From Circling Newspaper Open Houses to Austin’s Top 1% with Kristi Larkam

33 Years of Mortgage Insights, Asset-Based Loans, and Market Cycles with Jim Trungale

In this episode of the Elite 25 Podcast, Jim Trungale shares how he transitioned from an early sales career in the insurance industry to becoming a 33-year cornerstone of residential mortgage lending and a premier sponsor of Austin’s luxury real estate market.  Jim discusses his deep history in the business, tracing back to an early childhood surrounded by real estate, inspired by his mother, Pat Trungale, who was one of the top luxury agents in Dallas. He pulls back the curtain on Southstar Bank’s highly flexible portfolio and non-QM lending models, explaining how these specialized products cater to high-net-worth, self-employed individuals who do not fit traditional Fannie Mae guidelines. Jim breaks down his analytical approach to complex financing, explaining why a strong math background and extensive experience across major financial cycles allow him to engineer creative solutions—such as asset-based lending or helping clients bridge the purchase of a new home before selling their current one. Whether he’s navigating inflation-driven rate increases or educating top-tier agents on macroeconomic mandates at the latest Elite 25 luncheons, Jim explains why a seasoned lender always prioritizes transparency, relationship-building, and adaptive problem-solving.  If you want an inside look at the structural mechanics of multi-million dollar residential financing, the evolution of interest rates from the nines to the twos and back, or how to establish your business as an irreplaceable community asset, this conversation is packed with wisdom on financial strategy, market longevity, and earning long-term referral trust.  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/]

From Assistant to Top 1% Real Estate Agent: The Power of Mentorship with Megan Cavazos

In this episode of the Elite 25 Podcast, we sit down with Central Austin luxury real estate expert Megan Cavazos of Gottesman Residential. Megan shares her unique journey into the industry, starting her real estate career at 36 as an assistant to legendary Elite 25 agent Carol Burdette, before launching on her own and making the Elite 25 in her very first full year. Megan dives deep into the distinct, non-competitive mentorship culture at Gottesman Residential and explains how she is now paying it forward by training the next generation of successful agents. We also explore her "superpower"—the extensive, hands-on make-ready process that gives her listings a competitive edge—and get her expert take on why Austin’s recent "market correction" has paved the way for a remarkably stable, healthy luxury housing market. Whether you are a new agent looking for mentorship advice or a buyer/seller trying to navigate the central Austin neighborhoods like Tarrytown and Old Enfield, Megan's insights are invaluable. 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]

From Pediatric Physical Therapy to the Top 1%: Real Estate Secrets with Stephanie Panozzo

In this episode of the Elite 25 Podcast, Stephanie Panozzo shares how she transitioned from a meaningful first career in pediatric physical therapy to becoming a 24-year staple in Austin’s luxury real estate market. Stephanie discusses her West Texas roots and her long history in Central Austin, where she has lived and built her book of business since 2001. She breaks down her philosophy on professional dedication, explaining why treating real estate as a 24/7 advisory role—rather than a hobby—is her ultimate industry superpower. From navigating her formatting years under mentorship at Gottesman Residential to scaling her business at Compass with her longest-running assistant, Stephanie shares how market knowledge and persistent effort always trump easy shortcuts. Whether she's addressing the rise of health and wellness amenities as the modern luxury status marker, explaining why artificial intelligence can never replace a true human touch, or establishing clear boundaries when a buyer makes an unusual request, Stephanie explains why a seasoned agent embraces past challenges to guide clients seamlessly across the finish line. If you want an inside look at the mindset required to dominate premier hubs like Tarrytown, Pemberton, and Westlake, or why leaning into what you know creates a tightening collaborative network, this conversation is packed with wisdom on market resilience, property tours, and building a multi-decade legacy. 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]

From Giraffes to Luxury Real Estate: Tricia Keith’s Wild Ascent to the Elite 25

In this episode of the Elite 25 Podcast, Tricia Keith shares how she transitioned from a 14-year career in substation engineering to becoming a premier powerhouse in Central Texas’s luxury ranch real estate market. Tricia discusses her deep roots in the Texas Hill Country, where she leverages a decade of ranch management experience and a fascinating "past life" running an exotic wildlife business, stocking exclusive local estates with everything from antelope to giraffes. She pulls back the curtain on how she shattered expectations by closing a massive $28 million off-market land deal just two and a half years into her real estate career. Tricia breaks down her philosophy on contract education, client follow-up, and the complex realities of high-stakes land transactions, explaining why a seasoned agent always manages expectations upfront to prevent non-realty items (like a tractor) from killing a multi-million dollar deal. Whether she’s guiding tech buyers toward legacy ranch investments or navigating the logistical demands of a fast-growing team, Tricia explains why maintaining a thick skin and honest communication are the ultimate drivers of top-tier success. If you want an inside look at the grit required to balance a demanding luxury acreage business, navigate volatile market shifts through consistent marketing, and unlock elite off-market opportunities west of Austin, this conversation is packed with wisdom on resilience, land specialization, and earning absolute client trust. Subscribe to the Elite 25 Podcast for more interviews with Austin’s top agents and luxury market leaders. @elite25austin www.elite25austin.com [http://elite25austinwww.elite25austin.com]

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]