Next Level Agents: The Kevin & Fred Show - Interviews with the best and brightest minds in the real estate industry

Kevin Kauffman and Fred Weaver
Next Level Agents: The Kevin & Fred Show - Interviews with the best and brightest minds in the real estate industry

Interviews from the best and brightest minds in the real estate industry. We cover topics like Investing, listings, buyers, brokerage, technology, entrepreneurship and so much more. Brought to you by KevinandFred.com

  1. 1D AGO

    The Comarketing Revolution That's Making Regular Agents Rich

    Real estate agents are sitting on hidden goldmines they don't even realize exist. While you're stressed about monthly expenses and wondering where your next commission will come from, there's a massive revenue opportunity flowing right through your hands—and you're giving it away for free. In this episode, Grant Wise reveals how agents are transforming from house sellers into business empire builders by monetizing the influence they already possess. This isn't about working harder or finding new clients—it's about finally getting paid for the value you're already creating. Key Topics Covered:  • Why the "when people pay, they pay attention" psychology revolutionizes vendor relationships • How to generate $5 leads instead of paying Facebook $20+ for lower quality prospects • The interview strategy that creates 500+ pieces of content while building revenue partnerships • Real examples of agents generating $300-$6,000 monthly in additional revenue  • The 29 industries that rely on real estate agents (and why you're the only one not getting paid)  • Step-by-step blueprint for building your own "preferred partner program"  • How to eliminate business stress by creating multiple revenue streams from existing relationships This episode isn't just about making extra money—it's about the fundamental difference between selling houses and building a business. Grant breaks down exactly how regular agents are creating financial freedom by treating their referral networks like the revenue-generating assets they actually are. If you've ever felt frustrated helping others build million-dollar businesses while you start every month at zero, this conversation will change how you think about your entire business model. Your influence has massive value—it's time to get paid for it. Ready to stop being everyone's unpaid marketing department and start building the business empire you deserve? Learn more about taking your real estate business to the next level at nextlevelagents.com/exp. Connect with Grant Wise: Co-Marketing Platform: comarketing.com ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla

    30 min
  2. 4D AGO

    The Sponge Mentality: How Curiosity and Cold Calling Built a $75 Million Real Estate Business with Ari Jakobov

    In this episode, Kevin Kauffman sits down with Ari Jakobov, a Phoenix-based real estate powerhouse who has generated over $75 million in sales in just three and a half years. What makes Ari's journey particularly remarkable is his unconventional path—dropping out of college against his parents' wishes and building his business through relentless cold calling when everyone around him relied on easier lead sources. Ari reveals his "sponge mentality," approaching every interaction as a growth opportunity and showing genuine interest in others rather than trying to appear important himself. This fundamental shift in perspective has not only fueled his business success but created a foundation for meaningful relationships that transcend transactions. The conversation explores how Ari's background in chess taught him to think several moves ahead in business, preparing for market shifts while others focused only on immediate gains. When interest rates jumped in 2022 and the market cooled, Ari continued thriving while others panicked—a direct result of mastering skills that work in any market condition. Perhaps most valuably, Ari breaks down his specific approach to cold calling, including pattern interrupts, tonality shifts, and questioning frameworks that transform this often-dreaded activity into a consistent source of business. For agents struggling with consistency or worried about market volatility, this episode provides both tactical guidance and the mindset shifts required for sustainable success. Key Points & Themes: The "sponge mentality" that transforms every interaction into a learning opportunity Why "I hate small talk" reveals poor communication skills and how to fix this mindset The Dale Carnegie principles Ari implemented to build deeper relationships How to think like a chess player in business, anticipating market shifts before they happen The exact pattern interrupts and frameworks that make cold calling effective Why teaching your team to "hunt" creates more sustainable success than feeding them leads How proper time blocking prevents the peaks and valleys that plague most agents Ready to transform your approach to business relationships and develop skills that transcend market conditions? This conversation provides the blueprint. Connect with Ari Jakobov on Instagram: @ari.jakobov Ready to take your real estate business to the next level? Learn more at https://nextlevelagents.com/exp/ ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla

    35 min
  3. MAY 15

    The Truth About Why 70% of Real Estate Agents Fail (While This Industry Titan Thrives Using Just 10 Conversations a Day)

    In this game-changing episode, Kevin Kauffman sits down with 20+ year real estate veteran Erik Kelly to uncover the deceptively simple framework that has allowed him to build a thriving business through multiple market cycles. Erik shares his journey from corporate burnout (flying 100,000 miles annually) to building a sustainable real estate business while raising a family. His "Five and Five" system reveals why consistent, authentic conversations trump flashy marketing tactics for long-term success. They tackle the elephant in the room: in an industry where 7 out of 10 licensed agents had ZERO closings last year, what separates those who thrive from those who struggle? The answer challenges conventional wisdom and might be the mindset shift you've been searching for. Key points: Why finding YOUR strategy is more important than finding the "best" strategy The surprising reason "old school" tactics like open houses are more effective now than they've been in decades How to recalibrate your scoreboard to measure activities you can control, not results you can't The three phases of business growth: traction, momentum, and acceleration Why both success and failure are the result of compounded daily decisions How consistency in small actions can transform your business (and life) in 30-90 days This episode is essential listening for agents at all levels who want to build a business that's both profitable and sustainable through changing market conditions. Ready to take your real estate career to the next level? Learn more at https://nextlevelagents.com/exp/ Connect with Erik Kelly: Find his book "The 100K Business Blueprint" on Amazon Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikkellyhomes/ ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla

    40 min
  4. MAY 12

    Why Real Estate Pros Should Help Renters and Redefine What It Means to Be a Realtor with Rob Hahn

    In this episode of Next Level Agents, Kevin Kauffman sits down with industry thought leader Rob Hahn to discuss a provocative idea that challenges the very foundation of what it means to be a realtor. Starting with a controversial tweet suggesting realtors should help low-income renters pro bono, the conversation expands into a bold examination of the housing affordability crisis and how real estate professionals should respond. Rob breaks down why he's been calling millennials and Gen Z "generation screwed" for over a decade and explains how the housing crisis affects everything from birth rates to social cohesion. He challenges the real estate industry to look beyond transactions and commissions to embrace their "grave social responsibility" and "patriotic duty" as outlined in the Realtor Code of Ethics. The discussion dives into the distinction between being a realtor versus just a real estate agent, the structural problems with NAR's membership model, and concrete actions professionals can take to address the housing crisis while building a more sustainable business. Key Points The housing affordability crisis is reaching a breaking point, with Fannie Mae research showing prices would need to drop 40% or incomes double to restore affordability Being a true "realtor" means embracing social responsibility and patriotic duty beyond just facilitating transactions The real estate industry primarily serves buyers and sellers while missing the struggles of renters who make up half the housing market NAR's structure of tying MLS access to membership creates "hostages, not members" and prevents authentic engagement Deregulation of housing development is necessary but politically challenging Real estate professionals should consider helping renters pro bono to understand their challenges and demonstrate their commitment to all housing consumers For younger generations of consumers, authenticity matters more than polished sales scripts or techniques Whether you're a seasoned real estate veteran or new to the industry, this conversation will challenge you to rethink your role in society and consider how you can be part of the solution to one of America's most pressing crises. Connect with Rob Twitter/X: @robhahn Newsletter: https://notoriousrob.com/ Podcast: Industry Relations (with Greg Robertson) Learn more about Next Level Agents and explore ways to take your real estate business to the next level at https://nextlevelagents.com/exp/ ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla

    37 min
  5. MAY 8

    Break Your Patterns, Explode Your Pipeline: Why Stepping Away From Real Estate Might Be Your Biggest Business Breakthrough

    In this eye-opening episode of Next Level Agents, top-producing agents Katie DeWitt and Chelsea Wright reveal the unexpected strategies that are flooding their businesses with opportunities—even in today's challenging market. Katie shares her embarrassing wake-up call when a friend bluntly told her that "no one calls you to buy or sell a house from a newsletter," forcing her to abandon her perfect systems and start making real connections. Meanwhile, Chelsea discovers that announcing she's stepping back from real estate to focus on a new business venture somehow triggered an avalanche of 20+ listings in just three weeks. Their candid conversation challenges everything you think you know about growing a sustainable real estate business and offers a refreshing perspective on what it really takes to break through to your next level. Key points: Why your "perfect systems" might actually be preventing deals How stepping away from real estate paradoxically attracts more business The simple daily practice that's rebuilding Katie's pipeline after her hardest year Why authenticity in the community outperforms traditional marketing every time How to protect your energy while still making meaningful connections Breaking free from self-limiting beliefs about who you are and what you're capable of If you're tired of the same old advice that isn't moving the needle for your business, this episode delivers the perspective shift that could transform your approach and results. Ready to take your real estate career to the next level? Learn more about joining a community of bold, innovative agents at https://nextlevelagents.com/exp/ Connect with today's guests: Chelsea Wright - ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ Katie DeWitt - ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla

    26 min
  6. MAY 5

    Breaking Free From Hustle Culture: How Nolan Rucker Built a Business That Serves His Life, Not Consumes It

    In this eye-opening episode, Kevin Kauffman sits down with Nolan Rucker to explore how he transformed from a reluctant second-generation real estate agent into a business owner who challenges the traditional "always hustling" model. Nolan shares his unconventional approach to mentorship, client selection, and business design that allows him to work less, earn more, and enjoy a quality of life most agents only dream about. Key Points: How Nolan flipped the mentorship script by asking "What can I bring to you?" instead of "What can you give me?" Why understanding energy dynamics (givers vs. takers) is crucial to building a sustainable business The revolutionary definition of success: working less while making more and delivering better service How tracking your numbers precisely leads to smarter business decisions about where to invest your time The power of selecting clients based on energy alignment rather than just commission potential Why maintaining multiple lead sources while focusing intensely on your most profitable ones creates business stability The importance of showing up consistently in growth-oriented environments even when you think you "already know enough" Nolan demonstrates that the conventional wisdom about real estate success—that it requires sacrifice of your personal life, boundaries, and free time—is fundamentally flawed. By designing his business with freedom and quality of life as the foundation, he's created a more profitable, sustainable, and fulfilling enterprise. Whether you're just starting in real estate or looking to transform your existing business, this conversation will challenge your assumptions about what's possible and provide a blueprint for creating a business that truly serves your life. Connect with Nolan Rucker: Instagram: @NolanRucker Ready to take your business to the next level? Learn more about joining the Next Level Agents community at nextlevelagents.com/exp/ ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla

    35 min
  7. MAY 1

    Why Most Real Estate Coaches Are Wrong About Work-Life Balance

    In this eye-opening conversation, Chelsea Wright and Katie DeWitt challenge the conventional wisdom about work-life balance in real estate. Instead of pursuing the myth of perfect equilibrium, they reveal how embracing distinct "seasons" in your business can lead to greater productivity, fulfillment, and sustainable success without the burnout. Katie shares her transparent struggles with pipeline management in today's uncertain market and how she's leveraged her strengths in open houses and follow-up to maintain momentum. Meanwhile, Chelsea introduces the powerful concept of "seasons" as an alternative to balance, explaining why trying to maintain balance while building an empire creates an internal "civil war." Together, they explore how making small, consistent promises to yourself builds the self-discipline needed for bigger achievements, why nationwide referral networks are replacing traditional local networking, and how setting clear deadlines and boundaries during intensive work periods can actually strengthen your relationships rather than damage them. Key Points: Why your pipeline keeps filling up only to get wiped out—and what to do about it How the concept of "seasons" offers a more realistic framework than "balance" The power of small, consistent promises in building self-trust and discipline Why expanding your network nationwide creates more opportunities than focusing locally How to communicate boundaries effectively during intensive work periods The distorted perspective many successful agents have about their own performance This conversation isn't just about real estate tactics—it's about designing a business that works with your natural rhythms and priorities instead of against them. Ready to break free from the balance myth and embrace a more sustainable approach to success? This episode is your blueprint. Connect with Today's Hosts: Chelsea Wright - Instagram⁠ Katie DeWitt - Instagram⁠ Learn more about Next Level Agents at https://nextlevelagents.com/exp/ ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla

    33 min
  8. APR 28

    Turning Ordinary Moments Into Extraordinary Real Estate Success | Shane Parrish on Clear Thinking

    Are you playing real estate on hard mode when you could be playing on easy mode? In this game-changing conversation, Shane Parrish, author of "Clear Thinking," reveals how the success of top-performing agents isn't determined by how they handle obvious decisions, but by the seemingly insignificant "ordinary moments" they navigate daily. Shane shares the counterintuitive insights that separate elite performers from average ones, including why Warren Buffett's greatest advantage isn't his intelligence but his positioning, how relativity and Newton's laws apply to business growth, and why your willingness to "look like an idiot" might be the missing ingredient in your success formula. Key Points & Themes: How "ordinary moments" position you for either strength or weakness when facing critical decisions The physics-inspired mental models that eliminate blind spots in your business Why "going positive and going first" creates a magnetic pull of opportunity The difference between "easy mode" and "hard mode" in real estate success How fear of looking foolish prevents even top performers from reaching their potential Practical techniques for improving decision-making in teams and eliminating groupthink The counterintuitive connection between Warren Buffett's success and his positioning strategy This episode will challenge you to examine the seemingly minor daily choices that ultimately determine whether you'll face tomorrow's challenges from a position of strength or weakness. Ready to transform your approach to decision-making? Connect with us at https://nextlevelagents.com/exp/ to learn how our community is helping agents break barriers and build empires. Connect with Shane Parrish: Website: https://fs.blog/ Podcast: The Knowledge Project Book: "Clear Thinking: Turning Ordinary Moments Into Extraordinary Results" ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla

    1 hr
4.9
out of 5
179 Ratings

About

Interviews from the best and brightest minds in the real estate industry. We cover topics like Investing, listings, buyers, brokerage, technology, entrepreneurship and so much more. Brought to you by KevinandFred.com

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada