BUILT DIFFERENT with Erin Sykes

Erin Sykes

BUILT DIFFERENT with Erin Sykes breaks down the structures that shape how we live, spend, and grow. From real estate and investing to the psychology of sales, shopping habits, and relationships, each episode explores the strategies and stories behind building a life of value. With a lens that’s both sophisticated and candid, Erin moves seamlessly between market insights, money mindset, and deeply personal conversations - because what we build isn’t just financial, it’s human. Listeners can expect thought-provoking conversations that bridge business and behavior, wealth and wellness, and strategy and soul. On BUILT DIFFERENT, you’ll learn how to: Navigate the ever-changing real estate and investment landscapeUnderstand the psychology behind spending, selling, and successShift your money mindset to align with your personal and professional goalsBuild resilience through challenges — in business, relationships, and lifeIntegrate emotional intelligence and practical strategy to create lasting valueFeatured guests include: Industry leaders and economists sharing market trends and wealth strategiesFounders, investors, and entrepreneurs redefining success on their own termsExperts in psychology, health, and relationships exploring the human side of growthReal people with powerful stories about building from the inside outBecause the truth is - what we build tells our story. And when you build differently, you live differently. TO CONNECT: BUILT DIFFERENT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/built.different.pod Erin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sykesstyle Email: erin@sykesproperties.com BUILT DIFFERENT YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@built_different_pod BUILT DIFFERENT Website: https://www.builtdifferentpod.com BUILT DIFFERENT Community: https://connect.builtdifferentpod.com BUILT DIFFERENT is recorded at PodPlus Studios in Jupiter, Florida and produced by Hype Boss.

  1. Rethinking Ownership: Marnie Blanco on Fractional Real Estate, Luxury Access, and Scaling Pacaso

    1D AGO

    Rethinking Ownership: Marnie Blanco on Fractional Real Estate, Luxury Access, and Scaling Pacaso

    In this episode of BUILT DIFFERENT, Erin Sykes sits down with Marnie Blanco, SVP of Industry Relations at Pacaso, to unpack one of the most interesting shifts happening in luxury real estate right now: co-ownership. Pacaso is changing how second homes are bought and used by turning a single property into shared ownership among a small group of buyers. Instead of sitting vacant most of the year, these homes are actively used, professionally managed, and built around experience rather than traditional ownership. Marnie explains how the model actually works in practice. From how buyers purchase shares and schedule their time, to how resale works and why the structure avoids the common pitfalls people associate with timeshares. She also shares why keeping owners anonymous creates a cleaner, more seamless ownership experience that still feels personal. The conversation naturally expands into where the market is heading as Erin and Marnie dig into the impact of affordability and the inefficiency of underused luxury homes. They discuss the broader shift in how newer generations think about ownership, and how flexibility, global access, and experience are starting to outweigh the need to fully own a single property. They also touch on what this means for agents and investors, how these deals are structured, and why co-ownership is becoming a legitimate lane within luxury real estate rather than a niche concept. This episode is a sharp look at how ownership is evolving and why the future of real estate may look very different than what most people expect. If you are in real estate, investing, or rethinking how you approach lifestyle and assets, this is a conversation worth listening to. Listen if you’re: Curious about new models of real estate ownership beyond traditional buyingA luxury buyer considering a second home but questioning the commitmentAn agent looking for new ways to expand your business and client offeringsInterested in where generational wealth and lifestyle trends are headingThinking more about experiences, flexibility, and global access over full ownershipConnect: Marni Blanco LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnieblanco Picasso Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pacasohomes BUILT DIFFERENT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/built.different.pod Erin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sykesstyle Email: erin@sykesproperties.com BUILT DIFFERENT YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@built_different_pod BUILT DIFFERENT Website: https://www.builtdifferentpod.com BUILT DIFFERENT Community: https://connect.builtdifferentpod.com BUILT DIFFERENT is recorded at PodPlus Studios in Jupiter, Florida. Learn more: https://www.podplusstudios.com

    35 min
  2. The Brooklyn Broker: Lou Belisario on Leading and Navigating an Evolving Market

    MAR 26

    The Brooklyn Broker: Lou Belisario on Leading and Navigating an Evolving Market

    In this episode of BUILT DIFFERENT, Erin Sykes sits down with Lou Belisario, founder of Revived Residential, for a direct look at what is actually happening inside the Brooklyn real estate market. Lou is a third-generation Brooklyn broker with over two decades of experience, building his business on neighborhood expertise, relationships, and execution. He has witnessed Brooklyn evolve from overlooked borough to global brand, and breaks down what is driving that shift today. This conversation goes beyond surface-level market talk. Lou explains the migration patterns reshaping New York City, why Brooklyn still has room for growth, and how pricing, inventory, and buyer behavior are pushing opportunity deeper into the borough. Erin and Lou also dive into the operational side of real estate. From boutique brokerage strategy to recruiting and lead generation, Lou shares what it really takes to build a sustainable career in a highly competitive market. They also touch on bigger themes including affordability, career paths, and why community still matters more than amenities when people choose where to live. This episode is a clear, experience-backed look at how markets evolve, how people make decisions, and what it takes to stay relevant as everything shifts. If you are in real estate, investing, development, or watching where major cities are headed, this is a conversation worth listening to. Listen if you’re: In real estate and want a sharper strategy for growthTrying to understand where Brooklyn is headed nextA buyer or investor looking for long-term valueBuilding a business in a competitive marketRethinking career paths in today’s economyConnect: Guest: Lou Belisario Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loubel23?igsh=dXFtenNkMTlpeGJi Revived Residential Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revivedresidential/ BUILT DIFFERENT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/built.different.pod Erin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sykesstyle Email: erin@sykesproperties.com BUILT DIFFERENT YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@built_different_pod BUILT DIFFERENT Website: https://www.builtdifferentpod.com BUILT DIFFERENT Community: https://connect.builtdifferentpod.com BUILT DIFFERENT is recorded at PodPlus Studios in Jupiter, Florida. Learn more: https://www.podplusstudios.com

    44 min
  3. The Modern Aesthetic Practice: Dr. Kandace Kichler on Biohacking, Body Contouring, and Building Slim Inc.

    MAR 19

    The Modern Aesthetic Practice: Dr. Kandace Kichler on Biohacking, Body Contouring, and Building Slim Inc.

    In episode 10 of BUILT DIFFERENT, Erin sits down with Dr. Kandace Kichler - board-certified physician, cosmetic surgeon, and founder of Slim Inc., a modern aesthetic and wellness practice focused on a more modern approach to beauty, weight loss, and longevity. Known as The Slimming Surgeon, Dr. Kichler combines surgical expertise with cutting-edge treatments in body contouring, metabolic optimization, peptides, and regenerative medicine. She walks through everything from GLP-1 weight loss medications to minimally invasive skin tightening, explaining how the aesthetic industry is shifting toward treatments that work with the body rather than against it. The conversation also dives into the business side of medicine - why Dr. Kichler built a boutique storefront in West Palm Beach, how the environment shapes the patient experience, and why privacy, personalization, and trust have become essential in modern aesthetic care. Dr. Kichler’s journey - from farm girl to general surgeon to cosmetic innovator - is a masterclass in reinvention. Her philosophy is simple: transformation isn’t just physical. It’s personal. Listen if you’re: • Curious about the real science and strategy behind GLP-1 weight loss, peptides, and longevity medicine • Navigating body changes after weight loss, pregnancy, or menopause and exploring modern treatment options • Interested in aesthetic medicine that focuses on natural results and regenerative techniques • Building a wellness or medical business and thinking about the patient experience from a brand perspective • Someone who believes transformation - physically, professionally, or personally - is part of evolving at a high level CONNECT: Guest Dr. Kandace Kichler: Website: https://www.kandacekichlermd.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slimmingsurgeon?igsh=MTRocGQ2d2d5OW1oeQ== Slim, Inc. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slim___inc?igsh=MTdrbmVyZW52aHc4ag== BUILT DIFFERENT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/built.different.pod Erin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sykesstyle Email: erin@sykesproperties.com BUILT DIFFERENT YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@built_different_pod BUILT DIFFERENT Website: https://www.builtdifferentpod.com BUILT DIFFERENT Community: https://connect.builtdifferentpod.com BUILT DIFFERENT is recorded at PodPlus Studios in Jupiter, Florida. Learn more: https://www.podplusstudios.com

    33 min
  4. The New PR Playbook: Taylor Materio on Community, Visibility, and Modern Influence

    MAR 12

    The New PR Playbook: Taylor Materio on Community, Visibility, and Modern Influence

    In Episode 9 of BUILT DIFFERENT, Erin Sykes sits down with Taylor Materio, strategist, connector, and partner across multiple Palm Beach ventures, for a conversation on what modern public relations actually demands in today’s luxury market. Taylor works at the intersection of brand, community, and civic engagement. As a partner in Altima Palm Beach, Materio Consulting, and Let’s Get Social Palm Beach, and serving as President Pro Tem of Lake Clarke Shores, she represents a new model of influence built on relationships rather than press hits. This episode explores the evolution from traditional PR to what Taylor calls “private relations.” In a market saturated with new brands, nonprofits, and private clubs, visibility alone is not enough. Credibility, community integration, and strategic partnerships now drive long-term relevance. Erin and Taylor discuss influencer ROI, red flags in modern media, the role of philanthropy in Palm Beach culture, and why brands that try to “buy” their way into a market often miss the point. The takeaway is clear: attention can be purchased. Trust must be earned. Listen if you’re: - A founder or brand entering a competitive luxury market - A nonprofit leader looking to modernize your visibility strategy - Building a personal brand and unsure how to define your differentiation - Curious how influencer marketing should actually be measured Connect: Guest Taylor Materio: Taylor Materio Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mrstaymat?igsh=MWFpN2RqZmd5N3BvNw== Taylor Materio LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylormaterio?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios Altima Palm Beach https://www.instagram.com/altimapalmbeach?igsh=ZTVld3drZnp4cmt5 Historical Society of Palm Beach County ​​https://www.instagram.com/pbchistory?igsh=NWR5amZ5d3U1dGxv McMow Art Glass https://www.instagram.com/mcmowartglass?igsh=bnlhNnNsOTJ0dXFo BUILT DIFFERENT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/built.different.pod Erin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sykesstyle Email: erin@sykesproperties.com BUILT DIFFERENT YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@built_different_pod BUILT DIFFERENT Website: https://www.builtdifferentpod.com BUILT DIFFERENT Community: https://connect.builtdifferentpod.com BUILT DIFFERENT is recorded at PodPlus Studios in Jupiter, Florida. Learn more: https://www.podplusstudios.com

    37 min
  5. Capital Behind the Curtain: Joey Columbo on New Development, Private Investment, and Stealth Strategy

    MAR 5

    Capital Behind the Curtain: Joey Columbo on New Development, Private Investment, and Stealth Strategy

    In Episode 8 of BUILT DIFFERENT, Erin Sykes sits down with Joey Columbo, a top producing agent with Douglas Elliman in Palm Beach who understands that in luxury real estate, relationships are currency. Recently featured in The Real Deal for selling 27 assembled units to billionaire developer Stephen Ross for a future development site, Joey shares the real story behind a high-risk condo buyout he began in 2021. Unit by unit, through discreet negotiations and LLCs, he built a 42% stake in a distressed building across from Mar-a-Lago. The outcome was a 6x return. Along the way, there were moments when he thought he could lose everything. This episode goes beyond the headline. Erin and Joey break down how high-level deals are actually constructed in Palm Beach and why broker-to-broker trust still determines outcomes in a market defined by access and reputation. They discuss how condo buyouts have evolved, the surge in branded ultra-luxury product, whether West Palm is overbuilding, and why $20 to $40 million condo sales are no longer shocking. They also examine the bigger picture shaping the region. The Wall Street South narrative. The wealth effect from the stock market. The growing divide between true ultra-luxury and everything else. Erin shares her outlook on 2026 and why a flat market may be a healthier reset than another spike. At its core, this is a conversation about conviction, timing, and knowing when to move while others hesitate. Listen if you’re: A broker or developer who wants insight into assemblage strategyAn investor evaluating condo buyouts or downtown land playsA luxury buyer or seller navigating Palm Beach or West PalmCurious whether AI can replace relationship-driven brokerageWatching the evolution of West Palm and separating signal from noiseConnect: Joey Columbo: joeycolumbo26@gmail.com BUILT DIFFERENT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/built.different.pod Erin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sykesstyle Email: erin@sykesproperties.com BUILT DIFFERENT YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@built_different_pod BUILT DIFFERENT Website: https://www.builtdifferentpod.com BUILT DIFFERENT Community: https://connect.builtdifferentpod.com BUILT DIFFERENT is recorded at PodPlus Studios in Jupiter, Florida. Learn more: https://www.podplusstudios.com

    34 min
  6. Designing the Mind: Hayley Schapiro on Mental Health Strategies for High-Functioning Leaders

    FEB 19

    Designing the Mind: Hayley Schapiro on Mental Health Strategies for High-Functioning Leaders

    In Episode 6 of BUILT DIFFERENT, Erin Sykes sits down with Hayley Schapiro, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Founder of Curated Therapy Collective, for a nuanced conversation about mental health strategy for high-functioning leaders. Hayley brings a rare perspective shaped by years of clinical practice and patient advocacy, explaining why many people struggle to benefit from therapy even when they are doing “everything right.” The issue is often not readiness or effort, but misalignment. This episode explores how traditional directories, algorithms, and self-diagnosis frameworks fail to capture the complexity of real lives, especially for executives, entrepreneurs, and performers operating at a high level. Erin and Hayley discuss the quiet patterns that tend to surface among high achievers. They also examine the difference between coaching and clinical care along with why proactive support can be far more effective than waiting for a breaking point. Rather than positioning therapy as crisis intervention, this conversation reframes it as a strategic tool for clarity, sustainability, and long-term growth, guided by human judgment rather than checklists. Listen if you’re: A high-performing professional looking to sharpen clarity without burning outFrustrated by impersonal therapy platforms or algorithm-based matchingCurious about how mental health support actually works for leaders and executivesInterested in proactive, human-first approaches to growth and decision-makingConnect: Guest Hayley Schapiro: Curated Therapy Collective: https://curatedtherapycollective.com Curated Therapy Collective Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curatedtherapycollective BUILT DIFFERENT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/built.different.pod Erin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sykesstyle Email: erin@sykesproperties.com BUILT DIFFERENT YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@built_different_pod BUILT DIFFERENT Website: https://www.builtdifferentpod.com BUILT DIFFERENT Community: https://connect.builtdifferentpod.com BUILT DIFFERENT is recorded at PodPlus Studios in Jupiter, Florida. Learn more: https://www.podplusstudios.com

    57 min
  7. Project Management Playbook: Christopher Seville on Efficiency, Coordination, and Streamlining Development

    FEB 12

    Project Management Playbook: Christopher Seville on Efficiency, Coordination, and Streamlining Development

    In episode 6 of BUILT DIFFERENT, Erin Sykes sits down with Christopher Seville, founder of Thatch Construction, to unpack the realities of modern construction, project management, and development in South Florida. A West Palm Beach native and experienced owner’s representative, Chris brings a rare, operator-first perspective on what actually determines whether a project succeeds or stalls. The conversation goes far beyond tools and timelines. Chris unpacks what an owner’s rep actually does, drawing a clear line between building and true coordination. Efficiency, he explains, isn’t about moving faster but about staying aligned. The discussion also touches on how high-rise development has changed over time, the growing influence of branded residences on the condo market, and the ripple effects of rising costs on developers, investors, and the communities they impact. At the center of it all is people. From subcontractors and city officials to developers and residents, Chris explains why integrity, transparency, and accountability are the real drivers of sustainable development, and why building better cities starts long before concrete is poured. This episode is a must-listen for developers, real estate professionals, investors, and anyone curious about how cities grow, and who growth is really for. Listen if you’re: A developer, investor, or owner navigating complex projects and trying to understand where deals actually succeed or break downA real estate or construction professional who wants a clearer picture of what an owner’s rep really does and why that role is criticalInterested in how high-rise development, branded residences, and rising construction costs are reshaping South FloridaThinking about growth not just in terms of buildings, but in terms of community, people, and legacyCONNECT & LINKS: Christopher Seville: Christopher’s LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/misterseville Christopher’s Email: cseville@thatchconstruction.com Thatch Construction: https://www.thatchconstruction.com/ BUILT DIFFERENT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/built.different.pod Erin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sykesstyle Email: erin@sykesproperties.com BUILT DIFFERENT YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@built_different_pod BUILT DIFFERENT Website: https://www.builtdifferentpod.com BUILT DIFFERENT Community: https://connect.builtdifferentpod.com BUILT DIFFERENT is recorded at PodPlus Studios in Jupiter, Florida. Learn more: https://www.podplusstudios.com

    44 min
  8. From Creative Vision to Exit: Krista Watterworth Alterman on Design, Staging, and Selling a Business

    FEB 5

    From Creative Vision to Exit: Krista Watterworth Alterman on Design, Staging, and Selling a Business

    In Episode 5 of BUILT DIFFERENT, Erin Sykes sits down with Krista Watterworth Alterman, founder of Krista Home and design partner at Vesta Home, to unpack what it really takes to build, scale, and successfully exit a creative business without losing your identity. Krista shares her journey from television host and creative talent to luxury interior designer, entrepreneur, and business owner whose firm was acquired by national staging and design company Vesta Home. Erin and Krista explore the realities of mergers and acquisitions and unpack the difference between staging and true interior design. They also discuss how collaboration has become a defining advantage in today’s design and real estate markets. The conversation moves into the business side of luxury service. Krista breaks down pricing, process, and what it takes to manage complex construction timelines. She explains why white-glove execution and operational discipline matter just as much as creative vision. Krista also reflects on shedding past identities and building teams with grit. She talks about what actually sustains long-term success and how much of it comes down to mindset and follow-through. Listen if you’re: Curious about acquisitions, partnerships, and scaling beyond boutiqueA homeowner, developer, or agent navigating design vs staging decisionsInterested in luxury branding, operations, and white-glove serviceFocused on building something valuable enough to sellCONNECT & LINKS Krista Home Website: https://kristahome.com Krista Home Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristahome/ Krista Alterman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krista.alterman Vesta Home: https://vestahome.com/ BUILT DIFFERENT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/built.different.pod Erin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sykesstyle Email: erin@sykesproperties.com BUILT DIFFERENT YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@built_different_pod BUILT DIFFERENT Website: https://www.builtdifferentpod.com BUILT DIFFERENT Community: https://connect.builtdifferentpod.com BUILT DIFFERENT is recorded at PodPlus Studios in Jupiter, Florida. Learn more: https://www.podplusstudios.com

    47 min

About

BUILT DIFFERENT with Erin Sykes breaks down the structures that shape how we live, spend, and grow. From real estate and investing to the psychology of sales, shopping habits, and relationships, each episode explores the strategies and stories behind building a life of value. With a lens that’s both sophisticated and candid, Erin moves seamlessly between market insights, money mindset, and deeply personal conversations - because what we build isn’t just financial, it’s human. Listeners can expect thought-provoking conversations that bridge business and behavior, wealth and wellness, and strategy and soul. On BUILT DIFFERENT, you’ll learn how to: Navigate the ever-changing real estate and investment landscapeUnderstand the psychology behind spending, selling, and successShift your money mindset to align with your personal and professional goalsBuild resilience through challenges — in business, relationships, and lifeIntegrate emotional intelligence and practical strategy to create lasting valueFeatured guests include: Industry leaders and economists sharing market trends and wealth strategiesFounders, investors, and entrepreneurs redefining success on their own termsExperts in psychology, health, and relationships exploring the human side of growthReal people with powerful stories about building from the inside outBecause the truth is - what we build tells our story. And when you build differently, you live differently. TO CONNECT: BUILT DIFFERENT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/built.different.pod Erin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sykesstyle Email: erin@sykesproperties.com BUILT DIFFERENT YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@built_different_pod BUILT DIFFERENT Website: https://www.builtdifferentpod.com BUILT DIFFERENT Community: https://connect.builtdifferentpod.com BUILT DIFFERENT is recorded at PodPlus Studios in Jupiter, Florida and produced by Hype Boss.

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