Episodes
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In this episode of Own It, we sit down with San Francisco real estate powerhouse Shalini Sadda to uncover how she made the leap from biomedical engineering to luxury real estate—and built a business that’s now scaling toward $100M in sales volume.
Whether you're a new agent or seasoned pro, Shalini’s journey is packed with honest insights about mindset, systems, and consistency. She breaks down how she overcame imposter syndrome, learned the power of time-blocking, and why joining the right team could be the smartest move for any agent ready to grow.
🎯 You’ll learn:
How Shalini built her real estate business from scratchThe top habits that helped her scale past $50M+Why goal-setting before January sets her apartHow she uses open houses and handwritten notes to convert clientsThe advice she’d give her rookie self—and every new agent todayIf you’ve ever wondered how people actually hit their first million in real estate, this is your episode.
🔔 Subscribe for more real estate success stories and tactical advice from agents doing it differently.
📍 Learn more about Side: https://www.side.com
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What happens when bourbon tastings, custom barrel picks, and a passion for community collide with high-level real estate marketing? In this special episode of Own It, we sit down with Heather, founder of Reserve 76 in Dallas-Fort Worth, to uncover how a simple sip of whiskey turned into a hyperlocal brand strategy that’s reshaped her real estate business.
From backyard bourbon tastings with 70 guests to hosting monthly dinners that spark lifelong connections, Heather shares how intentionality, storytelling, and shared passions helped her build an authentic real estate brand—without cold calls or door knocking.
🎯 You’ll learn:
How Reserve 76 blends bourbon culture with client gifting and charityWhy “community first” marketing drives authentic growthTips for hosting unforgettable real estate events that don’t feel salesyHow to use personal passions to attract your ideal clientsHow Side’s marketing team helped name and build the Reserve 76 brandWhether you're a realtor looking to level up your local influence or a bourbon lover curious how lifestyle branding can lead to real business growth—this episode will leave you inspired (and maybe a little thirsty).
🔔 Subscribe for more real estate marketing stories from top-producing agents. 📍 Learn more about Side’s community of entrepreneurs at https://www.side.com
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In this episode of Own It, we sit down with Roman Shulyak, top real estate agent and founder of Kronos Real Estate, to unpack the bold marketing strategy that helped him close $58 million in sales—all without spending a dime on traditional ads.
Instead of chasing cold leads, Roman has built a referral-based empire by:
✅ Investing deeply in relationships
✅ Giving back to his community
✅ Delivering high-value, hyper-personalized client experiences
✅ Leveraging viral Instagram giveaways to supercharge his brandThis is more than just marketing—it’s a masterclass in community-building, brand authenticity, and playing the long game.
What You’ll Learn:
🚀 How Roman went from struggling in real estate to building a referral-based empire
🚀 Why traditional marketing failed him—and the unconventional approach that worked
🚀 The genius behind his viral Instagram giveaway that 10x-ed his business
🚀 How hyper-personalized gifts create client loyalty & drive long-term success
🚀 The mindset shift that took him from selling mobile homes to multi-million dollar estates
🚀 How he balances generosity with smart business strategy—without burning out
🚀 Practical steps to replicate his strategy in your own businessIf you’re serious about scaling your brand without relying on paid ads, this episode is a must-watch.
🔥 Drop a comment below: What’s the best referral strategy you’ve ever used? Let’s talk! 🔥
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🚨 DC is shifting fast! With 17,000 federal workers called back and 60,000 opting for early retirement, the real estate market is feeling the impact. Is this the next big real estate shake-up? In this episode of Own It, we break down the DC mass exodus, skyrocketing rental demand, and what buyers, sellers, and agents need to do right now to stay ahead.
📉 Will home prices drop?
📈 Is now the time to sell—or hold?
🏡 How does this compare to past political shifts?
Special guest Will Wiard joins us to unpack the numbers, trends, and insider strategies for navigating the chaos. If you’re in real estate—or just love watching markets shift in real-time—this is a must-watch!
🔥 Drop a comment: Where do you think DC’s market is heading?
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💰 From Renting to Real Estate Wealth – How to Start Investing Today 💰
Think you need 30% down to buy an investment property? Think again. In this episode, Brian Tran, founder of 50 Hills Real Estate and PartnerUp coach, breaks down how anyone can start investing in real estate—no matter their financial situation. 🏡📈
What You’ll Learn:
✅ Why real estate is easier to control than stocks 📊
✅ The “1% Rule” & how to spot a profitable rental property 🔍
✅ How to invest out of state and scale faster 🚀
✅ Creative financing hacks (including seller financing!) 🏦
✅ The truth about partnerships, syndications & making your first deal happenNo matter where you're starting from, you can build wealth through real estate. Brian’s keeping it simple, strategic, and scalable—so you can do the same.
🎧 Tune in now & start your real estate journey today!
👇 Drop a comment: What’s your biggest hesitation about investing in real estate? #OwnItPodcast #RealEstateInvesting #PassiveIncome
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In this episode, we sit down with Carol Huston, Founder of True Story Realty, and Steven Klein, an independent insurance broker, to discuss the aftermath of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires that tore through the Palisades and Altadena neighborhoods. 🏡🔥
What You’ll Learn:
✅ Are You Prepared for a Disaster? Practical steps to protect your home & belongings
✅ Insurance Essentials: Why reviewing your policy annually could save you thousands
✅ The Housing Crisis in LA: What’s next for displaced families & the rental market
✅ How to Make a Video Inventory: A must-do for documenting your home’s valuables
✅ Community Response & Recovery: The power of neighbors helping neighbors🚨 No matter where you live, a disaster could impact you. Whether it’s a wildfire, hurricane, or flood, the best time to prepare is now. This episode will give you real-world takeaways to help you safeguard your home, finances, and future.
🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned:
📌 More on community organizing: https://onedrive.live.com/?redeem=aHR0cHM6Ly8xZHJ2Lm1zL2YvYy9kOThkZDBhYzdjNTdmMmE0L0VxNl9saE5CQXdSS3FHcm1QLWVPX2YwQnhyanJqdE80RVF4S0FhZFBybnpudlE%5FZT0waUhHTjM&id=D98DD0AC7C57F2A4%21s1396bfae03414a04a86ae63fe78efdfd&cid=D98DD0AC7C57F2A4
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Amanda Lee didn’t set out to make a million dollars. Her goal was simple: serve her community and help people find homes. But by focusing on relationships over transactions, leaning into her authentic self, and setting clear goals, she built a thriving real estate business in San Diego as a top agent at The Avenue Home Collective.
In this episode, part of our “My First Million” series, Amanda breaks down the mindset shifts that changed everything — why thinking bigger matters, how setting boundaries actually leads to more success, and why showing up as yourself is the ultimate business strategy. Plus, she shares the tactical steps she took to scale her business and attract the right clients (hint: they probably prefer Jordans or Crocs to heels).
What You’ll Learn:Service Over Sales – Stop chasing commissions and start focusing on helping people. The money follows.Think Bigger – If your goals don’t scare you, they’re too small.Know Your Numbers – Reverse engineer your income goals and track daily conversations to hit your targets.Authenticity Wins – Ditch the stiff business suits and show up as YOU. The right clients will find you.Find Your People – Surround yourself with a community that pushes you, supports you, and challenges you to grow.Set Boundaries – Hustle culture is overrated. Prioritize your well-being and your business will thrive.
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Join us for an inspiring and bold conversation with Kristine Milkovich, co-founder of the Milkovich Team, a powerhouse in Seattle real estate. From humble beginnings as a double-booked hairstylist to an executive career at L’Oréal and now a top-tier real estate marketer, Kristine brings unparalleled insights into branding, storytelling, and building meaningful client connections. But her influence doesn’t stop there — Kristine is also a fierce advocate for fair housing and LGBTQ+ rights, making waves in the industry by blending activism with authentic marketing.
Kristine will share her journey, marketing strategies that captivate and convert, and how she’s shaping the future of real estate through values-driven leadership. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the most dynamic voices in the field.
What You’ll Learn:From Stylist to Executive: How Kristine’s journey with L’Oréal shaped her real estate success.
The Art of Storytelling: Techniques to craft irresistible property listings and marketing materials.
The Power of Authentic Branding: How to create a standout identity that connects with clients emotionally.
Redefining Activism in Real Estate: Practical ways to champion fair housing and inclusivity in your business.
Leadership Insights: How to build and lead a mission-driven team that reflects your values.
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In this mini-episode, we sit down with Ed Barreto, a trailblazing agent whose journey from selling timeshares to surpassing $1M in gross commission income is nothing short of inspiring.
How to build a sustainable business by hosting open housesHow to build trust on social media (and with it, expand your sphere of influence)How to ensure you're not taking your success for granted
What You'll Learn:
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In this episode, we sit down with Adam Bouska and Jeff Parshley, the trailblazing founders of the NOH8 Campaign. What began as a grassroots response to California’s Proposition 8 has grown into a global movement advocating for equality, inclusion, and self-expression. Adam and Jeff share their journey from their first MySpace (remember MySpace?!) photo shoot to traveling to 23 countries — inspiring change across small towns and big cities alike. They reveal the challenges of building a nonprofit from scratch, the power of storytelling through art, and why their mission is more urgent than ever.
What You’ll Learn:The Power of Visibility: Learn why representation in media, art, and community spaces matters for driving inclusion.Grassroots Advocacy Tips: Get insights into starting a movement with little to no resources and scaling it globally.Why Allies Matter: Understand the role of allyship in achieving meaningful progress for the LBBTQ+ community. Facing Today’s Challenges: Explore how NOH8 continues to adapt and stay relevant today.
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In this episode of Own It, we chat with Austin Allison, founder and CEO of Pacaso, a global co-ownership platform for vacation homes. Austin shares his remarkable journey — from buying his first home at 17 to founding the real estate tech startup Dotloop, which he sold to Zillow and, later, launching Pacaso. With a foundation rooted in hard work and resilience, Austin dives into the challenges of entrepreneurship, the power of passion-driven problem solving, and his mission to make vacation home ownership more accessible.
What You’ll Learn About:Playing to Your Passions: How to build businesses around problems you’re deeply passionate about solving. Surrounding Yourself with the Right People: The value of mentors, investors, and teammates who bring expertise and energy to the table.Why Resilience Wins: The importance of a relentless focus on the mission during tough times.Innovative Thinking: How Pacaso reimagined co-ownership with streamlined financing, scheduling, and management solutions.Living in the Moment: Inspired by the book Die With Zero, Austin stresses the importance of creating memories today instead of waiting for “someday.”
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Casey McLoed, Side’s Managing Broker of California and Employing Broker of Colorado, doesn’t just tackle challenges — he flips them into opportunities. At 22, he shattered expectations in a competitive industry, turning skepticism into trust with bold moves and unmatched expertise. Now, as a go-to problem-solver for agents and clients, Casey’s sharp contract knowledge and cool, confident approach make him a standout leader and a force to be reckoned with. Tune in to hear how Casey navigates high-pressure situations, drives innovation, and refuses to settle for the status quo.
Mastering the Art of Confidence: How Casey addressed age-related objections early in his career by proving his expertise upfront.Why Contracts Are Your Superpower: Why mastering the basics sets you apart in a competitive market.Staying Calm Under Pressure: Casey’s strategies for tackling tough problems with clarity and composure. Leadership Done Right: Balancing compliance with creativity to inspire innovation and lead with impact.The Power of Advocacy: How Casey’s work with local and national real estate associations protects property rights and empowers agents.
What You’ll Learn About:
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Grant Muller — top-producing real estate agent, coach, and author of “Top of Heart” — has a story that’s anything but ordinary. By his late twenties, he hit millionaire status, only to lose it all to addiction and find himself homeless. In this episode, Grant gets real about his journey from rock-bottom to redefining success on his own terms. He shares his passion for helping others find meaning and authentic connections in their lives and work. Get ready for a deep dive into topics like grit, personal transformation, and what it really means to “own your future.”
What You’ll Learn About:
Redefining Success: Discover why Grant believes success is about impact, not just income — and how adding value to others can change everything.
Building Relationships: Get Grant’s insights on creating genuine connections that don’t just bring clients back, but also turn them into loyal advocates.Creating Abundance: Grant explains why abundance isn’t just a mindset; it’s the result of prioritizing authentic connections over empty wins.Seeing “Home” as More Than a Sale: Grant shares why treating homes as personal sanctuaries sets you apart in real estate and leaves a lasting impact.
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In this episode of Own It, recorded live at WomanUP!, we sat down with Genie Irish, founder of Costa Modern Properties and incoming president of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professional’s San Diego chapter. Genie is a fearless leader in real estate, pushing boundaries for Hispanic homeownership and empowering agents to break through cultural limits. She’s not just running a business — she’s lifting her community and redefining leadership. Get ready for a bold, unapologetic conversation about defying expectations, owning your truth, and leading with confidence.
What You’ll Learn About:
Authenticity Wins: Genie opens up about her stereotype-smashing journey and how staying true to yourself, even in a world that often demands conformity, can lead to success.Leadership and Balance: From running a company to raising a family, Genie shares how she juggles it all while staying grounded in her values.Cultural Empowerment: Through NAHREP, Genie is advocating for Hispanic homeownership and inspiring more diverse leaders in real estate.
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In this episode of Own It, we sit down with Will Wiard, Side’s managing broker for D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV). With over a decade of experience, Will shares his no-nonsense approach to navigating one of the country’s most complex real estate markets. From mastering contracts to thriving in high-stakes deals, Will offers valuable insights for agents looking to level-up their careers.
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Matthew Marx isn’t just another tech founder — he’s a game-changer in the world of digital marketing. As the CEO and co-founder of Evocalize, Matthew is on a mission to tear down the barriers between small businesses and the kind of high-performance marketing only giants like Amazon used to pull off. With a background in engineering and a relentless drive to simplify the complex, he’s empowering real estate agents to automate their marketing and focus on what they do best: closing deals.
Simplified Marketing: Discover how Evocalize lets you focus on closing deals, not juggling marketing tasks.AI Efficiencies: Uncover how AI can speed up tasks and help you get more done.Thinking Long Term: Find out why always-on marketing beats one-off campaigns and keeps your pipeline full.Staying Compliant: Learn how Evocalize’s built-in compliance features protect you from legal pitfalls.The Human Side of AI: Understand why the human touch is still crucial to marketing, even in an AI-driven world.Cross-Industry Collaboration: Explore Matthew’s bold vision for seamless collaboration across industries.
What You’ll Learn About:evocalize.com
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Amy Kong is a real estate powerhouse, tearing down walls and championing the overlooked and marginalized. As the co-founder of Trust Real Estate and former National President of AREAA, she’s been on the front lines advocating for immigrant rights and fair housing. An immigrant herself, Amy knows the struggle and has turned it into a relentless drive to ensure everyone gets a fair shot at homeownership. With no tolerance for BS and a passion for justice, she’s shaking up the industry, one deal at a time.
What You’ll Learn About: Fighting Discrimination: Amy’s no-nonsense approach to combating the unfair treatment of non-native English speakers and the elderly in real estate.Building Trust: Why trust is everything in real estate, and how Amy’s company, Trust Real Estate, lives up to its name.Leading the Charge: How Amy’s bold leadership in AREAA is working to change unjust real estate laws.Empowering Agents: Tips to arm yourself with knowledge, uphold your value, and handle tough clients like pros.Giving Back: Amy’s take on why every realtor should volunteer in their community — and how it can make waves in the industry.Links
Trust Real Estate Website
AREAA Website
Amy's Instagram
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Scott Dickinson is not your typical real estate broker — he’s a disruptor on a mission. Having traded his career in real estate law to become a top-producing broker, Scott brings a fierce blend of legal savvy and industry passion to the table. As the Managing Broker for Washington State at Side, he’s all about breaking the mold, challenging outdated norms, and setting a higher standard for the entire industry.
What You’ll Learn About:Reinventing Real Estate: Learn why Scott believes the industry needs to break free from outdated practices and embrace innovation.Building Relationships: Discover the importance of relationships in real estate and how they can lead to long-term success.Navigating Industry Changes: Understand the impact of recent changes in real estate regulations and how they could shape the future.Leadership in Action: Learn about Scott’s approach to leadership, focusing on community building and empowering agents.Overcoming Challenges: Hear Scott’s strategies for overcoming the jealousy and resistance that can come with rapid success in the industry.
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Meet Heather Ozur, the bold new President of the California Association of REALTORSⓇ for 2025. With a background as the 2019 National President for the Women’s Council of REALTORSⓇ, Heather is known for her fearless leadership and groundbreaking initiatives. She’s here to share her unique insights on driving change, advocating for REALTORSⓇ, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the real estate industry.
What you’ll learn about:Bold Leadership: Discover Heather’s strategies for leading a powerful, all-female team and making impactful changes in the industry.Advocacy at Its Best: Learn how CAR is fighting for real estate agents and homeowners, from local to national levels.Innovative Solutions: Get Heather’s take on transforming homeownership opportunities and overcoming market challenges.Professionalism Redefined: Hear about new tools and agreements designed to elevate the standards and expectations of real estate agents.Community Impact: Understand the ripple effect of real estate transactions on local economies and how you can leverage this.Links
C.A.R. Website
C.A.R. Open Letter
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As the co-host of Own It, Hilary Saunders usually interviews industry thought leaders, but in this episode, the mic is turned on her. Hilary is a trailblazing force in real estate, blending her legal expertise with an unorthodox flair to revolutionize the industry. From tackling gritty landlord-tenant disputes in San Francisco to co-founding Side, Hilary is smashing outdated models with her bold, lavender-haired presence. Her journey is a masterclass in challenging the status quo, embracing individuality, and redefining success in real estate.
What you’ll learn about:Hilary’s wild ride from legal eagle to real estate rebelThe juicy details of her most insane landlord-tenant disputesThe secret to blending legal smarts with real estate hustleWhy authenticity and breaking the mold are her keys to successHer bold, game-changing predictions for the future of real estateAnd how to thrive in an industry that desperately needs a shakeup
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