In this episode of The Better Agent Podcast, Josh Lavik speaks with Anna Trull, a top real estate agent with over 22 years of experience. Anna discusses her unconventional journey into real estate, the importance of mentorship, and how building relationships with clients has been key to her success. She shares practical advice for real estate agents looking to grow their businesses, emphasizing consistency, authenticity, and continuous learning.

🎧 Hosted by: Josh Lavik

🎙 Featuring: Anna Trull -  Real Estate Expert

Anna Trull is an experienced real estate professional based in Madison, Wisconsin, with over 20 years in the industry. As a Broker Associate at Stark Company Realtors, she specializes in residential properties, including first-time homebuyer assistance, luxury homes, and new construction. Recognized by RealTrends as one of the top-performing agents in Wisconsin, Anna has successfully closed over 140 transactions, totaling more than $65 million in sales. Known for her professionalism, responsiveness, and dedication, she consistently receives praise from clients. Anna has called Madison home since the early 1990s and enjoys paddling on the city’s lakes and traveling with her spouse, John Stofflet.

💡 Key Takeaways:

✔️ The power of mentorship and consistent practice in real estate

✔️ Why authenticity is essential for building trust with clients

✔️ How real estate professionals can continue learning and improving

✔️ Anna’s unique approach to client relationships and follow-up

✔️ Tips for new agents entering the market and developing their careers

📇 Connect with Anna Trull:

🌎 Website → https://atrull.starkhomes.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/AnnaTrullHomes

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/annabananatrull/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-trull-5480042/

🎙 Follow Josh Lavik:

🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc

📷 Instagram →  https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik

🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

In this episode of The Better Agent Podcast, host Josh Lavik sits down with Chris Strouthopoulos, founder of Ascent Empowerment and a coach specializing in business and life transformation. Chris shares his journey from academia to entrepreneurship and explains how the mindset cultivated in outdoor adventures like skiing, hiking, and climbing can be applied to overcoming challenges in real estate. Learn how to embrace the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, the importance of mindset shifts, and how to balance work, life, and personal growth. Chris provides actionable strategies to help you overcome overwhelm, enhance your confidence, and show up powerfully in your real estate business.

🎧 Hosted by: Josh Lavik

🎙 Featuring: Chris Strouthopoulos – Founder of Ascent Empowerment, Business & Life Coach

Chris Strouthopoulos is the founder and CEO of Ascent Empowerment, a coaching company based in Durango, Colorado. With over 25 years of experience, Chris guides people through transformational personal growth programs — including mountaineering expeditions and executive leadership training. An Ivy League–educated professor, TEDx speaker, and member of the Forbes Coaches Council, he integrates neuroscience, psychology, and experiential learning to help professionals overcome burnout and align their careers with their passions.

💡 Key Takeaways:

✔️ How to use the adventurous mindset in real estate to overcome challenges

✔️ The importance of managing your emotional state as an entrepreneur

✔️ Building confidence and clarity in your personal and business life

✔️ Overcoming overwhelm through intentional actions and mindset shifts

✔️ The power of journaling and reflection for emotional regulation and growth

✔️ How a strong emotional foundation can help you excel in real estate

✔️ Why being authentic with your clients leads to better business results

📇 Connect with Chris Strouthopoulos:

🌎 Website → https://ascentcoaching.us/

📘 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisstrouthopoulos

🎙 Podcast → Ascent Empowerment Podcast

🎙 Follow Josh Lavik:

🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc

📷 Instagram →  https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik

🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

Join host Josh Lavik as he chats with Lori Schilling, a successful real estate agent and investor, about scaling your real estate business and managing the ups and downs of the market. From her transition into real estate to balancing work and life, Lori shares her journey and offers actionable insights for those looking to grow their real estate careers. Learn about setting expectations with clients, building relationships, and staying adaptable in a changing market.

🎧 Hosted by: Josh Lavik

🎙  Guest: Lori Schilling - Real Estate Agent and investor with Sprinkman Real Estate

Lori Schilling is a real estate agent and investor with Sprinkman Real Estate in Madison, WI. After selling her successful spa and salon business in 2014, she transitioned into real estate, focusing on residential sales and investment property management. Lori has personally managed multiple apartment buildings in Madison and is passionate about helping tenants become homeowners.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ How to grow your real estate business using systems and relationships

✔️ The importance of investment strategies for long-term success

✔️ Lori’s approach to maintaining work-life balance in real estate

✔️ How to stay grounded during market shifts and overcome challenges

✔️ Tips for new investors and house hackers starting in real estate

📇 Connect with Lori Schilling:

🌎 Website → https://lori-schilling.sprinkmanrealestate.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/soldbylori

🎙 Follow Josh Lavik:

🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc

📷 Instagram →  https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik

🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

Join Josh Lavik and Jake Ramey as they talk about Jake’s journey into real estate. Moving to La Crosse, Wisconsin, with no connections and little money, Jake jumped headfirst into the industry. He discusses overcoming early struggles, building a sphere of influence, and using creative marketing to stand out. Jake’s dedication and persistence have helped him grow his business, and he shares his success strategies in this inspiring episode. Get ready to hear how real estate can be a game-changer when you focus on relationships and community impact!

🎧 Hosted by: Josh Lavik

🎙 Guest: Jake Ramey

Jake Ramey is a licensed real estate agent with @properties La Crosse, serving clients in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Since starting his career in 2020, he has quickly become a top-producing agent, completing 28 transactions in the past year with over $3 million in sales. Jake specializes in residential sales, investment properties, and land, and is known for his strategic marketing and client-focused approach. Recognized as a top agent in La Crosse, Onalaska, and West Salem, he continues to grow his business through strong local ties and exceptional service.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Jake’s experience of moving to a new market and getting started in real estate

✔️ The importance of building a sphere of influence and growing your network

✔️ How to maintain consistency and stay focused on long-term goals

✔️ The role of CRM in real estate success and the power of follow-ups

✔️ Jake’s innovative “Hops and Homes” marketing idea and community-based strategies

✔️ How to plan events that will help you connect with potential clients

✔️ Creating a meaningful impact in your community to grow your business

✔️ The importance of adding value to your clients even after the transaction

📇 Connect with Jake Ramey:

🌎 Website → https://www.atproperties.com/site/JacobRamey

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/Jakerameyatproperties/

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jake_ramey_realtor/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakerameywi/

🎙 Follow Josh Lavik:

🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc

📷 Instagram →  https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik

🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

Join Josh Lavik as he chats with Erika Skogg, a real estate agent based in Door County, Wisconsin. Erika shares how she navigated the Door County real estate market, blending her love for photography with real estate to create impactful listings. They discuss the importance of a well-executed listing presentation, how Erica balances work and family, and strategies for maintaining a successful career. Tune in for insights on personal branding, collaboration, and overcoming challenges in the real estate industry.

🎧 Hosted by: Josh Lavik

🎙 Guest: Erika Skogg

Erika Skogg — Erika Skogg is a top-producing agent with Shorewest Realtors, specializing in luxury and waterfront properties across Door County and Northeast Wisconsin. In the past year alone, she closed 62 transactions.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ The impact of personal branding on real estate success

✔️ How Erika uses photography in real estate listings

✔️ Managing a real estate career and family life

✔️ The value of collaboration and referral business

✔️ Learning from mistakes and improving your practice

✔️ Going above and beyond for clients in real estate

📇 Connect with Erika Skogg:

🌎 Website → https://erikaskogg.shorewest.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/erika.skogg

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/erikaskogg/

🎙 Follow Josh Lavik:

🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc

📷 Instagram →  https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik

🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

Join Josh Lavik and Fred Van Buren in this episode of Better Agent, where they explore the key strategies for success in the real estate industry. Fred, a seasoned professional, shares his expertise in new construction, development, and the financial considerations involved in real estate projects. They discuss the importance of networking, understanding market dynamics, and building trust with clients and investors. Fred also highlights the rising opportunity in the aging-in-place market and why agents need to build strong, reliable teams to navigate challenges effectively.

🎧 Hosted by: Josh Lavik

🎙 Guest: Fred Van Buren

Fred Van Buren is a seasoned real estate agent with over two decades of experience in the housing industry, based in Madison, Wisconsin. He has a diverse background in real estate sales, building materials, and custom home construction. Fred is affiliated with Real Broker LLC and actively markets new residential developments such as Wild Oak Condominiums in Stoughton, WI. His comprehensive market knowledge and commitment to client satisfaction make him a trusted advisor.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Strategies to set and achieve growth-focused goals in real estate

✔️ The power of networking and building strong relationships

✔️ How to understand and leverage market dynamics to your advantage

✔️ Why the aging-in-place market is a major opportunity for real estate agents

✔️ The importance of a reliable and skilled development team

✔️ How financial considerations shape successful real estate ventures

✔️ Why being proactive is essential in seizing real estate opportunities

✔️ The power of having a real estate niche to streamline efforts

✔️ Why “hope” isn’t enough—action is required for success

📇 Connect with Fred Van Buren:

🌐 Website → https://onereal.com/fred-vanburen

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/bluestarhomesales

🌐 Website → https://www.wildoakstoughton.com/

🎙 Follow Josh Lavik:

🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc

📷 Instagram →  https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik

🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

Host Josh Lavik chats with Colin Schindler, a real estate agent who discusses his path to success, touching on the importance of mentorship, battling burnout, and the strategies for scaling a real estate business. They talk about the power of creativity in marketing, delegating work to build a strong team, and staying consistent in the pursuit of growth and success. This episode is a must-listen for agents seeking balance and long-term success in the real estate industry.

🎧 Hosted by: Josh Lavik

🎙 Guest: Colin Schindler

Colin Schindler — Colin is a top-performing REALTOR® with RE/MAX Ignite, based in Southern Wisconsin. With a career marked by impressive success, Colin closed 53 transactions totaling over $10.2 million in sales volume in 2023 alone. He’s known for his proactive, client-first approach and deep market knowledge, helping everyone from first-time buyers to seasoned investors navigate their real estate journey with integrity and enthusiasm.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ How mentorship drives real estate success

✔️ Identifying and managing burnout in real estate

✔️ The benefits of building a team to share the workload

✔️ Creative and unique marketing strategies for real estate agents

✔️ How consistency and community can fuel growth

✔️ Delegating tasks for more efficient business operations

✔️ Embracing imperfection while striving for progress

✔️ Defining personal success to avoid burnout

📇 Connect with Colin Schindler:

🌐 Website → https://colin-schindler.remax.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.instagram.com/robedrealtor/

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/schindlerhometeam/

🎙 Follow Josh Lavik:

🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc

📷 Instagram →  https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik

🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

Join Josh Lavik and Seth Peterson as they discuss making the leap from part-time to full-time real estate, building a sustainable business, and staying top of mind with clients. Seth also shares insights on market trends and finding your niche to boost your success. Perfect for agents seeking growth strategies and industry wisdom.

🎧 Hosted by: Josh Lavik

🎙 Guest: Seth Peterson – Real Estate Agent, Madison, WI

Seth Peterson is a seasoned real estate professional with over 20 years of experience in the Madison area. As a Broker Associate at Realty Executives Cooper Spransy, he has completed 400+ transactions, specializing in residential sales, investment properties, and foreclosures. Seth is also a real estate investor known for his honesty, responsiveness, and dedication to client success.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Transitioning to full-time real estate

✔️ Building a strong real estate business foundation

✔️ Client retention tactics

✔️ Navigating market trends

✔️ Importance of niche specialization

📇 Connect with Seth Peterson:

🌎 Website → https://www.sethpetersonhomes.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/SethPetersonHomes/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-peterson-6685911/

🎙 Follow Josh Lavik:

🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc

📷 Instagram →  https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik

🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

Josh Lavik welcomes Alison Crim, a real estate team leader from Madison who shares expert tips on building efficient systems, hiring support, and growing a successful team. Discover how detailed checklists, consistent prospecting, and market knowledge are essential to scaling your business. Alison also offers insights on marketing, managing agents, and shifting your professional identity. Perfect for agents ready to take their business to the next level.

🎧 Hosted by: Josh Lavik

🎙 Guest: Alison Crim – Real Estate Team Leader, Madison Market

Alison Crim is the founder and lead broker of Husky Homes Team, one of the top-producing real estate teams in Madison, Wisconsin. Alison is passionate about helping people navigate big life transitions and brings both heart and strategy to every transaction. With deep market knowledge and a service-first mindset, she has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor and skilled negotiator for hundreds of buyers and sellers. Her team culture is rooted in professionalism, responsiveness, and results.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ How to create and refine business systems

✔️ When to hire and how to leverage administrative support

✔️ Effective prospecting strategies for new and experienced agents

✔️ Marketing tips that complement outreach efforts

✔️ Building trust through market expertise

✔️ Challenges and benefits of leading a real estate team

✔️ Professional branding and identity shift

📇 Connect with Alison Crim:

🌎 Website → https://www.huskyhomeswi.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/alison.crim7

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/alison_realestate/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-crim/

🎙 Follow Josh Lavik:

🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc

📷 Instagram →  https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik

🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

In this episode of The Better Agent Podcast, host Josh Lavik chats with Mari Slobounov, a Broker/Owner, about her inspiring real estate journey. From starting as a buyer's agent to owning her brokerage, Mari shares her challenges and triumphs along the way. She offers valuable advice for new agents, including tips on hustling, learning, and building a successful business. Tune in to hear her thoughts on rebranding, social media strategies, community engagement, and more!

🎧 Hosted by: Josh Lavik

🎙 Guest: Mari Slobounov – Broker/Owner

Mari Slobounov is a dedicated real estate professional based in Madison, Wisconsin. With nearly seven years of experience, she has successfully closed over 300 transactions, showcasing her commitment to helping clients navigate the buying and selling process with confidence. Mari's background in accounting enhances her attention to detail and negotiation skills, making her a trusted advisor in the Madison real estate market.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Mari's journey from buyer’s agent to broker/owner

✔️ Advice for new agents on how to thrive in real estate

✔️ Transitioning a business and managing the "Golden Handoff"

✔️ The power of social media and rebranding

✔️ Using Instagram as an open house tool

✔️ Building a business without social media

✔️ Investing in real estate and engaging with the community

✔️ Effective follow-up and client management strategies

✔️ Balancing work and personal life in real estate

🎙 Follow Mari Slobounov:

🌎 Website → https://marisellsmadison.kw.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/MariSellsMadison/

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/marisellsmadison/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/mslobounov/

🎙 Follow Josh Lavik:

🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc

📷 Instagram →  https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik
🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/