Cory Cast

On this episode of The Cory Cast, I’m sitting down with Sharef Zahran, the mastermind behind Sharef’s World of Fashion, to talk about what it actually takes to build a brand from the ground up. This isn’t just a conversation about high-end style; it’s a deep dive into how Sharef leveraged a passion for luxury streetwear to build a legitimate real estate empire.

I talk with Sharef about his early days of grinding and selling premium gear out of a warehouse, navigating the gatekeepers of the fashion industry, and how he stayed focused while building a community around exclusive kicks, high-quality denim, and the best hoodies in the game. We get into the raw details of his transition from a warehouse hustle to a retail storefront, and the pivotal moment he decided he was done being a tenant.

Sharef breaks down the exact mindset shift required to go from renting his space to owning the entire building and eventually expanding his real estate portfolio. We discuss the importance of asset ownership and how he used the momentum of his clothing brand to secure his financial future. Whether you’re trying to scale your own brand or looking to get into the property game, Sharef’s journey from the warehouse to the top of the real estate market is the blueprint you've been looking for.
Connect with Sharef:

Instagram: @zahransharef

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Instagram: @Frothy_Lawson | Twitter: @FrothyLawson

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🥋 From Black Belts to Billboards: The Martial Arts of Real Estate 🏠

Ever wondered what a roundhouse kick and a closed escrow have in common? More than you’d think! In this video, we’re breaking down why the mindset of a martial artist is the secret weapon for success in the competitive world of real estate.

Whether you’re a practitioner of BJJ, Karate, or Muay Thai, or a real estate professional looking to level up your career, this comparison explores the discipline required to dominate both fields.

🥊 What I Cover:

• The "Reap What You Sow" Mindset: In the gym, you can't fake a belt. In real estate, you can't fake a pipeline. Success is a direct result of the hours put in behind the scenes.

• The White Belt Mentality: Why "always learning" is the only way to stay ahead of market trends and new techniques.

• Dedication to Improvement: How the relentless pursuit of the "1% better" rule transforms your sparring and your sales scripts.

• Discipline vs. Motivation: Why showing up on the days you don't want to is what separates the masters from the amateurs.

  
  

📈 Why This Matters:

Real estate is a contact sport. It requires grit, strategy, and the ability to take a hit (or a rejected offer) and keep moving forward. If you want to build a real estate business with the soul of a warrior, this video is for you.

In this episode of the Cory Cast, we’re diving deep into the world of digital strategy with Dev Negrete, the powerhouse founder behind DEV Communications.If you’ve ever felt like you’re shouting into the void of an algorithm or struggling to turn "likes" into "leads," this conversation is for you. Dev pulls back the curtain on her journey from starting a boutique agency to becoming a go-to strategist for brands looking to make a real impact.We start by tracing Dev’s journey to the launch of DEV Communications, exploring the pivotal moments that turned her expertise into a thriving business. Dev breaks down exactly how modern businesses can move beyond basic posting and start leveraging social media as a genuine engine for scalability.Rather than chasing every fleeting trend, we discuss the importance of intentional strategy and how to use your online presence to fuel bottom-line growth. Plus, Dev shares some of her top "in the weeds" tips for social media management that she uses to keep her own business and her clients' brands ahead of the curve.Connect with Dev Negrete:

Website: https://www.devprcomms.com/Instagram: @DEV.communications

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Instagram: @Frothy_Lawson | Twitter: @FrothyLawson

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In this episode of the Cory Cast, we welcome back a very special guest: Chris Smith. As the second guest to ever appear on the show, Chris returns for a deep dive into how his life has transformed since our first conversation.Back in our initial interview, Chris was navigating the world as a dedicated martial artist and coach without the responsibilities of a family. Today, he joins us as a husband and a father, bringing a brand-new perspective on what it means to lead a balanced life. We explore his enduring passion for Muay Thai and the technical evolution of his martial arts journey, alongside the mental shift required to move from the center of the ring to coaching and cornering fighters in the heat of battle.The heart of this conversation focuses on the ultimate transition from a solo, "martial arts-centric" lifestyle to building a family. Chris shares how he successfully manages the intensity of the gym while staying present for his wife and son, and how the discipline, patience, and resilience learned on the mats have become his greatest tools in fatherhood. Whether you are a combat sports enthusiast, a coach, or a parent trying to balance your own passions with family life, Chris’s journey offers incredible insights into growth, maturity, and finding your "why."Follow Chris on Instagram: @ghostx315

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Instagram: @Frothy_Lawson | Twitter: @FrothyLawson

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In this episode of the Cory Cast, we sit down with Vincent Ferrara, a rising star and licensed real estate agent with Howard Hanna in Ithaca, NY.

Vincent takes us behind the scenes of his professional journey, sharing the authentic story of how he pivoted into the world of residential sales. We dive deep into the unique landscape of the Ithaca real estate market, what it takes to succeed as a modern agent, and why community connection is at the heart of everything he does.

The conversation also covers the exciting announcement of his upcoming project: Ithaca RealTea. Vincent shares his vision for the show, explaining how he plans to spill the "tea" on local market trends while using storytelling to build transparency with buyers and sellers. From the challenges of starting a career in the Finger Lakes region to the importance of content creation in today’s digital age, this episode is packed with insights for aspiring agents and local residents alike.

Connect With Vincent!

Real Estate Services: vincentferrara.howardhanna.com

Follow the New Show: Look out for Ithaca RealTea on all major platforms!

Instagram: @vinny_ferraraa

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Instagram: @Frothy_Lawson | Twitter: @FrothyLawson

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In this episode of the Cory Cast, we sit down with Ryan Woodruff, a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran and the CEO of Clear Path for Veterans.Transitioning from military to civilian life comes with a unique set of challenges, and Ryan is on a mission to ensure no veteran walks that path alone. We dive deep into how his non-profit organization serves as a central hub for veteran support services, offering a holistic approach to wellness and reintegration.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The Mission of Clear Path for Veterans: How Ryan’s background as a Marine shapes the organization's compassionate, veteran-first culture.Comprehensive Support Programs: An inside look at their essential services, including veteran housing assistance, food security initiatives, and career services designed to help vets find meaningful employment.The Power of the Human-Animal Bond: A deep dive into Clear Path’s flagship Service Dog Program, which is the largest and most impactful branch of their organization. Ryan explains how these highly trained companions provide life-changing emotional and physical support for those with PTSD and mobility challenges.Community and Connection: Why building a "clear path" involves more than just resources—it requires a supportive community that understands the sacrifice of military service.Whether you are a veteran seeking resources, a supporter of military non-profits, or someone interested in the incredible impact of service dogs, this conversation is packed with inspiration and practical information.

Clear Path's Website:https://www.clearpath4vets.com/

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Ready to master the ultimate balancing act? In this powerful episode of The Cory Cast, host Cory sits down with the incredible Josh Bennett, an active-duty military service member, practicing attorney, and lifelong martial artist.

Josh takes us through his unique journey, revealing how he successfully pursued a law degree while navigating the demanding world of the military. Learn the discipline, strategy, and sheer grit it took to graduate and launch a legal career while wearing a uniform. This is essential listening for anyone considering becoming an attorney later in life or while managing other major commitments.

But the discussion doesn't stop at the courtroom! Josh has been immersed in martial arts since childhood, with his true obsession being the art of the gentle (and not-so-gentle) submission: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Discover the surprising parallels between BJJ techniques and legal strategy, how military training complements a martial arts mindset, and why the mat is his ultimate stress reliever.

Whether you're interested in military law, seeking motivation to pursue an advanced degree, or a fellow enthusiast of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training, this conversation with Josh Bennett offers profound insights into discipline, focus, and finding balance on and off the mat. Tap in for wisdom on career success, physical fitness, and mental fortitude!

Josh's Instagram: @warhorsebennett

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In this episode, Jeffrey—a renowned professional speaker, executive coach, and TedX speaker—shares his philosophy behind "Developing leaders at every level," the official motto of his company.We dive deep into how to unlock the hidden potential within yourself and your teams. Whether you are a seasoned CEO, a mid-level manager, or an aspiring team leader, this episode provides actionable strategies to elevate your influence and impact.We will explore: Transformational Leadership, focusing on understanding the difference between management and true, inspiring leadership. We'll discuss Self-Awareness for Leaders, explaining why emotional intelligence is the cornerstone of effective leadership. The episode covers Coaching for Success and how structured coaching can accelerate career growth and professional development. Jeffrey shares practical steps for Overcoming Limiting Beliefs to identify and shatter the barriers holding you back from your full potential. Finally, we look at Building High-Performance Teams and strategies for cultivating a culture of innovation and accountability within your organization.Website:www.Catalystleadershipdynamics.com

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrogerscoach/TedX Talk:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Kl_p5cWdfQ

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I'm taking you back to a truly special episode with my first-ever guest on the podcast, Shauna Teelin.

Shauna isn't just a respected professional; she's a key figure in my career. She spent many years in a broker management role at Howard Hanna, and, believe it or not, she was my very first manager when I initially got into the business. That makes this conversation so meaningful to me, even now, five years later.

We dive deep past the contracts and closings to talk about how to build a sustainable career. Shauna shares invaluable insights from her time in management, discussing the crucial role of mindfulness and effective stress management for us busy professionals. We even explore how integrating simple yoga practices can boost focus and keep you centered when the market feels chaotic.

If you’re looking for practical wisdom from someone who knows the real estate business inside and out, and you need ways to bring more calm and focus into your professional life, this episode is a must-listen.

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Kyle Parella is the CEO of Cypris Therapeutics, a company that is trying to find the cure to brain cancer! Impressingly enough Kyle and his team managed to secure $500,000 in pre-seed funding for their projects. Cypris is transforming drug discovery to address brain and pancreatic cancers. Cypris Therapeutics, Inc. took home the top prize at FSU’s Discovery Challenge for its groundbreaking treatment targeting glioblastoma, a deadly brain tumor affecting over 200,000 people annually. The therapy shows 60% greater effectiveness than current options with minimal toxicity, offering hope for patients and expanding to pancreatic and colon cancers. Kyle is a wonderful dude and a long time training partner of mine!

Check out their website:

https://cypristx.com/

Business Wire Article:

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240624611665/en/Cypris-Therapeutics-Launches-as-Newest-Ichor-Life-Sciences-Portfolio-Company-Secures-Over-%24500k-in-Pre-Seed-Funding

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