Dive into the remarkable journey of Jeff Lagrew, a seasoned real estate appraiser who seamlessly merged his passion for flying with his profession.

Discover how Jeff's determination to overcome geographical limitations in the appraisal industry led him to acquire a pilot's license, unlocking a world of opportunities.

By literally flying to different locations across the country, Jeff expanded his professional network, gained invaluable insights into diverse real estate markets, and opened doors to unique career prospects.

We explore his exciting flying adventures, where he visited over 100 horse farms and met a variety of fascinating individuals.

Learn how this mobility allowed Jeff to broaden his expertise in agricultural properties and rural real estate markets, and offer specialized appraisal services to small lenders.

Jeff accounts his experiences from the "prehistoric" days of appraisal and his board involvement with the Appraisal Qualifications Board.

If you've ever wondered how to combine your passion with your work, Jeff's story will inspire you to break free from constraints and embrace a dynamic and successful career in real estate appraisal.

In this episode, we delve into the appraisal industry’s past, present, and future.

We pay a special focus to the transformative power of technology, as well as the importance of building robust relationships with realtors.

The industry has evolved from a time when printers were the pinnacle of technology to an era where digital tools are reshaping the appraisal landscape.

As the industry grapples with challenging business conditions, this episode underscores the need to stay competitive by embracing technological advancements.

Just like we have done in the past.

The episode also highlights the significance of cultivating strong relationships with realtors.

In a tough business environment, these relationships can be a lifeline, driving more business and ensuring appraisers’ services remain in high demand.

And lastly, Greg shares a powerful reminder: “Cream rises to the top.”

This wisdom emphasizes that commitment to doing great work and taking care of clients will open up opportunities over time.

Tune in to this episode to get inspired by insights into the future of the industry.”

Who trusts an 18 year old with a $10,000,000 asset?

In our latest episode, we follow Rick Garrie’s journey from an Air Force mechanic to Chief Appraiser, defying age expectations and showcasing the power of adaptability.

Rick's passion for appraising and his ability to spot regional market trends ahead of time allowed him to proactively position his branch to handle industry upheavals.

His talent for translating technical insights and his commitment to staying connected with peers played a significant role in his professional advancement.

Rick's story serves as a reminder of the importance of passion, adaptability, and strong professional connections in shaping the future of real estate appraisal and valuation.

Join me in our latest podcast episode as I sit down with Stacy Caprioli, a remarkable industry leader who has embarked on a captivating journey filled with unexpected twists and turns.

From her early beginnings in the commercial sector straight out of college to her ventures in the government, corporate, and numerical realms, Stacy's career has been a tapestry of valuable experiences.

Today, she finds herself at the forefront of the burgeoning tech landscape, adding yet another dimension to her vast knowledge base.

In this engaging conversation, we delve into Stacy's fascinating career trajectory, exploring each pit stop along the way.

Discover how her diverse professional background has shaped her into a true appraisal industry maven—a sponge eagerly soaking up insights from every angle.

Tune in to embark on this captivating voyage through Stacy Caprioli's extraordinary career in the appraisal industry.

Bill Waltenbaugh's response to a rejection letter following a successful job interview is both captivating and inspiring.

Rather than succumbing to discouragement, he

displays unwavering confidence and a belief in his own abilities.

In a truly professional manner, Bill crafts a letter to the company, graciously pointing out their oversight in recognizing his potential and extending them the opportunity to reconsider their decision.

This remarkable display of initiative and self-assurance characterizes Bill's approach.

Throughout the early stages of his career, he found the office environment to be the perfect blend of fieldwork and desk work.

It provided a platform for professional growth through shared experiences, engaging discussions, and a collaborative learning atmosphere among fellow appraisers.

Regardless of his location, whether it was Cincinnati, San Diego, or Western New York, Bill wholeheartedly embraced the diverse perspectives that surrounded him.

This open mindset fostered a sense of belonging within a community of learners, enriching his overall outlook and shaping his professional journey.

Chris Hunt’s career trajectory defies convention, as he discovers the power of navigating unpredictability and leveraging past experiences to excel.

Similar to Neo's realization in "The Matrix," Chris's transition into a data-rich environment opens his eyes to the transformative potential of real estate appraisal.

Rather than being confined to mundane tasks, Chris embraces the role of a solutions architect, actively seeking meaningful opportunities and providing context where others overlook.

By resisting the gravitational pull of ordinary employment, Chris demonstrates the value of curiosity and the ability to bring innovative solutions to clients' challenges.

Join us on this captivating episode of PahRooZings: Appraisers on Purpose as we delve into the remarkable journey of Mark Walser.

His journey is filled with valuable lessons and insights and is a testament to the incredible impact that can be made when values, learning, technology, and genuine connection converge.

It's crucial to address both the concerns of our appraisers and the genuine fears of lenders according to Mark.

There's a valid underlying issue at play, and that's essentially what sales is all about.

It involves effectively navigating between the interests and positions of different parties, seeking a mutually beneficial outcome wherever possible—a true win-win situation.

Tune in to this captivating episode and be inspired by the profound insights he shares.

Meghan Czechowski’s story is truly inspiring and informative in an industry known for its lack of balance and teamwork. Her focus on personal growth and family priorities demonstrates her exceptional approach to professional development. She teaches the value of resourcefulness by reframing mistakes as opportunities and offering thoughtful solutions to

clients. Meghan's commitment to staying informed through regular meetings with industry peers and brokers showcases her dedication to understanding the market landscape. What sets her apart is her self-awareness and ability to achieve exceptional results without increasing her workload. By building a team and leveraging their strengths, she has increased billing and advanced her career while maintaining work-life balance. Despite industry inefficiencies, Meghan's forward-thinking mindset led her to embrace technology and drive incremental improvements. Her trajectory highlights the importance of relationship-building and seizing unexpected opportunities. Meghan's dedication to continuous learning, consistent contribution, and willingness to face challenges define her progress. Her vision of the future, where

technology and humans collaborate as co-pilots, is encouraging. She believes in expanding employment opportunities in appraisal and valuation through data analysis and proprietary analysis, making her an exceptional role model in her industry.

Season 2 commences by delving into Tony Pistilli's remarkable odyssey, spanning across years, from fortuitous encounters to the establishment of not just one, but three successful Appraisal Management Companies (AMCs).

Initially armed with a modest Polaroid camera and carbon paper, Tony has evolved to embrace the forefront of AI technology in the real estate sector.

Witnessing Tony's journey is not only captivating but also inspiring, as his unwavering determination and unique perspective illustrate that those who persist in the face of failure are the ones who ultimately achieve success.

In this episode, we hear the unusual story of Irene Bacogiannis, who stumbled into the valuation profession after 20 years in the restaurant business.

Irene tells how she was burnt-out from 18-hour weekend shifts and endlessly catering to customers.

But that all changed when she found a college catalog promoting appraiser courses …

After initially being treated like a “bored housewife” out of her depth, we hear how Irene worked essentially for free for a year to stack her skills and knowledge.

Despite the challenges of no steady income, Irene believed building a strong foundation would ultimately pay off. 

Her persistence and hard work eventually led to a breakthrough and she began to receive referrals and landed her first big deal.

And those 20 years in the restaurant game weren’t wasted.

Managing staff is the same - whether they’re waiting tables or pricing a piece of land …

Above all, we learn how true growth comes from being comfortable with being uncomfortable, and embracing change.