Real estate closings do not just happen. They are built on trust, communication, and legal precision. This week, Jon Styer sits down with attorney and title operations leader Sara Thorp to uncover the human side of real estate law and the leadership that keeps deals on track.

Welcome back to Columbus Brick by Brick, the podcast that uncovers the people, projects and ideas shaping Columbus, Ohio one story at a time. Hosted by Jon Styer, broker and owner of Styer Real Estate Professionals, this weekly show features conversations with local leaders, entrepreneurs, and community builders across the city.

In Episode 23, Jon is joined by Sara Thorp, owner of Thorp Law and Regional Manager at Ohio Real Title. Sara brings a rare combination of legal expertise and operational leadership that gives her a comprehensive view of the real estate world.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How Sara transitioned from oil and gas work into a thriving real estate law career

• What a title company actually does and why it matters to both buyers and sellers

• Real stories of deal-saving problem solving, including FERPTA challenges and emotional client disputes

• How Sara leads high performing teams through accountability, communication, and mentorship

• Why understanding people is just as important as understanding the law

• Practical tips for agents and attorneys who want to elevate their closings and client care

Guest Info:

Sara Thorp, Esq.

Real Estate Attorney and Owner, Thorp Law

Regional Manager, Ohio Real Title

Member of the Ohio State Bar Association and Columbus Bar Association

Instagram: @sarawiet17

Facebook: facebook.com/swietelmann

Links and Resources:

Website: ColumbusBrickbyBrick.com

Follow: @ColumbusBrickbyBrick on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube

Work With Jon and Styer Real Estate Professionals: styrrep.com/joinus

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, comment and share it with someone in real estate, law or leadership.

"Every Brick Has a Story. We are here to tell it."

Columbus is growing... and so is its real estate landscape. In this episode of Columbus Brick by Brick, host Jon Styer sits down with Buffie Patterson, 2025 President of Columbus REALTORS® and Broker at Eden Regento Real Estate Consultants, to discuss leadership, change, and the bright future of Central Ohio’s housing market. From affordable housing myths to lessons in resilience, Buffie shares an authentic look at what it takes to guide an entire industry forward.

Together, they explore:

🏙️ The opportunities and challenges of a rapidly growing Columbus

💼 What it means to serve 10,000+ REALTORS® while driving industry innovation

🏠 Myths around affordability and where opportunity still exists in Central Ohio

📈 How REALTORS® can balance business growth with community responsibility

💬 Leadership lessons learned through crisis, communication, and collaboration

🧭 The legacy Buffie hopes to leave on Columbus REALTORS® and the city itself

Buffie’s story is a reminder that real estate is about more than transactions... it’s about transformation, impact, and connection.

Guest Info:

Buffie Patterson

President, Columbus REALTORS® (2025) | Real Estate Broker, Eden Regento Real Estate Consultants

🌐 LinkedIn: @buffiepatterson

📸 Instagram: @thehouspro

📘 Facebook: @BuffieTheHousPro

Connect with the Show:

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube @ColumbusBrickbyBrick for behind-the-scenes clips, local stories, and upcoming guest announcements.

🎧 Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform, and don’t forget to leave a comment or review to help others discover the show.

Every Brick Has a Story. We’re Here to Tell It.

Feeling stuck in hustle culture? This episode of Columbus Brick by Brick dives into the mindset shifts and mission behind Rebel 2026... a movement helping agents and entrepreneurs get out of survival mode and build with clarity, confidence, and control.

This week, host Jon Styer, broker and owner of Styer Real Estate Professionals, sits down with Ryan Miracle, Senior Loan Officer at Ruoff Mortgage and the visionary founder behind Rebel Events and Agent Launch.

📍 Columbus, Ohio is the backdrop for this powerful conversation about shaking off burnout, creating meaningful impact, and building a business that’s aligned with your values... not just your volume.

🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How Ryan launched his lending career in the 2008 crash and what it taught him about resilience

The origin story behind Rebel 2026 and why it’s more than just another real estate conference

Why most coaching programs fall short and how Rebel helps agents play to their strengths

The importance of clarity, confidence, and control in business growth

What makes Rebel 2026 a true experience and how you can get involved

Whether you're a new agent, a seasoned entrepreneur, or just ready for something different, this conversation will challenge the norm and inspire you to redefine success on your own terms.

🔗 Links + Resources:

🎟️ Rebel Zoom Call (Oct. 21 @ Noon EST): https://www.rebel-ticket.com

📲 Ryan on Instagram: @ryn.miracle

| @join.rebel

📘 Mentioned book: $100M Offers by Alex Hormozi

🎧 Listen, share, and subscribe to stay connected with the builders of Columbus.

📍 Visit ColumbusBrickByBrick.com

📱 Follow @ColumbusBrickByBrick on Instagram, Facebook & YouTube

🧱 Every Brick Has a Story. We're Here to Tell It.

The real estate market is evolving fast—and Columbus is at the center of it all. This week, we sit down with Brent Swander, CEO of Columbus REALTORS®, to talk about the policy shifts, housing trends, and leadership decisions shaping the future of Central Ohio.

Welcome to Columbus Brick by Brick—the podcast where we uncover the people, projects, and ideas shaping the future of our city. Hosted by Jon Styer, broker and owner of Styer Real Estate Professionals, each episode spotlights local leaders, business owners, and creatives building the fabric of Columbus—one story at a time.

🎧 In this milestone 20th episode, Jon sits down with Brent Swander, CEO of Columbus REALTORS®, for a deep dive into:

• His journey from rural Ohio to the White House to leading a 10,000-member organization
• Navigating the post-settlement real estate landscape and why value-based representation matters more than ever
• How zoning reform, affordability, and advocacy intersect in Columbus’ path to 700,000 new residents
• The evolving role of REALTORS® in a tech-driven world—and how Brent is preparing them for the next five years
• The Columbus REALTORS® Foundation's community impact and why real estate is more than just transactions

📌 Mentioned in this episode:

• Columbus REALTORS®: https://columbusrealtors.com/
• Brent Swander’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-swander-rce-3b90216/
• Learn more about Styer Real Estate Professionals: https://styerrep.com
• Podcast Website: https://www.ColumbusBrickbyBrick.com

🔔 Subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who cares about the future of Columbus—and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube @ColumbusBrickByBrick.

Every Brick Has a Story. We're Here to Tell It.

What does it take to break into a brand-new market, build a thriving lending business, and create systems that scale — all while staying grounded in relationships? In this episode, Jon Styer sits down with top-producing loan originator Ryan Cvammen of NFM Lending to unpack his journey and the real-world lessons he’s learned along the way.

Welcome back to Columbus Brick by Brick — the podcast uncovering the people, projects, and ideas shaping the future of Columbus, Ohio. Hosted by Jon Styer, broker and owner of Styer Real Estate Professionals, each week we highlight local leaders, business owners, and creatives making an impact.

This week’s guest is Ryan Cvammen, leader of The Cvammen Team at NFM Lending. With a family legacy rooted in real estate and a relentless drive to educate and serve clients, Ryan has built his Columbus business on trust, smart systems, and consistency.

In this conversation, Jon and Ryan explore:

• How Ryan overcame early challenges breaking into the Columbus market during the pandemic.
• The grind of cold calling and building relationships from scratch.
• Why systems, organization, and mindset are game changers in real estate and lending.
• Common misconceptions buyers have — and how Ryan reframes them with education.
• The power of mentorship, partnership, and communication in scaling a business.
• Insights on technology, AI, and the future of mortgage lending.

Ryan is a loan originator with NFM Lending and leader of The Cvammen Team. Born in Akron and now based in Columbus, Ryan specializes in educating first-time homebuyers, creating streamlined lending systems, and treating every client like family. Outside of lending, he enjoys golf, tennis, skiing, and time outdoors.

Connect with Ryan:

Instagram → @ryan.cvammen

NFM Lending → https://nfmlending.com/

Links & Resources:

🎙️ Podcast Website → ColumbusBrickbyBrick.com

📲 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook & YouTube → @ColumbusBrickbyBrick

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, comment, and share this episode with someone navigating the Columbus real estate market.

Columbus Brick by Brick — Every Brick Has a Story. We’re Here to Tell It.

What does it take to grow a roofing company from the ground up in one of the most competitive service markets in Columbus? In this episode of Columbus Brick by Brick, host Jon Styer sits down with Zachary Mccrea, owner of Near Me Roofing, to uncover how hard work, relationships, and vision fuel sustainable business growth.

Welcome back to Columbus Brick by Brick, the weekly podcast where we uncover the people, projects, and ideas shaping the future of our city. Hosted by Jon Styer, broker and owner of Styer Real Estate Professionals, the show highlights the voices driving Columbus forward — one story at a time.

This week’s guest is Zachary Mccrea, founder and owner of Near Me Roofing. Zach shares his entrepreneurial journey from retail management to building one of the fastest-growing roofing companies in Central Ohio. His philosophy is simple but powerful: work hard, do right by people, and never sacrifice integrity for profit.

In this episode, we discuss:

Zach’s career pivot from retail to roofing and what sparked the leap into entrepreneurship

How Near Me Roofing grew by focusing on relationships instead of referrals and lead-buying

Why roofing is about more than shingles — it’s about protecting families and building trust

The challenges of scaling a service-based business without losing personal touch

Insights on the Columbus real estate market, pre-listing roof inspections, and working with agents

What legacy means when your work shelters thousands of families across Central Ohio

Guest Info:

Guest: Zachary Mccrea

Title: Owner of Near Me Roofing

Website: NearMeRoofingOhio.com

Instagram: @nearmeroofingohio

Connect with Columbus Brick by Brick:

Website: ColumbusBrickbyBrick.com

Instagram, Facebook & YouTube: @ColumbusBrickbyBrick

✨ Every Brick Has a Story. We're Here to Tell It. ✨

What if the difference between “just another listing” and a fast sale is one powerful story? This week, John Reed, founder of Ohio Real Estate Media, joins Columbus Brick by Brick to unpack his journey from car photography and DoorDash gigs to becoming a trusted media partner for top-tier Realtors across Columbus.

Hosted by Jon Styer, broker and owner of Styer Real Estate Professionals, this podcast shines a light on the people, projects, and ideas shaping the future of Columbus—one conversation at a time.

🎧 In this episode, we cover:

John’s unexpected entry into photography through Uber, DoorDash, and side hustles

The breakthrough moment that shifted him from freelance work to full-service media

How real estate professionals can use compelling visual content to build trust and close deals faster

Why mentorship, mindset, and media mastery are essential to long-term growth

His honest take on AI, branding, and what separates real value from flash in the real estate marketing space

Tips for agents on being confident on camera and leveraging media to scale

🎯 Whether you’re an agent looking to level up your listings, a creative trying to break into real estate media, or a local business owner seeking growth through storytelling—this episode is packed with practical insights and Columbus-rooted inspiration.

Links Mentioned:

John Reed's Company: https://www.ohiorealestatemedia.com/

John's Instagram: @ohiorealestatemedia

Podcast Website: https://www.ColumbusBrickbyBrick.com

Follow us: @ColumbusBrickbyBrick on Instagram, Facebook & YouTube

📢 Subscribe and share if you love content that helps build Columbus from the ground up. Every Brick Has a Story. We're Here to Tell It.

What does it take to thrive in Columbus real estate for nearly 30 years? Broker and mentor Rich Russo shares how he launched a brokerage during market uncertainty, built a 600-unit property management arm, and stayed in the top 1% of Realtors in Central Ohio—all while focusing on relationships, resilience, and long-term impact.

🎙 Welcome to Columbus Brick by Brick

Hosted by Jon Styer, broker and owner of Styer Real Estate Professionals, this weekly podcast uncovers the people, projects, and ideas shaping Columbus. In this episode, we sit down with Rich Russo, Founder & Managing Broker of Rich Russo Realty & Co and Rich Russo Property Group. With $300M in career sales, a finance background, and decades of experience, Rich has mastered the art of building trust, scaling smart, and mentoring agents for success.

• Launching a brokerage in 2020: How Rich turned uncertainty into opportunity
• Full-service property management: Why vertical integration became a cornerstone of his business
• Advisory over sales: How to build lifelong client relationships beyond the transaction
• Revenue focus: The “2-4 hour rule” that agents must follow to grow
• Columbus market outlook: Why steady, sustainable growth beats boom-and-bust cycles
• Mentorship & legacy: Training the next generation—including his own daughter—to thrive in real estate

• Guest Website: https://richrussorealty.com/
• Guest Instagram: @richrussorealtyco
• Podcast Website: https://www.ColumbusBrickbyBrick.com

👉 If you enjoy this episode:

• Subscribe on YouTube and your favorite podcast app
• Leave a review and share it with a friend
• Follow us on Instagram, Facebook & YouTube: @ColumbusBrickbyBrick

Every Brick Has a Story. We’re Here to Tell It.

What does it take to go from burnout to building one of Columbus’s most impactful real estate platforms? Katie Mastroianni, owner and publisher of Columbus Real Producers, joins Jon to share her powerful story of perseverance, purpose, and building community over competition.

Welcome to Columbus Brick by Brick, the show where we uncover the people, projects, and ideas shaping Columbus, Ohio. Hosted by Jon Styer, broker and owner of Styer Real Estate Professionals, each week we feature candid conversations with the leaders, business owners, and changemakers moving our city forward—one story at a time.

In this episode, Jon sits down with Katie Mastroianni, the powerhouse behind Real Producers Columbus, whose inspiring journey has touched every corner of the real estate industry. From restaurant management and apartment leasing to title sales and now publishing, Katie’s path is anything but typical—and it’s shaped her into a trusted connector, storyteller, and advocate for real estate professionals across Central Ohio.

• How Katie went from survival mode to entrepreneurship
• The untold realities behind building Real Producers Columbus
• Lessons in leadership, self-belief, and personal reinvention
• The power of storytelling in real estate and community building
• Katie’s vision for women in the industry and the value of authentic connection
• What it really takes to land the cover of Real Producers magazine

Whether you're a veteran in the business or just starting out, this episode will leave you inspired to pursue your next big leap—with purpose.

• Real Producers Columbus: https://www.realproducersmagazine.com/home/columbus
• Facebook: facebook.com/REALProducersColumbus
• Instagram: @rp.columbus
• Learn more about Styer Real Estate Professionals: StyerRep.com/join

👉 Subscribe and follow @ColumbusBrickbyBrick on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

💬 Like, comment, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear Katie’s story.

🌐 Visit: ColumbusBrickbyBrick.com

🎙️ Every Brick Has a Story. We're Here to Tell It.

What happens when a Realtor blends broadcasting brilliance, entrepreneurial spirit, and deep empathy for homeowners in transition? You get Kathy Chiero — and DownSize Columbus. In this inspiring episode, we dive into the business, purpose, and heart behind a brand that's transforming how people downsize in Central Ohio.

Welcome back to Columbus Brick by Brick, the podcast uncovering the people, projects, and ideas shaping the future of Columbus, one story at a time. Hosted by Jon Styer, broker and owner of Styer Real Estate Professionals, this weekly series features conversations with local entrepreneurs, creatives, and changemakers redefining our city’s landscape.

In Episode 14, Jon sits down with Kathy Chiero, a veteran Realtor, founder of the Kathy Chiero Group, and creator of DownSize Columbus — a groundbreaking initiative helping homeowners transition into their next chapter with confidence and clarity. With a background in radio and television, Kathy brings a uniquely powerful voice to real estate, content creation, and client education.

In this episode, we explore:

- Kathy’s accidental entry into real estate — and how a personal move turned into a 29-year career

- The evolution from solo agent to team leader, and what it really takes to build and lead a high-performance real estate team

- The story behind DownSize Columbus — from a one-time seminar to a statewide movement

- How seminar marketing, social media, and personal branding all work together in a changing industry

- Leadership lessons, team dynamics, and legacy in both family and business

- What’s next: scaling DownSize Columbus beyond Ohio through education and entrepreneurial vision

🔗 Resources & Links:

Guest Website: https://www.downsizecolumbus.com

Kathy Chiero on Instagram: @kathychiero

Follow us on social: @ColumbusBrickbyBrick

Listen to more episodes: https://www.columbusbrickbybrick.com

💬 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode — especially if you know someone navigating a downsizing decision, leading a team, or dreaming of building a business with heart.

Every Brick Has a Story. We're Here to Tell It.