What does it take to build a life and a business rooted in integrity? This week on Between Escrows, Amy and Roger sit down with Sonoma County real estate veteran Julio Caceres — 25+ years in banking, finance, and real estate, a Master's in Economics, and a reputation that speaks for itself across Wine Country and the Bay Area. This conversation goes beyond the transaction. Julio opens up about building a business alongside his life partner, leading with purpose in both career and community, and the lessons that 25 years in the industry can only teach you one deal at a time. If you are in real estate, in business, or simply someone who values integrity and leadership — this one is for you. Between Escrows | Real conversations. Real people. Real results.

Every great leader has a story of when they were just grinding — head down, doing the work, figuring it out one deal at a time.

This week, Between Escrows welcomes Joe Burns — 30+ year real estate veteran, former Mayor of Sausalito, and President-Elect of the Marin Association of Realtors — for a candid conversation about what it really takes to grow from a producer into a true leader.

Joe has worked every corner of the business — buyers, luxury sellers, commercial investors, rehab projects — across some of California's most desirable markets including Marin, Napa, and Sonoma. He brings a rare combination of street-level experience and executive-level perspective that you don't find very often.

In this episode:

The journey from mule to stallion — what it really takes 

Leadership lessons from 30+ years in real estate and sales management 

What's happening right now in the Marin, Napa & Sonoma markets 

Why community matters more than most agents realize 

How to evolve your business — and yourself — at every stage of your career

Whether you're just starting out or you've been in the game for decades — this conversation will make you think differently about where you are and where you're going.

We're going all in on construction and builder financing with guest Rich Clissold J.D.

In a world gone all-in on AI, the most dangerous thing you can do is forget the people already in your world.

The calendar conversation isn't over — it's just getting good.

In Part 2, Roger Savy and Amy Scruggs go deeper and get practical. Because knowing your 168 hours matter is one thing. Knowing exactly how to start them? That's where the real shift happens.

This episode is all about the morning — and why how you begin your day is the single greatest predictor of how you'll end it. Roger and Amy break down the strategies, routines, and mindset moves that set top producers apart before most people even pour their first cup of coffee.

What you'll walk away with:

You don't rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems. And it all starts in the morning. Between Escrows | Real strategies for real estate professionals building a business and a life they actually love.  Downloadable :   Morning success 1 sheet

The purpose of business is to live an intentional life. The one YOU want. So, the real question isn't how busy you are — it's where you're actually putting your energy.

We break down:

We all think we've got time. But the truth is — we're already spending it. The only question is whether you're spending it on purpose.

This one's going to make you look at your week differently.  How are YOU protecting your 168?

The time of order taking is over. If you’re not leading the conversation… someone else will.

Welcome to Between Escrows—the podcast for real estate and lending professionals who want more than just the next deal.

This is where we talk relationships, strategy, and building a business that lasts.

Starting out in real estate or lending can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone.

In Episode 3 of Between Escrows, Amy Scruggs and Roger Savy are joined by special guest Jeff Blackwell to break down one of the most important factors in early success: mentorship and the right team environment.

Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to grow faster, this conversation highlights why the people around you can make—or break—your trajectory.

Jeff shares real-world insight on staying proactive during slow periods, while Amy and Roger emphasize the power of surrounding yourself with people who are invested in your growth.

This episode is a reminder that success in this industry isn’t meant to be built in isolation—it’s built through guidance, connection, and the right environment.

You don’t have to know everything—

Are you building a business… or just reacting to the next deal?

In Episode 2 of Between Escrows, Amy Scruggs and Roger Savy dive into one of the biggest mindset shifts in real estate and lending: playing the long game.

In an industry driven by commissions and constant movement, it’s easy to fall into short-term thinking. But the professionals who truly win? They think—and act—like entrepreneurs.

Roger shares practical strategies for staying grounded in what you can control—relationships, conversations, and consistency—while Amy brings real-life insight on aligning daily actions with long-term vision and growth.

Together, they explore how shifting your mindset from reactive to intentional can transform not just your business… but your career.

You don’t lose in this industry because of lack of talent—