Success Behind The Numbers

In Episode 54 of Success Behind The Numbers, we sit down with Matt Levin, Team Leader of The Levin Home Team, whose smart, systems-first approach is helping agents grow lean, data-driven, and sustainable businesses in any market. 🎙️📊

Matt opens up about the lessons he learned from over-hiring too soon, scaling back, and restructuring with intention. His leadership style is all about transparency, balance, and building smart foundations, from tracking every dollar to managing his calendar like a CEO.

We dive into what it takes to run a business that doesn’t just survive market shifts, but thrives through them. Whether you’re leading a team or flying solo, Matt’s story is proof that structure, numbers, and prioritizing your energy can be a serious competitive edge.

If you’ve ever felt stretched too thin or unsure how to grow the right way, this episode will help you focus on what actually moves the needle.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro: Meet Matt Levin of The Levin Home Team
2:05 – Why Over-Hiring Can Hurt Your Business
6:12 – Restructuring: Letting People Go and Starting Fresh
10:25 – Protecting Your Energy, Tracking Every Dollar
14:42 – Balancing Listings and Team Leadership
19:15 – How Matt Uses His Calendar like a CEO 
24:50 – Advice to Agents Trying to Build Their Own Teams
29:40 – What Matt Would Tell His Younger Self

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

Follow Matt:
📲 Instagram: @mattlevinrealtor
📧 Facebook: Matt Levin of The Levin Home Team at Keller Williams Realty Elite 
🌐 Website: www.levinteam.com

#SuccessBehindTheNumbers #RichAmato #RealEstateTeams #RealEstateLeadership #SmartScaling #LeadingInBusiness #KWCore #RealEstateCoaching #TrackYourNumbers #TeamLeaderTips #TheLevinHomeTeam

In Episode 53 of Success Behind The Numbers, we sit down with Michael Shapot, a powerhouse Real Estate Associate Broker and Team Leader of The Shapot Team at KW NYC, known for his negotiation style, top-tier client service, and unwavering commitment to representation in real estate. 🎙️⚖️

Michael’s journey from litigation law to real estate isn’t just a career change. It’s a philosophy shift. In this candid conversation, he shares how his legal background shaped the way he leads his team and advocates for clients. Michael opens up about the powerful moment he realized that true representation in real estate isn’t just about contracts. It’s about standing firm in your client’s corner, especially when the stakes are high and emotions run deep.

This episode dives into what it really takes to build a career and a team that protects clients at all costs. Michael’s no-fluff perspective on ethics, mindset, and the human side of the deal will challenge agents to rethink how they show up for their clients and their business.

Whether you’re representing a buyer or seller, what matters most isn’t the commission. It’s having the courage to advocate, lead, and act in your client’s best interest even when it’s hard. If you want to be a better advocate for your clients, don’t miss this one.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro: Meet Michael Shapot of The Shapot Team
1:42 – From Litigation to Listings: Michael’s Real Estate Origin Story
4:35 – “It’s About Advocacy, Not Sales”
9:20 – The Day Michael Almost Fired His Own Team
12:00 – True Representation Means Having Hard Conversations
15:10 – Why Clients Need More Than Just ‘Customer Service’
18:05 – Dealing with Difficult Clients (and Difficult Team Members)
23:30 – Setting the Tone for Culture in Your Real Estate Business
29:15 – Advice for New Agents in a Complex Market
35:10 – What Michael Would Tell His Younger Self

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

Follow Michael:
📲 Instagram: @theshapotteam
📧 LinkedIn: Michael Shapot - Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker at Keller Williams NYC
🌐 Website: www.theshapotteam.com

#SuccessBehindTheNumbers #RichAmato #BuyerRepresentation #RealEstateTeam #LuxuryBroker #RealEstateEthics #KellerWilliamsNYC #ClientAdvocacy #FromLitigationToListings #RealEstateNegotiation #AdvocacyOverCommissions

In Episode 52 of Success Behind The Numbers, we sit down with Baldassare “Baldo” LaRussa, a former chef whose passion for service laid the foundation for a thriving real estate career. Now a top agent at KW Legendary, Baldo brings the same precision, patience, and calm-under-pressure mindset from the kitchen into every transaction he handles. 🎙️👨‍🍳

This episode dives into how Baldo’s journey through the culinary world shaped his ability to handle stress, build strong client relationships, and grow a business rooted in service, education, and giving back. From leveraging community and charity work to fuel his growth, to educating buyers and sellers with heart and honesty, Baldo shares how real estate helped him create a dream life for his family, and how he’s helping others do the same.

If you’re building a real estate business that’s built to last, this conversation will challenge you to lead with service, double down on the fundamentals, and never lose sight of the client experience.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro: Meet Baldassare “Baldo” LaRussa
1:58 – From Chef to Realtor: Managing Pressure and People
5:20 – How His Culinary Background Shaped His Real Estate Mindset
7:05 – Community, Charity & Growth: The Power of Local Roots
10:30 – Educating Clients With Clarity and Compassion
16:12 – Building a Dream Life Through Real Estate
20:50 – Staying Grounded in a Fast-Paced Market
24:10 – Advice to Agents Looking for Purpose
30:05 – What Baldo Would Tell His Younger Self

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

Follow Baldo:
📲 Instagram: @soldbybaldo
📧 Facebook: Baldassare LaRussa
🌐 Website: www.soldbybaldo.com

#SuccessBehindTheNumbers #RichAmato #NYCRealEstate #RealEstateMindset #KWLegendary #ChefToRealtor #ServiceFirstSellingSecond #ClientExperience #AgentAdvice #CommunityDrivenBusiness

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