The Nick Schlekeway Podcast

Nick Schlekeway
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I’m Nick Schlekeway. This podcast is about how things actually work, not how they’re sold. I share unfiltered perspectives on leadership, real estate, business, economics, and personal responsibility, built from decades of building companies, advising high-stakes clients, and making hard calls when it mattered. Expect practical breakdowns on leadership, strategy, risk, markets, mentorship, and discipline. If you’re here to think longer, decide better, and lead with conviction, subscribe.

  1. 1d ago

    EP. 17: Real Estate Competitors at the Same Table | Nick Schlekeway Podcast

    What does it really take to build, operate, and lead a successful real estate brokerage? In this episode of The Nick Schlekeway Podcast, Nick sits down with Stacie States, co-owner and president of Keller Williams Realty Boise, and Brett Hughes, broker and owner of Boise Premier Real Estate, for a rare conversation between three competing real estate brokerage owners. Together, they pull back the curtain on the realities of real estate brokerage ownership and leadership, including the challenges that don’t often get discussed publicly. From growing a company and navigating agent turnover to unmet expectations, financial pressures, changing real estate markets, evolving consumer technology, and the difficult decisions that come with leadership, this conversation explores what it actually looks like to build and operate a brokerage. As colleagues, peers, and competitors, Nick, Stacie, and Brett bring three different perspectives to many of the same challenges facing real estate leaders today. This episode also serves as a preview of their upcoming Brokerage Owners Panel at Momentum, a real estate conference taking place September 9 at Boise Centre in Boise, Idaho, where the three will continue the conversation live on stage. Whether you’re a real estate agent, broker, brokerage owner, team leader, entrepreneur, or business leader, this episode offers an inside look at the business behind the brokerage and the lessons learned while building companies in a changing real estate industry. Topics Include:Real estate brokerage ownership, real estate leadership, building a brokerage, brokerage growth, agent retention, agent turnover, real estate recruiting, company culture, financial challenges, real estate market changes, consumer technology, entrepreneurship, business leadership, Keller Williams Realty Boise, Boise Premier Real Estate, Amherst Madison, Treasure Valley real estate, Boise real estate, Momentum, Stacie States, Brett Hughes, Nick Schlekeway #RealEstate #RealEstateLeadership #RealEstateBroker #BrokerageOwner #RealEstateBusiness #RealEstateAgents #RealEstateIndustry #Entrepreneurship #BusinessLeadership #BoiseRealEstate #TreasureValleyRealEstate #IdahoRealEstate #Momentum2026 #NickSchlekewayPodcast

  2. Aug 18

    EP. 16: The Strength to Start Over | Nick Schlekeway Podcast

    What does it take to start over, build a new career, and become proud of the person you’ve become along the way? In this episode of The Nick Schlekeway Podcast, Nick sits down with Vicky Middleton for a conversation about resilience, personal growth, career reinvention, and building a successful career in real estate. Vicky’s path into real estate was anything but linear. After first being introduced to real estate investing in her younger years, life took her in a different direction. Eventually, she entered the industry at 40 years old—an experience she describes as both humbling and transformative. Vicky and Nick talk about what it means to begin again when you already have years of life and professional experience behind you, why success in real estate takes patience, and why committing to the process matters more than expecting immediate results. They also dive into overcoming adversity, accepting feedback, developing confidence, learning through experience, and the mindset required to keep growing when the results don’t come as quickly as you hoped. Whether you’re a real estate agent, entrepreneur, business professional, or someone navigating a major life or career transition, Vicky’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to make a decision about who you want to become—and put in the work to get there. Topics Included:Vicky Middleton, Nick Schlekeway, The Nick Schlekeway Podcast, real estate, real estate agent, real estate career, starting real estate at 40, career change, career reinvention, personal growth, resilience, overcoming adversity, success mindset, growth mindset, entrepreneurship, leadership, confidence, perseverance, professional development, life lessons, real estate success, women in real estate, Idaho real estate, real estate podcast, entrepreneur podcast #RealEstate #PersonalGrowth #Resilience #Entrepreneurship #RealEstateAgent #Leadership #CareerGrowth #VickyMiddleton #NickSchlekewayPodcast

  3. Aug 4

    EP.15: A Real Estate Career Built on Relationships | Nick Schlekeway Podcast

    What does it take to build a successful career in real estate while creating opportunities that extend far beyond the next transaction? In this episode of The Nick Schlekeway Podcast, Nick sits down with Nathan Danner for a wide-ranging conversation on entrepreneurship, real estate investing, creative financing, leadership, social media, and the power of an abundance mindset. As a multi-generational real estate professional, investor, developer, and expert in private money and creative financing, Nathan shares the lessons that have shaped his approach to business and why relationships, generosity, and long-term thinking have been the foundation of his success. Together, Nick and Nathan discuss building a real estate business, leveraging social media to create trust, structuring creative financing opportunities, investing in real estate, developing meaningful partnerships, and maintaining an abundance mindset in both business and life. Whether you're a real estate agent, entrepreneur, investor, or business owner, this conversation is filled with practical insights on leadership, business growth, wealth creation, and building a career with purpose. Topics Covered:Real estate investing & developmentCreative financing & private moneyEntrepreneurship & business growthLeadership & personal developmentSocial media for businessAbundance mindset & relationship buildingWealth creation & long-term success

  4. Jul 21

    From Owner-Operator to True Entrepreneur with Tyler Hess | Nick Schlekeway Podcast

    What does it really take to build lasting wealth? According to entrepreneur and developer Tyler Hess, it starts with creating value for everyone involved. In this episode of The Nick Schlekeway Podcast, Nick sits down with Tyler Hess to explore the mindset, systems, and strategies behind building multiple successful businesses, scaling operations, investing in real estate development, and creating long-term wealth. Tyler shares his journey from starting his first business at 22 to owning and operating more than a dozen companies while developing communities across Idaho. Together, they discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), business acquisitions, delegation, vertical integration, raising capital, real estate investing, land development, and why the best entrepreneurs focus on building systems—not just businesses. Tyler also shares one of the most impactful lessons he ever received: "Don't be a hog. Be a pig." It's a simple philosophy about creating win-win partnerships that has shaped every business deal he's made. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, real estate professional, investor, or someone looking to think bigger about leadership and wealth creation, this conversation is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately. Topics Covered:• Entrepreneurship & business growth• Leadership & company culture• EOS & business systems• Scaling through delegation• Real estate investing & land development• Business acquisitions & private investing• Delayed gratification & wealth building• Building businesses that outlast you

  5. Jul 7

    EP. 13: 101-Year-Old Developer Shares the Untold Story of Building Boise | Winston Moore

    At 101 years old, Winston Moore has lived a life unlike almost anyone else.In this episode of **The Nick Schlekeway Podcast**, Nick sits down with one of Boise's most influential commercial real estate developers to explore the stories, decisions, and defining moments that helped shape the Treasure Valley.From building more than **100 commercial buildings** and developing over **3 million square feet of real estate** to the early days of downtown Boise, the creation of what is now BODO, and the vision behind Boise's growth, Winston shares firsthand insights from nearly a century of entrepreneurship and leadership.But this conversation goes far beyond real estate.Winston recounts incredible stories from growing up in Los Angeles in the 1920s, building a national sporting goods business, pioneering fly fishing for billfish, hunting in Mexico, surviving encounters with bandidos, and the lessons he's learned from a lifetime of taking calculated risks.Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, commercial real estate professional, developer, or simply interested in the history of Boise and the Treasure Valley, this episode is packed with timeless wisdom and unforgettable stories.**In this episode:**• Winston Moore's journey into commercial real estate development• The story behind Boise's growth and the creation of BODO• Entrepreneurship, leadership, and long-term thinking• Building a business from the ground up• Lessons on relationships, risk, and resilience• Hunting, fishing, adventure, and stories from around the world• What Winston is most proud of after 101 yearsIf you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to **like, subscribe, and turn on notifications** for more interviews with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators.#WinstonMoore #Boise #CommercialRealEstate #RealEstateDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #Business #TreasureValley #Idaho #NickSchlekewayPodcast

  6. Jun 23

    EP.12: Idaho Ranching, Entrepreneurship & Building a Family Legacy

    In this episode, I sit down with Seth and Logan Thomas of Thomas Cattle Company for a conversation about entrepreneurship, ranching, family business, leadership, risk-taking, and building a lasting legacy. The Thomas brothers share their journey from growing up on a multi-generational cattle ranch to expanding their operation across Idaho and Oregon. We discuss what it takes to grow a business, navigate setbacks, take calculated risks, hire great people, and create opportunities for the next generation. We also dive into the challenges facing agriculture today, including public land grazing, government policy, Idaho's rapid growth, and the future of ranching in the American West. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, rancher, investor, or someone interested in leadership and personal growth, this episode is packed with practical lessons on resilience, decision-making, and playing the long game. Topics include:• Entrepreneurship and business growth• Family business and succession planning• Leadership and team building• Risk-taking and decision-making• Ranching and agriculture in Idaho• Public land grazing and policy• Building a multi-generational legacy• Economic challenges and opportunity• The future of Idaho and the American West Follow the podcast for more conversations with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators shaping the future of Idaho and beyond.

  7. Jun 8

    EP. 11: From Small-Town Idaho to the Governor's Mansion with Lori and Butch Otter

    Former Idaho Governor Butch Otter and former First Lady Lori Otter join the podcast for a candid conversation about leadership, public service, Idaho politics, and the challenges of governing during one of the most difficult economic periods in modern history.In this episode, Butch and Lori share stories from their journey from small-town Idaho to the Governor’s Mansion, their experiences in Congress and the White House, navigating the 2008 financial crisis, building Idaho’s economy, creating the College of Western Idaho, and leading through times of political division.We also discuss:• The realities of serving as Governor and First Lady of Idaho• Lessons learned from the Great Recession and budget cuts• Idaho’s growth, infrastructure, and workforce challenges• Why compromise in politics has become so difficult• The Founding Fathers, the Constitution, and civic responsibility• Faith, family, and the future of America• Why “Be Stronger Than Your Excuses” became a guiding principleWhether you're interested in Idaho history, conservative leadership, public policy, entrepreneurship, or personal growth, this conversation is packed with wisdom, humor, and hard-earned lessons from two of Idaho’s most influential public servants.

  8. May 26

    Building More Than Homes: Steve Martinez on Leadership, Growth & Legacy

    In this episode, we sit down with one of the most respected luxury home builders in the western United States for an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, burnout, leadership, housing affordability, and the future of real estate in America. From surviving the 2008 financial crisis to navigating the chaos of COVID-era construction, this episode dives deep into what it really takes to build a business, lead through uncertainty, and adapt in an industry that never stops changing. We also unpack: Why homeownership feels impossible for so many AmericansThe real reason housing prices keep risingThe hidden challenges builders face behind the scenesLeadership lessons from entrepreneurship and business ownershipBurnout, resilience, and finding purpose againIdaho growth, development, and the future of housingWorking with the Federal Reserve and advocating for affordable housingWhy communities must rethink growth and affordabilityWhether you're an entrepreneur, real estate professional, investor, builder, or someone trying to buy your first home, this conversation offers valuable insight into the housing market, business leadership, and the American Dream. Topics Covered:Real Estate • Housing Market • Entrepreneurship • Leadership • Affordable Housing • Idaho Growth • Home Building • Business Ownership • Economic Development • Housing Crisis • Wealth Building • Construction Industry • Small Business • Investing • Personal Growth #RealEstate #HousingMarket #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #HomeBuilding #AffordableHousing #BusinessPodcast #Investing #HousingCrisis #Growth

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About

I’m Nick Schlekeway. This podcast is about how things actually work, not how they’re sold. I share unfiltered perspectives on leadership, real estate, business, economics, and personal responsibility, built from decades of building companies, advising high-stakes clients, and making hard calls when it mattered. Expect practical breakdowns on leadership, strategy, risk, markets, mentorship, and discipline. If you’re here to think longer, decide better, and lead with conviction, subscribe.

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