Maria Koch is a Kansas City-based agent and investor who has built momentum through flips, BRRRRs, and long-term rentals. In this Investor Spotlight, Maria walks us through her journey into real estate, breaks down one of her deals step by step, and shares how she evaluates opportunities in today’s KC market.

We talk candidly about what worked, what didn’t, and the systems she uses to balance being both an agent and an investor. Maria also shares her perspective on Kansas City neighborhoods, common mistakes new investors make, and practical advice for anyone looking to buy their first investment property.

This episode is packed with real numbers, real lessons, and real insight for agents and investors who want to build wealth locally.

Find Maria at:

⁠http://nocoastinvesting.com⁠

Instagram- @nocoastinvesting

Matt Webb didn’t start in real estate, he started in hospice, sitting with people during some of the hardest moments of their lives.

In this episode of The Red Chair, Matt shares how that experience shaped the way he builds relationships, leads his business, and shows up for clients today.

In just five years, Matt has gone from unsure of his path to closing 100+ deals a year and building both a real estate business and an investing arm. But behind the growth, he opens up about the pressure, burnout, and moments that forced him to rethink everything.

We talk about:

• The mindset shift from athlete to entrepreneur
• How faith influences his business and decision-making
• Building wealth through real estate investing
• The realities of scaling fast...and what it costs
• Why success without alignment can still feel empty

This is a conversation about more than production, it’s about purpose, growth, and building a life you don’t need to escape from.

What happens when success comes faster than you’re ready for it?

In this episode of The Red Chair, Genevra Collins sits down with real estate leader Jim Godwin to unpack a story that most people never tell.

From building a million-dollar real estate business…
to battling addiction in silence…to hitting rock bottom with just $25 in his account and no way to make payroll…Jim shares the raw, unfiltered truth behind what was really happening behind the scenes.

This conversation goes far beyond real estate.

It’s about:

• The pressure of success no one talks about
• Addiction and the illusion of control
• The moment everything breaks
• And what it actually takes to rebuild your life from nothing

Jim also opens up about unconventional healing, personal responsibility, and how he turned his lowest point into a new mission: helping others build wealth and freedom the right way.

This is one of the most honest conversations we’ve ever had on The Red Chair.

🎙 If you’ve ever felt like you’re holding it together on the outside but struggling on the inside… this episode is for you.

What happens when success no longer feels like freedom?

In this powerful episode of The Red Chair, Genevra Collins sits down with top Kansas City agent and Elevated Home Team leader, Tina Branine, to unpack the moment that changed everything ,the day she walked away from corporate America with no plan, no money, and a decision to bet on herself.

But this isn’t just a success story.

Tina shares the unfiltered truth behind building a high-producing real estate business, the pressure of leading a team, and the breaking point that forced her to rebuild everything from the ground up. From burnout and health struggles to redefining leadership and creating a business that actually supports life this conversation goes far beyond production.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or ready for more and is willing to ask the bigger question:

Am I building a business… or a life?

What does it take to build a lasting real estate business over nearly two decades without losing your heart along the way?

In this episode of The Red Chair, Genevra Collins sits down with Ryann Bauer Hemphill, a top producing agent with the Billie Bauer Network, to talk about what it really looks like to grow up in real estate, build a business through the 2008 crash, and evolve into a leader while staying grounded in relationships.

Ryann shares what it was like starting at 22, working two jobs just to survive, and learning the hard lessons of rejection, resilience, and consistency. From cold calling and door knocking to building a business that is now over 90 percent repeat and referral, her journey is a masterclass in playing the long game.

But this conversation goes beyond production.

Ryann opens up about working alongside her mom, Billie Bauer, navigating identity within a legacy, and learning how to lead with both strength and heart. She also shares the real behind the scenes of balancing motherhood with a high level career, the guilt, the growth, and the boundaries that changed everything.

If you are building a business, leading a team, or simply trying to do meaningful work without losing yourself in the process, this episode is for you.

Connect with Ryann:

Instagram: @ryannhemphill
Team Instagram: @billiebauernetwork
Facebook: Ryann Bauer Hemphill
Call or Text: (913) 238-1402

Connect with Ryann:

In this episode of The Red Chair, Genevra Collins sits down with Kansas City real estate leader Miles Rost for a powerful conversation that blends heart, hustle, and high-level strategy.

Miles shares his journey from bartending and owning college bars to becoming one of Kansas City's top real estate agents, building a business rooted in relationships, long-term thinking, and unwavering client service.

This episode goes beyond real estate tactics and dives into the deeper drivers behind Miles’ success, including his commitment to family, the lessons learned from a challenging upbringing, and the intentional choices he’s made to prioritize what matters most.

You’ll also hear how Miles:

• Built a referral-based business that drives over 95% of his production
• Used investing and renovations to create long-term wealth
• Grew his business during the toughest markets by thinking differently
• Balances being a top-producing agent while staying fully present as a father of four
• Defines success beyond just transactions and income

Whether you’re an agent, investor, or someone building a life

and business with intention, this conversation will challenge you to think bigger and more importantly, deeper.

Website: https://www.therostgroup.com
 Phone: (913) 219-0638
 Email: [email protected]
 Follow: The Rost Group on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn

What does it really take to build a successful business… without losing yourself or your family in the process?

In this episode of The Red Chair, Genevra Collins sits down with Marti Lilja, one of Kansas City’s top real estate leaders, to talk about the real story behind success.

Marti shares her journey from growing up in a family of builders to leading a high performing real estate team, all while raising three kids. But more importantly, she opens up about the parts most people do not talk about.

Taking calls while her baby cried in the background. Writing contracts from a hospital bed. Feeling like she had to say yes to everything. And the realization that she was home… but not truly present.

She also shares the biggest mistake she made early in her business: holding onto control for too long and becoming the bottleneck in her own growth.

This is a conversation about:

• Balancing ambition and motherhood
• The pressure to do everything yourself
• Learning to trust others and let go
• Marriage, partnership, and support behind the scenes
• Time management, boundaries, and saying no
• Redefining success as your life evolves

One of the most powerful moments:
“I was home… but I was only half there.” If you are building a business, raising a family, or trying to figure out how to do both well, this episode is for you.

• Facebook: The Lilja Team
• Instagram: @liljateamhomes

• Website: liljateam.com

In this honest and deeply human episode of The Red Chair, Genevra Collins sits down with Brandy Hensley of Homes by Brandy for a conversation about the truth behind real estate, leadership, mental health, and success.

Brandy shares her journey from failing in real estate twice to building a thriving 16 year career, and opens up about the seasons that changed her most, including the recession, breast cancer, personal trauma, therapy, and learning to stop chasing validation through awards and production boards.

This episode dives into what agents are really facing in today’s market, why so many are feeling pressure behind the scenes, and how vulnerability, boundaries, and support can change everything.

If you are an agent, leader, or high achiever trying to build something meaningful without losing yourself in the process, this episode will hit home.

Topics include:

• the truth about today’s real estate market

• burnout, pressure, and comparison

• asking for help and finding safe spaces

• mental health in real estate

• redefining healthy success

• leading a team like family

A must listen for anyone who needs a reminder that you can build a powerful business and still protect your peace.

In this episode of The Red Chair, Genevra Collins sits down with Kansas City real estate leader Kelli Becks for a conversation that goes far beyond production numbers.

With more than 20 years in the real estate industry and over $20M in annual production, Kelli has built a remarkable business grounded in consistency, relationships, and intentional systems. But what makes her story powerful isn’t just the success she’s created it’s the perspective she’s gained along the way.

Kelli shares the early influences that shaped her strong work ethic, the lessons she’s learned through two decades in real estate, and how shifting her mindset from “working harder” to building systems and relationships transformed her business.

Beyond business, Kelli talks about something even more meaningful to her: living a life of experiences and intention. From traveling the world with close friends to hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for her 50th birthday, these moments have shaped the way she sees success, relationships, and personal growth.

She also shares why giving back, mentoring other agents, and investing time in her community are becoming an increasingly important part of this next chapter of her life.

This conversation offers a thoughtful glimpse into the woman behind the business — her values, her wisdom, and her commitment to building a life that is both successful and deeply meaningful.

• Lessons from more than 20 years in real estate
• Building a business through systems and relationships
• How travel and experiences shape perspective
• Hiking the Inca Trail and celebrating life milestones
• Mentorship, community, and giving back
• Redefining success beyond numbers

Whether you're a real estate professional, entrepreneur, or someone pursuing a more intentional life, this conversation is full of insight and inspiration.

https://www.instagram.com/keepmovingkc

Kellibecks.com

Karla Johnson’s story is one of resilience, faith, and protecting what matters most.

Born in Guatemala, Karla came to the United States at 18 chasing opportunity and the belief that something bigger was possible. After years as a top performer in corporate sales at Sprint, a sudden layoff in 2020 forced her into a new chapter.

Within months, she earned her real estate license and went on to become Rookie of the Year in her first year.

Today, Karla is a successful commercial real estate agent in Kansas City, helping business owners and investors build their dreams. But what drives her most isn’t success. It’s significance, relationships, and protecting your peace.

In this episode of the Red Chair, Karla shares:

• Her journey from Guatemala to Kansas City

• The fear and faith behind leaving corporate America

• What real estate taught her about resilience

• The emotional reality behind real estate transactions

• Why success without peace is chaos

• Her philosophy on integrity, gratitude, and relationships

She also shares the inspiration behind her upcoming book “Unbroken: Becoming the Person You Were Meant to Be.”

If you’ve ever wondered how setbacks can become the very thing that shapes your purpose, this conversation is for you.

Connect with Kara on faceook-https://www.facebook.com/kcjohnsons