The Real Estate Success Podcast

Leland Gross CFP®, EA
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Welcome to the Real Estate Success Podcast, hosted by Leland Gross of PeaceLink Financial Planning. Here we unlock the secrets to thriving in the competitive world of real estate. If you are a REALTOR®, agent, or aspiring real estate entrepreneur, this podcast is your go-to resource for actionable insights and inspiration. Join us as we interview industry-leading realtors who share their journeys, strategies, and lessons learned on the path to success. Additionally, we dive deep into the financial keys to building and sustaining a profitable real estate business. From scaling your operations to mastering your finances, we cover the tools and techniques you need to excel. Subscribe now to level up your real estate career and join a community of ambitious professionals striving for success. Let's make your real estate dreams a reality!

  1. Jun 19

    Military Structure to Entrepreneur Freedom in Real Estate with Matt Salway

    Matt Salway's journey to becoming one of Hampton Roads' top-producing real estate agents didn't start in real estate—it started in the United States Navy. In this episode of the Real Estate Success Podcast, Matt shares how he built a thriving real estate business while serving 14 years on active duty, raising a family, and balancing the demands of military life. What began as a side hustle quickly evolved into a business selling more than 100 homes per year. We discuss: • Building a real estate business while working full-time in the Navy • The mentors and relationships that accelerated his growth • How systems and processes helped him scale production • Why he ignores market noise and focuses on execution • The power of serving a niche and leveraging military relationships • Transitioning from military service to full-time entrepreneurship • The identity shift that comes with leaving a structured career • Balancing business success with family life and personal freedom Matt also opens up about the unexpected challenges of slowing down after years of operating at a high tempo and what success means to him today. Whether you're a Realtor, entrepreneur, veteran, or business owner, this episode is packed with practical wisdom on leadership, consistency, and building a life that aligns with your values. 🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with top-producing Realtors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. Connect with Matt Salway: https://matthewsalway.ironvalleyrealestate.com/ https://www.instagram.com/milrealtor757/ Take the Financial Health Assessment at realestatesuccesspod.com Get in touch with PeaceLink: Website: PeaceLink Financial PlanningInstagram: @peacelinkfp

    56 min

  2. Jun 4

    Quiet Strength: Angie Clark on Building a Real Estate Career Without the Spotlight

    My guest on today’s podcast is Angie Clark, a powerhouse of quiet strength, resilience, and intentional leadership in the real estate world. Angie’s journey is anything but linear. From co-owning a restaurant in her early 20s to carving her own path in new construction and later resale, she’s walked through the fire, to build a business grounded in integrity and service. What began as a practical decision to get her real estate license evolved into a full-fledged calling. In our conversation, Angie shares what it was like navigating the crash of 2008 while both she and her husband were in the industry, how she built a thriving business without self-promotion, and the moment she realized that growing a brokerage and managing a team wasn’t the version of success she actually wanted. She speaks candidly about finding balance as a mom of two, stepping back from the hustle to realign with her values, and the surprising joy of returning to new construction in a leadership capacity on her own terms. Angie’s story is a reminder that success isn’t one-size-fits-all—and sometimes, the bravest move you can make is to slow down. Connect with Angie: angie@angieclarkteam.com https://angieclarkteam.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angieclarkrealestate757/ Take the Financial Health Assessment at realestatesuccesspod.com Get in touch with PeaceLink: Website: PeaceLink Financial PlanningInstagram: @peacelinkfp

    32 min

  3. May 7

    Lessons in Timing, Trust, and Tenacity: Katie Donahue’s Success Story

    My guest on today’s podcast is Katie Donahue—a top producer in the Hampton Roads area and the recent recipient of a 2025 Top 3% Producer Award. Katie’s journey into real estate is anything but traditional. After a successful early career in nonprofit leadership and years as a stay-at-home mom navigating active duty military life with her husband, Katie found her way into real estate not through a master plan, but through curiosity, creativity, and courage. From turning her first home into a rental property to attending real estate classes at night with her dad while raising three kids, Katie’s story is rooted in grit and a lifelong love of learning. In this episode, we dive into the reality of building a business while raising a family, how she leveraged every opportunity—including a unique part-time marketing role within her real estat team—to enter real estate on her terms, and why deep care for people is at the heart of her success. Katie talks about the value of mentorship, the humility of lifelong learning, and how rejection and market downturns taught her to trust the timing and focus on the fundamentals. Whether you're a new agent juggling family life or a seasoned pro looking to redefine what success means, Katie’s story is full of wisdom, grit, and the kind of honesty that’s rare and refreshing. Connect with Katie: Katie Donahue Instagram: @kmodonahue Take the Financial Health Assessment at realestatesuccesspod.com Get in touch with PeaceLink: Website: PeaceLink Financial PlanningInstagram: @peacelinkfp

    40 min

  4. Apr 23

    The Power of Peace: How Faith and Real Estate Help Serve Our Neighbors with Alison McCarthy

    My guest on today’s episode is Allison McCarthy—an inspiring realtor in the Virginia Beach area whose journey into real estate was anything but ordinary. The youngest of 14 children, Allison grew up in a household where real estate was more than just a business—it was the tool her parents used to put every single one of their children through college. Even as a doctor and a nurse, her parents relied on rental properties to create financial stability, teaching her the power of real estate as a means to serve others and build legacy. In this conversation, we dive into how those early lessons shaped her mindset, how she stepped into real estate while raising young kids—right before a global pandemic—and how she’s built a business grounded in faith, authenticity, and the willingness to meet every challenge as an opportunity for growth. We talk about overcoming burnout, building a business with integrity, the importance of coaching, and how success for Allison isn’t defined by volume or awards, but by living with unshakable peace and serving her neighbors well. So whether you’re navigating tough market cycles or just looking for a dose of grounded inspiration, this episode is packed with wisdom. Connect with Alison: alisells757@gmail.com Instagram: @little_neck_real_estate https://alisonmccarthyrealestate.com/ Take the Financial Health Assessment at realestatesuccesspod.com Get in touch with PeaceLink: Website: PeaceLink Financial PlanningInstagram: @peacelinkfp

    33 min

  5. Apr 3

    Trust, Tenacity, and 3 Kids Later: How Richmond Realtor Owen Thatcher Built a Referral-Only Business

    Most real estate agents feel like they’re constantly chasing the next deal. There’s always another lead to follow up with, another deal to keep alive, another month to figure out. But there’s another way to build a business. One that’s rooted in trust, relationships, and doing the kind of work that naturally brings people back and sends others your way. In this episode of the Real Estate Success Podcast, I sit down with Richmond-based realtor Owen Thatcher to talk about what that actually looks like in real life. Owen didn’t step into real estate with a perfect plan or a safety net. He left a steady sales job while his wife was still in grad school and committed to figuring it out as he went. What followed was a season of learning, asking questions, and surrounding himself with people who were already doing it at a high level. Over time, that foundation turned into a business built almost entirely on referrals. We talk through how mentorship shaped his approach, where a lot of agents get it wrong when they try to rely on referrals too early, and what it takes to build something that’s sustainable over the long run. He also shares how his definition of success has changed over time, especially now as a husband and a dad of three. If you’re trying to build a real estate business that actually supports your life instead of taking it over, I think you’ll get a lot out of this one. And if this episode resonated, share it with another agent who’s in the middle of building something meaningful. Connect with Owen: Owen Thatcher Associate Broker, REALTOR® https://phrehomes.com/agent/owen-thatcher Take the Financial Health Assessment at realestatesuccesspod.com Get in touch with PeaceLink: Website: PeaceLink Financial PlanningInstagram: @peacelinkfp

    55 min

  6. Mar 19

    Social Media, Serhant, and Stepping Out: Perrin Duvall’s Year of Bold Moves

    My guest on today’s podcast is Perrin Duvall, a dynamic force in the Virginia Beach real estate scene and a personal friend. Perrin’s journey is both heartfelt and strategic—beginning in full-time ministry, pivoting through a career change, and eventually building one of the most recognizable personal brands in our local market. In this episode, Perrin shares how she followed her instincts into real estate and soaked up everything she could to build a strong foundation early on. We talk about what it means to work on your business, not just in it, how social media became her most powerful tool, and the critical decision to step into solo entrepreneurship. (We mention Stephanie Clark's episode, which you can find here!) She opens up about the courage it took to hire her first team members, partner with Serhant, and build a brand rooted in authenticity, local love, and strategic risk-taking. You’ll also hear her thoughts on team building, overcoming comparison, and why she’s so passionate about mentoring the next generation of agents. Connect with Perrin: perrinduvall.com @perrinduvallrealestate  Take the Financial Health Assessment at realestatesuccesspod.com Get in touch with PeaceLink: Website: PeaceLink Financial PlanningInstagram: @peacelinkfp

    39 min

  7. Mar 5

    Should You Do a Roth Conversion? What You Need to Know | What Works Wednesday with Cody Hawkins

    In this episode of What Works Wednesday, Cody Hawkins from PeaceLink Financial Planning explains the ins and outs of Roth conversions, especially in light of the  2026 rule change allowing federal employees and military personnel to convert TSP funds internally. Whether you're considering switching your retirement accounts or planning for future tax efficiency, this episode covers key insights to help you make informed decisions. Key Topics: What is a Roth conversion and how does it work?The tax implications of converting pre-tax dollars to a Roth accountWhen it makes sense to do a Roth conversion (timing, income levels, tax brackets)The new TSP rule effective 2026 allowing internal Roth conversionsWhy taxes are not automatically withheld during conversionsConsiderations for military and federal employeesThe importance of planning and running the numbers before convertingIrreversible nature of Roth conversions and potential mistakesStrategic timing: low-income years, career transitions, or before retirementHow Roth conversions can reduce required minimum distributions and create tax-free incomeResources: Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) ChangesFrom Military to Real Estate: A Guide for Career SwitchersTake the Financial Health Assessment at realestatesuccesspod.com Get in touch with PeaceLink: Website: PeaceLink Financial PlanningInstagram: @peacelinkfp

    11 min

  8. Feb 26

    Garrett Maroon | Turning the Lights On: A Real Estate Story of Risk, Faith, and Resilience

    Welcome to the Real Estate Success Podcast, where we dive into the personal journeys behind professional success. My guest on today’s podcast is Garrett Maroon—a man whose story embodies faith, grit, and purpose. From a steady W-2 role to launching a referral-based real estate business that’s sold over 650 homes, Garrett didn’t step into entrepreneurship with a full game plan. He stepped in with borrowed belief—from his wife, his business partner, and mentors who saw something in him before he saw it in himself. In this episode, Garrett opens up about the early leap into real estate. He shares what it means to go from being self-employed to becoming a true business owner, the pain of loss that shaped his mission, and how his faith fuels the 210 Collective, a national community for Christian real estate agents. Whether you're an agent in your first year or a seasoned business owner wrestling with the weight of leadership, this conversation offers clarity, encouragement, and a bold reminder that your identity isn’t your title—it’s how you live out your calling. Stick around through Garrett’s candid story of his worst first client, the lessons learned in dark rooms, and how he now defines success—not just in profit, but in presence at home. Let’s get into it. Connect with Garrett: 📱 Instagram: @garrettmaroon 📞 Text Garrett directly: 804-878-2200 🌐 Learn more: thefaithfulagent.com Keywords: Real estate, entrepreneurship, faith, business growth, mindset, success, referral business, leadership, financial strategy Take the Financial Health Assessment at realestatesuccesspod.com Get in touch with PeaceLink: Website: PeaceLink Financial PlanningInstagram: @peacelinkfp

    41 min
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About

Welcome to the Real Estate Success Podcast, hosted by Leland Gross of PeaceLink Financial Planning. Here we unlock the secrets to thriving in the competitive world of real estate. If you are a REALTOR®, agent, or aspiring real estate entrepreneur, this podcast is your go-to resource for actionable insights and inspiration. Join us as we interview industry-leading realtors who share their journeys, strategies, and lessons learned on the path to success. Additionally, we dive deep into the financial keys to building and sustaining a profitable real estate business. From scaling your operations to mastering your finances, we cover the tools and techniques you need to excel. Subscribe now to level up your real estate career and join a community of ambitious professionals striving for success. Let's make your real estate dreams a reality!

Information

  • Creator
    Leland Gross CFP®, EA
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Real Estate Success Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Real Estate Success Podcast

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