and the tools needed to succeed. Unlike many traditional brokerages, Joseph fosters a close-knit team with a unique commission model that attracts top talent and ensures long-term agent retention.

Looking ahead, Joseph’s vision is strategic growth—focusing on quality over quantity. His goal? To expand his brokerage to 40-50 highly productive agents while maintaining a culture of mentorship and excellence.

If you're an agent looking to scale your business or transition into real estate full-time, this episode is packed with actionable insights from one of Michigan’s most successful brokers.

NOTABLE QUESTIONS WE ASKED:

Q: How did you balance real estate with a corporate job before going full-time?

Q: What branding strategies helped you establish yourself as "Realtor Joseph"?

Q: What’s the key to maintaining high agent retention in your brokerage?

Q: What advice do you have for agents looking to scale their business?

Q: What’s next for Showtime Realty in the coming years?

Tune in to hear Joseph’s incredible journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way!

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EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

✅ Networking is the cornerstone of real estate success—build relationships, not just ads.

✅ Adaptability and resilience are key to thriving in a competitive market.

✅ A strong personal brand, like "Emerald Coast Erin," can set you apart and leave a lasting impression.

EPISODE SUMMARY:

In this episode of Agents with Grit, Florida-based real estate agent Erin Crumbley shares her remarkable journey of perseverance and success. Erin, known as "Emerald Coast Erin," discusses how her disciplined and competitive nature, cultivated from a young age, fueled her drive to excel in real estate after transitioning from a successful 30-year career in the tech industry.

Erin recounts her early experiences in television, radio, and as an NFL cheerleader, which showcased her determination to stand out and overcome challenges. These traits, combined with her networking expertise gained in the tech industry, laid the foundation for her real estate career.

After being laid off in 2019, Erin began her real estate journey in Navarre, Florida. Despite a challenging first year, earning only $11,000 and seeing no return on a costly billboard investment, Erin refused to quit. She pivoted her strategy, focusing on networking within her community, leveraging social media, and building personal connections.

By her second year, Erin’s efforts paid off as she hit six figures in earnings. Her story underscores the importance of resilience, learning from mistakes, and treating real estate as a full-time commitment. Erin shares how she branded herself as "Emerald Coast Erin" to create a memorable identity tied to her location.

Erin also highlights the value of community involvement, serving on local boards and using her wine bar as a hub for networking and charity events. She emphasizes the importance of giving back and fostering trust within her community as a key to long-term success.

Looking ahead, Erin envisions expanding her real estate business by growing a team, writing a book titled Pivot, and possibly launching a podcast. Her philosophy centers on adaptability, encouraging agents to embrace change and try new strategies when old ones don’t work.

In this conversation, Erin advises agents to avoid costly advertising mistakes and instead focus on building authentic relationships. Her mantra, "keys, corks, and community," captures her holistic approach to real estate, blending professional expertise with personal passion and community engagement.

This episode is packed with practical insights and motivational takeaways for agents at all stages of their careers. Erin’s journey is a testament to the grit and determination needed to succeed in the ever-changing real estate market.

NOTABLE QUESTIONS WE ASKED:

Q: How did you recover from a challenging first year in real estate?

A: I pivoted my strategy, focused on networking, and built relationships within my community. I learned to ask for referrals and stay visible without being pushy.

Q: Why do you discourage investing in billboards as a new agent?

A: Billboards don’t generate leads for new agents. Instead, invest your time in your inner circle, build relationships, and engage in community events.

Q: What role does social media play in your success?

A: Social media helps me establish my brand and stay top-of-mind. I create content like my "Monday Market Minute" to position myself as an expert in my area.

Q: How has community involvement contributed to your business?

A: Serving on boards and hosting events at my wine bar has helped me build trust and connect with potential clients in meaningful ways.

Q: What advice do you have for agents starting out?

A: Be resilient, learn to pivot when something doesn’t work, and focus on networking. Success comes from building relationships, not just chasing sales.

Q: What’s next for you in your real estate journey?

A: I want to grow my business, build a team, write a book, and continue giving back to my community while exploring new opportunities to inspire others.

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✅ Building strong relationships through education and community involvement.

✅ Leveraging experience and data-driven strategies to navigate market challenges.

✅ Establishing clear boundaries and a consultative business model for client success.

✅ Adapting business plans to stay dynamic and forward-thinking.

✅ Balancing personalized service with digital tools to expand reach.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Agent with Grit, Brad Seid interviews John Gillen, a seasoned real estate professional whose career has been defined by trust, strategy, and community engagement. With over 20 closings in the past year and a track record of $1-5 million in annual sales, John shares insights into the strategies that have fueled his success.

John’s journey began with foundational lessons in his grandfather's real estate office, grew through a career in education, and evolved into a passion for helping clients navigate the complexities of real estate. From leveraging his community involvement with organizations like the Central Beach Alliance to managing properties during economic downturns, John reveals the tools and mindset necessary for sustained success.

John discusses his innovative consultative model, which ensures his time and expertise are valued, and his emphasis on maintaining trust and clear communication with clients. By staying attuned to market trends, engaging with his community, and offering tailored advice, John has built a loyal client base and a reputation for excellence.

Looking forward, John emphasizes the importance of adaptability and forward planning, already refining strategies for 2025. His commitment to personalized service, enhanced by a robust digital presence, positions him as a leader in the ever-changing real estate landscape.

NOTABLE QUESTIONS WE ASKED:

Q: What role does your background in education play in your real estate approach?

A: It helps me guide clients methodically through transactions, ensuring they feel informed and confident.

Q: How do you stay connected to your community and leverage those connections in your business?

A: By actively participating in local organizations and advisory councils, which keep me informed and trusted within my community.

Q: What inspired your consultative model, and how has it impacted your business?

A: It ensures fairness and professionalism, protects my time, and strengthens relationships by aligning client expectations.

Q: How do you incorporate digital tools without losing the personal touch?

A: I use social media to reach more clients and provide free consultations while maintaining a hands-on approach to client interactions.

Q: Why do you prioritize adaptability in your business planning?

A: A living business plan ensures I’m prepared for future challenges and opportunities while providing clarity to my team.

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✅  Transitioning from barbering to real estate during financial struggles.

✅  The power of mentorship and perseverance in overcoming early career challenges.

✅  Building a strong local presence through community involvement and genuine relationships.

✅  Diversifying into property management and short-term rentals for business growth.

✅  The importance of surrounding yourself with a smart, supportive team for success.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Agents with Grit, Brad Seid sits down with Jordan Painter, a highly successful real estate agent and broker based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Jordan shares his incredible journey of how he transitioned from being a barber in 2010 to a thriving real estate professional. Despite facing financial struggles and a young family to support, Jordan turned to real estate out of necessity, eventually leading to a successful career with 40-50 closings annually and a growing brokerage of 15 agents.

Jordan discusses the challenges he faced in his early years, including balancing his real estate aspirations with his barbershop job. His breakthrough came after taking the advice of his mentor, which pushed him to fully transition into real estate and stop procrastinating. He credits his success to working with HUD homes, which provided him with invaluable knowledge and a solid foundation in the industry.

Through his community involvement, Jordan has created strong networks and gained clients organically by building authentic relationships. He emphasizes the importance of not pushing for business but allowing connections to naturally develop, even through casual conversations in settings like a gym sauna.

Jordan and his business partner, Tony Stancato, have also ventured into short-term rental management, founding the property management company Book and Gather. They now help clients buy, manage, and sell short-term rental properties. Jordan shares insights from their Michigan Short Term Rentals podcast and conference, which have become valuable resources for industry professionals.

Through all his ventures, Jordan credits teamwork and surrounding himself with smarter, more experienced people as key factors in his success. His story is a testament to perseverance, community connections, and the importance of continuous learning in both real estate and business.

NOTABLE QUESTIONS WE ASKED:

Q: What led you to make the switch from barbering to real estate?

A: I was inspired by a client involved in property management and construction. Seeing his success motivated me to pursue real estate as a way to provide for my family.

Q: How did mentorship shape your real estate career?

A: Early on, I was mentored by Mike Childress, who taught me the ins and outs of real estate, from handling clients to understanding the business dynamics.

Q: How has your community involvement played a role in your success?

A: Coaching my kids and being involved in church created organic business opportunities by building trust without hard selling.

Q: What were the key factors that allowed you to transition from property management to real estate sales?

A: I realized that to succeed, I needed to fully commit to real estate, take action, and stop procrastinating on my plans.

Q: How has your work in short-term rental management influenced your real estate career?

A: Expanding into short-term rentals allowed me to diversify my business and gain new insights, which I share through my podcasts and conferences.

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EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

✅ The power of starting from scratch and building a network in a new community.

✅ Leveraging community involvement to establish trust and generate referrals.

✅ The role of persistence and adaptability in overcoming early career challenges.

✅ Balancing personal service with the use of digital tools to enhance client relationships.

✅ Focusing on quality over quantity to maintain long-term success in real estate.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Agent with Grit, Brad Seid sits down with Julie Hribar, a successful real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway, who has achieved 20 closings in the past year while prioritizing personalized service. Julie shares her journey from a challenging start in a new city with no network to becoming a trusted name in her community. Her story highlights the power of perseverance, strategic networking, and a commitment to authentic relationships.

Julie discusses her initial struggles in real estate, including minimal transactions in her early years and the steep learning curve of navigating a competitive industry. She reveals how her involvement in local schools, community events, and Facebook groups helped her build trust and generate organic leads.

Throughout the conversation, Julie emphasizes the importance of staying hands-on in her work, leveraging tools like CapCut for listing videos to enhance her online presence while maintaining personal connections. She also opens up about the occasional challenges of losing clients and how these moments have inspired her to continually refine her approach.

Looking ahead, Julie remains focused on quality over quantity, ensuring her clients receive individualized attention. Her success is a testament to the value of patience, community engagement, and a steadfast dedication to providing exceptional service.

NOTABLE QUESTIONS WE ASKED:

Q: How did you approach building a network in a new city without any connections?

A: By engaging with the local community through schools, PTA meetings, and open houses, which organically created trust and opportunities.

Q: What strategies helped you overcome early challenges in your real estate career?

A: Staying consistent with open houses, leveraging office leads, and being actively involved in the community.

Q: How do you balance using digital tools with providing personalized client service?

A: I use tools like CapCut to enhance my listings and visibility, but I handle all client interactions personally to maintain strong relationships.

Q: What lessons have you learned from the challenges of losing clients to other agents?

A: Those experiences taught me to reflect on my services and identify ways to improve while focusing on the clients I do have.

Q: Why do you prioritize quality over scaling your operation?

A: I value maintaining control over my business and providing a high level of service to ensure my clients feel valued and supported.

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