Building a business around your passion, health transformations, and creating freedom with Captain Ryan Casey

What happens when you turn a lifelong passion into a successful business?

In this episode of Elevate & Execute, Brian Preston and Kyle Fernandez sit down with longtime friend and entrepreneur Ryan Casey, founder of Show Me Catfishing. Ryan shares how he built one of the Midwest's most successful guided fishing operations, turning a love for fishing into a thriving business that now serves thousands of clients from around the world.

The conversation covers everything from fishing adventures on the Mississippi River and building a business from scratch to overcoming cancer, improving health in your 40s, and creating financial freedom through real estate investing.

If you've ever wondered what it takes to build a lifestyle around something you love while still creating long-term wealth and freedom, this episode is for you.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How Ryan turned a passion for fishing into a full-time business
• What it's like guiding clients on the Mississippi River
• The biggest fish ever caught from his boat
• Lessons learned from 17 years as a business owner
• Why health becomes more important in your 40s and 50s
• Ryan's experience overcoming testicular cancer
• The reality of TRT, fitness, and improving quality of life as you age
• Why creating multiple streams of income matters
• Beginner advice for buying your first investment property
• The importance of taking calculated risks and betting on yourself

Key takeawaysTurning passion into profit

Ryan built Show Me Catfishing into the largest catfishing guide service in the St. Louis region. What started as a love for fishing became a business that now employs multiple guides and attracts customers from across the United States and around the world.

The Mississippi River is no joke

From navigating powerful currents to helping clients land 100+ pound fish, Ryan shares stories from thousands of guided trips and explains why the Mississippi remains one of the most unique fisheries in the country.

Health is an investment

The guys discuss the reality of aging, fitness, nutrition, TRT, fasting, and building habits that allow you to stay active and capable later in life.

Surviving cancer changes perspective

Ryan opens up about his battle with testicular cancer, how it was discovered, and why regular checkups and paying attention to your health can be life-changing.

Financial freedom requires action

The conversation shifts into real estate investing, where Brian and Kyle break down practical advice for beginners looking to buy rental properties and create long-term wealth.

Memorable moments

• Ryan shares stories from over 30 years of friendship with Brian and Kyle
• Catching catfish weighing more than 100 pounds
• A customer accidentally driving Ryan's boat into a barge
• The first person to ever fall overboard during one of Ryan's guided trips
• Building a guide service that has hosted clients from Switzerland, Ukraine, Canada, and the UK
• The reality of balancing business ownership, family, health, and personal goals

About Ryan Casey

Ryan Casey is the founder and owner of Show Me Catfishing, one of the premier guided fishing services in the Midwest. For nearly two decades, Ryan has guided thousands of anglers on the Mississippi River, helping clients catch trophy-sized catfish while building a business around the sport he loves.

Connect with Ryan

Website: https://showmecatfishing.com

Interested in booking a trip? Show Me Catfishing offers guided fishing experiences on the Mississippi River for anglers of all skill levels.

Quote from the episode

"Just got tired of feeling like crap, having no energy, and wanted to make a change."

"Most people spend their lives wishing they had started sooner. Just start."

"If you do something you love, eventually it becomes a job. But I still love seeing people catch big fish."

Elevate and Execute PodcastBuilding a real estate career from scratch with Spencer Argueta

In this episode of Elevate and Execute, Brian Preston and Kyle Fernandez sit down with Elevate Realty partner Spencer Argueta to discuss her journey from Colorado stay-at-home mom to becoming one of the top-producing agents and owners at Elevate Realty.

Spencer shares how a relocation to St. Louis led to an unexpected career in real estate, the lessons she learned building a business in a city where she knew no one, and how strategic lead generation, relationship-building, and consistency helped her grow from a handful of transactions to helping build a brokerage on pace for hundreds of millions in annual sales.

The conversation also takes a deep dive into Zillow, buyer agency agreements, lead generation, database building, and what today's consumers need to understand about working with real estate agents.

What you'll learn

• How Spencer went from knowing nobody in St. Louis to becoming a top-producing Realtor
• Why relationships are the foundation of a successful real estate career
• The importance of saying "yes" early in your business
• How Zillow became one of the largest lead-generation platforms in real estate
• The difference between Zillow's traditional lead model and Zillow Preferred/Flex
• Why building and nurturing a database creates long-term success
• How Missouri's buyer agency laws have changed the home-buying process
• What buyers should know before signing an agency agreement
• Why experience matters when choosing a real estate agent
• How Elevate Realty helps new agents accelerate their growth

Key topics discussedSpencer's journey to St. Louis

• Relocating from Colorado after her husband's company transfer
• Working at Lifetime Fitness and meeting Kyle Fernandez
• Getting her real estate license while raising three children
• Choosing a small brokerage over large national brands

Building a business from zero

• Starting without a sphere of influence
• Leveraging internet leads and strategic partnerships
• Reinvesting earnings back into lead generation
• Growing through referrals and repeat clients

Zillow explained

• How Zillow became the nation's largest real estate portal
• Understanding lead generation and Zillow Preferred
• The true cost and value of paid leads
• Why databases are more valuable than individual transactions

Missouri buyer agency agreements

• What changed in Missouri law
• Why buyers must now sign agreements before viewing homes
• Different agency agreement options available to consumers
• How buyers can protect themselves during the process

Advice for new agents

• Why consistency beats shortcuts
• The importance of training and coaching
• How new agents can shorten the time between licensing and their first paycheck
• What separates successful agents from those who leave the industry

Memorable quotes"Real estate is a relationship business.""The value in real estate is in your CRM and your database.""I want to earn your business and become your agent for life.""The more people I meet, the more people will transact.""If you're saying no all the time, you're stealing from your future income."About Spencer Argueta

Spencer Argueta is a partner at Elevate Realty and one of the driving forces behind the brokerage's growth. After relocating to St. Louis from Colorado, she built a thriving real estate business from the ground up and now helps coach and mentor agents while overseeing key systems, operations, and lead-generation strategies within the company.

Connect with Elevate Realty

Whether you're buying, selling, investing, or exploring a career in real estate, Elevate Realty's mission is simple:

To elevate the lives of our clients, our agents, and the communities we serve.

Elevate and Execute — Episode: Contracts, Commission Conversations, and Earning Your Value

Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston

Guest: Larry Siebert

Episode Summary

In this insightful episode of Elevate and Execute, Kyle and Brian sit down with Larry Siebert to break down the real conversations happening around commissions, contracts, and client expectations in today’s real estate market.

They dive into how the industry has shifted, what agents are experiencing in the field, and why professionalism and communication are more important than ever. The conversation centers on buyer agreements, how compensation is actually structured, and how seasoned agents confidently explain their value in a changing landscape.

Larry shares his perspective on navigating negotiations, setting expectations early, and why agents who lead with clarity instead of fear will continue to win. The episode reinforces a core theme: you don’t justify your commission — you demonstrate it.

What You’ll Learn

1. How to confidently explain commission structures to buyers and sellers
2. Why buyer agreements are becoming more important in today’s market
3. The difference between “charging” a commission and “earning” it
4. How to handle compensation objections without getting defensive
5. Why professionalism and preparation separate career agents from part-timers
6. How to set expectations early so deals don’t fall apart later
7. The long-term impact of protecting your value instead of discounting it

Notable Quotes“You don’t defend your commission — you demonstrate your value.” “If you’re uncomfortable talking about compensation, you’re not prepared.” “Clarity up front prevents conflict later.” “Professionals don’t race to the bottom.”Subscribe & Review

If this episode helped you rethink how you present your value and navigate compensation conversations, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another agent who’s building their business the right way.

Follow Elevate and Execute for weekly conversations about real estate, leadership, and building sustainable careers.

Elevate and Execute — Episode: Real Estate Chaos, Lead Sources, and Building a Business Through Real Life

Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston

Guest: Larry Siebert

Episode Summary

In this candid and entertaining episode of Elevate and Execute, Kyle and Brian sit down with Larry Siebert for a wide-ranging conversation about the realities of building a real estate business while juggling real life, unpredictable situations, and constant change.

The episode opens with real-world stories from the field—unexpected showings, awkward moments, and the kind of chaos that only happens in real estate. From there, the conversation moves into lead generation, long-term relationship building, and what actually drives repeat and referral business.

Larry shares insights on consistency, professionalism, and why showing up the right way matters more than being perfect. The group also talks about the difference between buying time versus saving money, how systems reduce stress, and why most success in real estate comes from simply doing the basics exceptionally well over time.

This episode balances humor, honesty, and practical advice—making it relatable for new agents and seasoned professionals alike.

What You’ll Learn

1. Why real estate rarely goes as planned—and how to stay professional anyway
2. How chaos in the field builds experience and confidence
3. The long-term value of relationships over transactions
4. Why consistency beats intensity in real estate careers
5. How to think about time vs. money when growing your business
6. What actually builds trust with clients
7. Why systems and preparation reduce stress and mistakes
8. How to build a sustainable real estate career without burnout

Notable Quotes“Real estate isn’t about perfection—it’s about professionalism.” “The deals you do today are planting seeds for years down the road.” “Most success comes from doing simple things consistently well.” “You can’t eliminate chaos in real estate, but you can control how you respond to it.” “Time is the one thing you can’t get back—protect it.”Subscribe & Review

If this episode made you laugh, reflect, or rethink how you approach your business, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow agent who understands the chaos.

Follow Elevate and Execute for weekly conversations about real estate, business, and building careers that last.

Elevate and Execute — Episode: Real Estate Chaos, Lead Sources, and Building a Business With Kids in Tow

Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston

Guest: Spencer Argueta

Episode Summary

In this high-energy and refreshingly honest episode, Kyle and Brian sit down with Spencer Argueta to talk about the unpredictable (and often hilarious) daily life of a real estate agent. From getting locked on balconies in a skirt to breaking basement doors with a shoulder-check, the crew shares the kinds of real-world stories that only agents truly understand.

But beneath the humor is a deeper conversation about systems, lead generation, motherhood, and the sacrifices required to build a real estate business from scratch.

Spencer opens up about starting her career with three young kids, no family nearby, and a husband working seven days a week. She breaks down how she built a thriving business anyway—using organization, adaptability, and total commitment.

Then the conversation shifts into lead sources, including Zillow, pay-per-click, sphere building, and the massive downstream value of doing great work for one client. The team also discusses the difference between spending money to save time vs. spending time to save money, and what new agents should realistically expect when entering the industry.

The episode finishes with a look at 75 Hard, micro-habits, discipline, and why sustainable lifestyle changes matter far more than 75 days of intensity.

This one is funny, heartfelt, tactical, and deeply motivating.

What You’ll Learn

1. Why real estate is unpredictable—and why that’s part of the fun
2. The daily chaos agents walk into during showings
3. The importance of systems when you’re building a career with limited time
4. How Spencer successfully worked with three kids in tow
5. Why clients rarely care if your kids come with you—if you show up well
6. The long-term value of online leads beyond the first transaction
7. How to choose between time vs. money when growing your business
8. Why working leads is about relationships, not just conversion
9. How to start 75 Hard the smart way by implementing micro-habits early
10. Why 2024 feels like a breakthrough year for the Elevate team

Notable Quotes“Every day is different in real estate — that’s what makes it exciting.” “If you want it badly enough, you’ll find the systems to make it work.” “Your kids being with you doesn’t make you less professional — it makes you human.” “One Zillow lead turned into 18 transactions because we did it right.” “You either spend money to buy time, or you spend time because you don’t have the money.” “If you only change your life for 75 days, nothing really changes.”Subscribe & Review

If this episode inspired you, made you laugh, or gave you a new perspective on building a real estate career while juggling life, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another real estate professional.

Follow Elevate and Execute for weekly conversations that blend business, mindset, and the messy reality of entrepreneurship.

Elevate and Execute — Episode: Scaling Rentals, Smart Systems, and Doing It Right the First Time

Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston

Guest: Chad Klamen

Episode Summary

In this systems-focused episode of Elevate and Execute, Kyle and Brian sit down with real estate investor and operator Chad Klamen to break down what it really takes to scale a rental portfolio the right way.

Chad walks through the behind-the-scenes systems he uses to manage over 150 rental units efficiently — from self-guided showings and tenant screening to standardized rehabs and streamlined move-out processes. The conversation dives deep into why systems beat hustle, how time savings outweigh occasional risk, and why treating rentals like a business (not a hobby) is the key to long-term profitability.

They also explore tenant experience, fair housing considerations, maintenance efficiency, staging rentals for higher rent, and why cutting corners on materials almost always costs more in the long run. This episode is packed with practical, repeatable ideas for investors who want scale without chaos.

What You’ll Learn

1. How Chad runs self-guided showings safely and efficiently
2. Why strong pre-screening protects both landlords and tenants
3. The systems behind smooth move-ins and move-outs
4. How standardizing cabinets, flooring, and finishes saves time and money
5. Why staging rental properties can increase rent and reduce vacancy
6. The real cost of cheap rehabs and constant maintenance
7. How tenant satisfaction directly impacts profitability
8. Why relationships are the most powerful form of lead generation
9. How to think about scaling property management without burning out

Notable Quotes“You can’t scale without systems.” “If you do it right the first time, you don’t have to keep fixing it.” “Turnover is the most expensive part of owning rentals.” “Cheap materials cost you more over time.” “Relationships are currency — that’s where the best deals come from.”Subscribe & Review

If this episode gave you actionable ideas for running rentals smarter and scaling with confidence, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with an investor who’s trying to grow without chaos.

Follow Elevate and Execute for real conversations about real estate, systems, and building businesses that actually last.

Elevate and Execute — Episode: Year-End Reflection, Discipline, and Setting the Tone for 2026

Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston, David Ounanian

Episode Summary

In this end-of-year episode, the Elevate and Execute crew reflects on the lessons, challenges, and wins from 2025—both in business and in life. They talk candidly about discipline, consistency, and why most people drift instead of deliberately designing the year ahead.

The conversation covers real estate, entrepreneurship, health, and mindset, with a strong emphasis on personal responsibility and long-term thinking. Rather than chasing resolutions or quick wins, the hosts focus on building systems, routines, and habits that compound over time.

As the year wraps up, this episode serves as both a reset and a challenge: to take ownership of your direction, eliminate distractions, and move into 2026 with clarity and intent.

What You’ll Learn

1. Why reflection matters more than goal-setting alone
2. How discipline and routine create momentum year over year
3. The difference between being busy and being intentional
4. Why most people overestimate what they can do in a month and underestimate what they can do in a year
5. How to evaluate what worked—and what didn’t—in 2025
6. The importance of personal standards in business and life
7. Why consistency beats motivation every time
8. How to set yourself up for a strong 2026 without burnout

Notable Quotes“Most people don’t need a new goal—they need better habits.” “If you don’t choose your direction, life will choose it for you.” “Discipline is the bridge between intention and results.” “What you do daily matters more than what you plan yearly.”Subscribe & Review

If this episode helped you reflect on the year or sharpen your focus for what’s next, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who wants to enter 2026 with purpose instead of pressure.

Follow Elevate and Execute for weekly conversations on real estate, business, and building a disciplined, intentional life.

Elevate and Execute — Episode: The NAR Settlement, Steering, and What the New Rules Really Mean

Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston, David Ounanian**

Episode Summary

In this detailed and highly relevant episode, the guys break down the NAR settlement, the removal of buyer-agent compensation from the MLS, and what the shifting real estate landscape will look like for buyers, sellers, and agents.

They begin with a conversation about inventory shortages and why balanced markets may never return. From there, they unpack the class-action lawsuit that led to the NAR settlement, why MLS platforms must remove published buyer-side compensation, and how that change is creating confusion—and opportunity—across the industry.

The hosts walk through real examples of steering, commission misconceptions, and how cooperating compensation has traditionally worked behind the scenes. They explain what will change on July 15th, why buyer’s agency agreements will become mandatory before showings, and how seasoned agents will use this moment to gain market share while others exit the business.

The episode wraps with a personal update as the guys discuss 75 Hard, mental toughness, discipline, and the physical transformations they’ve experienced through the program.

What You’ll Learn

• Why inventory remains at crisis levels and isn’t projected to recover soon
• What the NAR settlement actually says—and what the headlines got wrong
• Why buyer-agent compensation is being removed from the MLS and how that affects showings
• How “steering” became a focal point in the lawsuit
• What cooperating commissions looked like before, and what changes July 15th
• Why buyer agency agreements will now be required before touring any home
• How experienced agents will differentiate themselves in a post-settlement landscape
• Why discount listings (2% or less) often produce poor outcomes
• How low-priced properties shift the conversation around minimum commissions
• Why many agents may leave the business—and why that creates opportunity
• Mental toughness lessons from completing 75 Hard, including discipline, routine, and health improvements

Notable Quotes“There’s no event we can predict that’s going to suddenly pour inventory back into this market.”“Steering was the heart of the lawsuit—agents choosing homes based on the payout, not the buyer’s needs.”“Good agents will always be able to justify their value.”“This isn’t a diet program. It’s a mental toughness program.”“You get what you pay for—especially in real estate.”Subscribe & Review

If this episode helped clarify the NAR settlement or gave you new insight into how the industry is evolving, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow agent or homeowner trying to navigate the changes.

Follow Elevate & Execute for weekly conversations about real estate, business growth, and building a disciplined life.

Elevate and Execute — Episode: Investors, Section 8, and Where to Buy in St. Louis

Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston, David Ounanian

Episode Summary

In this episode of Elevate and Execute, the guys dig into how investors are reshaping the housing market and what that means for everyday buyers, sellers, and agents. They open with a stat that nearly 30% of all real estate transactions are now investor purchases, then dive into why real estate has become the preferred asset over stocks—and what the downside is when institutional and small investors soak up inventory.

From there, they unpack the current Section 8 and rental trends, why so many investors are chasing government-backed rents, and the major risk of building your whole portfolio on a government program that can change overnight. That leads into a breakdown of DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans, 30-year fixed options for portfolios, and how those products are changing the game for buy-and-hold investors.

The second half of the episode zooms in on the St. Louis market—inventory levels, why the Midwest stays stable when coastal markets swing hard, insurance and storm impacts, and the realities of today’s seller’s market. The guys also tackle one of their most common questions: “Where should I buy—and where should I avoid?” They walk through school districts, suburbs like Chesterfield, St. Charles, Wentzville, Arnold, Oakville, Town & Country, and Wildwood, plus why crime data and spotcrime.com matter when picking both where to live and where to invest.

They wrap with a fun but important conversation about time ROI—including why paying someone $50 to cut your lawn might be the best investment you make all week.

What You’ll Learn

• Why nearly 30% of U.S. home sales are now investor purchases—and what that means for inventory and homeownership.
• The pros and cons of chasing Section 8 rentals and why relying on government-backed rent can be risky.
• How DSCR loans work, when they’re useful, and why 30-year fixed DSCR options are a big deal for portfolio investors.
• Why the Midwest (and St. Louis in particular) doesn’t see the wild value swings that coastal markets do.
• How storms, roofs, and rising insurance costs are quietly changing deal math.
• Current St. Louis market conditions: inventory levels, appreciation, interest rates, and why even a 0.25% drop in rates can spike activity.
• How the hosts coach out-of-state buyers on where to live vs. where to invest in the St. Louis region.
• Why low-price-point properties can sometimes outperform “A+” areas in appreciation percentage, even if you wouldn’t live there yourself.
• How to use crime maps (like SpotCrime) to quickly screen areas you’d never recommend for living or investing.
• A practical reminder that your time has a dollar value—and why outsourcing tasks (like mowing the lawn) can be a smarter use of your hours.

Notable Quotes“Real estate is predictable. You’ll have ups and downs, but historically it always goes back up.” “Any time it’s tied to the government having control—like Section 8 or Airbnb—you’d better understand the risk.” “The Midwest doesn’t have the massive swings. That’s the beauty—you don’t get the crazy highs, but you also don’t get crushed.” “Why are you cutting your own grass when you could spend that same hour doing something worth $10,000 an hour?”“You might not want to live there—but you might want to invest there.”

Elevate and Execute — Episode: Safety, Market Myths & The Truth About the New Real Estate Contracts

Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston, David Ounanian

Episode Summary

In this jam-packed episode, the guys dive into three major themes dominating the real estate world right now: agent safety, the lies clients are hearing about the market, and the truth about the new contracts and commission changes.

They kick things off with real, unfiltered stories from the field — from walking into questionable properties, to dealing with loose dogs, to why Missouri agents need to understand self-defense and gun laws.

From there, they shift into one of the most important topics today: the myths and misinformation being spread about the housing market. They break down why headlines are misleading, why inventory levels tell the real story, and how buyers are being scared out of great opportunities by bad information.

The final part of the episode digs into the new real estate contracts, why commissions disappeared from the MLS, and the truth behind buyer-agent compensation going forward. They explain what’s actually changing, what isn’t, and how to navigate offers in the new landscape with confidence and strategy.

What You’ll Learn

• Practical safety protocols every agent should follow when entering unfamiliar properties
• Why Missouri’s carry laws matter for realtors — and when carrying can be a risk
• How to properly announce yourself during showings to avoid dangerous encounters
• The myths clients believe about a “market crash” and why the data says otherwise
• Why 1.7 months of inventory is a huge signal that prices aren’t dropping
• How taxes and insurance are impacting affordability (and why “fixed payments” aren’t fixed)
• The biggest lie first-time buyers believe about escrow
• The truth about the new contracts and why seller-paid commission is still allowed
• How buyer-agent compensation is actually negotiated now
• Why actual commissions have been dropping for years — and what agents can do to stay valuable
• The harsh reality of how many agents only sell 1–2 homes a year
• Why long-term wealth for agents comes from owning real estate, not selling it

Notable Quotes“Always carry or don’t carry — there’s no in between.”“There’s no such thing as a fixed payment if you escrow.”“The sky’s not falling. Real estate is slow to rise, slow to fall, and extremely stable.”“Most agents want 100% of zero. I’d rather have less of something real.”“I don’t make my money selling real estate — I make my money buying real estate.”Subscribe & Review

If this episode gave you clarity about the market, safety, or the new contracts, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow agent or homeowner who needs the truth — not the headlines.

Follow Elevate and Execute for weekly conversations on real estate, business strategy, and building wealth the right way.