Dan Mullen: Stop Overpaying the IRS: Tax Strategies Every Realtor Must Know
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
Release Date: 01/23/2026
Joel Zuckerman: How 300 Gratitude Letters Built a Legacy of Connection
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
What if a single letter of gratitude could change your life more than the person you send it to? In this episode, you’ll learn how a simple habit, proactive, expressive gratitude, became a powerful performance strategy, a legacy practice, and a relationship superpower. In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Joel Zuckerman discuss: Gratitude as a proactive performance strategy The origin and evolution of a 300-letter gratitude practice Practical frameworks for writing impactful gratitude letters Applying gratitude in corporate, client, and workplace relationships Legacy,...
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John Harrison: How to Get Off the Sidelines and Into Homeownership Now
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In a market full of fear, headlines, and high rates, this episode breaks down exactly how buyers, sellers, and agents can still win. Learn practical strategies to get into a home sooner, structure powerful buy-downs, and help the next generation achieve the American dream of homeownership. In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and John Harrison discuss: Current mortgage landscape, rates, and global events Buyer misconceptions about crashes, timing, and affordability First-time buyer financing tools and 100% financing programs Temporary vs. permanent rate buy-downs and seller...
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Ginni Field: The Purpose Factor Behind Top 1% Real Estate Success
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
Unlock what truly separates top performers from everyone else: in this episode, you’ll discover how deeply understanding your purpose can transform your real estate business, your leadership, and your long-term success. Cheryl and elite performance strategist Ginni Field break down the mindset, business fundamentals, and “Purpose Factor” framework that help agents and leaders thrive in any market. In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Ginni Field discuss: Early journey into real estate and building a business from scratch Treating real estate as a true business (numbers,...
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Wayne Levinson: AI, Tax Appeals, and Trust: What Modern Agents Really Do
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Wayne Levinson discuss: Wayne’s unconventional path into real estate and investing Using AI to streamline property tax appeals Challenges of Utah’s non-disclosure status and mass appraisal system Practical ways agents can leverage AI in daily workflows Redefining the agent’s role around trust, service, and “magical” client experiences Key Takeaways: Wayne’s commitment to buy out his employees’ homes could have ruined him, yet careful contract planning turned that risk into the launchpad for a 68‑property...
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Sean Carpenter: Build Relationships, Solve Problems, Have Fun
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Sean Carpenter discuss: Relationship-based real estate Prioritization and daily habits Database and sphere of influence The 4H Club follow-up system Consistent business development (conversations and appointments) Key Takeaways: Relationship-first businesses require intentionally making relationship-building your daily work, not treating it as an afterthought. The real power of a database comes from depth, not size, because when you know people’s families, pets, schools, careers, and interests, you suddenly have dozens of...
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Jason Hewlett, CSP, CPAE: Promises, Politics, and the Price of Taking a Stand
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Jason Hewlett discuss: Career pivot to Cardio Miracle leadership Building a promise‑driven company culture High‑profile tour with Tucker Carlson and Trump Backlash, cancellation, and political stance Voice, promises, and the modern hero’s journey Key Takeaways: Jason’s shift from solo performer and mentor to president of Cardio Miracle shows how transferable leadership, coaching, and “signature moves” can be inside a rapidly growing family business. The Cardio Miracle story highlights both a mission and a...
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Brandon Cobb: From Medical Sales to Seven-Figure Land Development
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Brandon Cobb discuss: How getting unexpectedly fired from medical device sales pushed Brandon into entrepreneurship and real estate The progression from flipping houses to new construction and ultimately large-scale land development Brandon’s biggest land development mistakes, including a seven-figure loss and buying land before approvals A practical, high-level walkthrough of how raw land becomes an entitled, buildable community Why mindset, documentation of failures, and strategic relationships are non-negotiable for long-term success ...
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Pamela Love: Hustle, Burnout, and the Cost of Being Always On
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Pamela Love discuss: Building a real estate career while raising children as a single mother The hidden dangers of constant hustle in the real estate industry Recognizing early warning signs of nervous system burnout Pamela’s personal journey through severe burnout and long-term recovery How families can support loved ones navigating addiction and recovery Key Takeaways: High-performing professionals often normalize constant stress and overwork, especially in industries like real estate, where responsiveness is expected around the...
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Clay Johnson: From Myths to Mortgages: Buy Now Before You’re ‘Ready’
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Clay Johnson discuss: “Invisible buyers” and down payment myths Alternative income documentation for self‑employed borrowers Specialized loan programs for medical and other high-skill professionals DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans for investors Risk of wire fraud in real estate transactions Key Takeaways: Many “invisible buyers” are actually qualified or close to qualified but self-disqualify because they assume they need 15–20% down or perfect, W‑2 style income, and modern lending programs allow...
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Lyndsey Van Sickle: Start With Heart: Mastering Crucial Conversations in Real Estate and Life
Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP
In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Lyndsey Van Sickle discuss: Power of what goes unsaid/inner conversations Starting with heart and clear intent FSA framework (Fact–Story–Ask) Safety, silence, and verbal violence Creating a feedback and crucial-conversation culture Key Takeaways: Crucial conversations start long before you open your mouth; they begin with the internal fears, beliefs, and stories you’re telling yourself, because when you take responsibility for examining those “unsaid” pieces first, your external conversations become clearer, calmer, and...
info_outlineIn this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Dan Mullen discuss:
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Planning ahead to avoid self‑employment tax “surprises.”
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Using S‑corp elections to reduce self‑employment taxes
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Properly documenting travel, meals, and vehicle deductions
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Regular, proactive check‑ins with your accountant
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Investing in your own product: real estate for long‑term wealth
Key Takeaways:
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Proactive tax planning is non‑negotiable for agents who don’t want to be blindsided at tax time.
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The S‑corp election can dramatically cut self‑employment taxes when structured correctly, and setting a reasonable salary and letting the rest flow as distributions is where much of the savings happens.
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Travel, meals, and vehicle deductions are powerful but highly audited, so documentation is everything, but clear board minutes, mileage logs, and receipts turn “red flag” categories into audit‑proof benefits.
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Treat quarterly taxes like a standing business appointment rather than an optional chore, with calendar reminders and regular check‑ins with your accountant keeping you out of panic mode and in control of cash flow.
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Truly wealthy agents don’t just sell real estate—they own it.
“Real estate builds so much wealth. It does for even people living in their own homes. It certainly does for investors."
- Dan Mullen
About the guest, Dan Mullen:
Dan Mullen is a mortgage advisor and a partner at a tax firm, a combination that gives him a unique advantage in helping self-employed clients qualify for mortgages. Because these borrowers are underwritten using tax returns rather than W-2s and paystubs, Dan’s deep understanding of tax documentation allows him to navigate the process more effectively. Having seen firsthand the pain and frustration caused by mortgage letter requests, he is on a personal crusade to help tax preparers avoid them and to bridge the gap between mortgage underwriters and tax professionals.
Connect with Dan Mullen:
Website: https://www.futureandmain.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielbmullen/
CONNECT WITH CHERYL:
Website: www.cherylknows.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/
Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez
Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.