19 Years, One Brokerage: The Story Behind Empire’s 3% Turnover

From a Pressure Washer to a Powerful Brand: How Ali Berro Built AquaPro

Behind every successful business is a story of hard work, sacrifice, and a commitment to doing things differently. On this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, host Ali Fawaz sits down with Ali Berro, founder of AquaPro, to talk about his journey building one of Metro Detroit’s recognizable exterior cleaning brands. From getting started in the industry to growing a company built on trust, quality, and customer service, Ali shares the lessons he’s learned as an entrepreneur and what it really takes to turn an idea into a successful business. In this episode we discuss: • How AquaPro started and the vision behind the company • The challenges of building and scaling a service-based business • Why reputation and customer experience matter • The importance of consistency, discipline, and leadership • Lessons for entrepreneurs, homeowners, and anyone trying to build something of their own Whether you’re a business owner, real estate professional, homeowner, or someone chasing your next big goal — this conversation is a reminder that success is built one decision, one customer, and one day at a time. 🎙️ The Real Deal with Empire Real conversations. Real stories. Real estate and beyond.

Northville at 200: Where History Meets the Future

In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, host Ali Fawaz sits down with Mayor Brian Turnbull — lifelong Northville resident, historian, and city leader — to talk about how one of Michigan’s most charming towns is bridging its storied past with a bold vision for the future. From the revitalization of Ford Field and the new riverwalk and river daylighting project, to the 7 Mile and Sheldon roundabout and Mill Race Village restoration, Mayor Turnbull shares how these projects are reshaping the city while preserving the timeless character that makes Northville special. They’ll also dive into Northville’s bicentennial celebration, its commitment to community and family life, and how the city is preparing for the next generation of residents who want small-town warmth with big-city energy. Whether you’re a history buff, a future homeowner, or just someone who loves seeing a city honor its roots while looking ahead — this conversation is full of insight, humor, and heart. 🎧 Tune in to hear: * How Northville is transforming its downtown through smart development. * Why preserving history is central to the city’s identity. * What makes Northville one of Southeast Michigan’s most desirable places to live, work, and play.

19 Years, One Brokerage: The Story Behind Empire’s 3% Turnover

In an industry where agents are constantly moving from one brokerage to the next, stability has become rare. The average real estate brokerage sees around 15% of its agents leave every year. At Empire Realty Group, that number is just 3%. In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, we sit down with the person who represents that stability better than anyone — Ahmad Hojeij, the very first agent to ever join Empire Realty Group nearly 19 years ago. Ahmad has seen it all — the early struggles, the growth years, the market crashes, the market booms, and everything in between. But while others left the industry or moved between brokerages, Ahmad stayed. In this conversation, Ahmad shares: * What Empire was really like in the early days * Why most agents leave brokerages — and why he didn’t * What makes Empire’s culture different * How low turnover benefits clients in ways most people don’t realize * And what it takes to build a real estate career that lasts decades This episode isn’t just about real estate. It’s about loyalty. It’s about culture. It’s about building something that lasts. If you’re a client, this episode will help you understand why stability matters. If you’re an agent, it will show you what’s possible when you find the right home.

Don’t Skip the Inspection: What Could Cost You Thousands

In this episode of The Real Deal with Empire, Ali sits down with AOM Property Inspection Solutions owner and retired engineer John Micheli to break down one of the most important — and misunderstood — parts of the home buying process: the home inspection. They discuss what a home inspection really covers, common misconceptions buyers have, when a specialist may be needed, and why waiving an inspection can put buyers at serious risk. John also shares his perspective on the relationship between real estate agents and inspectors, the most common issues he sees in Metro Detroit homes, and the legislation he is working on to make inspections more standardized in Michigan. Whether you are buying, selling, or working in real estate, this episode is packed with practical insight that can help you make smarter decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

Warren’s Real Deal Mayor: Lori Stone on Leading, Growing, and Building a City That Works

Mayor Lori Stone joins The Real Deal with Empire to talk about what’s really happening in Warren, Michigan — from revitalizing neighborhoods and attracting new businesses to building a city where families want to live and grow. As Warren’s first female mayor, Lori Stone is breaking barriers and driving serious change — and this episode covers it all: economic development, community pride, leadership lessons, and a few unexpected moments that prove she’s the real deal. 🔥 What we cover: – Why Warren was named a Metro Marvel – What the city needs from small business owners – Where investment is happening right now – Why more families are choosing to live in Warren – The power of public service & real leadership – Fun lightning round: playlists, food spots & favorite neighborhoods 👀 Whether you're a city-builder, entrepreneur, or just someone who wants to know how real leadership looks in action — this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, drop a comment, and share the episode with someone who needs to hear it. #WarrenMichigan #MayorLoriStone #SmallBusiness #CityLeadership #Podcast #MetroMarvels #TheRealDealWithEmpire