The Industrialist

In this episode of Confessions of a Street Broker, Jeremy sits down with Matt Smith to break down what it actually takes to build a lasting career in real estate.

With over 20 years of experience, Matt shares the core lessons that separate brokers who last from those who fade out—trust, specialization, resilience, and the power of long-term relationships.

They dive into early career challenges, being underestimated, and how those moments ultimately shape how you operate in the business today.

If you’re in brokerage—or building any service-based career—this episode is a reminder that the fundamentals still win.

In this episode of Confessions of a Street Broker, Jeremy sits down with Matt Smith to break down what it actually takes to build a lasting career in real estate.

With over 20 years of experience, Matt shares the core lessons that separate brokers who last from those who fade out—trust, specialization, resilience, and the power of long-term relationships.

They dive into early career challenges, being underestimated, and how those moments ultimately shape how you operate in the business today.

If you’re in brokerage—or building any service-based career—this episode is a reminder that the fundamentals still win.

Matt Smith's LinkedIn

Jeremy Mercer's LinkedIn

What does it really take to transition from professional sports to building successful businesses?

In this episode, Jeremy Mercer sits down with former NFL safety Kavon Frazier to unpack the real story behind the highlight reel — the adversity, the mindset shifts, and the discipline required to build a second career after football.

Hailing from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kavon’s journey started with just one Division I offer from Central Michigan University — and he took it. What followed wasn’t a straight path. After early success as a freshman, he faced conflict with his coaching staff and was benched midway through his sophomore year. Instead of transferring or quitting, he stayed committed.

That decision changed everything.

Kavon fought his way back, finished strong his senior year, and launched himself into the NFL — ultimately playing for the Dallas Cowboys, one of the most recognized brands in sports. He shares what it’s like to compete at the highest level, handle pressure inside a global franchise, and leverage that experience into life after football.

Now an entrepreneur, Kavon reflects on:

• Navigating adversity without losing direction

• Why loyalty and resilience matter more than instant gratification

• The pressure of performing under the Cowboys brand

• Building businesses with the same discipline required in the NFL

This conversation is about more than football — it’s about identity, reinvention, and staying committed when the path gets hard.

If you’re building something — a business, a career, or a second act — this episode is for you.

Jeremy and Will discuss various topics ranging from their recent trip to Phoenix for the Waste Management Open, market updates, and insights into the real estate sector. The discussion includes a deep dive into the importance of understanding local markets for brokers, predictions for the upcoming Super Bowl, and significant real estate news, including the acquisition of a warehouse by ICE and Brookfield's expansion into solar energy.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back and Phoenix Impressions

01:48 Market Updates and Economic Insights

03:31 Real Estate Market Trends and Performance

08:21 Driving the Market: A Broker's Perspective

15:13 Sports Betting and Super Bowl Predictions

19:02 Real Estate News: ICE Warehouse Acquisition

23:39 Brookfield's Expansion in Real Estate and Solar

In this conversation, Jeremy Mercer interviews Tyson Erwin, the president of the industrial division for NAI Robert Lynn. They discuss the journey of a broker, the importance of relationships in real estate, and the challenges faced in the industry. Tyson shares insights on team dynamics, personality assessments, and the long-term nature of brokerage work. The conversation highlights the significance of building connections, navigating the brokerage landscape, and learning from unique experiences and challenges.Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Brokerage Journeys

01:41 Early Influences and Career Choices

03:28 Navigating the Brokerage Landscape

05:06 Team Dynamics and Personality Assessments

07:21 Building Relationships in Brokerage

08:46 The Long Game in Real Estate

11:03 Cold Calling and Relationship Building

13:16 Unique Deals and Memorable Experiences

15:46 Challenges and Learning from Failures

17:29 The Importance of Collaboration

20:12 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations

In this episode of Shop Talk, the conversation dives into the current state of commercial real estate—and why local expertise matters more than ever. Jeremy and Will break down recent market movement across asset classes, including a noticeable rebound in hospitality, and what that signals for broader real estate momentum heading into the year.

A major focus of the discussion centers on sub-market specialization and how brokers who truly know their neighborhoods gain a powerful edge. From understanding which owners are over-levered or fatigued to spotting opportunities before they hit the open market, the episode explores how information asymmetry, consistency, and boots-on-the-ground relationships translate into real deals.

Jeremy and Will also tackle the challenge of competing with larger firms and explain how smaller brokers can carve out meaningful market share by showing up, providing value, and becoming the trusted local expert.

Follow @jbmatcap on Instagram, YouTube, and X.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

01:45 Navigating Commission and Decision-Making

04:05 Trends in College Football Betting

06:45 Reflections on Team Performance and Coaching

08:35 The Financial Landscape of College Football

10:14 Analyzing Upcoming Games and Predictions

15:12 Coaching Philosophy and Youth Sports

16:22 Super Bowl Aspirations and Team Dynamics

18:54 Affordable Housing and Market Expectations

In this episode, Jeremy, Jeff and Will discuss various topics ranging from the consistency of their podcasting efforts to the latest trends in the real estate market. They analyze economic indicators, stock performance, and the impact of coaching changes in college football. The conversation also covers predictions for upcoming bowl games and the implications of the transfer portal on team dynamics. The episode concludes with a discussion on the Heisman Trophy and its significance in the current college football landscape. In this conversation, the hosts delve into various aspects of college football, including quarterback comparisons, the implications of offensive awards, and the cultural impact of college football stars. They discuss NFL prospects, the declining attendance at bowl games, and the highlights of Texas high school football. The conversation also touches on economic growth driven by new developments, Google's expansion in Texas, and the future of data centers amidst rising competition. The hosts conclude with personal anecdotes and reflections on the leasing market and upcoming events.

Jeremy, Will and Jeff offer valuable insights into the interplay between finance, politics, and sports. Key takeaways include the importance of monitoring market trends and their implications, understanding the influence of political rhetoric on economic sentiment, recognizing the growing disparities in college football due to NIL, and staying vigilant in property management to avoid unexpected costs. By staying informed and adaptable, individuals can navigate these complex landscapes more effectively.

In this week’s episode, the guys cover year-end market updates, real estate stock performance, and the challenges of digital leasing—from tenants signing on car hoods to checks that never arrive. They debate old-school leasing practices, discuss conference championship weekend, the coaching carousel, and which teams deserve a playoff spot. The conversation wraps with North Texas real estate news and a hilarious personal story about the roughest hotel stay in Dallas.