In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m talking with Robin Mehler, an Asheville-based real estate agent who made the transition from teaching and nonprofit work to entrepreneurship. Robin shares how she navigated the identity shift of becoming a business owner, learned to manage the financial and tax side of running a business, and found ways to bring her values into a more profit-driven career. Her goal? To build a business that supports her family while making a positive impact in her community. Robin also shares a beautiful idea she brought into her real estate business from day one: finding a way to celebrate and support the teachers who make such a difference in our communities. We talk about the Two-Day Business Setup Intensive, understanding taxes and S corporation payroll, building financial confidence, and creating a business that gives back. This is a conversation about values-driven entrepreneurship, financial empowerment, and how you can build a business that reflects what matters most to you. Also mentioned in today’s episode: 00:10 Robin’s belief in sharing what you have 01:02 From Asheville education work to real estate 03:50 Overcoming the identity shift and self-doubt 06:19 Turning scattered tax questions into business systems 09:25 The $500-per-closing promise to teachers 13:40 Planning an $8,000 teacher celebration 17:47 Keeping generosity flexible as family costs change 20:14 Family time, service work, and boundaries 23:29 How accessible tax education changed Robin’s outlook 27:14 The Asheville event and finding Robin If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences. ABOUT ROBIN MEHLER: Robin Mehler, known as Asheville’s Running Realtor, brings deep local knowledge and a genuine passion for helping clients navigate the Western North Carolina real estate market. Having lived in and explored the Asheville area for more than 25 years as a runner, outdoor enthusiast, and community member, Robin knows the neighborhoods, mountain communities, trails, and hidden gems that make Asheville and WNC such special places to call home. Whether you are buying your first home, relocating to Asheville, upgrading to your dream home, or preparing to sell, Robin is committed to providing exceptional customer service, clear communication, and personalized guidance throughout every step of the real estate process. Her goal is to make every transaction as smooth, informed, and low-stress as possible. As a trusted Asheville REALTOR® and former teacher, Robin believes real estate is about more than just buying and selling homes—it’s about building stronger communities. In support of local educators, Robin awards $500 to a Western North Carolina public school employee for every home bought or sold by her clients as a way of giving back to those who serve the community every day. If you are looking for a knowledgeable, responsive, and hardworking real estate agent in Asheville or Western North Carolina, Robin is ready to help you confidently navigate today’s market with professionalism, positivity, and a willingness to go the extra mile. WORK WITH ROBIN: Robin’s website Instagram: @Running_Realtor_Asheville Episode Links: Check out my 2-day Business Intensive Get my Tax Help on Substack Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions You Got This, PS: I am most active on Instagram Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe
