#042 – Lakendria Williams – Choosing Growth Over Comfort

#042 – Lakendria Williams – Choosing Growth Over Comfort

In this episode of Coffee & Closings, Ethan sits down with Lakendria Williams to discuss her journey from property management in Alabama to building a successful real estate career in the Triangle. Lakendria shares how a move to North Carolina, raising three children, and an unexpected opportunity in real estate led her to a profession she never originally planned to pursue.  The conversation dives into the importance of mentorship, joining a team, staying connected with past clients, and building a business through authentic relationships. Lakendria talks about working alongside the Kate Kenney Team, navigating the changing real estate market, balancing family life with entrepreneurship, and why showing up consistently for people can make all the difference in business and life.  Ethan and Lakendria also discuss social media, goal setting, the value of collaboration in real estate, raising kids while growing a career, and what it means to stay humble while chasing big goals. It's an encouraging conversation about growth, perseverance, and building a life and business that align with your values.  Coffee Highlight: Left Hook Coffee – Ethiopia Blend

#041 – Justin Daniel – The Systems Behind a Fast-Growing Real Estate Business

In this episode of Coffee & Closings, Ethan sits down with Justin Daniel to discuss his journey from studying political science at NC State to becoming one of the fastest-growing agents in the Triangle. Justin shares how an internship with a top-producing agent led him into real estate, why he chose the industry over law school, and how building systems, consistency, and strong client relationships have fueled his success.  The conversation dives into winning listing appointments, buyer consultations, role-playing, coaching, social media lead generation, and the importance of controlling the client experience from the very first conversation. Ethan and Justin also discuss new construction, market knowledge, building a brand that stands out, and why confidence and belief in yourself are often the difference between average agents and top producers.  Along the way, they swap stories from the field, talk about networking, business growth, celebrity culture, Disney, cruising, and what it really takes to build a lasting real estate business.  Coffee Highlight: Pine State Coffee – Colombian Blend

#040 – Julian Douglas – Building a Real Estate Media Business From Scratch

In this episode of Coffee & Closings, Ethan sits down with Julian Douglas, founder of JD Real Estate Media, to talk about how he built a real estate photography and media business from the ground up. Julian shares his journey from barber school to buying his first drone, learning photography through YouTube, and starting with nothing more than an iPhone and a vision to create something bigger for himself and his future family.  The conversation dives into the creative side of real estate photography, building systems, balancing a full-time job while growing a business, and the importance of consistency during slow seasons. Ethan and Julian also discuss social media marketing, client relationships, expanding throughout North Carolina, and what it takes to turn a side hustle into a full-time business. Plus, they talk football, coffee, entrepreneurship, and the pressure of wedding photography.  Coffee Highlight: Bones Coffee Company – S’morey Time Blend

#039 – Allie Parker – Building a 50M Real Estate Business Without Losing Your Life

In this episode of Coffee & Closings, Ethan sits down with Allie Parker of Sotheby’s International Realty to talk about building a thriving real estate business through relationships, systems, and genuinely caring for clients. Allie shares her journey from designing clothes for Belk to becoming one of the top-producing agents in the Triangle, closing over $50 million in volume last year while balancing motherhood and growing a team.  The conversation dives into coaching, hiring the right people, creating systems that save time, and why referrals and client experience have been the foundation of her success. Ethan and Allie also discuss AI in real estate, crazy transaction stories, balancing family life with business growth, the evolution of Cary, and learning how to set boundaries in an industry that never fully turns off.  Of course, they also review coffee from Crema Coffee Roaster & Bakery in Cary, featuring the Tanzania blend.

#038 – Anthony Medeiros – Real Estate, Surfing & the Entrepreneur Mindset

In this episode of Coffee & Closings, Ethan sits down with Anthony Medeiros to talk about his journey from growing up in a military family to building a career in real estate and entrepreneurship in the Triangle. Anthony shares how studying entrepreneurship at NC State shaped his mindset, why joining the right team changed his business, and how focusing on relationships over transactions has helped him grow as an agent. The conversation dives into the importance of mentorship, staying organized in a fast-paced business, investing in real estate, and balancing work with the things you genuinely enjoy. Ethan and Anthony also talk about surfing, fitness, running a wellness studio, and building a lifestyle centered around community, flexibility, and doing meaningful work.  Coffee Highlight: Oak City Coffee Roasters – La Mano De Dios