Built Different with Avo Awanesian

Avo Awanesian

The Built Different Podcast is your behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a thriving business in today's world. Hosted by top-producing agent and entrepreneur Avo Awanesian, this show sits down with founders and innovators who share actionable strategies, mindset shifts, and the real stories behind their growth. Whether you're starting from scratch or scaling to new levels, you'll leave every episode with tools you can use and inspiration you can feel. Because building a life you're proud of requires being built different.

  1. 12. Trevor Halpern: Growth, Branding, and Longevity

    Mar 13

    12. Trevor Halpern: Growth, Branding, and Longevity

    *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:c4f8cffa-e170-494f-ad15-38141db0d066-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> In this episode of the Built Different Podcast, Avo sits down with Trevor Halpern of Halpern Residential for a real conversation on building a real estate business with longevity, intentionality, and leverage. Trevor shares his unconventional path into real estate, from growing up in a law focused household and attending law school, to experiencing what he calls a soul revolt when he realized the legal path was not meant for him. That turning point eventually led him into residential real estate, where he has now built one of the most respected sphere based businesses in Phoenix. A big part of this conversation centers around systems, delegation, and learning how to think like a true business owner instead of just giving yourself another job. Trevor breaks down how to calculate your hourly rate, why hiring can feel uncomfortable at every level, and how the right training and management structure can make leverage actually work. They also dive into branding and local market positioning, including how Trevor became such a recognizable presence in North Central Phoenix. From bus stop ads to PR strategy and regular news appearances, he explains how content and credibility work together to strengthen trust with both clients and referral partners. The conversation closes with a powerful reminder on playing the long game in real estate. Trevor shares why time on task, consistency, and micro adjustments matter more than chasing every shiny new strategy. If you want to build a business rooted in relationships, long term growth, and doing what works, this episode is packed with value. Follow Avo on Instagram: @avosellsaz  Guest: Trevor Halpern IG: @halpernresidential

    53 min
  2. 11. Kasey Pastor-Fleming: Old School Real Estate, New School Results

    Mar 6

    11. Kasey Pastor-Fleming: Old School Real Estate, New School Results

    In this episode of the Built Different Podcast, Avo sits down with Scottsdale's 40 Under 40 Award recipient Kasey Pastor-Fleming, a longtime Arizona Realtor who grew up inside the real estate business and has spent the last 18 years building a relationship driven brand that blends old school fundamentals with modern social media. Kasey shares what it was like being raised in her parents at home brokerage, learning the business before she could even drive, and how those early lessons shaped the way she serves clients today. They talk about why repeat and referral still wins, and how Kasey uses social media to stay connected with people she has not seen in years, turning familiarity into real conversations and future business. Avo and Kasey break down two standout community plays she hosts, a Yappy Hour at the park for dog people and an Italian inspired monthly Aperitivo at her home that regularly brings 30 plus people together. Kasey explains why consistency matters, how she keeps it simple with one repeating theme, and why she sends recipes after each event to keep the connection going. They also dig into Kasey's content system, batching, keeping drafts ready, and using a Rule of 10 to decide when to schedule a shoot. Finally, Kasey opens up about growth, awards, and why she is focused on building plug and play systems before adding more people. Follow Avo on Instagram: IG: @avosellsaz Guest: Kasey Pastor-Fleming | IG/FB: @realestatekasey

    43 min
  3. 10. Brittini Bowers: Empowering Women to Win in Business

    Feb 27

    10. Brittini Bowers: Empowering Women to Win in Business

    *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-698e2cd6-003c-8332-8645-3554bae7687c-1" data-testid= "conversation-turn-6" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> In this episode of the Built Different Podcast, Avo sits down with Brittini Bowers, investor, podcaster, Realtor, and co founder of agentXcel. Together with her husband, Brittini owns and manages 20 single family homes while continuing to scale her real estate business and empower other agents. Brittini shares how she and her husband built their portfolio with intentional strategy, long term vision, and disciplined execution. They break down what it really looks like to balance marriage, investing, and entrepreneurship while staying aligned as business partners. They also dive into agentXcel and the systems and lead generation strategies that are helping realtors grow smarter instead of just working longer hours. Brittini explains why cutting edge systems are not optional if you want to scale and how implementing the right processes can completely change your trajectory. Beyond investing and systems, this conversation centers around empowerment. As co host of the podcast Other Ambitions, Brittini is passionate about helping women step into leadership and financial independence. She believes homeownership is one of the most powerful tools for building a secure future and generational wealth. This episode is packed with insights for realtors, investors, and entrepreneurs who want more than just a paycheck. It is about building assets, building impact, and building a life by design. Follow Avo Awanesian IG: @avosellsaz | FB: @avo.awanesian | TikTok: @avo_sells_az Follow Brittini Bowers IG: @brittini_bowersteam | FB: @brittini.zavala | Website: soldbybowers.com | Womens Network: https://www.agentxcel.com/Womens-network

    44 min
  4. 9. Dr. Alicia Naser: How Elite Athletes & Entrepreneurs Train Their Brain To Win At The Highest Level

    Feb 20

    9. Dr. Alicia Naser: How Elite Athletes & Entrepreneurs Train Their Brain To Win At The Highest Level

    In this episode of the Built Different Podcast, Avo sits down with Dr. Alicia Naser, board certified behavior analyst and Founder and CEO of The Naser Institute for Behavioral Sports Psychology. Dr. Naser works with elite performers including NHL players, professional athletes, and executives, using behavioral science to build repeatable mental skills under pressure. They break down a simple but powerful idea: mindset is a behavior. Your thinking patterns directly shape your actions, your performance, and your results. Dr. Naser explains why "being positive all the time" is not the answer, and why the real goal is emotional stability and quick emotional recovery, especially when setbacks hit. You'll learn tactical tools like the "penalty box" reset for intrusive thoughts, how to ask the question "How is what I'm doing right now helping me," and why the brain needs proof. Dr. Naser shares why high performers build a written evidence list of wins, results, and impact to prevent catastrophizing. They also connect these concepts to real estate and entrepreneurship: deals fall apart, personalities clash, and outcomes can flip fast. The advantage is not avoiding adversity, it's training for it before it arrives. Dr. Naser closes with what she'd focus on with a top 1 percent agent: self awareness, communication and delivery, empathy, curiosity, and learning not to take everything personally. Follow Avo Awanesian IG: @avosellsaz | FB: @avo.awanesian | TikTok: @avo_sells_az Follow Dr. Alicia Naser IG: @doctoralicianaser | TikTok: @alicianaser | Linktree: https://linktr.ee/alicianaser

    39 min
  5. 7. Cody Dodge: Cashing Out Your 401(k) to Bet On Yourself and Go All In

    Jan 23

    7. Cody Dodge: Cashing Out Your 401(k) to Bet On Yourself and Go All In

    In this episode of the Built Different Podcast, Avo sits down with Cody Dodge, a 24 year old Georgia realtor wrapping up his first year in real estate with 20 transactions and roughly $9M in volume. What makes Cody's story stand out is not just the numbers, but the decision behind them. Cody shares how he walked away from a comfortable construction project management role to go all in on real estate with no safety net. They unpack the fear, pressure, and clarity that comes when you remove Plan B and force yourself to figure it out. Both Avo and Cody open up about cashing out savings, betting on themselves early, and why that discomfort became the fuel that drove their work ethic. The conversation dives deep into why most new agents fail, how treating real estate like a real job changes everything, and why showing up every day matters more than talent. Cody breaks down the exact pillars driving his first year success including sphere, social media, and outbound prospecting, while calling out the shiny object syndrome that keeps most people stuck. They also discuss speed of implementation, why overthinking kills momentum, and the hats, haircuts, tattoos framework that helps separate reversible decisions from life changing ones. Cody explains why he decided to join eXp so early in his career, how environment and proximity to high performers accelerates growth, and what it means to choose being a small fish in a bigger room. The episode wraps with a powerful conversation about leverage, building a scalable business, and preparing for life changes with a baby on the way. This is a raw and honest look at what it really takes to bet on yourself, stay uncomfortable, and build something that actually lasts. Follow Avo on Instagram: IG: @avosellsaz Guest: Cody Dodge IG/Tiktok: @codydodgere

    58 min
  6. 6. Mason Ottersberg: Identity Shift From Pro Athlete To Agent

    Jan 16

    6. Mason Ottersberg: Identity Shift From Pro Athlete To Agent

    In this episode of the Built Different podcast, Avo sits down with Mason Ottersberg, a former professional off road dirt bike racer who is now charging hard in real estate during his first year. Mason shares how racing shaped his mindset through structure, discipline, and learning how to suffer for a bigger goal. He breaks down what training looked like at a high level, why race day pressure felt like his paycheck, and what changed in the industry that made him rethink his long term future. The conversation pivots into Mason's fast start in real estate, including how he got licensed in June 2025 and generated a deal his first week from simply posting on social media. Mason explains the power of networking, building value, and plugging into the right opportunities early, including working with a developer across multiple projects and managing several lead sources at once. Avo and Mason get real about the identity shift from athlete to professional, the fear that comes with handling other people's money, and how mentorship, faith, and a new mission helped Mason get grounded again. They also trade real world stories from the trenches, including a triple ended trailer trade in deal, a fraud land listing, and the emotional highs and lows of big commissions that never close. Mason closes by sharing his 2026 goals and why systems, leverage, and staying consistent will be the difference. Follow Avo on Instagram: IG: @avosellsaz Guest: Mason Ottersberg IG/FB/Tiktok: @masonottersberg

    49 min

About

The Built Different Podcast is your behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a thriving business in today's world. Hosted by top-producing agent and entrepreneur Avo Awanesian, this show sits down with founders and innovators who share actionable strategies, mindset shifts, and the real stories behind their growth. Whether you're starting from scratch or scaling to new levels, you'll leave every episode with tools you can use and inspiration you can feel. Because building a life you're proud of requires being built different.