The BLITZ Break

The Blitz Break

Weekly takes on real estate, finance, business, trending topics, sports & life — unfiltered.

  1. Jul 31

    The BLITZ Break - Episode 49 - (Guest) Albert Chavez

    Episode 49 | The Blitz Break 🎙️ This week on The Blitz Break, Buzz Howard, Julie Shroyer, and Justin Ingolia welcome back Albert Chavez for a powerful and deeply personal conversation around growth, faith, and fatherhood. Albert opens up about his journey behind his book From Darkness to Redemption and shares a first look into his upcoming project focused on fatherhood. This episode goes beyond business — diving into identity, accountability, and what it really means to lead yourself and your family with intention. In this episode, we cover: 📖 The story and purpose behind From Darkness to Redemption 👨‍👧 Albert’s upcoming book on fatherhood and why it matters now 💬 Why men struggle with vulnerability, and how to change that 🔄 Albert’s personal transformation and lessons learned along the way ✍️ Writing as a tool for accountability, clarity, and growth 🧠 The mindset shift from reacting to living with purpose 🙏 Faith, relationship with God, and finding authenticity ⛪ The difference between authentic faith and “corporate” church 🧩 The accountability formula that can change your life 👨‍👩‍👧 Parenting lessons: letting go, leading, and showing up Plus, Julie shares a social media tip to help you stay consistent and authentic online, followed by a quick market update to keep you informed. If you’re looking for a conversation that challenges you to grow, lead better, and live with more purpose, this episode is a must-listen. 👉 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to hear this message. Make sure to check out our sponsor for this week, S&D Custom Stone and Tile, at the link below: https://www.sanddcustomstoneandtile.com/ 💬 Drop a comment: What does accountability look like in your life right now? 00:00:00 Intro & Albert’s New Book on Fatherhood 00:04:51 Men’s Vulnerability & Men’s Work 00:12:54 Albert’s Transformation Journey 00:17:42 Writing the Book: Accountability & Purpose 00:21:30 Fatherhood, Letting Go & Parenting Lessons 00:30:01 Faith & Relationship with God 00:36:27 Authentic Faith vs. Corporate Church 00:43:27 Key Takeaways from From Darkness to Redemption 00:50:17 Accountability Formula & The New Book 00:57:12 Social Media Tips & Market Update 01:02:55 Wrap-Up & Closing

  2. Jul 24

    The BLITZ Break - Episode 48 - (Guest) Cara Ryan

    Episode 48 | The Blitz Break 🎙️ This week on The Blitz Break, Buzz Howard and Justin Ingolia are joined by Cara Ryan, 1031 exchange specialist with IPX, for a deep dive into one of the most powerful (and often misunderstood) wealth-building tools in real estate. Cara brings energy and expertise as she shares her unique journey from pageants and performing to becoming a trusted resource in the 1031 exchange space. She breaks down how exchanges work, why timing is everything, and how agents and loan officers can better guide their clients through the process. In this episode, we cover: 🏡 Cara’s background: from Miss Sacramento to real estate specialist 🎤 Life as a Kings dancer, broadcaster, and performer 🔄 What a 1031 exchange is and how it actually works ⏳ The critical 45-day identification window and property rules 🏢 Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) explained simply 🌎 How IPX operates nationwide and supports investors ⚠️ Common mistakes and exchange pitfalls to avoid 🤝 How realtors and loan officers can add value to investor clients 🍽️ Cara’s favorite Sacramento spots Plus, a market update to close things out and keep you dialed into what’s happening right now. If you want to better understand 1031 exchanges, help your clients build long-term wealth, and avoid costly mistakes, this episode is a must-listen. 👉 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to learn how to leverage a 1031 exchange. 💬 Drop a comment: Have you ever done a 1031 exchange, or are you thinking about one? Chapters 00:00:00 Intro & Meet Cara Ryan 00:02:57 Cara’s Background: Pageants & Miss Sacramento 00:07:46 Kings Dancer, Broadcaster & Tumbling Stories 00:13:09 Transition to Real Estate & Career Path 00:15:57 What Is a 1031 Exchange? 00:21:10 About IPX 1031 & Nationwide Operations 00:24:55 The 45-Day ID Rules & Three Property Options 00:29:30 Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) Explained 00:44:05 Why Choose IPX & Exchange Warnings 00:47:55 How Realtors & Loan Officers Can Help Clients 00:53:13 Favorite Sacramento Restaurants 01:04:57 Market Update & Closing

  3. Jul 17

    The BLITZ Break - Episode 47 - (Guest) Cathy Ruiz

    Episode 47 | The Blitz Break 🎙️ This week on The Blitz Break, Julie Shroyer, Buzz Howard, and Justin Ingolia sit down with special guest Cathy Ruiz, a real estate agent who has carved out a powerful niche helping boomers and their aging parents navigate major life transitions. Cathy shares how her personal experiences shaped her business, leading her to become a full-service resource for families dealing with downsizing, assisted living decisions, and everything in between. This episode dives into the emotional, logistical, and financial layers of working with aging clients, and how agents can truly serve instead of just sell. In this episode, we cover: Cathy’s real estate journey and how she found her niche Specializing in boomers and helping families through transitions Turning personal experience into a full-service business model Navigating assisted living options and finding the right fit Handling pushback and guiding difficult conversations about moving “Rightsizing” challenges: low rates, stairs, and too much stuff Step-by-step approach to working with aging clients and their families Social media strategy, why the key is to just start Using AI to streamline and grow your real estate business Staying accountable through coaching and consistency Plus, a market update to wrap things up and bring it all back to what’s happening right now. If you’re looking to build a niche, serve your clients at a deeper level, and stand out by solving real problems, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. 👉 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who works with clients going through life transitions. 💬 Drop a comment: Have you ever helped a client navigate downsizing or a major life move? Chapters: 00:00:00 Intro & Cathy’s Real Estate Origin Story 00:09:10 Granite Bay Roots & The Boomers Niche 00:13:03 Cathy’s Mom & Building a Full-Service Niche 00:16:41 Assisted Living Options & Finding the Right Fit 00:23:48 Social Media, Coaching & Staying Accountable 00:27:44 Overcoming Pushback & The Case for Moving 00:34:37 Boomers Rightsizing: Low Rates, Stairs & Too Much Stuff 00:39:44 Social Media Tips: Just Start 00:42:14 Using AI in Your Real Estate Business 00:53:21 Working with Aging Clients Step by Step 00:56:22 Market Update & Closing

  4. Jul 10

    The BLITZ Break - Episode 46

    Episode 46 | The Blitz Break 🎙️ This week on The Blitz Break, Phil Rasmussen, Buzz Howard, Julie Shroyer, and Justin Ingolia are back with a no-guest episode packed with real talk on sales, relationships, and what actually makes you stand out in a crowded market. From first impressions to follow-up, the crew breaks down the subtle (but powerful) behaviors that separate average producers from top performers. This episode leans heavily into mindset, confidence, and how to shift from “sales mode” into building genuine relationships that actually convert. In this episode, we cover: 👀 First impressions, and what people notice before you even speak 💭 Mindset, confidence, and handling rejection the right way ⚡ Eye contact, energy, and how to instantly stand out 🤝 Sales mode vs. relationship mode, and when each matters 🛍️ The “Nordstrom story” and breaking through social barriers 🚗 The car dealership playbook: what works (and what doesn’t) 🎯 How to identify what’s actually valuable to your partners 😅 Why salespeople tend to be people pleasers, and how to manage it 📞 Follow-up strategies that actually get responses 📅 Setting appointments and mastering the follow-through 🎉 Building real connections at events (without forcing it) 📱 Social Media Tip of the Week from Julie 📊 Mortgage Market Update from Buzz If you’re looking to improve your conversations, build stronger relationships, and close more business without feeling “salesy”, this episode is full of practical takeaways you can apply immediately. 👉 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who’s working on leveling up their sales game. 💬 Drop a comment: Do you feel like you’re operating more in sales mode or relationship mode right now? Chapters: 00:00:00 Welcome & First Impressions 00:06:53 Mindset, Confidence & Rejection 00:09:34 Eye Contact, Energy & Standing Out 00:12:57 Sales Mode vs. Relationship Mode 00:16:06 Breaking the Force Field: The Nordstrom Story 00:20:25 The Car Dealership Playbook 00:27:52 Identifying What’s Valuable to Your Partners 00:33:00 Salespeople as People Pleasers 00:41:25 Follow-Up Strategies That Work 00:45:08 Building Personal Connections at Events 00:47:38 Scheduling Appointments & the Art of the Follow-Through 00:57:12 Social Media Tip of the Week 01:00:54 Mortgage Market Update

  5. Jun 26

    The BLITZ Break - Episode 45 - (Guest) Steve Vasquez

    Episode 45 | The Blitz Break 🎙️ This week on The Blitz Break, Phil Rasmussen, Justin Ingolia, Buzz Howard, and Julie Shroyer sit down with Steve Vasquez, owner of S&D Custom Stone and Tile, for a conversation that blends craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and real-world lessons from over 30 years in the trade. Steve shares his journey from starting as a helper in 1992 to building his business from the ground up, juggling two jobs for years before going all in. From unforgettable experiences visiting marble quarries in Italy to investing in cutting-edge technology, this episode highlights what it really takes to grow and sustain a business built on quality and reputation. In this episode, we cover: 🪨 Steve’s journey in the stone and tile industry and building a business from scratch 🇮🇹 Inside the Italian marble quarries and how top materials are sourced 🏡 Natural stone vs. quartz: trends, durability, and repairability ⚙️ How technology has transformed fabrication (digital templating, CAD, and automated saws) 📈 Growing a business through word-of-mouth and reputation 💰 Taking big risks, including financing high-end equipment to level up production 🏗️ Massive projects, costly mistakes, and lessons learned along the way ⚠️ Why hiring licensed contractors matters, and how to protect yourself 📱 Social media strategy for tradespeople, focusing on engagement over followers 🎥 Julie’s pro tip: using curiosity-driven content to boost reach and visibility Plus, a Mortgage Market Update from Phil, including insights on oil prices, inflation, and why locking rates ahead of holiday weekends can matter more than you think. If you’re building a business, working in the trades, or just want a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into high-end home projects, this episode is packed with value. 👉 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who’s in the home services or real estate space. 💬 Drop a comment: Would you choose natural stone or quartz for your next project? Chapters 00:00:00 Welcome & Introductions 00:03:57 Steve’s Background & The Italy Quarry Trip 00:07:06 Stone Materials, Trends & Digital Technology 00:13:38 Growing the Business & Word of Mouth 00:16:33 Big Projects & Notable Jobs 00:26:20 Industry Standards & What Sets Great Contractors Apart 00:41:14 Social Media Tips for the Trades 00:51:26 Mortgage & Interest Rate Update 00:59:47 Wrap Up & How to Reach S&D Custom Stone and Tile

  6. Jun 19

    The BLITZ Break - Episode 44 - (Guests) Tara Anaya and Kyle Ellsworth

    Episode 44 | The Blitz Break 🎙️ This week on The Blitz Break, Phil Rasmussen, Buzz Howard, and Justin Ingolia are joined by Tara Anaya and Kyle Ellsworth from CrossCountry Mortgage for a fun, fast-paced conversation that blends real estate strategy, relationship-building, and a few unforgettable stories along the way. Recorded ahead of a Sacramento Real Producers event at an A’s game, the episode kicks off with some baseball nostalgia before diving into what actually moves the needle in today’s market. Tara shares how she’s built her presence by leading with value, not just conversations, and why bringing something tangible to the table is the fastest way to stand out. In this episode, we cover: ⚾ The A’s game event, Marty York (“Yeah-Yeah” from The Sandlot), and creative ways to make an impression 🎯 Why leading with value beats generic networking every time 🤝 How to break into a new market and build real relationships 🚀 Kyle’s journey from the refi boom to self-generated business 💪 75 Hard, discipline, and building habits that actually stick 📞 Prospecting with purpose, not just activity for activity’s sake 📊 Using data to identify the agents who are actually producing ✈️ The “airline tiers” analogy and why relationships should be earned and developed ✨ What five-star, white-glove service really looks like in practice 📦 Creative client and agent experiences that people remember 😅 Wild loan stories you won’t believe (but are very real) Plus, a quick market update covering bond improvements, oil prices, and what shifts in leadership could mean for the industry. If you’re looking for practical ways to stand out, build stronger relationships, and bring real value to your partners, this episode is a must-listen. 👉 Like, subscribe, and share with someone in the industry who needs to hear this. 💬 Drop a comment: What’s one way you’re creating value for your partners right now? Chapters 00:00:00 Welcome & Tonight’s Event 00:02:25 Marty York from The Sandlot 00:07:43 Moving to Sacramento: Networking & Creating Value 00:10:11 Kyle Joins the Team & Getting Started in Lending 00:13:24 75 Hard & Building Good Habits 00:32:33 Prospecting Strategy: Making Your Time Count 00:40:37 Agent Tiers, Data & Building Loyalty Like the Airlines 00:44:43 Five-Star Service & The Loan Application Experience 01:02:02 Wild Loan Stories 01:06:34 Market Update & Wrap-Up

  7. Jun 12

    The BLITZ Break - Episode 43 - (Guest) Mike Miklaus

    Episode 46 | The Blitz Break 🎙️ This week on The Blitz Break, Phil Rasmussen, Justin Ingolia, and Buzz Howard are joined by returning guest Mike Miklaus from Integrity Mortgage for a wide-ranging conversation that blends mindset, market insight, and real-world loan scenarios you won’t hear anywhere else. From early baseball stories and viral umpire moments to the psychology behind performance (and what the “yips” can teach us about business), the episode quickly shifts into what actually drives success in today’s market. Mike shares perspective on discipline vs. motivation, avoiding shiny objects, and why self-awareness is one of the most underrated skills in the industry. In this episode, we cover: ⚾ The mental side of performance, and what sports can teach us about business 🧠 The “yips” and overcoming mental blocks under pressure 📊 How technology is changing the game (and where human judgment still matters) 📋 Key guideline updates, including IRS payment plan changes 🤖 Why AI won’t replace loan officers, but LOs using AI will win 🎯 Recruiting, focus, and avoiding distractions in a noisy industry 💪 Motivation vs. discipline, what actually creates consistency 🤝 Why relationships are still the foundation of long-term success 📱 Building your database starting with the contacts you already have 💬 How to handle the “rate-only” client conversation ⚖️ Balancing being a technician vs. a true salesperson 🏡 A real-world loan scenario navigating gray areas and “mattress money” 📉 Industry consolidation and what it means for independent lenders 📚 Mike’s new book, The Alignment Advantage, and the process of writing and publishing your story Plus, a Mortgage Market Update from Buzz and a quick conversation on the potential SpaceX IPO. If you’re looking to sharpen your mindset, stay ahead of industry shifts, and build a business rooted in relationships, this episode is a must-listen. 👉 Like, subscribe, and share with someone in the industry who needs to hear this. 💬 Drop a comment: Are you operating more on motivation or discipline right now? Chapters 00:00:00 Introductions & Baseball Banter 00:02:39 The Umpire Goes Viral: A Story from the Playoffs 00:05:20 Rick Ankiel & the Yips: Mental Blocks in Sports 00:11:37 Pitch Tracking Tech & Umpire Accuracy 00:19:07 Knowing the Guidelines: The IRS Payment Plan Rule Change 00:20:55 AI Won’t Replace LOs, But LOs Using AI Will Win 00:22:51 Recruiting, Shiny Objects & Self-Awareness 00:26:39 Motivation vs. Discipline: What Actually Drives Success 00:30:05 Relationships Are the Foundation 00:39:14 Building Your Database: Start with Your Phone 00:45:58 Handling the Rate-Only Client 00:48:38 Mechanics vs. Salespeople: Finding the Balance 00:50:43 Real-World Loan Scenario: Mattress Money & Gray Areas 00:52:57 Industry Consolidation & the Future of Independent Lending 00:55:16 Mike’s New Book: The Alignment Advantage 00:56:43 Publishing Process & Writing Your Story 01:10:26 Mortgage Market Update & SpaceX IPO

  8. May 29

    The BLITZ Break - Episode 42 - (Guest) Gayla Wiley

    Episode 42 | The Blitz Break 🎙️ This week on The Blitz Break, Phil Rasmussen, Buzz Howard, Julie Shroyer, and Justin Ingolia sit down with Gayla Wiley from Old Republic Home Protection for a conversation that dives into one of the most overlooked tools in real estate, home warranties, and how they can create real value for both agents and clients. Gayla breaks down what a home warranty actually is, how to choose the right policy, and what truly separates a great provider from the rest. From navigating new construction vs. resale homes to building strong partnerships with agents and lenders, this episode is full of practical insights you can put to work immediately. In this episode, we cover: 🏡 What a home warranty really is and how it protects homeowners 📋 How to choose the right policy for different situations 💡 What sets a great home warranty company apart from the competition 🏗️ New construction vs. resale homes: what agents need to know 🤝 How to partner with a home warranty rep to better serve clients 📣 Marketing tools and strategies to educate and win more business 💪 Gayla’s background, work ethic, and what drives long-term success 📱 Social media strategy and staying relevant in today’s market 📊 The most common home warranty claims and what to expect Plus, a Mortgage Minute from Buzz and final takeaways you can use to better protect your clients and elevate your business. If you’re looking for ways to add value, stand out, and create a smoother experience for your clients, this episode is a must-listen. 👉 Like, subscribe, and share with someone in real estate who needs to hear this. 💬 Drop a comment: Do you talk to your clients about home warranties, or is it something you’ve been overlooking? Chapters 00:00:00 — Welcome & Introducing Gayla Wiley 00:00:53 — What Is a Home Warranty? 00:02:09 — Choosing the Right Policy 00:11:25 — What Sets Us Apart from the Competition 00:15:16 — Why Gayla Joined Home Warranty 00:18:37 — New Construction vs. Resale Homes 00:22:48 — How to Partner with a Home Warranty Specialist 00:26:13 — Marketing Tools & Lender Education 00:29:20 — Personal Background & Work Ethic 00:34:27 — Social Media Strategy 00:42:27 — Mortgage Minute 00:46:06 — Top Claims & Final Takeaways

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About

Weekly takes on real estate, finance, business, trending topics, sports & life — unfiltered.

Information

  • Creator
    The Blitz Break
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The BLITZ Break

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