LIFTED

Patrick Merrill
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Lifted is where real estate, leadership, and real life come together. Hosted by Patrick Merrill, this podcast goes beyond transactions to explore personal growth, purpose, and the kind of impact that lasts longer than any deal. Patrick brings on realtors from all walks of life, along with industry partners and people with stories worth sharing. No hype, no shortcuts - just honest insight, perspective, and encouragement for wherever you are in your journey.

  1. From Nurse Practitioner to Buying a Real Estate Team in 2.5 Months with Gina Shumway

    MAY 13

    From Nurse Practitioner to Buying a Real Estate Team in 2.5 Months with Gina Shumway

    Are you looking to break into the lucrative world of out-of-state investors or scale your real estate career at lightning speed? In this episode, host Patrick Merrill sits down with Gina Shumway, a top-producing real estate agent and owner of the Titan Group in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Gina shares her incredible, non-traditional journey of transitioning from a full-time nurse practitioner to buying a real estate team just two and a half months after getting her license! Gina dives deep into the demanding but highly rewarding niche of working with out-of-state real estate investors sight unseen. She breaks down why investors from high-tax and high-insurance states like Florida and California are flocking to Chattanooga (also known as "Gig City" for its nation-leading internet speeds). Gina also shares powerful advice for new agents on the 90-to-120-day pipeline rule, the importance of delayed gratification (referencing the famous "Marshmallow Test"), and her exact script for shutting down dangerous Google Meet phishing scams. 🎧 Hosted by: Patrick Merrill 🎤 Featuring: Gina Shumway, Top-Producing Agent & Owner of Titan Group Gina Shumway is the owner of Titan Group and a recognized top-producing real estate agent based in the greater Chattanooga area. A former nurse practitioner, she leads a growth-focused team and specializes in residential and investment properties, utilizing an investor-minded approach to help clients build wealth. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ The Fast-Track: How Gina realized she was meant to own a team and bought her broker's team 10 weeks into her career. ✔️ The "Gig City" Advantage: Why Chattanooga's fiber-optic internet is drawing digital nomads and out-of-state investors. ✔️ The Investor Migration: Why sky-high property taxes and massive insurance premiums are pushing investors out of Florida and California. ✔️ The "Inspector's Lens": How Gina trains new agents to evaluate major home systems to properly serve highly analytical investors. ✔️ The Marshmallow Test: How the psychology of delayed gratification and the 90-to-120-day rule lead to long-term real estate success. ✔️ Scam Prevention: Gina's brilliant, non-negotiable script for handling fake buyers and dangerous Google Calendar/Meet phishing scams. 📇 Connect with Gina Shumway: 🌎 Website → https://www.titangroupchatt.com/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/gina.shumway/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/titangroupchatt 🎙 Follow Patrick Merrill: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/PatrickMerrillCBSH/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/patrickmerrillrealtor 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/my-town-892051183/ 🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate → https://iconsofrealestate.com

    45 min
  2. Building a Mega Team and Navigating a Shifting Market with Doug Phillips

    MAY 6

    Building a Mega Team and Navigating a Shifting Market with Doug Phillips

    Are sellers in your market still expecting "COVID prices" while buyers are shopping like it's 2009? In this episode of the Lifted podcast, host Patrick Merrill sits down with Cincinnati real estate powerhouse Doug Phillips. Doug shares the exact strategies he uses to help run a 52-person mega team—the #1 Keller Williams team in the Ohio Valley region—that closed an astounding 613 units for $189 million in volume last year! Doug and Patrick break down the current reality of the housing market, discussing how to have tough pricing conversations with stubborn sellers and how to create urgency for hesitant buyers. They also dive into the massive opportunities in new construction, leveraging builder incentives like 3.99% rate buy-downs to get clients into better homes for less. Patrick also opens up about his own real estate journey, from dealing casino cards before Hurricane Katrina to adapting his business model after undergoing seven foot surgeries. Whether you want to scale a massive team or just learn how to educate your clients better, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom! 🎧 Hosted by: Patrick Merrill 🎤 Featuring: Doug Phillips, Real Estate Expert and KW Trainer Doug Phillips is a Launch Coordinator and Realtor, recognized as a top 20% agent with the leading real estate group in the Ohio Valley Region. Outside of his real estate practice, he is actively engaged in public speaking and personal development. Doug is dedicated to delivering a thoughtful, informed, and empowering real estate experience. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ The Mega Team Blueprint: How Doug’s 52-agent team closed over 600 units in a single year and aims for 850 units this year. ✔️ Navigating Shifting Markets: The script to use when sellers want 2021 prices but buyers want 2009 discounts. ✔️ Zillow Leads & Data Strategy: Patrick’s 15-year strategy for dominating zip codes and using online data to prove your pricing strategy. ✔️ Pricing & New Construction: How to use builder incentives and lower utility costs to make new construction the ultimate win for budget-conscious buyers. ✔️ Adapting Your Business: Patrick's inspiring story on modifying his real estate career to accommodate his physical health. 📇 Connect with Doug Phillips: 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/officialdougphillips/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/clay.phillips.716 🎙 Follow Patrick Merrill: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/PatrickMerrillCBSH/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/patrickmerrillrealtor 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/my-town-892051183/ 🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate → https://iconsofrealestate.com

    23 min
  3. How One Prescription Almost Ruined My Business | Lifted Podcast

    APR 29

    How One Prescription Almost Ruined My Business | Lifted Podcast

    In this solo episode of the Lifted Podcast, traveling realtor Patrick Merrill gets vulnerable from the shores of a beautiful white-sand beach. He opens up about a terrifying personal journey with the medication Gabapentin, sharing how the severe side effects nearly destroyed his motivation, isolated him from loved ones, and tanked his real estate business. Patrick explains the subtle warning signs to look out for if you or a family member are taking this medication, how he successfully recognized the changes in his mental health, and how weaning off the drug brought his life and his business back to normal. Plus, he shares his ultimate mission for the Lifted podcast: finding the positive in every negative and having a reason to get up and enjoy life every single day. Can you guess which beach he's broadcasting from? 🎧 Hosted by: Patrick Merrill 🎤 Featuring: Patrick Merrill (Solo Episode) Patrick Merrill is a "traveling realtor" serving clients across the beautiful coast from the Louisiana/Mississippi line all the way down to the Florida Keys. He is the host of the Lifted podcast, where he blends real estate insights with raw, real-life stories to motivate, inspire, and uplift his audience. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ The Gabapentin Trap: The terrifying mental health side effects and loss of motivation that nobody talks about. ✔️ Business Impact: How the wrong medication can silently kill your drive and dry up your real estate pipeline. ✔️ Warning Signs: Why you need to actively monitor friends and family who start new prescriptions. ✔️ The Comeback: How Patrick recognized the problem, got off the medication, and revitalized his business. ✔️ The "Lifted" Mission: How to train your mind to find the positive in every negative situation. 🎙 Follow Patrick Merrill: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/PatrickMerrillCBSH/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/patrickmerrillrealtor 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/my-town-892051183/ 🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate → https://iconsofrealestate.com

    7 min
  4. How to Sell Your Brokerage or Scale Fast Through Real Estate M&A

    APR 22

    How to Sell Your Brokerage or Scale Fast Through Real Estate M&A

    Are you tired of the "recruit five, lose four" cycle? As a RealTrends Verified Top Agent, I, Patrick Merrill, know that the grind of building a brokerage can feel like raising a difficult child. That’s why I brought on Norma from Broker VMA—a specialist who has managed brokerage footprints across 48 states—to reveal how you can double your business value or exit with your legacy intact through smart acquisitions. In this episode, we dive into the "business behind the business" of real estate. Norma breaks down the exact valuation templates her team uses to help brokers in their 60s and 70s transition out of the daily burden while keeping their name on the door. Whether you’re a broker struggling to make profit in a low-transaction market or an entrepreneur looking to scale from 16 to 60 locations, you’ll learn the specific metrics that turn a $200,000 shop into a $400,000 asset. We also explore the "Recruiting through Acquisition" strategy, which allows you to bypass the painful one-by-one hiring process by rolling in established competitors. Norma explains how to keep your agents from jumping ship during an ownership change by adding value through international networks and lead-gen engines. If you’ve ever wondered what your life’s work is actually worth to a buyer, this conversation provides the third-party perspective you need to stop writing personal checks to fund your office and start building a meaningful exit. Live today for a better legacy tomorrow. 🎧 Hosted by: Patrick Merrill 🎤 Featuring: Norma Rawlings, Broker VMA Norma Rawlings is a leading expert in real estate brokerage valuations, mergers, and acquisitions at Broker VMA. She specializes in helping real estate brokers across the US and Canada grow their businesses through strategic acquisitions, accurately value their companies for succession planning, and successfully sell their brokerages while preserving their hard-earned legacies. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ Recruiting Through Acquisition: Why buying a competitor is 10x more effective for scaling than traditional recruiting methods. ✔️The Valuation Roadmap: The specific background check metrics that can increase your brokerage’s market value by $200,000+ in 18 months. ✔️Legacy & Succession: How to sell your majority stake while keeping your name, culture, and management team in place. ✔️The "Scale Trap": Why mid-sized brokerages (30-50 agents) are struggling right now and how to reach the profitable "scale zone." ✔️The Ownership Transition: Proven ways to introduce a new owner to your agents so they see it as an upgrade, not a threat. ✔️Market Resilience: How to navigate "low-transaction" environments and prepare your business to sell when you’re at the top of the cycle. 🎙 Connect with Norma Rawlings: 🌎 Website → https://brokervma.com/ 🎙 Follow Patrick Merrill: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/PatrickMerrillCBSH/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/patrickmerrillrealtor 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/my-town-892051183/ 🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate → https://iconsofrealestate.com

    50 min
  5. Getting Approved for a Mortgage When You Are Self-Employed

    APR 15

    Getting Approved for a Mortgage When You Are Self-Employed

    In this episode of the Lifted Podcast, host Patrick Merrill sits down with Landon McCarty from Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation to discuss the ins and outs of securing a mortgage, especially if your financial situation isn't "textbook perfect." If you are one of the millions of self-employed Americans writing off your income to save on taxes, you might be shocked to find out you don't qualify for a traditional mortgage. Landon breaks down exactly how to use a "Non-Qualified Mortgage" (Non-QM) and 12 to 24 months of bank statements to get approved without ever showing your tax returns! They also discuss how to handle split-credit couples, why you should never buy a car before closing, and the incredible $10,000 down-payment assistance programs available in Mississippi. Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned entrepreneur, this episode is packed with practical financing advice! 🎧 Hosted by: Patrick Merrill 🎤 Featuring: Landon McCarty, Fairway Independent Mortgage Landon McCarty is a mortgage loan officer with Fairway Independent Mortgage, bringing 15 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate the home financing process. He specializes in working with first-time homebuyers, providing clear guidance, education, and personalized solutions to ensure a smooth and informed homebuying experience. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ How to fix your credit score and build a strategic "gumbo" of revolving debt ✔️ What happens when one spouse has a 750 credit score and the other has a 620 ✔️ Why you should never buy a new car or open new credit lines while in escrow ✔️ The massive benefits of the Mississippi Home Corporation's $10,000 down payment assistance program ✔️ The "Self-Employed Trap": Why writing off your business expenses kills your chances of getting a traditional mortgage ✔️ How to use Bank Statement Loans (Non-QM) to get approved for a home without showing your tax returns ✔️ How new college grads and teachers can use an employment contract to get approved for a loan! 🎙 Connect with Landon McCarty: 🌎 Website → https://www.fairway.com/lo/landon-mccarty-716717 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Landon-McCarty-NMLS-716717/61552061699203/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://linkedin.com/in/landonmccarty-loanofficer 🎙 Follow Patrick Merrill: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/PatrickMerrillCBSH/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/patrickmerrillrealtor 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/my-town-892051183/ 🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate → https://iconsofrealestate.com

    40 min
  6. Beyond the Hose: The New Tech Saving Homes From Embers - EP 07

    APR 8

    Beyond the Hose: The New Tech Saving Homes From Embers - EP 07

    In this episode, host Patrick Merrill sits down with Jim, CEO of Ember Pro USA, to discuss the shocking realities of the California wildfire landscape and the ensuing homeowner’s insurance crisis. Jim breaks down the science behind how homes actually catch fire—hint: it’s not usually a wall of flames, but tiny flying embers—and how his company is providing eco-friendly, cutting-edge defense systems to protect properties. From navigating the state's "FAIR Plan" to explaining why 57% of luxury California homes are now being bought in cash, Jim shares insider knowledge on how homeowners can harden their homes, secure elusive insurance coverage, and achieve ultimate peace of mind. 🎧 Hosted by: Patrick Merrill 🎤 Featuring: Jim, Ember Pro USA Jim Sprouse is an entrepreneur with a degree in environmental studies and a certified wildfire mitigation specialist. He is the cofounder of Ember Pro, a company focused on helping protect homes from wildfire risk through mitigation strategies and defensible space planning.   💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ The science of flying embers: Why direct flames aren't what destroys 95% of homes ✔️ The reality of the California insurance crisis and the limitations of the "un-FAIR" plan ✔️ How Ember Pro USA's exterior sprinkler systems create a defensible space around your home ✔️ The environmental dangers of traditional aerial fire retardants (and safe, eco-friendly alternatives) ✔️ Why 57% of luxury homes in California are now being purchased in cash ✔️ DIY home hardening tips to protect your property immediately ✔️ How the Watch Duty app can save your life with real-time evacuation notices 🎙 Connect with Jim: 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/emberprousa/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/emberprousa 🎙 Follow Patrick Merrill: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/PatrickMerrillCBSH/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/patrickmerrillrealtor 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/my-town-892051183/ 🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate → https://iconsofrealestate.com

    35 min
  7. How to Find the Real Estate Lead Gen Strategy That Fits YOU - EP 06

    APR 1

    How to Find the Real Estate Lead Gen Strategy That Fits YOU - EP 06

    Host Patrick Merrill sits down with Joe Arnao from Forward Strategic Consulting to discuss how new and experienced real estate agents can find their footing and thrive in the industry. They cover why it’s critical for agents to interview brokerages, how to identify the lead-generation strategies that fit your personality, and the importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive and productive office culture. Patrick shares his journey transitioning from a casino dealer to a real estate agent after Hurricane Katrina, while Joe explains how experienced agents can avoid burnout by doubling down on their unique strengths. Whether you love grinding out open houses, cold calling, or connecting at local events, this episode is packed with advice on how to build a business that works for you. 🎧 Hosted by: Patrick Merrill 🎤 Featuring: Joe Arnao, Forward Strategic Consulting Joe Arnao is the owner of 4W Strategic Consulting, where he provides coaching, training, recruiting, and placement services for real estate agents and brokerages. With more than two decades of experience in the industry, he has held leadership roles focused on agent development and brokerage growth, helping real estate professionals build sustainable and successful careers. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why agents should be the ones interviewing brokerages (and what to look for) ✔️ How to find the lead-generation strategies that fit your natural personality ✔️ The "Walking Billboard" mindset: leveraging your daily life to spark real estate conversations ✔️ Why open houses are a massive opportunity, especially in resort and vacation markets ✔️ Crucial communication habits that separate top-producing agents from the rest ✔️ Important warnings for first-time buyers (Don't buy a new car before closing!) ✔️ How a simple 5-minute self-assessment tool can provide ultimate career clarity 🎙 Connect with Joe Arnao: 🌐 Website → https://www.4wstrategicconsulting.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/4WStrategicConsulting 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/joearnao1/ 🎙 Follow Patrick Merrill: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/PatrickMerrillCBSH/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/patrickmerrillrealtor 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/my-town-892051183/ 🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate → https://iconsofrealestate.com

    38 min
  8. A Sneak Peek at a Million-Dollar View - EP 05

    MAR 25

    A Sneak Peek at a Million-Dollar View - EP 05

    REALTOR® Patrick Merrill and his broker, Suzanne Mark, sit down on the back deck of a beautiful (soon-to-be-listed!) waterfront property in Moss Point, Mississippi, to talk about the unmatched lifestyle of the Gulf Coast. Surrounded by wildlife and passing boats, Patrick and Suzanne discuss why South Mississippi is no longer a "Secret Coast." They cover everything from the incredibly low cost of living and affordable waterfront properties to the ease of taking a boat straight out to the barrier islands. If you are thinking about relocating or retiring to a place with endless outdoor activities, great weather, and true Southern hospitality, this episode will show you exactly why the Mississippi Coast is the place to be. 🎧 Hosted by: Patrick Merrill 🎤 Featuring: Suzanne Mark, Real Estate Broker Suzanne Mark is a seasoned real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Smith Homes, bringing decades of experience and deep local roots to the Mississippi Gulf Coast market. A graduate of Ole Miss and Southern Miss with a degree in real estate and insurance, Suzanne has been navigating the ever-changing real estate landscape since 1988. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ A sneak peek at a gorgeous, custom-built waterfront property in Moss Point ✔️ How quickly you can get from a backyard boat launch to the blue waters of the Gulf ✔️ The amazing affordability and low flood insurance rates of the Mississippi Coast ✔️ Why South Mississippi is the perfect hub for day trips to New Orleans, Pensacola, and more ✔️ The incredible outdoor lifestyle: Kayaking, boating, and exploring the barrier islands ✔️ Why staying active and involved in the community is the secret to a great retirement 🎙 Connect with Suzanne Mark: 🌎 Website → http://www.suzannecmartin.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/suzannecmartinrealtor/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/suzannemartinrealtor/ 🎙 Follow Patrick Merrill: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/PatrickMerrillCBSH/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/patrickmerrillrealtor 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/my-town-892051183/ 🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate → https://iconsofrealestate.com

    22 min
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About

Lifted is where real estate, leadership, and real life come together. Hosted by Patrick Merrill, this podcast goes beyond transactions to explore personal growth, purpose, and the kind of impact that lasts longer than any deal. Patrick brings on realtors from all walks of life, along with industry partners and people with stories worth sharing. No hype, no shortcuts - just honest insight, perspective, and encouragement for wherever you are in your journey.

Information

  • Creator
    Patrick Merrill
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Patrick Merrill
  • Show Website
    LIFTED