In this episode, we dive into how the real estate industry is evolving—and how agents can stay ahead by embracing modern tools. We share why we rebranded the podcast to Real Estate Redefined, what it means to align your brand with your business, and how we’re leveraging platforms like YouTube and AI to create more opportunities for clients and agents alike.

We also introduce our new nationwide team, Sphere, designed to help agents grow their own brands while plugging into proven systems, processes, and YouTube strategies. From building authentic connections and delivering value online to structuring smarter teams and leading with emotional intelligence, we break down the strategies that are reshaping how real estate is done today.

Whether you’re a new agent or a seasoned pro, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective on where the industry is headed—and how you can redefine your own path in real estate.

In this episode of Re-Define, Will and Eli catch up with marketing pro Gene Volpe for a real, unfiltered conversation about how the business landscape has shifted post-COVID. Gene talks about why the pandemic forced him to double down on essentials, how AI is changing the game (but not replacing real strategy), and why most people still don’t understand how to use it. They break down what it takes to actually scale, what’s working in marketing today, and how Roof Max became a high-margin, low-maintenance business opportunity worth watching.

03:10 – Catching Up With Gene Vulpe
A friendship forged in marketing and past episodes.

06:45 – COVID's Business Impact: The Silver Lining
How the pandemic unexpectedly boosted Gene’s business and changed his focus.

14:20 – Real Estate Shut Down: PA vs. CO
State-by-state chaos and the essential vs. non-essential debate.

21:00 – Post-COVID Mindset & Psychological Impact on Kids
Gene opens up about family life during lockdown.

27:40 – Real Estate, Interest Rates & Artificial Inflation
How rates and demand changed the game—and fooled some agents.

33:30 – Zoom Culture & The Remote Revolution
Less windshield time, more productivity—and why Zoom dominates.

36:20 – The AI Explosion: Tools vs. Talk
Gene breaks down how to actually use AI, not just talk about it.

44:05 – Real Estate + AI: The Human Advantage
How Eli and Will are using AI to better serve clients without losing the human element.

51:30 – AI Prompting: Garbage In, Garbage Out
Why quality questions matter more than ever with AI.

57:00 – AI in Real Estate Systems & Marketing
Detailed look at embedding AI into CRMs, calls, emails, and campaigns.

1:04:00 – Trades Are the Future: A Message to Young Entrepreneurs
Why HVAC and plumbing might just be the next tech wave.

1:09:10 – Roof Max: A Real Solution for Real Estate
Gene explains his roof rejuvenation business and how it helps homeowners and agents.

1:19:45 – Real Estate Deals, Inspections, and the Roof Fix Gap
How Roof Max fits into real-world deal-making and client satisfaction.

1:25:30 – 2025 Goals & the AI Marketing Overhaul
Gene’s focus on AI, rebranding his agency, and making real passive income.

1:30:10 – Phillies, Football, and the “Brotherly Shove”
Sports trash talk, Bryce Harper’s tears, and the love/hate with Philly fans.

1:37:00 – Where to Find Gene + Final Thoughts
Gene shares how to connect and what’s next for him in business and life.

In this episode, Will and Eli open up about what it’s really like to navigate major transitions — in business, in life, and within yourself. They dig into what it means to stay grounded when things feel chaotic, and why emotional awareness isn’t just a buzzword — it’s survival.

From lessons learned in the Marine Corps to real conversations about leadership, friendship, and family, this one’s packed with perspective. The guys get honest about carrying stress, leaning on your circle, and communicating through the messy parts of growth. There's humor (yes, including a surprisingly deep analogy about shitting your pants), but also a lot of wisdom about how to show up better — for yourself and for others.

If you’ve been feeling stretched, distracted, or just trying to keep it together — this episode hits home.

⏱️ Episode Chapters

1. [00:00] Opening Banter & Catching Up

2. [04:00] Navigating Life Transitions with Grace

3. [08:00] Emotional Check-ins and Leadership Growth

4. [13:00] Brotherhood, Loyalty & the Power of Conversations

5. [17:00] The Role of Self-Awareness in Decision Making

6. [22:00] From the Marine Corps to Mindfulness

7. [28:00] Communicating Expectations in Business & Marriage

8. [31:00] Self-Regulation and Building a Healthy Circle

9. [35:00] Humor, Healing & Dirty Pants Metaphors

10. [38:00] Final Thoughts: Redefining What Matters

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Valdez, CEO of LPT International, to talk about the explosive growth of the fastest growing real estate brokerage in the world. Michael shares the story of his own journey—from his early days in finance to leading global expansion for one of the largest brokerages in the world, and now steering the ship at LPT. We explore what makes LPT’s model so attractive to agents, how they’re scaling internationally, and what the launch of Aperture, their new luxury brand, means for the high-end real estate market. If you're serious about where the industry is going, this is one you don’t want to miss.

In this episode, we break down why we made the move—one of us to LPT, the other to Aperture—and why we think it’s the best move for agents right now. We talk honestly about what wasn’t working at EXP, what LPT and Aperture are doing differently, and why leadership—not comp plans—is what actually matters most.

We dive into everything from luxury branding, revenue share models, and marketing tech. We also talk about the kind of support agents actually need—and why most brokerages just aren’t providing it.

If you're an agent who's been wondering whether to make a change, this episode’s for you.

⏱️ Chapter Timestamps

• 00:00 – Water company shoutout & intro banter

• 03:10 – Making the move: Who joined what brokerage

• 07:00 – The real difference between LPT & Aperture

• 10:40 – Revenue share meets luxury? Finally.

• 13:30 – Why leadership is non-negotiable

• 19:45 – The EXP struggle: Cool platform, no real support

• 25:00 – Real talk about marketing support for listings

• 32:00 – Flat-fee vs rev share models – pick what fits you

• 39:00 – “We’re not for everyone” – stop saying that

• 46:00 – Robert Palmer & why ownership matters

• 54:30 – The gatekeeper problem in EXP

• 1:03:00 – Integrity, trust, and putting agents first

• 1:09:00 – What’s next for Legit Agents and final thoughts

  
  

  Takeaways

  • Leadership trumps comp plans. Every. Time.

  • LPT gives agents options that don’t exist anywhere else.

  • Aperture finally gives luxury agents a place to grow AND earn rev share.

  • If you’re still doing everything yourself at your brokerage… why?

  • Stop holding on to what’s familiar if it’s no longer serving you.

Aperture Pt. 2

In this powerful and introspective episode of Redefine, Will Grimes and Eli Schmidt sit down with longtime collaborator JT Fore for a raw, transparent conversation about the evolution of real estate, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. The trio shares pivotal career moments, leadership lessons, and the mindset shifts necessary to thrive in a changing real estate landscape.

The conversation blends industry insights with deeply personal reflections, making it valuable for both real estate professionals and entrepreneurs looking to elevate their game. A key message throughout: success in 2025 and beyond isn’t about having the right tools — it’s about becoming the right person.

💬 Notable Quotes

• “The solution to your problem will not be found in the problem. You’re gonna have to take a step back.”

• “I’m not new to being new.”

• “People don’t respect you for what you’ve done before—they only see what you’re doing now.”

• “You won the battle… but are you ready to win the war?”

In this reflective and honest episode of Re-Define, Will and Eli dig deep into their own journeys to unpack the profound difference between conviction and convincing. They share openly about moments in their personal lives and careers when they found themselves pushing too hard to persuade others, only to realize that true influence and respect come from internal confidence and clarity—what they call conviction.

Will and Eli discuss how tempting it can be to chase after every new opportunity or idea, especially during periods of growth. Yet, they acknowledge that the constant pursuit of external validation or approval often leads to burnout, frustration, and compromised integrity. Through heartfelt storytelling and candid introspection, they explore how shifting their mindset to operate from true internal conviction allowed them to become better leaders, business partners, fathers, and friends.

Today's episode features Will Grimes on the "Your Playbook Podcast" with host, Alan Gordon.

In this episode of Your Playbook Podcast, host Alan Gordon sits down with Will Grimes, co-owner of Mile High Property Brothers and leader of Legit Agents, to discuss his journey from military service to entrepreneurship. Will shares his raw and unfiltered insights on resilience, sacrifice, and the realities of building a business from the ground up—literally starting with just $36 in his bank account.

He dives into his early struggles, including selling everything and sleeping in a pantry, to later scaling a multi-million dollar real estate business. Will talks about the discipline he learned in the Marine Corps, the lessons from his short-lived pro baseball career, and how quitting baseball still drives him today. He emphasizes the power of eliminating distractions, staying hyper-focused, and redefining success beyond traditional expectations.

The conversation also touches on fatherhood, coaching real estate agents, and the importance of leading by example in both business and family life. Will provides a no-BS perspective on personal development, decision-making, and why sometimes the hardest part of success is simply getting out of your own way.

If you're an entrepreneur, real estate agent, or just someone looking for motivation to level up in life and business, this episode is packed with valuable insights and tough-love advice from a man who's lived it.

In this episode, Will Grimes and Eli Schmidt take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reflecting on their personal and professional evolution. From their brand-new podcast set to childhood experiences in music, sports, and the Marine Corps, they explore what it means to be multifaceted in life and business.

The conversation covers topics like breaking stereotypes, embracing diverse interests, and the importance of surrounding yourself with different types of people. They dive into everything from Odyssey of the Mind, marching band, and theater, to how those experiences shaped their ability to navigate the business world today. The episode is packed with humor, personal stories, and unexpected insights—including a hilarious band trip gone wild, reflections on real estate culture, and thoughts on what makes a great leader.

Chapters & Timestamps:

1. (00:00) - New Podcast Set & Evolution

   • Celebrating the new podcast studio and how the show has grown.

2. (05:45) - Breaking Stereotypes & Being Multifaceted

   • The value of having multiple passions beyond surface-level assumptions.

3. (12:30) - Will’s Nerdy Side: Odyssey of the Mind & Music

   • Will’s background in band, Odyssey of the Mind, and his surprising nerdy side.

4. (20:15) - The Wild Side of Band Life

   • A hilarious high school band trip story, drinking on the bus, and band kids being low-key crazy.

5. (30:00) - Leadership & Identity Beyond Titles

   • The difference between titles and true leadership in business.

6. (38:45) - Business Parallels: Real Estate & Fake Prestige

   • The smoke and mirrors of real estate marketing and why authenticity matters.

7. (46:10) - Curiosity & Success: Lessons from Nerds & Outliers

   • Why successful people often have unique backgrounds and deep curiosity.

8. (55:00) - Jiu-Jitsu, Music, & The Value of Different Circles

   • Finding camaraderie in different communities like jiu-jitsu and music.

9. (1:03:30) - The Importance of Adaptability

   • How being exposed to diverse experiences helps in business and life.

10. (1:12:15) - Closing Thoughts & Upcoming Guests

    • Wrapping up with reflections on growth, tattoos, and teasing future guests.

In this episode of Re-Define, hosts Will Grimes and Eli Schmidt break down what it truly means to have a CEO mindset as a business owner—especially for real estate agents. They challenge agents to move beyond the "transactional mindset" and start thinking like business owners, focusing on branding, systems, delegation, tracking, and scaling. Will and Eli emphasize the power of marketing, automation, and strategic decision-making to ensure long-term success rather than just chasing the next deal. If you're tired of feeling stuck in the daily grind and want to build a sustainable, profitable business, this episode is for you.

🎙️ Topics Discussed:

Why most real estate agents think like employees, not business owners.

The difference between working in the business vs. working on the business.

How personal branding gives agents a competitive edge.

The power of AgentHQ as a centralized system for tracking and nurturing leads.

How to use funnels, retargeting, and automation to generate consistent leads.

Understanding highest and best use of time—stop doing it all yourself.

The importance of coaching and mentorship to accelerate growth.

Why tracking key business metrics is essential for decision-making.

How thinking like a marketer can scale your real estate business.

How successful CEOs prioritize delegation and hiring.

Chapters & Timestamps

[00:00] Intro & Catching Up

[03:30] The "Employee Mindset" vs. The CEO Mindset

[10:45] Why Branding Matters for Real Estate Agents

[17:20] The Power of Systems: How AgentHQ Helps Scale

[25:15] Funnels, Lead Nurturing & Retargeting Explained

[32:40] Tracking Metrics & Business Growth Strategy

[40:10] The Biggest Mistakes Agents Make with Marketing

[48:50] The Role of Coaching & Mentorship in Success

[55:30] How to Delegate & Free Up Your Time

[1:02:00] Final Takeaways & CEO-Level Action Steps

In this episode, we welcome back our good friend, Tina Hare, for her second appearance on the podcast! With over 20 years of experience in the real estate industry and a track record as the #1 agent for a major brokerage five years in a row, Tina is a powerhouse of knowledge and expertise. She shares her top tips and strategies for real estate agents, including how to build a business fueled by referrals, create long-lasting client relationships, and dominate your local market. Whether you're a new agent or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you elevate your game.

In this episode of Re-Define, hosts Will Grimes and Eli Schmidt kick off a fresh chapter with engaging discussions on personal growth, navigating busy schedules, and balancing day jobs with passion projects. They share their candid thoughts on creative processes, the challenges of finding inspiration, and why it's okay to embrace imperfection in pursuit of your goals.

• [00:00] - Introduction: A new chapter begins with a fresh podcast name and format.
• [02:30] - Balancing client work and day jobs: Real-life challenges of staying consistent.
• [05:15] - The hunt for inspiration: Will and Eli’s creative process and struggles with finding the perfect music.
• [10:45] - Reflecting on past episodes: How they’ve grown and lessons learned from the journey.
• [15:30] - Building momentum: Tips on staying motivated when juggling multiple priorities.
• [20:10] - Embracing imperfection: Why done is better than perfect in creative projects.
• [25:00] - Closing thoughts: A look at what’s ahead for Re-Define.

This is the final episode of Day One Dollar Zero.

In this episode, Will Grimes and Eli Schmidt sit down with Austin Hancock, a Marine Corps veteran turned successful real estate investor and performance coach. Austin takes us on his journey from a rebellious youth in Oklahoma to finding discipline in the Marines, and later channeling those lessons into entrepreneurship. He shares raw, unfiltered stories of challenges, triumphs, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career in building luxury homes and transitioning into real estate coaching. This episode is packed with lessons on resilience, leadership, and the power of taking risks to build a better future.

Join us as we explore the trials of transitioning from military to civilian life, the realities of navigating the high-stakes world of custom home building, and how Austin’s no-nonsense approach to self-improvement and business strategy led him to success. Whether you're a veteran, an entrepreneur, or just looking for inspiration, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

1. [5:15] - The pivotal role of mentorship in sparking Austin's entrepreneurial journey.
2. [12:34] - Overcoming the stigma of failure and embracing risk in real estate investment.
3. [22:11] - The importance of leveraging military discipline and leadership skills in business.
4. [35:45] - Austin’s insights on using social media as a tool for growth and networking.
5. [48:22] - Navigating the complexities of luxury home building and client expectations.
6. [55:18] - Lessons learned from the pain of financial missteps and how it fueled a pivot toward coaching.
7. [1:08:50] - Why continuous learning and adaptability are essential for long-term success.
8. [1:15:33] - The power of community and support systems in personal and professional growth.
9. [1:28:47] - Practical advice for veterans transitioning to civilian careers.
10. [1:35:22] - The importance of maintaining humility and being a lifelong student.

Chapter Time Stamps:

• [0:00] - Introduction and banter about podcast changes.
• [3:45] - Austin’s early life in Oklahoma and his rebellious teenage years.
• [15:22] - Finding discipline in the Marine Corps: Austin’s transformation.
• [28:30] - Starting out in construction and lessons from his first entrepreneurial endeavors.
• [42:00] - The challenges of luxury home building and managing client relationships.
• [58:15] - Overcoming financial hardship and learning the importance of pivoting in business.
• [1:10:20] - Transitioning into real estate coaching and mentoring others.
• [1:25:10] - How Austin uses his story to inspire and guide others in business.
• [1:38:50] - Closing reflections on leadership, resilience, and ongoing growth.

Ever wondered if college tuition is negotiable? In this episode of Day One Dollar Zero, we sit down with Kelly O'Connor, founder of College Money Academy, to unravel the complexities of financing a college education. Kelly shares groundbreaking strategies to help families reduce the cost of college, avoid massive debt, and maximize opportunities for their children. From understanding financial aid packages to negotiating tuition rates, this episode is packed with invaluable insights for parents and students alike. Whether you're gearing up for college applications or planning ahead for the future, this is a must-listen!

Timeline

[3:45] - Meet Kelly O’Connor: Background and journey into entrepreneurship.
[15:20] - The pivotal moment: Discovering that college tuition is negotiable.
[22:35] - How financial aid packages really work—and why they’re often lowballed.
[30:50] - The importance of packaging your student for success: Clubs, grades, and leadership.
[42:15] - Breaking down FAFSA and the strategies to reduce your Expected Family Contribution.
[55:00] - How College Money Academy helps families save thousands on tuition.
[1:05:10] - Marketing, webinars, and reaching parents nationwide with the right tools.

Key Takeaways

• College Costs Are Negotiable: Parents should never settle for the initial financial aid offer. There’s almost always more money on the table.
• Start Early: Begin preparing as early as freshman year by focusing on community service, leadership roles, and extracurriculars.
• Understand FAFSA: Learn how your income and assets impact your financial aid eligibility—and why repositioning assets isn’t always the solution.
• Package Your Student: A well-rounded profile with strong academics, leadership, and community involvement can make a huge difference in reducing costs.
• Get Expert Help: Navigating the college funding process can be overwhelming. Experts like Kelly O’Connor and College Money Academy can guide you through every step.

College Money Academy: collegemoneyacademy.com

In this episode of Day Dollar Zero, Will Grimes and Eli Schmidt sit down with Taylor Cavanaugh, whose life sounds like it's straight from a movie. From serving as a Navy SEAL to joining the French Foreign Legion, Taylor’s journey is filled with incredible highs and humbling lows. The conversation covers everything from the realities of military life to the challenges of starting over after leaving it all behind.

Taylor opens up about the lessons he’s learned along the way, including why mastering the fundamentals is crucial, how to build resilience in the face of adversity, and the power of living with intention. He also shares how he transitioned from elite military units to becoming a performance coach, helping others build structure and self-discipline in their lives. It’s an honest, unfiltered look at grit, growth, and the mindset needed to overcome life’s toughest challenges. This is one episode you won’t want to skip.

Chapters

• [4:20] - Taylor's introduction and the journey from Navy SEALs to the French Foreign Legion.
• [12:35] - The camaraderie and culture differences between military units and civilian life.
• [20:15] - Facing rock-bottom moments and the pivotal decision to rebuild from nothing.
• [32:50] - Insights into the French Foreign Legion’s structure and purpose.
• [45:30] - Transitioning from military life to civilian entrepreneurship and coaching.
• [1:02:10] - The importance of mastering fundamentals and fostering deliberate habits.
• [1:15:45] - Taylor’s coaching philosophy: building structure and fostering self-discipline.
• [1:30:20] - The power of resilience and perspective in overcoming adversity.

Website: https://www.taylorcavanaugh.com Instagram:   @tcavofficial   YouTube:   @tcavofficial  

In this episode, Will Grimes and Eli Schmidt are joined by Sam Caudle, a successful agent on their Legit Agents team and host of a YouTube channel based in Tampa, Florida. Sam shares his journey of moving to Florida, building his real estate career from scratch, and establishing a strong YouTube presence to generate leads. The conversation dives into the lessons learned about leadership, mentorship, and business strategies, including the importance of timing and managing team dynamics. Sam opens up about coaching experiences, leveraging YouTube for business growth, and navigating partnerships and transitions. Tune in for insights on balancing ambition, leadership, and building sustainable success in real estate and beyond.

Chapter Highlights:

• [1:15] – Introduction and recap of Sam’s background: moving to Florida and starting fresh in real estate and YouTube.
• [7:30] – Implementing the "Living In" YouTube concept and its transformative impact on Sam’s business.
• [14:20] – Discussing leadership challenges: navigating team dynamics and making tough decisions when transitioning team members.
• [22:45] – Key insights into managing partnerships and identifying when to adjust strategies for growth.
• [35:00] – The role of effective coaching and how personalized approaches have shaped Sam’s development and success.
• [42:00] – Leveraging momentum and knowing when to reinvest in yourself and your business for exponential growth.
• [52:00] – The importance of maintaining authenticity, managing trust in partnerships, and avoiding complacency.

Key Takeaways:

1. Adapting Leadership Styles: Leadership requires recognizing when to mentor closely and when to let team members take initiative to develop their skills.
2. Strategic Growth: Successfully scaling a business involves a balance between proactive delegation and maintaining quality.
3. Coaching for Personalization: Effective coaching respects individual pacing while encouraging consistent progress and accountability.
4. Sustainable YouTube Success: Building a profitable YouTube channel involves initial investment, continuous content quality, and strategic leverage.
5. Navigating Transitions: Handling team departures and transitions thoughtfully can preserve business integrity and set clear expectations.
6. Avoiding Complacency: Even in successful periods, reinvesting in your skills and business can mitigate potential downturns.

Episode Summary

In this episode, hosts Will Grimes and Eli Schmidt dive into the world of credit repair with industry expert Dylan Shively. Known for his no-nonsense approach to fixing credit issues, Dylan shares insights into common credit mistakes, misconceptions about credit scores, and the impact of a good credit profile on financial freedom. The conversation explores the practical side of credit repair, touching on actionable steps for building credit, understanding credit utilization, and how to navigate credit reports effectively.

Throughout the episode, Dylan demystifies the credit industry, offering advice on how to recover from financial setbacks and avoid common pitfalls. This episode is packed with valuable tips for anyone looking to improve their financial standing and gain control over their credit score.

• [1:15] - Shoutout to recent podcast guests and reflections on past episodes
• [5:30] - Introduction to Dylan Shively and his journey into credit repair
• [12:45] - Debunking common credit myths and misconceptions
• [19:20] - Essential tips for building and maintaining good credit
• [27:50] - The impact of credit utilization on your score and how to manage it
• [34:30] - How to identify and dispute errors on your credit report
• [42:15] - Rebuilding credit after financial hardships
• [48:40] - Final tips from Dylan on financial literacy and sustainable credit practices

Links:

IG https://www.instagram.com/creditcoach.dylan

Credit Repair: https://www.jameswarrengroupinc.com/