This week on The Off Market Podcast, we sit down with Mike Smallegan, who went from selling 10 phones a month in a tiny Michigan town to leading one of the top 1% real estate teams in the country. Now running a powerhouse Keller Williams group that closed 265 transactions and $60M in volume last year, Mike shares how he built a thriving business from scratch with just $4,000, four kids, and no safety net. Mike breaks down: How one $650K deal changed his entire career trajectory The importance of servant leadership and putting your team first How he turned a Facebook group into a 125,000-person referral engine Why he hires to get time back, not just scale His family’s story—including how a youth hockey foundation helped his blind son keep playing the game he loves Ready? Let’s dive in!

In this episode, James Michener pulls back the curtain on his unlikely real estate journey—from a master’s student dreading cold calls to brokering nearly 1,500 home sales and amassing a 32‑property portfolio (half of which are fully paid off). Inspired by his “guardian” father’s 24‑rental retirement strategy, James shares how six months of zero deals turned into 26 by year’s end, then 365, all by dialing relentlessly, house‑hacking duplexes for $400/mo, and reinvesting every dollar back into real estate. He also dives into the often‑invisible scaffolding that supports a high‑performing team: documenting systems, setting realistic expectations, and balancing individual goals with collective growth. Whether you’re launching your first transaction or scaling a multi‑agent operation, James’s hard‑won playbook—covering budgeting, risk‑management, and the art of recruiting rockstar assistants—offers practical tactics to build your own stress‑tested “real estate machine.” Tune in to learn how discipline, persistence, and smart leverage turned cold calls into a thriving, seven‑figure empire.

With over 30 years in the business and over $125 million in gross sales in 2023 alone, Joel Carson stands at the top of Utah’s real estate scene. After leaving an accounting career and teaming up (and eventually parting ways) with his father‑in‑law, he found his niche by relentlessly door‑knocking FSBOs—closing 106 transactions his first year and earning national recognition. In this episode, Joel shares how he systematically adds a new lead source each year mastering everything from bus‑side ads and pay‑per‑click to social media engagement and in‑house handyman services to build a one‑man operation that enables him to meet with every buyer and seller himself. He also dives into the power of consistency (yes, answer your phone!), local branding, and pivoting quickly when the market shifts. Whether you’re a new agent carving out your first niche or a veteran looking to scale without losing your personal touch, Joel’s playbook is packed with hard‑won lessons and practical tactics for long‑term success. Tune in to learn how he turned persistence into profit—one deal at a time.

Imagine starting your career with almost nothing and ending up as one of the most respected commercial real estate agents in San Francisco. That’s the story of Allison Chapleau, who took an internship at Marcus & Millichap, worked for $400 a week, and learned the ropes by cold-calling and running errands. Her big break came when she co-listed a mortuary in Weed, California—earning an $80,000 commission that wiped out her debt and kick-started her career. In this episode, Allison shares how saying “yes” to every opportunity helped her build a thriving business and why forming relationships with other agents is essential to long-term success. She dives into the power of farming—consistently marketing to a targeted group—and how segmenting clients based on their time horizon has helped her stay top of mind when they’re ready to buy or sell. Whether you're a residential agent looking to break into commercial real estate or someone seeking inspiration from a self-made success story, this episode is packed with practical tips and motivation. Hit play and learn how Allison built a $1B career—one deal at a time!

Imagine moving to a brand-new city, knowing no one, and trying to break into real estate. That’s exactly what Amanda Howard did—by knocking on doors, hustling like crazy, and building a business from the ground up. Fast forward to today, she’s the #1 real estate team owner in Alabama, a TV show host, and a top 1% agent with over 8,000 clients served and $2 billion in sales. In this episode of The Off-Market Podcast, Amanda keeps it real about what it takes to make it in real estate. She shares how she turned a borrowed listing into her first deal, why hiring a coach was the best decision of her career, and the unconventional strategy that made her stand out in a crowded market. Plus, she talks about expanding into property management, title services, and even TV—all while staying true to her mission of serving clients at the highest level. If you’re a new agent trying to get your foot in the door (literally) or a seasoned pro looking for fresh inspiration, this episode is for you. Hit play and learn from one of the best in the game!

Craig Hartraft, head of the award-winning Hartraft Team at Berkshire Hathaway, has spent over three decades perfecting the art of serving clients—culminating in more than 400 homes sold and $150 million in transactions in 2023 alone. Ranking #1 in Lancaster County for six years straight and in the top 5 nationally for almost a decade, Craig is no stranger to success. But what truly sets him apart is his unwavering commitment to relationships, integrity, and a willingness to put in the work it takes to stay at the top. In this episode of The Off-Market Podcast, we dive into Craig’s remarkable transition from the Air Force to law enforcement, and eventually into real estate. He shares hard-won lessons on building a trusted team, scaling without sacrificing service, and crafting a business that thrives on referrals and repeat clients. Whether you’re navigating your first listing or looking to join the ranks of the nation’s top 1%, Craig’s story offers a blueprint for earning your place at the pinnacle of the industry. Ready to learn from a true master of the craft? Tune in and discover how unwavering dedication and a passion for helping people can turn a humble beginning into a growing real estate empire.

In the latest episode of The Off-Market Podcast, we sit down with Ryan Hvizda, co-owner of the Hvizda Realty Group under Keller Williams and one of New Hampshire’s top 1% realtors. With over $500 million in transactions and a commitment to the triple bottom line—people, planet, and profit—Ryan has redefined what it means to succeed in real estate. Ryan’s unconventional journey began as a high school art teacher with a vision for improving her community. She shares how her background in permaculture and her passion for sustainable living led her to see real estate as a platform for creating meaningful change. From hosting educational seminars on sustainable living and first-time home buying to building a team of like-minded agents, Ryan has cultivated a business that thrives on authentic connections and a mission to leave the world better than she found it. Whether you’re a new agent or a seasoned pro, Ryan’s insights into scaling a values-driven business, leveraging community involvement, and staying disciplined in a competitive market are pure gold. Ready to be inspired? Tune in to hear Ryan’s incredible story and actionable advice for building a resilient, impactful real estate career.

In this episode of the Off Market Podcast, Lisa Lippman, a top-ranked broker at Brown Harris Stevens and one of Manhattan’s most accomplished real estate professionals, with nearly $2 billion in transactions shares her unconventional journey from law to real estate powerhouse. Lisa reveals the keys to her success, from building lasting client relationships to staying disciplined in a competitive market. She talks about the importance of working hard, embracing technology early on (including being the first at her firm with a Blackberry), and cultivating a client-centered approach that prioritizes long-term value over quick commissions. Additionally, she offers advice for new agents, emphasizing the importance of “casting a wide net,” staying humble and embracing the relentless hustle of the industry. For those entering the real estate field, Lisa’s insights on grit, perseverance, and the art of real connection offer invaluable lessons. Tune in to hear Lisa’s story and her top tips for building a thriving career in real estate. Ready? Let’s dive in!

In this episode of the Off Market podcast, Austin sits down with Rick Fuller, Broker/Owner of the #1 Real Estate Team in the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento County with over $100 million in annual sales and more than 1,000 five-star reviews. Rick shares his journey from working at Circuit City to becoming a real estate mogul, starting with his first home purchase, which sparked his passion for real estate. Rick discusses the importance of building a team, leveraging customer experience, and taking calculated risks to grow in the real estate industry. He emphasizes focusing on customer generation, client conversion, and delivering a world-class customer experience as the key elements for success in real estate. Rick also shares his expansion strategy, inspired by Walmart's "black dot" approach, and his philosophy of targeting markets with high volume and low competition. Toward the end of the episode, Rick offers invaluable advice for new and aspiring agents, encouraging them to dream big, take risks, and stay disciplined in their focus on what truly drives their business. This episode is packed with insights on team building, market strategy, and the entrepreneurial mindset needed to thrive in real estate. Ready? Let’s dive in!

Breann is a third-generation realtor who started her journey at the age of 18 with encouragement from her grandfather. She completed her first sale while in high school and has sold well over 2,500 homes since then. She’s a certified divorced real estate expert, is in the top 1% of the 1% of brokers nationwide, and has been crushing it in Oklahoma City—with over 300 transactions last year, and a projected 500 this year! Join us as we dive into her journey and her perspective on the importance of coaching as a realtor. From prospecting four hours a day to setting and achieving ambitious goals, her story is a testament to the dedication, resilience, and power of compounding. Sit back, buckle up, and get ready to hear firsthand what happens when someone is bold and brave enough to pursue their personal legend.

Lisa is a former special education teacher turned top 1% realtor. She has over 30 years of experience and has sold over $150M in real estate over her career. From beachside towns and retirement communities to downtown condos and master-planned communities, Lisa is an expert in the Tampa Bay area. In this interview, Lisa shares her journey into real estate, starting from her early days influenced by her first husband's involvement in the industry. She describes her pivotal decision to switch careers after getting her real estate license, her initial challenges, and her swift success, including her first deal with a friend which set the stage for her future in the industry. She also emphasizes the importance of understanding client service and relationship management, offering insights into maintaining connections and adapting to technological changes over the decades. Sit back, buckle up, and get ready to hear firsthand what happens when someone is bold and brave enough to pursue their personal legend.

Mark is ranked in the top .01% of realtors nationwide. He’s sold thousands of homes worth over $1 billion, with over $100M in 2023 alone. He also manages a team of over 100 agents and has represented some incredible clients. Today, we peel back the layers of his record-setting trajectory on the Off Market Podcast by Goliath Data. In this episode, Mark takes us through his unique journey from Seattle to San Diego, detailing his early career in sales and his adventurous move to California with no real estate license, car, or connections. Despite these challenges, he quickly became a top-performing agent, selling 24 homes in his first few months. Mark shares invaluable insights on the importance of resilience, the power of social media, and the significance of tracking metrics for business growth. Whether you're a new agent or a seasoned pro, Mark's story and tips are sure to inspire and guide you on your journey.

David is the number one top agent in Wisconsin and has been for the past several years. He’s sold nearly a billion dollars worth of real estate, with over nearly $150M in 2023 alone. He’s a member of the top half-percent of the top 1% of realtors nationwide and has represented many of Chicago's most iconic businessmen, businesswomen, estates, and universities. In this episode, David shares his fascinating story of how he ventured into real estate at just 18 years old, starting from humble beginnings with his father's part-time real estate business. He recounts the pivotal moments that shaped his career, from struggling to sell his first property to becoming a top agent by 2010. David's unconventional strategies, like focusing on the Lake Geneva market and maintaining a strong sense of local expertise, set him apart in a competitive industry. Whether you're a seasoned realtor or just starting out, David's insights on scaling, specialization, and maintaining work-life balance are sure to inspire and motivate. Today, we peel back the layers of his record-setting trajectory on the Off Market Podcast by Goliath Data.

Brett is a top 1% realtor who has closed over 150 transactions representing $75M in sales over the past two years. Brett initially got exposed to real estate through his parents' office but quickly migrated away from it to law and tech sales. After a brief stint in both, he returned to his hometown and reignited his passion for real estate. In this interview, Brett highlights the value of focusing on personal relationships with clients, rather than just the numbers, and shares tips for new agents, such as finding a mentor close to their experience level and treating clients well for repeat business. He also advocates for a more comprehensive approach to building a client base, outside of buying leads from data providers. Brett concludes by stressing the importance of hands-on mentoring and adapting to each client's unique needs. Sit back, buckle up, and get ready to hear firsthand what happens when someone is bold and brave enough to pursue their personal legend.

Bridget’s journey to becoming a top 1% realtor and one of the top 1000 realtors nationwide is one of grit and determination. After an internship at a commercial brokerage, she was initially turned off by the world of real estate. That changed after she received a role at a new internet-based discount brokerage, where she fell in love with RE. This role set the stage for her to launch her own practice, focusing on building client relationships amidst the high-priced San Diego market. Bridget scaled her operations by pursuing a “riches in the niches” strategy. More specifically, she focused on divorces, becoming the only real estate broker in California who has both the Real Estate Divorce Specialist and Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert designations. Sit back, buckle up, and get ready to hear firsthand what happens when someone is bold and brave enough to pursue their personal legend.

Scott is not just any realtor; he is a top 0.05 percent producer nationwide, with a career that spans roles as an investor, developer, and even a stint in the Screen Actors Guild. His journey from Ohio State graduate to a sought-after luxury realtor is awe inspiring. With a background that includes working in media agencies, settlement services, and extensive experience in national commercials, Scott brings a unique perspective to the table. In this interview he shares insights on the importance of diversifying income streams, the critical role of real estate in wealth building, and the emotional journey of buying and selling what he affectionately calls "people's castles." Scott outlines his path to becoming a revered figure in real estate, revealing the dedication behind his success and his approach to managing client relationships like a seasoned psychiatrist. Sit back, buckle up, and get ready to hear firsthand what happens when someone is bold and brave enough to pursue their personal legend.

Beginning her real estate career in 1993, Rebecca initially served the Hispanic community by helping them purchase HUD and VA Repo homes. In 1996 she went off to Arizona State University where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Spanish from the College of Liberal Arts. Shortly thereafter, she ventured into residential new construction sales, working directly for local builders from 1997 onwards. By 1998, Rebecca had acquired her Broker’s license and became the Designated Broker for Sequoia Homes and later a Sales Associate for Trend Homes of Arizona. In the late 2000s, Rebecca returned to the foreclosure market, founding the Integrity All-Star Team which focused on preventing foreclosures and aiding over 400 families with Short Sales between 2008 and 2013. The team also represented Bellago Homes. Since then, Rebecca has appeared on Channel 3 News, HGTV's House Hunters. Rebecca is the #1 Latina Agent in Arizona, the #29 Latino realtor in all of the United States, and #1 BREA Agent in the Southeast Valley. She’s sold thousands of homes and has been ranked in the top half of the Top 1% of REALTORS® in Arizona for several years running. Sit back, buckle up, and get ready to hear firsthand what happens when someone is bold and brave enough to pursue their personal legend Transcript of the Episode

Neema’s journey to becoming a Broker started early on, as a kid addicted to Legos. He built the White House, the Empire State Building, and even the Taj Mahal. When he turned 10, he started visiting Open Houses with his parents on the weekends. By 18, he was immersed in the world of entrepreneurship, launching his first business: electric scooter charging at the height of the micro-mobility bubble. Another was a mobile coffee cart company, that served $8 Lattes and Americanos to college students on the USC campus before $8 coffees were cool. Perhaps most successful, was a commercial real estate syndication for fast-food companies like Burger King and Starbucks that needed drive-through accessible locations. While at USC, Neema studied Real Estate Development. Upon graduation, he became a licensed realtor and started working for Rodeo Realty, one of the premier real estate brokerage firms in LA (the firm has about 1200 agents and does $5B+ in annual sales). After breaking the record for the number of deals closed by the first-time agent, and realizing that the 70-30 commission split was not in his best interests, he decided to go out on his own. He reached out to The California Department of Real Estate, with a request to take the brokerage exam (most agents are required to work 2+ years before applying to take the exam). They granted his request, and he passed the exam, subsequently becoming one of the youngest Real Estate Brokers in CA history. Within a few weeks, he launched Atllas, a tech-focused real estate brokerage built by agents, for agents. Atllas provides a unique payout structure that enables real estate agents to retain all their commissions. It also provides a suite of tools purpose-built for streamlining an agent's marketing efforts, online presence, and open houses. Since its inception, the Beverly Hills-based platform has attracted more than 10,000 agents from all over the country. Sit back, buckle up, and get ready to hear firsthand what happens when someone is bold and brave enough to pursue their personal legend.

Few have the tenacity to stick through a recession, even fewer come out the other side stronger—Carrie is one of those individuals. She’s a top 1% broker, has over $1.5 Billion in career sales and over two decades of experience in real estate. She’s a member of Christie's Master Circle, and has earned the association's Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards. Carrie's venture into real estate wasn't predetermined. She began her career in the securities market with E-Trade during the dot com boom. A few years later, she found herself in the real estate development space, and then became a National Sales Manager for one of Chicago's largest & most well-respected development companies, Centrum Properties. Carrie’s transition from sales manager to realtor to top 1% broker is a testament to the power of client-centric service and the cultivation of meaningful relationships. Sit back, buckle up, and get ready to hear firsthand what happens when someone is bold and brave enough to pursue their personal legend.

Steve was the #3rd ranked real estate agent in the USA (2022 & 2023) and is on track again in 2024. Since 2016, Steve has closed 4,800+ MLS rental and sales listings, and is the only known Realtor in history to close over 1,200+ MLS listings in a calendar year for both Rentals (1,253 in 2016) and sales (1,643 in 2021). Steve currently holds real estate licenses in eleven states (Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin). Before becoming an agent, oversaw the operational performance of $820 Million in assets and 4,900+ SFR portfolio at American Homes 4 Rent (AH4R). He also served as Director of Brokerage Services for Invitation Homes (a Division of Blackstone) where he oversaw the leasing operations of a portfolio of 4,200+ SFR. Steve’s story from triumph to failure and triumph again, is a tale that isn’t often told. Sit back, buckle up, and get ready to hear firsthand what happens when someone is bold and brave enough to pursue their personal legend.