Real Estate, Resilience, and a Lifelong Love for Austin Homes
In this episode of the Elite 25 Podcast, we sit down with Kristi Larkam, a born-and-raised Austin agent whose passion for real estate began when she was just ten years old — circling open houses in the weekend newspaper and convincing her parents to take her to every listing.

Kristi shares how early encouragement from her dad, a family tragedy that reshaped her path, and her commitment to being fully present for her children all led her into a career she never expected to love this deeply. She walks us through her journey from Coldwell Banker to Compass, the mentors who shaped her, and how growing up in Austin gives her unique insight into a rapidly evolving luxury market.

Kristi opens up about purpose, consistency, and the privilege of helping families find their place in a city she’s called home her whole life.

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www.elite25austin.com

Condos, Development, and Austin’s Changing Skyline
In this episode of the Elite 25 Podcast, we sit down with Jessica Yates of Moreland Properties, an Austin real estate veteran with more than 20 years of experience and a rare path into the luxury market. Jessica shares how starting in the development world — from condo conversions to major high-rise projects like the W Residences, Proper, Rainey, and Fifth & West — shaped the way she understands inventory, demand, and the future of Austin’s vertical living.

Jessica walks us through her early days in development, how auctions and absorption cycles shaped her instincts, and the evolution of downtown Austin from $450 per square foot to record-breaking luxury sales. She dives into the current condo landscape, why the perception of “too much building” doesn’t match the reality of limited supply, and what buyers need to understand about the next five years of the market.

@elite25austin
www.elite25austin.com

Drive, Discipline, and the Mindset Behind Long-Term Success
In this episode of the Elite 25 Podcast, we sit down with Scott Michaels, a six-year Elite 25 member whose career has been defined by resilience, consistency, and an unshakeable work ethic. Scott talks about how he wakes up every day with something to prove to himself — and how that internal drive has fueled 22 years in Austin real estate.

Scott shares why he thrives when someone tells him he “can’t,” how that competitive edge shapes his business, and the lessons he’s learned about balancing ambition with family in an industry that never stops moving. He opens up about the pressures of a 24/7 career, the importance of staying grounded, and why passion is the key to longevity in Austin’s luxury market.

@elite25austin
www.elite25austin.com

Real Estate, Family, and Austin’s Luxury Market

In this episode of the Elite 25 Podcast, we sit down with Bridgette Hager of Engel & Völkers in Westlake, a seasoned Austin luxury real estate agent with over 30 years of experience. Bridgette shares how her background managing Barton Creek developments and navigating life as a professional athlete’s spouse shaped her approach to helping clients with high-stakes relocations and property decisions.

Bridgette walks us through her path into real estate, from title work to building a referral-based business, and the lessons learned from experience, consistency, and truly understanding her clients’ needs. She shares her insights on Austin’s luxury market, how she blends psychology, design, and attention to detail into her work, and what it takes to make long-term success in an ever-changing market.

@elite25austin
www.elite25austin.com

Stoicism, Strategy, and Navigating Austin’s Luxury Market

In this episode of the Elite 25 Podcast, we sit down with Andrew Ware, a seasoned Austin luxury real estate agent whose career is shaped by discipline, resilience, and thoughtful strategy. Andrew shares how his background in law and fine jewelry sales prepared him for high-stakes negotiations, and why the Stoic philosophy “the obstacle is the way” guides how he approaches challenges in business and life.

Andrew walks us through his unexpected path into real estate, the lessons learned from career pivots and adversity, and how patience and preparation define success in today’s evolving luxury market. From insights on Westlake and Central Austin to what buyers and sellers need to understand about longer timelines and better value, this conversation offers a grounded, experience-driven perspective from one of Austin’s most trusted agents.

@elite25austin
www.elite25austin.com

Building a Legacy With Family — Beth Drewett
In this episode of Elite 25, we sit down with Beth Drewett, a leader who has built not only an impressive real estate business but a true family legacy. Beth shares what it’s like to work side-by-side with her four sons and her husband, how their different strengths come together to serve clients at the highest level, and why family values are the foundation of their success. She talks about trust, communication, and the unique energy that comes from building something meaningful as a team — both at home and in the market.

@elite25austin
elite25austin.com

Lake Life Luxury with Tammie Bennett

In this episode of Elite 25, we sit down with Tammie Bennett, a leader in luxury lakefront real estate. Tammie shares how Austin’s proximity makes it the perfect feeder market for second homes and what makes lake life so irresistible to her clients. She opens up about the balance of professionalism and personal touch required in resort markets — from managing client expectations to negotiating one-of-a-kind deals (including a memorable one involving a donkey and three goats). Whether you’re in the business or simply love Austin’s extended lake culture, Tammie’s insights reveal why the best homes are often found off the beaten path.

@elite25austin⁠www.elite25austin.com

Exploring Austin’s Heart with Joanie Capalupo

In this episode of Elite 25, we sit down with Joanie Capalupo of Compass Real Estate, a seasoned Austin expert with more than two decades of experience and deep roots in the Westlake community. Joanie shares how her personalized “Chamber of Commerce” tours give clients an authentic feel for Austin — from local lifestyle tips to hidden neighborhood gems. She talks about the value of connection, consistency, and why showing clients what makes Austin special has been the key to her long-term success.

@elite25austin⁠www.elite25austin.com

Building Trust Through Connection – Laura Gottesman

In this episode of Elite 25, we sit down with Laura Gottesman of Gottesman Residential, a powerhouse in Austin real estate known for her deep community ties and hands-on leadership. Laura shares her perspective on what makes Austin’s market so unique, from the city’s subtle luxury to the strength of relationships that drive it. She talks about the art of networking, how authenticity builds trust, and why the most meaningful business often happens outside the office.

@elite25austin
⁠www.elite25austin.com⁠

Designing a Career with Intention – Brooke Mozersky

In this episode of Elite 25, we sit down with Brooke Mozersky, an Austin realtor who carved a second career after nearly two decades in the fast-paced world of film and television. Brooke shares how her background in wardrobe and styling sharpened her eye for detail and taught her to thrive under pressure—skills that translated seamlessly into real estate. She talks about the challenges of starting fresh in her late thirties, the determination it took to hit big goals early, and the confidence she’s built navigating Austin’s competitive luxury market. At its core, Brooke’s story is about resilience, reinvention, and staying hungry no matter what stage of life you’re in.

@elite25austin⁠www.elite25austin.com