Thinking about getting your real estate license or curious about what it really takes to succeed in the industry?

In the Season 2 finale of Work Hard, Play Hard, and Give Back – A Real Estate Podcast, we sit down with Michael Aharoni, Branch Manager of the Coldwell Banker American Homes Farmingdale office and certified instructor for the Real Estate School of New York State (RESNYS). With a unique blend of in-the-field expertise and classroom insight, Michael breaks down the process of getting licensed, pursuing designations, and building a lasting career in real estate.

https://resnys.com/

From education to execution, this episode is packed with guidance for aspiring agents and veterans alike. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, Michael shows you the way.

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 Vinnie DiOrio, Branch Manager at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, to shed light on the modern mortgage process. From his early career with the New York Islanders to building a client-first approach in lending, Vinnie shares his insights on:

• How the mortgage industry has evolved
• Appraisal waivers and competitive offer strategies
• The importance of face-to-face consultations
• Common pitfalls buyers face—and how to avoid them
• Why service, education, and relationships matter more than rates

Plus, hear about his passion for family time, his famous dog Coco, and the causes close to his heart, including support for children with special needs and the Heart of American Homes Foundation.

Stay tuned to the end for the Drop the Mic question: a wild closing story you don’t want to miss.

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 inspiring episode, host Mike Litzner sits down with Christine Dato, a top agent at Coldwell Banker American Homes in Hicksville, to discuss her unique path in real estate—starting not once, but twice. Christine shares the challenges she faced as a young agent, why she stepped away from the industry, and what ultimately brought her back with renewed confidence and purpose.

From navigating today’s fast-paced market to building trust with clients and giving back to her Long Island community, Christine opens up about the habits, mindset, and mentorship that helped shape her success.

Stay tuned as we cover her favorite business tools, buyer/seller seminars, family motivation, and her role in local charitable work like Feed Long Island—plus a fun Drop the Mic question to wrap it all up.

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 Dan Jacuzzi, President and Broker/Owner of The Select Group — one of the top 50 brokerages in the U.S. With over 70 offices spanning six states and both Century 21 and Coldwell Banker brands, Dan brings a wealth of insight into leadership, growth, luxury real estate, and the future of the industry.

From his start in a 9-agent office to managing over 1,700 agents, Dan shares strategies on training, culture, cross-branding, and adapting to trends like AI and clear cooperation. Plus, get a glimpse into his personal passions, community work, and the advice he’d give to his 25-year-old self.

🎙️ Don’t miss this thoughtful, inspiring, and information-packed episode.

Topics include:

• How to lead across brands and regions
• Insights into luxury markets like Aspen and Santa Fe
• Thoughts on AI, agent development & MLS changes
• Dan’s community philosophy and global impact
• Travel, skiing, and what fuels his curiosity

👉 Stay for the Drop the Mic questions at the end!

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 Barbara Mullaney and team members Katy Myers and Peggy Elliott of The Barbara Mullaney Team — one of the top-producing teams on Long Island.

From building a business on referrals to mastering the unique dynamics of the Long Beach and Barrier Islands market, the conversation dives deep into:

• The evolution from solo agent to successful team
• Honest, data-backed pricing strategies
• Flood insurance realities and home elevation after Sandy
• The power of Long Beach’s tight-knit community
• Summer rentals, housing styles, and market trends
• Running a team rooted in trust, collaboration, and purpose
• How they give back through causes like the Long Beach Soup Kitchen and Michael Diamond Foundation

Whether you’re an agent thinking about joining or starting a team, or just love real estate stories with purpose, this episode delivers insight and heart in equal measure.

🔗 Subscribe and follow for new episodes every two weeks!

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 our next episode, host Mike Litzner sits down with Tony Briguglio, Broker of Record for Coldwell Banker Commercial AMH, aka “The King of Commercial,” for an unfiltered look at the world of commercial real estate.

From navigating cap rates and SBA loans to spotting undervalued assets and closing deals with national tenants—Tony shares expert insights that every investor, agent, and entrepreneur should hear.

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, we sit down with Jim McKenna Sr. and Jim McKenna Jr., the dynamic father-son duo behind The Jims Team in Northport, NY.

With decades of combined experience, they share:

✅ How they built a thriving real estate business together

✅ The challenges and rewards of working as a family

✅ Their success in both residential resale and new construction

✅ The importance of client-first service and community involvement

✅ How giving back through organizations like Kiwanis and the American Legion has shaped their careers

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, we sit down with David Marine, Chief Marketing Officer of Anywhere Brands, the parent company behind Coldwell Banker, Century 21, ERA Real Estate, and Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate.

With over 22 years of experience in real estate marketing, David shares his incredible journey from creating the first digital listing presentation to pioneering social media in the industry by launching the first-ever Facebook page for real estate.

We dive into:

• The evolution of real estate marketing and branding
• How Coldwell Banker’s Move Meter campaign revolutionized consumer engagement
• The power of brand legacy and staying relevant in a changing industry
• Hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, including his unforgettable interview with Shaquille O'Neal

David also provides actionable insights on how agents can:

• Stand out with unique value propositions
• Measure marketing success with ROI-focused strategies
• Leverage brand recognition to pre-sell clients

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/

What does it take to turn a life-changing decision into a 20-year real estate career?  This week on Work Hard, Play Hard, and Give Back – A Real Estate Podcast, we sit down with Marie Asher, a dedicated Real Estate professional who went from being a nurse to one of Massapequa Park’s most trusted realtors.  

Marie shares: 
✅ Her “aha” moment that helped her breakthrough in year two 
✅ Why mentorship & continuous learning are crucial for success 
✅ How building relationships over transactions makes a difference 
✅ The company culture of giving back and her role in Heart of American Homes  

This episode is full of real-world insights for anyone in real estate (or considering it). If you’re looking for inspiration, Marie’s journey is one to watch!

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/

🎙 Season 2 is Here!

We’re kicking off Season 2 of Work Hard, Play Hard, and Give Back - A Real Estate Podcast with none other than Sheila McKenna Olsen! With over 30 years in real estate, Sheila has seen it all—from shifting markets to major industry changes.

In this episode, we cover:
🏡 The biggest changes in real estate over the last 30 years
⚖️ How the NAR lawsuit & MLS changes impact real estate agents
💡 The importance of negotiation & agent training in today’s market
📱 Why social media & digital tools are crucial for success
❤️ The power of giving back & community involvement

Sheila is known for her unwavering support of agents, industry expertise, and commitment to mentorship. Whether you're a new agent or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with valuable insights that will help you navigate today’s real estate landscape.

Tune in and stay ahead of the game!

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

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/