Work Hard, Play Hard, and Give Back - A Real Estate Podcast

Coldwell Banker American Homes
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Biweekly

Join Michael Litzner, Broker/Owner of Coldwell Banker American Homes, as he delves into the dynamic world of real estate. In each episode, Michael interviews industry experts to uncover insights, strategies, and trends shaping the business. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting, this podcast offers valuable knowledge and inspiration. Tune in to learn from the best in the business and discover how to work hard, play hard, and give back in the ever-evolving real estate industry.

  1. 5d ago ·  Video

    S4E7 - The Personal Touch: Kathleen Coughlan & Helene Mandzik on Trust and Teamwork

    What makes a great real estate team? For Kathleen Coughlan and Helene Mandzik, it comes down to hard work, trust, and a personal touch. In this episode of Work Hard, Play Hard & Give Back, host Mike Litzner welcomes the Coughlan-Mandzik Team from Coldwell Banker American Homes' Wading River office for a conversation about partnership, client relationships, and building a successful real estate business together. From their early days at Little Bay Realty to joining Coldwell Banker American Homes, Kathleen and Helene share how their complementary strengths, shared work ethic, and genuine friendship have helped them build a thriving partnership. They discuss the importance of staying calm through challenging transactions, going above and beyond for clients, and combining local expertise with the tools and support of a national brand. They also share memorable stories from their careers, their commitment to the Wading River community, and how two colleagues became lifelong friends. Plus, don't miss their answer to Mike's signature drop-the-mic question, which might just inspire the next great real estate reality show! In this episode: How Kathleen and Helene built their partnership and friendshipWhy communication, integrity, and personal service matterNavigating difficult transactions and earning lifelong referralsThe benefits of combining boutique-style service with a national brandGiving back to the communities they serveWhether you're a real estate professional, thinking about buying or selling, or simply enjoy a great story about friendship and teamwork, this episode is a reminder that success is about more than closing deals. It's about the people you help along the way. 🎙️ Work Hard, Play Hard & Give Back, presented by Coldwell Banker American Homes. Thank you for listening Stay connected with us: Facebook: facebook.com/cbamhomesInstagram: instagram.com/cbamhomesTwitter: twitter.com/cbamhomesLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cbamhomesVisit our website: cbamhomes.comInterested in a career in real estate? Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.comNeed to get licensed? New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

    S4E7 - The Personal Touch: Kathleen Coughlan & Helene Mandzik on Trust and Teamwork

  2. Oct 21 ·  Video

    S4E6 - Built on Relationships: Lorraine Weber on Referrals, Reinvention, and Real Estate Success

    What does it take to build a successful real estate career without losing sight of what matters most? In this episode of Work Hard, Play Hard, Give Back, host Mike Litzner sits down with Lorraine Weber, a top-producing real estate professional with Coldwell Banker American Homes, to explore the power of relationships, consistency, and community. Lorraine shares her journey from starting over in real estate to building a thriving referral-based business in the Long Beach and Oceanside markets. She reveals why staying connected with past clients, hosting memorable client appreciation events, and maintaining an old-school approach to communication continue to drive her success. She also takes us behind the scenes of one of the most unusual transactions of her 21-year career: a house swap that brought two families together through the power of referrals. Plus, Lorraine shares her expertise in navigating complex co-op transactions, balancing family life with a demanding career, and giving back through local fundraising and charitable initiatives. From overcoming challenges to creating lasting connections, Lorraine reminds us that real estate isn't just about selling homes. It's about helping people move forward into the next chapter of their lives. In this episode: Building a successful business through referrals and relationshipsTurning client appreciation into lasting loyaltyThe remarkable story behind a real estate house swapNavigating co-op sales and complex transactionsFinding balance through family, travel, and pickleballGiving back to the community and supporting meaningful causesWhether you're an experienced agent, just starting your real estate journey, or simply appreciate a great story of resilience and success, this episode offers valuable insights into the people behind the profession. Thank you for listening Stay connected with us: Facebook: facebook.com/cbamhomesInstagram: instagram.com/cbamhomesTwitter: twitter.com/cbamhomesLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cbamhomesVisit our website: cbamhomes.comInterested in a career in real estate? Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.comNeed to get licensed? New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

    S4E6 - Built on Relationships: Lorraine Weber on Referrals, Reinvention, and Real Estate Success

  3. Oct 7 ·  Video

    S4E5 - More Than Homeownership: NAHREP’s Edwin Acevedo on Building Wealth, Community, and Opportunity

    What happens after homeownership? In this episode of Work Hard, Play Hard & Give Back, Mike sits down with Edwin Acevedo, 2026 National President of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) and broker-owner of Century 21 LOTUS in Southern California. Edwin shares his unconventional path from software engineering at Boeing to launching a real estate career just as the 2008 market crashed—and how he went on to build and scale a thriving brokerage. He talks about the importance of culture, execution and work ethic, why he chose the franchise model, and how education and smart diversification have shaped his approach to business. The conversation also explores NAHREP’s mission to advance Hispanic homeownership and what comes next: building wealth. Edwin discusses the Hispanic Wealth Project, the growing influence of Hispanic homebuyers, financial education, and how real estate professionals can help create greater opportunity in the communities they serve. Plus, Edwin takes us behind the scenes of his appearance on HGTV’s Flipping 101, shares his approach to fix-and-flip investing, reflects on family, leadership and giving back—and answers the all-important question: what’s his go-to karaoke song? It’s a conversation about real estate, entrepreneurship and using success to create opportunity for others. Thank you for listening Stay connected with us: Facebook: facebook.com/cbamhomesInstagram: instagram.com/cbamhomesTwitter: twitter.com/cbamhomesLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cbamhomesVisit our website: cbamhomes.comInterested in a career in real estate? Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.comNeed to get licensed? New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

    S4E5 - More Than Homeownership: NAHREP’s Edwin Acevedo on Building Wealth, Community, and Opportunity

  4. Sep 23 ·  Video

    S4E4 - Tom Nails: Real Estate, Family, and the Making of Mr. Salisbury

    Three generations of real estate, 25 years in the business, and deep roots in the community. In Episode 4 of Work Hard, Play Hard & Give Back, Mike Litzner sits down with Tom Nails, a top agent with Coldwell Banker American Homes and the man many know as “Mr. Salisbury.” Tom shares how growing up around his grandfather Frank LaRosa’s real estate business shaped his work ethic, why consistency and discipline matter more than motivation, and how he built a lasting career by focusing on relationships, systems, and his community. They also talk about Tom’s approach to video and social media, working alongside his daughters and potentially carrying the family business into a fourth generation, his love of baseball and golf, and why giving back through Island Harvest and the Nails Family Scholarship is such an important part of his life. Plus, stick around for the Drop the Mic question and the story behind the Nails name. If you enjoy the show, be sure to follow or subscribe for future episodes of Work Hard, Play Hard & Give Back. Thank you for listening Stay connected with us: Facebook: facebook.com/cbamhomesInstagram: instagram.com/cbamhomesTwitter: twitter.com/cbamhomesLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cbamhomesVisit our website: cbamhomes.comInterested in a career in real estate? Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.comNeed to get licensed? New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

    S4E4 - Tom Nails: Real Estate, Family, and the Making of Mr. Salisbury

  5. Sep 9 ·  Video

    S4E3 - Always Accessible: Adele Kuczmarski on Luxury Real Estate, Relationships, and Showing Up

    What does it take to build a successful real estate career that lasts nearly four decades? In this episode of Work Hard, Play Hard & Give Back, Mike Litzner sits down with Adele Kuczmarski, a top-producing Long Island real estate professional known for serving Manhasset and the Gold Coast luxury real estate market. For Adele, success comes down to one simple philosophy: always be accessible. She shares how that approach has helped turn clients into lifelong friends, why she still personally shows up at every closing, and what it takes to navigate multimillion-dollar transactions where trust, discretion, and relationships matter just as much as the numbers. Adele also explains why luxury real estate isn’t as different as some agents think. Whether representing a $240,000 condo or a multimillion-dollar estate, her approach remains the same: treat every client with the same attention, do the right thing, and be there when they need you. The conversation goes beyond the transaction as Adele reflects on nearly four decades in Long Island real estate, her deep roots in the Manhasset community, and decades of charitable involvement. She also shares why she believes agents need to get out from behind their screens, come into the office, meet people, and stay connected to the communities they serve. Along the way, Adele tells some unforgettable stories—from answering real estate calls at 3:30 in the morning and conducting business from a boat to landing a $4 million waterfront listing after someone overheard her talking at the nail salon. Plus, Mike gets Adele talking about boating, jet skiing, why she hasn’t turned on her stove in 30 years, and her love of Barry Manilow in this episode’s Drop the Mic question. For real estate agents looking to build a lasting business—and anyone interested in the relationships behind Long Island luxury real estate—Adele’s message is refreshingly simple: show up, be accessible, and take care of people. Thank you for listening Stay connected with us: Facebook: facebook.com/cbamhomesInstagram: instagram.com/cbamhomesTwitter: twitter.com/cbamhomesLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cbamhomesVisit our website: cbamhomes.comInterested in a career in real estate? Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.comNeed to get licensed? New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

    S4E3 - Always Accessible: Adele Kuczmarski on Luxury Real Estate, Relationships, and Showing Up

  6. Aug 26 ·  Video

    S4E2 - More Than Selling Homes: Lori Slattery on Reputation, Relationships, and 30 Years in Real Estate

    With more than 30 years in real estate, Lori Slattery knows that being a great agent is about much more than selling homes. Lori joins Mike to talk about why she sees herself as a project manager for her clients, the importance of reputation and relationships, and how experience helps navigate the unexpected challenges that come with every transaction. They also get into VA loans and relocation, old-school outreach and modern marketing, investing in a tight market, and why educating clients upfront leads to better outcomes. Plus, Lori shares how giving back and staying involved in her community have shaped her approach to both business and life, along with a few unforgettable stories from three decades in real estate. Thank you for listening Stay connected with us: Facebook: facebook.com/cbamhomesInstagram: instagram.com/cbamhomesTwitter: twitter.com/cbamhomesLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cbamhomesVisit our website: cbamhomes.comInterested in a career in real estate? Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.comNeed to get licensed? New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

    S4E2 - More Than Selling Homes: Lori Slattery on Reputation, Relationships, and 30 Years in Real Estate

  7. Aug 12 ·  Video

    S4E1 - Ron Starrantino: The Most Interesting Man in Real Estate

    Season 4 kicks off with one of the most fascinating guests we’ve ever had on the podcast. Ron Starrantino’s career has taken him from Wall Street to Hollywood, from competitive bodybuilding to the motorcycle industry, and ultimately to becoming one of Long Island’s top real estate professionals. Along the way, he’s worked with celebrities, built award-winning business networks, and developed a reputation as a relentless negotiator who treats every client like family. In this episode, Ron shares: How his background in finance and entertainment shaped his approach to sales and negotiationThe mindset that helped him become a top-producing real estate agentWhy relationships and communication are the foundation of every successful transactionLessons from building one of the largest BNI networking chapters in the worldHis passion for supporting veterans, local businesses, and giving back to the communityIncredible stories from Hollywood, Sons of Anarchy, motorcycles, Ferraris, and moreWhether you’re a real estate professional, entrepreneur, or someone looking for inspiration on building a career through grit, relationships, and perseverance, this episode is packed with practical insights and unforgettable stories. Thank you for listening Stay connected with us: Facebook: facebook.com/cbamhomesInstagram: instagram.com/cbamhomesTwitter: twitter.com/cbamhomesLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cbamhomesVisit our website: cbamhomes.comInterested in a career in real estate? Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.comNeed to get licensed? New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

    S4E1 - Ron Starrantino: The Most Interesting Man in Real Estate

  8. Mar 4

    S3E10 - Taking Your Unfair Share: Coldwell Banker Affiliates CEO Jason Waugh on Market Cycles, Mindset, and Growth

    In this episode of Work Hard, Play Hard, and Give Back – A Real Estate Podcast, host Mike Litzner sits down with Jason Waugh, CEO of Coldwell Banker Affiliates Worldwide, to discuss what it takes to lead and grow at the highest levels of the real estate industry. Jason shares insight into managing a global network of agents, maintaining brand consistency across markets, and why mindset, discipline, and follow-up are critical in both strong and challenging market cycles. The conversation covers taking market share in down markets, building relationships at scale, leveraging AI and technology for efficiency, and the importance of staying focused on what you can control. The episode also explores leadership, family, giving back, and why service and community involvement remain core to long-term success in real estate. Whether you are an agent, broker, or industry leader, this episode offers practical perspective and timeless lessons on growth, execution, and leadership. Thank you for listening Stay connected with us: Facebook: facebook.com/cbamhomesInstagram: instagram.com/cbamhomesTwitter: twitter.com/cbamhomesLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cbamhomesVisit our website: cbamhomes.comInterested in a career in real estate? Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.comNeed to get licensed? New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

    S3E10 - Taking Your Unfair Share: Coldwell Banker Affiliates CEO Jason Waugh on Market Cycles, Mindset, and Growth
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5
out of 5
3 Ratings

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Join Michael Litzner, Broker/Owner of Coldwell Banker American Homes, as he delves into the dynamic world of real estate. In each episode, Michael interviews industry experts to uncover insights, strategies, and trends shaping the business. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting, this podcast offers valuable knowledge and inspiration. Tune in to learn from the best in the business and discover how to work hard, play hard, and give back in the ever-evolving real estate industry.

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