Realtor Conversations

By Brad Goulet and Stig SandellBusiness

Realtor Conversations episodes

February 03Chantell Hendrix
Today we’re joined by Chantell Hendrix of the Pinnacle Team and eXp Realty, whose background as a paralegal has given her valuable skills that translate seamlessly into real estate. Passionate about helping clients navigate major life transitions—especially during challenging times—Chantell shares how her legal experience shapes the way she supports and advocates for those she serves, along with her journey from solo agent to team member and the tools that help streamline her business.
In this episode, we cover:
What Chantell pursued in post-secondary education—and what surprised her along the way.
Her experience working as a paralegal before transitioning into real estate.
How her legal background benefits her clients during transactions.
An unexpected career shift that turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
How long she worked as a solo agent and what led her to join a team.
The benefits and drawbacks of being part of a real estate team.
Why joining a team can be especially helpful for new agents.
The tools and resources available to her through the Pinnacle Team.
Common misconceptions about a career in real estate.
The best and toughest parts of the industry today.
What to expect from the market this year—and who it may favor.
Key differences between the Minnesota and Wisconsin markets.
What Chantell asked ChatGPT before coming on the podcast.

Contact Chantell Hendrix:
Instagram: @SellWithChantell
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SellWithChantell
Cell # 715-441-2769
[email protected]
30 min
January 24Brandon Doyle
On this episode of Realtor Conversations, we’re joined by Brandon Doyle of RE/MAX and the Doyle Real Estate Team. Although Brandon grew up with firsthand exposure to the real estate world, it was his passion for sales and marketing that truly drew him into the industry. He shares how he’s built a business that stays aligned with his clients while still prioritizing a healthy work–life balance. Throughout the conversation, Brandon breaks down the shifts he’s made in his business, the marketing tools that have fueled his growth, and where he’s intentionally invested his time to increase his visibility in the industry.

In this episode, we cover:
Brandon’s involvement in the real estate community during his college years.
His unique experience as a college mascot.
When he started in real estate and how his team has grown over time.
The builders he represents and how he supports new construction sales.
Recent trends in the new construction market.
His favorite part of being a real estate agent.
How he supports continuing education in real estate and where he teaches.
Where brand-new agents should focus their marketing efforts.
His top lead sources and what helped improve them significantly.
The most important tools he uses to support his business.
The challenge of implementation and why many agents don’t take action.
How many conversations it really takes to make a sale.
The books Brandon has written and what they’re about.
How he’s made himself easy to find online.
The column he now writes and the type of content he covers.

Contact Brandon:
Cell # 612-702-7687
[email protected]
33 min
January 03Shannon Stelton
Today we’re joined by Realtor Shannon Stelton with LPT, who is licensed in Florida, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Initially, she was drawn to a career in real estate decades ago, but it wasn’t until she went through some life changes that she was finally ready to take the leap. During the episode, she shares what she’s learned over the last several years in the industry and how she successfully moved her work to Florida.

In this episode:
When her interest in real estate sparked (and when she actually pursued it).
How she ended up getting licensed in multiple places.
How she came up with a plan to move to Florida, and made it happen within 2 years.
Contrasts between Wisconsin and Florida that Shannon has noticed.
How long it took Shannon to build career momentum in Florida.
The kinds of buyers she’s been helping lately and what that’s been like.
Where Shannon grew up and why she chooses to live in Florida now.
The shift that made Shannon realize it was time for her to make a move.
What Shannon’s daughters are doing and who she’d love to have join her in real estate.
How often Shannon actually makes it back to Minnesota (for work and business).
What lending is like right now down in Florida for home buyers.
Why she loves working with first-time home buyers specifically.
How old the average first-time home buyer is today versus in years past.
The change Shannon has noticed about the Florida market lately.

Contact Shannon:
Minnesota # 651-260-7669
Florida # 727-390-7080
[email protected]
23 min
November 12, 2025Ana Vogler
Today our guest is Ana Vogler, with Coldwell Banker. She has faced her fair share of challenges in breaking into the Minnesota real estate industry. From moving from another country, learning English, changing careers, and making new connections where she didn’t know anybody, she persevered (even when it felt intimidating) and has built a successful real estate career. In our conversation, she opens up about her unique approach with clients and what she has learned from buying her own properties.
In this episode:
How landing a new position can be tough when changing industries.
The lessons Ana learned in hospitality that translate in real estate.
The challenges Ana faced in changing careers and getting where she is today.
The person she calls every Thanksgiving to express gratitude and why.
Why work ethic, combined with the right opportunities, matters if you want to succeed.
What Ana learned about pushing yourself even when it feels scary.
Why the best way to sell is about listening, not talking.
What she has seen change over the last decade in real estate.
Ana’s favorite parts of living in downtown Minneapolis and why she sees it making a comeback.
What people don’t know about listing agents (but should).
Ana’s love for working with people and transforming spaces.
How the environment you work in motivates you to work harder.
The ups and downs of working in real estate and why Ana likes to stay busy.
The importance of being open minded and having new experiences.

Contact Ana:
Cell: 651-235-4230
Email: [email protected]
38 min
September 02, 2025Taylor Housley
We’re joined by Taylor Housley with LPT Realty in this episode. After her mom brought her into the business, Taylor found herself in the real estate industry starting off as a buyer’s agent. Eventually, as she grew professionally and her mom’s focus changed, she would move on to take the helm as Owner and Lead Agent of Housley Homes. Taylor shares about her team members and what stands out about her team, what she sees happening in the market right now, and her passion for supporting the local community.
In this episode:
Taylor’s favorite episode of this podcast.
How long Taylor has been in the industry and the team she works with.
What her mom did to get her to leave her job in compliance at RBC.
The difference between a listing agent and a buyer’s agent.
The change that led Taylor to step up and lead her team.
What makes her team different from the other ones out there.
The upcoming events Taylor and her team are involved in.
Taylor’s love for concerts and the artists she enjoys the most.
What Taylor sees in the housing market inventory right now.
Examples of what can happen right before closing and how to deal with it.
Why finding a Realtor who understands the type of property you’re buying matters.
The many ways she stays involved in the community.
The Power of 100 event Taylor is attending and what their goal is for the community.
What she has noticed this year in the real estate market versus last year.

Contact Taylor:
Website: housleyhomes.com
Direct message her on Instagram @taysellshomes
35 min
July 31, 2025Wyatt Lemon
Today we’re joined by Wyatt Lemon from REAL. On top of being a real estate agent, Wyatt also recruits new faces to join him at REAL. He truly enjoys attracting new talent over a cup of chai—especially when it’s someone he sees will be great to work with. In today’s conversation, he shares that signs that show new talent will do well in the business, what the most successful agents do that others don’t, and Wyatt’s predictions for rates and trends in the near future.
In this episode:
Where Wyatt started his career in real estate and who sponsored him.
How recruiting and attracting talent fits into the work he does.
The reason new agents are thriving at REAL (when maybe they weren’t before).
What makes REAL unique, including it being a cloud-based agency.
Traits that Wyatt looks for in new talent and initial hints they will be successful.
Why some agents get complacent in their work and how you can avoid it.
The reason Wyatt finally made the switch over to REAL.
Where Wyatt gets his friendly, approachable nature from.
What the REAL team is on pace to clear for the year.
Wyatt’s prediction for what rates will be in January 2026.
When buyers tend to make bad decisions and how to protect them from it.
The contrasts between seller expectations and buyer expectations today.
The challenges new real estate agents will face in the market and why.
What kind of agents REAL wants right now (and it’s not just seasoned professionals).
The #1 piece of advice he has for agents working in a low-inventory market.

Contact Wyatt:
Cell: 651-336-2927 (call or text)
35 min
June 23, 2025Michelle Markuson
On this episode of Realtor Conversations our guest is Michelle Markuson of Lakes Sotheby's International Realty. Michelle loves negotiating, and this is one of the top skills she brings to her clients in real estate. We hear all about her interests outside of real estate in this episode, and how they also play into her career in a positive way. She also gives extremely useful advice that buyers need to navigate the real estate market right now.
In this episode:
Michelle’s favorite musician and where her love of music comes from.
The unique place where you can find musicians playing locally.
What she loves about Lakes Sotheby’s and the office that she works out of.
The misconception about working at Lakes Sotheby’s (and what’s actually true).
The other hats that Michelle wears and how she brings those skills to real estate.
Why she’s not afraid to walk away from a deal for her clients during negotiations.
What her post-secondary education was in and how it shows up in her career now.
Similarities that she sees between her coaching clients and real estate clients.
Why, as a coach, she doesn’t give advice to her clients and what she does instead.
The book she’s working on right now and what it’s about.
What she’s seeing in the real estate market right now and how it’s shifting.
Michelle’s advice for those looking to buy in the market
What she named her car and what’s so special about it.
Where her deep passion for real estate comes from.
Why Michelle feels she’s lucky to be at Lakes Sotheby’s.

Contact Michelle:
Cell: 612-483-1494
Email: [email protected]
26 min
June 04, 2025Jackie Garofalo
Jackie Garofalo with Keller Williams Premier is with us in this episode to talk about how having a positive mindset in your work is crucial, especially in the real estate industry. There will be things that happen that are out of your control, like market changes and internal shifts with clients. As a Realtor, Jackie emphasizes that it’s important to take care of yourself, trust your instincts, and be confident in yourself.
In this episode:
How taking leave during Jackie’s pregnancy (with twins) led to a career pivot.
What makes Jackie’s personality unique and a perfect fit for the real estate industry.
The most surprising things she’s learned as a Realtor.
The key to finding success as a Realtor and why client connection is so important.
Why it took time for Jackie to get used to rejection and how she sees it now.
Key signs someone will have a successful career as a Realtor.
Why connecting with the right clients is a little bit like dating (plus, how to be confident).
Why the real estate industry is great for forever learners.
The importance of trusting your instincts as a Realtor, especially for safety.
How Jackie handles listings at locations she has concerns about.
The big event she attended recently and what the biggest highlight was.
What kind of relationships Jackie forms with her clients.
What you need to be doing as a Realtor right now to keep up-to-date with trends.
How every HOA is a business and why Jackie got involved in hers.

Contact Jackie:
Cell: 651-303-2548 (texts preferred)
34 min
May 07, 2025Ellissa Friedman
In this episode our guest is Ellissa Friedman from Keller Williams Premier Realty of Woodbury. It’s no secret that people love working with Ellissa—she has a great energy that people are drawn to. Teaching is at the forefront of her approach, and she’s passionate about helping her clients make great decisions. This conversation has her sharing how she got into the real estate industry, as well as the other parts of life she’s passionately involved in.
In this episode:
How Ellissa likes to be creative, especially when it comes to parties.
The unique strengths she brings to the client experience.
What she learned before she became a realtor and how that impacted her career.
The real estate experience that left her feeling taken advantage of.
Expectations versus reality of communication in a real estate transaction.
Costs to consider when purchasing a home that not all buyers know about.
The reluctant move that Ellissa made for her husband and how it all worked out.
The one thing they don’t tell you about becoming a realtor.
Where you can sometimes find Ellissa giving out hugs for free.
The scholarship she won and where she’s going for it soon.
Why Ellissa says she loves her broker and feels proud to work with him.
The biggest issue in the market right now, particularly for first-time home buyers.
Where it would be great to see the rates go to support affordability.
The industry uptick she’s seeing right now and why.

Contact Ellissa:
Cell: 612-509-5130
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Ellissa-Friedman-Realtor-KW-Premier-Realty-100089545624551/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellissa_friedman
31 min
March 18, 2025Paige Tollefsbol
Today we’re chatting with Paige Tollefsbol, an up-and-coming real estate phenom. From a young age, Paige knew she was going to enter the real estate industry. Now, three years in, she’s learned a lot—which lends to her coming across a lot more seasoned than she is. Being at the start of her career, she also brings a lot of excitement, enthusiasm, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to get the best outcome for her clients.

In this episode:
The moment that Paige knew she was going to get into real estate.
How shadowing her dad at work inspired her career.
What she has learned in her three years in this industry.
Her favourite part about her work (along with the most difficult part).
How Paige handles first impressions and why her work speaks for itself.
What she’s seeing in the market now and where it’s
What springtime tends to bring and why it’s great for agents.
How Paige approaches multiple offer situations to get her clients what they want.
The distinct challenges of working on the buying side versus the selling side.
How real estate isn’t as dramatic as what you see on TV.
The secret personality traits of top-performing agents.
What Paige saw her parents doing that influenced her work ethic.
The optimism and enthusiasm she brings to her work and why it matters.
Why honesty and transparency are important in the buying and selling processes.
Why Paige especially loves working with first-time home buyers.

Contact Paige:
Cell: 651-295-9996
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paige.tollefsbol/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptollefsbolrealestate/
23 min

About Realtor Conversations

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Realtor Conversations is a show about two Minnesota base power mortgage lenders who interview successful real estate agents.

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Realtor Conversations

Realtor Conversations episodes

About Realtor Conversations