When a bad appraisal cost him big, Bruce Jones didn’t get mad, he got in the game.

In this episode of “Appraisers on Purpose,” Bruce Jones shares how a single flawed appraisal sparked a career change, and a mission.

After years as a successful broker, Bruce hit a wall: a refinance on a multifamily property was nearly derailed by a wildly inaccurate appraisal. But instead of walking away, he asked a bold question: What if I could do this better?

That question became a calling.

Bruce pivoted mid-career, partnered with an MAI, and committed fully to becoming a designated appraiser. Along the way, he discovered what many in the industry miss: that mastery isn’t about shortcuts, it’s about purpose, persistence, and doing the work others won’t.

From early mornings to earning the MAI the hard way, Bruce’s story is a reminder that growth is always possible, no matter where you start.

🎧 Tune in to hear how Bruce turned a frustrating experience into a career of impact, leadership, and hope for the future of our profession.

“UAD 3.6 isn’t the end of the form, it’s the beginning of a smarter process.”

In this special episode of Appraisers on Purpose, guests Matthew Hyatt, Hansel Dobbs, and Gynell Vestal come together to break down what may be the biggest transformation in residential appraisal since the 1004 form was first introduced.

Forget fear, this trio sees UAD 3.6 not as a burden, but as an invitation to evolve.

They reveal how this new reporting structure shifts appraisers away from just “filling in boxes” toward truly thinking through their valuation process. It’s not about compliance for compliance’s sake, it’s about becoming better at what we do.

Matt shares how the new dynamic form is pushing appraisers to upgrade their tools, rethink workflows, and lean on AI-powered support like never before. Gynell and Hansel highlight the opportunities for those willing to lead rather than lag, especially those ready to embrace structure, specialization, and innovation.

Yes, the learning curve is real. But so is the potential.

This episode isn’t just a technical walkthrough. It’s a hopeful vision of what appraisal can become—more thoughtful, more empowered, and more professional than ever.

🎧 Tune in to hear how three forward-thinking appraisers are navigating change, embracing challenge, and preparing to lead the future of valuation.

Big careers are built by those willing to take off, not just taxi.

In this episode of “Appraisers on Purpose,” Rick Sagoo shares a powerful truth: thriving in real estate isn't about having a perfect plan — it’s about having the courage to take action.

From chasing aviation dreams in London to building a career in appraisal through a $100 bet, Rick’s story is a testament to resilience, curiosity, and seizing opportunities when they appear. His journey reminds us that sometimes a small leap of faith can create a lifelong career.

Rick also underscores the importance of adaptability. Instead of sticking rigidly to one path, he embraced new industries, new countries, and new chances — proving that flexibility isn’t just useful; it’s essential for success.

For Rick, success wasn’t handed to him. He built it, one bold move at a time — and his story is an inspiring roadmap for any appraiser looking to carve their own path.

Tune in to this episode of “Appraisers on Purpose” to hear Rick Sagoo’s uplifting story of risk, reinvention, and unstoppable hope.

From Sharks to Square Footage: How Harrison Kennedy Turned Underwater Grit into Appraisal Clarity

In this inspiring episode of Appraisers on Purpose, Harrison Kennedy shares an unexpected origin story—from tagging great white sharks as a freediving videographer to becoming a rising real estate appraisal professional.

But it’s not just a career change. It’s a mindset shift.

Harrison brings lessons from the ocean—calm under pressure, mental clarity, and precision—and applies them directly to the world of real estate valuation. In a profession that rewards quiet confidence and razor-sharp focus, his journey is a reminder that great appraisers aren’t born—they’re shaped by bold life experience.

More than just a cool story, Harrison offers a message of hope: that wherever you’re starting from, there’s room to thrive in this field if you lead with purpose and curiosity.

🎧 Tune in to hear how an unconventional past can become the foundation for a meaningful future in appraisal.

What does it take to grow from local appraiser to national leader? Chad Barker’s story might just change how you see your future.

In this episode of Appraisers on Purpose, we sit down with Chad Barker — an appraiser who proves that thinking big isn’t reserved for Silicon Valley.

Chad began like many of us: no real estate background, just a degree in finance and a chance meeting that led him into the field. Within a few years, he was helping build the largest appraisal firm in Indianapolis. But Chad didn’t stop there.

He went on to help launch and scale a national appraisal management company that at its peak:

• Handled 40,000 appraisals a month

• Engaged 10,000+ appraisers annually

• Captured 30% of the AMC market

For Chad, growth wasn’t about chasing volume — it was about embracing opportunity, saying yes to challenges, and building strong teams rooted in shared values.

His journey reminds us that in an industry full of constraints, there’s still room for vision, courage, and meaningful impact.

🎧 Tune in to hear how Chad went from rookie trainee to COO, and how any appraiser can turn hustle into a movement.

What if appraisers—not economists—were the true experts in housing markets? Jonathan Miller thinks it’s time we embraced that.

In this episode of Appraisers on Purpose, veteran appraiser and market analyst Jonathan Miller shares a refreshing perspective: the appraisal profession has more power—and more potential—than most of us realize.

Jonathan doesn’t just value properties—he tells the story of entire markets. From advising the Federal Reserve to teaching at Columbia University, his journey reveals how data, curiosity, and clear communication can elevate appraisers to industry leaders.

He encourages us to think beyond form-filling and compliance. Instead, he advocates for speaking up, sharing insights, and positioning ourselves as trusted voices in a noisy economic landscape.

And perhaps most inspiring: Jonathan proves that the ability to influence doesn’t come from credentials—it comes from clarity and conviction.

🎙️ Tune in to hear how Jonathan Miller is redefining what it means to be an appraiser in today’s world—and how you can too.

He built an appraisal empire from scratch—without an MLS, fancy tools, or even a clear roadmap.

In this episode of Appraisers on Purpose, legendary New York appraiser Jonathan Miller reveals how he turned chaos into clarity—and built a long-lasting business in one of the most complicated real estate markets in the world.

While most professionals wait for better tools or more structure, Jonathan did the opposite. Working in Manhattan with no MLS and limited public data, he and his team hand-built a proprietary database by calling brokers and collecting information manually.

But Jonathan’s story isn’t just about overcoming inefficiencies—it’s about embracing the entrepreneurial spirit. From Scantron forms to strategic systems, he shares how simple tools and sharp thinking can outpace flashy tech.

He also opens up about lessons learned from his father’s rollercoaster career and why building something sustainable mattered more than chasing the next big thing.

Whether you’re new to appraisal or a seasoned pro, this episode is a powerful reminder that innovation often starts with what’s already in your hands.

Tune in to hear Jonathan Miller’s journey of resilience, reinvention, and thinking differently—on purpose.

What can appraisers learn from a physicist who sees the mortgage industry as a hidden coral reef?

In our latest “Appraisers on Purpose” podcast episode, entrepreneur and former physicist Vincent Chu reveals a powerful truth: the appraisal industry isn’t small—it’s part of a trillion-dollar ecosystem hiding in plain sight.

Vincent explains how appraisers are critical players in this complex system, fueling homeownership, small business growth, and financial stability. And the best part? There’s more opportunity than ever for those willing to think bigger and embrace uncertainty.

Drawing from his journey from academia to tech and into mortgage lending, Vincent shares why curiosity, persistence, and adaptability are the secret ingredients to thriving in a constantly evolving market.

For Vincent, appraisers aren’t just service providers—they’re economic gatekeepers with the power to shape markets.

Tune in to this episode of “Appraisers on Purpose” to hear Vincent Chu’s inspiring insights on finding purpose, navigating uncertainty, and unlocking new opportunities in appraisal.

Appraisers used to own the data. Now we buy it. What happened?

In this episode of Appraisers on Purpose, industry veteran George Dell pulls back the curtain on a major shift in the appraisal profession—how data moved from being an appraiser’s asset to a purchased commodity.But George isn’t here to lament the past—he’s here to equip appraisers for the future. He explains why mastering data isn’t about collecting more—it’s about knowing how to use it. In an industry flooded with automated reports and instant analytics, appraisers who develop strong analytical skills will set themselves apart.Beyond data, George highlights the power of service over selfishness—sharing a powerful story of how one appraiser built his business not by hoarding information, but by freely giving back to the industry.For George, thriving as an appraiser today means embracing data-driven decision-making, adaptability, and a mindset of contribution.Tune in to hear George Dell’s insights on how appraisers can stay ahead in an evolving industry—by learning, adapting, and leading.

"Breaking Barriers: From Rejection to Real Estate Triumph with Alex Dinh"

In this inspiring episode of “Appraisers on Purpose”, rising appraiser Alex Dinh shares his unconventional journey into the world of real estate appraisal—and how grit, persistence, and optimism shaped his path.

Alex’s story defies expectations. Despite starting his career in tech and visual effects, breaking into real estate appraisal proved to be a far greater challenge. From making 100 cold calls to facing relentless rejection, Alex’s determination never wavered.

His breakthrough?

A random job post on Indeed that opened the door to his dream career.

But Alex’s journey doesn’t stop there. He brings a fresh perspective on how technology—AI, 3D scanning, and VR—can revolutionize the appraisal industry, not replace it. For Alex, tech is a tool for growth, speed, and precision.

More than anything, Alex’s story is about embracing change.

Whether it’s relocating across states, learning new markets, or leveraging technology, his journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability in a challenging industry.🎙️

Tune in to this episode of“Appraisers on Purpose”to discover how Alex Dinh turned rejection into opportunity—and why the future of appraisal belongs to those who dare to innovate.