Episodes
-
Few people are as immediately likeable as Lewi Gault - and it only gets better from there. On today's episode of Mindset Matters, I had the good fortune of sitting down with my friend and colleague, and to hear his journey as a young man who grew up in Scotland found his way to Denver, met the love of his life and started a family, and eventually reached such levels of success in real estate that he felt like... a failure.
Now, not a failure in the "I am not good at this" sense, - rather he was so good at his craft that it consumed him and left many of life's most important elements in it's wake. Time to be a loving husband - limited, to say the least. Time to be a present father - nope. Time to enjoy all the benefits his business had reaped upon him - not even a little bit.
Then one day, while discussing travel plans that a family friend was preparing - Lewi's wife, Mackenzie, said something life changing - "we're never going to have that." All the success, all the accolades, and all the money, and they would never have the time and ability to enjoy it. That conversation became a catalyst for Lewi, who went through the challenging process of recalibrating his life and what is most important to him - reprioritizing everything - until what mattered came first.
Now in a business where people are told they have to "always be on," Lewi has proven that not only is that not the case, you can THRIVE with boundaries. You can control your time, energy and production, and you can have the life AND business you want.
This incredible journey and more was shared by the man himself, and starts now...
www.shieldlendingteam.com
720-979-8742
[email protected]
IG: @jimmythesaint5280 -
In this episode of Mindset Matters, I sit down with Adam Gillespie—a former rock musician turned no-nonsense Denver realtor and the co-founder of Apex Elite AI, one of the fastest-growing AI training communities for real estate professionals in the country.
We dive into Adam’s wild ride:
🎸 From winning “Best Band in Denver” to building a thriving real estate business with eXp Realty
🏡 How he carved a niche by blending street-smart sales with systems thinking
🤖 And why he’s now leading the charge to teach realtors how to harness AI—without sounding like robots.This conversation is packed with:
Tactical advice on integrating ChatGPT, custom CRMs, and AI tools in real estateHonest reflections on burnout, rebuilding, and staying relevant in a shifting marketA deep look at how mindset + tech = unstoppable momentumWhether you're an agent looking to sharpen your edge, a business owner exploring AI, or someone just trying to stay ahead of the curve—you’ll walk away fired up and full of practical takeaways.
www.shieldlendingteam.com
720-979-8742
[email protected]
IG: @jimmythesaint5280 -
Missing episodes?
-
Today we sit down with two incredible women I respect on every level — Jenny & Angelica Apel, a mother & daughter combination whose bond extends beyond personal and professional achievements and a life grounded in faith and family. Together, they’re a powerhouse real estate duo with Nostalgic Homes at Compass, and if you’ve spent any time in the Highlands, you already know their names.
But what you may not know is the full story behind the signs and the sold stickers.
As you'll hear - Jenny is a survivor — and not just of the real estate rollercoaster. Diagnosed with cancer when Angelica was a small child, the importance of motherhood and their connection was forever impacted by the challenges they overcame together in those earliest days. This family has stared down some heavy chapters… and chose to meet them with faith, grace, and the kind of strength that’s hard to put into words.
Angelica grew up in that storm — and somehow turned it into sunshine. Today, she and her husband Paul are the parents of two beautiful children, and she and Jenny don’t just sell homes, they build relationships, they lead with heart, and they’re raising the next generation right in the middle of it. Watching them both light up when they talk about Angelica’s kids… that’s legacy in real time.
This episode is about real estate, yes. But it’s also about survival. About showing up. About what it means to raise a family while fighting for your life — and still choosing to give love to the people around you.
I’m proud of this one. Proud of them. And honored to help share their story.
www.shieldlendingteam.com
720-979-8742
[email protected]
IG: @jimmythesaint5280 -
This week on Mindset Matters, I sit down with my good friend and Boulder native, Colin Dart — a standout realtor at milehimodern, genuinely a world traveler, and easily one of the sharpest-dressed humans you’ll ever meet. But beyond the wardrobe and real estate accolades is a man of rare integrity, intentionality, and depth.
Colin is the kind of person who approaches his work not just as a job, but as a true craft. His clients aren’t transactions — they’re relationships, responsibilities, and in many ways, reflections of how seriously he takes the impact he can have in someone’s life. We talk about what it means to show up every day with purpose, the lessons that only come from failing forward, and how to stay grounded in a world that loves to pull you in a thousand directions.
We also talk about his partner in life and magic, Virginia Dart — a gifted Colombian-born singer and recording artist whose heart is as massive as her talent. The way Colin and Virginia support each other through two incredibly demanding, creative careers is something we can all learn from. If you're in pursuit of excellence, balance, or just want to hear from someone who’s doing it right, this episode will leave you thinking — and maybe even rethinking — how you show up in your own world.
www.shieldlendingteam.com
720-979-8742
[email protected]
IG: @jimmythesaint5280 -
This week on Mindset Matters, I sit down with Lauren Vollono of Liv Sotheby's here in Denver — a woman whose story hits hard, inspires big, and reminds us that it’s never too late to change your life.
Lauren spent over a decade in speech pathology, helping others find their voice in places like Long Island, Santa Barbara, and New York City. But after reaching a point of career burnout, coupled with a move to Denver that didn’t exactly start out as a dream, she found herself in unfamiliar territory — unsure, stuck, and deeply questioning her path. What came next was a turning point most people only fantasize about.
Lauren didn’t just pivot careers — she lit it on fire. She studied her way into real estate and launched herself into a new chapter with relentless drive and genuine heart. Within just a few years, she’s become one of Denver’s top-producing agents, earned a seat at LIV Sotheby’s, and carved out a niche in both resale and new development real estate.
But this conversation isn’t just about sales or brokerages. It’s about resilience. It’s about the mental toll of starting over, the courage to try something new, and the quiet power of believing in yourself when nobody else has the answers. This is one of the realest conversations I’ve had on Mindset Matters, and Lauren brings it with raw honesty, grit, and the kind of authenticity that reminds you why this stuff matters in the first place.
www.shieldlendingteam.com
720-979-8742
[email protected]
IG: @jimmythesaint5280 -
In this powerful episode of Mindset Matters, I sat down with Olivia Kunevicius of milehimodern — a true embodiment of resilience, compassion, and purpose-driven living.
Olivia's journey has taken her a childhood growing up near Cleveland Ohio, across multiple states and adventures, before she found her true home in Denver and her passion in real estate. But her story doesn't stop there. After the tragic loss of her beloved sister, Jessica, Olivia transformed her grief into action. Witnessing firsthand the extraordinary care provided by healthcare workers during her sister’s most difficult moments, Olivia knew she had to give back.
Fueled by gratitude and a drive to make a difference, Olivia founded the MedicalPRO Home program — a groundbreaking initiative designed to support medical professionals on their path to homeownership. From zero down payment options to closing cost credits and even five hours of free childcare during property showings, Olivia’s mission is clear: to honor those who dedicate their lives to healing others.
Tune in to hear how Olivia turned personal tragedy into a movement of generosity, how she navigated major life transitions with resilience, and why she believes that giving back is the most powerful mindset of all.
This one’s got heart, grit, and some serious inspiration. Don’t miss it.
www.shieldlendingteam.com
720-979-8742
[email protected]
IG: @jimmythesaint5280 -
This episode of Mindset Matters is one that will stay with me for a long time.
I sat down with Tab Tobias—a founding member of The Monarch Group at Compass Denver, a badass REALTOR, a loving wife, a proud mom to a two-year-old son… and a woman who has walked through hell and come out with her heart still wide open.
Tab has been sober for 18 years. In this conversation, she takes us into the raw, unfiltered truth of her battle with alcoholism—what it felt like at her lowest, what it meant to surrender to the work of recovery, and how it feels now to sponsor others through their own healing.
She shares the moments that broke her, the community that helped rebuild her, and the personal growth that continues to shape her into the friend, mother, and professional she is today.
But let me be clear: this is not a story of pity—it’s a story of power. It’s also a reminder that being a total badass and being soft-hearted can absolutely coexist.
Tab is one of the most genuine, caring, and hilarious people I’ve ever met. Her sense of humor, her brutal honesty, and her elite-level cussing would make any sailor proud—including this one. And her love for her family? That’s the soul of her story.
This is more than a conversation. It’s a gift. If you’ve ever struggled—or if you love someone who has—you’ll find something in this episode that hits home.
www.shieldlendingteam.com
720-979-8742
[email protected]
IG: @jimmythesaint5280 -
In this episode, we sit down with Lisa Wynne — a rapidly growing Realtor with Compass in Denver whose entrepreneurial spirit and relentless drive have shaped not just one, but two impressive careers. Before building a thriving real estate business in Colorado, Lisa launched a successful marketing company in San Diego, initially finding her niche in helping bars and restaurants stand out in a competitive market. That venture would eventually expand to Washington, landing high-profile clients including the Washington Commanders.
Now, she brings that same creativity, grit, and strategic vision to real estate — and the results speak for themselves.
But behind the ambition is something even more compelling: Lisa is also a deeply dedicated mother to a 16-year-old son who remains at the center of her world. Their bond, shaped by her own life experiences, is a powerful thread throughout her story.
Tune in for a conversation about reinvention, resilience, and the balancing act of building big while keeping your priorities even bigger.
www.shieldlendingteam.com
720-979-8742
[email protected]
IG: @jimmythesaint5280 -
Nicki Thompson has a natural ability to impact people for the better. From her small town Kansas up bringing where she was one of 5 siblings, to moving to Denver with her Colorado native husband, Ryan, to staring down the challenge of starting a family, raising children, and building a real estate business all at the same time - there has been one common denominator - her desire to serve, help and make an impact on those around her.
On today's episode, Nicki was kind enough to share a bit of her journey, including the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. A woman who thrives on challenge and figuring out the best way forward, she tells of building one of Denver's most accomplished real estate business without leaving out the moments that could have easily broken her down and left her lost. Through it all, you will hear the story of a woman who treasures time outside in deep thought, and who believes that telling people what they need to know will always be better for them than telling them what they want to hear.
Her story, starts now!
www.shieldlendingteam.com
720-979-8742
[email protected]
IG: @jimmythesaint5280 -
Autumn White grew up with an appreciation of the outdoors, of reading, and of the mindfulness and peace of spending time with herself and her thoughts. Growing up in the Boulder Heights community of Boulder, Colorado, she enjoyed the beauty of the mountains while also embracing the unique community of Boulder and the experiences it offered.
Then, just as she was beginning her freshman year of college, Autumn was in a car accident that resulted in four fractured vertebrae. In embracing that this event could have completely changed if not ended her life, she began to question what choices she was making and who those choices were for. Today, she acknowledges that the event was for her greater benefit as it made her live a far more intentional life than she may have otherwise.In 2017, seeking a new and fulfilling career path, Autumn entered the real estate business and created a faithful group of friends and clients who appreciate her intelligence, her high-level professional abilities, and the fact that her natural empathy and care for people has never once waived. Currently raising a teenage daughter, Autumn has embraced the individualistic experience that life presents, understanding that while she can advise her daughter, a friend, or a client, in the end, it is each person’s life to live, and she will support them through the best and worst of it.
Her story... starts now.
www.shieldlendingteam.com
720-979-8742
[email protected]
IG: @jimmythesaint5280 -
Janell Arant didn't need anyone to tell her to care or that she could create her own path, she just had a natural instinct to be helpful from the earliest ages and a drive to pursue new ideas. From an inherent desire to look out for her family and siblings, to joining her father at flea markets as a teenager where they would sell self-defense products, to recognizing during her college years that she was drawn to and capable of creating a business from scratch - Janell always seemed to have the ability to trust the path and follow her feet. She also had a passion for homes, building them from blocks as a kid and eventually teaching herself CADE so that she could add high levels of details.
When she started a family and began having kids - Janell realized that being with her children as much as possible was priority #1. However, while she would be a "stay-at-home mom," her hustle mode of creation and entrepreneurship came out and at one point she had FOUR jobs. It created a constant tug-a-war that as her children would get older, there was something inside her that was building.
As her children got older and began spending more of their days in school or with friends, she initially dove into appraising in Douglas County, before gaining the clarity that she was best served working for herself and dove headfirst into real estate. Leveraging her experience in marketing, appraising, and her genuine passion for homes, she has quickly found her footing in the industry and has seen her business ever since.
Her story, starts now!www.shieldlendingteam.com
720-979-8742
[email protected]
IG: @jimmythesaint5280 -
There is a natural curiosity about Elle Dice that serves her extremely well. From her warm smile and inquisitive spirit, you can right away tell that she is never going through the motions when she asks you a question, rather she is genuinely interested in learning about you and what is important to you. There is never a sense that she is listening for her turn to speak, instead she embraces the comradery and what she can glean from each conversation.
The curiosity to learn and grow led Elle to begin an exploration of various career and financial opportunities that included a successful endeavor with a network marketing company, and to eventually point her to what has become a rapidly growing real estate business.
A native of Breckenridge, Colorado, Elle also values vulnerability and embracing the journey, which is part of the reason she was kind enough to share some of the hardest and harshest of life lessons and the tough decisions she made to change her path for the better. Along the way, she was empowered by a group of motivated women she connected with, many of whom drawing strength from their Christian faith. It was these lessons that impressed upon and solidified for her the importance of community, of the bigger picture, and of her desire to impact people for the better.
Her story starts now!www.shieldlendingteam.com
720-979-8742
[email protected]
IG: @jimmythesaint5280 -
Of all the skills in Justin Knolls' arsenal, among the most powerful one you might experience is his ability to put you at ease and make you feel welcomed the moment you encounter him. The pleasant smile, the instant encouragement, and a genuine interest in how things are going for you are clearly important to him. It is clear that cheering for others is a foundational aspect to how he carries himself.
An established coach who got that way from being a dedicated student, Justin grew up in a multi-generational real estate family and truly had the industry in his blood. It was little surprise than that he would eventually dive into the business - and primarily on his own - find high levels of success. What might not have been so expected was how he embraced leadership within his office early on and rapidly learned not only the legality of the ever-changing industry- but also developed the skillset to teach others how to grow their own business.
Now one of the most recognizable names and faces in the Denver market, Justin continues to mentor and coach while also diving into the real estate contract business as a founding member of Get in Contract, or GIC, which is revolutionizing the industry with the ultimate transaction hub for top real estate professionals in Colorado.www.shieldlendingteam.com
720-979-8742
[email protected]
IG: @jimmythesaint5280 -
Jason Sirois learned from early age to embrace and love the climb, as a young boy growing up in California, climbing trees with little regard for how he would get back down. Through that early lesson, Jason discovered a confidence in his ability as well as an acceptance of risk that has served him throughout his entire life. Whether it was skateboarding, football, or deciding what career field to take on, fear has never played a factor in limiting his possibilities.
A graduate of Fresno State, Jason thought his initial career path might involve medicine, and instead involved medical sales and the tech industry. While he experienced a high level of success in the Bay Area, earning new opportunities along the way, there was something missing, and he knew it was not his forever path. As he turned 30 years old - he sent out what he calls "his life compass" to discover what his next step would be.
So in the final months of 2018 and entering into 2019, Jason packed his belongings and moved to Denver, Colorado - a city that had been on his radar for awhile. There he dove head first into a real estate career that has been one of the fastest rising in the Denver market. He has built a reputation and brand based on knowledge, intelligence, and the importance of client experience. What makes his accomplishments in real estate even more astounding is that he started in a new market, without any type of sphere, and without even knowing much about the city he would be operating in. It is truly a story of climbing from the ground up. Thank you for sharing your story with us, Jason!
His story, starts now...www.shieldlendingteam.com
720-979-8742
[email protected]
IG: @jimmythesaint5280 -
To understand Jim Perry, it's crucial to understand what has always been inherently important to him - brotherhood, accountability and leadership. Raised in Ohio and surrounded by his own brothers, a trip to West Point New York when he was a young man helped shape the direction of his life and in many ways his purpose. Four years after that first trip, Jim would return to West Point, this time as freshmen cadet or "Plebe". From these earliest moments, his natural desire to be a part of something bigger than himself was apparent, and many of the earliest connections he made remain the strongest of brothers to this day.
Today, Jim shares stories of his time at West Point, of forging a life with his wife, and eventually entering civilian life. As life progressed, his path eventually brought him to Denver, Colorado, where he and his wife have continued to forge bounds with their local community. One of those connections presented Jim the opportunity to enter a whole new battleground in the real estate tech space with Get In Contract, a contract software that looks to bring the home purchasing process into the 21st century. GIC is revolutionizing the industry with the ultimate transaction hub for top real estate professionals in Colorado. Not only does it provide clients with a dramatically better experience, it also saves agents valuable time with powerful automation features, customized templates, and modern integrations.
Jim's story, starts now...www.shieldlendingteam.com
720-979-8742
[email protected]
IG: @jimmythesaint5280 -
Neymar Lopez is a force. Born and raised in Venezuela before eventually making her way to America and becoming a US citizen, she has experienced diversities in culture, energy, attitude and opportunity. She has lived through some of the most difficult challenges a person could face - including starting a new life in a new country, thousands of miles from home, and without the benefit of speaking the common, local language.
Throughout Neymar's story, there are countless moments where she could have quit, dozens of challenges that could have driven a weaker person to their knees, and yet through them all she persevered. All of it lead to a thriving real estate business, where she leads the Colorado Collective at Compass in Denver. It lead her to meet her husband - me :) - and begin a family with our beautiful daughter Venecia. And it lead to her finding the strength to inspire so many of the people around her in their pursuit of whatever the American Dream means to them.
Her story, starts now...www.shieldlendingteam.com
720-979-8742
[email protected]
IG: @jimmythesaint5280 -
If you know nothing else about Garret Hurlbut, know that he sees and appreciates the life he has ten times more than he agonizes over opportunities missed or benefits never received. Growing up in a unique setting, living in two distinctly different neighborhoods at the same time as a kid, routinely being the family that lived without rather than the one overwhelmed with rewards, Garret learned how to appreciate the most simplistic gifts and to work for the things he wanted.
The son of a painter, Garret learned his work ethic from both holding a paintbrush and a basketball, as he and his brother enjoyed traveling to the most talented and rugged of local Denver courts. There, he loved the look on other players' eyes as they realized he could play... and play well. That work ethic guided his path to creating his own business while in college, and A Perfect Finish Painting was.
As the years passed, Garret welcomed into his life three sons, and they are being raised by a unique and wonderful group of parents whose bond with each other and care for these boys is nothing short of miraculous. It has also enabled Garret to be what he calls the "Experience Parent," and introduced a world of adventure to his boys.
It's a story you won't want to miss, and it starts now!www.shieldlendingteam.com
720-979-8742
[email protected]
IG: @jimmythesaint5280 -
Eryn Henderson and I first connected in 2020 as she was beginning her career with Guide Real Estate (at the time BSW). Energetic, friendly and eager to learn, Eryn background in sales and her unique ability to connect with people rapidly allowed her to hit the ground running from day one and quickly became one of the brokerages most productive agents.
In our earliest days of getting to know each other, what stood out to me about Eryn was her ability to bond with people in a variety of settings and in the most natural way possible. Whether it was an open house she was working, a happy hour at a neighborhood bar or a company event, she is extremely approachable and easy to talk to, and that trait shows through every client that enjoys working with her.
As she has managed learning a new craft and growing a business, she also enjoys her home life with her husband Mike, her daughter Aubrey, and there two adorable golden retrievers. In a business that does not always make balance possible, Eryn does all she can to keep the most important things in focus.
Her story, starts now!www.shieldlendingteam.com
720-979-8742
[email protected]
IG: @jimmythesaint5280 -
In what is the 97th episode of Mindset Matters, it is hard to put into words how impressed I was with Angelica Apel’s way of thinking and the conversation we had. From the confidence and conviction she has for her craft and her care for the people she works with, to her humble nature in accepting that there are bumps along every one of our roads, Angelica was kind enough to share some of the most important moments of her journey.
Angelica is not the type of person who openly offers advice and guidance that she herself hasn't followed or experienced firsthand. From her intricate knowledge of the Highland and Wheat Ridge neighborhoods she grew up in, to taking on massive remodeling projects on a home, to creating and sustaining a business through changing markets, changing life stages and growing a family – her ability to relate to, understand and speak truth to the people she encounters is second to none. Time and time again during our conversation, Angelica showed a remarkable ability and self-awareness to put herself in another person’s shoes and to consider the emotions they must be feeling. Most impressive of all, she did so in the most human and non-judgmental of ways. You can genuinely hear and feel how much she cares for the people she surrounds herself with.
Angelica’s story is also one of family. The Apel family is one of the most well known in real estate, and Nostalgic Homes (Compass) a staple of the very neighborhoods that Angelica calls home. The lessons she has learned from her family, including her mother Jenny, run deep – and she and her husband Paul are building on that tradition as they raise their two beautiful children. It is the real-time creation of tradition and legacy that many of us strive for – as told by a person who very much thrives seeing people find joy in their lives.
I cannot thank you enough for sharing your story with me, Angelica! You are amazing!
www.shieldlendingteam.com
720-979-8742
[email protected]
IG: @jimmythesaint5280 -
There are people who can claim to be adaptable, and then there are people like Kelly Reed who are ADAPTABLE. From moving dozens of times including from one US coast to the other and back, from experiencing different cultures, careers, spheres, and from handling real estate markets that have moved at break-neck speeds to one that slowed to a crawl for a moment, she has adapted.
While her ability to accept and work through change is a strength she has leaned on, so too is the high level of character she has maintained thorugh out it all. One of the most well-spoken of realtors in the Denver area (which is how we connected in the first place), with the professional success and skillset to back it up, Kelly blends her skills in understanding people and the flow of the real estate business with her creative eye and strategy to give her clients the very best.
On today's episode, Kelly was kind enough to share some of the most important chapters of her journey, and it is a story you will not want to miss!www.shieldlendingteam.com
720-979-8742
[email protected]
IG: @jimmythesaint5280 - Show more
