Realty Resilience Podcast

41 Days in the Hospital… and he still closed 60 Deals! That's not hustle. That's environment.

In this powerful episode of Realty Resilience, Dave Nations sits down with Matt Kammeier to unpack a story that goes far beyond real estate. From starting out as a busboy to building a thriving real estate business, Matt’s journey is anything but ordinary. In the middle of scaling his career, life hit hard—his home caught fire, he was displaced for over a year, and shortly after, he spent 41 days hospitalized with COVID. Most people would’ve stepped away. Matt didn’t. He continued closing deals, leaned into relationships, and rebuilt not just his business—but his entire life. This episode dives into what it really takes to succeed when everything around you is falling apart. Matt shares how he built a referral-based business without buying leads, why he prioritizes people over transactions, and the mindset shift that helped him bounce back stronger than ever. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or questioned whether you can keep going—this conversation will remind you exactly what you’re capable of. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How to build a real estate business rooted in relationships (not lead spend) * Why adversity can become your greatest advantage * The truth about hitting a production ceiling—and how to break through it * How authenticity and social media can fuel long-term growth * The mindset required to keep moving forward when life gets hard Whether you’re a new agent or a seasoned pro, this is a masterclass in resilience, grit, and betting on yourself. Connect with our guest Matt Kammeier: https://www.instagram.com/mattkammeier/ https://www.facebook.com/matt.kammeier Looking for more ways to elevate your real estate career? Connect with us today and follow along with our socials! Connect With Heartwood Coaching: Heartwood-Coaching.com [https://www.heartwood-coaching.com/]Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/heartwoodcoaching] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/heartwoodcoaching_/] Realty Resilience Facebook Group (Join Now) [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19965RtD5s/] YouTube Channel (Watch This Episode Video) [https://youtu.be/g5tgXPjV6E4]

Living Out of a Suitcase to Building a Nationwide Real Estate Business

In this episode of Realty Resilience, host Dave Nations sits down with investor, author, and real estate innovator Zeona McIntyre to unpack her unconventional path to success. From launching her first Airbnb in 2012—before it was mainstream—to scaling across multiple markets, Zeona shares how she built a thriving business without following the traditional realtor playbook. Zeona dives into her early days of rental arbitrage, living between units to maximize income, and how she transitioned into owning properties across states like Colorado and Missouri. She also explains how the challenges of COVID-19 pushed her to pivot into midterm rentals—unlocking a powerful niche serving traveling professionals like nurses and first responders. The conversation explores her evolution into creative financing, including subject-to deals and seller financing, and how she’s closing transactions nationwide while being licensed in just one state. Zeona also shares insights from writing her BiggerPockets book on midterm rentals, the lessons learned from managing 25+ units, and why she’s now shifting toward passive investing and private lending for long-term wealth and cash flow. Whether you’re a new agent, seasoned investor, or simply looking for alternative ways to build income in real estate, this episode is packed with actionable strategies, mindset shifts, and inspiration to think beyond the traditional path. Key Topics Covered: Getting started with Airbnb before it was popular Rental arbitrage and low-cost entry strategies Transitioning from short-term to midterm rentals Building a nationwide investing and referral network Creative financing strategies (subject-to, seller financing) Writing and publishing a real estate book Scaling, pivoting, and finding new opportunities in changing markets Moving from active income to passive investing and private lending Connect with Zeona: Website: zionamcintyre.com Instagram: @zeonamcintyre Tune in to hear how thinking creatively—and taking action—can open doors to entirely new ways of succeeding in real estate. Looking for more ways to elevate your real estate career? Connect with us today and follow along with our socials! Connect With Heartwood Coaching: Heartwood-Coaching.com [https://www.heartwood-coaching.com/]Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/heartwoodcoaching] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/heartwoodcoaching_/] Realty Resilience Facebook Group (Join Now) [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19965RtD5s/] YouTube Channel (Watch This Episode Video) [https://youtu.be/g5tgXPjV6E4]

Earning the Right to Quit with Adam Bundren

If you’re a real estate agent thinking about leaving a salary, building a team, or breaking through a production plateau — this episode is for you.  In this episode of Realty Resilience, Dave Nations sits down with Adam Bundren to unpack the real journey from union laborer and corporate executive to high-producing real estate leader. Adam shares exactly what it took to earn the right to quit his job, survive the early grind of commission-only income, and build a business that scales without burning out.  They dive into the realities most agents don’t talk about: fear, imposter syndrome, plateau cycles, hiring mistakes, partnerships, leadership communication, and why clarity beats hustle every time. Adam also shares how he transitioned from building his own team into a high-growth partnership, what makes teams actually work, and the mindset shifts that accelerated his momentum.  You’ll also hear one of the wildest real estate stories you’ve ever heard — a referral listing that turned into a full renovation, multiple dumpsters, and a massive win-win deal.  Whether you’re a brand new agent, solo producer, team leader, or entrepreneur, this conversation will help you think differently about growth, leadership, and long-term success in real estate.  👇 Topics Covered:  • How to transition from a salaried job to commission real estate  • Earning the right to quit and building a financial safety net  • Breaking through production plateaus  • Overcoming fear and imposter syndrome  • Hiring and team building lessons  • Partnerships and leadership communication  • Why trust beats being liked in sales  • Creating clarity in business decisions  • A crazy real estate deal story you won’t believe  🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on real estate growth, leadership, and resilience.  👍 If this episode helped you, like and share it with another agent who needs it.  Looking for more ways to elevate your real estate career? Connect with us today and follow along with our socials! Connect With Heartwood Coaching: Heartwood-Coaching.com [https://www.heartwood-coaching.com/]Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/heartwoodcoaching] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/heartwoodcoaching_/] Realty Resilience Facebook Group (Join Now) [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19965RtD5s/] YouTube Channel (Watch This Episode Video) [https://youtu.be/g5tgXPjV6E4]

Episode 27: How Dave Nations Grew a Real Estate Team, Rental Portfolio, & House Flipping Company Simultaneously

In this episode of Realty Resilience, host Dave Nations breaks down what it actually looks like to build multiple real estate businesses at the same time without dropping the ball on any of them. As the founder of Nations Network in St. Louis, co owner of Nations Brothers Renovations, and investor in 50+ rental units, Dave pulls back the curtain on the decisions, structure, and systems that made simultaneous growth possible. Dave shares how his team expanded to 22 members closing 235+ transactions a year, while scaling a rental portfolio and a flipping company that could operate with its own momentum. The conversation dives into timing key hires, treating each business as its own profit center, and why running a business like a business beats trying to do everything yourself. This episode highlights the mindset shifts that pushed Dave to take action before feeling “ready,” the leverage that protected him from burnout, and the common blind spots agents hit when scaling too fast without a foundation. Dave also touches on opportunity cost, staying consistent across different income streams, and why stability starts long before expansion. Tips from Today: • Build each arm of your business with clear ownership and accountability • Make hires early that create leverage, not dependency • Track numbers separately to measure what works and what drains momentum • Long term income beats short term hustle when building stability • Systems make growth sustainable, clarity makes it scalable Looking for more ways to elevate your real estate career? Connect with us today and follow along with our socials! Connect With Heartwood Coaching: Heartwood-Coaching.com [https://www.heartwood-coaching.com/]Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/heartwoodcoaching] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/heartwoodcoaching_/] Realty Resilience Facebook Group (Join Now) [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19965RtD5s/] YouTube Channel (Watch This Episode Video) [https://youtu.be/g5tgXPjV6E4]

Episode 26: 2025 Year End Review & 2026 Conditions

In this wrap up episode of Realty Resilience, Dave Nations brings Jim and Kat into the studio to close out the year with a real look at what happened in the 2025 market. They talk through what worked, what did not, and the biggest surprises that shaped the way agents moved through the year. The conversation covers rising inventory, shifting expectations, and why consistent experience matters more than how long you have been licensed. They also look ahead to 2026 and share what they are watching most closely, how stronger communication between agents is becoming a true advantage, and why real estate is settling back into a more traditional market cycle. They dig into the rise of AI, how it is helping agents improve their skills, and why relationships and negotiation will always stay at the center of this business. From reflections to predictions to a few unforgettable stories, this episode gives the kind of insight that only comes from agents who have lived every side of the industry. Tips from Today: • Experience comes from the number of reps you do • Higher inventory requires stronger communication with sellers • Better questions lead to better negotiations • AI can sharpen your skills but cannot replace real connection • Confidence grows when you understand the rhythm of market cycles Looking for more ways to elevate your real estate career? Connect with us today and follow along with our socials! Connect With Heartwood Coaching: Heartwood-Coaching.com [https://www.heartwood-coaching.com/]Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/heartwoodcoaching] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/heartwoodcoaching_/] Realty Resilience Facebook Group (Join Now) [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19965RtD5s/] YouTube Channel (Watch This Episode Video) [https://youtu.be/g5tgXPjV6E4]