The Better Agent Podcast

Josh Lavik

Welcome to The Better Agent Podcast, hosted by Josh Lavik, a high achiever, dreamer, and dad of 3. Josh shares the strategies that took him from 5 to 50 transactions a year. Each episode features actionable tips for real estate agents to boost production, streamline operations, and improve client experiences. Josh also answers audience questions and offers insights from his exclusive 21-day challenge. Whether you're starting out or growing your business, The Better Agent Podcast will help you build a world-class career. Tune in today!

  1. The Power of Consistency and Philanthropy in Real Estate - EP 41

    MAR 5

    The Power of Consistency and Philanthropy in Real Estate - EP 41

    In this episode of The Better Agent Podcast, host Josh Lavik discusses how real estate professionals can achieve long-term success not only through consistency but also by connecting their business to a higher purpose. Joined by Jake Johnson, a seasoned realtor from Southern Wisconsin, the conversation explores how giving back through philanthropy can motivate agents during tough times. Jake shares his journey from starting in real estate to hitting the five-year milestone, offering insights into his growth, daily habits, and the power of building relationships. Learn how small, consistent actions and community involvement can lead to extraordinary results in the real estate world. 🎧 Host: Josh Lavik 🎤 Guest: Jake Johnson, Real Estate Professional from Johnson Creek, WI Jake Johnson, known as “Jake with the Glasses,” is a top-producing REALTOR® with Real Broker based in Madison, Wisconsin. With just over five years in the industry, he has helped more than 100 families buy and sell homes across South-Central Wisconsin.  💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ How philanthropy can drive your real estate business beyond profit ✔️ Why consistency is key in real estate, especially in the first five years ✔️ How to maintain focus on long-term growth while dealing with market ups and downs ✔️ The power of relationship-building and networking for career success ✔️ Jake’s personal tips on growing your business, from cold calling to leveraging video content 🎙 Follow Jake Johnson: 🌎 Website → https://www.jakeknowshomes.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/JakeJohnsonKellerWilliams 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-johnson-37532722/ 🎙 FOLLOW JOSH LAVIK & THE BETTER AGENT PODCAST: 🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik 🔖 DON’T FORGET TO LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND COMMENT BELOW! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate – iconsofrealestate.com

    25 min
  2. Brokerage Valuations & Growth Through Acquisition - EP 40

    FEB 19

    Brokerage Valuations & Growth Through Acquisition - EP 40

    Josh Lavik welcomes brokerage valuation and M&A advisor Norma Rawlings to break down how real estate brokerages are valued and how brokers can scale through acquisition instead of slow, one-agent-at-a-time recruiting. They discuss cash flow multiples, agent value, luxury brokerage premiums, transition strategy, and why scale is increasingly necessary to compete. Norma also explains how a professional valuation becomes a growth roadmap — not just a number on paper. If you’re serious about building enterprise value in your brokerage, this episode is essential listening. 🎧 Hosted by: Josh Lavik 🎙 Guest: Norma Rawlings Norma Rawlings is a real estate professional with BrokerVMA and the co-author of The Complete Guide to Buying and Selling Real Estate Brokerages: 10 Steps to Success. She specializes in brokerage valuation, mergers, and acquisitions, helping firms navigate the financial and operational steps involved in successful transitions. Norma supports brokers and owners seeking clarity, structure, and strategic guidance throughout the brokerage sales process. 💡 Key Takeaways: ✔️ Valuations should educate — not inflate ✔️ Cash flow + agent count drive brokerage value ✔️ Transition strategy protects agent retention ✔️ Recruiting through acquisition accelerates growth ✔️ Scale improves tools, efficiency, and profitability ✔️ A formal valuation creates clarity and leverage 🎙 FOLLOW NORMA RAWLINGS 🌎 Website → https://brokervma.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/norma-rawlings-00b089256/ 🎙 FOLLOW JOSH LAVIK & THE BETTER AGENT PODCAST: 🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik🔖 DON’T FORGET TO LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND COMMENT BELOW! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate – iconsofrealestate.com

    36 min
  3. Real Estate Isn’t Hard: Systems That Stop Burnout and Scale Your Business - EP 39

    FEB 5

    Real Estate Isn’t Hard: Systems That Stop Burnout and Scale Your Business - EP 39

    Host Josh Lavik welcomes Raegan Trimmer, Broker Owner at RE/MAX Preferred, for a practical conversation on building a real estate business that’s both profitable and sustainable. The big idea: real estate isn’t hard — it gets hard when you don’t have systems. They cover how to stop “starting from scratch” before every appointment, what to delegate first, how to avoid drowning in tools and subscriptions, why boundaries actually increase trust, and how to set goals based on real numbers — not random income targets.Raegan also shares how AI can speed up everyday tasks so agents can sell more homes in less time — without losing their sanity. 🎧 HOSTED BY: Josh Lavik 🎙 GUEST: Raegan Trimmer Raegan Trimmer is a Broker Owner at RE/MAX Preferred and a producing agent licensed since 2018. She previously helped grow and operate a real estate coaching and training company in Southern California, focused on teaching agents the operational side of running a real estate business.Today, she helps agents build systems, leverage support, and create sustainable growth strategies that reduce burnout and increase production. 💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS: ✔️ Systems reduce stress and prevent burnout ✔️ Leverage help (TCs, assistants, automation) to grow faster ✔️ Boundaries and expectations protect your time and raise your value ✔️ Plan income goals based on the life you want to live ✔️ AI can save hours when used intentionally 🎙 FOLLOW RAEGAN TRIMMER: 🌎 Website → https://raegentrimmer.realestatepreferred.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/raegentrimmer 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/raegentrimmer/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/raegen-trimmer-335b942b 🎙 FOLLOW JOSH LAVIK & THE BETTER AGENT PODCAST: 🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik 🔖 DON’T FORGET TO LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND COMMENT! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate – iconsofrealestate.com

    42 min
  4. How to Thrive as a Real Estate Agent in Two States with Sheri Marie - EP 38

    JAN 22

    How to Thrive as a Real Estate Agent in Two States with Sheri Marie - EP 38

    Join Josh Lavik and Sheri Marie, a top real estate agent who balances business in both Wisconsin and Florida. In this episode of the Better Agent Podcast, Sheri  opens up about her real estate career, working in two different markets, and how she incorporates luxury homes and new construction into her business. Learn about the evolving role of the agent, the growing impact of transparency and social selling, and how to stay ahead of industry trends. Whether you're a seasoned agent or a newbie, Sheri shares valuable advice to help you thrive in today’s competitive market. 🎧 Hosted by: Josh Lavik 🎤 Featuring: Sheri St. Marie Sheri St Marie is a Broker Associate with eXp Realty, licensed in Florida and Wisconsin, with real estate experience dating back to 2003. Her work spans residential, luxury, new construction, and commercial real estate, and she partners nationally on commercial sales, private funding, and strategic partnerships through eXp Commercial. Sheri also serves as Co-Chair of the Florida Agent Advisory Council for eXp Realty, where she helps shape agent advocacy and growth at a national level. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Sheri ’s journey from teaching to real estate and new construction ✔️ How working in multiple states changed her approach to business ✔️ The importance of transparency and ethical practices in real estate ✔️ Why social selling is the future of real estate ✔️ How new construction fits into luxury real estate transactions ✔️ Sheri ’s tips for navigating difficult market conditions ✔️ The changing role of agents in the face of new technology ✔️ Valuable advice for real estate agents at every level 📇 Connect with Sheri St. Marie: 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sheristmarie/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheri-st-marie-ms-%F0%9F%87%BA%F0%9F%87%B8-8089b494/ 🎙 Follow Josh Lavik and the Better Agent Podcast: 🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc 📷 Instagram →  https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik🔖 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and COMMENT below! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate – iconsofrealestate.com

    34 min
  5. Real Estate Investing Tips with John Schneider - EP 37

    11/27/2025

    Real Estate Investing Tips with John Schneider - EP 37

    Join Josh Lavik and John Schneider in today’s episode of The Better Agent Podcast. John shares his 20+ years of experience as a real estate investor and agent. He reveals how real estate investing can enhance your agent business, why understanding property financing is crucial, and how adopting a hunter mindset can lead to success. Tune in to learn actionable strategies and tips for boosting your business and building wealth through real estate. 🎧 Hosts: Josh Lavik – Host, Better Agent Podcast 🎤 Featuring: John Schneider – Real Estate Investor & Expert John Schneider is a Real Estate Broker with EXIT Realty HGM in Madison, Wisconsin, and principal of JPS Holdings. With 16 years of experience, he has completed more than 100 transactions annually, including over $41 million in closed sales in 2024. In addition to brokerage, Schneider is active in local development and land-use projects, frequently representing clients in Dane County zoning and planning matters. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ How to leverage real estate investing strategies to boost your agent business ✔️ The four key benefits of real estate ownership: income, debt service, taxes, and appreciation ✔️ How to evaluate potential properties and maximize your ROI ✔️ The importance of mentorship in real estate ✔️ How to incorporate investor language into your business ✔️ Navigating uncertainty in today’s market while creating growth opportunities 📇 Connect with John Schneider: 🌎 Website → https://www.livingamidwestlife.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/johnschnieder1/ 🎙 Follow Josh Lavik and the Better Agent Podcast: 🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc 📷 Instagram →  https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik 🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate – Icons of Real Estate

    50 min
  6. How Joshua Holt Leveraged Networking & AI to Scale His Real Estate Business - EP 36

    11/13/2025

    How Joshua Holt Leveraged Networking & AI to Scale His Real Estate Business - EP 36

    Join Josh Lavik as he interviews Joshua Holt, a real estate professional with a unique background, who shares his experience growing a successful real estate career through networking and AI. Learn how Joshua transitioned from an inside sales agent to a top-producing agent and how technology is helping him scale his business. Whether you’re an agent looking to grow or someone interested in the power of AI in real estate, this episode has valuable insights. 🎧 Hosts: Josh Lavik – Host, Better Agent Podcast 🎤 Featuring: Joshua Holt – Real Estate Professional and Team Leader Joshua D. Holt is the Owner, Realtor®, and Broker Associate of the Holt Real Estate Team powered by Keller Williams, based in Madison, Wisconsin. He is a U.S. Army veteran who now focuses on serving clients in Dane County and greater south-central Wisconsin. Joshua also serves on the Board of Directors for the local Chamber of Commerce and the American Legion Post, while his family remains active in community support and school initiatives 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Key strategies for growing your real estate business through networking ✔️ How AI tools like call coaching and market data analysis can enhance your business ✔️ The importance of embracing failure and learning from mistakes ✔️ Tips for using AI to nurture leads and convert opportunities ✔️ The value of community involvement in building a sustainable business 📇 Connect with Joshua Holt: 🌎 Website → https://www.holtrealestateteam.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/holtrealestateteam 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/holtrealestateteam/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/holt-real-estate-team 🎙 Follow Josh Lavik and the Better Agent Podcast: 🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc 📷 Instagram →  https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik 🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com

    41 min
  7. How to Transition from Solo Agent to Successful Team Leader in Real Estate - EP 35

    10/30/2025

    How to Transition from Solo Agent to Successful Team Leader in Real Estate - EP 35

    In this episode of the Better Agent Podcast, Josh Vik talks with Michael Leeson about building a real estate business grounded in authenticity, relationships, and experience. Michael shares lessons from his missionary background, strategies for growth, negotiation frameworks, team-building insights, and how to balance family and business while thriving as an agent. 🎧 Hosts: Josh Vik 🎤 Featuring: Michael Leeson – Real Estate Agent, Entrepreneur, and Mentor Michael Leeson is a Realtor with Realty Executives Cooper Spransy, serving the Madison and Dane County market. With two decades of experience in real estate investment, sales, and property management, he has closed 125 transactions worth over $66.6 million in the past five years, averaging $368,000 per sale. Leeson runs a team supported by an Executive Assistant and Transaction Coordinator, providing full-service representation across a wide price range from entry-level homes to luxury properties. He and his wife Emma are raising five children in Sun Prairie while remaining active in travel and community involvement. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ How past experiences can inform success in real estate ✔️ Mindset shifts for new and growing agents ✔️ Building a team and scaling a business sustainably ✔️ Negotiation tips and communication strategies ✔️ Maintaining personal balance and strong relationships ✔️ Investing in your business for long-term growth 🎙 Follow Michael Leeson: 🌎 Website → https://leesonrealestate.com/ 🎙 Follow Josh Lavik and the Better Agent Podcast: 🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc 📷 Instagram →  https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik 🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com

    53 min
  8. How Lindsay Mefford Transformed Her Passion for Homes into a Successful Real Estate Career - EP 34

    10/16/2025

    How Lindsay Mefford Transformed Her Passion for Homes into a Successful Real Estate Career - EP 34

    On this episode of Better Agent Podcast, Josh Lavik is joined by Lindsay Mefford, a new real estate agent with a unique background in home inspections and radon testing. Lindsay shares her story of transitioning from teaching to real estate, the challenges she faced in her first year, and the value of leveraging her previous experience. She discusses how she’s built a solid system for working with older clients, the importance of staying organized, and why radon testing is an often-overlooked but critical aspect of real estate. Tune in for valuable tips and insights to grow your business in real estate! 🎧 Hosted by: Josh Lavik 🎙 Featuring: Lindsay Mefford – Real Estate Agent Lindsay Mefford is a Sales Representative with EXIT Realty HGM, working primarily out of the Madison office and serving clients across Madison and the surrounding areas. A former elementary school teacher and home inspection professional, Lindsay brings a unique perspective to real estate. For over a decade, she and her husband have operated Madison Radon Testing, completing thousands of inspections—including work at the Wisconsin State Capitol. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Lindsay’s transition from teaching to real estate ✔️ The benefits of a background in home inspections ✔️ How Lindsay built a system for real estate success ✔️ Why understanding market trends is crucial for success ✔️ Specializing in working with older clients ✔️ Tips for new agents and staying organized ✔️ The importance of radon testing in real estate transactions 📇 Connect with Lindsay Mefford: 🌎 Website → https://meffordrealty.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://facebook.com/lindsay.mefford 📷 Instagram →  https://instagram.com/lindsmefford 🔗 LinkedIn → https://tiktok.com/@lindsmefford 🎙 Follow Josh Lavik and the Better Agent Podcast: 🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc 📷 Instagram →  https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik 🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com

    33 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Better Agent Podcast, hosted by Josh Lavik, a high achiever, dreamer, and dad of 3. Josh shares the strategies that took him from 5 to 50 transactions a year. Each episode features actionable tips for real estate agents to boost production, streamline operations, and improve client experiences. Josh also answers audience questions and offers insights from his exclusive 21-day challenge. Whether you're starting out or growing your business, The Better Agent Podcast will help you build a world-class career. Tune in today!