The Madison Podcast

Madison Mortgage Services

On The Madison Podcast, host Ben Lavender, one of the most recognized mortgage brokers in New York, sits down with leaders in real estate, entrepreneurship, and culture to explore how great businesses are built and sustained. Each episode shares strategies that drive results in business and real estate while opening the door to the hard lessons, turning points, and perspectives that only come from experience. This isn't just about deals and business strategy—it's about the voices redefining what success and influence look like today. Ben Lavender NMLS #1028176 Madison Mortgage Services Inc. NMLS #1862796

  1. 16 FÉVR.

    How a 21-Year-Old Realtor Built his Business with Max Cassamajor

    What does it take to build a real estate career before most people even graduate from college?  In this episode of the Madison Mortgage Podcast, host Ben Lavender sits down with rising agent Max Cassamajor of Power Move Realty to unpack what it's really like starting young, building confidence, and turning social media into a lead machine.  Max shares how his very first deal came from a simple Instagram reel… with only $2/day in advertising — proving you don't need to go viral, you need to be visible.  This conversation is full of mindset shifts, tactical takeaways, and hilarious door-knocking reality checks.     What You'll Learn in This Episode  How Max got his first real estate client from a $2 Instagram ad  Why consistency beats talent in building a pipeline  The gym mindset that applies directly to business growth  How to handle rejection (and keep knocking anyway)  Buyer vs seller expectations in today's market    Key Takeaways + Timestamps  00:00 – "Max Major" Meets Ben Lavender  A fun intro + how cultural connection builds trust  03:00 – Starting Real Estate at 18  Why beginning young can be a massive advantage  05:00 – The $2/Day Instagram Strategy  Max's first deal came from boosted content, not cold luck  10:30 – Door Knocking Horror Stories  Rejection, resilience, and accidentally calling someone "boss"… twice  14:00 – The Power of Follow-Up  Why most agents lose deals simply by disappearing  19:00 – Buyers Are Too Picky, Sellers Too Greedy  Real talk on today's mindset gap in negotiations  23:00 – Realistic Expectations Win Deals  Why the "perfect house" doesn't exist (even in new construction)    Let's Connect Host: Ben Lavender Instagram: @blavmtg  Guest: Max Cassamajor (Power Move Realty) Instagram: @maxmajor.realty  If you're a realtor, loan officer, or ambitious young professional trying to grow your business the smart way — this episode is for you.  👉 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment: What's the best lead source you've ever tried?

    26 min
  2. 3 FÉVR.

    How Discipline, Door Knocking & Belief Built a Real Estate Machine with Mike Petit Frere

    What happens when you stop waiting for the market to change and decide to outwork it instead? In this episode of The Madison Podcast, host Ben Lavender sits down with Mike Petit Frere of Power Move Realty, a New York real estate agent whose business exploded during one of the toughest markets in recent history. Mike shares how failing his real estate exam 11 times, nearly losing his life in Miami, and being written off by others became the fuel that built his success. If you're in real estate, sales, or entrepreneurship and feel stuck, this episode is a punch in the chest—in the best way.    What You'll Learn in This Episode -How Mike built consistent business when rates were high and deals were scarce -Why door knocking (yes, really) became his unfair advantage -The exact daily discipline that changed his income and mindset -How to convert cold leads without sounding salesy -Why proving people wrong can be dangerous—but powerful if used correctly   Key Takeaways & Timestamps 00:01:00 – Failing Forward 00:02:00 – Making the Market Work for You 00:04:00 – The Power Position Shift 00:05:00 – Rejection Therapy 00:07:00 – Disarm Before You Sell 00:09:00 – Cold Calling Without the Cringe 00:13:00 – The 12-Hour Workday 00:18:00 – When Business Saves Your Life 00:23:00 – The Miami Wake-Up Call 00:27:00 – From Party Guy to Professional    🤝 Let's Connect Host: Ben Lavender Instagram: @blavmtg Guest: Mike Petit Frere Instagram: @mikesupersales 🎧 Subscribe for more real conversations with industry leaders who've actually done the work. Madison Mortgage NMLS #2537109 Visit us at www.madisonmortgage.com

    30 min
  3. 27 JANV.

    From Survival to Service: Real Estate, Responsibility & Building Generational Wealth with Omar Jones

    When responsibility comes early, and excuses aren't an option… what do you do? On this episode of The Madison Podcast, Ben Lavender sits down with Omar Jones of Power Move Realty to share a story shaped by resilience, purpose, and relentless drive. From growing up without basic necessities to creating pathways for others to achieve homeownership and generational wealth, Omar's journey is candid, insightful, and full of practical lessons for anyone ready to take ownership of their life. This is a candid conversation about discipline, mindset, and accountability—showing that opportunity isn't handed to you, it's built by you. Why This Episode Matters - Too many people wait for perfect conditions. - Too many people confuse comfort with safety. - Too many people believe their past disqualifies them from a better future. Omar's story dismantles all three, offering a roadmap for taking responsibility, embracing discomfort, and creating your own success.  What You'll Learn - How early responsibility and adversity build discipline, resilience, and leadership. - Lessons from Omar's grandparents on accountability, "no excuses," and getting things done. - Turning life challenges into opportunities to serve others and create generational wealth. - Practical strategies for financial literacy, credit, and building a foundation for homeownership. - How mindset shifts, embracing discomfort, and learning from failures accelerate growth.    Key Takeaways & Timestamps 00:00 – 01:00 | Introduction & Early Career Choices 01:00 – 03:00 | Lessons from Family Legacy 03:00 – 06:00 | Childhood Challenges & Early Responsibility 06:00 – 09:00 | Caregiving & Life Shifts 09:00 – 12:00 | The "No Excuses" Mindset 12:00 – 16:00 | Turning Adversity Into Service 16:00 – 21:00 | Practical Financial Guidance 21:00 – 25:00 | Mindset Shifts & Energy Alignment 25:00 – 28:00 | Embracing Discomfort & Learning from Failure 28:00 – 30:00 | Mentorship & Systems for Success 30:00 – End | Closing Thoughts & Inspiration    Let's Connect Host: Ben Lavender Instagram: @blavmtg Guest: Omar Jones, Realtor, Power Move Realty @getlistedwithmrjones If this episode sparked something for you—share it with someone who needs to hear it. Growth travels faster when it's shared.

    30 min
  4. 21 JANV.

    Relationships Will Always Beat AI in Real Estate with Dylan Bugallo

    What does it really take to succeed in real estate today — without the fluff, the fake motivation, or the "post-and-pray" strategies? In this episode of The Madison Podcast, host Ben Lavender sits down with Dylan Bugallo, a high-producing New York real estate agent known for his no-nonsense, relationship-first approach. Together, they unpack what actually moves the needle in real estate — from prospecting fears no one admits out loud to why most agents stay busy but broke. This is an honest, unfiltered conversation about doing the work, caring deeply, and building a business that lasts. What You'll Learn in This Episode - Why real estate can feel lonely — even when you're surrounded by people - How Dylan built a referral-driven business without relying on AI or gimmicks - The difference between looking busy and actually producing results - How to instantly build trust in listing appointments (without scripts) - Why relationships will always beat automation in real estate   Key Takeaways & Timestamps 00:01 – The Lonely Agent Paradox: Why real estate feels isolating — and how events, mentors, and proximity to talent change everything. 00:07 – Mindset Before Metrics: Why burnout kills more careers than rejection — and how rest actually improves production. 00:12 – The Trust Advantage: How simple human behaviors (listening, respect, curiosity) win listings over flashy pitches.  00:17 – Facing the Fear No New Agent Admits: Why rejection isn't the real fear — and what actually stops agents from prospecting. 00:21 – The 33-Touch Rule Explained: How consistent, genuine follow-up turns past clients into long-term referral engines. 00:27 – Busy ≠ Productive: Why podcasts, AI tools, and motivational content don't matter if you're not calling people. 00:29 – Why Dylan Hates Open Houses: A brutally honest breakdown of time ROI, lead quality, and when open houses actually make sense. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs the reminder: 👉 Care more. Work smarter. Build relationships that last.   🤝 Let's Connect Host: Ben Lavender – New York's Favorite British Mortgage Broker  📸 Instagram: @blavmtg  Guest: Dylan Bugallo – Real Estate Agent, Over South 📸 Instagram: @dylanbugallo  Follow @madison_mortgage for more related content.   🎧 Subscribe for more real conversations with industry leaders who've actually done the work. Madison Mortgage NMLS #2537109 Visit us at www.madisonmortgage.com

    33 min
  5. 13 JANV.

    What 20 Years in NYC Real Estate Taught Me About Building Trust, Not Hype with Ross Keit

    What does it actually take to survive (and thrive) in New York real estate for decades? In this episode of The Madison Podcast, host Ben Lavender sits down with Ross Keit of Keller Williams Realty Landmark, a second-generation broker with over 20 years in the business and $100M+ in closed volume. Together, they unpack what luxury deals really look like, why most agents misunderstand lead generation, and how long-term success is built through relationships, education, and humility. This isn't theory. This is hard-earned perspective from the trenches of NYC real estate.   What You'll Learn in This Episode - Why luxury real estate is more psychology than price - How niche markets (seniors, relocation, luxury) are built intentionally - The overlooked reason most agents fail to generate repeat business - How to reconnect with your sphere without sounding salesy - Why today's agents must act more like advisors than salespeople   Key Takeaways & Timestamps 00:01 – How growing up in real estate shaped Ross's approach to sales, leadership, and longevity. 00:03 – The real challenges behind a $5.5M Queens sale (and why patience matters more than pressure).  00:06 – How education and certifications open doors to seniors, relocation, and high-trust clients.  00:10 – Why home anniversaries, not cold calls, drive 95% referral-based businesses. 00:17 – The fear holding agents back from their easiest source of business—and how to fix it.  00:25 –How expectations, debt, and lifestyle reality are reshaping buyer and seller behavior.   🤝 Let's Connect Host: Ben Lavender – New York's Favorite British Mortgage Broker  📸 Instagram: @blavmtg Guest: Ross Keit – Keller Williams Realty Landmark 📸 Instagram: @nygolfingrealtor Follow @madison_mortgage for more related content.   🎧 Subscribe for more real conversations with industry leaders who've actually done the work. Madison Mortgage NMLS #2537109  Visit us at www.madisonmortgage.com

    29 min
  6. 9 JANV.

    From Zero Deals to a Scalable Real Estate Business with Josh Pismeny

    Most agents don't fail because they lack talent. They fail because they mistake being busy for doing the work. In this episode of The Madison Podcast, host Ben Lavender sits down with Josh Pismeny, a high-producing agent and team leader at Real Broker, to unpack what really drives growth in real estate right now. Josh didn't explode overnight. He spent his first year barely closing deals, grinding open houses, posting content with zero traction, and treating real estate like a real job. Fast forward, and he's closing consistent volume, building a team, and generating real business directly from social media. This episode is a reality check and a roadmap.   What You'll Learn in This Episode Why most agents think they're working… but aren't How open houses can still build massive leverage (if done right) The long game of social media and why consistency beats virality How to filter unserious leads without burning bridges Why AI won't replace great agents—but will expose weak ones   Key Takeaways & Timestamps 00:02 – "Busy Is Not Productive" Why working 6–10 real hours a week quietly kills most careers 00:05 – The Open House Hustle Blueprint How Josh used other agents' listings to build buyers, content, and investor relationships 00:09 – Social Media Is a Long Game Why posting for a year with no leads is normal—and necessary 00:12 – The Simplest Lead Filter That Works One sentence that instantly separates serious buyers from time-wasters 00:15 – AI Isn't the Threat You Think It Is Who should actually be worried (and why that's uncomfortable to hear) 00:18 – The "Full Stack" Listing Strategy What sellers respond to now—and why basic marketing no longer cuts it 00:23 – Buyer Consults That Actually Convert The questions most agents avoid asking (and why that's a mistake)   If this episode made you rethink how you're spending your time, doing your follow-ups, or showing up online—hit subscribe, drop a comment, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. The future isn't coming. IT'S ALREADY HERE!!!    Let's Connect 🤝 Connect with our Guest: Josh Pismeny – @list.with.jp Connect with our Host: Ben Lavender – @blavmtg Connect With Madison: Follow for clips, insights, and behind-the-scenes content from each episode. Madison Mortgage NMLS #1862796 – Built for Loan Officers who want control, leverage, and long-term growth in business. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madisonmtg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madison_mortgage Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadisonMortgageServices

    29 min
  7. 12/09/2025

    The Winner's Mindset: Service, Discipline, and Trust

    In this episode of The Madison Podcast, host Ben Lavender sits down with Matthew Winter — a rising star in New York real estate who went from global marketing to $20M in transactions in just three years. Matthew reveals the real secrets behind his momentum: Why service beats sales tactics every time How cold calling became his unlikely superpower The daily systems and affirmations that keep him grounded Why trust and presence are the real currency in business How to balance grit with empathy in high-stakes negotiations   Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: From Global Marketing to Real Estate 01:00 – Making NYC real estate more approachable 05:00 – The truth about today's buyers and sellers 08:00 – How diversity fuels New York real estate 15:00 – Secret sauce behind $20M in sales 20:00 – Why cold calling still works 27:00 – Turning service into your superpower 30:00 – Daily routines, discipline, and affirmations 35:00 – Flow, gratitude, and building resilience 37:00 – The Winner's Mindset: Service, Discipline, and Trust 38:00 – Where to find Matthew Winter This conversation isn't about flashy shortcuts — it's about building a winner's mindset rooted in service, clarity, and discipline.   Learn More: www.madisonmortgage.com Madison Mortgage NMLS#1862796 Instagram: @madison_mortgage Hosted by Ben Lavender- NMLS#1028176 Instagram: @blavmtg Connect with Matthew Wynter Instagram: @milliondollarwynter

    38 min
  8. The Loan Officer's Blueprint: Shah Tehrany on Systems, Scale & the Flat-Fee Advantage

    09/09/2025

    The Loan Officer's Blueprint: Shah Tehrany on Systems, Scale & the Flat-Fee Advantage

    How do you build a business that scales — faster, cleaner, and without losing culture? In this conversation, Shah Tehrany, CEO of Madison Mortgage, shares the blueprint behind Madison's growth — from systems that speed up every loan, a flat-fee model that gives loan officers freedom, and the mindset that keeps leaders sharp under pressure. "If you can measure it, you can improve it — and that's how you scale with clarity." Shah Tehrany This episode is for loan officers, real estate pros, and entrepreneurs who want the truth about scaling: not the hype, but the systems, culture, and discipline that give you a real edge. What You'll Learn The measurement rule that drives every decision at Madison How Salesforce became Madison's growth engine Why flat fee changes the game for top-producing loan officers The leadership tone that protects culture and builds collaboration The habits Shah uses to reset, focus, and lead with energy How AI will transform loan officer capacity and client experience   00:00 – The CEO Who Builds Leaders, Not Just Loans 01:20 – Systems Are the Secret to Scale 06:40 – Closing Faster Without Cutting Corners 13:27 – The Flat-Fee Model That Changes Everything 20:07 – Culture Is the Ultimate Competitive Edge 26:05 – Mindset Is the Market Multiplier 33:23 – AI Will Triple Your Volume 41:16 – The Playbook Every Loan Officer Needs Now 43:52 – The Vision Driving Madison's Next Decade 46:45 – What Top Producers All Have in Common   Learn more: www.madisonmortgage.com Madison Mortgage NMLS #1862796 Ben Lavender NMLS #1028176 Shah Tehrany NMLS #182146  Connect with Shah Instagram: @shahtehrany Facebook: @shahtehrany

    57 min

À propos

On The Madison Podcast, host Ben Lavender, one of the most recognized mortgage brokers in New York, sits down with leaders in real estate, entrepreneurship, and culture to explore how great businesses are built and sustained. Each episode shares strategies that drive results in business and real estate while opening the door to the hard lessons, turning points, and perspectives that only come from experience. This isn't just about deals and business strategy—it's about the voices redefining what success and influence look like today. Ben Lavender NMLS #1028176 Madison Mortgage Services Inc. NMLS #1862796