What if the future of real estate wasn’t just about commissions, but about building lifelong wealth and client loyalty? In this episode of the Invest2FI Podcast, host Craig sits down with Ramon Casaus. He is a powerhouse real estate leader who built an independent brokerage in Albuquerque, expanded virtually across New Mexico, and later scaled his career in Scottsdale, Arizona. Ramon shares how discovering PLACE, founded by Ben Kinney and Chris Suarez, completely changed his trajectory.  

From early inquiries at the 2019 Keller Williams Family Reunion to hearing the “land on Mars” 10-year vision in Cabo, to partnering with Goldman Sachs-backed PLACE, Ramon discusses clarity, scale, IPO opportunities, and why agents who embrace partnerships are set to thrive. If you’re an agent, investor, or curious about how a trillion-dollar consumer services industry ties into homeownership, this episode is packed with insights you can’t miss. 

PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS 

[04:14] Ramon recalls running his own brokerage in Albuquerque from 2017 to 2020. 

[05:39] At Keller Williams’ 2019 Family Reunion, he first hears about Place. 

[07:22] Ben Kinney’s “land on Mars” vision convinces Ramon to go all-in. 

[08:10] Zillow HQ visit shows him how billion-dollar proptech disrupts the real estate industry. 

[10:10] Ramon breaks down $100 billion in commissions versus trillion-dollar services. 

[12:13] Place’s one-stop app for insurance, mortgage, and 37-point inspections. 

[15:45] Place solves the loyalty gap: 80% say yes, only 15% repeat. 

[26:51] Place acquisitions and Goldman Sachs backing create efficiency at scale. 

[28:53] Half of U.S. agents already use Place-owned tech without knowing it. 

[34:00] Ramon explains 50% guaranteed net profit through partnership, not splits. 

[37:44] Why a blue-collar work ethic and patience matter for new agents. 

[40:08] Place partners gain pre-IPO stock at Goldman Sachs valuations. 

[47:28] Ramon’s “why” is fueled by possibility and the question, Why not? 

[52:01] Closing thoughts: why Place feels like early Apple or Uber. 

HOST 

Craig Curelop    

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy    

📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy    

🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze   

GUEST 

Ramon Casaus  

🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramonabqnm/  

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ramon.casaus/?hl=en