RUNNIN' VEGAS - The John McNamara Sports Podcast

What if finding peace in nature could skyrocket your sales career? Join us as we sit down with Nani Rivera, a image consultant for Tom James Company. Nani shares her incredible journey from the bustling world of modeling in Los Angeles to becoming a sales and marketing powerhouse in Las Vegas. Discover the lesser-known treasures of Vegas like Red Rock and local dining spots that have become her sanctuary amidst a demanding career at Tom James Company, the largest custom clothing company in the world.

Ever wondered how to turn a casual client into a lifelong customer? Nani reveals her secret strategies for building strong client relationships, emphasizing the power of asking, "What else?" to dive deep into their preferences. Learn how her genuine approach and personalized shopping experiences have led to remarkable success stories, such as a client's transformative weight loss journey. Her enthusiasm for consistent communication and exclusive events will inspire you to rethink your client retention strategies.

But it's not all work and no play! We share a lively discussion about balancing the high demands of a sales career with the joys of day-to-day life. From the benefits of morning workouts to the importance of not sweating the small stuff, Nani's insights are both practical and entertaining. And if you're a travel and food enthusiast, you'll love our conversations about favorite cities like Seattle, New York, and New Orleans, packed with personal anecdotes and culinary recommendations. Tune in for a blend of wisdom, humor, and heartfelt moments that promise to leave you both informed and inspired.

Discover the inspiring journey of Susan Marques, co-founder of Virtue Real Estate Group, as she shares her remarkable transition from a professional boxing career in Montana to thriving in the Las Vegas real estate market. Susan's passion for boxing, coupled with her brother's dedication to jiu-jitsu, led them to seek enhanced training opportunities in Vegas. Listen to Susan's candid reflections on how the discipline and mindset developed through sports have fueled her success in the competitive world of real estate sales.

Experience the adrenaline of Susan's Muay Thai fight in Ireland and learn about the crucial role of self-defense training in building confidence and readiness. From thrilling cultural adventures in Thailand and Nicaragua to cherished retreats in Laguna, Susan's travel experiences have added depth to her professional and personal life. This episode also highlights the importance of delegation and teamwork in achieving a healthy work-life balance, offering actionable insights for anyone looking to manage a bustling career without sacrificing personal well-being.

Hear firsthand the challenges and rewards of running a real estate brokerage, including the necessity of content creation and the intricacies of expanding into new markets like Henderson, Montana, and California. Susan shares valuable advice on maintaining boundaries and trust when working with a spouse, as well as the significance of connecting with nature for mental and physical well-being. Don't miss the chance to glean wisdom from Susan's multifaceted experiences and learn practical tips for maintaining energy and balance amid a demanding professional life.

What if your workspace could naturally attract clients and foster a warm, productive environment? Join us as we uncover the secrets behind creating a unique and inviting office space with Danna Pinto, Virtue Real Estate Group’s exceptional Transaction Coordinator. Danna shares her inspiring journey from beginning in property management at just 17 to becoming a pivotal part of real estate transactions today. Her experiences in property management have shaped her problem-solving skills, making her an expert at navigating the complexities of real estate deals. 

Danna opens up about her role in managing intricate transactions, from handling multiple addendums to dealing with LLCs, and the vital importance of timely responses and maintaining client relationships. We also touch on the potential career shifts from transaction coordination to sales roles, and the immense satisfaction that comes with client recognition and appreciation. One memorable story features a client inviting the team to a celebration, underscoring the deep personal connections built through dedication and hard work.

The episode wraps up with a deep dive into the tools and systems that streamline the transaction process, such as TC Docs, Breeze, and the newly adopted CRM system, Brivity. Danna reveals her customized program that automates detailed opening emails and forms, enhancing communication and efficiency. We end with heartfelt appreciation for Danna's incredible contributions to the team and a warm message to our listeners. Don't miss this episode packed with insights, personal stories, and practical tips that can transform your approach to real estate transactions.

Ready to transform your yoga practice and gain insights from one of the top instructors in Las Vegas? Francesca Derviso, a seasoned yogi who moved to the Las Vegas Valley in 2017, joins us to share her personal journey and professional growth. Inspired by her roommate's transformation through yoga teacher training, Francesca embarked on her own path, leading to a successful initiative of free yoga sessions in Summerlin. She provides a unique perspective on balancing her yoga teaching with her real estate career and offers an honest look into the grueling 200-hour yoga instructor training process.

In our conversation, Francesca breaks down various styles of yoga, offering us a comparative look at each. From the disciplined Ashtanga and the relaxed Hatha to the fluid Vinyasa and the fascia-targeting Yin yoga, Francesca explains the unique benefits of each practice. She also emphasizes the importance of Yin yoga for those with sedentary lifestyles and shares book recommendations like "Eastern Body, Western Mind" and Mark Stevens' yoga sequencing book for those interested in diving deeper into the spiritual and philosophical aspects of yoga.

Finally, we explore the challenges and etiquette of different yoga classes. Francesca highlights the intense physical demands of Vinyasa, contrasting it with the soothing nature of Yin yoga. She also stresses the significance of mindfulness, proper muscle engagement, and maintaining a respectful atmosphere in the yoga space. To close, we share heartwarming moments about the joy of family time and welcoming a new puppy into the fold, celebrating the happiness these experiences bring. Tune in for an enriching episode packed with valuable insights and touching personal stories!

Jamaal Ealey's journey from a disastrous property deal at 22 to becoming a successful real estate professional in Las Vegas is nothing short of inspiring. Raised in the fast-paced city of Vegas, Jamal shares how a fateful trip to Cuba and the influence of a late friend helped him transition from hospitality to real estate. Facing personal challenges, Jamaal's story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of seizing opportunities. 

Navigating the real estate landscape today means adapting to new communication tools and methods. This episode uncovers the shift from traditional real estate practices to the crucial role of social media and personal branding. We dig deep into making clients the heroes of their own stories and the art of asking the right questions to build trust and deliver tailored services. For realtors aiming to stay relevant, these insights are indispensable.

The dynamics of the Las Vegas real estate market are as captivating as the city itself. From the influence of Californian cash buyers to the impact of high interest rates, Jamaal sheds light on the unique factors shaping property trends in Vegas. Plus, we celebrate the booming sports scene, including UNLV's football program and the city's growing appeal as a sports destination. Wrapping up, there's a heartfelt discussion about retirement and boxing, showcasing the camaraderie within the real estate community. This episode is packed with valuable insights and personal stories you won't want to miss.

How does Las Vegas continue to shine in a real estate market that's cooling off across the nation? Buckle up as we chat about our July 4th plans before diving into a fascinating discussion on the booming Las Vegas market. With low inventory and high demand, Vegas stands in stark contrast to other cities. Rodrigo and I also explore the allure of Vegas for out-of-state buyers and speculate on the city's potential as a frontrunner for an NBA expansion, alongside Seattle and Mexico City. It's a lively conversation on the business of real estate and sports!

Switching gears to college football, we spotlight UNLV's exciting developments under Coach Odom. By securing top local talent and welcoming back a star player from a Power Four program, the team is on a path to becoming a defensive juggernaut in the Mountain West by 2025. We delve into the strategic moves and relationship-building that are driving this transformation. And for a bit of fun, we share our thoughts on the campus's popular dining spots, like Panda Express, adding a flavorful twist to the sports talk.

We wrap up with a double dose of trivia fun, testing our knowledge with questions from the U.S. citizenship test in the game "Who's the Real American?" and challenging each other on American history. From checks and balances to the Civil War, our playful banter and occasional help from the producer make for an entertaining and educational end to the episode. Laugh along with us as we celebrate correct answers, share some American pride, and sign off with warm wishes for our listeners. Don't miss this vibrant mix of real estate insights, sports updates, and trivia excitement!

Ready to get the inside scoop on what's shaping up to be an exhilarating season for UNLV sports? We break down Coach Kruger's strategic moves in the offseason with notable acquisitions like Jalen Bedford from Oral Roberts and Julian Richwine from Florida. These sharpshooters are expected to bring a new dynamic to the team, especially in supporting star player DJ Thomas. Plus, could Keelan Boone make a comeback? We delve into the NCAA eligibility rules that might just allow him to return as a preferred walk-on, making for an even more thrilling basketball season ahead.

Switching gears to football, we dive into the 2025 recruiting class and the bright future it promises for UNLV. With standout All-American recruits like wide receiver Ricky White and punt/kick returner DeJesus, Coach Barry Odom has outdone himself in securing top talent. We'll discuss the strategic importance of scheduling tougher games and how it could impact the team's performance. The excitement is palpable as we look forward to a challenging season with a competitive new roster, and we analyze the over/under win total set at seven by William Hill Sportsbook. Is this the year UNLV makes a significant leap forward?

Finally, get ready for bold predictions and spirited debates as we forecast the outcomes of key matchups against teams like Syracuse, Utah State, and Boise State. With a mix of optimism and realism, we reminisce about last year's challenges and make our friendly wagers on win totals. The Reno game around Thanksgiving is already on our minds, promising family gatherings and memorable moments. Plus, don't miss our take on the Notre Dame game. Join us for a lively discussion that captures the essence of UNLV sports and the camaraderie that makes it all worthwhile.

Ever wondered how a twist of fate can change the course of your career? Join us on Runnin' Vegas as we chat with Chris Ward, one of the top real estate coaches in the country, who shares his incredible journey from upstate New York to Las Vegas. Chris reveals how a biology class pushed him away from physical therapy and kept him in real estate, ultimately leading him to a successful coaching career with Tom Ferry. Discover what sets Las Vegas apart for Chris and the valuable lessons he learned transitioning from salesperson to coach.

In this episode, we uncover the real challenges that real estate agents and their coaches face. Chris opens up about the frustration coaches feel when clients lack motivation or self-sabotage, and how this affects their success. We tackle the concept of "lead insecurity" and the critical importance of having a repeatable lead generation process. Learn about various strategies to help agents build more robust business pillars and create a sustainable and scalable practice, all while emphasizing the power of personal connections and predictable lead generation.

But that's not all—get insights on building trust and personal branding, essential for thriving in the competitive real estate market. Chris shares advice on connecting with new people every day to grow your business network and the rising importance of an online presence. Plus, hear about a young agent's transformation into a successful entrepreneur through discipline and coachability. To cap it off, we dive into some NBA analysis, focusing on the Boston Celtics’ future. This episode is packed with valuable insights you won't want to miss!

Curious about how a skateboarder from Las Vegas built a thriving business teaching social skills to kids with autism? Join us as we chat with Andrew Devitt, the dynamic founder of Sport-Social. Andrew opens up about his journey from tutoring children with special needs to creating a unique program that now serves 750 students. Hear firsthand the challenges he faced while scaling his business and maintaining a positive and empathetic culture, even during tough times like the Great Recession.

Andrew shares his insights on the importance of aligning core values with the unique qualities of individuals, whether they're athletes, musicians, or artists. Discover the complexities of organizing community events such as skateboard competitions and managing the growing pains of a thriving business. Listen to Andrew's approaches to handling waitlists, retaining staff, and fostering a proactive mindset that eschews a victim mentality. This episode promises valuable lessons on the power of empathy and respect in effective communication.

We also take a delightful detour into Andrew's childhood experiences, including his personal encounters with the unknown and his passions like skateboarding and pilates. Learn about the significance of fostering imagination and creating safe spaces for kids to learn and grow. Andrew's story is a testament to the importance of social skills in education and how innovative business models can bridge gaps in traditional school systems. Don't miss our heartfelt thanks to our co-host, Mr. Rodrigo, and a special shoutout to John McNamara for keeping things running smoothly in Vegas. This episode is packed with insights on professional and personal growth, community building, and finding joy in both work and life.

Curious about the latest buzz in the Spring real estate market? Rodrigo takes the helm this week on the Running Vegas podcast with an action-packed solo episode! Tune in to hear about the latest trends driving buyer interest and why this season is hotter than ever for real estate. Rodrigo also shares his invigorating fitness journey, from pounding the pavement in marathons to finding balance through yoga and Pilates at Lifetime Fitness. Learn how integrating yoga and meditation has significantly improved his flexibility and mobility, and why these practices are now a crucial part of his routine.

But that's not all—there's plenty of local flavor too! Rodrigo dishes on his favorite new restaurant finds in the Southwest area, including must-visit spots like The George at Durango Casino and a tequila bar at the Uncommons. He also talks about the team's adventurous new team-building activity: cold plunges and cryotherapy, and gives updates on local sports teams, from the Golden Knights to the LA Dodgers. Plus, get an insider look at his latest real estate listing and the exciting community events in Downtown Summerlin. Don’t miss his heartfelt shout-out to his nephew Sebastian and his open invitation for listener feedback on future topics!