PropMedia Podcast

Pixlmob

PropMedia Podcast: Where Real Estate Media Professionals Build Better Businesses Hosted by Matty Fisher and Moses Nickerson, co-founders of Pixlmob and PropMedia.com, the PropMedia Podcast is the go-to show for real estate photographers, videographers, drone operators, and media professionals who are building businesses, not just taking pictures. Each week, Matty and Moses sit down with industry leaders who've scaled from solo shooter to successful media companies. We cut through the fluff to deliver actionable strategies on pricing, client acquisition, business growth, workflow optimization, and staying ahead of industry changes. Whether you're shooting your first listing or managing a team of photographers, this is where you'll learn how to expand your services, work with luxury clients, leverage new technologies like AI and 3D tours, navigate the off-season, and build the systems that turn your photography side hustle into a thriving full-service media business. This is where ambition meets execution in the real estate media world. New episodes drop every Thursday.

  1. 3D AGO

    Multiverse of Media: If We Started Over from Scratch - Part 1

    What We’d Do Differently Starting a Media Company Today In this episode of the Prop Media podcast, co-founders Matty and Moses take a deep dive into the "multiverse of madness," reflecting on their journey with North 7th and Pixlmob to discuss how they would approach starting a property media company from scratch today. With the experience of scaling a software platform into over 150 countries, they brainstorm two distinct paths: a high-volume scaling model and a bespoke luxury agency. Key Topics Discussed: Strategic Business Models: Choosing between a volume-based production model geared toward stability and a high-end luxury model focusing on travel and multi-thousand dollar shoots.The Power of Location: How choosing the right market—like moving to high-turnover, high-price-point areas such as Florida—can dramatically impact a company's revenue potential.Lean Startup Costs: Why you don't need $20,000 to start; the hosts argue for keeping initial gear light—starting with as little as $1,500 to $2,000—and focusing on immediate revenue.Targeted Lead Generation: Using data to stack-rank the top agents in your market and building relationships through "warm intros" rather than cold calls.Operations & Tech: Selecting an off-the-shelf operating system versus building bespoke delivery platforms for luxury clients.Creative Growth Hacks: The "car wash" mentality of selling to those already invested in media and the benefits of partnering with realtors to leverage their existing connections.Whether you are just picking up your first camera or managing a growing team, this episode provides a strategic roadmap for navigating the property media industry in its current state. Subscribe & Follow: If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and hit the bell for weekly updates on all things property media.

    46 min
  2. APR 30

    The Power of Adaptability and Alignment in Property Media w/ Chris Powell

    In this episode of the PropMedia Podcast, hosts Matty and Moses sit down with Chris Powell, the founder of Lighthouse Studio in the Pacific Northwest. Chris shares his unique perspective on building a "joyful business" by moving away from the typical "hustle bro" mentality and instead prioritizing servant leadership and deep alignment with his team of nine. Discover how Chris transitioned from a solo photographer to a leader who empowers his team to deliver a consistent, boutique experience to every client. From the intentionality behind his company’s rebranding to the tactical ways he fosters an optimistic team culture, Chris provides a roadmap for growth that focuses on people first. **Chapter Markers:**   * **00:00 - Introduction to the PropMedia Podcast**     Matty and Moses introduce the podcast and today’s guest, Chris Powell.   * **01:08 - A Different Approach to Scaling**     Chris discusses his "go with the flow" mindset and why serving his team and clients is his primary objective over revenue targets.   * **03:43 - The Story Behind Lighthouse Studio**     The origins of the brand name, its connection to the Seattle area, and the "steady light" brand identity.   * **06:01 - Delivering a Consistent Boutique Experience**     How Lighthouse Studio builds trust by acting as a guiding light and advisor for their agents.   * **08:46 - Finding Joy and Optimism in Business**     Chris explains why enjoying the work is essential and how he looks for positive personality traits when hiring.   * **10:50 - Ad: Scaling with Pixlmob**     A quick look at how Pixlmob can help media businesses manage post-production and improve quality of life.   * **11:42 - Transitioning from a Solo Shooter to a "Real Company"**     Why Chris moved away from using his personal name for the business to build something more professional and sellable.   * **17:47 - Leading a Team of Nine**     A breakdown of the current staff, including an operations manager, photographers, editors, and a social media manager.   * **19:20 - Strategic Social Media and Outreach**     How a part-time dedicated person handles client engagement and stay top-of-mind in a competitive market.   * **22:10 - The Principles of Servant Leadership**     The impact of the book *The Servant Leader* on Chris's management style and empowering employees.   * **26:40 - The "Dark Side" of Servant Leadership**     Understanding the need to remain a decisive leader while still valuing team input.   * **30:58 - Hurdles in Maintaining Quality During Growth**     The challenges of training and the importance of hiring for adaptability and vision alignment.   * **36:58 - Communicating Values and Brand Consistency**     Why Lighthouse Studio holds frequent team and individual meetings to maintain granular brand standards.   * **40:01 - Helping Clients Transition from the Founder to the Team**     Strategies for introducing new photographers to long-term clients and putting stressed realtors at ease.   * **45:18 - Closing Remarks and Where to Follow**     How to connect with Chris and follow the journey of Lighthouse Studio.

    46 min
  3. APR 23

    The "Wow" Factor: Accelerating Success in Property Media w/ Harman Walia

    In this episode, the co-founders of PropMedia and Pixlmob interview Harman Walia, co-founder of Fotello, a leading AI product for real estate media. Harman shares his journey from being a Senior Product Manager at Angie’s List to revolutionizing the real estate photography industry with AI-driven solutions. The discussion explores Fotello's evolution into a comprehensive "book, edit, deliver" platform designed to simplify workflows and enhance customer value. Harman provides an outsider's tech perspective on industry pain points, the importance of building deep relationships with both realtors and homeowners, and how photographers can leverage AI to scale their businesses and focus on storytelling. Chapter Markers 0:00 - Introduction to the PropMedia Podcast and Harman Walia0:51 - Harman’s journey from University of British Columbia to Fotello2:41 - Transitioning from a Product Manager at Angie’s List to real estate media4:05 - Building a customer-centric business and the "wow factor" of AI6:05 - Surprises and appreciation for the hard-working photography community9:49 - Scaling Fotello from white-glove service to a self-serve platform11:23 - AD: Benefits of Pixlmob and Prop Media Pro membership13:07 - Overview of the Fotello "book, edit, deliver" platform14:26 - Creating a mobile-friendly, frictionless ordering process for realtors16:26 - First principles thinking and innovations in real estate tech20:11 - Deciding on a product roadmap based on customer feedback22:56 - Applying product rigor and relationship building to photography businesses24:50 - The value of engaging with homeowners and telling the home's story30:13 - The future of AI in real estate media: automation vs. human storytelling34:01 - Integrations with 3D tours and other media assets35:54 - Advice for photographers on choosing tools and letting go of control38:12 - What’s next for Fotello: Video creation and quality improvements40:14 - Where to follow Fotello and Harman’s journey

    42 min
  4. APR 16

    Transparency in the AI Era: How AB 723 Impacts Property Media w/ Assemblymember Gail Pellerin

    In this episode of the PropMedia Podcast, hosts Matty and Moses sit down with California Assemblywoman Gail Pellerin to discuss her landmark legislation, AB 723. This first-of-its-kind bill in the United States addresses the growing impact of AI and digital manipulation in real estate photography by requiring clear disclosures for materially altered images. **Key Discussion Points:**   * **The Inspiration Behind AB 723**: Pellerin shares a personal story of a staff member who drove hours to see a home that looked nothing like its digitally enhanced photos, sparking the need for stronger consumer protections.   * **Understanding the Bill**: A breakdown of what constitutes a "material change" (like adding a pool or remodeling a kitchen) versus standard professional editing (such as removing a trash can or enhancing a sunset).   * **Compliance and Enforcement**: Insights into how the Department of Real Estate handles enforcement and why the "buck stops" with the real estate broker rather than the photographer.   * **Future-Proofing Real Estate**: How the bill is designed to adapt as AI technology continues to evolve and its potential as a template for other states and federal legislation.   * **New Tools for Disclosure**: Matty and Moses highlight free and pro tools available at propmedia.com/disclosure and within Pixlmob to help photographers and realtors easily stay compliant using QR codes and digital badges. **Follow Assemblywoman Gail Pellerin:**   * **Website**: Search for "Gail Pellerin Assembly" to find her official site and monthly newsletter.   * **Track Legislation**: Visit the California Legislative Information portal to follow AB 723 and other upcoming bills. https://propmedia.com/disclosure

    41 min
  5. APR 2

    The Calm vs. The Chaos: Scaling a Property Media Business

    In this episode of the PropMedia Podcast, hosts Matty and Moses go behind the scenes of Pixlmob to explore how the platform has evolved from a simple editor marketplace into a comprehensive post-production ecosystem. They dive into the "business owner's mindset," discussing how to transition from the "frenetic hustle" of putting out daily fires to achieving calm, controlled business growth through automation and redundancy. Key topics covered in this episode include: Beyond Photo Editing: Discover the wide range of services now available, from video editing and 3D floor plans to headshot retouching and natural twilight edits.The Power of Templates and Teams: Learn how to eliminate decision fatigue by building order templates and curated editor rosters tailored to your specific products.Streamlined Workflows: How direct integrations with Dropbox and Google Drive, along with a granular revision tracking system, remove the "noise" of fractured communication.The AI Revolution: A look at Pixlmob’s "marketplace ethos" regarding AI—partnering with leading models to offer photographers hybrid human-AI workflows.Legal and Ethical Disclosures: Understanding the new built-in tools for disclosing AI alterations and object removal to keep realtors compliant with evolving regulations.Building Redundancy: How features like ASAP editing and instant AI tools act as fail-safes, ensuring you never have to pull an all-nighter to meet a client deadline again.PropMedia Directory: How to leverage a free, SEO-optimized profile to generate leads and showcase your specific technical capabilities to realtors.Stop being the "hustle bro" with your hair on fire and start building a scalable media empire. Tune in to learn how to reclaim your evenings and focus on what truly moves the needle for your business.

    48 min
  6. MAR 26

    The Godfather of Property Media: 17 Years of Scaling w/ Phil Maurion

    In this episode of the PropMedia Podcast, founders Matty and Moses sit down with Phil Maurion, the founder of Visual Advantage. With over 17 years of experience in the real estate media space, Phil is often considered a "godfather" of the industry. He shares his journey from being a single shooter to scaling his business across four different locations and managing thousands of shoots annually. Phil provides deep insights into the complexities of scaling a team, maintaining quality control, and the importance of building genuine relationships with real estate agents. He also discusses his preference for iGuide technology over other 3D platforms and how integrated workflows are essential for handling high volumes of work. Whether you are a solo photographer looking to make your first hire or an established business owner looking to expand into new markets, Phil’s wisdom on retention, marketing, and navigating a changing real estate landscape is invaluable. **Connect with Phil Maurion:**   * **Website:** visualadvantage.ca   * **Instagram:** @Visual_advantage_CA   * **Facebook:** Visual Advantage **Chapters:**   * **00:00** - Introduction to the Prop Media Podcast   * **00:10** - Meet Phil Maurion of Visual Advantage   * **01:07** - Phil’s 17-Year Journey in Real Estate Media   * **04:09** - Challenges and Realities of National Scaling   * **06:55** - Maintaining Quality Control Across Large Teams   * **08:31** - Developing Fast Editing and Training Workflows   * **11:32** - The Power of Repeat Business and Relationships   * **13:12** - Beyond Social Media: Networking and Presentations   * **15:52** - Advice for New Business Owners: "Hang Out Where They Hang Out"   * **18:48** - Understanding the Real Estate Agent Demographic   * **21:26** - Pixlmob Feature Spotlight   * **22:53** - Why iGuide? Comparing 3D Tour Platforms   * **26:00** - The Importance of Integrated Workflow Systems   * **30:23** - A Playbook for Expanding into New Markets   * **31:17** - Photographer Retention and Finding the Right Talent   * **39:01** - Where to Follow Phil Online

    40 min
  7. MAR 19

    From 3 Months to 6 Years: the Evolution of AI Photo Editing w/ Autoenhance.AI

    In this episode of the PropMedia Podcast, Pixlmob co-founders Moses and Matty welcome their first-ever in-person guests to the studio: Jamie, founder and CEO of Autoenhance.ai, and Josh, the Head of Growth. Together, they dive into the evolution of AI-driven photo editing and its growing impact on the property media landscape. The Big Reveal: Unmasking Omni A highlight of this episode is the official announcement that Pixlmob’s “Omni” model has been powered by Autoenhance.ai since its launch in August 2024. The team discusses the upcoming rebranding effort that will allow the Autoenhance.ai brand to shine directly on the Pixlmob platform, offering users more clarity and access to their cutting-edge technology. Key topics discussed in this episode include: The Origins of Autoenhance.ai: Jamie shares the backstory of starting the company in 2020 and the challenging process of refining AI to meet the high quality standards of the American real estate market, such as perfect white balance and punchy colors.The AI Adoption Curve: The guests discuss the shift from early innovators to mainstream adoption, noting that while AI editing currently accounts for roughly 20–30% of the market, that number is rapidly climbing as the technology matures.Human vs. AI Editing: A look at the role of human editors in an AI world, exploring how AI serves as an "amplification" tool that empowers solo photographers and small businesses to compete at scale while still allowing for a "human touch" in quality control.The "SAS Apocalypse" and Burnout: A candid conversation on how AI can either lead to burnout through an obsession with productivity or offer "time back" to spend with family and focus on high-value business tasks.What’s Next for Autoenhance: Jamie and Josh tease upcoming releases for 2026, including a new "PostEdit" product designed to give users even more granular control and customization over their final images.To learn more about Autoenhance or to try their AI photo editing services, visit autoenhance.ai.

    51 min

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About

PropMedia Podcast: Where Real Estate Media Professionals Build Better Businesses Hosted by Matty Fisher and Moses Nickerson, co-founders of Pixlmob and PropMedia.com, the PropMedia Podcast is the go-to show for real estate photographers, videographers, drone operators, and media professionals who are building businesses, not just taking pictures. Each week, Matty and Moses sit down with industry leaders who've scaled from solo shooter to successful media companies. We cut through the fluff to deliver actionable strategies on pricing, client acquisition, business growth, workflow optimization, and staying ahead of industry changes. Whether you're shooting your first listing or managing a team of photographers, this is where you'll learn how to expand your services, work with luxury clients, leverage new technologies like AI and 3D tours, navigate the off-season, and build the systems that turn your photography side hustle into a thriving full-service media business. This is where ambition meets execution in the real estate media world. New episodes drop every Thursday.

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