Next Level Agents: The Kevin & Fred Show - Interviews with the best and brightest minds in the real estate industry

Kevin Kauffman and Fred Weaver
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Interviews from the best and brightest minds in the real estate industry. We cover topics like Investing, listings, buyers, brokerage, technology, entrepreneurship and so much more. Brought to you by KevinandFred.com

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    What Brokers Know That Agents Don’t: Crockpot Money & The Value of Our Influence w/Chris Bowers

    In real estate, there’s 2 governing philosophies. Earn more by selling more or buy back time and treat it as a business. In simpler terms - microwave money vs. crockpot money. You’re either cheating by taking more listings or seeking ways to earn money without being at the kitchen table. If you’re the one actively doing the work everyday, you’ll never get to buy your time back and pursue other opportunities outside of selling homes.    Unsurprisingly, most brokerages want us doing the former, but like athletes, many of us are starting to wake up to how valuable our brands are. Brokerages have known this for ages - why do you think they are willing to pay top producers to stay?    Maybe, just maybe, we’re more valuable than our caps. Maybe we have intrinsic value through our relationships and reputations, and that’s something we can leverage. How do we really leverage our influence? How do we actually treat this as a business? Chris Bowers joins me to talk about the thing most agents are starting to realize that brokerages have known it for ages.  Quotes    There are no business issues, there’s personal issues that lead into your business. -Chris Bowers    We committed to not let our income be dependent on sitting in someone’s living room. -Kevin Kauffman     If you keep an open mind, there’s people that can teach you something everywhere. -Kevin Kauffman     Once something changes your life, you feel like you’ve got to go out and stream it. -Chris Bowers     When you align incentives with human behavior, you get the things you want more of. -Kevin Kauffman     Influence is a currency, there’s nothing wrong with that as long as you have good intentions. -Chris Bowers    Key Points     A real estate rude awakening When you listen into a lot of real estate conversations, you discover how very few of us actually treat this thing as a business. Most people cheat growth by taking more listings, instead of building a machine that we can step out of and still make money from. We were willing to make less money in order to build that machine and it has afforded us an enormous amount of free time and opportunities outside of real estate sales.    The value of our influence  For athletes, there was a moment when it clicked that they are a brand, and that the influence they yield is something worth paying a lot of money for. That’s when they started getting into bigger business deals. In real estate, the same awakening is taking place. Agents realize they have influence and that influence is valuable. Brokerages have known it for ages, but it’s starting to really hit agents like a ton of bricks. Influence is a currency, there’s nothing wrong with that as long as you have good intentions.     Crockpot money vs. microwave money There’s 2 modes in real estate - crockpot money and microwave money. In microwave money mode, we’re thinking of the next deal and commission check that will help us pay our bills. In crockpot money, we’re thinking of those long-term slow burn ways to make money. Now don’t get us wrong, the microwave mode is important, we need it to get going, but we can’t stay there forever. The problem with this industry is people don’t make the switch, they get trapped into next month’s deals forever, no matter how much money they make and they never plug into crockpot mode.     I couldn’t get over not wanting to swipe my friends’ credit cards  The thing about eXp is that it’s like picking a board of directors for our business without swiping your friends’ credit cards every month. We’re incentivized to be each other’s go to guys - whether we need 30 seconds or 40 minutes. We get to have high level advisors in our businesses for free, and because of how it’s structured, we all benefit from that.      Follow ⁠@chrisbowers_realestate⁠ on Instagram and listen to agentXcel on ⁠ Apple Podcasts⁠ or ⁠Spotify⁠.     CTA ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla

    1h 14m

  2. 6 DAYS AGO

    The 55-Minute Rule: Why Defining Problems Is More Valuable Than Solving Them (Clarity as a Competitive Advantage)

    Most agents throw money, time, and energy at problems without ever stopping to define what the actual problem is. The result? You end up solving symptoms instead of root causes—and the same issues keep showing up in different forms. In this solo episode, Kevin Kauffman breaks down Einstein's 55-minute rule and Kindlin's Law to show you why clarity is the most underrated multiplier in your business. If you've ever felt like you're spinning your wheels on the same challenges, this episode will change how you approach problem-solving forever. Key themes and takeaways: Why Einstein spent 55 minutes defining problems and only 5 minutes solving them Kindlin's Law: if you can write a problem down clearly, you've already solved half of it How writing things down reduces complexity and separates signal from noise The leadership question that helps your team solve their own problems: "Is that really true?" A simple weekly exercise to solve problems faster and with less stress Why most business owners are solving symptoms instead of root causes How to turn big, scary problems into solvable puzzles The clarity you seek is on the blank page you're avoiding. Before you call another meeting, spend another dollar, or burn another hour—grab a notebook and define the problem. Watch how quickly the solution reveals itself. Your challenge this week: Pick one problem that's been hanging around your business. Write it down in one sentence. Ask yourself, "Is that really true?" Keep refining until it feels smaller, clearer, and more specific. That's when you'll know exactly what to do next. Ready to surround yourself with agents who think like this? Who challenge conventional thinking and help you get to your next level? Learn more about joining eXp Realty with Next Level Agents at https://nextlevelagents.com/exp/ Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠]⁠

    11 min

  3. 9 OCT

    6 Self-Leadership Steps to Get Unstuck and Build Momentum in Real Estate

    Feeling stuck isn't a sign you're failing. It's a signal that you're ready for the next level. But here's the hard truth: most agents stay stuck because they're waiting for motivation to strike instead of building momentum through action. In this solo episode, host Kevin Kauffman breaks down six practical, actionable steps to diagnose what's holding you back and start moving forward today. These aren't theory or fluff. They're real strategies Kevin learned from his business partner Chris Suarez, co-founder of Place, that work whether you're struggling to hit your goals or just feeling off your game. In this episode, you'll discover: How to diagnose the real reason you're stuck (spoiler: it's not what you think) The "time trick" that helped Kevin lose over 200 pounds—and how it applies to your business Why reconnecting to your "why" is the fuel that makes boring daily tasks bearable How tiny hinges swing big doors (and what that means for your next 10 minutes) The physical hack that resets your mindset when you're spinning your wheels Why external accountability creates movement faster than willpower ever will Real estate demands self-leadership every single day. You're not just running a business—you're leading yourself through uncertainty, market shifts, and the monotonous grind of daily activities. When you lead with clarity, courage, and consistency, that's when momentum builds. That's when freedom shows up. Your challenge this week: Pick one step. Put it into action. Don't let another week slip by feeling stuck. Ready to take your business to the next level? Learn more about Next Level Agents and eXp Realty at https://nextlevelagents.com/exp/ Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠]

    12 min

  4. 6 OCT

    Unmotivated? We can help you fix that

    Feeling stuck, unmotivated, or like you're just going through the motions? This episode will challenge you to look at motivation from a completely different angle—and it might sting a little. Kevin Kauffman and Fred Weaver sit down with Ronnie Doss, author of Colossal Considerations, for a raw conversation about personal development, motivation, and why the work you do on yourself is never just about you. If you've been waiting to feel motivated before taking action, this episode will flip that script and show you why motion determines emotion—not the other way around. Key Themes Why unmotivation is often a sign you're thinking too small The powerful principle that motion determines emotion How stability releases ability in your business and life Why a calm friend doubles your focus while a chaotic one halves your life The difference between being a tugboat and being a lighthouse How to balance personal development with faith and spiritual growth Why feelings aren't facts—and how to interrupt the voices holding you back This isn't surface-level motivation. This is a deep dive into the mindset shifts, daily practices, and hard truths that separate agents who plateau from agents who break through to their next level. Ready to level up? If you're serious about personal growth and want to surround yourself with agents who are committed to becoming better leaders, spouses, parents, and professionals, this is your community. Learn more about Next Level Agents and the eXp opportunity at https://nextlevelagents.com/exp/. Connect with Ronnie Doss: Website: RonnieDoss.com Book: Colossal Considerations https://a.co/d/8ut2HiF About Ronnie Doss: Ronnie Doss is a speaker, coach, and author who has spent 16 years working with teams, corporate audiences, real estate professionals, entrepreneurs, and faith communities. His latest book, Colossal Considerations, is a collection of 101 bite-sized reflections designed to help busy professionals digest powerful insights without overwhelming their schedules. Ronnie's work focuses on helping people interrupt limiting beliefs, renew their mindset, and step into the next version of themselves. Ready to build your next-level team? Learn more about creating systematic success at⁠⁠ nextlevelagents.com/exp Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠

    55 min

  5. 2 OCT

    From Top Producer to Team Leader: The Identity Shift That Changes Everything with Steve Castle

    What if the ceiling preventing your growth isn't the market, your systems, or your skills—but your own identity? Steve Castle spent two years knowing he needed to transition from top producer to team leader before he actually made the leap. The barrier wasn't knowledge or capability. It was the internal work of letting go of who he'd been to become who he needed to be next. In this conversation, Steve breaks down the messy, uncomfortable, and ultimately transformative process of growing his Scottsdale team from 3 agents to 9 (with a goal of 20) and targeting 250 transactions next year. Key Themes Covered: Why the work that lights you up most should become your primary job (and how to know when it's time to make that shift) The financial and psychological barriers that kept Steve stuck for two years—and the specific decision that finally gave him permission to leap How to recruit agents using the exact same process as prospecting for listings (daily calls, rigorous follow-up, handling rejection) The culture-first approach to team building: why Steve only hires people he genuinely likes and how that changes everything The onboarding process that treats new agents like business partners from day one (PLLC setup, QuickBooks training, financial planning) Why "people aren't attached to you—they're attached to service quality" is the truth that sets team leaders free How big goals with short timelines eliminate distractions and force you to become the person capable of achieving them The mindset shifts that matter more than tactics: margin for error, accountability culture, and the death of "buyers are liars" The Bottom Line: Not everyone should build a team. If you don't genuinely light up when others succeed more than when you close your own deals, stay in production. You'll make more money and experience less frustration. But if you're wired to coach, develop, and find fulfillment in watching others grow? Team leadership isn't just profitable—it's the path to doing work that makes you actually want to show up. The trick is being brutally honest with yourself about which category you're in. Ready to explore what building something bigger looks like for your business? Learn more about joining a community of agents making bold moves at nextlevelagents.com/exp. Resources Mentioned: "The Science of Scaling" by Ben Hardy Traction (EOS methodology) Ben Kinney (recruiting and team building approach) Ready to build your next-level team? Learn more about creating systematic success at⁠ nextlevelagents.com/exp

    39 min

  6. 29 SEPT

    How This Team Leader Guarantees Every Agent Sells 20+ Homes Their First Year

    What if failure wasn't an option for agents on your team? Craig Reger has built a revolutionary system where every single agent - including brand-new licensees straight out of real estate school - sells a minimum of 20 homes in their first year. No exceptions. While most teams accept the industry's 90% failure rate as inevitable, Craig's operation closes 500+ units annually across six markets by making success systematic rather than accidental. His approach flips conventional team building on its head, using strategic partnerships, rigorous hiring processes, and non-negotiable standards to create an environment where mediocrity simply can't survive. This episode reveals the controversial strategies, uncomfortable truths, and bold decisions that separate elite teams from the rest of the industry. Key Topics Covered: Why Craig uses Zillow Flex despite 40% commission splits to build agent credibility The three interview behaviors that predict long-term agent success How to set minimum production standards that actually stick The 90-day onboarding system that guarantees results Why expansion can kill your team culture (and how to avoid it) The recruiting strategies generating 10-15 qualified leads monthly Building systems that work without constant supervision The Bottom Line: Stop accepting industry failure rates as normal. When you build the right systems and maintain non-negotiable standards, every agent can succeed. The question is whether you're bold enough to demand excellence from everyone, not just your top performers. Ready to transform your approach to team building? Craig's blueprint proves that systematic success isn't just possible - it's the only sustainable path to scaling a real estate operation. Ready to build your next-level team? Learn more about creating systematic success at nextlevelagents.com/exp Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠

    30 min

  7. 25 SEPT

    How to Turn Google Reviews Into a Lead-Generating Machine with Zero Ad Spend

    What if the secret to dominating your local market wasn't expensive lead generation, but a systematic approach to something most agents treat as an afterthought? Mary Gilbert went from 200 to 380+ Google reviews in just 18 months using her admin team and strategic thinking. The result: measurable inbound calls from prospects saying "we saw you have the most reviews, we want to work with you." She's now closing 200+ transactions annually in a town of only 28,000 people. This episode reveals the counterintuitive psychology of when to ask for reviews, the systematic approach that scales from solo agents to large teams, and how to turn "free" social proof into trackable lead generation that makes your phone ring with listing appointments. Key insights from this episode: • Why asking for reviews during transaction highlights instead of after closing multiplies your success rate • How one transaction can generate 12-15 reviews if you think beyond just buyers and sellers • The automated CRM system that ensures no client falls through the review acquisition cracks • Why character testimonials from industry partners often convert better than transaction-specific feedback • The tracking setup that measures exact ROI from Google-generated leads • How systematic review acquisition creates compound market advantages that separate leaders from competitors Mary's approach challenges everything most agents believe about building their business. Instead of chasing expensive lead sources, she built a relationship leverage system that generates predictable inbound business without any advertising spend. Ready to stop hoping for referrals and start engineering systematic market dominance? This episode gives you the complete playbook for turning Google reviews into your most powerful lead generation machine. Ready to take your business to the next level? Discover game-changing strategies from top-performing agents and join a community of agents who refuse to accept average results. Learn more at nextlevelagents.com/exp Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠

    27 min

  8. 22 SEPT

    How to Get Real Estate Agents Into Production in 33 Days (Stop Wasting Time on Training That Doesn't Work)

    Most real estate teams are completely backwards when it comes to training new agents. While they're busy building elaborate training portals and comprehensive onboarding programs, their new agents are burning through savings accounts waiting months for their first deal. Julie Youngblood has cracked the code on getting agents productive fast. Her team averages 33 days from start to first contract, and it's not because she has some secret sauce—it's because she's willing to strip away everything that doesn't directly lead to deals. In this episode, you'll discover why real estate education doesn't work, why the first 30 days are make-or-break for new agents, and the simple system that consistently gets agents into production faster than anything else in the industry. Key Topics Covered: • The fatal flaw in most team training programs • Why 200 names and phone numbers changes everything • The difference between coaching clients and team members (and why it matters) • How to build trust with new agents through predictable results • The only metrics that actually matter for new agent success • Why successful agents struggle with team leadership • How to avoid building a "cult of personality" team Bottom Line: If what you're doing in the first 30 days isn't 100% focused on getting new agents their first deal, you're making it harder than it needs to be. Strip away the fluff, focus on activities that drive appointments, and remember—your job is skill power, their job is willpower. Ready to build a team that actually works? The agents who thrive aren't the smartest or most experienced—they're the ones willing to do uncomfortable work when it leads somewhere meaningful. Stop waiting six months for results when you can get them in 33 days. Ready to take your team to the next level? Learn more about joining the Next Level Agents community at nextlevelagents.com/exp Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠

    39 min
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Interviews from the best and brightest minds in the real estate industry. We cover topics like Investing, listings, buyers, brokerage, technology, entrepreneurship and so much more. Brought to you by KevinandFred.com

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