Closing the Gap

Steve Stowe
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Business

Real estate gives you freedom, but nobody hands you a playbook for the business behind the business. Closing the Gap is here to help you build it. New episodes every week, with guests who know their corner cold: lenders, title reps, brokers, coaches. And each month, those conversations circle one theme that matters to your business and your life. Hosted by Steve Stowe, an accountant who works with realtors. Practical, honest, no fluff. It's bigger than bookkeeping. It's about becoming the best version of the professional, and the person, you're capable of being. Follow so you never miss an episode. Companion newsletter: https://closing-the-gap.apexbusinesspros.com/subscribe

Episodes

  1. Oct 20

    S1.E11 - Dave Rindfleisch: Plan Your Marketing Ahead

    The Short Version Dave Rindfleisch can tell which agents have a plan and which ones don’t, and he can tell before they finish the sentence. The ones without a plan always need it tomorrow. Dave owns Minuteman Press of Gilbert. He’s been in printing since 1986, he bought the Gilbert shop in 2013, and he’s seen enough agent marketing orders to know what the order says about the business behind it. This one isn’t a printing explainer. It’s what the person behind the counter knows about your business that you haven’t admitted yet. We get into what agents consistently over-order, what they under-order, what a rush job actually costs beyond the rush fee, and how far ahead you really need to be thinking if you want your January marketing to exist in January. Then we turn the table and talk to Dave as a business owner, because he’s running the same play you are. He took over a shop that was struggling, added equipment as the work showed up, and built the thing on relationships rather than on being the cheapest. Different product, same math. Takeaways Your print order is a confession. How often you need it tomorrow says more about your plan than your plan does. A plan isn’t a document. It’s a lead time, and most agents have never asked what theirs are. Rush fees are the smallest part of what last minute costs you. Buy the equipment when the work is already there, not when you’re hoping it shows up. Thirty years of showing up in the same community compounds in a way no ad spend does. Chapters 00:00 Why a printer knows whether you have a plan 05:58 What a print shop actually does now 12:04 What agents really need, and what they keep over-ordering 17:59 What last minute actually costs 23:51 Dave the owner, and the numbers behind growing a shop 29:51 Thirty years in the Chamber, and whether networking really works About the Guest Dave Rindfleisch owns Minuteman Press of Gilbert. He’s worked in printing since 1986, including running a plant with 300 people across three shifts, and he bought the Gilbert shop in 2013. The shop does printing, signage, promotional products, and apparel, including embroidery and direct to film, serving the east valley. He’s been a member of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce for about thirty years. Find Dave Website: impgilbert.net Facebook: facebook.com/IMPGilbert Come Talk to Me If you want a second set of eyes on your numbers before you set next year’s marketing budget, grab a free consult at Apex Accounting and Advisory. No pitch, just a look at your real numbers with somebody who speaks business, not accounting.

  2. Oct 15

    S1.E10 - Shelby Henning, Payroll Vault of Gilbert: What Help Actually Costs

    Episode summary Most agents are 1099 themselves, so when it’s time to get help, 1099 feels like the obvious answer. You bring on a transaction coordinator, or a showing assistant, or your spouse, and you pay them the way you get paid. Nobody sits down and prices it first. Shelby Henning owns Payroll Vault here in the East Valley, and cleaning that up is her whole job. We get into who actually decides whether somebody’s a contractor or an employee, and here’s the short version. It isn’t you, and it isn’t the agreement you both signed. From there it gets practical. What a W-2 really costs compared to a 1099 once you add everything in. What changed in the rules. Whether putting your spouse or your kids on payroll is smart or just a good story. When the S-corp conversation is worth having, and what reasonable salary means before somebody else decides it for you. It’s the last thing most agents want to think about in October, which is exactly why October’s the month to do it. Takeaways Classification isn’t a preference. It’s a test, and how the work actually runs is what answers it.A W-2 costs more than the wage, and most people have never added up the difference before they hired somebody.Family payroll can be a real move or a mess, and which one depends on details people skip.The S-corp question has a wrong time to ask it, and that time is April.Reasonable salary is the part people guess at, and guessing is where the exposure lives.Payroll run well is boring. Boring is the goal.Chapters 00:00 Why payroll is a planning problem 02:58 Employee or contractor, and who actually decides 05:59 What a W-2 costs that a 1099 doesn’t 09:01 What changed in the rules 12:00 Putting your spouse or your kids on payroll 14:50 When to stop doing payroll yourself 17:46 The S-corp conversation 21:03 Reasonable salary, and how people get it wrong 23:50 Payroll myths worth killing 26:56 Making it boring on purpose About the guest Shelby Henning owns Payroll Vault in the East Valley serving Queen Creek, Gilbert, Mesa, and Chandler. She grew up in Gilbert, played golf on a full ride at the University of Iowa, and worked in human resources, accounting, and business strategy at her family’s company before she opened Payroll Vault. Payroll Vault Gilbert (480) 992-5581 One housekeeping note This whole conversation is general. Classification, entity elections, and reasonable salary all depend on your situation and your state, and the rules move. Nothing here is legal or tax advice. If something in this episode made you uneasy about how you’re paying somebody right now, that’s the point. Go get your own situation looked at. Come talk to me If you want a second set of eyes on your numbers before you set next year up, grab a free consult at Apex Accounting and Advisory. No pitch, just a look at your real numbers with somebody who speaks business, not accounting.

  3. Oct 6

    S1.E9 - Dave McGhee, Business Performance Coach: Planning or Pretending

    In this conversation, Steve Stowe and business performance coach Dave McGhee discuss the importance of proactive planning for real estate agents, emphasizing the need to shift focus from merely grinding to strategic growth and actionable steps. They explore common pitfalls in goal-setting, the significance of long-term vision, and the necessity of engaging with potential clients to ensure sustained business success. Takeaways Proactive planning is essentialFocus on long-term vision Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Proactive Planning03:00 Understanding Business Growth Stages06:03 The Importance of Long-Term Vision09:01 Goals vs. Wishes: Setting Targets11:55 High Leverage Actions for Agents15:01 The Role of Conversations in Real Estate17:45 Assessing and Adjusting Missions21:01 Revenue vs. Profitability in Planning23:56 Planning for Future Success26:49 Identifying Pretending vs. Planning29:55 Final Thoughts and Action StepsContact Dave McGhee: dave@themcgheegroup.com, CoachDaveMcGhee.com Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://closing-the-gap.apexbusinesspros.com

  4. Sep 30

    S1.E8 - Larry Schendelman, A & J Graphics: The Eighty-Dollar Cutting Board

    In this episode, Steve Stowe interviews Larry Schendelman, owner of A and J Graphics, discussing the importance of promotional products in real estate. They explore various gift options, the significance of quality, and the strategic planning needed for effective client gifting. Takeaways Promotional products enhance client relationshipsQuality gifts lead to lasting impressions Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Promotional Products02:59 Larry's Journey in the Business05:52 Diverse Product Offerings09:10 Understanding Client Needs12:02 Planning for the Fourth Quarter15:02 Closing Gifts vs. Promotional Items17:53 Popular Closing Gifts21:01 Signage and Lead Times24:01 Engraving and Customization26:56 Consultative Approach to Gifting29:52 The Value of Pet Merchandise32:57 Conclusion and Contact InformationContact Larry: https://ajgraphicsandpromos.com, Larry@AJGraphicsandPromos.com Make sure to signup for the Newsletter: https://closing-the-gap.apexbusinesspros.com

  5. Sep 22

    S1.E7 - Patrick MacQueen, Medalist Legal: The Deals That Almost Died

    The episode features a conversation with Patrick MacQueen, a real estate attorney, who discusses the challenges and strategies for successfully closing real estate deals. Patrick shares insights on the importance of communication, education, and the common mistakes made in the real estate industry. He also emphasizes the need for trust, engagement, and community involvement in building a successful real estate practice. Takeaways Trust and engagement are key in building a successful real estate practice.Communication, education, and community involvement are essential for real estate agents to earn trust and build a strong reputation. Chapters 00:00 The Role of a Real Estate Attorney03:01 Navigating Real Estate Challenges04:40 Working Well with Real Estate Agents06:33 Dealing with Tense Situations07:51 Prevention vs. Rescue in Real Estate08:55 Reviving Dead Deals13:53 Avoiding Common Mistakes24:17 Year-End Pressure and Mistakes26:47 Building a Reputation and Earning Trust29:47 Busting Real Estate Law Myths Contact Patrick: info@medalistlegal.com, https://medalistlegal.com Contact Steve: steve@apexbusinesspros.com Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://closing-the-gap.apexbusinesspros.com

  6. Sep 15

    S1.E6 - John Malko, Mighty Dog Roofing: Same Business, Different Roof

    The conversation covers the business journey of John Malko, owner of Mighty Dog Roofing, and the impact of weather and seasonality on the roofing business. It also delves into the role of insurance companies, the impact on real estate transactions, building reputation through communication and integrity, and concludes with contact information for further engagement. Takeaways Building a reputation through trust and integritySeasonality and impact of weather on roofing business Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Business Overview01:03 Getting into Roofing Business04:34 Seasonality and Impact of Weather06:44 Dealing with Rain and Business Growth07:43 Handling Business Growth and Challenges11:23 Role of Insurance Companies15:23 Impact on Real Estate Transactions22:23 Building Reputation and Communication28:16 Closing Remarks and Contact Information You can contact John Malko at JMalko@mightydogroofing.com Make sure to sign up for the Newsletter https://closing-the-gap.apexbusinesspros.com

  7. Sep 8

    S1.E5 - Nathan Thue, Arizona Total Home Restoration: Trust Is Built in the Mess

    The conversation covers the importance of referrals, trust, and communication in the home restoration business. It delves into the role of real estate agents in referrals, the process of referrals, and the proactive approach to home restoration. Additionally, it addresses the myths surrounding home restoration and concludes with contact information for Arizona Total Home Restoration. Takeaways Importance of proactive communicationBuilding trust and confidence in referrals Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Arizona Total Home Restoration01:01 Building a Business Based on Referrals01:11 Understanding Home Restoration Services03:22 The Role of Real Estate Agents in Referrals04:29 The Importance of Trust and Communication05:11 Handling High-Stress Situations06:25 The Process of Referrals and Client Interaction07:35 Building Trust and Confidence10:53 Becoming a Real Partner, Not Just a Referral Source17:21 Proactive Approach to Home Restoration19:30 Effective Communication and Client Interaction27:04 Myth Busting in Home Restoration28:33 Contact Information and Conclusion Contact Nathan Thue at nathan@aztotalhome.com or call (480) 332-3490 Make sure to subscribe to our companion newsletter using this link: https://closing-the-gap.apexbusinesspros.com/subscribe

  8. Aug 25

    S1.E4 - Brett Johnson, Keller Williams: Referable From Day One

    Brett Johnson shares her journey into real estate, her first year experiences, and insights on building a referral-based business. She emphasizes the importance of being referable, maintaining a good reputation, and consistency in communication. Her advice for new agents includes focusing on one lead generation method and making consistent calls to build relationships. Takeaways Building a referral-based business through relationshipsThe importance of being referable and maintaining a good reputationConsistency in communication and lead generation methods Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background01:14 First Year in Real Estate03:08 Building Referral Business05:01 Being Referable21:50 Reputation and Consistency29:50 Advice for New Agents Contact Brett at johnson.brett@kw.com Questions for the Podcast? Reach out to me at steve@apexbusinesspros.com Make sure to follow our newsletter: https://closing-the-gap.apexbusinesspros.com/subscribe

  9. Aug 18

    S1.E3 - Geremie Fiorini, Farmers Insurance: How You Look From the Outside

    The conversation covers the importance of trust and reputation in the insurance and real estate industry, the personal journey and business strategy of an insurance agent, the role of insurance in the home buying journey, understanding insurance claims and loss history, the role of real estate agents in insurance, insurance considerations before closing, building strong partnerships, effective communication and proactivity, building a strong referral network, staying in touch with the referral network, and dispelling insurance myths. Takeaways Building trust through communicationThe importance of a strong referral network Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Trust and Reputation03:11 Personal Journey and Business Strategy04:04 Insurance in the Home Buying Journey07:03 Understanding Insurance Claims and Loss History09:05 The Role of Real Estate Agents in Insurance11:06 Insurance Considerations Before Closing13:36 Building Strong Partnerships17:36 Effective Communication and Proactivity22:25 Building a Strong Referral Network24:53 Staying in Touch with Referral Network28:12 Dispelling Insurance Myths Contact Geremie Fiorini: geremie@thefioriniagency.com Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://closing-the-gap.apexbusinesspros.com/subscribe

  10. Aug 16

    S1.E2 (edited) - Tearah Rice, Eco Roofing: Referrals Are Build on the Roof, Not the Pitch

    The conversation delves into the impact of roofing on real estate deals, the negotiation process, buyer concerns, and the distinction between roof repair and replacement. It also covers common mistakes agents make with roofing issues, the importance of educating agents on roofing, the role of drone technology in roof inspection, and actions homeowners can take to extend roof life. Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of a trusted roofer for agents and debunks the myth about roof age. Takeaways Roof age does not necessarily dictate the need for replacementAgents should partner with a trusted roofer for client referrals Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Roofing Concerns01:20 Impact of Roof on Real Estate Deals02:43 Roof Factors in Negotiation04:30 Buyer's Roof Concerns06:23 Roof Repair vs. Replacement09:35 Mistakes Agents Make with Roofing Issues15:19 Educating Agents on Roofing17:30 Drone Technology in Roof Inspection20:30 Extending Roof Life with Homeowner Actions24:53 Importance of a Trusted Roofer for Agents28:44 Myth Busting about Roof Age Host: Steve Stowe steve@apexbusinesspros.com Guest: Tearah Rice Tearah.Rice@ecoroofaz.com Follow the newsletter at https://closing-the-gap.apexbusinesspros.com/subscribe

  11. Aug 4

    S1.E1 - Rob Elder, Granite Bank: What Your Lender Wishes You Knew

    The episode features a conversation with Rob Elder, a loan officer at Granite Bank, discussing the importance of building referral relationships in the real estate industry. Rob emphasizes the significance of trust, communication, and transparency in the agent-lender relationship, highlighting the value of a strong partnership for sustainable business growth. Takeaways TrustCommunication Contact Rob Elder at Granite Bank www.granitebank.com robert.elder@granitebank.com

  12. Trailer

    Welcome to Closing the Gap

    Meet Closing the Gap, financial and business insights for your real estate business and beyond. In this quick hello, host Steve Stowe shares what the show is about and who it's for. Every month, one theme that matters to your business and your life, with guests who know their corner cold and takeaways you can actually use. It's bigger than bookkeeping. It's about becoming the best version of the professional, and the person, you're capable of being. The first full episode drops soon. Hit follow so it lands in your feed the day it's out. Get the companion newsletter, one theme a month with tips you can actually use: https://closing-the-gap.apexbusinesspros.com/subscribe Closing the Gap is hosted by Steve Stowe of Apex Accounting & Advisory. Have a question you want covered on the show? Reach out through the newsletter.

  • 1 Trailer
    11 Episodes

Trailer

About

Real estate gives you freedom, but nobody hands you a playbook for the business behind the business. Closing the Gap is here to help you build it. New episodes every week, with guests who know their corner cold: lenders, title reps, brokers, coaches. And each month, those conversations circle one theme that matters to your business and your life. Hosted by Steve Stowe, an accountant who works with realtors. Practical, honest, no fluff. It's bigger than bookkeeping. It's about becoming the best version of the professional, and the person, you're capable of being. Follow so you never miss an episode. Companion newsletter: https://closing-the-gap.apexbusinesspros.com/subscribe

Information

  • Creator
    Steve Stowe
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Steve Stowe
  • Show Website
    Closing the Gap