In Episode 51 of Success Behind The Numbers, we sit down with Nubia Castaño, a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson at Keller Williams Elite and Licensed Home Inspector, alongside her client Melissa, a dedicated law enforcement professional who recently achieved homeownership against the odds. 🎙️🏠

Nubia’s story is one of dual expertise and deep purpose. She shares how her hands-on construction knowledge and inspector’s eye allow her to protect clients in ways most agents can’t. Melissa, on the other hand, brings the client perspective: the emotions, the fears, and the faith it took to navigate one of the biggest purchases of her life while working in a demanding field.

Together, they unpack the power of trust, transparency, and teamwork in real estate, and what happens when an agent’s integrity matches the client’s determination. From home inspections to mindset shifts, this episode highlights why expertise is important, but empathy is essential.

If you’ve ever wondered what “above and beyond” truly looks like in this business, this conversation will show you.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Meet Nubia & Melissa
4:25 – The Start of a Meaningful Client Relationship
8:50 – How Construction Knowledge Empowers Buyers
14:15 – The Reality of Buying in a Shifting Market
18:10 – How Nubia’s Construction Experience Changes the Game & Protects Clients
26:10 – Melissa’s Experience Balancing Law Enforcement & Buying a Home
31:40 – Lessons on Patience, Purpose, and Perseverance

Follow Rich:
📲 Instagram: @richamato_kwcore
📧 Facebook: Richard Amato Keller Williams Core

Follow Nubia:
📲 Instagram: @ncastano3911
📧 LinkedIn: Nubia Castaño - Keller Williams Realty Elite

#SuccessBehindTheNumbers #RichAmato #KWElite #ClientExperience #PurposeDrivenAgents #RealEstateStories #WomenInRealEstate #HomeInspectorPerspective #ClientCenteredRealEstate #RealEstateBuiltOnTrust #TrustTheProcess

In Episode 50 of Success Behind The Numbers, we sit down with Ashley Knox - a Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker at Keller Williams with deep experience in sales, marketing, and the art of building authentic relationships. 
Ashley walks us through the evolution of her career, from retail leadership roles to navigating the early stages of her real estate journey during the COVID-19 pandemic. She shares how she leaned into education, surrounding herself with experienced mentors, and taking every opportunity to learn something new. Whether it was door-knocking or shadowing top agents, Ashley made growth her non-negotiable.

We talk about the value of relationship-building, the pressure of wearing multiple hats as a parent and agent, and why it’s so important to find alignment in both business and leadership. Ashley also opens up about what keeps her grounded, how she finds energy in helping others, and the leadership lessons she’s still learning every day.

This episode is packed with honest insights on starting from scratch, embracing the discomfort of being new, and turning everyday conversations into lasting relationships.
Timestamps:
0:00 – Meet Ashley Knox
2:20 – From Sales and Retail to Real Estate
6:45 – The Early Challenges of Starting During COVID
10:50 – Shadowing, Mentorship, and Finding Her Flow
15:20 – Leadership Styles and Team Dynamics
21:15 – Balancing Real Estate and Motherhood
25:30 – The Power of Relationships Over Transactions
30:10 – Advice for New Agents: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

Follow Rich:
📲 Instagram: @richamato_kwcore
📧 Facebook: Richard Amato Keller Williams Core

Follow Ashley:
📲 Instagram: @therealashleyknox
📧 Facebook: Ashley Knox Keller Williams
🌐 Website: www.aknoxhome.kw.com

#SuccessBehindTheNumbers #RichAmato #KWGoldCoast #WomenInRealEstate #RelationshipDriven #NewAgentJourney #RealEstateLeadership #WomenWhoLead #GrowthThroughMentorship #MotherhoodAndBusiness 

In Episode 49 of Success Behind The Numbers, ​we sit down with Dr. Justin Chen, D.O. ​- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine who leads with compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to community. 🎙️🩺

Dr. Chen opens up about the mindset it takes to be a trusted provider, how he empowers patients to ask questions, and why being fully present during tough conversations matters more than ever. From his early days of 24-hour call shifts to becoming a respected attending physician, Justin shares the real story behind doctor-patient trust, and what good medicine actually looks like.

We dive into the highs and lows of medical practice, the unseen weight doctors carry, how he builds long-term relationships in a fast-paced system, and what it means to stay human in a profession that often demands superhuman energy.

Whether you’re in the medical field or not, this episode will make you rethink what leadership looks like when people are at their most vulnerable.


Timestamps:
0:00 – Meet Dr. Justin Chen
5:30 – Why Internists Are the Front Lines of Patient Care
9:15 – How He Earns Long-Term Trust With Patients
14:20 – The Role of Teamwork and Empathy in Healthcare
18:50 – Why Presence Matters More Than Pressure
25:10 – Conversations That Change How He Sees the Job
30:40 – Staying Human in a High-Stress Industry
36:00 – Advice for Anyone Building Trust-Based Relationships

Follow Rich:
📲 Instagram: @richamato_kwcore
📧 Facebook: Richard Amato Keller Williams Core

Follow Dr. Justin Chen:
📲 Instagram: @justchen11
📧 LinkedIn: Justin Chen, DO - Family Medicine Resident Physician

#SuccessBehindTheNumbers #RichAmato #DoctorOfOsteopathicMedicine #ModernMedicine #TrustInHealthcare #LongIslandDoctors #HeartOfHealthcare #EmpathyInHealthcare #RealTalkWithDoctors #QuietLeadership 

In Episode 49 of Success Behind The Numbers, ​we sit down with Dr. Justin Chen, D.O. ​- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine who leads with compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to community. 🎙️🩺

Dr. Chen opens up about the mindset it takes to be a trusted provider, how he empowers patients to ask questions, and why being fully present during tough conversations matters more than ever. From his early days of 24-hour call shifts to becoming a respected attending physician, Justin shares the real story behind doctor-patient trust, and what good medicine actually looks like.

We dive into the highs and lows of medical practice, the unseen weight doctors carry, how he builds long-term relationships in a fast-paced system, and what it means to stay human in a profession that often demands superhuman energy.

Whether you’re in the medical field or not, this episode will make you rethink what leadership looks like when people are at their most vulnerable.


Timestamps:
0:00 – Meet Dr. Justin Chen
5:30 – Why Internists Are the Front Lines of Patient Care
9:15 – How He Earns Long-Term Trust With Patients
14:20 – The Role of Teamwork and Empathy in Healthcare
18:50 – Why Presence Matters More Than Pressure
25:10 – Conversations That Change How He Sees the Job
30:40 – Staying Human in a High-Stress Industry
36:00 – Advice for Anyone Building Trust-Based Relationships

Follow Rich:
📲 Instagram: @richamato_kwcore
📧 Facebook: Richard Amato Keller Williams Core

Follow Dr. Justin Chen:
📲 Instagram: @justchen11
📧 LinkedIn: Justin Chen, DO - Family Medicine Resident Physician

#SuccessBehindTheNumbers #RichAmato #DoctorOfOsteopathicMedicine #ModernMedicine #TrustInHealthcare #LongIslandDoctors #HeartOfHealthcare #EmpathyInHealthcare #RealTalkWithDoctors #QuietLeadership 

In Episode 48 of Success Behind The Numbers, I sit down with Ron and Colleen Ruggiero—husband and wife, founders of The RCR Team at KW Points North.

Their business isn’t built on flash. It’s built on follow-through. From their early days navigating open houses to today’s word-of-mouth powerhouse, Ron and Colleen have created a real estate brand rooted in trust, consistency, and doing the right thing—always.

We talk about how they complement each other, why slow and steady built their strongest years, and how they’ve stayed referral-only in one of the busiest markets in New York. This episode is packed with insight on growing without gimmicks and letting your work speak louder than your marketing.

If you’re building for the long haul, their story is the reminder that trust in your own name will take you further than any ad ever could.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Meet The RCR Team
4:00 – Why Referrals Power Their Pipeline
8:20 – From Day Jobs to Full-Time Agents
13:30 – Lessons from Running a Referral-Only Business
18:25 – How They Built a Trust-First Culture
23:50 – Their Dynamic as Business Partners
29:10 – How They Stay Grounded Through Market Changes
34:00 – Advice to Agents: Show Up and Follow Through

Follow Rich:
📲 Instagram: @richamato_kwcore
📧 Facebook: Richard Amato Keller Williams Core

Follow Ron, Colleen & The RCR Team:
📲 Instagram: @ronaldjruggierojr | @colleenruggiero_ | @thercrteam
📧 Facebook: The RCR Team at KW Points North

#SuccessBehindTheNumbers #RichAmato #RealEstateWithIntegrity #ReferralDrivenBusiness #RealEstateRelationships #BuiltOnReputation #LegacyLeadership #HeartOfTheBusiness

In Episode 47 of Success Behind The Numbers, I sit down with Kent Miller — a Licensed Home Inspector and Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker whose career has become a true Work of Heart. 🎙️❤️

Kent opens up about building trust on both sides of the table, navigating challenges without shortcuts, and what it means to commit fully to the people you serve. His story is one of resilience, reinvention, and staying true to values in an industry that never stops shifting.

We talk about the power of reputation, how mentorship shapes the next generation, and why lasting relationships will always matter more than fast wins. Kent proves that when you treat the business as a Work of Heart, the results follow naturally.

If you’ve ever struggled to find meaning in your work, this episode will remind you where it starts: with heart.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Meet Kent Miller: The Man Behind “Work of Heart”
54:45 – Real Estate Beginnings and Early Lessons
10:30 – Building a Career That Blends Real Estate and Service
17:00 – The Lessons That Shaped His “Work of Heart” Philosophy
23:20 – The Importance of Reputation Over Revenue
29:50 – Mentorship, Growth, and Paying It Forward
35:15 – Why Relationships Always Win in the Long Run
42:00 – The Legacy of a Career Built With Heart

Follow Rich:
📲 Instagram: @richamato_kwcore
📧 Facebook: Richard Amato Keller Williams Core

Follow Kent:
📲 Instagram: @kentmillerco
📧 Facebook: Kent Miller & Co. Real Estate at Keller Williams Realty of Greater Nassau 

#SuccessBehindTheNumbers #RichAmato #WorkOfHeart #RealEstateLegacy #HomeInspectorLife #PurposeDrivenBusiness #FriendshipInRealEstate #HeartLedLeadership #ServeWithIntegrity #LegacyThroughService

In Episode 46 of Success Behind The Numbers, I sit down with Kandice Inder, Founder of Kandice Estates at KW Legendary.  Kandice is a licensed real estate salesperson who built her business from the ground up with nothing but grit, consistency, and a vision for something bigger. 🎙️✨

From learning how to market herself in a crowded field to building a personal brand that people remember, she proves that visibility and authenticity are more powerful than shortcuts.

We talk about the reality of starting with zero deals, how she created momentum through branding and mentorship, and why confidence and clarity, not just hustle, are what carry new agents forward. Kandice opens up about the lessons she’s learned so far, the systems she’s building, and the bigger vision she has for where her business is headed.

If you’re navigating your first few years in real estate or trying to stand out in a saturated space, this conversation will provide you with real tools and real perspective.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Meet Kandice Estates
5:00 – Learning the Language of Real Estate from Scratch
10:20 – Building Confidence Through Visibility
15:45 – How Mentorship Shapes a New Agent’s Growth
22:30 – Branding Yourself in a Crowded Market
28:00 – Turning Rejection Into Resilience
33:15 – Building Systems for Long-Term Success
38:40 – The Bigger Vision Behind Kandice Estates

Follow Rich:
📲 Instagram: @richamato_kwcore
📧 Facebook: Richard Amato Keller Williams Core

Follow Kandice:
📲 Instagram: @kandice_estates
📧 Facebook: Kandice Estates

#SuccessBehindTheNumbers #RichAmato #RealEstateBeginnings #WomenInRealEstate #RealEstateBranding #FirstGenerationAgents #KWCore #MindsetMatters #NewAgentJourney

In Episode 45 of Success Behind The Numbers, I sit down with Kristin Scanlon—a powerhouse team leader, mentor, and the sharp mind behind The Scanlon Home Team. 🎙️📈

Kristin talks candidly about walking away from corporate stability, how she weathered her toughest seasons, and why she built a coaching platform to make sure other agents didn’t burn out the way she almost did. Today, she is changing how agents show up. She’s proof that strategy and heart aren’t mutually exclusive.

We talk about what it really means to lead a team during tough times, why “hustle culture” isn’t the answer, and how confidence grows when you stop trying to be everyone else. Kristin opens up about mistakes, mindset, and the moment she stopped looking left and right and started leading from within.

If you’ve ever felt burned out or questioned your own voice in this business, this episode is the reset button you didn’t know you needed.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Meet Kristin Scanlon
4:30 – From Burnout to Breakthrough: Her Early Real Estate Lessons
10:45 – Building a Team That Tripled in a Shifting Market
17:50 – Coaching Agents to Confidence
24:10 – Why Productivity Doesn’t Equal Pressure
29:20 – The Power of Pausing to Find Your Voice
36:00 – Leadership, Legacy & Letting Go of Ego
43:10 – Kristin’s Advice for New Agents

Follow Rich:
📲 Instagram: @richamato_kwcore
📧 Facebook: Richard Amato Keller Williams Core

Follow Kristin & The Scanlon Home Team:
📲 Instagram: @iamkristinscanlon | @thescanlonhometeam
📧 Facebook: Kristin Scanlon | The Scanlon Home Team
🌐 Website: www.thescanlonhometeam.com

#SuccessBehindTheNumbers #RichAmato #RealEstateEducation #RealEstateCoach #TeamLeadership #WomenInRealEstate #KWElite #ConfidenceInBusiness #RealEstateMindset #LegacyDrivenAgents

In Episode 44 of Success Behind The Numbers, I sit down with Debbie Carpluk, Team Leader of The Carpluk Team at Keller Williams Realty Elite, and a longtime force in the Long Island real estate scene. 🎙️💎

Debbie’s story starts in Suffolk County and stretches across almost four decades of business, leadership, and unshakable loyalty to her roots. From building a thriving real estate business with her husband to mentoring the next generation of agents, Debbie has always led with honesty, humility, and grit.

In this episode, we talk about why relationships—not transactions—are the real currency in real estate, how she’s built a multigenerational business that feels like family, and what it means to lead with consistency through every market cycle. You’ll hear her perspective on mentorship, staying grounded in your values, and why her heart still beats for Long Island after all these years.

If you’ve ever wondered how to keep going (and growing) without losing your why, Debbie shows you exactly how it’s done.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Meet Debbie Carpluk: Heart, Hustle & 34 Years in Real Estate
5:10 – How Her Business Began (and Stayed in the Family)
12:45 – Queens Upbringing, Long Island Loyalty
17:30 – Building a Business That’s More Than Sales
21:20 – What Hasn’t Changed in 34 Years of Real Estate
29:00 – Quiet Leadership, Big Impact
35:10 – Why Mentorship Is Debbie's Legacy
42:15 – Her Advice for Agents: Stay True, Stay Consistent

Follow Rich:
📲 Instagram: @richamato_kwcore
📧 Facebook: Richard Amato Keller Williams Core

Follow Debbie:
📲 Instagram: @debbiecarpluk
📧 LinkedIn: Debbie (Fryer) Carpluk 
🌐 Website: www.thedebbiecarplukteam.com

#SuccessBehindTheNumbers #RichAmato #LegacyLeadership #RealEstateIcon #FamilyBusiness #MentorshipMatters #RealEstateLegacy #LongIslandLeader #BuiltOnPurpose

In Episode 43 of Success Behind The Numbers, I sit down with Nubia Castaño—a Keller Williams agent whose career is fueled by heart, heritage, and hard-earned hustle. 🎙️❤️

Born and raised in Queens, Nubia is the daughter of Colombian immigrants who taught her the value of discipline, dignity, and showing up fully for others. She shares how her upbringing shaped her business mindset and why she made the decision early on to lead with truth, not just transactions.

We unpack what it means to serve clients with integrity, why “doing it for the people” is more than a catchphrase, and how she’s creating a space in real estate where culture, character, and connection come first. You’ll hear how her identity became her superpower, how she overcame doubt, and why the people she serves aren’t just clients—they’re family.

If you’ve ever felt like you had to shrink to succeed, this episode is a reminder that you don’t.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Nubia Castaño: Real Estate Rooted in Purpose
6:20 – The Power of Knowing Where You Come From
12:00 – Real Estate as a Tool for Empowerment
18:20 – Serving Clients with Connection & Integrity
19:30 – Creating Client Experiences That Feel Like Home
22:30 – What It Means to Represent Your Culture in Business
34:15 – Her Message to Anyone Starting Out: Do It with Heart
40:20 – Staying Grounded Through Growth

Follow Rich:
📲 Instagram: @richamato_kwcore
📧 Facebook: Richard Amato Keller Williams Core

Follow Nubia:
📲 Instagram: @ncastano3911
📧 LinkedIn: Nubia Castaño - Keller Williams Realty Elite

#SuccessBehindTheNumbers #RichAmato #RealEstateLegacy #ImmigrantRoots #LeadWithPurpose #QueensRealEstate #LatinaAgent #AuthenticityInAction #KWCore