Unlocking Real Estate: Colibri Real Estate Podcast

What does it take to bounce back from five failed real estate exams, reinvent your career during the pandemic, and grow into a thriving Michigan agent?

In this episode of *Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission*, we meet **Amber Boone**, a social media marketing pro turned full-time Realtor® with Thrive Realty in Troy, Michigan. Amber’s story is all about resilience, authenticity, and building a business rooted in helping people—not chasing transactions.

She shares:

* How losing her marketing job during COVID pushed her toward real estate
* Why it took her **five tries** to pass the licensing exam—and why that didn’t stop her
* How she landed her first clients through her sphere and Instagram (no paid ads!)
* Why being “real” with clients became her brand and biggest differentiator
* How she manages multiple businesses, family, and real estate without burning out
* Why perseverance, self-awareness, and authenticity are the keys to long-term success

Amber’s journey proves that setbacks don’t define you—perseverance does.

00:00 – Meet Amber Boone (Thrive Realty, Michigan)
02:30 – From social media marketing to real estate
04:30 – Inspired by a bad buying experience
05:30 – Licensing school during COVID (Groupon course!)
07:00 – Failing the exam 4 times before passing
09:30 – Adjusting expectations in her first year
11:20 – Landing first clients via sphere & Instagram
13:00 – Building a brand on authenticity (“Get Real with AB”)
15:00 – Marketing experiments beyond social media
15:50 – Why she loves open houses
16:45 – Serving all clients, from first-time buyers to luxury
19:15 – Imposter syndrome & early challenges
21:00 – Support system & learning from peers
22:30 – Advice for new agents: stay true to yourself
24:50 – Running 3 businesses & community involvement
27:00 – Organic networking & referrals
29:40 – A day in the life & time management
33:00 – Growth, mindset, and future goals
35:50 – Lightning round: books, mentors & advice
40:30 – Final tips: perseverance & authenticity
41:10 – Where to connect with Amber

📲 Instagram & TikTok: [@GetRealWithAB](https://instagram.com/getrealwithab)
📘 Facebook: [Amber Boone Real Estate](https://facebook.com/GetRealWithAB)

Are you a rookie real estate agent with an incredible first commission story? Apply to be featured on *Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission* by reaching out to ** https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish
[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])**.

How do you go from graduating college during COVID, working in mortgages, and feeling “too young” for real estate—to becoming one of the **Top 25 Rookies of the Year**?

In this episode of *Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission*, we sit down with **Caroline Coladonato** of RE/MAX Ready in Pennsylvania. Caroline opens up about her journey from the mortgage world to real estate, how she built confidence as a young agent, and why authentic networking and staying true to herself fueled her success.

She shares:

* How her entrepreneurial family inspired her to bet on herself
* The challenges of starting in real estate without buying a home of her own yet
* Why it took over a year to close her first deal—and how she stayed motivated
* How she turned rentals and referrals into a six-figure client pipeline
* Her million-dollar client success story that started with a simple apartment search
* Tips for staying confident, building relationships, and avoiding rookie burnout

Caroline proves that being young in real estate isn’t a disadvantage—it’s an opportunity to bring fresh energy, authenticity, and resilience to the business.

Video Chapters:

00:00 – Meet Caroline Coladonato (RE/MAX Ready)
00:40 – From Villanova grad to mortgage desk job
02:00 – Inspiration to switch into real estate
03:30 – Getting licensed while working full time
06:00 – Classroom lessons vs. real-life real estate
07:30 – Expectations for her first year
09:50 – How athletics shaped her work ethic
10:30 – Why her first transaction took over a year
11:30 – Staying motivated through the grind
12:30 – Hitting her stride in 2023
13:20 – Networking, referrals & renters who became buyers
14:40 – Social media & staying authentic
15:30 – Coaching field hockey & community involvement
16:50 – Challenges of being a young agent
18:30 – Staying connected with clients (handwritten notes & personal touches)
19:30 – Advice for new agents: realistic expectations & confidence
20:40 – Why she loves real estate: people & variety
22:10 – The million-dollar client story that started with no commission
24:00 – What’s next: growing with RE/MAX Ready
25:00 – Caroline’s biggest success tips
26:30 – Lightning round: books, advice & mentors
31:10 – Where to follow Caroline online

Connect with Caroline Coladonato:

📸 Instagram: [@closingwithcola](https://instagram.com/closingwithcola)


Want to Be Featured?

Are you a rookie real estate agent with an incredible first commission story? Apply to be featured on *Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission* by reaching out to **[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])** https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish

What does it take to go from running a sewing business to building a thriving career in real estate? In this episode of *Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission*, we sit down with **Tayissa Gabreski**, a former artist and business owner who completely reinvented her career in her 40s—and quickly found success as a Keller Williams agent in the Seattle-Tacoma area.

Tayissa shares:

* How she balanced running her own business, raising a toddler, and earning her real estate license
* Why telling *everyone* she was getting licensed landed her a client right away
* The biggest challenges of proving herself as a professional in a brand-new industry
* How she turned her first client’s home into a \$200K profit story with the right strategy
* The keys to building long-term client relationships and avoiding being a “secret agent”
* Why coaching and mentoring the next generation of real estate agents has become her passion

If you’re considering a career change, or you’re a new agent looking for inspiration and a roadmap to success, Tayissa’s story proves it’s never too late to start—and thrive—in real estate.

Video Chapters:

00:00 – Intro: From artist to agent
02:00 – Balancing business, school & family life
07:00 – Landing her first client before licensing
08:30 – Building credibility as a new agent
10:00 – Marketing with authenticity & social media
12:00 – The leap to full-time real estate
14:00 – Overcoming early career challenges
15:30 – Learning through mentorship & assistantship
16:40 – Lead generation & “no secret agents”
20:00 – Staying connected with clients long-term
23:00 – The \$200K remodel success story
26:00 – Coaching, leadership & future goals
27:00 – Tips for aspiring real estate agents
28:30 – Lightning round: books, advice & mentors
32:00 – Community involvement & giving back
33:00 – Where to find Tayissa online

Connect with Tayissa Gabreski:

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tayissablue

Want to Be Featured?

Are you a rookie real estate agent with a great first commission story? Apply to be featured on *Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission* by reaching out to us at **[[email protected]] or fill out this form: https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish 

In this episode of My First Commission on the Unlocking Real Estate podcast by Colibri Real Estate, we talk to Christina Goodpaster, a Richmond-area REALTOR® and team lead at Providence Hill Real Estate. Drawing from her background in fashion and product development, Christina shares how she transformed her creative know-how and community connections into a thriving real estate career—closing deals consistently and earning her spot in the top 2% of Richmond Metro agents. 

She dives into:

How her fashion education at FIT and corporate product development sharpened her attention to client detail and presentation

Building a brand—and relationships—through "old-school" strategies like direct mail and in-person networking with local moms

Her first commission story and the systems she created to scale from there

Why consistency and proactive outreach—not flashy ads—set her apart in a competitive market

Staying relevant in changing seasons through marketing calendars and community involvement

Whether you're shifting careers or just starting out, Christina’s path shows how discipline, authenticity, and thoughtful service lay the foundation for real estate success.

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Introduction & Who’s Christina Goodpaster

02:05 – Fashion & Product Development: Early Foundations

05:10 – Transition to Real Estate & First Deal Breakdown

08:20 – Relationship Marketing with Neighborhood Moms

11:45 – Consistency Through Calendars & Marketing Systems

14:30 – Building Trust, Referrals & Community Presence

17:00 – Leading The Goodpaster Group: A Team Story

19:30 – Real Estate Advice: “Do the Right Things, Often”

21:45 – What’s Next: Scaling, Legacy & Leaving Guilt Behind

Connect with Christina Goodpaster

Instagram: @christinagoodpaster_rvarealtor
 — Team lead and local real estate storyteller 

Facebook: The Goodpaster Group
 — Local listings, updates, and team insights 

Providence Hill Agent Profile: Realtor®, Team Lead at Providence Hill Real Estate (Richmond Metro, top 2%) 

Want to Share Your Story?

Do you have a memorable first commission story? We'd love to feature you on My First Commission! Apply now to inspire future agents with your journey. https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish

In this episode of My First Commission on the Unlocking Real Estate podcast by Colibri Real Estate, we spotlight Heavenn Perez, a rising Realtor® with Century 21 Transcendent Realty in Medina, Ohio.

Heavenn’s journey proves that discipline, mentorship, and persistence can turn a dream into a thriving career. After working full-time in manufacturing for seven years, she made the leap into real estate—balancing 120 hours of coursework, a demanding job, and long commutes. Within her first year, she closed 10 transactions, quit her 9–5, and hasn’t looked back.

In this conversation, Heavenn shares:

How her grandfather’s brokerage inspired her from childhood

The strategies she used to pass her real estate coursework while working full time

Why choosing the right brokerage was a game-changer for her success

How she landed her first commission in just four months through disciplined lead generation

Why open houses, referrals, and social media video marketing became her biggest growth tools

The importance of mentorship, team culture, and constant follow-up in real estate

Whether you’re considering a career change or already starting out in real estate, Heavenn’s story will motivate you to stay consistent, invest in the right training, and build relationships that last.

⏱️ Episode Chapters

00:00 – Intro to My First Commission

01:16 – Meet Heavenn Perez: From Manufacturing to Real Estate

02:08 – Inspiration from Her Grandfather’s Brokerage

03:53 – Choosing Hondros & Balancing Online Classes with Full-Time Work

07:42 – Closing Her First Deal in Four Months

08:44 – Training, Scripts, and 18,000 Leads at Century 21

10:12 – First Client & Early Follow-Up Strategies

10:56 – Social Media Videos That Reached 50,000+ Views

12:30 – Family Deals, Referrals, and Building Her Sphere

12:51 – Why She Loves Open Houses

14:03 – Biggest First-Year Challenges While Working Two Jobs

16:55 – A Divorce Sale That Tested Her Skills

19:20 – Building Trust & Long-Term Client Relationships

20:46 – Funny First-Year Moments (Mismatched Socks at a Luxury Showing)

22:18 – Heavenn’s Top Tips for New Agents (Brokerage Choice Matters)

26:20 – Lightning Round: Books, Advice, and Future Goals

30:25 – Where to Connect with Heavenn Perez

31:07 – Final Thoughts & Inspiration for Aspiring Agents

🔗 Connect with Heavenn Perez

Facebook: Heavenn Perez

Instagram: @heavennperez_realtor

TikTok: @heavennperez_realtor

LinkedIn: Heavenn Perez

🚀 Want to Share Your Story?

Are you a new agent with a first commission story to tell? Apply to be featured on My First Commission and inspire other real estate professionals! https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish

#HeavennPerez #MyFirstCommission #RealEstatePodcast #UnlockingRealEstate #ColibriRealEstate #Century21 #NewAgentSuccess #RealEstateCareer

From Pro Baseball Dreams to Carolina Luxury Homes: Eric Schultz’s Rookie Real Estate Journey

In this episode of *My First Commission* from the *Unlocking Real Estate* podcast by Colibri Real Estate, we feature **Eric Schultz**, a Luxury Home Specialist with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas Realty serving **North & South Carolina**.

Eric shares his unique path—from pursuing a professional baseball career to becoming a trusted Realtor® in the Carolinas—and how his competitive drive, work ethic, and relationship-building skills fueled his first big win in real estate.

You’ll hear how Eric:

* Transitioned from athletics and corporate sales into real estate
* Built trust with high-end clients in a new market
* Approached his **first deal** with persistence, strategic follow-up, and attention to detail
* Navigates the luxury space while keeping service and integrity at the forefront
* Balances family life with the demands of real estate success

Whether you’re an aspiring agent or a seasoned pro looking for inspiration, Eric’s story proves that with discipline, passion, and client focus, you can build a thriving career in any market.

* **00:00** – Meet Eric Schultz: From Pro Baseball to Real Estate
* **03:15** – The Career Shift: Why Real Estate?
* **06:50** – Breaking Into the Carolina Market
* **11:30** – First Commission: How It Happened
* **15:20** – Lessons from Luxury Transactions
* **19:00** – Balancing Business, Family & Personal Goals
* **22:40** – Advice for New Agents in Competitive Markets

* **Instagram:** [@eric\_schultz19](https://www.instagram.com/eric_schultz19/?hl=en)
* **Instagram:** [@ericschultzrealtor](https://www.instagram.com/ericschultzrealtor/)
* **Facebook:** [Eric Schultz Realtor](https://www.facebook.com/EricSchultzRealtor/)
* **BHHS Profile:** [Eric Schultz – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas](https://www.bhhs.com/carolinas-realty-nc301/charlotte/eric-schultz/cid-3053600)

Are you a new agent with a first commission story to tell? Apply now to be featured on *My First Commission* and inspire other real estate professionals! https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish

#EricSchultz #MyFirstCommission #CarolinasRealEstate #LuxuryHomes #BHHS #RealEstatePodcast #UnlockingRealEstate #ColibriRealEstate

In this episode of My First Commission on Unlocking Real Estate, we speak with Dan Merrill, a retired Air Force recruiter who retired at 43 and quickly pivoted to real estate with Coldwell Banker Premier Realty in Las Vegas. With unmatched discipline and military precision, Dan closed his very first transactions in under two months while setting a powerful foundation for his new career.

Key insights you'll hear:

• How military discipline and structured routines became his real estate superpower
• Why he focused on serving fellow military members—and how he built trust on base over coffee, not cold calls
• How he used Canva-designed postcards, social media, and client referrals to grow his business—without expensive ads
• The emotional impact of placing first-time homeowners in homes, especially those who believed homeownership was out of reach
• His real talk on real estate life outside 9–5: managing closings while on vacation and leaning on family and faith for balance

If you're curious how discipline, service ethic, and strategic hustle blend to create early success in real estate, Dan’s story is compelling proof.

 Episode Chapters

• 00:00 – Meet Dan: From Air Force to Realtor
• 01:20 – Licensing Challenges & Persistence
• 05:40 – First Closings in Just Weeks
• 08:00 – Military Niche: Building Trust on Base
• 12:00 – Grassroots Marketing: Social and Snail Mail
• 15:00 – First Buyer Wins & Emotional Milestones
• 20:00 – Balancing Work, Family & Real Estate Hustle
• 24:00 – Words of Wisdom: “Do the Right Things Right, Often”

 Connect with Dan Merrill

• Instagram: @Dan Merrill Las Vegas Realtor
• Facebook: Dan Merrill
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (805) 315-1898 – “Interested in real estate mentorship or home buying? Reach out anytime.”

Why Dan’s Story Inspires

Dan’s transition from military life to real estate shows that the right skills — discipline, empathy, and communication — can translate into success in any industry. He leaned into authenticity, niche marketing, and service-first mindset to outpace expectations in his very first year. If you're ready to redefine what’s possible in real estate at any stage of life, this episode is for you.

 Ready to Share Your Story?

Do you have a powerful first-commission story? Apply now to be featured on My First Commission and inspire aspiring agents everywhere.

https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish

#DanMerrill #MyFirstCommission #RealEstatePodcast #LasVegasRealtor #MilitaryToRealtor #NewAgentSuccess #ColdwellBanker #UnlockingRealEstate

Sources

Ask ChatGPT

In this episode of My First Commission from the Unlocking Real Estate podcast by Colibri Real Estate, we talk with Marc Cannella, a former Las Vegas doorman who reinvented his life at 60—jumping full-time into real estate and selling over $4.1 million in his very first year.

Marc spent nearly four decades welcoming guests at Vegas hotels, but when the hospitality world shifted, he took his people skills and local knowledge and applied them to real estate. Now a Rookie of the Year with Coldwell Banker Premier Realty, Marc is thriving—bringing unmatched energy, commitment, and humor to every transaction.

In this high-energy and inspiring episode, Marc shares:

• How he went from “opening doors” to closing deals at 60 years old
• Why hospitality skills were the perfect foundation for client success
• How consistency, hustle, and a genuine love for people helped him win trust
• What it means to serve clients with purpose, no matter your age or background
• The emotional story behind his very first commission—and why it still sticks with him

If you’re thinking it’s too late to switch careers or wondering how to stand out in real estate without a flashy online presence, Marc’s journey will change your mind.

🗂️ Episode Chapters

• 00:00 – Meet Marc Cannella: 40 Years in Hospitality
• 03:00 – Making the Leap: From Doorman to Realtor
• 06:30 – Rookie of the Year: How He Sold $4.1M
• 10:45 – Winning Clients Through Personality & Purpose
• 15:00 – First Deal Stories & Emotional Moments
• 20:00 – Advice for Late-Career Starters in Real Estate
• 24:15 – Mindset, Gratitude & The Long Game

🔗 Connect with Marc Cannella

• Instagram: @marccannellasellslasvegas
• Facebook: Cannella Fitness (also home to real estate updates)
• Zillow Profile: Marc Cannella – Coldwell Banker Premier Realty

🚀 Want to Share Your Story?

Are you a new agent with a unique first commission journey? Apply now to be featured on My First Commission and inspire the next generation of real estate pros!

#MarcCannella #MyFirstCommission #LasVegasRealEstate #RookieOfTheYear #CareerChangeSuccess #ColibriRealEstate #UnlockingRealEstate #ColdwellBankerPremier #RealEstatePodcast

In this episode of *My First Commission* on *Unlocking Real Estate* by Colibri Real Estate, we sit down with Carol Koutsourais, a lifelong Mahoning Valley resident and marketing-savvy Realtor® with **CENTURY 21 Lakeside Realty** in Youngstown, Ohio. With a background in interior design and marketing, Carol successfully transitioned into real estate, leveraging her creative strengths to stage homes, showcase listings effectively, and build deep-rooted client relationships.

Carol shares:

* How her marketing and design experience helped her navigate the industry and guide sellers to stand out in a competitive market
* The ways she uses staging insights and visual storytelling to create emotional connections that lead to faster sales and happier clients
* How local knowledge and a commitment to long-term relationships became her client retention edge in the Mahoning Valley

Whether you’re an agent—or an aspiring one—looking to elevate your launch with thoughtful presentation and personal connections, Carol’s journey offers a beautiful example of using professional background to amplify real estate results.

🎧 Episode Chapters

* **00:00 – Meet Carol Koutsourais**
* **02:45 – From Marketing & Design to Real Estate**
* **06:10 – How Staging Sets Listings Apart**
* **09:35 – Building Trust Through Visual Storytelling**
* **13:20 – Navigating the Youngstown Market**
* **16:45 – Connecting Clients Beyond the Sale**
* **20:00 – Advice for Agents with Creative Backgrounds**

🔗 Connect with Carol Koutsourais

* **LinkedIn** – Realtor at Century 21 Lakeside Realty in Youngstown, OH (500+ connections) https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-koutsourais-515b0881
* **Century 21 Profile** – Marketing‑minded agent providing staging advice and long-term client care in the Mahoning Valley https://www.century21.com/real-estate-agent/profile/carol-koutsourais-P80184052
* **Facebook (“Homes by Carol”)** – Local updates, listings, and community-focused real estate content https://www.facebook.com/p/Homes-by-Carol-at-Century-21-Lakeside-61560129238708/

🚀 Want to Share Your Story?

Do you have a first-deal journey worth sharing on *My First Commission*? Apply now to share your experience, inspire others, and be featured in the next episode! https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish

\#MyFirstCommission #CarolKoutsourais #MahoningValleyRealEstate #Century21Lakeside #StagingStrategy #YoungstownRealtor #CreativeAgentLaunch #UnlockingRealEstate

In this episode of My First Commission on Unlocking Real Estate, meet Kyle Russell, a former factory worker turned real estate powerhouse with RE/MAX Preferred in Toledo, Ohio. Tired of feeling stuck, Kyle made the bold leap into real estate—and quickly discovered that success in this industry starts with relationships, resilience, and relentless follow-up.

Kyle walks us through his first year, where he:

• Left his factory job to pursue real estate full-time
• Built credibility in a brand-new industry by attending trainings, shadowing mentors, and staying humble
• Used open houses and face-to-face networking to generate his first serious leads
• Learned the importance of financial planning, work-life balance, and staying proactive
• Harnessed social media as a tool for education and visibility—not just self-promotion

Whether you’re thinking about making a career shift or you're a brand-new agent looking for traction, Kyle’s story will inspire you to go all-in—and stay focused on the long game.

• 00:00 – Meet Kyle Russell: From Factory Work to Real Estate
• 03:03 – Making the Leap: Why Kyle Left His Job
• 05:44 – Real Estate Licensing & Early Learning Curves
• 08:42 – Building Confidence and Credibility
• 11:40 – Leveraging Open Houses for Early Success
• 14:30 – Using Social Media Intentionally
• 20:36 – Navigating Mindset Shifts and Weekend Hustle
• 42:11 – Mentorship, Networking, and Client Loyalty
• 49:52 – Balancing Family and Business in Year One

🔗 Connect with Kyle Russell

• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/kdaddy19
• TikTok– https://www.tiktok.com/@kyleremax 

🚀 Want to Share Your Story?

Are you a new agent with a powerful first-deal journey? We’d love to feature you on My First Commission. Apply now to inspire the next generation of real estate professionals! https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish 

#MyFirstCommission #KyleRussell #ToledoRealEstate #REMAXPreferred #CareerChangeSuccess #RealEstatePodcast #OpenHouseStrategy #UnlockingRealEstate #ColibriRealEstate