Start a Conversation

By Nonet ReeseSociety & Culture Business Entrepreneurship Personal Journals Investing

Start a Conversation episodes

September 3013. Why Self-Managing Your Airbnb Fails for Remote Owners with Ansley Hinson
📺 Watch the Video on Spotify & YouTube
“I know everyone thinks it's a get rich quick scheme and you're on vacation all the time, and that is so not true. And even when you are on vacation, you're always working,” says Ansley Hinson, realtor with 360 Real Estate and founder of Southern Joy Properties, who joins host Nonet Reese on Start a Conversation to share how she went from working the front desk as a high school junior to running her own short-term rental management company. What began as helping one out-of-state family friend with their property grew from five properties to 25 across Auburn and Lake Martin in just one year.
Ansley explains why so many investors "put the horse before the buggy" by buying first and asking questions later. She also shares what it really takes to get 25 homes guest-ready before a football weekend, and how she blends automation with the personal touches that keep guests coming back. She reveals her plan to guide investors from "concept to closing," and why she believes Auburn's short-term rental market is where the opportunity is.
5 Key Takeaways
Most investors buy first and ask questions later, and that is backwards. Talk to a short-term rental professional about revenue, location and the bedroom-bathroom mix before you make an offer.
A listing on a booking site is not a management plan. If you live out of state, line up local boots on the ground, trusted cleaners and on-call maintenance before your first guest arrives.
Every turnover needs a set of eyes and proof. Have someone inspect the property before each check-in, and keep time-stamped, dated photos, because the guest is not always right.
Automation should handle the repetitive work, not the relationship. Template your check-in and welcome messages, put your phone number on everything, and follow up on the reason each guest came.
Businesses often start with the thing people keep asking you to do. Ansley's one favor for a family friend grew to 25 properties, so pay attention to the requests you keep getting and turn them into your next step.

Memorable Quotes
"I put a big emphasis on someone has to see it before guests enter, because for the price that they're paying, you just can't have these guesses."
"A lot of people put the horse before the buggy. They get the Airbnb, buy the property, and then come to me afterwards."
"You're always talking to me. Your guests are always talking to me. And I care, because it is mine."
Connect with Ansley
LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/NFlAdLAdBV
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ansleybuysauburn/
Facebook: https://tr.ee/8nqDS6KmDu
Nonet Reese
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nonetparmerreese/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nonetparmerreese
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@threesixtyauburn
Three Sixty Real Estate
Website: https://concepttoclosing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/concepttoclosing/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/threesixty.realestate.eal/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/three-sixty-development-sales-management/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/ThreeSixtyRealEstate
🎙️🎙️🎙️
Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCast: https://fullcast.co
Discover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/
17 min
September 1012. Real Estate Investing for Young Entrepreneurs: From Detailing to Rentals with Jones Garner
📺 Watch the Video on Spotify & YouTube
“I'd rather make $1,200 off a customer throughout the course of a year than $300 one time,” says Jones Garner, entrepreneur and investor, who joins Start a Conversation to reveal how he built a thriving multi-location detailing business at just 22—beginning with nothing but his mom’s vacuum, a bottle of Turtle Wax, and a drive to do things differently. By focusing on affordable pricing, relentless follow-up, and client-first service, Jones not only carved out a massive loyal clientele in his hometown of Auburn but also generated the capital to jump straight into real estate investing before he turned 20—flipping his first $32,000 property into a multi-property portfolio.
In this episode, Jones opens up about the gritty realities of scaling from solo operator to leading a 30-person team across five locations, why recurring revenue trumps big one-off deals, and his bold pivot into wealth management to empower the next generation. Start a Conversation listeners will come away inspired by a story of hustle, intentionality, and the powerful results of betting on yourself—no college degree required.
5 Key Takeaways
Start small and solve real problems—use what you have to launch a service, even if it’s just a vacuum and basic supplies.
Focus on recurring revenue—prioritize building relationships and repeat business over one-time payouts.
Put the client first every time—be flexible, accommodating, and reliable to stand out and foster loyalty and referrals.
Embrace delegation to grow—hire thoughtfully, train hard, and don’t fear relinquishing control to scale beyond yourself.
Invest early and often—turn business profits into real estate or assets that cash flow and compound your success over time.

Memorable Quotes
"I started my business when I was 17 years old, back in high school. I was a terrible student. I didn't have college in my future, and it really motivated me to start something and make something for myself."
"The money's always in the follow-up. In any business, everybody's cars get dirty every single month, so you can continue to hit them. It might be a little annoying, but sometimes that's what you have to do to make a business work—don't be afraid to be a little bit annoying and push yourself out there."
"After being in the detailing business for over five years, I realized I would regret not trying something different. If I didn't bring on a partner who is a very hard worker and super passionate about the business, I wouldn't have a succession plan inside the company. Now I'm super happy and grateful for that."
Connect with Jones
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jones-garner-366ba2262
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonestgarner
Nonet Reese
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nonetparmerreese/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nonetparmerreese
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@threesixtyauburn
Three Sixty Real Estate
Website: https://concepttoclosing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/concepttoclosing/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/threesixty.realestate.eal/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/three-sixty-development-sales-management/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/ThreeSixtyRealEstate
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Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCast: https://fullcast.co
Discover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/
18 min
August 2011. Property Management Leadership: How to Build a Strong Team and Brand with Seth Snider
📺 Watch the Video on Spotify & YouTube
“If my name's attached to it, I want it to be the best, and I want to put everything I've got into it,” says Seth Snider, co-owner of 360 Management, who joins Start a Conversation with Nonet Reese to show how genuine partnership and unwavering integrity built one of Auburn’s fastest-growing property management firms. Seth shares how he and Nonet's contrasting leadership styles—his approachable, empathetic problem-solving and her firm, standards-driven decision-making—create a unique synergy that’s powered decades of collaboration, rapid expansion, and an ambitious company rebrand. From starting with just a handful of properties to managing over a thousand, Seth reveals why transparent communication, honesty, and treating people right are at the heart of their continued success and future plans for growth.
5 Key Takeaways
Pour your absolute best into everything that bears your name—honesty and integrity outlast talent every time.
Embrace a leadership style that’s uniquely yours, but partner with people whose strengths complement yours—collaboration sharpens every result.
Don’t wait until every detail is in place—just start, even if you don’t have all the answers. Action beats paralysis.
Hire for resilience and problem-solving, not just experience—surround yourself with people who can handle tough days and keep solutions front and center.
Let your brand and reputation grow with you—refresh your image and processes as you expand, so your value is clear wherever you go.

Memorable Quotes"Once they get past the wall, I feel like I'm very nice. So Seth, how do you feel like our leadership styles complement each other?""I try really hard to make that road ahead, and he's like, I just want everybody to be happy while they're doing all of the things that you ask them to do.""Just start even though you don't have all the answers would be what I would say."Connect with Seth
https://www.360managementservices.com/our-team
Nonet Reese
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nonetparmerreese/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nonetparmerreese
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@threesixtyauburn
Three Sixty Real Estate
Website: https://concepttoclosing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/concepttoclosing/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/threesixty.realestate.eal/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/three-sixty-development-sales-management/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/ThreeSixtyRealEstate
🎙️🎙️🎙️
Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCast: https://fullcast.co
Discover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/
20 min
July 2110. City Planning Commission Insights for Founders and Builders
📺 Watch the Video on Spotify & YouTube
“You really, really learn to listen and take to heart how people feel, how passionate they are about any change that might be coming near Nonet Reese, longtime real estate leader and former Planning Commission chair whose 12-year tenure helped shape the changing face of Auburn. In this episode of Start a Conversation, Nonet shares powerful reflections on balancing community passion with progress, why leadership means serving the greater good, and how ambitious projects—from mixed-use neighborhoods to iconic hotels—move from blueprint to beloved local institution. With over 25 years of experience and deep involvement in city planning, she reveals behind-the-scenes insights into what it takes to guide growth while honoring the stories and voices that make a community feel like home.
5 Key Takeaways
Listen deeply to your community—every opinion shapes the future of where you live.
Take responsibility in every seat you serve; always put your city’s needs ahead of your own.
Embrace the challenge of growth—balance passionate opposition with the benefits of new projects for all.
Champion smart development; vibrant neighborhoods and better infrastructure begin with your input and support.
Trust the process and share your story—your unique perspective inspires collective progress and stronger connections.

Memorable Quotes"You really learn to listen and take to heart how people feel, how passionate they are about any change that might be coming near where they call home.""It's important to know that having someone have faith in you puts the responsibility in your hands to make sure you're always doing the best you can when you're in those seats.""When you're in a position to approve projects that you know will be to the betterment of the city as a whole, and also allow the revenue for the city to continue the services you hold dear, it's important to know that your challenges always come from a place that people feel are most important—and you still listen."Nonet Reese
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nonetparmerreese/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nonetparmerreese
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@threesixtyauburn
Three Sixty Real Estate
Website: https://concepttoclosing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/concepttoclosing/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/threesixty.realestate.eal/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/three-sixty-development-sales-management/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/ThreeSixtyRealEstate
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Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCast: https://fullcast.co
Discover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/
9 min
June 239. New Construction Homes: What Most Buyers Miss About Customization
📺 Watch the Video on Spotify & YouTube
"You never know what you're going to have to tackle every day," says Sarah Heatherly, vice president of development at Louder New Homes, who joins Start a Conversation to share how real creativity, relentless teamwork, and on-the-fly adaptation take a new construction project from raw, family-held land to a thriving, 52-home Summerlin neighborhood. Drawing on almost 15 years in construction, Sarah reveals how challenges like small footprints, surprise retaining walls, and shifting market demands are met not just with expertise but with in-house ingenuity and a commitment to transparent communication. If you want an inside look at how a builder, agent, and sales team collaborate to turn obstacles into opportunities—and why so many buyers end up customizing and upgrading their dreams in the process—this episode of Start a Conversation is one you won’t want to miss.
5 Key Takeaways
Surround yourself with skilled professionals—engineers, real estate agents, designers—to overcome challenges and elevate any project. Build your dream team from day one.
Embrace flexibility; be prepared to adapt plans mid-project when unexpected obstacles or opportunities arise. Pivot quickly and turn challenges into wins.
Prioritize transparent, timely communication across your team and with clients to avoid surprises and keep projects running smoothly. Make clear, open dialogue your standard.
Offer buyers choices—customization and upgrade options increase excitement and satisfaction. Give clients room to put their personal touch on every home.
Let the market guide your product—start with a variety of options, listen to buyer feedback, and adjust designs and finishes to match real demand. Stay agile and responsive at every stage.

Memorable Quotes"I think every project has its own challenges. Summerlin was one of those. Most people have seen as we've started developing this property, we've added some significant retaining walls and had to adjust and pivot as we went.""We used that natural barrier, even required green space location, to have this transition between a smaller product and a larger product. It actually flows really nicely with the topo of the property, and we felt like that became something that instead of being a challenge, was an opportunity to diversify our products.""I think we are very fortunate at Louder New Homes that we have people in house that can be very creative with floor plan design. Especially even the house that we're in now, it's a corner lot. It's one of the most challenging lots to build on. The footprint was very small. We had to make adjustments to the plan. We made it work."Connect with Tracey
https://concepttoclosing.com/agent/tracey-johnston-ayers
Connect with Lowder Homes
https://www.lowdernewhomes.com/meet-the-team
Resources Mentioned
RESOURCES
Nonet Reese
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nonetparmerreese/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nonetparmerreese
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@threesixtyauburn
Three Sixty Real Estate
Website: https://concepttoclosing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/concepttoclosing/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/threesixty.realestate.eal/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/three-sixty-development-sales-management/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/ThreeSixtyRealEstate
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Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCast: https://fullcast.co
Discover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/
16 min
June 058. New Construction vs Resale Homes: What Buyers Need to Know with Emmy Sorrells & Taylor Pair
📺 Watch the Video on Spotify & YouTube
“You do have to have a little bit of a special brain to sell new construction... the amount of brain space that it hooked up,” says Emmy Sorrels, veteran real estate agent with the home team at 360 Real Estate, who brings more than a decade of deep builder and buyer expertise to Start a Conversation. Emmy—joined by colleague Taylor Pair—dives into the “adventure” of new construction, revealing how every builder and client is different, why staging transforms the buying process, and how agent-builder partnerships turn empty land into coveted homes. From the savvy first-time buyer to the customization-obsessed client, Emmy’s perspective sheds light on the juggling, organization, and creativity it takes to thrive in the ever-changing world of new builds. If you want to know what really happens behind the scenes of those picture-perfect new homes, you’ll want to hear more from Emmy.
5 Key Takeaways
Strong communication with builders is everything—build solid relationships and share your expertise to shape better homes and deals.
Know your market and pricing—help builders back into land and development costs for real profit and quick sales.
Treat staging as non-negotiable—stage homes to show buyers the possibilities and boost your chances of closing.
Guide clients through every step—use technology, walk-throughs, and personalized touches to help buyers visualize and trust the process.
Embrace adaptability—every builder and project is different; stay organized and flexible to deliver top-tier results every time.

Memorable Quotes"I find that clients who are maybe at the lower end of the budget are sometimes even more picky than those who are building half-million up to million dollar plus houses, because those people are savvy but not quite as particular since they know their dollar is going to go a little bit further.""The selection process is always really fun too. I love to take it from beginning to end with a buyer client because they'll say, ‘I love the fireplace in this house, but I really love the tile in the bathroom in this other house,’ so it's kind of like mixing and matching Lego pieces to make their own unique home.""I think if builders are smart, they will stage a home because it really shows how you can use a space in so many different ways. Staging is very important, and that's true in resale as well; if you go in and your house is full of personal pictures, take them down."Connect with Emmy
Website: https://concepttoclosing.com/agent/emmy-martin-sorrells
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmysorrells/
Connect with Taylor
Website: https://concepttoclosing.com/agent/taylor-pair
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorpair/
Resources Mentioned
Matterport (Virtual Home Tours) - https://www.matterport.com/
Nonet Reese
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nonetparmerreese/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nonetparmerreese
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@threesixtyauburn
Three Sixty Real Estate
Website: https://concepttoclosing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/concepttoclosing/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/threesixty.realestate.eal/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/three-sixty-development-sales-management/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/ThreeSixtyRealEstate
🎙️🎙️🎙️
Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCast: https://fullcast.co
Discover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/
19 min
May 287. Women in Business: Finding Balance Without Burning Out
📺 Watch the Video on Spotify & YouTube
"Strength does not require hardness, right? So you can be amazing and a leader, but that doesn't necessarily mean strength is a weakness," says Nonet Reese, real estate expert, business builder, and community leader, on Start a Conversation. Drawing on her 25+ years of industry experience, Nonet delves into the law of polarity, sharing insights on how women in business can navigate life's dualities—from rest versus ambition, to pain versus purpose—while leading with both compassion and grit. Her refreshingly honest take on failure, emotional balance, and the pressures women entrepreneurs face will make you rethink what real strength means. Don’t miss Nonet’s reflections on thriving in chaos, turning setbacks into wisdom, and why believing a challenge is preparing you—not punishing you—can transform your journey.
5 Key Takeaways
See setbacks as stepping stones—every challenge holds a lesson that can push you closer to success. Lean into adversity and ask: what strength is emerging right now?
Balance your drive with true rest—ambition requires self-care to sustain. Schedule downtime and protect your energy as fiercely as your goals.
Lead with both strength and empathy—you don’t have to choose. Speak your truth directly while remaining compassionate and empowering toward others.
Pause before reacting—emotions are fleeting, but actions linger. When tension rises, breathe and respond intentionally rather than impulsively.
Embrace every season of growth—life will shift, and so will you. Trust that pain or confusion now may be shaping your purpose and expanding your wisdom.

Memorable Quotes"You're not confined to one moment, one emotion, or one season. You're always capable of shifting, which plays into several of the things it was talking about.""Strength does not require hardness. You can be amazing and a leader, but that doesn't mean strength is a weakness. We all feel like we've got to be nice and cordial all the time, when really, you can still lead with compassion and empathy.""Rest versus ambition—those are the two polars. I really have to lean into self-care for myself, because it's not laziness. It's part of what we need to be better humans, not just better leaders, moms, or spouses."Resources Mentioned
The Kybalion - https://amzn.to/4o3aT3S
Nonet Reese
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nonetparmerreese/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nonetparmerreese
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@threesixtyauburn
Three Sixty Real Estate
Website: https://concepttoclosing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/concepttoclosing/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/threesixty.realestate.eal/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/three-sixty-development-sales-management/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/ThreeSixtyRealEstate
🎙️🎙️🎙️
Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCast: https://fullcast.co
Discover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/
10 min
May 086. Building Client Relationships in Real Estate: What Most Agents Miss with Sandi Williams & Josh Wyckoff
📺 Watch the Video on Spotify & YouTube
"It's very easy to get someone to try your product once. It's getting them to come back a second time and a third time and so on. That is the secret to success," says Josh Wykoff, a former Delta flight attendant turned real estate agent, who joins Start a Conversation to reveal how airline-style customer service and relationship-building underpin his standout approach to real estate.
Alongside Josh, seasoned agent Sandi shares how, for her, success starts with people, not property. She emphasizes, "You have to get to know somebody and figure out what they want. Sometimes you have to help them figure it out themselves," highlighting the transformative power of authentic relationships and ongoing client support—even long after the closing table.
Together, Josh and Sandi offer an inside look at the boutique brokerage mindset: from delivering "first class" service and hands-on teamwork to navigating negotiation challenges and nurturing client loyalty for years to come. Whether you're fascinated by the parallels between hospitality and real estate or want to discover how top agents turn transactions into lifelong partnerships, their conversation on Start a Conversation will leave you wanting more.
5 Key Takeaways
Build real relationships from the start—focus on understanding your clients’ unique stories and needs, not just transactions.
Always clarify client expectations—offer tiered levels of service and ensure they know the difference so they get exactly what they want.
Stay proactive throughout the process—anticipate issues, communicate clearly, and arrive with solutions ready.
Maintain connections after the sale—follow up with past clients, offer ongoing support, and be their trusted resource long after closing.
Embrace the changes—discuss buyer agreements early, adapt to new industry standards, and confidently guide clients through evolving processes.

Memorable Quotes"I try to provide as top notch of a level of service as I can because I believe in building relationships from the very first moment that I meet a client.""It's very easy to get someone to try your product once. It's getting them to come back a second time and a third time and so on—that is the secret to success.""I think it's always about people, not property. I want them smiling when they get up from the closing table—whether it's because they have keys in their hand or a check in their hand—I want them to just be happy."Connect with Josh
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshwrealtor
Connect with Sandi
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunny_wms
Nonet Reese
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nonetparmerreese/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nonetparmerreese
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@threesixtyauburn
Three Sixty Real Estate
Website: https://concepttoclosing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/concepttoclosing/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/threesixty.realestate.eal/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/three-sixty-development-sales-management/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/ThreeSixtyRealEstate
🎙️🎙️🎙️
Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCast: https://fullcast.co
Discover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/
25 min
April 215. Grounding in Nature: The Secret to Beating Burnout at Work
📺 Watch the Video on Spotify & YouTube
“Being in nature isn't a luxury. It's for everybody,” says Nonet Reese, a real estate professional and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience, on "Start a Conversation." In this refreshing solo episode, Nonet reflects on how stepping outside—even for just a few minutes each day—can ground and energize us, both in life and business. From feeding birds by hand to soaking up the sun and seeking stillness by the water, Nonet shares simple, actionable ways anyone can reconnect with nature, regardless of their schedule or environment. Tune in to discover how Nonet's unique approach to being “solar powered” could inspire realignment, creativity, and growth, leaving you eager to find your own peace in the natural world.
5 Key Takeaways
Nature is for everyone, not a luxury—step outside daily, even for five minutes, and let nature recharge your mind and energy.
Break the cycle of distraction—use grounding moments outdoors to reset your focus and conquer negativity fast.
Reconnect with your roots—schedule quiet time in nature each week to realign your goals and intentions.
Find your simple nature ritual—feed the birds, walk the block, or just feel grass under your feet, and let it restore your balance.
Don’t keep it to yourself—share how you ground yourself in nature and encourage others to find their own peace outside.

Memorable Quotes"Being in nature isn't a luxury. It's for everybody. Young, old, boy, girl. It's out there and we need to get out and enjoy it.""I feel taking those five or ten minutes to be outside, to feel the warmth on your skin, eyes, hair, and feet—whether in shoes or not—is important. Being restful and appreciative, feeling thankful and present in nature, makes a difference.""Your environment matters, how you’re taking care of yourself matters. Whether you're using the sun, the water, or the beauty of a space you've created and cultivated yourself, those are all moments where you really need to take the time to come back to center."
Nonet Reese
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nonetparmerreese/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nonetparmerreese
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@threesixtyauburn
Three Sixty Real Estate
Website: https://concepttoclosing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/concepttoclosing/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/threesixty.realestate.eal/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/three-sixty-development-sales-management/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/ThreeSixtyRealEstate
🎙️🎙️🎙️
Podcast Production & Marketing by FullCast: https://fullcast.co
Discover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: https://www.thepodosphere.com/
9 min
March 264. The Secret Behind Thriving Gardens and Thriving Communities with Rex Ponder
📺 Watch the Video on Spotify & YouTube
"It's about beautifying the world one customer at a time," says Rex Ponder, third-generation horticulturist and community connector, who joins Start a Conversation to share wisdom from a lifetime spent in Alabama's soil. In this episode, Rex unearths the secrets behind thriving gardens and thriving communities, revealing why relationships—not just roots—grow deepest when it comes to plants, people, and place. From the best plants for the Southeast, to demystifying organics and native species, and even how talking to your houseplants might just make all the difference, Rex offers learnings that go far beyond the garden gate. Whether you're nurturing curb appeal or cultivating resilience, his practical tips and storytelling will leave you eager to learn more about growing both your green thumb and your neighborhood.
5 Key Takeaways
Building relationships is the root of great gardening and thriving communities—connect with your local experts and neighbors for advice and camaraderie.
Don’t just pick plants by looks—ask questions about soil, sunlight, and native varieties before you buy to ensure lasting success.
Be proactive, not reactive—prep your gardens early with proper fungus and insect controls, tailored to your environment, to avoid headaches later.
Go organic when you can—research animal- and kid-friendly products so your gardening enhances your home safely for all.
Invest in knowledge for houseplants too—learn about lighting, repotting, and specific needs so your indoor oasis flourishes rather than flops.

Memorable Quotes"I told you we set up kind of our philosophy as beautifying the world one customer at a time. And that's kind of what we do—helping them go back and beautify their yard or business, and that overall helps beautify the world.""It's more about those relationships with people that I have had as customers for many years that have become just friends. As I work with them, it's more than just selling a plant or telling them how to plant it.""If you're killing ivy, we've got a problem. We're not selling you any more ivy until I talk to you and find out what you're doing, why this ivy isn't thriving. Because I said, if you're killing ivy, we've got a problem. So I talked to her about her conditions and where she was using them, pots, how often to water, and the sun/shade factor. After a while, she got to where she was doing well."Connect with Rex
Ponders Nursery Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Ponders-Nursery-Inc-61553233033044/
Nonet Reese
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nonetparmerreese/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nonetparmerreese
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@threesixtyauburn
Three Sixty Real Estate
Website: https://concepttoclosing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/concepttoclosing/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/threesixty.realestate.eal/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/three-sixty-development-sales-management/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/ThreeSixtyRealEstate
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27 min

About Start a Conversation

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Most conversations today feel loud, rushed, and surface-level — and yet the decisions that shape our businesses and lives deserve something deeper.

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