The Freedom Chasers Podcast The Freedom Chasers

Welcome, fellow adventure-seekers, to another thrilling journey in the world of real estate! Today, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the enigmatic Jay Bourgana, a real estate industry powerhouse who has skyrocketed his business from zero to a staggering $350 million in annual sales. Join me as we dive into the captivating story of Jay's rise to success and uncover the secrets behind developing a strong team and cultivating a culture of growth and contribution.
Our adventure begins with Jay Bourgana sharing his extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to becoming a titan of the real estate industry. With a twinkle in his eyes, Jay reveals that his success was not built overnight. It required relentless hard work and a harmonious fusion of marketing, sales, talent recruitment, and effective processes. But at the heart of it all, he emphasizes the paramount importance of developing a strong team.
Jay's secret to building a dream team lies in aligning his business and team with shared values of growth and contribution. He passionately believes in fulfilling his own potential while inspiring others to do the same. With a captivating smile, Jay shares how he seeks out individuals who possess the hunger to learn, grow, and contribute. Those who are selfish and unwilling to develop are left by the wayside, for he understands that shared values are the bedrock of a successful team.
Ah, the common conundrum of churn in agent businesses. Jay delves into this challenge with an air of wisdom, enlightening us on how understanding and articulating the team's values from top to bottom is the key to retention. He invites us into his treasure trove of insights, where he unveils the importance of creating a strong team culture. With a playful glimmer in his eyes, Jay reveals his method of identifying common interests and preferences among team members, akin to a master archaeologist unearthing hidden treasures. By merging these shared passions with the team's values, a harmonious culture is formed, weaving a tight-knit tapestry of loyalty and commitment.
Prepare to be captivated by a fascinating revelation from the multifamily industry! Jay regales us with tales of luxury developers who invest in creating spaces and organizing activities that foster social connections among tenants. As we ponder the implications, Jay applies this concept to his team, revealing his masterstroke of dedicating someone to connect new team members with as many people as possible. The camaraderie that blossoms from these connections creates a sense of family within the team, binding them together and fortifying their commitment.
Jay's thirst for knowledge knows no bounds. He shares his passion for learning from diverse sources, including religious texts and renowned leadership books. With a playful wink, Jay reveals that inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places. The book "Sticky Churches" becomes his guide in developing a culture of connection within his business, despite not being religious himself. He invites us to embrace the power of continuous learning, drawing from the wisdom of great thinkers like Dale Carnegie and John C. Maxwell.
As we approach the climax of our journey, Jay unveils the core elements that drive team performance and fulfillment: mastery, autonomy, and a higher mission. His eyes sparkle with conviction as he shares the profound truth that money alone is not the key to motivating employees effectively. Instead, he invites us to embark on a soul-stirring quest for personal growth,mastery of our craft, and a sense of purpose that ignites the flames of passion within us.
We reach the end of our adventure, wiser and more inspired than ever before. Jay Bourgana's story has woven a captivating tapestry, painting a vivid picture of how to build a real estate empire that stands the test of time. Through the power of a strong team and a thriving culture, Jay has conquered the...

Welcome, fellow adventurers of the real estate realm! Today, I have an extraordinary tale to share with you—a story of transformation, tenacity, and triumph in the unpredictable world of property dealings. So, grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and join me on this captivating journey as we unravel the secret behind Susanna's rapid rise in the real estate industry. Get ready to discover how she conquered objections, closed deals, and achieved extraordinary results, all while leaving an indelible mark on the captivating landscape of this field.
Imagine a world where dreams collide and unexpected opportunities arise. In the heart of Susanna Medrano, a young and ambitious student pursuing government and Mexican American studies, an adventure awaited. Little did she know, her life was about to take an exciting turn. One fateful day, a close friend and the president of Waters International Realty, Bradley Pounds, recognized something remarkable in Susanna. He saw the fire in her eyes and offered her a role in the real estate world—a proposition she simply couldn't resist.
Susanna's odyssey began in 2013, when she embarked on her journey with Waters International Realty as a buyer agent. Armed with determination and an insatiable thirst for knowledge, she honed her fundamental skills: prospecting, overcoming objections, and sealing the deal. In her very first year, Susanna weaved her magic, guiding 45 families to their dream homes and amassing an impressive $12 million in property sales. Talk about hitting the ground running!
As Susanna's prowess grew, her colleagues and peers couldn't help but take notice. Agents from every corner sought her guidance, eagerly following in her footsteps. Recognizing her natural leadership abilities, Waters International Realty tapped her to train other agents, catapulting her into the role of director of sales for the brokerage. Challenges awaited her in this new chapter—learning to detach from outcomes, engaging in difficult conversations, and shaping a legacy as a true leader. However, Susana thrived, embracing every opportunity to shape the future of her team.
After four years of leading the charge at Waters International Realty, Susanna embarked on a new adventure—a journey that would take her beyond borders and onto a national stage. Stepping into the role of a national sales and leadership coach, she oversaw offices not just in Austin but in various locations across the country. Susanna's influence and expertise continued to ripple through the real estate industry, inspiring agents far and wide to reach new heights.
Ah, the secret sauce behind Susanna's resounding success—75% of it lies in the unparalleled model provided by Waters International Realty. This unique model empowers agents to grow and progress within their careers at their own pace. Starting as buyer agents, they master the art of lead generation and establish their expertise. Once a certain level of transactions is achieved, agents have the freedom to cross-train into the listing side. Whether their heart lies in buying or listing, this model unleashes the power for agents to choose their own path to success and happiness.
Lead flow—the lifeblood of any real estate endeavor—pulses through the veins of Waters International Realty. Susanna vividly recalls the vibrant atmosphere within the brokerage, where a resounding gong reverberates each time an appointment is set. Music, ranging from the soulful melodies of country to the infectious beats of rap, fills the air, creating a vivacious and pulsating workplace. The brokerage recognizes that making countless phone calls can be a formidable task, and so, they infuse the work environment with joy and exuberance, ensuring agents thrive in an atmosphere that is both productive and enjoyable.
Culture and hiring practices—the bedrock of any organization's success—are fundamental cornerstones at Waters International Realty. Susanna...

Imagine standing at the precipice of helplessness, surrounded by chaos and uncertainty, with metal protruding from your face and back. This was the reality that Chris Warnes faced at just 21 years old in war-torn Baghdad. But what emerged from this pivotal moment was a remarkable transformation, as Chris embarked on a journey to develop a rock-solid mindset capable of withstanding any challenge. In this engaging interview, we delve into Chris's inspiring story of overcoming deep-rooted trauma and healing his mind, unlocking the secrets to fortitude, maturity, and resilience.
On that fateful day in 2006, Chris Warnes found himself face-to-face with the harsh realities of combat. The injuries he sustained, both physical and emotional, would forever alter his life. As he candidly admits, he initially gave up and felt utterly helpless. But little did he know that this very moment would become the catalyst for his personal growth and development. It was through the crucible of adversity that Chris began his journey towards maturity and fortitude.
Fortitude, as Chris explains, encompasses not only maturity but also mindset. Over the years, he has diligently worked on his personal growth, achieving tangible accomplishments while cultivating intangible qualities. Drawing parallels with making money, maintaining fitness, building relationships, and cultivating leadership abilities, Chris emphasizes that mindset development requires consistent practice and experience. Just like building muscles or honing a skill, it takes time and repetition.
While Chris's physical injuries required a mere three weeks of recovery, the real battle he faced lay in the deep-rooted trauma that extended far beyond that single day. His combat experience spanned over 25 months during his five-year military career, leaving lasting emotional scars. After transitioning to civilian life, Chris confronted anger issues and recognized the need to seek help. Despite the military culture discouraging such requests, he reached out to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), setting forth on a path to heal his mind.
Through extensive research, Chris discovered the transformative potential of meditation in healing deep-rooted trauma. Initially met with challenges and skepticism, he persevered, recognizing that true healing takes time. Meditation became his refuge, a practice that gradually enhanced his ability to control anger, cultivate emotional intelligence, and maintain composure. Chris shares his journey of self-discovery, emphasizing the importance of patience and consistent effort in overcoming trauma.
With over a decade of meditation and other healing practices under his belt, Chris has made remarkable progress in healing his mind and finding inner peace. Though remnants of his trauma may still linger, he understands that understanding and controlling emotions play a pivotal role in the healing process. Chris takes pride in witnessing others embrace these practices and experience positive transformations in their own lives. He is a living testament to the power of mindset and resilience.
Chris Warnes's journey from combat wounds to mindset mastery is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Through his experiences, he discovered that true fortitude and maturity are nurtured through perseverance, practice, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth. Chris's story reminds us that regardless of the challenges we face, with the right mindset, we can overcome even the deepest wounds and emerge stronger than ever before. So, let us embark on our own journeys of self-discovery, harnessing the power of a rock-solid mindset to conquer whatever obstacles lie in our path.
Don't forget to reach out to Chris Warnes:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christopher.warnes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warrior.consulting/
Website: a href="https://chriswarnes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Hey there, fellow entrepreneurs! Today, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the remarkable Stephanie Brackett, known as the "queen of clarity" in the business world. With her expertise in creating systems for scaling businesses, Stephanie shared invaluable insights on the importance of laying a strong foundation before focusing on growth. Get ready to embark on a captivating journey as we dive into the world of business systems, administrative professionals, and the secrets to success!
In Mike McCallowitz's book "Fix This Next," he states that many business owners don't even know what their biggest problem is. Stephanie kicks off our conversation by shedding light on a commonly overlooked challenge: the lack of systems and processes. She explains how countless businesses forge ahead without a solid foundation, only to encounter obstacles and hindrances when attempting to grow. Stephanie emphasizes the critical nature of building a robust system before setting your sights on expansion.
I probe Stephanie on how business owners with some level of success can document their existing processes. Stephanie reveals the secret: hire an administrative professional! She emphasizes that successful entrepreneurs rarely have the time or inclination to document every process themselves. By bringing in an administrative whiz, business owners can have their unique knowledge and expertise translated into tangible systems and processes.
The cost of hiring an administrative professional is a hot topic, and Stephanie shares insights from her colleague, Christy Belt Grossman. According to Christy, a great admin hire should bring back three times their salary through their work on systems and processes. That's right, their contributions should generate a significant return on investment! Stephanie explains how building systems that contribute to the bottom line of the business, like generating referrals and reviews, can make the admin's role financially valuable.
I wonder how much instruction a business owner should provide to an admin during the system-building process. Stephanie explains that a competent admin can identify the business's critical needs within about 30 days of observation. Armed with this knowledge, they can dive in and determine where systems and processes are required. Stephanie draws from her own experience of recognizing a need for a sign installer in her previous real estate team and taking swift action to address it.
Stephanie delves into the personality traits that make a good fit for the admin role. While different personality types can excel in this position, one key attribute stands out: drive. Stephanie believes that drive is inherent and cannot be taught, but motivation can help individuals improve their level of drive. She also shares her journey of embracing risk and how it has positively impacted her professional growth. Surprisingly, Stephanie unveils the ideal combination of a risk-averse and driven personality for building systems without taking on the risks associated with starting a business.
Stephanie enlightens us on the significance of trust in a working relationship. By giving individuals enough responsibility and autonomy, mentors can develop trust and enable their team members to become reflections of themselves. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of effective communication and understanding the preferences and priorities of those being supported. The ultimate goal? Delegate tasks and responsibilities to free up the mentor's time for more strategic work, igniting growth in the business.
Motivation plays a vital role in retaining top talent, and Stephanie shares her insights on fostering loyalty within a team. She believes that creating opportunities for team members beyond their regular job duties, such as partnering in investments or providing additional financial incentives can nurture long-term commitment. Stephanie shares personal experiences of...

Hey there, fellow adventurers! Matt here, your trusty guide to all things real estate and entrepreneurship. Today, I've got an exciting tale to share with you about the secrets to building a harmonious and cohesive team environment. So buckle up and get ready for a journey filled with personal connections, shared interests, and a dash of mountain biking!
Picture this: a bustling real estate agency called MHC Realty, standing tall with a team of six agents, led by the charismatic and insightful Jerod Lee. Their mission? Serving their community and providing exceptional care to homebuyers and sellers. But here's the twist—they don't just want to establish rapport; they aim to build lasting friendships based on shared interests and priorities. Talk about taking the real estate game to a whole new level!
Now, you might be wondering, how does Jerod manage to create such a harmonious and cohesive environment within his team? Well, my curious wanderers, let me unveil the secrets to his success.
First and foremost, Jerod understands the importance of treating team members as friends. He believes that by fostering strong relationships and creating a collaborative and supportive work environment, the team can thrive together. Imagine going to work every day surrounded by people who feel like family—sounds like a dream, doesn't it?
But that's not all. Jerod's approach extends beyond his team; he incorporates his personal interests and activities into client interactions. Picture this: instead of your typical client appreciation events, Jerod organizes gatherings around activities he genuinely loves, like mountain biking or catching a movie. By engaging in shared interests and hobbies, he forges a stronger bond with his clients and creates an integrated experience that goes beyond the transactional nature of real estate.
Now, let's zoom in on Jerod's interactions. He loves both one-on-one conversations and group settings. When he engages in deep discussions on topics like politics, religion, or child-rearing, he delves into the profound and thought-provoking. It's through these conversations that deeper connections and understandings are formed. But Jerod is no stranger to the power of group dynamics either. He relishes bringing like-minded individuals together for a good time, fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared laughter.
But how does he expand his network, you ask? Initially, Jerod relied on organic methods, steering clear of social media. However, he eventually embraced platforms like YouTube and podcasting, where he could showcase their activities and interests. These platforms attract people who resonate with their lifestyle, creating a space for genuine connections. And hey, who doesn't love a good podcast that offers real and honest answers, not just sales pitches?
Speaking of podcasts, Jerod and his fellow agent, Dr. Bledsoe, started their own show. Their goal? Sharing their personalities, providing educational content, and building credibility within the multifamily real estate industry. They wanted to strike a balance between being relatable and informative, creating a valuable resource for potential clients. And who knows, as their podcast grows, their community might provide them with even more questions and topics to explore.
Now, let's embark on a different adventure—the story of Jerod's upbringing in a Navy family. Moving frequently brought both positives and negatives to his life. The exposure to different cultures, food, and recreational opportunities was exhilarating, but maintaining lifelong friendships posed a challenge. Eventually, Jerod settled down in Boise, Idaho, a place that captured his heart with its cultural richness, outdoor adventures, and diverse seasons. Trust me, folks, Boise sounds like a slice of paradise!
But let's not forget the core of Jerod's business—matching clients with agents who share similar personalities and priorities.

Hey there, fellow adventurers! Join me on a captivating journey as we dive into the transformative power of delegation and the art of crafting an authentic personal brand. Today, we're accompanied by the vibrant and dynamic Mandy More, a seasoned business owner with a PR company that has thrived for over 15 years. Mandy will regale us with tales of her struggles, triumphs, and how she found her way to real estate investing. So buckle up, my wanderlust-driven friends, and let's embark on this exhilarating adventure!
In 2019, Mandy found herself in a hospital bed, shivering with cold and struggling to consume even a sip of water. Initially brushing off her symptoms as mere exhaustion, she soon realized there was more to her condition. Despite the doctors attributing her ailments to dehydration, Mandy couldn't shake the feeling that something deeper was at play. Little did she know, this hospital incident would serve as a profound turning point in her approach to business and life.
Before her hospitalization, Mandy's days were a whirlwind of activity, juggling multiple businesses alongside her PR company. Client meetings, campaign strategies, and jet-setting as a luxury magazine editor were just the tip of the iceberg. Ah, the glamorous facade often masks the exhaustion and lack of time for basic necessities like a good meal or spending time with loved ones. Mandy's schedule devoured her life, leaving little room for balance.
Facing the contradiction between her demanding workload and the doctor's advice, Mandy discovered the importance of health and its undeniable impact on success. But being the dedicated businesswoman she is, Mandy's sense of responsibility to her team and clients pulled her back into the frenzy of her hectic routine. It would take a couple of months for the true gravity of her situation to sink in.
Mandy, ever the visionary, realized that she had become the bottleneck in her own company's growth. The key to progress lay in relinquishing control and empowering her talented team members with ownership and accountability. But transitioning from operator to owner was no easy feat. The fear of tasks not being handled as effectively as she would loomed large, especially when dealing with high-profile clients like the Kardashians. However, with strategic planning and careful team selection, she found her way to success.
As the conversation delves into the challenges of adapting to changing social media platforms and younger demographics, Mandy reveals the need to strike a delicate balance. Navigating the generational gap in communication styles and understanding can be tricky, particularly when delegating responsibilities like social media management. As the face of the company, Mandy feels the weight of representing the brand to clients and ensuring a harmonious approach.
Mandy's insights on branding are nothing short of illuminating. It's not just about logos and colors; it's about telling compelling stories that resonate with your audience. Crafting an emotional connection and making clients feel a certain way during their interactions is the essence of powerful branding. Mandy shares how assertive and aggressive personalities can transform their strengths into positive client experiences, debunking the myth that certain personalities are incompatible with creating comfort.
Real estate became a beacon of financial stability and freedom for Mandy. After experiencing burnout, she realized that investing in properties could generate passive income and create a business that didn't demand her constant presence. Her journey into real estate started as a desire to help young professionals invest wisely, shifting the focus from chasing material possessions to building a solid financial foundation.
Mandy's greatest strength lies in her ability to communicate and earn clients' trust. With a keen eye for market trends and a knack for foresight, she has guided her...