The Elevate and Execute Podcast

Contracts, Commission Conversations, and Earning Your Value

ELEVATE AND EXECUTE — EPISODE: CONTRACTS, COMMISSION CONVERSATIONS, AND EARNING YOUR VALUE Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston Guest: Larry Siebert EPISODE SUMMARY In this insightful episode of Elevate and Execute, Kyle and Brian sit down with Larry Siebert to break down the real conversations happening around commissions, contracts, and client expectations in today’s real estate market. They dive into how the industry has shifted, what agents are experiencing in the field, and why professionalism and communication are more important than ever. The conversation centers on buyer agreements, how compensation is actually structured, and how seasoned agents confidently explain their value in a changing landscape. Larry shares his perspective on navigating negotiations, setting expectations early, and why agents who lead with clarity instead of fear will continue to win. The episode reinforces a core theme: you don’t justify your commission — you demonstrate it. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN 1. How to confidently explain commission structures to buyers and sellers 2. Why buyer agreements are becoming more important in today’s market 3. The difference between “charging” a commission and “earning” it 4. How to handle compensation objections without getting defensive 5. Why professionalism and preparation separate career agents from part-timers 6. How to set expectations early so deals don’t fall apart later 7. The long-term impact of protecting your value instead of discounting it NOTABLE QUOTES > “You don’t defend your commission — you demonstrate your value.” > “If you’re uncomfortable talking about compensation, you’re not prepared.” > “Clarity up front prevents conflict later.” > “Professionals don’t race to the bottom.” SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If this episode helped you rethink how you present your value and navigate compensation conversations, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another agent who’s building their business the right way. Follow Elevate and Execute for weekly conversations about real estate, leadership, and building sustainable careers.

Real Estate Chaos, Lead Sources, and Building a Business Through Real Life - Larry Siebert

ELEVATE AND EXECUTE — EPISODE: REAL ESTATE CHAOS, LEAD SOURCES, AND BUILDING A BUSINESS THROUGH REAL LIFE Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston Guest: Larry Siebert EPISODE SUMMARY In this candid and entertaining episode of Elevate and Execute, Kyle and Brian sit down with Larry Siebert for a wide-ranging conversation about the realities of building a real estate business while juggling real life, unpredictable situations, and constant change. The episode opens with real-world stories from the field—unexpected showings, awkward moments, and the kind of chaos that only happens in real estate. From there, the conversation moves into lead generation, long-term relationship building, and what actually drives repeat and referral business. Larry shares insights on consistency, professionalism, and why showing up the right way matters more than being perfect. The group also talks about the difference between buying time versus saving money, how systems reduce stress, and why most success in real estate comes from simply doing the basics exceptionally well over time. This episode balances humor, honesty, and practical advice—making it relatable for new agents and seasoned professionals alike. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN 1. Why real estate rarely goes as planned—and how to stay professional anyway 2. How chaos in the field builds experience and confidence 3. The long-term value of relationships over transactions 4. Why consistency beats intensity in real estate careers 5. How to think about time vs. money when growing your business 6. What actually builds trust with clients 7. Why systems and preparation reduce stress and mistakes 8. How to build a sustainable real estate career without burnout NOTABLE QUOTES > “Real estate isn’t about perfection—it’s about professionalism.” > “The deals you do today are planting seeds for years down the road.” > “Most success comes from doing simple things consistently well.” > “You can’t eliminate chaos in real estate, but you can control how you respond to it.” > “Time is the one thing you can’t get back—protect it.” SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If this episode made you laugh, reflect, or rethink how you approach your business, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow agent who understands the chaos. Follow Elevate and Execute for weekly conversations about real estate, business, and building careers that last.

Real Estate Chaos, Lead Sources, and Building a Business With Kids in Tow

ELEVATE AND EXECUTE — EPISODE: REAL ESTATE CHAOS, LEAD SOURCES, AND BUILDING A BUSINESS WITH KIDS IN TOW Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston Guest: Spencer Argueta EPISODE SUMMARY In this high-energy and refreshingly honest episode, Kyle and Brian sit down with Spencer Argueta to talk about the unpredictable (and often hilarious) daily life of a real estate agent. From getting locked on balconies in a skirt to breaking basement doors with a shoulder-check, the crew shares the kinds of real-world stories that only agents truly understand. But beneath the humor is a deeper conversation about systems, lead generation, motherhood, and the sacrifices required to build a real estate business from scratch. Spencer opens up about starting her career with three young kids, no family nearby, and a husband working seven days a week. She breaks down how she built a thriving business anyway—using organization, adaptability, and total commitment. Then the conversation shifts into lead sources, including Zillow, pay-per-click, sphere building, and the massive downstream value of doing great work for one client. The team also discusses the difference between spending money to save time vs. spending time to save money, and what new agents should realistically expect when entering the industry. The episode finishes with a look at 75 Hard, micro-habits, discipline, and why sustainable lifestyle changes matter far more than 75 days of intensity. This one is funny, heartfelt, tactical, and deeply motivating. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN 1. Why real estate is unpredictable—and why that’s part of the fun 2. The daily chaos agents walk into during showings 3. The importance of systems when you’re building a career with limited time 4. How Spencer successfully worked with three kids in tow 5. Why clients rarely care if your kids come with you—if you show up well 6. The long-term value of online leads beyond the first transaction 7. How to choose between time vs. money when growing your business 8. Why working leads is about relationships, not just conversion 9. How to start 75 Hard the smart way by implementing micro-habits early 10. Why 2024 feels like a breakthrough year for the Elevate team NOTABLE QUOTES > “Every day is different in real estate — that’s what makes it exciting.” > “If you want it badly enough, you’ll find the systems to make it work.” > “Your kids being with you doesn’t make you less professional — it makes you human.” > “One Zillow lead turned into 18 transactions because we did it right.” > “You either spend money to buy time, or you spend time because you don’t have the money.” > “If you only change your life for 75 days, nothing really changes.” SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If this episode inspired you, made you laugh, or gave you a new perspective on building a real estate career while juggling life, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another real estate professional. Follow Elevate and Execute for weekly conversations that blend business, mindset, and the messy reality of entrepreneurship.

Scaling Rentals, Smart Systems, and Doing It Right the First Time With Chad Klamen

ELEVATE AND EXECUTE — EPISODE: SCALING RENTALS, SMART SYSTEMS, AND DOING IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston Guest: Chad Klamen EPISODE SUMMARY In this systems-focused episode of Elevate and Execute, Kyle and Brian sit down with real estate investor and operator Chad Klamen to break down what it really takes to scale a rental portfolio the right way. Chad walks through the behind-the-scenes systems he uses to manage over 150 rental units efficiently — from self-guided showings and tenant screening to standardized rehabs and streamlined move-out processes. The conversation dives deep into why systems beat hustle, how time savings outweigh occasional risk, and why treating rentals like a business (not a hobby) is the key to long-term profitability. They also explore tenant experience, fair housing considerations, maintenance efficiency, staging rentals for higher rent, and why cutting corners on materials almost always costs more in the long run. This episode is packed with practical, repeatable ideas for investors who want scale without chaos. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN 1. How Chad runs self-guided showings safely and efficiently 2. Why strong pre-screening protects both landlords and tenants 3. The systems behind smooth move-ins and move-outs 4. How standardizing cabinets, flooring, and finishes saves time and money 5. Why staging rental properties can increase rent and reduce vacancy 6. The real cost of cheap rehabs and constant maintenance 7. How tenant satisfaction directly impacts profitability 8. Why relationships are the most powerful form of lead generation 9. How to think about scaling property management without burning out NOTABLE QUOTES > “You can’t scale without systems.” > “If you do it right the first time, you don’t have to keep fixing it.” > “Turnover is the most expensive part of owning rentals.” > “Cheap materials cost you more over time.” > “Relationships are currency — that’s where the best deals come from.” SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If this episode gave you actionable ideas for running rentals smarter and scaling with confidence, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with an investor who’s trying to grow without chaos. Follow Elevate and Execute for real conversations about real estate, systems, and building businesses that actually last.

Year-End Reflection, Discipline, and Setting the Tone for 2026

ELEVATE AND EXECUTE — EPISODE: YEAR-END REFLECTION, DISCIPLINE, AND SETTING THE TONE FOR 2026 Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston, David Ounanian EPISODE SUMMARY In this end-of-year episode, the Elevate and Execute crew reflects on the lessons, challenges, and wins from 2025—both in business and in life. They talk candidly about discipline, consistency, and why most people drift instead of deliberately designing the year ahead. The conversation covers real estate, entrepreneurship, health, and mindset, with a strong emphasis on personal responsibility and long-term thinking. Rather than chasing resolutions or quick wins, the hosts focus on building systems, routines, and habits that compound over time. As the year wraps up, this episode serves as both a reset and a challenge: to take ownership of your direction, eliminate distractions, and move into 2026 with clarity and intent. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN 1. Why reflection matters more than goal-setting alone 2. How discipline and routine create momentum year over year 3. The difference between being busy and being intentional 4. Why most people overestimate what they can do in a month and underestimate what they can do in a year 5. How to evaluate what worked—and what didn’t—in 2025 6. The importance of personal standards in business and life 7. Why consistency beats motivation every time 8. How to set yourself up for a strong 2026 without burnout NOTABLE QUOTES > “Most people don’t need a new goal—they need better habits.” > “If you don’t choose your direction, life will choose it for you.” > “Discipline is the bridge between intention and results.” > “What you do daily matters more than what you plan yearly.” SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If this episode helped you reflect on the year or sharpen your focus for what’s next, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who wants to enter 2026 with purpose instead of pressure. Follow Elevate and Execute for weekly conversations on real estate, business, and building a disciplined, intentional life.