The Smart Agents Podcast

Episode 271 of The Smart Agents Podcast features Kevelyn Guzman, Regional Vice President of Coldwell Banker Warburg, to discuss how she has reshaped one of Manhattan’s most respected luxury brokerages by putting agents, not the brand, at the center of the business. With more than 20 years of experience, including her early career on Wall Street and her rise from COO to regional leadership, Kevelyn has guided teams through market crashes, major acquisitions and rapid technological change. Her agent-first philosophy, operational mindset and passion for developing talent have made her a standout voice in New York City real estate.

From integrating AI to save agents time, to navigating NYC’s unique co-op system, to building inclusive communities like the What Moves Her initiative, she continues to elevate agents across generations and backgrounds—especially those entering the industry without an established network.

In this episode, she shares:
✅ Why top brokerages must shift from brand-centric to agent-centric models
✅ How technology and AI can support agents without replacing human connection
✅ The strategies her agents use to stand out in Manhattan’s competitive, co-op-driven market
✅ How community engagement and passion projects create authentic relationship pipelines
✅ What real “work-life integration” looks like for high-performing real estate professionals

This episode is a must-listen for agents and leaders looking to grow, innovate, and build a business rooted in relationships, no matter the market.

Connect With Kevelyn👇
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevelynguzman

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Episode 270 of The Smart Agents Podcast features Brennan Haelig, founder and CEO of Jumpstart ROI, to unpack the real-world strategies behind running profitable paid ads in today’s market. Managing $4M+ in monthly ad spend, Brennan and his team have helped clients generate more than $100 million in revenue—including real estate teams looking to scale fast and sustainably.

For agents feeling overwhelmed by Google, Meta, landing pages or lead follow-up, Brennan breaks each piece down into a simple, repeatable system. He shares what actually works, what to ignore, and how agents can create more predictable deal flow without wasting money.

In this episode, Brennan explains:
✅ Why Google and Meta remain the most effective platforms for real estate lead gen
✅ How to structure landing pages and funnels that convert at higher rates
✅ What agents misunderstand about “bad lead quality” (and how to fix it)
✅ The follow-up cadence top-performing teams use to turn cold leads into clients
✅ Budget recommendations for agents starting paid ads for the first time
✅ How CRMs and tracking systems sharpen your ROI and reduce wasted spend

Connect With Brennan👇
Website: https://jumpstartroi.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brennanhaelig/

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Episode 269 of The Smart Agents Podcast features Jake McLaughlin, top-producing eXp PA agent and co-founder of ReferralMate. From grinding through his first 6–8 months without a sale to building a highly successful and sustainable business, Jake’s journey is a masterclass in consistency, hustle, and spotting opportunity.

After dropping out of college and jumping into real estate during COVID, Jake learned quickly that listings were the key to controlling his business. But it was his shift toward serving investors — from short-term rentals in the Poconos to large multifamily buildings — that transformed his trajectory. By outworking the competition, hunting off-market deals, and becoming the “hustle agent” investors trust, Jake built a referral machine that thrives in any market.

Along the way, he and his wife Alyssa created ReferralMate, a platform designed to solve the exact problem he faced after moving across the state: how to send and receive referrals without the chaos of Facebook groups. Today, it’s one of the fastest-growing communities for agents nationwide.

In this episode, Jake shares:
✅ Why “you have to list to exist” remains his #1 philosophy
✅ How serving investors leads to faster, cleaner, repeat transactions
✅ The exact tactics he uses to find off-market deals using Zillow, rentals & old MLS data
✅ How ReferralMate is reinventing agent-to-agent referrals through community
✅ The mindset shift that helped him push through early challenges and build long-term momentum

Whether you're trying to break through your first plateau or looking to scale beyond your market, Jake delivers actionable strategies you can start using today.

Connect With Jake👇
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobtmclaughlin/

Website: https://jacobmclaughlin.exprealty.com/

Learn More About ReferralMate 👇

Website: https://referralmate.co/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BmQVjt6Eh/

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Have an inspirational story of real estate tips to share with our community?

Send us a message at ⁠[email protected]

Episode 268 of The Smart Agents Podcast features nationally ranked broker and Cal Home founder, Suzanne Rocha, as she shares how psychology, education, and true compassion have shaped her reputation as one of California’s most trusted real estate advisors.

For nearly two decades, Suzanne has appeared across Bay Area television networks, offering homeowners clear, accessible guidance during some of life’s biggest transitions. With a background in psychology and marketing, she built her brokerage on a simple but powerful principle: real estate isn’t transactional—it’s deeply human. By focusing on trust, emotional intelligence, and personalized solutions, Suzanne has helped thousands of clients navigate downsizing, inherited homes and major life changes with confidence.

In this episode, she dives into:
✅ Why trust—not tactics—is the foundation of every successful client relationship
✅ How understanding buyer and seller psychology elevates your value
✅ Ways to communicate solutions that relieve fear and build confidence
✅ What agents miss when they focus on transactions instead of people
✅ The importance of follow-up and relationship-driven service for long-term success

If you want to build a business rooted in connection, credibility, and true value, this conversation is a masterclass.

Connect With Suzanne👇

Website: http://calhomeinfo.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannerocha/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzannerocha.tv

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-LkZU__1UvDSCZVdBKweFA

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Have an inspirational story of real estate tips to share with our community?

Send us a message at ⁠[email protected]

Episode 267 of The Smart Agents Podcast features top-producing agent, coach and founder of The Faithful Agent, Garrett Maroon, as he unpacks how he built a thriving, referral-driven real estate business while protecting his time and values

With 11+ years in the industry, more than 600 homes sold and a track record in the top 1% of his market, Garrett has crafted a business that looks very different from the typical grind-it-out real estate model. Instead of cold calling or buying leads, he doubled down on relationships, authenticity and creating a system that supports—not consumes—his life as a husband and father of five.

Garrett’s journey from nearly quitting in his first few months to becoming a leading voice for sustainable success in real estate offers a refreshing perspective on what agents should really be striving for.

In this episode, he shares:


✅ How choosing relationships over cold calling built a stronger, more predictable business


✅ The role timing and patience play in long-term success

✅ Why agents must redefine success beyond sales volume and industry awards


✅ Strategies for protecting your time, setting boundaries, and avoiding burnout

✅ How authenticity and personal values can become your greatest business advantage

If you’re looking for a smarter, more fulfilling way to grow your real estate career, this conversation will hit home.

Connect With Garrett👇


Website: https://www.210collective.com/redefine-the-win

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garrettmaroon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gmaroon/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@faithfulagent


🎙Listen to The Faithful Agent Podcast: https://thefaithfulagent.buzzsprout.com/

📕Pre-Order The Balanced Breakthrough: https://www.210collective.com/book


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Have an inspirational story of real estate tips to share with our community?

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Episode 266 of The Smart Agents Podcast features Keren Gonen, Broker Manager with Realty Executives Exceptional in Vernon, NJ, who shares how a lifelong passion for service and community has shaped her real estate career. After transitioning from leading companies in the shipping and beauty industries, Keren built a thriving business by focusing on relationships, not transactions — turning every client interaction into an opportunity to serve.

Over nearly a decade in real estate, she’s grown her business to over $25 million in annual sales, founded a local networking group and become known for her motto: “Keren Cares.” Her story proves that when you lead with service and integrity, success naturally follows.

In this episode, she breaks down:

✅ How giving back to the community fuels lasting business growth
✅ The long-term power of treating every client with equal value
✅ Why networking and collaboration beat competition every time
✅ How focusing on service over sales builds lifelong referrals

Connect With Keren👇

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerengonenrealestatebroker

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KerenGonenRealEstate

Website: https://www.realtyexecutives.com/agent/keren-gonen

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Have an inspirational story of real estate tips to share with our community?

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Episode 265 of The Smart Agents Podcast features Clay Lehman, founder of Lehman Strategic Partners, who joins us to share how real estate agents can build scalable, sustainable businesses by combining smart systems, practical marketing, and AI-driven efficiency.

Throughout our conversation, Clay breaks down the critical mindset shift from employee to business owner. He explains how documenting processes, creating clear marketing funnels and crafting calls to action that match each stage of the client journey are essential to true business growth.

Clay also dives deep into his Eliminate, Automate, Delegate framework—showing agents exactly how to free up their time, optimize the tools they already use and scale their business without adding more chaos. 

In this episode, he breaks down:
✅ How to shift from an employee mindset to a business owner mindset
✅ The role of documented processes in freeing up your time
✅ The Eliminate, Automate, Delegate framework for scaling
✅ How to use AI to enhance—not replace—your real estate business

Learn More From Clay👇

Coaching Website: https://imclaylehman.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clay-lehman

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imclaylehman

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clay.lehman

UnStuck AI Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/unstuckai

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Have an inspirational story of real estate tips to share with our community?

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Episode 264 of The Smart Agents Podcast features Frank Iglesias, a seasoned real estate investor, coach, and entrepreneur, sharing how he built a thriving business rooted in relationships, communication, and authenticity. After transitioning from a career in IT to full-time investing, Frank has spent nearly 17 years mastering everything from fix-and-flip projects to new construction and coaching others to do the same.

Throughout his journey, Frank has discovered that success in real estate isn’t just about deals — it’s about people. By prioritizing relationships over transactions and learning how to navigate adversity, he’s built lasting partnerships with agents and investors alike.

In this episode, Frank breaks down:
✅ How agents can build stronger partnerships with investors
✅ Why communication and transparency are key to repeat business
✅ How to handle adversity and strengthen business relationships
✅ The importance of showing—not just telling—your value in every deal

Learn More From Frank👇

Coaching Website: https://reicoachingwithfrank.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frankiglesias7

Instagram: https://instagram.com/frank.iglesias

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@frankiglesias

🎙 What Worked For You?: https://www.whatworkedforyou.com/

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Have an inspirational story of real estate tips to share with our community?

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Episode 263 of The Smart Agents Podcast features Aidan Brannigan, founder of No Boring Brands, to share how he’s redefining social media marketing through humor, memes, and creative storytelling — helping even the most traditional industries break through online.

From building one of the largest marketing meme pages on Instagram to leading campaigns for companies like Apollo and Palo Alto Networks, Aidan has proven that humor isn’t just for entertainment — it’s one of the most powerful tools for brand connection and audience growth.

In this episode, Aidan shares:
✅ How real estate agents can use humor to stand out without losing professionalism
✅ Why niche, authentic content outperforms generic marketing every time
✅ Simple tools and strategies for creating engaging memes and short-form videos
✅ How consistency and creativity lead to long-term brand authority

Learn More From Aidan👇

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aidanbrannigan

Website: https://www.noboringbrands.co/

📕 Claim Your FREE Home Selling Tips Book Sample 📕
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Have an inspirational story of real estate tips to share with our community?

Send us a message at ⁠[email protected]

Episode 262 of The Smart Agents Podcast features LinkedIn strategist and business coach Andy Gwynn, who has spent over 13 years helping real estate professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs generate consistent, high-value leads — all without cold calls or paid ads.

Throughout our conversation, Andy shares how his proven system and smart use of LinkedIn have transformed the way agents connect with referral partners, attract clients, and fill their pipelines. His practical, repeatable strategies focus on building relationships, leveraging automation, and turning online connections into long-term business growth.

In this episode, Andy breaks down:
✅ How to write LinkedIn content that drives engagement and credibility
✅ The direct outreach strategy that replaces cold calling
✅ Why webinars are LinkedIn’s secret lead generation tool
✅ How to automate connections and build your CRM from LinkedIn

Connect With Andy👇

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andygwynn

📕 Claim Your FREE Home Selling Tips Book Sample 📕
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 Get More Real Estate Training and content: https://linktr.ee/Smartagents

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Have an inspirational story of real estate tips to share with our community?

Send us a message at ⁠[email protected]