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How Jade Medeiros Balances Four Kids, Client Relationships, and Mortgage Life in Hawaiʻi

In Search of Excellence, Island Style

Release Date: 06/24/2026

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More Episodes

In this episode of In Search of Excellence: Island Style, Larry Gonzales sits down with Jade Medeiros, Client Relations Manager at The Broker, for a candid conversation about family, work, leadership, and what it takes to build a service-first mortgage business in Hawaiʻi.

Jade shares what life looks like as a mother of four while balancing client relations, business development, events, CRM systems, and the day-to-day needs of a growing mortgage team. From football practices and family routines to helping run the Successful Homeowner series, holiday trolley events, webinars, and client education efforts, Jade gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the “work is life” rhythm that keeps everything moving.

Larry and Jade also talk about leadership lessons, team accountability, communication, and why taking care of people matters in a high-stress industry like mortgage and real estate. Larry reflects on his biggest career mistake, the importance of sharing bad news early, and how education became the heart of The Broker’s mission.

The episode also dives into the reality of living and buying a home in Hawaiʻi, especially for local families trying to make it work. From first-time buyer education to affordability challenges, VA loans, renovation loan options, and The Broker’s five-year vision, this conversation highlights the deeper purpose behind the business: helping people feel informed, supported, and ready for homeownership. 

Guest List

Jade Medeiros

Client Relations Manager, The Broker

Email: jade@thebrokerhi.com

Social: @jadekohou

 

Timestamp Highlights

00:00 Doubt and Beginnings

00:08 Meet Jade Medeiros

02:30 Jade’s Roots and Family

03:43 Why Their Partnership Works

04:43 Work Life Balance Reality

08:12 Pet Peeves and Email Habits

09:44 Client Relations vs Growth

13:20 Teamwork Under Pressure

14:56 Career Lessons and Advice

19:49 Managing Four Kids Daily

23:32 Raising Teens and Future Plans

24:09 Making Hawaii Living Work

24:58 Balancing Routines and Roles

25:22 Homeownership Timeline Plans

26:49 Hawaii Housing Reality Check

27:48 Taxes and Kupuna Relief

29:31 Beach Life and Culture

29:58 First Time Buyer Education

30:33 Real Client Numbers Breakthrough

33:02 Success Stories and Misinformation

34:41 Growing The Broker Vision

41:58 Branding Beyond VA Loans

43:51 New Renovation HELOC Product

45:28 Why Education Matters Most

47:52 Gratitude and Closing Aloha