The Better Agent Podcast

Josh Lavik
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Business
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to The Better Agent Podcast, hosted by Josh Lavik, a high achiever, dreamer, and dad of 3. Josh shares the strategies that took him from 5 to 50 transactions a year. Each episode features actionable tips for real estate agents to boost production, streamline operations, and improve client experiences. Josh also answers audience questions and offers insights from his exclusive 21-day challenge. Whether you're starting out or growing your business, The Better Agent Podcast will help you build a world-class career. Tune in today!

  1. Beating the 87% Failure Rate: Tenacity, CRMs, and True Integrity with Iris Etheridge

    5h ago

    Beating the 87% Failure Rate: Tenacity, CRMs, and True Integrity with Iris Etheridge

    Did you know that 87% of all real estate agents quit within their first two years? Why do so many people leave such an amazing, lucrative profession? In this episode of the Better Agent Podcast, host Josh Lavik sits down with Iris Etheridge, a successful real estate agent with 14 years of experience and the author of the new book, Real Growth for Real Estate Agents. Iris shares her incredible story of moving to the United States from Switzerland, having to navigate an entirely new culture, a new language, and the bold American mindset of entrepreneurship. Together, Josh and Iris discuss why tenacity, courage, and a servant's heart are the absolute most critical tools you need to survive in the real estate industry. They discuss how Iris finally found her "niche" by connecting with local seniors, why setting up an automated CRM in your first year is non-negotiable, and the problem with expensive brokerage training courses 🎧 Hosted by: Josh Lavik 🎤 Featuring: Iris Etheridge, Real Estate Agent & Author Iris Etheridge is a licensed real estate broker in Madison, Wisconsin, and the founder of Real Growth Partners LLC. She specializes in luxury senior transitions and legacy planning, providing clients with a calm, education-focused, and pressure-free experience. Additionally, she actively mentors new real estate agents to build empowered and ethical careers.  💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ Why 87% of realtors quit within two years and how to avoid becoming a statistic. ✔️ How childhood hikes in the Swiss Alps taught Iris the tenacity needed for real estate. ✔️ Why the simple mantra of "How can I serve these people today?" will transform your business. ✔️ How to find your niche audience without forcing it. ✔️ Why your database IS your business and why you must automate your CRM immediately. ✔️ How to overcome the urge to quit during massive market roadblocks. 📇 Connect with Iris Etheridge: 🌎 Book → https://www.realgrowthpartnersllc.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/real.growth.partners.real.estate 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/iris-etheridge-0693a4b8/ 🎙 FOLLOW JOSH LAVIK & THE BETTER AGENT PODCAST: 🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/ 🌎 21-Day Challenge → https://www.abetterrealestateexperience.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik 🔖 DON’T FORGET TO LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND COMMENT BELOW! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate – iconsofrealestate.com

    39 min
  2. Scaling Fast: How Kayleigh Chrostowski Closed 50 Deals in Her First Two Years

    Jun 25

    Scaling Fast: How Kayleigh Chrostowski Closed 50 Deals in Her First Two Years

    Are you trying to figure out how to transition from a full-time W2 job into a thriving, full-time real estate career? In this episode of the Better Agent Podcast, host Josh Lavik sits down with Kayleigh Chrostowski, a powerhouse broker based in Janesville, Wisconsin. Despite starting her career while working full-time as an insurance auditor for the state, Kayleigh managed to close an incredible 17 transactions in her first year! Now, just two and a half years in, she has her broker’s license and is nearing 60 career transactions. Kayleigh shares the secrets behind her rapid success, including how she utilized her parents' background in contracting to confidently estimate repair costs for her buyers, and why she ditched the "blazer and heels" to show up authentically (sometimes in paint-covered clothes!) for her clients. Josh and Kayleigh also discuss the harsh realities of work-life balance during the spring market, the danger of relying too heavily on AI for contractor quotes, and why you can never take it personally when a friend uses another agent. 🎧 Hosted by: Josh Lavik 🎤 Featuring: Kayleigh Chrostowski, Real Estate Broker Kayleigh Chrostowski is a real estate broker at Rock Realty in Wisconsin. Drawing on her background in corporate marketing and state auditing, she brings a strong business foundation to her clients. Raised by licensed general contractors, she leverages her deep knowledge of construction and design to help buyers, sellers, and investors see a property's true potential.  💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ The Side-Hustle Grind: How Kayleigh Chrostowski successfully closed 17 properties in her first year while working a full-time, travel-heavy government auditing job. ✔️ Authenticity Wins: Why ditching the "perfect realtor" facade and showing up as your true, authentic self builds deep trust with clients. ✔️ The Contractor Advantage: How to confidently estimate home repair costs for your buyers to keep deals alive, and why you shouldn't rely on ChatGPT for contractor quotes. ✔️ Boundary Setting: Why every new agent must get a separate business phone before starting their career. ✔️ Handling Rejection: How to manage your ego and maintain relationships when friends or family members choose to buy or sell with a different agent. 📇 Connect with Kayleigh Chrostowski: 🌎 Website → https://realtorkayleigh.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/kayleigh.chrostowski/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/kayleighchrostowski/ 🎙 FOLLOW JOSH LAVIK & THE BETTER AGENT PODCAST: 🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik 🔖 DON’T FORGET TO LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND COMMENT BELOW! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate – iconsofrealestate.com

    30 min
  3. The Young Agent's Guide to Scaling a Real Estate Business

    Jun 11

    The Young Agent's Guide to Scaling a Real Estate Business

    Are you overcomplicating your real estate business with too many lead generation strategies? In this episode of the Better Agent Podcast, host Josh Lavik sits down with Kyle Ristow, an impressive young agent based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who closed over 300 transactions in just a few short years after getting his license right out of high school! Kyle shares his incredible journey from struggling to close a single deal his first six months to becoming a showing assistant handling 1,000+ showings a year, and eventually building a fast-growing 7-person expansion team. Kyle breaks down his simple, proven formula for success: dedicating one hour a day to "The One Thing," having 20 real estate conversations daily, and committing to a 36-touch follow-up campaign. Josh and Kyle also discuss the power of authenticity, sharing why showing up in a hoodie can win you the listing over a fancy suit. 🎧 Hosted by: Josh Lavik 🎤 Featuring: Kyle Ristow, Real Estate Team Leader Kyle Ristow is a Milwaukee Realtor and founder of Luxe Real Estate Haven Group. Specializing in everything from new homebuyers to international investments, he combines luxury marketing with deep local knowledge to guide clients through the Southeast Wisconsin market. Known for his award-winning, white-glove service, Kyle prioritizes a client-first approach and actively gives back by mentoring students in his community. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ The 1,000 Showing Hustle: How joining a top team as a showing assistant gave Kyle the ultimate real estate education. ✔️ The 20 Conversations Rule: Why having 20 real estate conversations every single day is the ultimate cheat code to explosive growth. ✔️ The "One Thing" Strategy: How to time-block one uninterrupted hour a day for lead generation to prevent a "yo-yo" business. ✔️ The 36-Touch Campaign: A step-by-step breakdown of how to touch base with past clients and your sphere 36 to 70 times a year. ✔️ Authenticity Wins: Why you don't need a suit to win listings—and how showing up as your true self builds ultimate client trust. 📇 Connect with Kyle Ristow: 🌎 Website → http://www.luxehavenwi.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/RistowKy/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/kyleristow_milwaukee_realtor/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-ristow-realtor/ 🎙 FOLLOW JOSH LAVIK & THE BETTER AGENT PODCAST: 🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik🔖 DON’T FORGET TO LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND COMMENT BELOW! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate – iconsofrealestate.com

    38 min
  4. Going Big, Getting Creative, and Closing 30 Deals in Year 1 with Stephanie Kaiser

    May 28

    Going Big, Getting Creative, and Closing 30 Deals in Year 1 with Stephanie Kaiser

    Are you playing it too safe in your real estate business? In this episode of the Better Agent Podcast, host Josh Lavik sits down with Stephanie Kaiser, a powerhouse agent from southeastern Wisconsin who closed an incredible 30 deals in her very first year! Stephanie shares her journey from being a stay-at-home mom to a top-producing agent who isn't afraid to "go big." Stephanie breaks down her bold, out-of-the-box lead generation strategies—like knocking on farmers' doors to find acreage for buyers, adopting a 3-mile stretch of a county highway, and hiding cash prizes at local businesses to build organic community engagement. Josh and Stephanie also discuss the power of visual goal setting, setting strict boundaries with clients to avoid burnout, and why you must anticipate contract issues before they explode into emotional chaos. 🎧 Hosted by: Josh Lavik 🎤 Featuring: Stephanie Kaiser, Real Estate Agent Stephanie Kaiser is a real estate professional serving Wisconsin. Drawing on her background in psychology and market expertise, she specializes in strategic negotiation and property acquisitions across residential, lakefront, and rural markets. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ The 30-Deal Debut: How Stephanie mastered the fundamentals and closed 30 transactions in her first year. ✔️ Guerilla Lead Generation: Why knocking on farmers' doors, adopting highways, and sponsoring high school jumbotrons beats buying online leads. ✔️ The Scavenger Hunt Hack: How hiding a "sold" sign at local businesses for a $100 cash prize drives massive local engagement. ✔️ Navigating Emotional Chaos: How to proactively anticipate contract problems before they blow up your deal. ✔️ Visualizing Success: Why writing down your goals and keeping a vision board keeps you motivated in a tough market. ✔️ Setting Boundaries: Why answering your phone at 11 PM is setting your clients up for failure. 📇 Connect with Stephanie Kaiser: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.kaiser634 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/stephaniesellswi/ 🎙 FOLLOW JOSH LAVIK & THE BETTER AGENT PODCAST: 🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik 🔖 DON’T FORGET TO LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND COMMENT BELOW! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate – iconsofrealestate.com

    46 min
  5. From $18K to $275K: How to Survive Your First 5 Years in Real Estate & Start Investing

    May 14

    From $18K to $275K: How to Survive Your First 5 Years in Real Estate & Start Investing

    Are you a newer real estate agent struggling to find momentum and stay afloat? With 87% of agents failing in their first three years, survival in this industry requires serious grit. In this episode of The Better Agent Podcast, host Josh Lavik sits down with Milwaukee-based agent Alexander Reid, who shares his raw and inspiring journey from making just $18,000 his first year to grossing over $275,000. Alexander opens up about the intense trials of his early career—including a painful breakup, couch-surfing, and navigating a brand-new market—and how he rebuilt his life block by block. Josh and Alexander discuss the power of sticking to a rigid daily schedule, the "leap of faith" required to hire your first assistant, and why you should never judge a client by their appearance or budget. Plus, Alexander shares his transition from agent to real estate investor, and the two commit to a live 6-month accountability challenge! 🎧 Hosted by: Josh Lavik 🎤 Featuring: Alexander Reid Alexander Reid is the Lead Wisconsin Real Estate Agent at The Reid Group, launching his career in 2016 and building his business through hands-on experience and mentorship. He works with sellers, buyers, and investors across Wisconsin, focusing on strategic negotiations, value-driven results, and long-term client relationships. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ Surviving the Grind: How Alexander pushed past making just $18K his first year to eventually grossing over $275K. ✔️ The Power of a Schedule: Why treating your day like a college athlete treats practice is the key to building massive momentum. ✔️ Never Judge a Client: Why treating every lead equally—whether it's a $7,000 mobile home or a luxury listing—pays off in the long run. ✔️ Taking the Leap of Faith: When and why you should hire a transaction coordinator or assistant to free up your money-making hours. ✔️ Agent to Investor: How to leverage your industry knowledge to start flipping, house hacking, and building long-term wealth. 🎙 Connect with Alexander Reid: 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/reidgroup/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/ReidGroupRE 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/reidgroupre/ 🎙 FOLLOW JOSH LAVIK & THE BETTER AGENT PODCAST: 🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik🔖 DON’T FORGET TO LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND COMMENT BELOW! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate – iconsofrealestate.com

    32 min
  6. The 50/50 Agent Partnership: How to Avoid Burnout & Fire Toxic Clients

    Apr 30

    The 50/50 Agent Partnership: How to Avoid Burnout & Fire Toxic Clients

    Are you an independent real estate agent feeling the heavy weight of burnout? Trying to wear every single hat in your business is the fastest way to lose your momentum. In this episode of The Better Agent Podcast, host Josh Lavik sits down with the dynamic real estate duo, Lori Stuber and Tanya Williams, to discuss the ultimate cure for the solo agent grind. After 15 years as a solo agent, Lori realized she was losing steam. Instead of quitting, she teamed up with her former client, Tanya, to form a highly successful 50/50 real estate partnership. They break down exactly how matching opposite personalities can skyrocket your business and save your sanity. Tanya also shares the raw, behind-the-scenes story of the day she fired a controlling, multi-million dollar builder client—proving that your self-worth and time are infinitely more valuable than a toxic commission check. You will also learn the communication secrets that keep their pipeline full and why you must build a brand separate from your brokerage. 🎧 Hosted by: Josh Lavik 🎤 Featuring: Lori Stuber and Tanya Williams The Lorri & Tanya Team: Lorri Stueber and Tanya Williams are licensed real estate brokers with Restaino & Associates Realtors, serving clients across South-Central Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. With decades of combined experience, they work with buyers and sellers across a range of properties, including residential homes, lakefront estates, and new construction. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ The 50/50 Model: How partnering with another agent can instantly cure burnout and double your efficiency. ✔️ Mirror and Match: Josh's top communication strategy for making clients feel truly heard and valued. ✔️ Firing Toxic Clients: Why dropping a demanding, high-revenue client will actually help your business grow (and save your mental health). ✔️ Agent-to-Agent Etiquette: Why ignoring calls and texts from other agents is destroying your reputation and doing a massive disservice to your sellers. ✔️ Brand Yourself First: Why you must own your own email and website URL instead of relying on your broker's platform. 🎙 Connect with Lorri & Tanya Team: 🌐 Website → https://lorriandtanyateam.restainohomes.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/TeamLorriandTanya 🎙 FOLLOW JOSH LAVIK & THE BETTER AGENT PODCAST: 🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik🔖 DON’T FORGET TO LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND COMMENT BELOW! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate – iconsofrealestate.com

    47 min
  7. The Property Management Advantage: How 20 Years of Experience Can Make You a Better Real Estate Agent

    Apr 16

    The Property Management Advantage: How 20 Years of Experience Can Make You a Better Real Estate Agent

    In this episode of the Better Agent Podcast, host Josh Lavik sits down with Ann, a fellow Wisconsin real estate veteran with 20 years of experience. Ann shares her unique journey, transitioning from retail and property management into a successful real estate sales career. Ann explains how her "crash course" in property management gave her an incredible advantage as an agent. From understanding strict FHA housing codes and landlord-tenant laws to running interference between cranky tenants and navigating the eviction process, Ann knows exactly what to look for in a property. Josh and Ann also discuss the power of subtle branding, the art of striking up a real estate conversation in the grocery store checkout line, and why agents need to stop judging potential clients based on their appearance or price point. 🎧 Hosted by: Josh Lavik 🎤 Featuring: Anne Yust Anne Yust is a Broker with Homestead Realty, Inc., bringing more than 15 years of experience in the Wisconsin real estate market. She works with military families, homebuyers, and investors across the Racine and Kenosha metropolitan areas. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ The Property Management Edge: How managing properties and dealing with code violations makes you a better advocate for buyers and sellers. ✔️ Mastering FHA Guidelines: Why knowing the nitty-gritty details of FHA and VA housing rules will save your deals from falling apart. ✔️ The Art of the "Clincher": How to naturally bring up real estate in everyday conversations (without being pushy or salesy). ✔️ Wear Your Brand: Why a simple branded jacket, name tag, or clever t-shirt is the easiest way to generate organic leads. ✔️ Finding Your Niche on Social Media: How Ann uses her passion for rose gardens and landscaping to connect with first-time homebuyers. ✔️ Don't Judge a Book By Its Cover: Why treating everyone with respect, regardless of their appearance or budget, is the key to building a sustainable business. 🎙 Connect with Anne Yust: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/agentforeveryone 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/agentforeveryone 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-catherine-yust-agentforeveryone07b3168/ 🎙 FOLLOW JOSH LAVIK & THE BETTER AGENT PODCAST: 🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik 🔖 DON’T FORGET TO LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND COMMENT BELOW!⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate – iconsofrealestate.com

    26 min
  8. She Sells Homes—But Her Real Mission Is Saving Dogs - EP 43

    Apr 2

    She Sells Homes—But Her Real Mission Is Saving Dogs - EP 43

    Host Josh Lavik sits down with Tiffany Drahonovsky, a real estate agent and investor based in the Greater Milwaukee area. Tiffany shares her unconventional entry into real estate—getting downsized from corporate sales right as COVID-19 shut the world down, only to dive headfirst into working for a massive real estate investing and wholesaling company. Tiffany breaks down how she analyzes a property, her strategies for setting correct seller expectations, and how she uses high-level psychology to write winning offers for her buyers. Josh and Tiffany also dive into why it's critical to tie your real estate business to personal passions—whether that is traveling the world, booking ski trips in the Alps, or rescuing and saving dogs! 🎧 Hosted by: Josh Lavik 🎤 Featuring: Tiffany Drahonovsky, Lucky Dog Real Estate Tiffany Drahonovsky is an award-winning real estate associate with Coldwell Banker Realty, serving Southeastern Wisconsin, including Milwaukee and Franklin. With nearly a decade of experience, she has been named Wisconsin Salesperson of the Year (2023 & 2024) by the Jason Mitchell Group, is a recipient of the Chairman’s Circle Award, and was recognized among the Top 500 agents in the Milwaukee MSA (2025) by Real Producers Magazine. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ Transitioning from a corporate 9-to-5 to wholesaling "stinky" properties during COVID ✔️ Why real estate lessons are expensive, and how agents can help buyers avoid them ✔️ The psychology of pricing: Why list price is just a "strategic invitation" ✔️ How to write winning offers using odd numbers and FBI negotiation tactics ✔️ The importance of setting expectations for sellers when a home doesn't sell ✔️ Why "broker hopping" isn't always bad if you are seeking the right room for growth ✔️ How to tie your business goals to personal passions 🎙 Connect with Tiffany Drahonovsky: 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/tiffany.drahonovsky 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/tifunny72/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanydrahonovsky/ 🎙 FOLLOW JOSH LAVIK & THE BETTER AGENT PODCAST: 🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik🔖 DON’T FORGET TO LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND COMMENT BELOW! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate – iconsofrealestate.com

    40 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Better Agent Podcast, hosted by Josh Lavik, a high achiever, dreamer, and dad of 3. Josh shares the strategies that took him from 5 to 50 transactions a year. Each episode features actionable tips for real estate agents to boost production, streamline operations, and improve client experiences. Josh also answers audience questions and offers insights from his exclusive 21-day challenge. Whether you're starting out or growing your business, The Better Agent Podcast will help you build a world-class career. Tune in today!

Information

  • Creator
    Josh Lavik
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Josh Lavik
  • Show Website
    The Better Agent Podcast