Elite 25 Luxury Real Estate

Silicon Valley Innovation, The Power of "The Dirt” & 25 Years of Austin Real Estate with Kirk Lewis

In this episode of the Elite 25 Podcast, Kirk Lewis of Kuper Sotheby's International Realty shares his journey from the dot-com era to leading the #1 team in Central Texas. Kirk breaks down his start at the tech-forward startup HomeCity, where they pioneered virtual tours before Google Maps existed, and how he transitioned from corporate sales to "winging it" as a rookie. He also shares why deep geographical knowledge of Austin is his true superpower and how he stays ahead of the curve using AI. If you want an inside look at building a 25-year legacy in one of the hottest markets in America, this conversation is filled with high-stakes stories and seasoned wisdom from a 17-year Elite 25 member. Subscribe to the Elite 25 Podcast for more interviews with Austin’s top agents and luxury market leaders. @elite25austin ⁠www.elite25austin.com [http://www.elite25austin.com]

Reading the Room, Enneagram Insights & Deep Austin Roots with Tory Wortham

In this episode of the Elite 25 Podcast, Tory Wortham shares how she transitioned from the corporate world at Dell and eBay to becoming a staple in Austin’s luxury real estate market.  Tory discusses her deep history in Austin, rooted in a family that has been in the city since the 1950s and a family lake house that has seen seven decades of Austin’s evolution. She breaks down her philosophy on "reading the room" and how her business background allows her to anticipate client concerns and solve problems before they even arise. Whether she’s navigating a six-offer situation or an unexpected septic tank crisis, Tory explains why a seasoned agent always finds a way to make it work.  If you want an inside look at the mindset required to balance a high-stakes career with the demands of family life, this conversation is packed with wisdom on resilience, networking, and the importance of finding off-market gems.  Subscribe to the Elite 25 Podcast for more interviews with Austin’s top agents and luxury market leaders. @elite25austin www.elite25austin.com [https://www.elite25austin.com/]

Matchmaking Luxury Real Estate & The Power of Off-Market Deals in Austin with Karen Kelly

World traveler turned Elite25 agent. In this episode of the Elite 25 Podcast, Karen Kelly of Van Heuven Properties shares how she went from a global search for an epiphany to over two decades as a leader in Austin luxury real estate. Karen breaks down her early career pivot after losing a business patent, how she cut her teeth during the original Downtown Austin condo boom, and why she has spent her entire 21-year career with the same firm. She also discusses the power of off-market networking and why the Lake Austin lifestyle remains unmatchable. If you want an inside look at what it takes to break into the top 1% of Austin real estate, this conversation is packed with stories, lessons, and real-world insight from a true market connector. Watch the full episode to hear: * How Karen "stumbled" into real estate while helping a friend find a house. * The secret behind her off-market success—why 85% of her $2M+ deals last year never hit the MLS. * How she manages a high-volume career with the help of her husband and team. * What a famous athlete's request to change a street address taught her about the business. Subscribe to the Elite 25 Podcast for more interviews with Austin’s top agents and luxury market leaders. @elite25austin ⁠www.elite25austin.com [http://www.elite25austin.com]

Why 28 Years in Austin Real Estate Trumps the "Side Hustle" Trend with Leslie Davenport

Former school teacher turned top producer. In this episode of the Elite 25 Podcast, Leslie Davenport of Gottesman Residential shares how she went from the classrooms of Hill Country Middle School to nearly three decades in Austin real estate. Leslie breaks down her early career pivot, how she balanced teaching with her first real estate deals, and the mentors who shaped her along the way. She also talks about the power of consistency, community, and why Austin has kept her rooted since her UT days. If you want an inside look at what it takes to break into the top 1% of Austin real estate, this conversation is packed with stories, lessons, and real-world insight. Watch the full episode to hear • How Leslie transitioned from teaching to real estate • The key mentors who guided her early career • Why relationships (even from her teaching days) still drive her business today • What it takes to build longevity in the hottest market in America Subscribe to the Elite 25 Podcast for more interviews with Austin’s top agents and luxury market leaders. @elite25austin ⁠www.elite25austin.com [http://www.elite25austin.com]

Ep. 27 - Kristi Larkam

Real Estate, Resilience, and a Lifelong Love for Austin Homes In this episode of the Elite 25 Podcast, we sit down with Kristi Larkam, a born-and-raised Austin agent whose passion for real estate began when she was just ten years old — circling open houses in the weekend newspaper and convincing her parents to take her to every listing. Kristi shares how early encouragement from her dad, a family tragedy that reshaped her path, and her commitment to being fully present for her children all led her into a career she never expected to love this deeply. She walks us through her journey from Coldwell Banker to Compass, the mentors who shaped her, and how growing up in Austin gives her unique insight into a rapidly evolving luxury market. Kristi opens up about purpose, consistency, and the privilege of helping families find their place in a city she’s called home her whole life. @elite25austin www.elite25austin.com [http://www.elite25austin.com]