In this episode, Chris and Matt sit down with RETSY agent Andrea Sammons to discuss her incredible transition from one of the highest levels of the tech world to luxury real estate. With a background leading investor relations and AI initiatives at powerhouses like Microsoft and Amazon, Andrea explains why she left the safety of the corporate ladder to pursue her entrepreneurial passion for property and design. Since joining RETSY just ten months ago, she has leveraged her unique finance and marketing expertise to skyrocket her sales volume by nearly 500% year-to-date. Andrea shares how her deep understanding of data allows her to provide unparalleled, proactive service to her clients, proving that success in this industry comes down to over-communicating and outworking the competition.

The conversation also tackles the elephant in the room: Will Artificial Intelligence replace real estate agents? Andrea and the hosts also discuss the booming future of the Phoenix and Scottsdale markets, the importance of treating real estate as an inflation-proof investment, and how utilizing advanced brokerage tech can get a luxury listing sold in a single day. Whether you are an agent looking to level up your client experience or a buyer navigating the current market, Andrea’s insights are an absolute masterclass.

00:00 – Meet RETSY Agent Andrea Sammons

01:17 – From Microsoft to Real Estate Professional

06:03 – Skyrocketing Sales: Andrea’s 489% Increase Year-to-Date

12:03 – The AI Debate: Why Artificial Intelligence Won’t Take Your Job (But Will Help It)

23:06 – How a Background in Finance and Corporate Tech Elevates the Real Estate Client Experience

25:54 – Leaving Corporate Security to Work for Yourself and Climb the Ranks at Your Own Pace

33:26 – The Future of Phoenix: Why You Shouldn't Listen to the News (and Why the Market Isn’t Slowing Down)

42:12 – Advice to Her Previous Self: Everything Happens for a Reason

43:47 – How to Sell Without Being "Salesy" and Build Genuine Relationships

47:13 – Favorite RETSY Tool? Using Rechat to Proactively Market to the Top Agents in Your Area

55:40 – How to Connect

Connect with Andrea

IG @andrea_sammons_

Email her at [email protected]

Learn more about RETSY

www.retsy.com

www.instagram.com/retsy

www.youtube.com/@retsy.

Original music by @jacktwarner

In this episode, Chris and Matt sit down with RETSY "Triple OG" Jay Jordan. Chris and Jay reminisce on a friendship and business partnership spanning nearly two decades, starting when Chris convinced Jay to quit delivering pizzas to jump into the grueling world of early-2000s real estate. Jay shares his journey from working 12-hour days at a high-volume brokerage to surviving the 2008 market crash by making strategic, long-term investments. He explains how maintaining extreme discipline, like his daily 4:30 AM gym routine, and a fierce commitment to keeping his word built the unshakable foundation for his success today.

The conversation also takes a deep dive into Jay's recent ventures, including his intense "crash course" in acting as his own general contractor and designer on a 6,100-square-foot custom spec home. Jay opens up about the harsh, exhausting realities of luxury construction, why he'll never design a massive project entirely by himself again, and his vision for using AI in future builds. From discussing the strategy behind his meticulously edited cooking reels to explaining how he uses the Forewarn app to dodge sophisticated real estate scammers, Jay provides a masterclass in evolving with the industry while staying true to your roots.

00:00 – Meet RETSY O.G. Jay Jordan

02:18 – Life Before Real Estate? From Pizza Shop to Meeting Chris

07:48 – Why NOT to Sell Your Rentals, Buying and Holding Valuable Assets

11:40 – Jay’s Construction Journey: How Perfectionism Leads to Great Builds

15:02 – Why Keeping Your Rentals is Always Worth It

17:30 – Dirt to House: Why It’s Worth Getting Professionals for the Big Jobs

24:05 – How Jay Wants to Incorporate AI in Development

25:41 – A Passion for Cooking: Blending Culinary Skills with Real Estate

27:35 – The 4:30 AM Routine: Extreme Discipline and Sticking to Your Word

33:03 – Mixing Cooking Reels and Real Estate

37:15 – The RETSY Advantage: Amazing Culture, Tools, and Sharing Success

43:12 – Favorite Tools: Real Reports and Stopping Scammers with Forewarn

53:25 – The Time Machine: Why He’s Happy with His Choices (But Wants More Investments)

55:50 – How to Connect with Jay Jordan

Connect with Jay

IG @jayajordan

Visit his website jay-jordan.com

Or email him at [email protected]

Learn more about RETSY

www.retsy.com

www.instagram.com/retsy

www.youtube.com/@retsy.

Original music by @jacktwarner

In this episode, Chris and Matt sit down with RETSY original Emily Whitwell to discuss her unique journey from the high stress world of corporate accounting to becoming a top luxury real estate agent. Emily shares how a childhood encounter with an incredibly passionate realtor eventually inspired her to leave her role as a Fortune 500 internal auditor to build a business rooted in relationships and intuition. As one of the very first agents to join RETSY, she reflects on the early startup days, testing the first QR code signs, and why having absolute belief in the brokerage's tech forward vision made her transition a no brainer.

The conversation takes a fascinating dive into Emily’s expertise as a Feng Shui practitioner. She explains how she uses principles like the Bagua map and subtle energy "cures" to clear out bad vibes and get stagnant listings under contract in a matter of weeks. Emily proves that a home's energetic flow is just as important as its floor plan or aesthetic. Beyond energy work, she also shares the story behind her unique side hustle running a mobile coffee truck for open houses and charity events, and explains why the Forewarn app is her absolute favorite real estate tool for safely vetting mysterious high net worth buyers.

00:00 – Meet RETSY OG & Agent Emily Whitwell

03:04 – What’d You Do Before Real Estate? From Corporate Accounting to the Private Sector

05:45 – Finding the Path: Getting Into Real Estate and Discovering Great Mentors

11:14 – The Power of Feng Shui and How Energy Work Helps Close Deals

19:47 – Creating Good Energy: The Small Tweaks That Transform a Home

27:45 – Knowing What to Say (And What Not to Say) to Your Clients

34:43 – The Real Estate Barista: How a Coffee Truck Changed the Broker Open Scene

38:08 – What's Brewing AZ? How to Book Emily’s Coffee Truck

42:50 – The Time Machine: Taking More Risks and Ignoring the Critics

44:47 – Vetting Luxury Buyers: Why Forewarn is Emily's Favorite RETSY Tool

52:28 – How to Connect 

Connect with Emily

Check out her Coffee Truck at whatsbrewingaz.com

Or on IG @whatsbrewingaz

You can also reach her at 480-216-1443

Or at [email protected]

Learn more about RETSY

www.retsy.com

www.instagram.com/retsy

www.youtube.com/@retsy.

Original music by @jacktwarner

In this episode of the RETSY Podcast, Chris and Matt sit down with Devin and Vanity from Repurposed Environmental Solutions to discuss a game-changing strategy for homeowners, investors, and developers. If you are planning a major remodel or a complete tear-down, bringing in an excavator and sending your old materials to the landfill is literally throwing money away. Devin and Vanity explain the meticulous process of "deconstruction," where crews surgically dismantle homes, salvaging everything from cabinetry and windows to HVAC systems and even concrete foundation slabs. These materials are then donated to local 501(c)(3) nonprofits, keeping reusable goods out of landfills and supporting families in need across the community.

Beyond the massive environmental impact, this sustainable approach offers an incredible financial upside: a six to seven-figure tax deduction. Devin and Vanity break down exactly how the program works, how IRS-qualified appraisers evaluate the salvaged materials, and why the tax benefits (which can be carried over for up to five years) often completely offset the cost of the deconstruction itself. They also share eye-opening statistics about their landfill diversion rates, highlight their partnership with organizations like The Welcome to America Project, and explain why real estate agents need to introduce this option to their clients long before the first hammer swings.

The information shared in this episode is for general purposes only and shouldn’t be taken as financial, legal, or tax advice. Always consult with your tax advisor or financial professional.

00:00 – Meet Devin Schulte & Vanity Ainsa of Repurposed Environmental Solutions

03:01 – From Entertainment Law and Construction to Eco-Friendly Solutions

05:17 – What is "Deconstruction"? — An Overview of How RES Works

10:01 – The "Before & After" — Surgically Dismantling a Luxury Home

12:34 – The Ideal Client: When Does Deconstruction Actually Make Financial Sense?

18:27 – The IRS Tax Deduction Explained (Up to 50% of Your AGI)

20:39 – Local Impact — The Nonprofits Benefiting from Salvaged Materials

24:29 – Recycling Concrete & Block: Keeping Heavy Materials Out of the Landfill

30:00 – Case Study: Calculating a $600k Tax Deduction on a 5,000 Sq. Ft. Remodel

34:05 – Nationwide Reach — Where RES Operates and Where They Are Growing

37:40 – Scaling Sustainability: Generating $71 Million in Tax Deductions in One Year

42:01 – Timing is Everything: Why You Need to Call Before the Dumpster Arrives

46:46 – How to Connect with Repurposed Environmental Solutions

47:39 – The Golden Rule: Don't Change Your Mind After the Appraisal!

Connect by emailing [email protected]

Or call or text 480-678-2346

Check them out online at www.resnp.org

Learn more about RETSY

www.retsy.com

www.instagram.com/retsy

www.youtube.com/@retsy

Original music by @jacktwarner

In this episode, Chris and Matt sit down with RETSY agent Heather Wilson for a deep dive into the art of selling and the current state of the Arizona market. Heather shares her fascinating background, starting in high-end art sales in New York City representing pop artist Peter Max, before transitioning into new home sales and eventually residential resale. She draws powerful parallels between selling fine art and selling luxury homes, explaining why presentation, lighting, and emotional connection are everything when moving high-value assets.

The conversation shifts to a real-time market analysis, where Heather and Chris discuss the "rubber band effect" we are seeing in 2026. They compare the current climate to the "yellow light" market of 2018 and discuss why inventory is suddenly moving at a rapid pace. Heather also emphasizes the importance of agents understanding the construction process—from dirt to drywall—to better serve clients who are debating between building custom or buying resale. From the power of the Forbes Global Properties brand to the philosophy that "how you do anything is how you do everything," this episode is packed with insights for agents and enthusiasts alike.

00:00 - Meet RETSY Agent Heather Wilson

01:00 - From High-End Art Sales to Real Estate

06:19 - Transitioning from Home Building to Resale

08:20 - The Similarities Between Selling Art and Homes

14:58 - The Importance of Staging and Presentation

18:50 - Leveraging Construction Knowledge in Sales

26:36 - Analyzing Market Cycles and Trends

33:53 - How to Prevent Transaction Fallout

36:59 - Why RETSY? Tech, Support, and Forbes

52:24 - Agent Movement and Team Growth

57:00 - The Time Machine Question

01:00:53 - How to Connect 

Connect with Heather

Text her at 602-206-1814

Or visit her website at wilsonopitzgroup.com

Learn more about RETSY

www.retsy.com

www.instagram.com/retsy

www.youtube.com/@retsy.

Original music by @jacktwarner

In this episode, Chris and Matt sit down with Michael O'Connor, Chief Legal Executive for SRP (Salt River Project), to tackle the most common objection people have about moving to Arizona: the water supply. Michael provides a high-level "State of the Union" on Arizona’s water infrastructure, debunking the sensationalized headlines about the state running dry. He breaks down the "four buckets" of water sources, explains the reality behind the Rio Verde Foothills controversy, and reveals the shocking statistic that Arizona uses the same amount of water today as it did in the 1950s, despite massive population growth.

Beyond water, the conversation shifts to the booming "Silicon Desert" economy. With TSMC and massive data centers moving in, Michael explains how SRP plans to meet the exponential demand for power through a mix of renewables, natural gas, and the potential for small modular nuclear reactors. From the negotiations regarding the Colorado River basin states to a fascinating history lesson about a WWII POW escape in Papago Park, this episode is armed with the facts every real estate agent needs to confidently answer questions about Arizona's future.

00:00 – Meet Chief Legal Executive Michael O’Connor

02:18 – The Four Buckets: Where Arizona Gets Its Water

04:40 – The Biggest Myth: Why Arizona Uses the Same Amount of Water as the 1950s

08:25 – The Colorado River Allocation Crisis

14:29 – Real Estate Strategy: How Agents Should Talk About Water Security

20:08 – Lake Powell Levels and the 25-Year Drought Cycle

24:04 – Data Centers & TSMC — Addressing Power and Water Concerns

29:03 – Power Sources and the Myth of Unsafe Nuclear Energy

39:53 – Taking It For Granted — Conserving for Future Generations

42:42 – Rio Verde Foothills: The Truth Behind the Headlines

45:53 – The "Saudi Alfalfa Farm" Controversy Explained

50:07 – History Lesson: SRP, Statehood, and the German POW Escape

53:33 – How to Connect

Connect with Michael at [email protected]

Learn more about RETSY

www.retsy.com

www.instagram.com/retsy

www.youtube.com/@retsy.

Original music by @jacktwarner

In this episode, Chris and Matt sit down with RETSY agent Kris McLaughlin to explore how mindfulness can transform the chaotic world of real estate. Kris shares her fascinating journey from working in advertising at Wired Magazine during the early tech boom to establishing herself as a top producer in Arizona. She explains why the frenetic "always-on" energy of the industry often works against agents and clients alike, and how she intentionally curates a calm, controlled experience known as the "Mindful Agent" approach.

Beyond her philosophy, Kris dives into the practical application of her methods, from specific communication protocols to protecting her energy against scams. The conversation also covers high-performance habits, detailing how contrast therapy like saunas and cold plunges trains the nervous system to handle high-stakes business stress without entering "fight or flight" mode. Whether it’s leveraging AI for efficiency or simply breathing at a stoplight, Kris offers a masterclass in staying grounded while operating at the highest level.

00:00 – Meet RETSY Agent Kris McLaughlin

01:28 – From Wired Magazine to Real Estate

05:55 – "Change is Good" Why Tech-Forward Brokerages Win

09:50 – The Evolution of Real Estate Technology in Arizona

15:30 – The Mindful Agent: Bringing Calm to a Chaotic Industry

23:10 – Matching Frequencies and How to Mold Your Service to the Client

25:09 – The Hierarchy of Communication (Text vs. Email vs. Phone)

30:33 – Mindful Protocols: Protecting Your Energy from Negativity

33:03 – High-Performance Habits and Maintaining Peace in a High-Stress Career

41:44 – The Time Machine: Why Gratitude Beats Going Back

44:04 – The Ultimate Arizona Reset of Sedona & Oak Creek

48:21 – How to Connect with Kris

Connect with Kris

Follow her on Instagram @krismmclaughlin

Or visit her website at mindfulagent.com

Learn more about RETSY

www.retsy.com

www.instagram.com/retsy

www.youtube.com/@retsy.

Original music by @jacktwarner

In this episode, Chris and Matt sit down with RETSY Agent, Mike D’Elena, to discuss how he turned a background in e-commerce and comedy into a powerhouse real estate career. Mike shares his journey from building a funny T-shirt business to investing during the market crash, and breaks down his unique "TV show" approach to content creation. By treating his humor and skits as the "show" and his listings as the "commercials," Mike has mastered the art of keeping an audience engaged in an industry that is often scrolled past.

Beyond social media strategy, Mike opens up about the operational side of his business, from batching content every Friday to his philosophy of "brutal honesty" with clients. The trio discusses why being polarizing builds deeper trust, Mike's passion for luxury spec home development, and his recent decision to join RETSY to surround himself with high-level producers. They also touch on the sophisticated scams targeting agents today and why consistency is the only "secret sauce" that matters.

00:00 – Meet New RETSY Agent Mike D’Elena

01:42 – From Funny T-Shirts to Real Estate

08:54 – The "TV Show" Strategy: Behind the Scenes of Content Creation

11:15 – Stop Being Boring! How to Stand Out on Video

17:00 – Why Brutal Honesty Sells Homes

20:04 – "Why Work With Me?" Crafting the Perfect Elevator Pitch

31:00 – Instagram vs. YouTube — Picking Your Platform

37:35 – Just Start: Overcoming the Fear of the Camera

41:21 – How to Detect Real Estate Scams

48:24 – Why RETSY? Surrounding Yourself with Top Producers

55:33 – Inside the RETSY Culture & Community

58:52 – How to Connect with Mike D’Elena

Connect with Mike

Follow him on Instagram @michaeldelena

Or visit his website housed.com

Learn more about RETSY

www.retsy.com

www.instagram.com/retsy

www.youtube.com/@retsy.

Original music by @jacktwarner

In this episode, Chris and Matt sit down with Lindsay Rothermund, RETSY Associate Broker and Lead Transaction Coordinator. As an original team member who has been with the brokerage since its startup days, Lindsay offers a unique perspective on its evolution into a luxury powerhouse. She shares her journey from managing tracking systems for UPS air cargo to becoming the backbone of high-stakes real estate transactions, explaining exactly why top-producing agents rely on her to manage the chaos, protect their clients, and ensure no deadline is missed.

The conversation dives into the critical difference between a generic "TC mill" and the boutique, integrated partnership model at RETSY. Lindsay discusses how she builds trust with agents to act as a "first line of defense" against liability and shares wild stories from the trenches—including a transaction involving a client who committed arson. From the importance of delegation for scaling a business to the power of creative video marketing and community outreach, this episode is a masterclass on the operational side of real estate success.

00:00 – Meet RETSY’s Transaction Manager & Associate Broker Lindsay Rothermund

03:00 – From Real Estate to the 9-to-5 Grind (And Back Again)

06:26 – The Origin Story: Building the TC Department at RETSY

10:43 – How Building Trust is Critical Between Agent and TC

18:57 – Managing 300+ Transactions a Year: Why You Never Stop Learning

22:02 – The Time Machine: "Stick With It" and Trust the Process

25:05 – Why Real Estate Offers True Freedom vs. Corporate Life

27:32 – The #1 Marketing Trend for 2026: Creative Video

31:24 – Client Appreciation — Using Community Givebacks to Grow

35:19 – Advice for New Agents: Join a Team That Is Willing to Share

41:29 – The Art of Problem Solving in Complex Transactions

Learn more about RETSY

www.retsy.com

www.instagram.com/retsy

www.youtube.com/@retsy.

Original music by @jacktwarner

In the third installment of our series designed to set agents up for a record-breaking year, Chris and Matt shift from health and mindset to pure business strategy. It is late January, have you already abandoned your resolutions? If so, you aren't alone.

In this episode, Chris shares the proprietary One-Page Business Plan he developed during his time as a coach for one of the nation's largest real estate coaching firms. He and Matt break down exactly how to reverse engineer your income goals for 2026, why 72-page business plans are a waste of time, and how to implement the "5-5-4" daily prospecting method to ensure your pipeline never runs dry. They also dive into the psychology of extreme accountability (including writing checks to people you hate), the importance of tracking your ROI on lead sources, and why RETSY is doubling down on Geographic Farming this year. Whether you are a solo agent or running a mega-team, this episode gives you the tactical blueprint to get back on track.

00:00 – Welcome to the RETSY Business Planning Episode

08:16 – The One-Page Business Plan — Discovering the "Why" That Drives You

14:58 – Monthly Focus Items: Turning Long-Term Goals into Action

16:51 – Stop Coasting: How to Reverse Engineer Your Income Goals

19:21 – Pipeline Management — How to Generate Business When You Have None

29:32 – The "5-5-4" Strategy: The Bare Minimum for Real Estate Success

33:55 – Practical Tips for Making 5 New Contacts Every Day

38:15 – Tracking ROI — Understanding Where Your Deals Actually Come From

41:16 – Geographic Farming: How to Dominate a Neighborhood

48:16 – Extreme Accountability Tactics from a Real Estate Coach

54:16 – "Consistency is Undefeated" — The Secret to Long-Term Growth

56:44 – Download the Level Up 2026 Plan & Connect

Click here to download the Level Up 2026 Plan

Learn more about RETSY

www.retsy.com

www.instagram.com/retsy

www.youtube.com/@retsy.

Original music by @jacktwarner