Roots and Roofs - Success in Entrepreneurship and Motherhood

Mackenzie Shelton | Real Estate Agent

Welcome to "Roots and Roofs," where we explore the intersection of motherhood and entrepreneurship. Join us as we dive into the unique journey of balancing family life with owning a thriving real estate business. Each episode, we'll uncover inspiring stories, practical tips, mindset conversations and expert insights from others who are carving their paths in the real estate industry. Whether you're a mother, business owner or simply curious about the dynamics of managing both home and career, "Roots and Roofs" is your go-to podcast for heartfelt discussions and invaluable advice. Tune in and discover how these incredible women are building deep roots from the ground up, while nurturing their families under the same roof.

  1. Jun 3

    The Secret to Growth: "Do What Fits" - Katie Patille

    In this episode of Roots and Roofs, Mackenzie sits down with national title expert Katie Patille to talk about burnout, boundaries, and building a business that aligns with your life. After years of following the traditional real estate playbook—attending every event, chasing every opportunity, and trying to be everything to everyone—Katie found herself exhausted and disconnected from the work she once loved. Her turning point came when she made a bold decision: stop working with people who drained her energy and start focusing on the clients and communities that truly aligned with her values. The conversation explores the power of niche networking, the rise of AI and technology in real estate, and the importance of setting boundaries that protect both your business and your family. Katie also shares practical advice for moms in real estate, reminding listeners that there isn't one formula for success—only the one that works for you. This episode is a powerful reminder that growth doesn't come from doing more. It comes from doing what fits. Time Stamps: 02:33 – When Real Estate Burnout Hits Hard 04:56 – The Scary Power of Letting Clients Go 07:03 – Building a Nationwide Network From Anywhere 10:18 – AI, Technology & The Future of Real Estate 14:09 – Motherhood, Boundaries & Being Present 17:41 – Why Burnout Starts at Home 18:17 – Finding Your Own Path to Success 20:40 – Stop Copying Other Agents Connect with Katie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourhomegirl_katie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katie.patille Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@YourHomeGirlKatie Connect with Mackenzie: https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/ https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleeshelton Find more great tips on her website: www.mahoganyacres.com

    22 min
  2. May 21

    Carole Evans: “Your career can’t replace your family.” - Why Achievement Means Nothing If Home Falls Apart

    In this deeply honest episode of Roots and Roofs, Mackenzie sits down with corporate leader, speaker, and podcast host Carole Evans for a conversation about ambition, motherhood, marriage, and the hidden cost of constantly chasing success. Carole opens up about the season where her career was thriving while her home life was quietly struggling—and the wake-up call that forced her to rethink everything. Together, they unpack the myth of “perfect balance,” the importance of intentional relationships, and why presence matters more than performance. From planning intentional date nights to communicating expectations clearly, this episode dives into the practical and emotional work required to build both a meaningful career and a healthy home. Carole also shares how faith reshaped her leadership style, parenting, and perspective on success. This conversation is a reminder that burnout isn’t always loud, relationships don’t fail overnight, and sometimes the strongest thing you can do is simply be fully present where you are. Time Stamps: 02:09 – When Success Starts Costing Too Much 08:03 – The Relationship Wake-Up Call 12:04 – Date Nights, Difficult Conversations & Rebuilding Connection 16:12 – The Dangerous Weight of Unspoken Expectations 20:13 – Why Small Problems Become Big Ones 21:21 – Leading People Without Burning Them Out 25:03 – Why Balance Doesn’t Exist (and What to Aim for Instead) 27:22 – The Power of Being Fully Present Carole Evans’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-evans-19621678/ Faith & Work Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/faith-work/id1827509985 Connect with Mackenzie: https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/ https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleeshelton Find more great tips on her website: www.mahoganyacres.com

    29 min
  3. Apr 1

    Perfect Isn’t the Goal: Stop Performing & Start Leading with Francine Bass

    In this powerful episode of Roots and Roofs, Mackenzie sits down with real estate leader and advocate Francine Bass for a deeply honest conversation about what it really means to grow. Francine shares her journey balancing a demanding career with raising a neurodivergent child—offering raw insight into trust, resilience, and embracing imperfection. She challenges traditional mentorship, calling for a more holistic approach that develops the whole person, not just the professional. From learning to trust your instincts to building strong support systems, this episode highlights the often overlooked side of leadership—the emotional, personal, and deeply human work behind it. This isn’t just about success. It’s about showing up fully—in business, in motherhood, and in life. Time Stamps: 01:00 Meet Francine Bass: A Journey of Mentorship and Advocacy 02:39 Embracing Change: Knowing When to Transition 04:53 The Power of Listening: Reflecting on Mentorship 07:21 Be the Mentor You Wish You Had 09:05 Holistic Mentorship: Coaching the Whole Person 11:12 Navigating Parenthood: Lessons from Neurodiversity 15:00 The Imperfection of Parenting: Embracing the Journey 19:34 Trusting Your Instincts: The Parent's Role 21:57 Opening Up to Support: Breaking Isolation 25:07 Problem Solving in Real Estate and Parenting 28:21 Bridging the Gap: Transitioning to Adulthood for Neurodivergent Children Connect with Mackenzie: https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/ https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleeshelton Find more great tips on her website: www.mahoganyacres.com

    35 min
  4. Mar 4

    "What Got You Here Won’t Scale You There" - Why Founder Bottlenecks Are Killing Your Business with Jennifer DiMotta

    In this powerful episode of Roots and Roofs, Mackenzie sits down with Jennifer DiMotta, co-founder of Dundee Growth Partners, for a no-fluff conversation about what really holds businesses back. Jennifer breaks down the hard truths founders avoid: founder dependency, weak financial oversight, toxic employees, and the lack of operational leadership that quietly kills momentum. She explains why culture can make or break a company, why sales and operations must work in sync, and why understanding your income statement isn’t optional if you want to scale. The conversation dives into real estate investing, leadership self-awareness, mentorship, and the discipline required to turn around struggling businesses. This episode is a masterclass in stepping out of survival mode and into true CEO leadership. Growth isn’t accidental. It’s operational. Time Stamps: 02:15 Jennifer DiMotta's Entrepreneurial Journey 05:42 Consulting and Coaching for Business Growth 12:21 Common Challenges for Founders and CEOs 16:44 The Importance of Company Culture 20:13 Dealing with Toxic Employees 22:24 Building a Strong Leadership Team 24:12 Diving into Real Estate Investing 28:09 Finding Your Unique Investment Strategy 30:51 Self-Awareness in Leadership 32:30 The Importance of Mentorship and Coaching 36:45 Turning Around Struggling Businesses 42:35 Understanding Your Financials Connect with Jennifer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdimotta/ https://dimottaconsulting.com/h Connect with Mackenzie: https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/ https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleeshelton Find more great tips on her website: www.mahoganyacres.com

    45 min
  5. Feb 18

    Capacity Before Strategy: Why Joy Is the Competitive Edge No One Talks About with Joy Gomez

    In this powerful episode, Jen Gomez shares her evolution from stage actor to entrepreneur and leadership coach—and why joy isn’t soft, it’s strategic. She breaks down how joy can be a competitive advantage in business, especially for women navigating fear, rejection, and leadership identity. Jen challenges the hustle narrative and reframes fulfillment as both an art and a discipline. From decision-making frameworks to capacity expansion, she explains why strategy alone isn’t enough—you have to grow into the life you’re building. Jen also introduces her upcoming book, Joy in the Chaos, a guide for women who want to lead with authenticity, boundaries, and boldness. This conversation is about more than success. It’s about leading from wholeness. Time Stamps 02:57 Discovering Joy as a Competitive Advantage 05:51 The Journey of Writing a Book 08:58 The Evolution of Leadership Identity 11:46 Frameworks for Decision Making and Joy 15:03 Coaching and Capacity Expansion 18:03 Transformational Coaching Strategies 21:11 The Art of Fulfillment in Leadership 24:01 Conclusion and Future Aspirations Connect with Jen: https://www.jen-gomez.com/ https://www.facebook.com/share/1BNDveigPj/ https://www.instagram.com/jenthejoyfulstrategist?igsh=MTJseThlejFqYWhsag== Connect with Mackenzie: https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/ https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleeshelton Find more great tips on her website: www.mahoganyacres.com

    31 min

About

Welcome to "Roots and Roofs," where we explore the intersection of motherhood and entrepreneurship. Join us as we dive into the unique journey of balancing family life with owning a thriving real estate business. Each episode, we'll uncover inspiring stories, practical tips, mindset conversations and expert insights from others who are carving their paths in the real estate industry. Whether you're a mother, business owner or simply curious about the dynamics of managing both home and career, "Roots and Roofs" is your go-to podcast for heartfelt discussions and invaluable advice. Tune in and discover how these incredible women are building deep roots from the ground up, while nurturing their families under the same roof.