Coffee & Closings

In this episode of Coffee & Closings, Ethan sits down with Misty Lyons to talk about her incredible journey into real estate. After losing her husband in 2017 and finding herself with almost nothing, Misty shares how faith, family, and a decision to start over eventually led her to real estate and 52 transactions in her first full year as an agent.

They talk about building and stepping away from a team, authenticity, consistency, mentoring other agents, navigating today's market, and why Misty has found so much fulfillment in helping other people succeed. They also dive into the future of Harnett County, local development, new construction, and why simply being yourself can be one of the biggest advantages in business. 

Coffee Highlight: Mast General Store – Appalachian Blend

In this episode of Coffee & Closings, Ethan sits down with Tyler Adams to talk about his journey from collegiate running to building a career in real estate. Tyler shares how he struggled early on, worked multiple jobs, nearly walked away from the business, and eventually found the mentorship and environment that helped everything start to click. 

They talk about work ethic, competing at a high level, Zillow leads, new construction, learning from successful agents, negotiating, being a young agent in the industry, and Tyler’s recent recognition as a Real Producers Rising Star. Tyler also shares his long-term vision of eventually building a recognizable real estate brand of his own. 

Coffee Highlight: Left Hook Coffee – Colombia Blend 

In this episode of Coffee & Closings, Ethan sits down with Glen Clemmons to talk about his journey from teaching and college ministry to building a successful career in real estate. Glen shares how first-time homebuyer seminars helped launch his business, why setting expectations is one of the most important skills an agent can have, and the lessons he's learned from nearly a decade in the industry. 

The conversation also dives into servant leadership, faith, fatherhood, building and stepping back from real estate teams, and the constant challenge of balancing business with being present at home. Glen also shares his passion for coaching business owners and why his future may include helping other leaders and entrepreneurs grow. 

Coffee Highlight: Willow House Coffee & Community – Mt Ijen Natural

In this episode of Coffee & Closings, Ethan sits down with April Stephens to discuss her incredible journey from serving as an Army combat medic to building one of the Triangle's most respected real estate teams. April shares the lessons she's learned over nearly 20 years in the business, including how she grew through the 2008 housing crash, why relationships always come before transactions, and what it really takes to build a successful team. 

The conversation dives into leadership, mentoring new agents, growing through new construction, serving as a Johnston County Commissioner, and why staying curious has been one of the biggest keys to her success. Whether you're a new agent, an experienced broker, or someone looking to build a business that lasts, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration.

Coffee Highlight: Peak City Coffee – Whispering Pines Blend

In this episode of Coffee & Closings, Ethan sits down with Cara Gibbons, Managing Attorney at Sterling Law, to discuss her journey into real estate law, why she calls it "happy law," and the lessons she's learned from more than 15 years at the closing table. 

They dive into due diligence, earnest money, AI in real estate, the biggest mistakes agents make, and some of the wildest closing stories Cara has experienced—including title issues, pet monkeys, and buyers who changed their minds at the closing table. It's an entertaining conversation packed with practical advice for agents, buyers, and sellers alike. 

Coffee Highlight: Hatchet Coffee Roasters – Blue Ridge Blend 

In this episode of Coffee & Closings, Ethan sits down with Tristan Scott, owner of Carolina Butcher Shop, Meat Provisions, and Pizza Provisions, to talk about entrepreneurship, leadership, family, and what it takes to build successful businesses from the ground up. Tristan shares his journey from leaving high school at 17, serving in the Army, and eventually building multiple businesses across Harnett and Lee Counties. 

The conversation dives into hiring great people, creating a strong company culture, raising five kids while running three businesses, and why honesty has been the foundation of both his customer relationships and employee retention. Tristan also shares lessons learned from buying businesses, taking risks, scaling operations, and building a loyal following around the Carolina Butcher Shop brand. 

If you're interested in entrepreneurship, family business, leadership, or simply hearing the story of someone who isn't afraid to bet on himself, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and real-world experience. 

Coffee Highlight: Black Rifle Coffee Company – Just Black Blend

In this episode of Coffee & Closings, Ethan sits down with Steven Squires, co-founder of Umstead & Oak Real Estate Partners, to discuss his decade-long journey in real estate, the lessons he's learned along the way, and the importance of staying grounded through every season of life. Steven shares stories from his first year in the business, the mentors who shaped his career, and why treating every client interaction like a job interview has helped him build lasting relationships. 

The conversation dives into setting healthy boundaries with clients, avoiding burnout, balancing real estate with marriage and raising three daughters, and how a difficult season caring for his mother during her battle with pancreatic cancer reshaped his perspective on success, faith, and what truly matters. Steven also shares practical advice on mindset, morning routines, and building a business that serves your life—not the other way around. 

Coffee Highlight: Kahawa 1893 Coffee – Safari Blend 

In this episode of Coffee & Closings, Ethan sits down with Cam Lewis to discuss his journey from Asheville to mortgage lending, real estate investing, and entrepreneurship. Cam shares how an internship during college sparked his passion for real estate, leading him into wholesaling, fix-and-flips, and eventually the lending business. 

The conversation dives into launching NC State's Real Estate Club, building a network of young professionals, the importance of mentorship, and why persistence is one of the most valuable traits in business. Ethan and Cam also discuss social media, personal branding, community building, and Cam's new networking event, The RAL Meetup, designed to connect real estate professionals across the Triangle. 

Coffee Highlight: Larry's Coffee – Dr. Mojo Blend

In this episode of Coffee & Closings, Ethan sits down with Lakendria Williams to discuss her journey from property management in Alabama to building a successful real estate career in the Triangle. Lakendria shares how a move to North Carolina, raising three children, and an unexpected opportunity in real estate led her to a profession she never originally planned to pursue. 

The conversation dives into the importance of mentorship, joining a team, staying connected with past clients, and building a business through authentic relationships. Lakendria talks about working alongside the Kate Kenney Team, navigating the changing real estate market, balancing family life with entrepreneurship, and why showing up consistently for people can make all the difference in business and life. 

Ethan and Lakendria also discuss social media, goal setting, the value of collaboration in real estate, raising kids while growing a career, and what it means to stay humble while chasing big goals. It's an encouraging conversation about growth, perseverance, and building a life and business that align with your values. 

Coffee Highlight: Left Hook Coffee – Ethiopia Blend 

In this episode of Coffee & Closings, Ethan sits down with Justin Daniel to discuss his journey from studying political science at NC State to becoming one of the fastest-growing agents in the Triangle. Justin shares how an internship with a top-producing agent led him into real estate, why he chose the industry over law school, and how building systems, consistency, and strong client relationships have fueled his success. 

The conversation dives into winning listing appointments, buyer consultations, role-playing, coaching, social media lead generation, and the importance of controlling the client experience from the very first conversation. Ethan and Justin also discuss new construction, market knowledge, building a brand that stands out, and why confidence and belief in yourself are often the difference between average agents and top producers. 

Along the way, they swap stories from the field, talk about networking, business growth, celebrity culture, Disney, cruising, and what it really takes to build a lasting real estate business. 

Coffee Highlight: Pine State Coffee – Colombian Blend