This week, Matt and Chris sit down with RETSY founding partner Shawna Warner, the driving force behind The TEAM – headed by Shawna, Lara Broadrick, and Rebecca Clayton-Hoyt – at RETSY and one of the first to invest in RETSY's vision. Shawna shares her path from aerospace marketing in California to new home sales with top-tier developers like Jeffrey Edmonds and Toll Brothers, and how that experience shaped her approach to resale and team leadership in Arcadia.

They discuss what it takes to build a high-performing real estate team, how to lead with intention, and why structure, mentorship, and loyalty make all the difference. Shawna also opens up about her 2024 breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, and how that journey brought new clarity to both her personal and professional life.

From RETSY's early days and Forbes events to team dynamics and real-world broker challenges, this conversation is filled with insight, heart, and real estate wisdom from one of the industry's most respected voices.

If you're building a team, looking for mentorship, or facing a personal or professional challenge, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and practical advice.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 – Meet RETSY Founding Partner: Shawna Warner

02:38 – Getting into Real Estate with Development Sales Experience and Strategic Mentorships

08:00 – Local Knowledge and Deep Roots: How Shawna Helped Chris Buy His Home

10:50 – Building a Powerhouse Team: The Real Story Behind “The TEAM”

12:02 – The Power of Persistence as a New Real Estate Agent

15:22 – How to Start a Team (and Keep it Strong)

24:32 – Sharing Wins & Collaborating: What Makes RETSY Different

27:23 –  How Forbes Global Events Elevate RETSY’s Edge

30:16 – Founding RETSY: Shawna’s Leap of Faith & the Original One-Pager

34:16 – Cancer Diagnosis & Recovery: Shawna’s Personal Story

43:07 – When a Third-Party Agent Interferes With a Deal

51:08 – Shawna’s Thoughts on the Current Market & What’s Next

55:28 – What Shawna Would Tell Her Younger Self

56:56 – Final Thoughts and How to Reach Out

Connect with Shawna

Instagram: @warnerclan

Call or text: 602-743-7006

Website: theteam4results.com

If you or someone you love is facing breast cancer, visit BreastCancer.org or NationalBreastCancer.org for information or support.

Learn more about RETSY

www.retsy.com

www.instagram.com/retsy

www.youtube.com/@retsy.

Original music by @jacktwarner

👍 If you loved this episode, hit like, subscribe, and leave a review.

This week, Matt and Chris sit down with West Valley powerhouse Russell Harris, a true RETSY OG whose real estate story spans from new construction in Washington to dominating listings in Verrado, Marley Park, and beyond.

From his start as a dialysis technician to pioneering Zillow lead strategies, Russell built a business the old-school way: showing up, following up, and staying top of mind. He shares how consistent connection with past clients, sometimes for over a decade, continues to drive his pipeline today.

Russell talks about how his loyalty to the Morrison Residential/Launch/RETSY crew shaped his career, how he’s embraced content marketing (even if it took 50 takes at first), and why open houses, buyer consults, and picking up the damn phone still work.

He also unpacks his success in probate listings, the value of trusting the plan, and how RETSY’s branding, marketing, and software elevated his professional presence—and his confidence.

If you’re looking for real talk on building longevity, earning client trust, and staying ahead by simply doing the basics better, this episode is a must.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 – Meet Russell Harris and How He Left a Stable Career for a New Dream

06:09 – Becoming the Go-To Resource: Staying Top of Mind with Your Network

09:45 – Meeting Clients Where They Are: Using RETSY Tools Alongside Zillow

12:14 – Work Ethic Meets Great Branding: How Russell Leverages the RETSY Look

21:44 – Growing his Business by Becoming the Go-to Agent for Probate Sales and 55+ Communities

30:10 – Why Open Houses Still Work (and How Russell Proves it)

33:33 – RETSY Early Days and the Importance of Authenticity in Marketing

35:54 – Targeting Hidden Gems in the West Valley: Finding Value in Consistency

41:55 – Advice to His Younger Self: Buy as Much Real Estate as Possible

50:16 – Arizona’s Next Decade: Booming Growth, Job Surge, and a Housing Market on Fire

58:12 – Wrap-Up and Connect with Russell (Call or Text Him Anytime)

Connect with Russell

Instagram: @russellharrisrealtor

Call or text: 602-904-1172

Website: russell-harris.com

Learn more about RETSY

www.retsy.com

www.instagram.com/retsy

www.youtube.com/@retsy.

Original music by @jacktwarner

👍 If you loved this episode, hit like, subscribe, and leave a review. 

#RETSYPodcast #RussellHarris #CareerChange #RealEstateLife #TopAgentTips #RelentlesslyHelpful

This week, Matt and Chris sit down with husband-and-wife power duo Mike and Heather Steck, top-producing agents at RETSY and the go-to team for Morrison Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona.

From Heather’s start as a stay-at-home mom of triplets to Mike’s career pivot after a corporate investigation at Fidelity, their path into real estate is anything but ordinary. Together, they’ve built a thriving business on authenticity, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to service.

They unpack everything from launching their geographic farm with zero name recognition to how they overcame local competition, earned trust, and created a luxury real estate experience in a market that hadn’t seen it before. They talk strategy, setbacks, and the neighborhood Facebook drama that comes with building a brand in your own backyard.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to dominate a neighborhood, build a referral machine, and scale a business as a team (while raising a family of five), this episode is packed with honest insights and blueprint-worthy tactics.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 – Meet Mike & Heather Steck and How they got into Real Estate

08:15 – Why They Chose RETSY

13:53 – Making the Move from Arcadia to Gilbert

17:29 – Starting the Morrison Ranch Farm

22:34 – Going All In: Sponsoring Events & Building Trust

26:12 – Turning Facebook Groups into Deal Flow

33:22 – The Power of Consistency & Playing the Long Game

34:11 – Leveraging RETSY’s Built-In Tools to Work Smarter

37:54 – Going Above and Beyond as Listing Agents: Leading with Service and Strategy

46:50 – Market Predictions & Gilbert’s Growth

53:50 – How to Reach Out to the Stecks

Connect with Mike and Heather Instagram: @iamheathersteck / @iammikesteck / @soldbysteck

Email: [email protected] and [email protected]

Website: soldbysteck.com

Learn more about RETSY

www.retsy.com

www.instagram.com/retsy

www.youtube.com/@retsy.

Original music by @jacktwarner

👍 If you loved this episode, hit like, subscribe, and leave a review. 

#RETSY #RealEstatePodcast #MorrisonRanch #GeographicFarming #LuxuryRealEstate #AgentLife #RealEstateTips #SoldByStack #GilbertAZ #CommunityMarketing

In this episode, Matt and Chris sit down with Alex Smith, a top-producing agent, developer, and one half of the “Spouses That Sell Houses” team. With no traditional real estate background, Alex went from working on construction sites to leading luxury listings and managing his own development deals, all by betting on his instincts, work ethic, and deep market knowledge.

They cover how Alex built his client base through investor relationships, how his construction experience gives him an edge in new builds and pricing strategy, and why transparency is non-negotiable in his business. He also shares the unforgettable story of a fire hazard at a broker open, the CPR class that changed everything, and the mindset that keeps him pushing forward in a competitive, ever-changing market.

Whether you're looking to level up your listings, break into development, or just hear from someone who truly owns what they do, this episode delivers.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 – Meet Alex Smith & His Path from Construction to Real Estate

03:36 – From Working with Investors to Becoming One

05:58 – RETSY’s Support for Agent-Investors

09:26 – Broker Open Gone Wild

12:22 – Breaking Into Arcadia and Becoming his Own Biggest Asset

14:46 – What Sets Alex Apart from the Pack

17:04 – The CPR Class That Changed Lives

23:37 – Why Alex and Lesleigh Chose RETSY

27:42 – How He Evaluates Market Pockets

34:27 – The Importance of Working with Quality Builders

36:04 – Pricing with Precision: Why Honesty Outperforms Hype

47:06 – Advice to His Younger Self

50:25 – Utilizing RETSY Tools

52:45 – Positivity About the Phoenix Housing Market

1:02:50 – Final Thoughts and How to Connect

Connect with AlexInstagram: @thealexsmith / @spousesthatsellhousesReach out at [email protected] text him at 480-459-7111

Learn more about RETSY

www.retsy.com

www.instagram.com/retsy

www.youtube.com/@retsy.

Original music by @jacktwarner

👍 If you loved this episode, hit like, subscribe, and leave a review. 

#RETSY #AlexSmith #RealEstateJourney #LuxuryAgent #AgentLife #DevelopmentDeals #PhoenixRealEstate #Arcadia #RealEstatePodcast #SpousesThatSellHouses

This week, Matt and Chris sit down with RETSY agent Debbie Pontikas, a former corporate marketing executive who walked away from the C-suite to build a top-tier real estate business on her own terms.

Debbie shares how she transitioned from running national campaigns to building her real estate business, all while raising twins and reinventing her career from scratch. From marketing strategy to mindset, she talks about what it really takes to build long-term trust with clients and how staying consistent, personal, and professional has fueled her growth year after year.

They dive into everything from navigating high-pressure listings to setting clear boundaries with clients, and Debbie breaks down how she handled one of the wildest post-possession situations you’ll ever hear.

If you're serious about leveling up your real estate business with intention, professionalism, and a little grit, this episode is for you.

00:00 – Meet Debbie Pontikas + Her Podcast

02:45 – Reinventing Her Career: From CMO Track to Real Estate

05:23 — Prioritizing Thoughtful, Relevant Marketing

06:37 – Going All-In BEFORE you Have your First Deal (and Debbie’s first deal is one for the books!)

12:16 – The Power of Professionalism & Fierce Conversations with Clients

14:31 – Competing on Value, Not Commission

18:24 – The Referral-Driven Business (and Why It Matters)

21:40 – The RETSY Culture Difference: Quality over Quantity

31:10 — Why Debbie Made the Jump to Join RETSY

36:04 — Take Care of your Clients and they Will go out of Their Way to Work with You (No Client Poaching Necessary)

40:25 — Debbie’s Go-To Marketing Strategies That Actually Work

45:50 – Broker Horror Story: The Post-Possession Nightmare

56:45 – Where the Market's Headed (and Why She’s Optimistic)

59:17 – How to Connect with Debbie

👍 Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more real estate stories and expert insight.

Connect with Debbie

Instagram: @debbypontikasrealtor

Website: www.pontikasteam.com

🎧 Check out Debbie's podcast: The Success Resequencing Project — Available wherever you listen.

Learn more about RETSY

www.retsy.com

www.instagram.com/retsy

www.youtube.com/@retsy.

Original music by @jacktwarner

#RETSYPodcast #RealEstateLife #ArizonaRealEstate #WomenInRealEstat #TopProducer #RealTalkRealEstate #LuxuryRealEstate #RealEstateMarketing #RelationshipDriven #DebbiePontikas #RETSY

This week, Matt and Chris sit down with Jose Reyes—founder of The Reyes Group and a standout agent at RETSY. From working restaurant shifts at 13 to running a high-performing real estate team, Jose’s journey is built on hustle, heart, and relentless follow-through.

They cover everything—from how he closed 31 deals his first year, to why Facebook DMs and smart CRMs still drive his pipeline. Jose shares how he went from being mentored to mentoring others, building a scalable real estate business rooted in service, relationships, and straight-up consistency.

If you’re looking for real talk on scaling smart, staying connected, and being the agent your clients never forget—this episode is for you.

00:00 – Meet Jose Reyes

01:47 – From Tacos to Closings: Jose’s Sales Journey

03:10 – Why Real Estate Gave Him Freedom as a New Dad

05:53 – 31 Deals in Year One: What Actually Worked

07:00 – Discipline, DMs, and the Systems That Drive Deals (Facebook isn’t dead)

12:01 – Why RETSY’s Brand + People Matter

14:51 – Sink or Swim: Jose’s Leap Into Real Estate as the World Shut Down

16:18 – Founding The Reyes Group & How RETSY Supports Teams That Scale

23:35 – Lessons Learned from the Wrong Brokerage Fit

26:30 – The RETSY Difference: Professionalism, Not Recruiting

31:06 – The Ahwatukee Off-Market Deal from a Listing Postcard

32:57 – Jose’s Favorite RETSY Tools (Lofty, Rechat, RETSY Connect)

36:38 – Advice to His Younger Agent Self

37:58 – Why Client Events Actually Work (Even in the Rain)

42:50 – Broker Horror Story: Bank Error in Sellers' Favor?

48:08 – Jose's Take on Arizona's Market Growth

52:49 – How to Connect with Jose and What Really Sets Him Apart

👍 Like what you heard? Take 30 seconds to drop a 5-star review. It helps us bring more incredible stories to the mic—and we'd love your feedback!

Connect with Jose

www.instagram.com/el_realtor_jose/

www.thereyesgroupaz.com

Learn more about RETSY

www.retsy.com

www.instagram.com/retsy

www.youtube.com/@retsy.

Original music by @jacktwarner

#RETSY #JoseReyes #RealEstatePodcast #AgentLife #TopProducer #RealEstateMentor

This week, Matt and Chris sit down with RETSY agent and RETSY OG, Heather Candelaria—a powerhouse in the Phoenix real estate scene whose path into real estate started with a marketing career, an eye for development, and a sharp instinct for doing the work most people overlook.

From building a business off open houses and referrals to navigating luxury new builds and divorce sales, Heather shares the strategies, lessons, and mindset that helped her grow her volume by over 260% in a single year.

This episode is real, honest, and full of sharp advice on being visible without selling out, staying consistent even when it’s hard, and knowing your worth in a business where too many settle.

00:00 – Welcome + Meet Heather

03:53 – How Heather’s Marketing Expertise Helped Shape RETSY

07:01– The Tools That Actually Work

11:55 – Partnering with a Builder: Behind the Scenes of a True Collaboration

15:11 – The Power of Dialing in Open Houses

17:54 – Building a Team from the Ground Up

18:34 – Guiding Clients Through New Builds with Confidence

24:13 – Is There Too Much Luxury Inventory?

28:21 – Why Agents Must Get on Video (Even If You Hate It)

30:38 – What Social Media Gets Wrong About Real Estate

36:42 – Real Talk: Experience Isn’t Optional Anymore

38:49 – Why an Experienced Broker Makes All the Difference

44:24 – Crazy Broker Story: The House That Caught Fire

51:24 – Final Thoughts & Where to Connect with Heather

👍 Enjoying the podcast? Take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star review and help us keep sharing stories like this one.

Connect with Heather

https://www.instagram.com/hscsellsaz/

https://candelariacollective.retsy.com/

Learn more about RETSY

www.retsy.com

www.instagram.com/retsy

www.youtube.com/@retsy.

Original music by @jacktwarner

#RETSY #RealEstatePodcast #HeatherCandelaria #TopAgents #AgentLife #LuxuryRealEstate #OpenHouseStrategy #RealEstateTips #RETSYOG #DevelopmentDeals #SocialMediaForAgents

This week, Matt and Chris sit down with RETSY founding partner Kirk Linehan for a candid conversation on what it really takes to thrive in real estate—especially in today’s shifting market. From closing high-stakes deals with pro athletes to navigating tough commission conversations, Kirk shares how he built a business based on trust, communication, and always doing the right thing.

Whether you're a new agent or seasoned pro, this episode is packed with stories, strategies, and mindset shifts that define success in this industry.

00:00 – Meet Kirk Linehan

01:37 – Kirk’s Journey Before Real Estate

03:22 – How Golf Helped Build His Business

05:43 – Hobbies That Drive Referrals

07:20 – Thriving in a Changing Market: Why Experience Matters More Than Ever

10:55 – How RETSY’s Culture Won Kirk Over

14:43 – Built on Reputation, Not Headcount: Why RETSY Does It Differently

21:35 – Breaking Into the Pro Athlete Market

27:25 – The Go-To Guy: Being a Resource Long After the Deal

32:28 – Our “Serve Without Expectation” Mindset

33:48 – Unexpected Negotiation Strategy: The Power of Answering Your Phone

46:17 – Lessons from a Million-Dollar Mistake

50:06 – Favorite RETSY Tools: Rechat and RETSY Connect

52:55 – Wrap-up and Connect with Kirk

👍 Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more real estate stories and expert insight.

Connect with Kirk

https://www.instagram.com/kirk.linehan/

Or text him at 480-486-7706

Learn more about RETSY

www.retsy.com

www.instagram.com/retsy

www.youtube.com/@retsy.

Original music by @jacktwarner

#RETSY #TopAgents #RealEstatePodcast #MarketShift #NegotiationPower #AgentLife #RealEstateTips

Episode 1 

Founders, Brokers, Brothers: The RETSY Origin Story

In this first episode of the RETSY Podcast, brothers Chris and Matt Morrison share how they got into real estate, what led Chris to start RETSY, and why their brokerage model is different. From career-changing mentorship to building a company that supports top producers, this episode is packed with insights, lessons, and some unbelievable transaction stories.

🔹 Whether you’re an agent, investor, or just curious about the real estate world—this one's for you.

00:00 Welcome and Podcast Format

04:05 Chris Morrison’s Real Estate Beginnings

09:11 Why Chris Started RETSY and What Sets us Apart

16:41 How RETSY Agents Thrive in Tough Markets

19:43 Broker Horror Story: Construction Started Before Closing??

21:49 Matt Morrison’s Path to Becoming Broker

35:31 Real Estate is Risky—Why RETSY Agents Always Have Legal Backup

38:46 What Advice Would You Give to your Younger Self?

45:00 Arizona Real Estate Market Outlook

48:53 How to Connect with Us

50:09 Sneak Peek for Next Week’s Episode

👍 Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more real estate stories and expert insight.

Connect with Chris

[email protected]

Learn more about RETSY

www.retsy.com

www.instagram.com/retsy

www.youtube.com/@retsy.

Original music by @jacktwarner

#RETSY #RealEstatePodcast #BrokerLife #RETips #ArizonaRealEstate #RealEstateStories #ChrisMorrison #MatthewMorrison #RETSYPodcast