By Megan Marsh and Andres Munar
4.9
1212 ratings
The podcast currently has 52 episodes available.
Mike McGavisk, a real estate brokerage owner, serial entrepreneur, and Operating Partner at Keller Williams Realty, prefers franchises over non-franchised businesses. Why? Let’s find out! Tune in as The Co/LAB hosts, Megan Marsha and Andres Munar, speak with Mike about the benefits of starting a franchise and the importance of intentionality and strategy in building your own real estate or mortgage business.
Show Notes:Do you want more out of your real estate or mortgage career? Do you want to build a business with a team; something of your own that gives you freedom and consistent income? Well, the people and businesses we network with and the choices we make determine the outcomes we see in our career. Here to break down the meaning behind that is Mike McGavisk, a real estate professional and entrepreneur with over 25 years’ of experience in the field. Listen in as Mike shares his top insights on why he prefers to start franchised businesses with ancillary businesses and the misconceptions people have about growing a real estate business/brokerage.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
● [02:44] Introducing Mike McGavisk, Broker & Operating Partner at Keller Williams Realty. Listen in to learn about his intriguing background in education and why he ventured into a real estate career.
● [10:51] How he went from selling real estate to owning a brokerage.
● [16:38] Most brokerages Mike owns are franchises. Why buy a franchise?
● [18:03] It doesn’t happen overnight… Mike shares his lessons learned from owning and growing multiple brokerages.
● [23:20] What qualities make for an ideal business partner?
● [25:20] Mike details why he owns ancillary businesses and how they’ve impacted his brokerages.
● [30:29] Tips and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on dealing with stress and overwhelm.
● [32:43] Misconceptions people have about how to grow a real estate business or brokerage.
● [36:57] As a business owner, do you still actively sell?
● [38:25] What Mike is most excited for in 2023.
● [41:08] To connect with Mike McGavisk, email him at [email protected] or call him at (302)-530-1553.
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. Gain access to FREE downloads, past episodes, and valuable resources here.
Are you a recruiter or is recruiting part of your responsibility as a leader? Should recruiting be top of mind for you? If you haven’t even thought of recruiting, you might be missing a crucial element that could guide you and your business to success. Listen in as recruiting expert Richard Milligan joins Megan to break down the importance of recruiting in real estate and mortgage businesses, even if you’re not yet in a recruiting role.
Oftentimes, we operate within limitations for so long that we forget to dream. We forget that we have a vision for growth. Where do YOU want to be in 2032? If you want to have a team, be #1 in your market, and recruit the best salespeople… you need to become a Recruiting Leader. Having built 21 teams in the mortgage industry, Richard Milligan is a trusted leader in recruitment for mortgage brokers. Beyond direct recruitment, Richard helps leaders become the best recruiters possible. He even hosts a top-rated podcast, Recruiting Conversation, and authored a recruitment guide, How to Dominate Recruiting in a Digital World.
If anyone’s going to get you pumped up about recruiting, it’s Richard.
Ready to learn more? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The Co/LAB:
● [03:07] Introducing Richard Milligan, an accomplished speaker, author, podcast host, strategist, and recruiting coach.
● [06:29] What is a Recruiting Leader? & Richard’s framework for developing a Recruiting Leader.
● [10:39] “We have to become a person of value before we try to become a person of success.” – Richard Milligan
● [12:16] How to Dominate Recruiting in a Digital World: Advice on preparing yourself for a recruiting role.
● [16:51] Types of people you should be looking for as a recruiter in the real estate and mortgage industries.
● [20:17] How to deal with people leaving your team & The #1 question leaders should ask in order to recruit and retain the best team members.
● [29:24] “Recruiting done right is actually communicating as a leader your vision for the future, your values of who you are, and the reason why you do this beyond the money, beyond the transaction.” – Richard Milligan
● [30:30] What it’s like to work with a recruiting coach.
Learn more about 4C Recruiting
Listen to Recruiting Conversations
Book a call with Richard
Megan and Andres have created a NEW course - My Broker Fast Track – for mortgage loan officers who want to start their own business. For more information, visit: https://www.thecolablife.com/mortgagebroker
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Connect with The Co/LAB at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. Gain access to FREE downloads, past episodes, and valuable resources here.
Fear is a powerful barrier that many of us face, especially when making difficult or life-changing decisions. Fear is an emotion based on a past experience, opinions that others have placed on you, or a made up story that you’ve held on to for far too long. Does fear ever stop you from chasing your dreams? Has it held you back from starting your own business or reaching out to that person you want to network with? You’re not alone… but learning tactics for dealing with fear and going after what you want is the key to making it big in this industry. Helping you face your fears, shift your perspective, and show you what’s possible is what The Co/LAB hosts, Megan Marsh and Andres Munar do best.
We all have different relationships with fear. But when we let fear and other emotions hold us back from succeeding in our careers, how can we ever expect to succeed? As Andres says, you don’t know what’s on the other side of fear until you pass it. So, tune in for a motivational chat with Megan and Andres and hear them share their personal experiences navigating fear. You’ll also hear their best advice for overcoming fear so you can achieve your biggest, dreamiest goals. Remember, anything’s possible if your heart’s in the right place!
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The Co/LAB:
● [02:59] We are SO done with all the fear circulating around the real estate industry.
● [06:05] Why Megan & Andres created their NEW course - Mortgage Broker Fast Track.
● [07:44] “With the knowledge that we have, it’s really just knowledge lost if we’re not passing that onto other people.” – Andres Munar
● [08:15] Megan shares a story that illustrates how fear almost held them back from finishing the My Broker Fast Track course (and the crazy leap they took to get over their fear).
● [17:18] Tips for overcoming fear as a real estate professional & Andre speaks on his relationship with fear.
● [20:49] There’s a huge difference between making decisions rooted in fear and making decisions rooted in confidence.
● [26:46] “We all have limited time. Don’t let having kids stop you, don’t let people’s opinions stop you, don’t let your mind screaming at you stop you. Do something scary.” – Megan Marsh
● [26:56] Using The Courage Scale to gain courage in making difficult decisions.
Connect with The Co/LAB at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. Gain access to FREE downloads, past episodes, and valuable resources here.
Dan Patty took a risk, opened his own brokerage, and reached a level of success and fulfillment he had never felt before. Dan prides himself on a knack for creative problem-solving, so with over $200 million in lifetime loan origination volume under his belt, there aren’t many problems he can’t solve! Listen in as The Co/LAB hosts, Megan Marsha and Andres Munar, speak with Dan about the red flags that made him start his own business and why hiring a team was one of his best solutions.
Show Notes:Not sure how to start your own business? There’s no right or wrong way to build a business, you just have to find a strategy that works for you and the right people to support you. Dan Patty is proof that as long as you have goals, a vision, a plan, and a way to execute that plan, you can be a successful brokerage owner. Whether you want to work from home or from an office, be in business by yourself or with 20+ employees, you can do it! Listen in to hear Dan break down his favorite parts of owning a brokerage, the value in hiring a team, and what he would’ve done differently at the start of his entrepreneurial journey.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The Co/LAB
● [02:59] There’s a million ways to start a business, but you only need these 4 things to succeed in entrepreneurship.
● [05:28] Introducing Dan Patty, an experienced mortgage broker and Owner of Solcosta Home Loans. Listen in to learn the story behind why Dan left the retail industry and how he ended up starting his own mortgage brokerage.
● [11:09] Why do so many loan originators switch companies so often instead of opening a brokerage?
● [14:15] Dan shares his favorite part of owning a brokerage and being his own boss.
● [17:17] The advantages and disadvantages of having a team & What caused Dan to hire a team for his brokerage.
● [23:26] “[Hiring a team] may become your largest expense, but it is a business expense… You’re not paying this person out of your pocket, this is an expense that the company is bring on to grow, to serve more clients, to be better, and it’s a necessary business expense.” — Dan Patty
● [24:28] The HUGE value in creating written, step-by-step processes and procedures for your employees & More life-changing benefits of hiring a team.
● [29:49] What would you have done differently when starting your brokerage?
● [38:28] Dan sheds light on his vision and goals for the future of his business, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing yourself, your health, and your family.
● [41:03] Listen in to hear expert advice on building a mortgage brokerage business.
Megan and Andres have created a NEW course - My Broker Fast Track – for mortgage loan officers who want to start their own business. For more information, visit: https://www.thecolablife.com/mortgagebroker
Connect with The Co/LAB at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Gain access to FREE downloads, past episodes, and valuable resources here.
Glenn Groves and Evan Wade are brokerage owners who aren’t done building their empires… As industry leaders in technology, marketing, and growth strategies, it feels like they’re just getting started! Tune in as The Co/LAB hosts, Megan Marsh and Andres Munar, speak with Glenn and Evan about the benefits of being a brokerage owner and how to successfully start and grow multiple brokerages.
Today’s guests believe that if you want to start a business, you should definitely give it a try! Of course, there will be learning curves and obstacles you need to navigate, but if you’re meant to own your own business, you can make it happen. Listen in as Glenn Groves and Evan Wade shed light on what you need to do before you start your own mortgage brokerage, the power of going into business with a partner, and their top tips for new and aspiring brokerage owners.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The Co/LAB:
● [04:45] Introducing Glenn Groves, Owner of GTG Financial, along with Evan Wade, Founder of Philadelphia Mortgage Brokers and President & CEO of Epoch Lending. Listen in to hear their unique backgrounds in the mortgage industry.
● [13:53] Glenn and Evan bust a few myths about owning a brokerage, including there being a lack of control.
● [18:36] The hardest parts of starting a mortgage business & The power of starting a brokerage with a partner.
● [26:14] Evan explains the main reason he opened two brokerages & What to look for in a technology/software vendor.
● [30:58] How they plan to evolve and/or scale their businesses + A look into their numbers.
● [37:57] The most rewarding benefits of owning your own brokerage.
● [45:05] Advice for new and aspiring broker owners
● [47:24] A great hack for making corporate processing easier for your loan officers.
● [52:06] Glenn’s and Evan’s #1 tip for loan officers who are interested in starting a business.
Megan and Andres have created a NEW course - My Broker FastTrack – for mortgage loan officers or real estate agents who want to start their own mortgage brokerage. For more information, visit: https://www.thecolablife.com/sneakpeek
Connect with The Co/LAB at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Making the switch to entrepreneurship was a bold move for Staci Stanley. Once she saw an opportunity to leave her corporate job, she got her execution strategy ready, handed in her company laptop, and started her own LLC. Now, she’s using her 20+ years of mortgage lending experience to help people get the best mortgage rates in Colorado. Listen in as Staci shares the greatest lessons she has learned (and is still learning) throughout the transition from mortgage retailer to broker with The Co/LAB hosts, Megan Marsha and Andres Munar.
The #1 thing that prevents people from starting a business is fear. Since entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone, how do you know if you have what it takes to run a successful business? For Staci Stanley, it doesn’t take closing 100 loans for her to feel happy and successful. Making the switch to entrepreneurship was more about the freedom, flexibility, and limitless potential for growth. She’s been using that freedom to learn and grow as an entrepreneur and mortgage broker, so let’s hear what advice she has for people who want to do the same!
If you’re an employee in the mortgage industry and you’re curious about opening up your own brokerage, you’re in the right place.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The Co/LAB:
● [02:28] The next few episodes will be showcasing unique business owners in the mortgage industry and the tactics they’ve used to overcome fear and successfully start and run their own business.
● [06:39] Megan and Andres have created a NEW course - My Broker Fast Track – which was created for mortgage loan officers who are either sick of the corporate life or want to start their own business.
● [07:50] Introducing Staci Stanley, the Owner of Access Home Loans, a Colorado-based company providing opportunities for low rate, hassle-free mortgages for buying or refinancing a home. Listen in to learn Staci’s background in mortgage lending and why she chose to become a broker.
● [10:46] You must balance the risk and the reward of staying an employee versus starting your own business. Staci breaks down how she overcame the biggest risk of opening a brokerage.
● [17:38] Embracing the broker lifestyle and being a solo broker were the biggest challenges she experienced (and still struggles with) as a new mortgage broker.
● [21:07] “Before I became a broker, I did no more than $15 million in a year… my year last year was about $27 million.” — Staci Stanley
● [25:38] Staci sheds light on the expenses of a mortgage brokerage, from clients’ credit reports to marketing and technology, and how expenses might shape your business model. Plus, she speaks on why she’s starting to outsource some of her work.
● [29:42] What does the future hold for Staci and Access Home Loans? Up until now, it’s been all about money and financial stability for her… but now, it’s becoming more about maximizing her free time and decreasing stress.
● [34:38] As a broker, you’re in control… and there’s many benefits to that!
● [37:24] Do you wish you had made the switch to entrepreneurship sooner? Staci says yes and no…
● [39:55] There certainly are hurdles you have to just over to open your own brokerage, but My Broker Fast Track can help you avoid the most common mistakes people make in the first year of being a broker. Listen in to hear Staci’s top piece of advice for new brokers!
Connect with The Co/LAB at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. Gain access to FREE downloads, past episodes, and valuable resources here.
Selling a service is about more than just offering something that people need. It’s about building trust and confidence with potential customers. It’s about assuring them that you and your team are the best at what you do and the right people to purchase services from. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar welcome sales expert Ryann Dowdy, founder of the Social Sales Academy, to discuss strategies on increasing sales for service companies. And how to take your service sales to new levels.
Show Notes:The saying goes that good products sell themselves, but anyone behind a service-focused business knows there’s more to it than that. Marketing a service is more complicated than just advertising a description and cost. It’s about relationship building because you’re not only selling your service but your expertise and knowledge behind that service.
How to successfully market your service—and yourself—continues to change as potential customers are seeking out and interacting with businesses through more than just traditional channels. That means you need salespeople with different skillsets who can navigate all sorts of environments: conferences, online platforms, cold calls, and much more. And those salespeople will look different than the stereotypical men in suits.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Many small businesses are borne out of their founders’ skills, but franchising is a business model that allows people with passion and drive to pursue starting a business of their own without having to define every aspect. But, how to pursue a franchise? The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar talk the ins and outs of franchising with Lance Graulich, founder and CEO of ION Franchising. ION Franchising provides free franchise consulting services to assist people in making the best decision in buying a franchise, business, or business opportunity.
Show Notes:Starting a business can be rewarding but also extremely challenging. You’re responsible for everything, from defining your brand to creating operating procedures. For some, it’s too overwhelming of a dream to pursue. The good news is there are other options. Franchising is one way to get your foot into the business world without having to build every part of a company.
Not familiar with franchising? Think of it as a business in a box. You’re taking ownership of a business location with an established brand and reputation. In a new business that comes with the resources and support of a larger company. It’s still up to you to make your location successful, but there are corporate standards and resources already in place to help you.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
The dream of owning your own business is often accompanied by thoughts of turning all that hard work into a big payoff. But many small business owners ask how to pay yourself? In reality, that paycheck may not be as big as you expect. In fact, many small business owners don’t take one the first few years their company exists. There are many misconceptions when it comes to paying yourself as a business owner, but The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar have tips and resources to set you on the path to success and financial security.
It’s a rarely discussed topic but one that every small business owner eventually faces: How in the world do you pay yourself? Is there a secret formula? Does it depend on the business you’re in? There are right and wrong ways to pay yourself as a business owner. It’s tempting to think that any money that comes into your business bank account is yours for the spending, but figuring out your income is much more complicated than that. It’s important to do the research, lay the groundwork, and establish the right systems to set yourself up to be successful.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Standing out from the competition is necessary to attract new customers and maintain business growth, but are your current marketing efforts helping you reach this goal? If they’re not, you might find yourself lost in the sea while your competitors pull ahead. In today's episode, we are discussing how to grow your business through video with Jessica Edwards, a Realtor, and owner of Jessica Edwards & Associates is known for her innovative use of technology and video and cutting-edge marketing tactics. She joins The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar to discuss how these tactics can be used to help small businesses grow.
Consumers are just a few clicks away from an endless sea of videos thanks to smartphones and computers. The use of video to market businesses, products, and services continue to rise. Luckily, you don’t need to invest thousands of dollars to break into video, so even small businesses have a chance to add it to their marketing toolbox. This week’s CoLab guest Jessica Edwards has been at the forefront of video marketing for Coldwell Banker. She shares her expertise with hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar in this episode.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:
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The podcast currently has 52 episodes available.