What happens when a young appraiser stops waiting for work and builds it instead?

In this episode of Appraisers on Purpose, rising appraiser Luke Motto shares how he turned digital visibility into real opportunity, proving that bold action beats tradition every time.

Instead of waiting on AMCs or riding out the market downturn, Luke started creating LinkedIn content, publishing a newsletter, and testing out video. One newsletter post landed him a major client. Suddenly, he was appraising hundreds of homes for institutional investors without sending a single cold email.

But that’s just the start.

Luke uses AI to streamline his workflow, letting him handle massive appraisal volume solo. Rather than fear tech, he leverages it. Rather than fear obscurity, he builds a brand.

Luke’s story is a refreshing reminder that hope in this industry isn’t naïve, it’s strategic. And for appraisers willing to think differently, the path forward is wide open.

If you're navigating a complex appraisal scenario and need a reliable expert, we’re here to help: https://www.pahroo.com

Tune in to hear how Luke Motto is building the next-gen appraisal practice and why the future favors the bold.

Stay inspired. Stay informed.

Like, follow, and connect with PahRoo across our social platforms for more stories, insights, and behind-the-scenes moments.

Content Ownership:

All sounds and voice recordings in this episode are original and owned by us. No third-party copyrighted audio is used.

How a flooded basement, a filing cabinet, and a flashlight led Jo Traut into a thriving appraisal career.

In this inspiring episode of “Appraisers on Purpose,” Jo Traut reveals how unexpected chaos and relentless curiosity can lead to a career that truly fits.

Jo didn’t come from real estate. She wasn’t looking for appraisal. But after buying a water-logged foreclosure, rebuilding it piece by piece, and becoming obsessed with ROI, she knew there was something more.

Her path wasn’t paved, it was patched together with passion, persistence, and a willingness to solve real problems. And when her future mentor’s office was drowning in disorganized chaos, Jo stepped in, organized his entire business, and earned her entry into the field.

Today, she’s a respected voice in luxury relocation appraisals, educator, and former chief appraiser.

For Jo, success wasn’t about credentials, it was about contribution.

And her story is a masterclass in building your niche from the ground up.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, uncertain, or curious about new appraisal paths, this episode is your permission to go create your own.

Listen now to hear Jo Traut’s refreshing take on how appraisers can thrive with grit, integrity, and a little creative problem-solving.

Visit https://www.pahroo.com — we’re here to help.

Like what you heard?

Follow us on LinkedIn for appraisal insights

Join our community for updates, episode drops, and behind-the-scenes content on Facebook

Watch short clips, reels, and visual highlights from each episode via our Instagram

Short-form videos featuring notable moments and insights from the show through TikTok

Follow us for quick insights, episode announcements, and real-time conversations on X (Twitter)

He grew a top appraisal firm in three states without a single sales call.In this episode of Appraisers on Purpose, industry veteran Ron Stickelman shares the surprising truth behind his decades-long success in valuation: thriving appraisers don’t work harder, they work smarter.Instead of clinging to outdated solo workflows and competing for the same clients, Ron took a different path, one built on collaboration, systemization, and choosing the right partners. After growing a top 10 privately-owned appraisal firm across three states, Ron didn’t just exit , he gave the company to his team and built something new.His next act? Founding a credit union–focused AMC that became the fastest-growing business unit inside a national firm. For Ron, credit unions aren't just underserved they're the future. And he shows exactly why.Ron’s story is a masterclass in what happens when appraisers stop working alone, focus on workflow efficiency, and align with clients who value long-term relationships.Whether you’re overwhelmed, underpaid, or just unsure how to grow, this episode will give you hope and a blueprint.If you’ve got a complex appraisal problem (or just need help making confident real estate decisions), visit us at PahRoo Appraisal & Consultancy — we’re here to help.

In the future of appraising, those who understand data will lead. The rest will fall behind.

In this Appraisers on Purpose episode, data pioneer Lee Kennedy offers a rare glimpse behind the curtain of AVMs and why they don’t spell the end of traditional appraisal.

Instead, Lee reveals a hopeful future where appraisers aren’t replaced by automation… they’re elevated by it.

As the founder of AVMetrics and a former nuclear engineer, Lee has tested over 100 automated valuation models. But his message to appraisers is clear: you are still essential. Why? Because machines can’t recognize condition, quality, or external influences only you can.

Lee sees the role of the appraiser evolving into something more powerful: a collateral analyst, someone who blends on-the-ground insight with data fluency to make better, faster, more accurate decisions.He also shares what’s coming next: hybrid models, regulatory shifts, and how young appraisers can find their edge in a digital world.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just stepping in, Lee’s hopeful take on where we’re headed is a must-hear.

If you’re facing complex valuation challenges, we’re here to help, contact us.

======

Like what you heard?

Follow us on LinkedIn for appraisal insights:  / michaelhobbs  

Join our community for updates, episode drops, and behind-the-scenes content on Facebook: @pah.roo 

Watch short clips, reels, and visual highlights from each episode via our Instagram: @pahroo 

Check our short-form videos featuring notable moments and insights from the show through TikTok:  @ pahrooappraisal

Follow us for quick insights, episode announcements, and real-time conversations on X (Twitter): @Pahroo

Jim Park isn’t afraid of AI, he’s afraid of what happens if we don’t evolve with it.

In this episode of “Appraisers on Purpose,” veteran appraiser and former ASC Executive Director Jim Park shares why the appraisal profession’s future is brighter than many think, if we’re willing to evolve.

Jim doesn’t see AI and automation as the enemy. He sees them as a turning point. Appraisers won’t be replaced by machines, they’ll guide them. The job is changing, yes, but the need for trusted human judgment, especially in emotional and high-stakes decisions, is more vital than ever.

Looking ahead, Jim champions a bold but hopeful path: appraisers must diversify beyond lending work, embrace technology, and attract a new generation of professionals. He breaks down the regulatory bottlenecks that have held the industry back, and the urgent reforms that could unlock its full potential.

For Jim, this isn’t just about keeping up. It’s about future-proofing an industry he’s dedicated his life to.

🎧 Tune in to hear Jim Park’s thoughtful take on where we go next and why appraisers still matter.

What do green beans, rewiring a garage, and appraising have in common? For Cody Jetton, they all lead to long-term wealth.

In this episode of Appraisers on Purpose, seasoned appraiser and investor Cody Jetton shares his refreshingly practical approach to building wealth, starting with nothing more than a fixer-upper and a mindset shift.

Cody didn’t inherit a real estate empire. He started small—buying a house, rewiring the garage himself, and slowly climbing the wealth ladder, one improvement and smart decision at a time.

But this episode isn’t just about tools and tiles, it’s about thinking like an investor, even if you’re just getting started. Cody breaks down what he calls the "green bean strategy"—a surprisingly simple metaphor for understanding long-term investing and living below your means.

He also offers insight into why appraisers are uniquely positioned to spot undervalued properties, seize overlooked opportunities, and build cash flow on the side, without giving up their day jobs.

For Cody, wealth isn’t a jackpot. It’s a craft. A discipline. A way to live with purpose.

🎧 Tune in to hear Cody’s thoughtful, encouraging approach to wealth-building—and why the best time to start isn’t someday. It’s now.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀? In this episode of Appraisers on Purpose, real estate appraiser and investor Seth Epling, shares how thinking like an investor transformed the way he appraises and how appraising sharpened his investment game. For Seth, becoming an appraiser wasn’t the end goal. It was a launchpad. His approach blends hands-on investing with data-driven valuation strategies, creating a powerful advantage in both worlds. One of his standout tools? The Binder Strategy, a respectful, fact-based way to raise rents with tenant buy-in. It’s a game-changer for any landlord looking to grow income without burning bridges. But Seth’s story isn’t just about tactics, it’s about mindset. From scraping by as a trainee to managing multiple properties and planning his next multifamily acquisition, he offers a hopeful roadmap for appraisers who want more: more control, more income, and more meaning in their work. Tune in to hear how Seth Epling is redefining what it means to be an appraiser and how you can too.

How one appraiser got tired of comps and started chasing cash flow.In this episode of Appraisers on Purpose, Liliya Patton flips the script on what it means to be an appraiser and why staying on the sidelines is no longer an option.After a journey that took her from Wall Street to cold-calling toner contracts, Liliya didn’t just pivot into real estate, she became obsessed with understanding value from the inside out.Now, she’s a multifamily investor, asset manager, and working appraiser and she’s here to make the case that every appraiser should also be an investor.For Liliya, appraisal isn’t just a job, it’s a lens for truth. But it was only when she started buying properties herself that she truly understood how value is created, how equity is built, and why tenant turnover and broken boilers matter more than spreadsheets.This episode is packed with real-world examples, hard-won insights, and a hopeful reminder:"You already have the skills — now it’s time to own the asset."Listen in to hear Liliya’s inspiring story and why she believes appraisers who take the leap into investing won’t just understand value, they’ll build it.

Watch more interviews and behind-the-scenes on our YouTube channel Appraisers on Purpose

Visit our website at: PahRoo Appraisal & Consultancy

She’s not certified yet, but she’s already using appraisal to build wealth.In this episode of Appraisers on Purpose, we meet Katie Stubblefield, a future appraiser who’s already changing the game.Unlike most, Katie didn’t wait for certification to start building her real estate empire. She’s turned two properties into income-generating machines using co-living, ADUs, and short-term rentals all while staying grounded in values shaped by her nonprofit work.For Katie, appraisal isn’t just a career move. It’s a strategy, a way to align her day job with her long-term vision of financial independence.Her story is a hopeful reminder that you don’t need decades of experience to make real estate work for you. You just need curiosity, courage, and a plan.Tune in to hear how Katie is blending purpose, strategy, and scrappy innovation to build wealth on her own terms and why this mindset could change everything for appraisers ready to think differently.

He didn’t need a license, a loan, or a toolbox—just the right address.

In this episode of “Appraisers on Purpose,” Carlos shares how he earned $15,000—without ever doing an appraisal. That first win wasn’t a fluke. It was proof: appraisers already have the knowledge to build wealth. They just need to use it differently.

Carlos, who started in the field straight out of high school, walks us through how he turned his appraisal background into a gateway for real estate investing. From flipping homes with partners to managing a seven-unit building in Miami, Carlos shows how thinking like an investor—not just a technician—can transform your entire financial future.

His journey is refreshingly honest. He opens up about flops, hard money loans, rough tenants, and one deal that made no profit at all. But through it all, Carlos reveals a hopeful truth:
You don’t need to leave appraising to grow wealth—you just need to leverage what you already know.

Tune in to hear how Carlos used appraiser insight—not elbow grease—to start generating real equity, without burning out in the fee-for-service grind.