What does it take to build a successful real estate career that lasts nearly four decades?

In this episode of Work Hard, Play Hard & Give Back, Mike Litzner sits down with Adele Kuczmarski, a top-producing Long Island real estate professional known for serving Manhasset and the Gold Coast luxury real estate market.

For Adele, success comes down to one simple philosophy: always be accessible.

She shares how that approach has helped turn clients into lifelong friends, why she still personally shows up at every closing, and what it takes to navigate multimillion-dollar transactions where trust, discretion, and relationships matter just as much as the numbers.

Adele also explains why luxury real estate isn’t as different as some agents think. Whether representing a $240,000 condo or a multimillion-dollar estate, her approach remains the same: treat every client with the same attention, do the right thing, and be there when they need you.

The conversation goes beyond the transaction as Adele reflects on nearly four decades in Long Island real estate, her deep roots in the Manhasset community, and decades of charitable involvement. She also shares why she believes agents need to get out from behind their screens, come into the office, meet people, and stay connected to the communities they serve.

Along the way, Adele tells some unforgettable stories—from answering real estate calls at 3:30 in the morning and conducting business from a boat to landing a $4 million waterfront listing after someone overheard her talking at the nail salon.

Plus, Mike gets Adele talking about boating, jet skiing, why she hasn’t turned on her stove in 30 years, and her love of Barry Manilow in this episode’s Drop the Mic question.

For real estate agents looking to build a lasting business—and anyone interested in the relationships behind Long Island luxury real estate—Adele’s message is refreshingly simple: show up, be accessible, and take care of people.

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• cbamhomes.com

Interested in a career in real estate?

• Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.com

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• New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

With more than 30 years in real estate, Lori Slattery knows that being a great agent is about much more than selling homes.

Lori joins Mike to talk about why she sees herself as a project manager for her clients, the importance of reputation and relationships, and how experience helps navigate the unexpected challenges that come with every transaction. They also get into VA loans and relocation, old-school outreach and modern marketing, investing in a tight market, and why educating clients upfront leads to better outcomes.

Plus, Lori shares how giving back and staying involved in her community have shaped her approach to both business and life, along with a few unforgettable stories from three decades in real estate.

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• cbamhomes.com

Interested in a career in real estate?

• Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.com

Need to get licensed?

• New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

Season 4 kicks off with one of the most fascinating guests we’ve ever had on the podcast.

Ron Starrantino’s career has taken him from Wall Street to Hollywood, from competitive bodybuilding to the motorcycle industry, and ultimately to becoming one of Long Island’s top real estate professionals. Along the way, he’s worked with celebrities, built award-winning business networks, and developed a reputation as a relentless negotiator who treats every client like family.

In this episode, Ron shares:

• How his background in finance and entertainment shaped his approach to sales and negotiation
• The mindset that helped him become a top-producing real estate agent
• Why relationships and communication are the foundation of every successful transaction
• Lessons from building one of the largest BNI networking chapters in the world
• His passion for supporting veterans, local businesses, and giving back to the community
• Incredible stories from Hollywood, Sons of Anarchy, motorcycles, Ferraris, and more

Whether you’re a real estate professional, entrepreneur, or someone looking for inspiration on building a career through grit, relationships, and perseverance, this episode is packed with practical insights and unforgettable stories.

Thank you for listening

Stay connected with us:

• Facebook: facebook.com/cbamhomes
• Instagram: instagram.com/cbamhomes
• Twitter: twitter.com/cbamhomes
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cbamhomes

Visit our website:

• cbamhomes.com

Interested in a career in real estate?

• Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.com

Need to get licensed?

• New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

In this episode of Work Hard, Play Hard, and Give Back – A Real Estate Podcast, host Mike Litzner sits down with Jason Waugh, CEO of Coldwell Banker Affiliates Worldwide, to discuss what it takes to lead and grow at the highest levels of the real estate industry.

Jason shares insight into managing a global network of agents, maintaining brand consistency across markets, and why mindset, discipline, and follow-up are critical in both strong and challenging market cycles. The conversation covers taking market share in down markets, building relationships at scale, leveraging AI and technology for efficiency, and the importance of staying focused on what you can control.

The episode also explores leadership, family, giving back, and why service and community involvement remain core to long-term success in real estate.

Whether you are an agent, broker, or industry leader, this episode offers practical perspective and timeless lessons on growth, execution, and leadership.

Thank you for listening

Stay connected with us:

• Facebook: facebook.com/cbamhomes
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Visit our website:

• cbamhomes.com

Interested in a career in real estate?

• Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.com

Need to get licensed?

• New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

In this episode of Work Hard, Play Hard, and Give Back – A Real Estate Podcast, host Mike Litzner sits down with Ron Alber, Real Estate Attorney and Founder of The Alber Law Group, to break down what really happens between contract and closing in New York real estate.

Ron shares practical insights on:
-The most common legal mistakes sellers and buyers make
-Why due diligence matters before listing or purchasing a home
-Certificates of Occupancy, permits, and how missing paperwork can derail a deal
-How agents, attorneys, and lenders can work together to keep transactions moving
-Staying calm and professional when emotions and pressure run high
-Estate planning basics every homeowner should understand
-Wild but true closing table stories from nearly 25 years in practice

Whether you’re a buyer, seller, agent, or investor, this episode offers real-world guidance to help you avoid costly mistakes and close with confidence.

👉 Subscribe for new episodes
👍 Like if you found value
💬 Comment with your biggest takeaway

📍 Guest: Ron Alber, Esq.
🌐 Website: alberlaw.com
📞 Phone: 631-462-6900

Thank you for listening

Stay connected with us:

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Visit our website:

• cbamhomes.com

Interested in a career in real estate?

• Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.com

Need to get licensed?

• New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

In this episode of Work Hard, Play Hard, and Give Back, Mike Litzner sits down with Janet Pushee, a top agent in the Northport / Huntington market with over 35 years of experience.

Janet shares what has mattered most throughout her career — waking up each day with a mission, staying productive, putting clients first, and answering the phone when it counts. The conversation also dives into what makes Northport such a special community, how buyers and sellers should approach today’s market, and why giving back through civic involvement is so important to her.

Whether you’re a homeowner, buyer, seller, or real estate professional, this episode offers thoughtful insight from someone who has truly seen it all.

Thank you for listening

Stay connected with us:

• Facebook: facebook.com/cbamhomes
• Instagram: instagram.com/cbamhomes
• Twitter: twitter.com/cbamhomes
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cbamhomes

Visit our website:

• cbamhomes.com

Interested in a career in real estate?

• Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.com

Need to get licensed?

• New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

In this episode of Work Hard, Play Hard, and Give Back – A Real Estate Podcast, Mike Litzner sits down with Melissa King, COO of OneKey® MLS, for a behind-the-scenes look at the data, technology, and decisions that power the real estate industry. Melissa breaks down what the MLS really is, how listing data flows to consumer portals, why transparency and standards matter, and how AI and smarter integrations are shaping what’s next for brokers and agents. The conversation also dives into leadership, industry change, and wraps with a fun Drop the Mic moment you won’t want to miss.

Thank you for listening

Stay connected with us:

• Facebook: facebook.com/cbamhomes
• Instagram: instagram.com/cbamhomes
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• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cbamhomes

Visit our website:

• cbamhomes.com

Interested in a career in real estate?

• Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.com

Need to get licensed?

• New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

In this episode of Work Hard, Play Hard, and Give Back, Mike Litzner sits down with Scott Rosenberg of CrossCountry Mortgage, a mortgage professional with 35 years of experience navigating every type of market cycle. 

Scott breaks down today's mortgage landscape with clarity and candor from why Fed rate cuts don t always translate to lower mortgage rates, to the real differences between pre-approvals and commitment letters, rate locks, VA loans, first-time buyer programs, and jumbo financing. 

He also shares practical advice for agents on strengthening offers, reducing deal risk, and educating buyers for smoother closings. The conversation goes beyond numbers, touching on ethics, long-term financial responsibility, market misconceptions, and the importance of doing right by clients even when it means saying no. If you re a real estate agent, buyer, or industry professional looking for real-world mortgage insight without the noise, this episode delivers real advice you can use.

Thank you for listening

Stay connected with us:

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Visit our website:

• cbamhomes.com

Interested in a career in real estate?

• Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.com

Need to get licensed?

• New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

In this episode of Work Hard, Play Hard, and Give Back, Mike Litzner sits down with Sandra Caruso, Regional Manager of the Mount Sinai and Wading River offices for Coldwell Banker American Homes.

Sandra shares what it really takes to lead 100+ agents across two distinct markets, how her experience as an agent shapes her leadership style, and why understanding people, not just transactions, is the foundation of long-term success.

The conversation also goes inside the brand new Mount Sinai office, built from the ground up, including how modern spaces and in-house studios are helping agents elevate their marketing and better serve their clients.

From fiduciary responsibility and negotiation nuance to community involvement, mentorship, and giving back, this episode offers a behind the scenes look at leadership in today’s real estate landscape.

Thank you for listening

Stay connected with us:

• Facebook: facebook.com/cbamhomes
• Instagram: instagram.com/cbamhomes
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• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cbamhomes

Visit our website:

• cbamhomes.com

Interested in a career in real estate?

• Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.com

Need to get licensed?

• New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

Thank you for listening

Stay connected with us:

• Facebook: facebook.com/cbamhomes
• Instagram: instagram.com/cbamhomes
• Twitter: twitter.com/cbamhomes
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cbamhomes

Visit our website:

• cbamhomes.com

Interested in a career in real estate?

• Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.com

Need to get licensed?

• New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/