Roots and Roofs - Success in Entrepreneurship and Motherhood

In this powerful episode of Roots and Roofs, host Mackenzie sits down with Dianna Kokoszka, one of the most influential voices in real estate coaching and leadership development. From her early days navigating a male-dominated industry to becoming a sought-after business mentor, Dianna shares the raw truth behind building success from the ground up.

This conversation goes beyond business tactics—it dives deep into identity, character, and courage. Dianna challenges women to stop waiting for permission, embrace pressure as a privilege, and step fully into leadership through accountability and tough conversations. She unpacks how adversity shapes character, why actions always reveal truth, and how investing in yourself is the fastest path to meaningful impact.

If you’re a woman balancing ambition, leadership, and personal growth—or anyone striving to build a life of purpose and influence—this episode will light a fire. Diana’s philosophy is simple yet transformative: add value, embrace discomfort, and rise as high as you’re willing to go.

Time Stamps:

01:20 – From Humble Beginnings to High-Impact Leadership

04:54 – How BOLD Changed the Real Estate Game

06:39 – Unlearning Limiting Beliefs in Leadership

11:41 – Why Women Struggle to Step Into Power

18:27 – Tough Conversations That Define Real Leaders

22:07 – Adversity, Accountability, and Character Building

34:16 – What DiannaIs Building Next—and Why It Matters

Connect with Mackenzie:

https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/

https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleeshelton

Find more great tips on her website:

www.mahoganyacres.com

In this micro episode of Roots and Roofs, Mackenzie cuts through the noise and delivers a hard truth: motivation doesn’t build success—consistency does. She challenges listeners to stop relying on bursts of inspiration and start committing to disciplined daily habits that actually move the needle.

This episode reframes grace as a call to growth—not an excuse to stay comfortable—and reminds us that businesses, character, and fulfilling lives are built in rhythms, not rushes. The message is clear: the gap between the life you want and the life you’re living is created by what you do every day.

No hype. No shortcuts. Just what works.

Connect with Mackenzie:

https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/

https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleeshelton

Find more great tips on her website:

www.mahoganyacres.com

In this episode of Roots and Roofs, McKenzie sits down with real estate powerhouse Cortney Thomas, a single mother who made the bold leap from Director of Operations at Prairie and Pine Real Estate Group to joining the team as a full-time real estate agent. Cortney opens up about navigating divorce, financial pressure, and the fear that initially pushed her into the industry—turning each challenge into fuel for her success.

She shares how building a strong network before getting licensed gave her a running start, and why consistent, income-producing routines—like mastering scripts for expired listings—became the backbone of her growth. Cortney also highlights the critical role mentors and coaches played in shaping her confidence and strategy.

Listeners will hear candid insights on embracing change instead of resisting it, the sacrifices required to pursue a bigger vision and more. As Cortney continues to rise, she now sets her sights on building a mini-team and stepping into a powerful leadership role.

This episode delivers both inspiration and practical direction for anyone standing at the crossroads of fear and opportunity.

Time Stamps:

01:04 Cortney's Journey into Real Estate

02:52 Facing Challenges as a New Agent

07:17 Transforming Fear into Motivation

09:47 Daily Routines and Income-Producing Activities

12:20 Achieving Financial Success in Real Estate

13:58 Mastering Expired Listings

17:47 Sacrifices and Rewards of Real Estate

20:14 Support Systems in Real Estate

22:47 Advice for Women Facing Challenges

24:19 Future Goals and Aspirations

Connect with Mackenzie:

https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/

https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleeshelton

Find more great tips on her website:

www.mahoganyacres.com

In this episode of Roots and Roofs, Mackenzie interviews Loredana Ghete, who shares her inspiring journey from Romania to the United States and her experiences in the real estate industry. They discuss the importance of mindset in achieving success, and the cultural shifts Loredana faced after moving. Loredana emphasizes the significance of coaching, developing leadership skills, and fostering resilience in both personal and professional growth. The conversation highlights the transformative power of asking questions, the drive to help others succeed and of course, motherhood and entrepreneurship.

Timestamps:

01:06 Lorendana’s  Journey in Real Estate

10:13 Cultural and Mindset Shifts in Moving to the U.S.

19:37 The Role of Coaching in Real Estate

28:29 Developing Millionaires and Leadership

35:45 Understanding Resilience and Growth Mindset

Connect with Mackenzie:

https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/

https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleeshelton

Find more great tips on her website:

www.mahoganyacres.com

Roots and Roofs host Mackenzie Shelton sits down with mortgage loan officer Nicki Montelongo to shed light on what sets her apart in the mortgage industry. They delve into how lending practices have changed, stress the vital role of educating clients throughout the home buying process, and acknowledge the deep emotional significance of purchasing a home. Nicki highlights the necessity of being financially ready and discusses how she balances her professional life with being a single mother. Furthermore, the episode underscores the value of community engagement and maintaining a long-term perspective in client relations, all with the goal of empowering families through knowledge and assistance.

Time Stamps:

01:00 Nikki Montelongo: Journey into Mortgage Lending

04:32 Evolution of Mortgage Lending: Past vs Present

07:00 The Importance of Education in Home Buying

09:26 Navigating Emotional Aspects of Home Buying

11:49 Financial Preparedness for Home Buyers

15:57 Finding Balance as a Single Mom and Professional

21:50 Lessons from Motherhood in Client Relationships

27:03 Community Involvement and Its Impact

31:00 Long-Term Vision for Client Relationships

Connect with Mackenzie:

https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/

https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleeshelton

Find more great tips on her website:

www.mahoganyacres.com

In this episode of Roots and Roofs, Mackenzie brings back her husband Jack Shelton for an intimate discussion about the intricate balance of marriage, parenting, and entrepreneurship within the real estate industry. They explore themes of leadership in marriage, setting examples for children, conflict resolution, and the importance of integrity and service. Jack shares valuable insights from his experiences, emphasizing the significance of being a supportive partner and the lessons learned from past relationships. The conversation highlights the importance of resilience, teamwork, and the legacy they wish to leave for their children.

Time Stamps:

01:08 Exploring Marriage and Partnership Dynamics

02:02 Leadership in Marriage: Balancing Roles

05:32 Setting Examples for Children

08:10 Teaching Values to Sons and Daughters

10:06 Lessons Learned from Marriage

12:54 Conflict Resolution in Marriage

15:24 Advice for Young Men on Marriage

16:26 The Importance of Being Useful

18:16 Adjusting Standards in Marriage

20:39 Servant Leadership in Family Life

21:37 Navigating People-Pleasing Tendencies

23:57 Guiding Principles from Faith and Values

25:25 Observational Learning in Relationships

29:19 Legacy and Family Values

30:19 Planning for Children's Future

34:03 Raising Resilient Children

Connect with Mackenzie:

https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/

https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleeshelton

Find more great tips on her website:

www.mahoganyacres.com

In this episode, Mackenzie chats with Barbara Dopp, who shares her amazing journey from stay-at-home mom to a successful real estate entrepreneur. She talks about how important it is to have a growth mindset, how coaching changed things for her, and the ups and downs of the real estate market. Barbara also emphasizes building a great team and how real estate can be flexible for moms.

They also dive into why investing in your team, managing partnerships, and tracking your progress with key metrics are so important. Both Mackenzie and Barbara highlight the crucial roles of leadership, vision, and working together in real estate. They also explore how to build wealth through smart partnerships and offer awesome advice for new agents looking to build a thriving career.

Time Stamps:

01:07 Barbara Dopp's Journey in Real Estate

02:30 Transitioning from Stay-at-Home Mom to Entrepreneur

07:13 The Importance of a Growth Mindset

11:06 The Role of Coaching in Real Estate Success

14:54 Navigating Shifting Real Estate Markets

22:50 Building and Leading a Successful Real Estate Team

31:30 Investing in Team Growth

34:07 Navigating Business Partnerships

36:37 Measuring Success: Numbers and Growth

38:54 The Importance of Leadership and Vision

41:30 Creating Wealth Through Partnership

48:01 Advice for New Agents: Building a Successful Career

Connect with Mackenzie:

https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/

https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleeshelton

Find more great tips on her website:

www.mahoganyacres.com

In this episode of Roots and Roofs, host Mackenzie Shelton chats with Kelsie Rollins who shares her journey of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship in the real estate and marketing sectors. Kelsie emphasizes the significance of self-reflection, learning from failures, and maintaining a positive mindset while navigating the complexities of being a working mother and business owner. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of collaboration among small businesses in revitalizing small towns, the dynamics of business partnerships, and the innovative concept of creating community spaces like The Greenhouse. They also touch on the role of local governance in supporting business growth, strategies for achieving work-life balance amidst chaos, and key lessons learned in entrepreneurship, emphasizing adaptability and self-reflection.

Time Stamps:

01:04 Meet Kelsie Rollins: Entrepreneur and Mother

03:55 The Reality of Entrepreneurship

06:48 Taking the Leap: From Employee to Entrepreneur

10:05 Challenges of Starting a Business

15:08 Building a Supportive Community in Small Towns

24:49 Revitalizing Small Towns Through Collaboration

30:53 Building Strong Business Partnerships

34:01 Innovative Business Spaces: The Greenhouse

37:17 Community Engagement and Local Governance

39:01 Navigating Chaos: Work-Life Balance Strategies

46:32 Lessons in Entrepreneurship: Adaptability and Self-Reflection

Connect with Mackenzie:

https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/

https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleeshelton

Find more great tips on her website:

www.mahoganyacres.com

In this episode of Roots and Roofs, Sami Peckham shares her inspiring journey of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship in the real estate industry. She discusses her transition from a corporate job to becoming a successful real estate agent and investor, the lessons learned from her investment experiences, and the challenges faced in the real estate market. Additionally, she shares her recent venture into the coffee shop business, highlighting the importance of collaboration and community support in entrepreneurship. In this conversation, the speakers share practical strategies for time management, the importance of teamwork, and the emotional aspects of pursuing personal and professional aspirations. The discussion emphasizes the need to prioritize goals, manage guilt, and build a supportive team to achieve success while maintaining family connections.

Chapters

01:08 Sami's Journey into Real Estate

04:45 Investment Strategies and Lessons Learned

09:04 Navigating Real Estate Challenges

16:10 Expanding into the Coffee Shop Business

20:00 The Ups and Downs of Entrepreneurship

24:04 Finding Focus Amidst the Noise

30:17 Balancing Family and Work Responsibilities

36:45 Overcoming Guilt and Embracing Goals

42:54 Building a Supportive Team for Success

Connect with Mackenzie:

https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/

https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleeshelton

Find more great tips on her website:

www.mahoganyacres.com

In this episode of Roots and Roofs, host Mackenzie Shelton speaks with Traci Stoop, who shares her inspiring journey from being a science teacher to a full-time photographer and mentor. They discuss the challenges and fears associated with career transitions, the importance of family dynamics in entrepreneurship, and the significance of creating a balanced daily routine. Traci emphasizes the need for personal growth and reframing guilt as a working mom, while also providing valuable advice for other mothers seeking change in their careers.

Time Stamps:

01:17 Traci Stoop's Journey from Teaching to Photography

06:16 Overcoming Fears in Career Transition

10:28 The Impact of Teaching on Photography Business

12:40 Navigating Family Dynamics in Entrepreneurship

21:45 Creating a Balanced Daily Routine

24:38 Reframing Guilt as a Working Mom

27:57 Personal Growth Through Entrepreneurship

32:41 Advice for Moms Seeking Change

Connect with Mackenzie:

https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/

https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleeshelton

Find more great tips on her website:

www.mahoganyacres.com