The Local Lens

Jamie Forrest

Welcome to "The Local Lens," the podcast dedicated to bringing the community of South Dakota together. Hosted by experienced realtor Jamie Forrest, this podcast shines a spotlight on what makes our region a fantastic place to live. In each episode, Jamie brings star guests and delves into the vibrant local culture, highlights community events, and offers invaluable advice for current and prospective homeowners. From understanding the real estate market to sharing tips on community living, "The Local Lens" is your go-to resource for making the most of South Dakota.

  1. Home Staging Tips and AI in Real Estate with Krisztina Bell - EP 15

    Jan 8

    Home Staging Tips and AI in Real Estate with Krisztina Bell - EP 15

    Join Jamie Forest and Krisztina Bell in this insightful episode of The Local Lens. Krisztina Bell  shares her expertise on home staging and design trends, explaining how painting, staging, and AI tools can drastically improve a home’s appeal and marketability.Krisztina Bell  discusses top trending paint colors, the shift to warm tones, and the rising popularity of virtual staging, all while offering tips on how to make your home stand out to buyers. 🎧 Hosted by: Jamie Forest 🎤 Featuring: Krisztina Bell  Krisztina Bell is the founder of No Vacancy Home Staging in Atlanta and a nationally recognized expert in real estate staging and marketing. Named one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Real Estate Staging by RESA, her work has been featured in Realtor® Magazine, Redfin, and Apartment Therapy. She teaches home staging at Emory University, leads continuing education classes for agents, and partners with the nonprofit Furnish With Love to design homes for families transitioning out of homelessness. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Maximizing your home’s ROI through simple and effective paint choices ✔️ The importance of neutral and warm tones in staging ✔️ Virtual staging vs. traditional staging – which is right for you? ✔️ How to choose trending fixtures and hardware without overdoing it ✔️ The emerging role of AI in staging and real estate marketing 📇 Connect with Krisztina Bell : 🌎 Website → https://www.novacancy-atl.com/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/krisztinabell 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/krisztinabell 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/krisztinabell/ 🎙 Follow Jamie Forrest: 🌎 Website → https://jamieforrest.exprealty.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/JamieEXPRealty 🔗 LinkedIn → https://jamieforrest.exprealty.com/ 📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

    31 min
  2. Building Community and Real Estate Success in the Black Hills with Tristan Emond - EP 14

    09/18/2025

    Building Community and Real Estate Success in the Black Hills with Tristan Emond - EP 14

    In this episode of The Local Lens, Jamie Forrest interviews Tristan Emond, a real estate expert from the Black Hills, South Dakota. Tristan, along with his wife, runs Mindful Living Realty, where they focus on blending cutting-edge technology with a personal, client-first approach. Learn about their transition into real estate, how they balance family and business, and the unique way they market the Black Hills lifestyle. Tristan also shares insights on how authenticity is key to their success and gives tips for new agents. 🎧 Hosted by: Jamie Forrest 🎙 Featuring: Tristan Emond – Real Estate Professional Tristan Emond is a seasoned real estate professional with over 19 years of experience in the industry. As the Broker/Owner of Mindful Living Realty in Rapid City, South Dakota, he leads The Emond Team, which includes his wife Sarah and their son Michael. Tristan specializes in assisting first-time homebuyers, military families relocating to Ellsworth Air Force Base, and clients seeking vacation homes or navigating relocation. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ The journey from a hardware business to real estate ✔️ How Tristan and his wife balance roles as a husband-and-wife team ✔️ Effective marketing strategies that highlight the Black Hills lifestyle ✔️ How Tristan uses tech to stay connected with clients ✔️ The current state of the real estate market in the Black Hills ✔️ Local gems in Rapid City and the Black Hills region ✔️ Tips for staying authentic while using high-tech tools in business 📇 Connect with Tristan Emond: 🌎 Website → http://www.rapidhomesonline.com/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/tristanemond 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/rapidcityhomesonline 🎙 Follow Jamie Forrest: 🌎 Website → https://jamieforrest.exprealty.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/JamieEXPRealty 🔗 LinkedIn → https://jamieforrest.exprealty.com/ 📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

    21 min
  3. Financial Planning for Rural America: Taylor Zemlicka's Guide to Smart Investing - EP 13

    08/07/2025

    Financial Planning for Rural America: Taylor Zemlicka's Guide to Smart Investing - EP 13

    Join host Jamie Forest and financial advisor Taylor Zemlicka in this episode of The Local Lens, where Taylor shares his expertise on navigating the unique financial challenges and opportunities of rural America. From his transition from football to finance to offering valuable insights on budgeting, real estate investing, and long-term wealth building, Taylor’s advice is tailored to young professionals and families seeking financial stability. 🎧 Hosted by: Jamie Forest 🎙 Featuring: Taylor Zemlicka – Registered Financial Advisor at Northwestern Mutual Investment Services 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Taylor’s path from football to financial advising ✔️ Overcoming the financial challenges of rural living ✔️ How to use real estate investments as a wealth-building tool ✔️ The importance of creating diversified financial plans ✔️ Smart budgeting strategies for young families ✔️ Tips for planning long-term financial goals with minimal upfront costs 🎬 Tune in for expert advice on investing, financial literacy, and managing money in small communities. 📇 Connect with Taylor Zemlicka: 🔗 LinkedIn → ​​https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-zemlicka-51a98957/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/zemlicka4/ 🎙 Follow Jamie Forrest: 🌎 Website → https://jamieforrest.exprealty.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/JamieEXPRealty 🔗 LinkedIn → https://jamieforrest.exprealty.com/ 📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

    23 min
  4. From Hospitality to Real Estate: Emily Tupa's Journey in Rapid City - EP 12

    07/24/2025

    From Hospitality to Real Estate: Emily Tupa's Journey in Rapid City - EP 12

    Join Jamie Forest as she interviews Emily Tupa, an experienced real estate agent from Rapid City. Emily shares her unique journey from working in hospitality to transitioning into real estate, highlighting how her background in event planning and customer service enhances her ability to serve clients. They dive into the importance of community, being a local expert, and how real estate is more about building lasting relationships than simply closing deals. 🎧 Hosted by: Jamie Forest 🎙 Guest: Emily Tupa - Real estate professional based in Rapid City Emily Tupa is an accomplished real estate professional based in Rapid City, South Dakota, with a career marked by dedication, client advocacy, and a deep understanding of the local market. As a Broker Associate at RE/MAX Advantage since May 2016, she has built a reputation for her personalized approach, clear communication, and exceptional service that consistently earns her five-star reviews from clients. Emily’s professional journey began with a strong foundation in hospitality, having earned her Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality and Tourism from the University of North Dakota. She later served as Director of Catering at the Holiday Inn Rushmore Plaza, where she honed her skills in customer service and event coordination—skills that translated seamlessly into real estate. Her transition into real estate more than 18 years ago has been marked by consistent success and growth, fueled by her passion for helping individuals and families navigate one of the most important financial decisions of their lives. Emily is also known for her involvement in community initiatives and her commitment to continuing education, staying ahead of market trends and regulatory changes to better serve her clients. Her professional integrity, market insight, and unwavering commitment to client success have made her a trusted name in the South Dakota real estate community. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Emily’s career shift from event planning to real estate ✔️ How a background in hospitality sets Emily apart as an agent ✔️ Why local community involvement is key to success in real estate ✔️ The true role of an agent: creating a seamless client experience ✔️ The importance of networking and connecting people within the community ✔️ How Emily balances her busy career while maintaining personal connections ✔️ What new agents can learn from Emily’s journey 📇 Connect with Emily Tupa: 🌐 Facebook → https://emily-tupa.remax.com/ 📱 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/emilytupa_realtor/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/CareBeyondClosing/ 🎙 Follow Jamie Forrest: 🌎 Website → https://jamieforrest.exprealty.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/JamieEXPRealty 🔗 LinkedIn → https://jamieforrest.exprealty.com/ 📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

    24 min
  5. The Power of Social Media & First-Time Homebuyers with Molly Hopper - EP 11

    07/10/2025

    The Power of Social Media & First-Time Homebuyers with Molly Hopper - EP 11

    In this episode of The Local Lens, Jamie Forrest chats with South Dakota real estate agent Molly Hopper, whose real estate journey began as a secretary in her grandfather’s office. Now a successful agent in Huron, Molly shares how she’s grown her business using social media, how she guides first-time homebuyers through the process, and what sellers need to know to prep their homes for the market. It’s a grounded, insightful conversation packed with value for realtors and clients alike. 🎧 Hosted by: Jamie Forrest 🎙️ Guest: Molly Hopper – Licensed Real Estate Agent Molly Hopper is a top-performing Realtor based in Huron, South Dakota, with over 6 years of experience and more than $33 million in closed sales. A Huron native and proud mom of two, she combines deep local knowledge with relentless client dedication. 💡 Key Topics Covered: ✔️ The role of social media in building a personal brand ✔️ Challenges of small-market real estate ✔️ How to empower first-time homebuyers ✔️ Preparing your home for sale: What matters most ✔️ Building long-term client relationships 📇 Connect with Molly Hopper: 🌐 Website → https://elevatehuron.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/molly.shelton.10/ 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/keepingitrealestatewithmolly/ 📧 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-shelton-997373232/ 🎙 Follow Jamie Forrest: 🌎 Website → https://jamieforrest.exprealty.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/JamieEXPRealty 🔗 LinkedIn → https://jamieforrest.exprealty.com/ 🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! 💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

    16 min
  6. The Queen of Custom Tours: Carrie Gerlach's Visionary Journey in the Black Hills - EP 10

    06/26/2025

    The Queen of Custom Tours: Carrie Gerlach's Visionary Journey in the Black Hills - EP 10

    In this episode of The Local Lens, Jamie Forrest sits down with Carrie Gerlach, founder of Black Hills Adventure Tours, to explore her entrepreneurial journey from British Columbia to South Dakota. Carrie shares how she built a successful tour company rooted in sustainability, strong community ties, and personalized travel experiences. From launching military welcome tours to customizing itineraries for travelers from all walks of life, Carrie reveals what makes her company a standout in the tourism industry. She also offers insider tips on must-see Black Hills destinations and how to get the most out of your visit. 🎧 Hosted by: Jamie Forrest 👤 Guest: Carrie Gerlach – Founder of Black Hills Adventure Tours Carrie Gerlach brings a background in tourism and a passion for community engagement to her work as founder of Black Hills Adventure Tours. Known for her customer-first philosophy and dedication to eco-tourism, Carrie crafts memorable travel experiences that celebrate South Dakota’s beauty and culture. 💡 Key Topics Covered: ✔️ Carrie’s move from Canada and her early business journey ✔️ How Black Hills Adventure Tours began and evolved ✔️ Forming local partnerships and giving back to the community ✔️ Building sustainability into the heart of the business ✔️ Military welcome tours and their special meaning ✔️ Creating customized tour experiences for diverse guests ✔️ Carrie’s approach to staffing, training, and service ✔️ Her top picks for must-see Black Hills attractions 📇 Connect with Carrie Gerlach: 🌐 Website → http://www.blackhillsadventuretours.com/ 📱 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/blackhillsadventuretours/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-bowers-0040574b/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/blackhillsadventuretours/ 🎙 Follow Jamie Forrest: 🌎 Website → https://jamieforrest.exprealty.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/JamieEXPRealty 🔗 LinkedIn → https://jamieforrest.exprealty.com/ 🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! 💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

    30 min
  7. Buying, Selling, and Giving Back: How Seth Malott Balances Real Estate with Purpose! - EP 9

    06/12/2025

    Buying, Selling, and Giving Back: How Seth Malott Balances Real Estate with Purpose! - EP 9

    In this episode of The Local Lens, Jamie Forrest interviews Seth Malott, a veteran real estate agent based in Rapid City with over 17 years of experience. Seth opens up about his path into real estate, local market dynamics, and the impact of external forces like the Air Force base and short-term rentals. What truly sets him apart is his mission-driven mindset—he’s deeply involved in community efforts like Tour Delights and hosts the Sober City podcast, where he shares powerful stories of recovery and hope. Whether you're in real estate or just looking for life inspiration, this episode is a must-listen. 🎧 Hosted by: Jamie Forrest 👤 Guest: Seth Malott – Realtor & Community Advocate Seth Malott brings over 17 years of real estate experience and a heart for service to his work. Based in Rapid City, he combines real estate knowledge with a strong sense of community, reflected in his podcast Sober City and various outreach programs. 💡 Key Topics Covered: ✔️ Seth's unique journey into real estate ✔️ Market insights for buyers and sellers in Rapid City ✔️ How the Air Force base influences the local housing market ✔️ The rising challenges of vacation rentals ✔️ Creative marketing strategies for real estate success ✔️ Tour Delights: Combining home tours with community giving ✔️ Why Seth started the Sober City podcast ✔️ Positivity, gratitude, and resilience as tools for life 📇 Connect with Seth Malott: 📱 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sethsgrams/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/searchwithseth/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/sobercitypod 🎙 Follow Jamie Forrest: 🌎 Website → https://jamieforrest.exprealty.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/JamieEXPRealty 🔗 LinkedIn → https://jamieforrest.exprealty.com/ 🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! 💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

    29 min
  8. Transform Your Home with These Must-Know Design Secrets with Kelsie Ehresmann! - EP 8

    05/29/2025

    Transform Your Home with These Must-Know Design Secrets with Kelsie Ehresmann! - EP 8

    In this episode of The Local Lens, host Jamie Forrest speaks with Kelsie Ehresmann, founder of Crafted Interiors and a 21-year veteran of the interior design industry. Kelsie shares her journey from aspiring designer to local business owner and talks about current trends, creating meaningful client experiences, and why professional installation is crucial to successful design. Whether you’re redesigning a room or seeking new ideas, this episode is packed with tips to help you transform your home with purpose and style. 🎧 Hosted by: Jamie Forrest 👤 Guest: Kelsie Ehresmann – Founder of Crafted Interiors Kelsie Ehresmann is an expert interior designer known for combining style and function through personalized design. At her Aberdeen-based studio, Crafted Interiors, she helps clients turn their houses into dream homes. 💡 Key Topics Covered: ✔️ Kelsie’s 21-year journey in interior design ✔️ What makes a great customer experience in design ✔️ Today’s most popular interior design trends ✔️ The critical role of installation in any project ✔️ Inspiration through real-life projects and client stories 📇 Connect with Kelsie Ehresmann: 🌐 Website → https://craftedinteriorssd.com/ 📱 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/kelsieehresmann/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsie-ehresmann-88b82b342/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/kelsie.ehresmann/ 🎙 Follow Jamie Forrest: 🌎 Website → https://jamieforrest.exprealty.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/JamieEXPRealty 🔗 LinkedIn → https://jamieforrest.exprealty.com/ 🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! 💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

    14 min
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About

Welcome to "The Local Lens," the podcast dedicated to bringing the community of South Dakota together. Hosted by experienced realtor Jamie Forrest, this podcast shines a spotlight on what makes our region a fantastic place to live. In each episode, Jamie brings star guests and delves into the vibrant local culture, highlights community events, and offers invaluable advice for current and prospective homeowners. From understanding the real estate market to sharing tips on community living, "The Local Lens" is your go-to resource for making the most of South Dakota.

Information

  • Creator
    Jamie Forrest
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jamie Forrest
  • Show Website
    The Local Lens