Real Estate Excellence
If rejection is the price of success, how many “no’s” are you willing to endure before you get your breakthrough “yes”? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits down with powerhouse agent, author, and YouTube influencer Kati Spaniak. From her beginnings in photography and graphic design to building a half-billion-dollar sales career, Kati shares the pivotal moments that shaped her journey—navigating 9/11’s economic crash, re-entering real estate post-divorce, and scaling to become one of the top agents in her market. Her story reveals the...
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What does it really take to thrive in real estate for nearly three decades through every market shift imaginable? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits down with Clay County real estate icon Eden Jordan. With 27 years of experience, over 800 families served, and countless agents mentored, Eden shares a candid look at the grit, adaptability, and strategic thinking needed to not only survive but thrive in the industry’s constant cycles. From the early days of handwritten contracts to the rise of social media marketing, Eden’s story blends hard-earned...
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What happens when a Broadway-bound performer turns her stage presence into real estate success? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits Michele Tremblay. Michelle shares her inspiring journey from center stage to top-producing real estate agent in Northeast Florida. With a rich background in performance, voiceover, and hospitality, Michele brings a rare blend of empathy, creativity, and grit to her clients—earning accolades such as a 2024 Five Star Rising Star award and ranking #55 out of nearly 12,000 agents by the Jacksonville Business Journal. Tracy...
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What if the hardest transaction you face becomes the one that teaches you the most? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits down with top-producing agent Delaney Henderson to uncover the mindset, grit, and strategies that catapulted her from a burned-out paralegal in DC to one of Northeast Florida’s most respected and relatable real estate mentors. Delaney doesn’t sugarcoat the truth—she opens up about industry misconceptions, failed transactions, emotional burnouts, and the quiet resilience required to succeed in a chaotic market. Delaney shares the...
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What if your biggest limitation became the launchpad for your real estate empire? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits down with Julianne Grant-Johnson, a top-producing real estate agent in Northeast Florida, for her second appearance on the show. This time, they dive deep into the business side of her success, exploring how she built the Grant Johnson Group while on pregnancy bedrest, leveraged her military ties to dominate the VA market, and now leads a thriving, multi-location real estate team. Julianne gets real about the challenges of growing a...
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How can one woman’s mission to stabilize families through homeownership ripple out to transform entire communities—and even the world? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits down with Dana Johnson, a dynamic leader in real estate and economic empowerment. Dana shares her journey from aspiring fighter pilot to real estate mogul, highlighting how owning a home can offer not just wealth but stability, resilience, and generational impact. She delves into her work with the "She's Owning It" Home Buyers Club, a 10-module course that arms women with the tools...
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How do you gain trust and authority in a high-stakes industry when you're young, inexperienced, and just starting out? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits down with Willie Lane—northeast Florida native, luxury real estate expert, and founder of the Willie Lane Group at Compass Realty. Willie reveals how he built a successful real estate business from the ground up starting at just 22, facing skepticism, inexperience, and a tough market. He discusses the power of consistency, networking over coffee (or beer), and the importance of putting your head...
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What happens when decades of tech experience collide with luxury real estate and the power of artificial intelligence? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits down with real estate powerhouse Mandy Morrow, whose journey spans Fortune 50 leadership, tech innovation at IBM, and top-tier performance in Ponte Vedra’s luxury housing market. Mandy unpacks how her corporate and tech roots uniquely position her to serve high-net-worth clients with precision, authenticity, and deep local knowledge. They explore how Mandy integrates artificial intelligence into...
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What if your smartest, most efficient business partner was already on your laptop — and free? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes dives deep with with 24-year-old trailblazer Bella Taazieh — a rising force in Northeast Florida real estate who’s harnessing AI to build a modern, personal, and wildly productive business. Bella unpacks how she’s blending ChatGPT, Gamma, Notebook LM, and more to save hours, close deals faster, and create lead-gen systems that work for her — even while she’s at the beach. From building her own GPT assistant to turning...
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Can mastering storytelling and creative production turn you into a top-performing real estate agent? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits down with Sharon Alters—one of Northeast Florida’s most respected and dynamic real estate agents. With a unique background in advertising and film production, Sharon shares how her creative roots shaped her customer-first philosophy in the competitive real estate landscape. Through storytelling, staging, and strategic mindset work, she has transformed hundreds of lives and homes, becoming a community pillar in...
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
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