51 episodes

Do you feel stuck? Has your business gone stagnant? Do you feel trapped in your current job and dream of starting your own business but not sure where to start? Megan and Andres have been where you are and want to help you overcome the hurdles standing in your way of success. You don’t need a recruiter or big company telling you what will get you to the next level. You can get yourself there. You are the key, and you can make it happen. They want to share with you how they did it and why surrounding yourself with the right people, the right mindset and having the right tools can help your business explode!

Megan Marsh and Andres Munar are two very different people with very different backgrounds. Despite their unique personalities, skill sets, business acumen and ideas, they’ve found that their diverse backgrounds have lead them and their business to extreme growth. In only four years since teaming up, this diverse duo has tripled their business!

Find out more about The CoLAB and visit our website at www.thecolablife.com.

The Co/LAB Megan Marsh and Andres Munar

    • Business
    • 4.9 • 12 Ratings

Do you feel stuck? Has your business gone stagnant? Do you feel trapped in your current job and dream of starting your own business but not sure where to start? Megan and Andres have been where you are and want to help you overcome the hurdles standing in your way of success. You don’t need a recruiter or big company telling you what will get you to the next level. You can get yourself there. You are the key, and you can make it happen. They want to share with you how they did it and why surrounding yourself with the right people, the right mindset and having the right tools can help your business explode!

Megan Marsh and Andres Munar are two very different people with very different backgrounds. Despite their unique personalities, skill sets, business acumen and ideas, they’ve found that their diverse backgrounds have lead them and their business to extreme growth. In only four years since teaming up, this diverse duo has tripled their business!

Find out more about The CoLAB and visit our website at www.thecolablife.com.

    Tips & Lessons From a Multi-Brokerage Franchise Owner

    Tips & Lessons From a Multi-Brokerage Franchise Owner

    Description:Mike McGavisk (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemcgavisk/), a real estate brokerage owner, serial entrepreneur, and Operating Partner at Keller Williams Realty, prefers franchises over non-franchised businesses. Why? Let’s find out! Tune in as The Co/LAB hosts, Megan Marsha and Andres Munar, speak with Mike about the benefits of starting a franchise and the importance of intentionality and strategy in building your own real estate or mortgage business.Show Notes:Do you want more out of your real estate or mortgage career? Do you want to build a business with a team; something of your own that gives you freedom and consistent income? Well, the people and businesses we network with and the choices we make determine the outcomes we see in our career. Here to break down the meaning behind that is Mike McGavisk, a real estate professional and entrepreneur with over 25 years’ of experience in the field. Listen in as Mike shares his top insights on why he prefers to start franchised businesses with ancillary businesses and the misconceptions people have about growing a real estate business/brokerage. Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab: ●    [02:44] Introducing Mike McGavisk (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemcgavisk/), Broker & Operating Partner at Keller Williams Realty. Listen in to learn about his intriguing background in education and why he ventured into a real estate career.●    [10:51] How he went from selling real estate to owning a brokerage.●    [16:38] Most brokerages Mike owns are franchises. Why buy a franchise?●    [18:03] It doesn’t happen overnight… Mike shares his lessons learned from owning and growing multiple brokerages.●    [23:20] What qualities make for an ideal business partner?●    [25:20] Mike details why he owns ancillary businesses and how they’ve impacted his brokerages.●    [30:29] Tips and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on dealing with stress and overwhelm.●    [32:43] Misconceptions people have about how to grow a real estate business or brokerage.●    [36:57] As a business owner, do you still actively sell?●    [38:25] What Mike is most excited for in 2023.●    [41:08] To connect with Mike McGavisk, email him at mikerealtor@kw.com (mailto:mikerealtor@kw.com) or call him at (302)-530-1553. Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. Gain access to FREE downloads, past episodes, and valuable resources here.

    • 42 min
    How to Become a Recruiting Leader and Build the BEST Team

    How to Become a Recruiting Leader and Build the BEST Team

    Description:Are you a recruiter or is recruiting part of your responsibility as a leader? Should recruiting be top of mind for you? If you haven’t even thought of recruiting, you might be missing a crucial element that could guide you and your business to success. Listen in as recruiting expert Richard Milligan (https://4crecruiting.com/richard-milligan/) joins Megan to break down the importance of recruiting in real estate and mortgage businesses, even if you’re not yet in a recruiting role.Show Notes:Oftentimes, we operate within limitations for so long that we forget to dream. We forget that we have a vision for growth. Where do YOU want to be in 2032? If you want to have a team, be #1 in your market, and recruit the best salespeople… you need to become a Recruiting Leader. Having built 21 teams in the mortgage industry, Richard Milligan is a trusted leader in recruitment for mortgage brokers. Beyond direct recruitment, Richard helps leaders become the best recruiters possible. He even hosts a top-rated podcast, Recruiting Conversation, and authored a recruitment guide, How to Dominate Recruiting in a Digital World. If anyone’s going to get you pumped up about recruiting, it’s Richard. Ready to learn more? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The Co/LAB: ●    [03:07] Introducing Richard Milligan (https://4crecruiting.com/richard-milligan/), an accomplished speaker, author, podcast host, strategist, and recruiting coach.●    [06:29] What is a Recruiting Leader? & Richard’s framework for developing a Recruiting Leader.●    [10:39] “We have to become a person of value before we try to become a person of success.” – Richard Milligan●    [12:16] How to Dominate Recruiting in a Digital World: Advice on preparing yourself for a recruiting role.●    [16:51] Types of people you should be looking for as a recruiter in the real estate and mortgage industries.●    [20:17] How to deal with people leaving your team & The #1 question leaders should ask in order to recruit and retain the best team members.●    [29:24] “Recruiting done right is actually communicating as a leader your vision for the future, your values of who you are, and the reason why you do this beyond the money, beyond the transaction.” – Richard Milligan●    [30:30] What it’s like to work with a recruiting coach. Learn more about 4C RecruitingListen to Recruiting ConversationsBook a call with Richard Megan and Andres have created a NEW course - My Broker Fast Track – for mortgage loan officers who want to start their own business. For more information, visit: https://www.thecolablife.com/mortgagebroker Join our Facebook Group:  Connect with The Co/LAB at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and

    • 36 min
    How to Overcome the Fear of Anything

    How to Overcome the Fear of Anything

    Description:Fear is a powerful barrier that many of us face, especially when making difficult or life-changing decisions. Fear is an emotion based on a past experience, opinions that others have placed on you, or a made up story that you’ve held on to for far too long. Does fear ever stop you from chasing your dreams? Has it held you back from starting your own business or reaching out to that person you want to network with? You’re not alone… but learning tactics for dealing with fear and going after what you want is the key to making it big in this industry. Helping you face your fears, shift your perspective, and show you what’s possible is what The Co/LAB hosts, Megan Marsh and Andres Munar do best.Show Notes:We all have different relationships with fear. But when we let fear and other emotions hold us back from succeeding in our careers, how can we ever expect to succeed? As Andres says, you don’t know what’s on the other side of fear until you pass it. So, tune in for a motivational chat with Megan and Andres and hear them share their personal experiences navigating fear. You’ll also hear their best advice for overcoming fear so you can achieve your biggest, dreamiest goals. Remember, anything’s possible if your heart’s in the right place! Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The Co/LAB: ●    [02:59] We are SO done with all the fear circulating around the real estate industry.●    [06:05] Why Megan & Andres created their NEW course - Mortgage Broker Fast Track.●    [07:44] “With the knowledge that we have, it’s really just knowledge lost if we’re not passing that onto other people.” – Andres Munar●    [08:15] Megan shares a story that illustrates how fear almost held them back from finishing the My Broker Fast Track course (and the crazy leap they took to get over their fear).●    [17:18] Tips for overcoming fear as a real estate professional & Andre speaks on his relationship with fear.●    [20:49] There’s a huge difference between making decisions rooted in fear and making decisions rooted in confidence.●    [26:46] “We all have limited time. Don’t let having kids stop you, don’t let people’s opinions stop you, don’t let your mind screaming at you stop you. Do something scary.” – Megan Marsh●    [26:56] Using The Courage Scale to gain courage in making difficult decisions. Connect with The Co/LAB at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. Gain access to FREE downloads, past episodes, and valuable resources here.

    Why You Should Consider Hiring a Team

    Why You Should Consider Hiring a Team

    Description:Dan Patty (https://www.solcostahomeloans.com/staff-member/dan-patty/) took a risk, opened his own brokerage, and reached a level of success and fulfillment he had never felt before. Dan prides himself on a knack for creative problem-solving, so with over $200 million in lifetime loan origination volume under his belt, there aren’t many problems he can’t solve! Listen in as The Co/LAB hosts, Megan Marsha and Andres Munar, speak with Dan about the red flags that made him start his own business and why hiring a team was one of his best solutions.Show Notes:Not sure how to start your own business? There’s no right or wrong way to build a business, you just have to find a strategy that works for you and the right people to support you. Dan Patty is proof that as long as you have goals, a vision, a plan, and a way to execute that plan, you can be a successful brokerage owner. Whether you want to work from home or from an office, be in business by yourself or with 20+ employees, you can do it! Listen in to hear Dan break down his favorite parts of owning a brokerage, the value in hiring a team, and what he would’ve done differently at the start of his entrepreneurial journey. Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The Co/LAB ●    [02:59] There’s a million ways to start a business, but you only need these 4 things to succeed in entrepreneurship.●    [05:28] Introducing Dan Patty (https://www.solcostahomeloans.com/staff-member/dan-patty/), an experienced mortgage broker and Owner of Solcosta Home Loans. Listen in to learn the story behind why Dan left the retail industry and how he ended up starting his own mortgage brokerage.●    [11:09] Why do so many loan originators switch companies so often instead of opening a brokerage?●    [14:15] Dan shares his favorite part of owning a brokerage and being his own boss.●    [17:17] The advantages and disadvantages of having a team & What caused Dan to hire a team for his brokerage.●    [23:26] “[Hiring a team] may become your largest expense, but it is a business expense… You’re not paying this person out of your pocket, this is an expense that the company is bring on to grow, to serve more clients, to be better, and it’s a necessary business expense.” — Dan Patty●    [24:28] The HUGE value in creating written, step-by-step processes and procedures for your employees & More life-changing benefits of hiring a team.●    [29:49] What would you have done differently when starting your brokerage?●    [38:28] Dan sheds light on his vision and goals for the future of his business, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing yourself, your health, and your family.●    [41:03] Listen in to hear expert advice on building a mortgage brokerage business. Megan and Andres have created a NEW course - My Broker Fast Track – for mortgage loan officers who want to start their own business. For more information, visit: https://www.thecolablife.com/mortgagebroker (https://www.thecolablife.com/mortgagebroker) Connect with The Co/LAB at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

    The Major Benefits of Starting Your Own Brokerage

    The Major Benefits of Starting Your Own Brokerage

    Description:Glenn Groves (https://gtgfi.com/team-member/glenn-groves/) and Evan Wade (https://phillymb.com/team-member/evan-wade/)are brokerage owners who aren’t done building their empires… As industry leaders in technology, marketing, and growth strategies, it feels like they’re just getting started! Tune in as The Co/LAB hosts, Megan Marsh and Andres Munar, speak with Glenn and Evan about the benefits of being a brokerage owner and how to successfully start and grow multiple brokerages. Show Notes:Today’s guests believe that if you want to start a business, you should definitely give it a try! Of course, there will be learning curves and obstacles you need to navigate, but if you’re meant to own your own business, you can make it happen. Listen in as Glenn Groves and Evan Wade shed light on what you need to do before you start your own mortgage brokerage, the power of going into business with a partner, and their top tips for new and aspiring brokerage owners.Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The Co/LAB:● [04:45] Introducing Glenn Groves (https://gtgfi.com/team-member/glenn-groves/), Owner of GTG Financial, along with Evan Wade (https://phillymb.com/team-member/evan-wade/), Founder of Philadelphia Mortgage Brokers and President & CEO of Epoch Lending. Listen in to hear their unique backgrounds in the mortgage industry.● [13:53] Glenn and Evan bust a few myths about owning a brokerage, including there being a lack of control.● [18:36] The hardest parts of starting a mortgage business & The power of starting a brokerage with a partner.● [26:14] Evan explains the main reason he opened two brokerages & What to look for in a technology/software vendor.● [30:58] How they plan to evolve and/or scale their businesses + A look into their numbers.● [37:57] The most rewarding benefits of owning your own brokerage.● [45:05] Advice for new and aspiring broker owners● [47:24] A great hack for making corporate processing easier for your loan officers.● [52:06] Glenn’s and Evan’s #1 tip for loan officers who are interested in starting a business.Megan and Andres have created a NEW course - My Broker FastTrack – for mortgage loan officers or real estate agents who want to start their own mortgage brokerage. For more information, visit: https://www.thecolablife.com/sneakpeek (https://www.thecolablife.com/sneakpeek)Connect with The Co/LAB at www.thecolablife.com (www.thecolablife.com) or on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TheCoLABLife/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/thecolab_life/), Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/thecolablife/), and YouTube. (https://www.youtube.com/colablending)

    • 56 min
    Navigating the Transition From Employee to Broker

    Navigating the Transition From Employee to Broker

    Description: Making the switch to entrepreneurship was a bold move for Staci Stanley (https://approveyounow.com/staci-stanley/). Once she saw an opportunity to leave her corporate job, she got her execution strategy ready, handed in her company laptop, and started her own LLC. Now, she’s using her 20+ years of mortgage lending experience to help people get the best mortgage rates in Colorado. Listen in as Staci shares the greatest lessons she has learned (and is still learning) throughout the transition from mortgage retailer to broker with The Co/LAB hosts, Megan Marsha and Andres Munar.  Show Notes:The #1 thing that prevents people from starting a business is fear. Since entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone, how do you know if you have what it takes to run a successful business? For Staci Stanley, it doesn’t take closing 100 loans for her to feel happy and successful. Making the switch to entrepreneurship was more about the freedom, flexibility, and limitless potential for growth. She’s been using that freedom to learn and grow as an entrepreneur and mortgage broker, so let’s hear what advice she has for people who want to do the same! If you’re an employee in the mortgage industry and you’re curious about opening up your own brokerage, you’re in the right place. Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The Co/LAB: ●    [02:28] The next few episodes will be showcasing unique business owners in the mortgage industry and the tactics they’ve used to overcome fear and successfully start and run their own business.●    [06:39] Megan and Andres have created a NEW course - My Broker Fast Track – which was created for mortgage loan officers who are either sick of the corporate life or want to start their own business.●    [07:50] Introducing Staci Stanley (https://approveyounow.com/staci-stanley/), the Owner of Access Home Loans, a Colorado-based company providing opportunities for low rate, hassle-free mortgages for buying or refinancing a home. Listen in to learn Staci’s background in mortgage lending and why she chose to become a broker.●    [10:46] You must balance the risk and the reward of staying an employee versus starting your own business. Staci breaks down how she overcame the biggest risk of opening a brokerage.●    [17:38] Embracing the broker lifestyle and being a solo broker were the biggest challenges she experienced (and still struggles with) as a new mortgage broker.●    [21:07] “Before I became a broker, I did no more than $15 million in a year… my year last year was about $27 million.” — Staci Stanley●    [25:38] Staci sheds light on the expenses of a mortgage brokerage, from clients’ credit reports to marketing and technology, and how expenses might shape your business model. Plus, she speaks on why she’s starting to outsource some of her work.●    [29:42] What does the future hold for Staci and Access Home Loans? Up until now, it’s been all about money and financial stability for her… but now, it’s becoming more about maximizing her free time and decreasing stress.●    [34:38] As a broker, you’re in control… and there’s many benefits to that!●    [37:24] Do you wish you had made the switch to entrepreneurship sooner? Staci says yes and no…●    [39:55] There certainly are hurdles you have to just over to open your own brokerage,

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
12 Ratings

12 Ratings

Leb5056 ,

Great information!!

I’m starting my own business and the information I received has really helped me!

SHord3 ,

Everyone needs to listen to this podcast

I’ve listened to a lot of podcasts, and this one is by far the best of them all. The amount of value each episode provides is outstanding. Megan and Andres provide real, practical advice, and are open and honest about the struggles they have faced building their businesses. If you want to learn how to be a business owner and a good leader, you must start listening to this podcast!

sstoner13 ,

The more you know.......

The CoLab is an informative, entertaining, and all-around awesome podcast. Great listen for anyone looking to better themselves regardless of where they are on their journey. These guys are so passionate about what they do and it shows. Thank you for all the insight, keep up the good work!

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