How do you go from bartending in the UK to leading a $3 billion real estate empire in Nashville? In this episode, Scott sits down with Gary Ashton the founder of the #1 RE/MAX team in the world.  Gary and Scott have a conversation on scaling smart, building teams that last.

Gary shares the real story behind his rise, including the mindset shifts, marketing plays, and relationship building that took him from handing out business cards at bars to working directly with the Tennessee Titans. Whether you're a new agent or a seasoned broker, this one is packed with lessons you won’t hear on a typical real estate podcast.

🔑 Topics include:

• The one thing agents get wrong about leads.
• How Gary scaled from 7 agents to 185.
• Why automation won’t replace connection.
• What he’d do differently if starting today.
• Nashville real estate’s next big opportunity.

Grab your coffee, or something stronger and tune in!

In this episode of Real Estate Distilled, Scott Hack sits down with Peter Maglathlin, CEO of Sierra Interactive, for a deep dive into how Sierra is navigating a shifting market, leaning into its core strengths, and embracing AI-powered innovation. From the upcoming IntelliSearch platform to actionable insights with Agent Leaderboard and evolving automation tools, Peter pulls back the curtain on Sierra’s roadmap. They also explore where AI makes sense today, where it doesn’t, and how smart integrations—like with Shiloh and House Whisper—are transforming daily workflows for teams and brokerages.

Whether you’re a Sierra user, a real estate tech nerd, or just curious about how to future-proof your business, this one’s a must-listen.

In this heartfelt and insightful episode of Real Estate Distilled, Scott Hack sits down with Jason Shinpaugh—a 28-year real estate veteran turned mobile entrepreneur as he travels the country with his family in an RV. Jason shares how burnout from building a traditional real estate team led to a radical lifestyle shift focused on intentional living, location freedom, and authentic relationships. The conversation covers the value of real community in the real estate industry, the dangers of social media’s “highlight reel,” and the importance of making memories now, not later. Jason also discusses how conferences like Real Estate Distilled foster deep connections that fuel both business and personal growth.

Looking to join Jason on the Agent Helping Agent call he does on Wed?  Follow the link here.

In this episode of Real Estate Distilled, hosts Liz and Scott Hack revisit a standout presentation from their national conference: Brandon Duncan’s masterclass on writing effective prompts and using AI tools like ChatGPT to streamline and supercharge your real estate business.

Whether you're a total beginner or already dabbling with AI, Brandon breaks down how to get meaningful results from tools like ChatGPT by doing one simple thing—learning how to prompt with purpose. He dives into how to build your own AI persona—a game-changing approach that trains ChatGPT to sound like you and write with your voice, tone, and brand language. No more “boasting” bathrooms and robotic property descriptions!

Brandon also shares practical, real-world use cases from his own team in Raleigh, NC, including how AI helps:

• Write smarter property listings
• Handle lead qualification and follow-up
• Auto-respond to social DMs (the right way)
• Roleplay sales scenarios using real coaching scripts
• Replace repetitive admin tasks with AI agents

From low-code tools like Make.com and Zapier to powerful platforms like Retail and ElevenLabs, Brandon offers a behind-the-scenes look at what’s working now—and what’s coming next.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by AI or unsure where to start, this episode will show you how to take the first step, build smarter systems, and stay ahead of the curve—without needing a computer science degree.

Tune in for a conversation that’s practical, energizing, and packed with tools and tactics you can implement today.

In this episode of the Real Estate Distilled Podcast, Scott and Liz Hack welcome Jake Dixon, founder of The Locker Room, to discuss agent attraction, brokerage growth, and the mindset needed for successful recruiting. Jake shares his journey from professional baseball to real estate coaching and explains why recruiting doesn’t have to feel pushy or salesy. He previews his upcoming keynote at the Real Estate Distilled Independent Broker Forum, where he’ll unveil his five-step system for explosive agent growth.

Jake dives into strategies for identifying the right agents, creating a unique value proposition, and implementing a system that makes recruiting natural and effective. Whether you're a broker looking to scale your team or an agent interested in leadership, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Tune in for expert advice on growing your brokerage the right way!

Links of Interest
https://realestatedistilled.com
https://realestatedistilled.com/indpendent-broker-forum/
https://www.facebook.com/jakedixon29
https://tlrnation.com

In this episode of Real Estate Distilled, host Scott Hack sits down with industry veteran and real estate coach Neil Mathweg to discuss why so many agents struggle, and how to fix it. Neil, the founder of Agent Rise Coaching, breaks down the shocking statistic that 82% of agents didn’t close a deal in 2024 and reveals the key missing piece: a clear, consistent plan.

He shares his proven Three Pillar approach... Sphere of Influence, Chase, and Attraction & explains how agents can stop spinning their wheels and start gaining traction. From building a strong referral network to leveraging open houses, online leads, and social media (especially YouTube), Neil provides actionable strategies to create sustainable growth. He also dives into the importance of engagement tracking and day blocking to maintain momentum and avoid the feast-or-famine cycle that plagues so many in the business.

Whether you're a new agent, a struggling agent, or simply looking to refine your approach, this conversation is packed with valuable insights. Plus, get a sneak peek into what’s in store at the upcoming Real Estate Distilled Conference in March 2025, where Neil and other top industry experts will be sharing even more business building strategies.

Tune in now and start building your roadmap to real estate success!

In this episode of the Real Estate Distilled Podcast, Scott and Liz Hack sit down with Antonio Cousin, a Baton Rouge-based real estate investor and owner of Service First Real Estate. Antonio shares his inspiring journey from hesitating to invest to owning over 253 doors in just six years. He discusses overcoming fear, the five ways real estate generates wealth, and nine investment strategies, offering actionable advice for new and seasoned investors alike. Antonio's story emphasizes the importance of taking action and diversifying income streams beyond sales. Tune in for practical tips and motivation to start your real estate journey!

Liz and Scott join Patrick Keller for a discussion about lead conversion.  This conversation was originally recorded in the spring of 2024 following the Real Estate Distilled conference.  Patrick shares a summary of the 3 hour workshop he hosted.  Patrick is the broker and owner of CrestPoint Real Estate, an independent brokerage in Indianapolis, Indiana.

In our inaugural episode of the Real Estate Distilled Podcast, hosts Scott and Liz Hack share a bit about who they are and what the purpose of the podcast.