Real Estate Excellence
Are your real estate deals falling apart because you're not mastering the art of negotiation and timing? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Bobbie Jean DeMunck joins Tracy Hayes to unpack what it takes to thrive in today's volatile real estate market. With over 15 years in the business and a background in interior design and banking, Bobbie shares how blending aesthetics with strategy helps her listings stand out and sell faster—even in a slower market. She reveals her unique approach to negotiation, how she wins offers by shortening inspection periods and timelines,...
info_outlineReal Estate Excellence
What if your side hustle became your true calling? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits Edwina Burch. Edwina Burch is a dynamic Jacksonville real estate agent, shares her journey from aspiring attorney to becoming one of the top real estate agents in northeast Florida. Starting her career in education administration, Edwina transitioned to real estate after being inspired by a colleague’s challenging real estate deal. Quickly realizing that selling real estate was not as simple as HGTV portrayed, Edwina embraced the challenge and soon achieved...
info_outlineReal Estate Excellence
What does it take to build a thriving real estate business from scratch—while raising three kids as a single mom? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits down with Beverly Hecht, a top Jacksonville Beach realtor, who shares her compelling journey from IT sales to becoming a real estate powerhouse. A Jacksonville native with deep community roots, Beverly dives into how her corporate discipline, single-mom tenacity, and relentless drive helped her transition into real estate and build a loyal client base along Florida’s First Coast. From navigating tough...
info_outlineReal Estate Excellence
What happens when you mix discipline, precision, and deep empathy into a real estate business? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes welcomes Cindy James. Cindy is a licensed REALTOR, & Broker Associate, public speaker, and co-owner of Island Construction & Remodeling in Jacksonville, FL. With over 30 years in the corporate world and a background in real estate investing, Cindy blends business savvy, local expertise, and construction knowledge to help clients buy, sell, and transform homes with confidence. She’s built a standout brand by leading with...
info_outlineReal Estate Excellence
What if the key to long-term success in real estate isn’t sales skills—but mentorship, purpose, and adaptability? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes welcomes Sarah Olson, a powerhouse broker and mentor with over two decades of experience in Northeast Florida. From leading First Coast Collective at RE/MAX Unlimited to launching her own Real Estate Agent Success Academy, Sarah shares her journey of transformation—from a tax accountant to a top-tier agent and educator. With an innate ability to connect, teach, and inspire, she reveals the secrets...
info_outlineReal Estate Excellence
What if the secret to leveling up your real estate game lies in the systems you don’t see? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes welcomes Tiffany Freeman—a former transaction coordinator turned high-performing agent with Ingle & Volkers. With a sharp mind for systems and strategy honed through military family life and 2,000+ real estate transactions, Tiffany unveils her journey from resisting real estate to thriving at its forefront. Listeners get a front-row seat to Tiffany’s unique insights on how backend mastery, tech-savvy tools, and...
info_outlineReal Estate Excellence
Is your brokerage truly giving you freedom, flexibility, and financial growth? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes welcomes with Kimberly L. Waterhouse, Veteran USMC. Kimberly shares how her journey from the United States Marine Corps to Jacksonville real estate has been a masterclass in reinvention. With a rich background in media, marketing, and business leadership, Kimberly brings more than just property expertise—she brings people-first values, military grit, and a deep understanding of Jacksonville’s evolving communities. Kimberly dives deep into...
info_outlineReal Estate Excellence
Is your brokerage truly giving you freedom, flexibility, and financial growth? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes dives into the dynamic world of REAL Brokerage with guests Gigi Urbanski and Mike Rolewicz. Together, they explore how REAL is disrupting the traditional brokerage model by focusing on scalable support, tech-driven efficiency, and multiple income streams. From streamlined operations to a thriving agent community, REAL positions itself not as a destination, but a vehicle to entrepreneurial success. The conversation uncovers how REAL's powerful...
info_outlineReal Estate Excellence
What drives a couple to leave corporate careers to transform real estate for their community? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes interviews Jessica Mendez and Joel Gonzalez, the dynamic duo behind the Real 4 Jax team with Rise Realty Advisors. Originally from Venezuela, Jessica and Joel share their inspiring journey from adapting to life in the U.S. to becoming one of the most trusted real estate teams serving Jacksonville’s Hispanic community. Their mission? To help families build generational wealth through homeownership, using a personalized and...
info_outlineReal Estate Excellence
Can you build a billion-dollar brokerage by saying “no” more than you say “yes”? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes welcomes Corey Hasting. Corey opened his first Engel & Völkers shop in Jacksonville Beach on April 30, 2018. Since then, Corey has opened 3 additional shops located in Amelia Island, the Beaches Town Center and St. Johns Florida. Since opening Corey has recruited over 80 top producing advisors who should sell more than $700,000,000 in volume and over 1500 transactions in 2021. Corey has been awarded countless awards since opening...
info_outlineIs your brokerage truly giving you freedom, flexibility, and financial growth?
In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes dives into the dynamic world of REAL Brokerage with guests Gigi Urbanski and Mike Rolewicz. Together, they explore how REAL is disrupting the traditional brokerage model by focusing on scalable support, tech-driven efficiency, and multiple income streams. From streamlined operations to a thriving agent community, REAL positions itself not as a destination, but a vehicle to entrepreneurial success.
The conversation uncovers how REAL's powerful tech stack, AI tools like Leo Copilot, and agent-driven training platforms are empowering agents at all levels. Whether you're a new agent looking for structure or a seasoned professional craving freedom and ownership, REAL's transparent model offers simplicity, equity, and genuine collaboration that inspires agents to not only succeed but to build wealth with purpose.
Ready to break away from the ordinary?
Highlights:
00:00 – 04:17 Introduction and REAL’s Positioning
- REAL as a platform versus destination
- Movement-based culture and branding
- Sneaker culture and dress code
- ChatGPT used for show prep
- REAL’s buzz compared to LPT
04:17 – 10:50 Tech Stack and Broker Efficiency
- App-based tools and transaction management
- Broker support through Leo and real-time calls
- Transparent commission preview and compliance AI
- Wallet integration and Visa payouts
- REAL's scalability in tech and communication
10:50 – 19:54 Community, Culture and Plug-in Potential
- Education via peer-contributed modules
- Local masterminds and “come as you are” vibe
- Relevant agents as trainers
- Personal stories of switching from other brokerages
- Adapting to solo, team, or boutique styles
19:54 – 35:21 Business Tools, Financial Planning and ROI
- Capping, post-cap structure, and stock incentives
- Integrated budgeting with accountability calls
- REAL-built one-page business plans
- Tools for boutique or indie brokers
- Ease of use and agent empowerment
35:21 – 44:14 Revenue Streams and Support Systems
- Breakdown of split models and fees
- REAL Academy and Elite Agent program
- Referral ecosystem and organic recruiting
- Agent wins and mentorship stories
- Collaboration without hard pitching
44:14 – 01:14:26 Leadership, Masterminds, and Events
- Coffee meetings and spontaneous conversions
- Mastermind access (Women of Real, Social Media Leaders)
- Eric Hatch’s free coaching sessions
- RealX events and open-door policy
- Cross-brokerage collaboration and local engagement
- Conclusion
Quotes:
"REAL is not the destination—it's the vehicle." – Mike Rolewicz
"We're going to be doing this with or without you—it’d just be cool if you were with us." – Mike Rolewicz
"You're with REAL, you don’t have to wear heels anymore." – Gigi Urbanski
"Agents aren’t looking for another meeting, they’re looking for a community." – Gigi Urbanski
To contact Angela “Gigi” Urbanski and Mike Rolewicz, learn more about their business, and make them a part of your network, make sure to follow them on Website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Connect with Angela “Gigi” Urbanski!
Website: https://angelaurbanski.exprealty.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gigiofjax/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GiGiofJAXHomeSquad/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdor_3bwxhJ3HQ8dEU7iYag
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gigiyourhomegirl/
Connect with Mike Rolewicz!
Website: https://www.904homeguide.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/904homeguide/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/904homeguide/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mikerolewicz904homeguide
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-rolewicz-b37135b
Connect with me!
Website: toprealtorjacksonville.com
Website: toprealtorstaugustine.com
If you want to build your business and become more discoverable online, Streamlined Media has you covered. Check out how they can help you build an evergreen revenue generator all powered by content creation!
SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW as we discuss real estate excellence with the best of the best.
#RealBrokerage #RealEstateTech #AgentTools #BrokerageDisruption #StockAwards #RealEstateLife #CloudBrokerage #RealEstateMovement #RealTalk #RealAgents #RealResults #LeoCopilot #RealEstateCommunity #TeamLeaderLife #OpenHouseTips #LuxuryRealEstate #WomenInRealEstate #FinancialFreedom #AIinRealEstate #RealtorLife