People, Not Titles

Stephen Kaempf

Welcome to the People, Not Titles Podcast, where we delve into the inspiring stories and experiences of real estate professionals and entrepreneurs. Join us as we shine a light on their journeys, successes, and challenges, giving voice to their brand and story. Get ready to be motivated, learn valuable insights, and be inspired to turn your own dreams into reality. Tune in to the People, Not Titles podcast and let these remarkable individuals ignite your entrepreneurial spirit!

  1. Jul 8

    Inflation Just Hit Its Highest Mark in Three Years...

    In this real estate market update, hosts Matt Lombardi and Steve Kaempf break down the major legislative and economic shifts impacting buyers, sellers, and agents in July 2026. We dive into the newly passed 21st Century Road to Housing Act—a bipartisan bill currently awaiting the President's signature that targets corporate landlords by restricting single-family home purchases and incentivizes local zoning reform. We also unpack the latest economic indicators, including the "summer surge" in inflation driven by energy costs, and debunk a viral rumor regarding Realtor transaction statistics. Finally, get the latest on Chicago's controversial "Protecting Renters Ordinance" and regional market forecasts showing tight inventory across Illinois and rising listings in Wisconsin. Stay informed on where the housing market is heading next! 👍 Like this video? 💬 Share your biggest takeaway in the comments! 🔔 Subscribe for more critical market updates and conversations with industry leaders. 🌐 Full Episodes & Resources www.peoplenottitles.com 📱 Follow People, Not Titles Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peoplenottitles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoplenottitles X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/sjkaempf 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTv 🎙️ About the PodcastPeople, Not Titles is dedicated to highlighting successful professionals and dissecting breaking trends across real estate, business, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Every episode explores the principles, data, and mindset behind long-term success, helping listeners grow both personally and professionally. #peoplenottitles #realestatenews #housingmarket2026 #realestatepodcast #inflationupdate #HousingAct2026 #NAR #realtorlife #chicagorealestate

  2. Jul 2

    From Cop to Lawyer: The Leadership Lessons Every Homebuyer & Realtor Needs to Hear

    Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make, and having the right people on your side can make all the difference. In this episode of the **People, Not Titles Podcast**, host **Steve Kaempf** sits down with **Elliot Rose**, founder of **Line of Duty Legal**, to discuss an extraordinary journey from serving as a Police Lieutenant to building a client-first law firm dedicated to protecting families, homeowners, and real estate professionals. This conversation goes far beyond real estate law. Elliot shares powerful lessons about leadership, public service, resilience, integrity, lifelong learning, and what it truly means to put people before profits. Whether you're a Realtor®, first-time homebuyer, investor, entrepreneur, attorney, or business owner, this episode is packed with practical insights that can help you make better decisions, build stronger relationships, and create lasting success. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why Elliot chose a career in law enforcement and how it shaped his leadership philosophy • The biggest lessons learned from serving communities for over two decades • How leadership principles from policing translate into business success • Why empathy and communication matter in every real estate transaction • The most common mistakes homebuyers make before closing • What Realtors should expect from a great real estate attorney • How attorneys and real estate agents can build long-term partnerships • Why putting people before profits creates sustainable businesses • The importance of mentorship, accountability, and continuous learning Actionable advice for entrepreneurs, business professionals, and anyone looking to grow personally and professionally Whether you're purchasing your first home, investing in real estate, building a business, or simply looking for inspiration from someone who has dedicated his life to serving others, this conversation offers valuable takeaways that you can immediately apply. If you enjoy conversations about leadership, entrepreneurship, real estate, business growth, and personal development, make sure to subscribe so you never miss a future episode. 00:00 – Introduction 01:12 – Meet Elliot Rose 03:45 – Why He Chose Law Enforcement 08:20 – Leadership Through Public Service 12:45 – The Human Side of Policing 17:10 – College, Career & Personal Growth 21:35 – Returning to School & Law School 26:18 – Launching Line of Duty Legal 30:10 – Real Estate, Attorneys & Realtors 34:12 – Advice for Homebuyers 37:05 – Building a Business That Puts People First 39:20 – Final Leadership Lessons4 0:30 – Closing Thoughts 41:14 – End ScreenLike this video Share your biggest takeaway in the comments Subscribe for more conversations with industry leaders Full Episodes[www.peoplenottitles.com](http://www.peoplenottitles.com) Follow People, Not Titles Instagram https://www.instagram.com/peoplenottitles Facebook https://www.facebook.com/peoplenottitles X (Twitter) https://twitter.com/sjkaempf Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTv About the Podcast People, Not Titles is hosted by Steve Kaempf and is dedicated to highlighting successful professionals across real estate, business, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Every episode explores the principles, habits, and mindset behind long-term success, helping listeners grow both personally and professionally. #PeopleNotTitles #RealEstatePodcast #Leadership #BusinessPodcast #HomeBuying

  3. Jun 23

    Chicago Real Estate Is Winning While Other Cities Fall Behind | Housing Market Update 2026

    Chicago Real Estate Is Defying Expectations in 2026 While many once-booming housing markets across the country are struggling with falling prices, rising inventory, and affordability challenges, Chicago continues to prove why slow and steady often wins the race. In this episode of the People, Not Titles Podcast, Steve Kaempf and Matt Lombardi break down the biggest real estate stories shaping the market right now. From the Federal Reserve's latest interest rate decision and the future of mortgage rates to Harvard's newly released housing report and the surprising strength of Chicago real estate, this conversation is packed with insights for homeowners, investors, agents, and anyone considering buying or selling in today's market. We also discuss: → The Fed's first meeting under new Chair Kevin Warsh → Why mortgage rates remain stubbornly high → The latest NAR Midyear Housing Outlook → The growing affordability crisis across America → Why Chicago sellers continue outperforming markets like Austin, Dallas, and Houston → The massive opportunity created by America's aging population → New real estate industry compensation changes → Housing inventory trends and buyer demand in 2026 → What real estate professionals should be preparing for during the second half of the year If you're a homeowner, investor, Realtor, broker, or simply interested in where the housing market is heading next, this episode provides actionable insights and real-world analysis you won't hear in mainstream headlines. Full episodes available at [www.peoplenottitles.com](http://www.peoplenottitles.com) People, Not Titles Podcast is hosted by Steve Kaempf and is dedicated to highlighting the success principles, leadership lessons, and business insights of professionals throughout the real estate and business communities. 00:00 Introduction 00:42 Fed Holds Rates Under New Chair Kevin Warsh 03:58 What Higher Rates Mean For Real Estate 06:12 NAR Midyear Housing Outlook 2026 09:18 New Real Estate Compensation Rule Changes 12:05 Housing Market Forecast For The Rest Of 2026 14:26 Harvard's State Of Housing Report 17:42 The Growing Housing Affordability Crisis 20:08 Why Chicago Continues To Outperform 22:44 Aging In Place: A Massive Opportunity 26:12 Bed Bath & Beyond Enters Real Estate 28:18 Chicago vs Austin Housing Market Comparison 31:10 Viewer Question: Are Buyers Still Waiting? 33:21 Final Thoughts & Market Outlook Our mission is simple: Focus on the people behind the success stories, not just the titles. Follow People, Not Titles: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/peoplenottitles Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/peoplenottitles X (Twitter):https://twitter.com/sjkaempf Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTv Website:[www.peoplenottitles.com](http://www.peoplenottitles.com) If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us reach more professionals across the country. #ChicagoRealEstate #ChicagoHousingMarket #HousingMarketUpdate #RealEstatePodcast #RealEstateInvesting June 2026 market trends are shifting rapidly. Get the essential data on Fed policy and housing shifts to adjust your strategy now. This briefing analyzes the critical June 2026 market trends affecting the industry, specifically focusing on the initial Federal Reserve meeting under Chair Warsh. We break down the latest NAR mid-year wrap-up to help real estate brokers identify where the capital is moving. If you need to align your business with current policy changes, this update provides the necessary context. We also examine the significant demographic shift regarding aging in place, which now involves 75% of the population. Understanding how this preference impacts inventory is vital for professionals looking to capture new listings. Additionally, we analyze why Chicago is currently being identified as a boom town and what factors are driving its local economic performance.

    Chicago Real Estate Is Winning While Other Cities Fall Behind | Housing Market Update 2026
  4. Jun 16

    Chicago Housing Market BOOMING Again? Inflation, Google & New Rental Laws Could Change Everything

    CHICAGO HOUSING MARKET BOOMING AGAIN? | Inflation, Google & New Rental Laws Could Change Everything Welcome back to Market Trends with Steve Kaempf and Matt Lombardi. Chicago Housing Market BOOMING Again? Inflation, Google & New Rental Laws Could Change Everything In this week's episode, we break down the biggest developments impacting the Chicago real estate market, the U.S. economy, and housing trends across the country. From inflation updates and Federal Reserve expectations to rising home sales, increasing inventory, Google's nationwide real estate expansion, and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's proposed renter protection ordinance, this episode covers the stories every homeowner, investor, landlord, and real estate professional needs to understand. We also discuss: → Latest CPI Inflation Report → Federal Reserve Interest Rate Outlook → Existing Home Sales Surge → Chicago Housing Market Trends → First-Time Home Buyer Activity → Rising Foreclosure Numbers → Brandon Johnson's Rental Housing Proposal → Google's Expansion Into Real Estate Search → MLS Industry Changes → World Cup Impact on Real Estate Markets → Investor Opportunities in 2026 00:00 Intro & Headlines 01:05 Iran Conflict Update & Fed Meeting 04:15 Inflation Report Breakdown 08:20 Food, Gas & Consumer Costs 11:40 Housing & Shelter Costs 14:20 Existing Home Sales Update 18:30 Chicago Housing Market Analysis 21:15 Inventory, Pricing & Buyer Trends 24:05 Brandon Johnson Rental Ordinance 28:10 Google Expands Into Real Estate 30:45 Foreclosure Trends & Investor Opportunities 33:00 MLS Leadership Changes 34:15 World Cup Impact On Real Estate 35:40 Final Thoughts & Predictions 36:33 Outro Whether you're buying, selling, investing, or simply trying to understand where the market is headed next, this episode provides valuable insights, expert opinions, and real-world analysis to help you make smarter decisions. People, Not Titles Podcast is hosted by Steve Kaempf and is dedicated to lifting up professionals in the real estate and business community. Our mission is to highlight success principles, leadership lessons, and practical strategies that help professionals thrive. Full Episodes Available:[www.peoplenottitles.com](http://www.peoplenottitles.com) Follow People, Not Titles: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/peoplenottitles Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/peoplenottitles Twitter/X:https://twitter.com/sjkaempf Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTv Subscribe for weekly episodes covering: • Chicago Real Estate • Housing Market Updates • Real Estate Investing • Business Success Strategies • Leadership Development • Market Trends If you enjoy this episode, please Like, Subscribe, Share, and leave a Review. Your support helps us continue bringing valuable conversations and market insights to professionals across the country. #ChicagoRealEstate #HousingMarket #RealEstatePodcast #MarketTrends #RealEstateInvesting

    Chicago Housing Market BOOMING Again? Inflation, Google & New Rental Laws Could Change Everything
  5. Jun 9

    Chicago Housing Market Just Changed: What Zillow, The Fed & Homeowners Aren't Telling You

    Chicago Real Estate Market Update | June 2026 The Chicago housing market continues to evolve, and in this episode of People, Not Titles, Steve Kaempf and Matt Lombardi break down the biggest stories impacting buyers, sellers, investors, and real estate professionals across Chicago and the United States. This week we discuss the latest May Jobs Report, Zillow's Rent vs. Buy Analysis, mortgage rate trends, Federal Reserve policy changes, housing affordability challenges, seller behavior, and what these developments mean for the future of the Chicago real estate market. Key Topics Covered: → May Jobs Report & Labor Market Trends → Federal Reserve Interest Rate Outlook → Zillow's 2026 Rent vs Buy Study → Chicago Housing Market Forecasts → Housing Affordability Challenges → Compass & Industry News Updates → Economic Trends Affecting Home Buyers Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, experienced investor, real estate agent, lender, broker, entrepreneur, or simply interested in where the housing market is headed, this episode provides practical insights and real-world analysis to help you make smarter decisions. Full episodes available at [www.peoplenottitles.com](http://www.peoplenottitles.com) People, Not Titles podcast is hosted by Steve Kaempf and is dedicated to lifting up professionals in the real estate and business community. Our mission is to highlight success principles, leadership lessons, and real-world strategies that help professionals thrive in business and life. Connect With People, Not Titles: Website: [www.peoplenottitles.com](http://www.peoplenottitles.com) Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/peoplenottitles Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/peoplenottitles X (Twitter):https://twitter.com/sjkaempf Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTv 00:00 Introduction & Market Overview 01:15 May Jobs Report Breakdown 05:12 Wage Growth, Employment Trends & Economic Signals 08:30 What The Labor Market Means For Real Estate 11:45 Zillow's 2026 Rent vs Buy Report 16:20 Chicago Housing Market Analysis 19:45 Why Chicago Continues To Outperform 22:10 Federal Reserve & Interest Rate Outlook 27:05 Mortgage Rates & Housing Affordability 29:55 Compass Investigation & Industry News 32:45 Sellers Pulling Listings Across The U.S. 35:10 NAR Legislative Updates 36:40 Viewer Mail: Best Real Estate & Business Books 38:18 Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, Comment, and Share. Your support helps us continue bringing valuable conversations and market insights to our audience every week. #ChicagoRealEstate #HousingMarket #RealEstateInvesting #MortgageRates #PeopleNotTitles

    Chicago Housing Market Just Changed: What Zillow, The Fed & Homeowners Aren't Telling You
  6. Jun 8

    From Restaurant Failure to a $5M Lending Business | Funding 100+ Real Estate Deals in Chicago

    What if you could build wealth through real estate without becoming a landlord, managing tenants, or flipping houses yourself?In this powerful episode of the People, Not Titles Podcast, host Steve Kaempf sits down with Ed Thelen, Founder of 79th Avenue Lending, to uncover the remarkable story behind one of Chicago's fastest-growing private real estate lending companies.Ed's journey is anything but ordinary.Starting as a full-time Occupational Therapist, he spent years living paycheck-to-paycheck before discovering a completely different path to financial freedom. After navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, including owning a restaurant during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ed pivoted into private real estate lending and has since helped fund more than 100 real estate investment projects.In this episode you'll discover:→ How Ed transitioned from traditional employment into entrepreneurship→ Lessons learned from operating a restaurant during COVID→ The truth about private money lending→ How investors earn passive income through real estate-backed loans→ Building wealth using Self-Directed IRAs→ What separates successful investors from unsuccessful ones→ How to evaluate real estate deals like a professional lender→ Common mistakes new investors make→ The power of networking, education, and community→ Why character matters more than numbers in real estate investingWhether you're a beginner investor, experienced real estate entrepreneur, lender, realtor, wholesaler, house flipper, or someone looking for alternative investment opportunities, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and actionable strategies.About People, Not TitlesPeople, Not Titles is hosted by Steve Kaempf and is dedicated to highlighting professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders who are making a meaningful impact in their industries.Our mission is simple:To uncover the principles of success that help ordinary people achieve extraordinary results.Full Episodes:www.peoplenottitles.comFollow People, Not Titles:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/peoplenottitlesFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/peoplenottitlesTwitter/X:https://twitter.com/sjkaempfSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTv00:00 Introduction01:12 Meet Ed Thelen03:45 Early Entrepreneurial Journey06:58 Growing Up Financially Challenged10:12 Occupational Therapy & Business13:25 Launching A Restaurant Business17:48 COVID Challenges & Survival22:40 Pivoting Into Real Estate Lending26:15 First Private Lending Deal30:08 Discovering Real Estate Investing33:45 Building 79th Avenue Lending37:20 Funding Over 100 Real Estate Deals40:15 Private Money Lending Explained43:30 Passive Income & Self-Directed IRAs46:55 Real Estate Investing Lessons49:20 Common Investor Mistakes52:05 Future Growth Plans54:12 Final Advice & Closing Thoughts#RealEstateInvesting#ChicagoRealEstate#PassiveIncome#PrivateMoneyLending#FinancialFreedom

    From Restaurant Failure to a $5M Lending Business | Funding 100+ Real Estate Deals in Chicago
  7. Jun 2

    Chicago Real Estate Just Shocked America | Home Prices Lead The Nation

    Chicago is once again making national headlines, and this time for all the right reasons. Nobody Saw This Coming: Chicago Leads America In Home Price Growth While Investors Pull Back While many housing markets across the United States are experiencing slower growth, declining investor activity, and affordability challenges, Chicago has emerged as one of the strongest-performing real estate markets in America. In this episode of People, Not Titles, hosts Steve Kaempf and Matt Lombardi break down the latest housing market data, investor trends, policy changes, and economic developments that are shaping the future of real estate across Chicago, Illinois, and the nation. We discuss why Chicago is leading the country in home price appreciation, what the latest Redfin investor report reveals about shrinking investor purchases, how rising mortgage rates continue to impact buyers and real estate professionals, and what the newly approved Illinois Property Tax Sale Reform could mean for homeowners, investors, and local governments. You'll also hear our insights on the future of the housing market, Berkshire Hathaway’s major expansion into homebuilding, Federal Reserve policy expectations, mortgage rate forecasts, and the opportunities that still exist for investors willing to adapt to today's changing market conditions. Whether you're a homeowner, first-time buyer, Realtor, investor, lender, entrepreneur, or simply interested in understanding where the real estate market is heading next, this episode delivers valuable market intelligence, practical insights, and real-world analysis you can use immediately. 00:00 Chicago Real Estate Market Update 01:45 Massive Commission Settlement News 05:30 Investors Pull Back From Housing Market 10:20 The New Reality For Real Estate Investors 14:05 Chicago Investment Market Breakdown 17:15 Housing Slowdown Impacts Realtors 22:10 The Realtor Industry Shake-Up 25:00 Chicago Becomes America's Hottest Housing Market 29:00 Berkshire Hathaway Expands Into Housing 31:45 New Illinois Property Tax Rules 35:00 Mortgage Rates & Fed Predictions 37:00 Chicago Bears Stadium Decision 38:37 Thanks For Watching Topics Covered: • Chicago leads the nation in home price growth • Investor purchases hit their lowest level since 2020 • The shrinking real estate agent population • New Illinois property tax sale legislation explained • Berkshire Hathaway's latest housing acquisition • Federal Reserve outlook and mortgage rate predictions • Housing affordability and inventory challenges • Real estate investing opportunities in 2026 • Chicago market forecast and expert insights People, Not Titles is dedicated to highlighting successful professionals, sharing proven success principles, and helping individuals build stronger businesses, careers, investments, and communities. Full Episodes:[www.peoplenottitles.com](http://www.peoplenottitles.com) Follow People, Not Titles: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/peoplenottitles Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/peoplenottitles X (Twitter):https://twitter.com/sjkaempf Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTv Subscribe for weekly real estate market updates, investment strategies, industry insights, and interviews with top-performing professionals across the country. #ChicagoRealEstate #HousingMarket #RealEstateInvesting

    Chicago Real Estate Just Shocked America | Home Prices Lead The Nation

About

Welcome to the People, Not Titles Podcast, where we delve into the inspiring stories and experiences of real estate professionals and entrepreneurs. Join us as we shine a light on their journeys, successes, and challenges, giving voice to their brand and story. Get ready to be motivated, learn valuable insights, and be inspired to turn your own dreams into reality. Tune in to the People, Not Titles podcast and let these remarkable individuals ignite your entrepreneurial spirit!