Real Estate Excellence
How does emotional intelligence give real estate agents an edge in guiding clients through one of life’s most stressful decisions? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits down with Robyn McIntosh, a top-tier real estate professional with a rich background in psychology and insurance. Robyn opens up about her unexpected path from working catastrophe claims at State Farm to becoming one of Florida’s most trusted names in real estate. Her ability to blend empathy with industry knowledge helps clients navigate not only deals but emotions, turning stress...
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What if the people who doubted your dreams actually helped fuel your success? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits down with powerhouse realtor Rachel Hanes, a former educator turned top-producing real estate agent in Northeast Florida. Rachel shares her inspiring journey from a young mom with no laptop to a referral-based business owner dominating the Jacksonville market. She dives into her early struggles, how a Craigslist ad and a leap of faith kickstarted her career, and how surrounding herself with the right mentors helped her build a thriving,...
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What if the secret to scaling your real estate business isn’t leads—but relationships? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes welcomes back powerhouse Realtor Sarah Schwartz, who shares how she dominated her market with over $36 million in sales from 57 transactions—all while managing life as a mom, wife, and business owner. Sarah reveals the secrets behind her explosive growth, including how she leverages her husband as her business partner, invests in her neighborhood relationships, and maintains an unrivaled level of client service that converts every...
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Are you missing out on 90% of your potential business because you’re afraid to show your face on social media? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes welcomes Amy B. Cotney, a real estate powerhouse who’s turned her authentic personality into a thriving brand online. With over 300,000 followers on Instagram and more than 1.3 million on TikTok, Amy breaks down the real ROI of social media for agents and why being yourself is your biggest marketing weapon. From humble beginnings and mistakes to landing $4 million listings off a Jet Ski video, Amy’s journey...
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Are you building a business that feels like you—or one you think people expect to see? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes welcomes powerhouse agent Dori Nugent, whose bold pivot from a 20-year fitness career to real estate during the pandemic has quickly made her a standout in Northeast Florida. Dori shares how her deep roots in client service, leadership, and authentic human connection have been the key drivers of her rapid success, closing over 90 transactions in just a few years. From mastering social media with purpose to navigating the unique...
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What if the key to scaling your real estate career wasn’t selling more—but letting go? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits down with Jonathan Lickstein, the award-winning COO of one of the nation’s fastest-growing independent brokerages. From launching his career unexpectedly in Honduras to leading a 5,000-agent operation across six states, Jonathan reveals how he uses cutting-edge AI, strong culture, and deep mentorship to scale operations, without losing the human touch. Jonathan dives deep into how brokers can truly support agents in today’s...
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Can mastering a niche early in your real estate career be the secret to selling million-dollar homes in your 20s? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes welcomes second-generation real estate agent Emma Horvatincic, a driven and self-made rising star specializing in equestrian properties in Northeast Florida. Emma shares her journey from growing up immersed in a business-minded household to building a flourishing career in real estate—all before turning 25. Her unique blend of professionalism, niche marketing, and dedication to elite service shines throughout...
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Are you holding back your real estate growth because you’re afraid to let go of control? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits down with the sharp and candid Sasha Tripp, founder of Story House Real Estate in Central Virginia. Sasha opens up about her journey from independent boutique brokerage owner to partnering with Real and Place to scale her operations without sacrificing her brand. With a strong emphasis on leadership, systems, and strategic partnerships, she shares how she broke through growth plateaus and found new ways to elevate both her...
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Would you be willing to remove an organ just to escape your 9-to-5 and chase your dream? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits down with Drew Kazemba. Drew shares one of the most unconventional entries into real estate ever told—he voluntarily had his appendix removed to get time off work and take his real estate exam. Drew walks us through how he transitioned from a miserable medical sales job into building a thriving real estate career in Jacksonville, Florida. From cold-calling hedge funds and wholesaling to learning the ropes at DJ & Lindsey,...
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What would you risk—your career, your comfort, or your security—to build the life you really want? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes welcomes Karen Saez. Karen shares her incredible journey from corporate recruiting at Deutsche Bank to owning a bar and eventually finding her true passion in real estate. As a bilingual advisor and former military spouse, Karen brings heart, hustle, and unique experience to the Jacksonville market. She dives deep into what it takes to break into the industry, create a client-first business, and overcome the personal and...
info_outlineWhat 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 wisdom with relatable humor.
Listeners will hear Eden’s journey from Disney College Program graduate to top-producing Realtor, her creative grassroots networking in playgrounds and ballfields, and her no-nonsense take on market trends, government influence, and the “greed factor” in housing. She opens up about setbacks, including lawsuits and the 2008 crash, and reveals the key systems, relationships, and mindset shifts that keep her business strong year after year.
If you’re an agent looking for longevity and growth in your business, take a page from Eden’s playbook—listen in, take notes, and start applying these timeless strategies today. Subscribe to Real Estate Excellence for more top-tier insights from the best in the business.
Highlights:
00:00 – 09:15 Eden’s Market Perspective and the “Greed Factor”
- No housing shortage in Florida? Eden’s take on supply and demand
- The role of Airbnb in shifting inventory
- How government intervention impacts housing cycles
- Why affordable housing is a moving target
- Builders, pricing jumps, and the COVID-era market
09:16 – 18:42 From Disney to Real Estate – Eden’s Early Career Path
- Disney College Program lessons in customer experience
- Trade show sales success and discovering her sales talent
- Transitioning from national events to local real estate
- Learning the ropes from seasoned agents at RE/MAX
- Starting in real estate before social media
18:43 – 28:10 Pre-Social Media Networking Tactics
- Viral email marketing before Facebook
- Leveraging MySpace for community engagement
- Playground and sports field networking strategies
- Building reputation through knowledge, not sales pitches
- Early career advantages as a young agent in an older industry
28:11 – 38:05 Thriving in Changing Markets
- Why some agents excel in tough conditions
- The danger of hibernating instead of staying visible
- Power of collaboration and peer support
- Mentoring new agents to overcome stagnation
- Lessons from working with top-performing peers
38:06 – 49:20 Setbacks, Lawsuits, and Lessons Learned
- The voluntary HOA lawsuit over $100
- Emotional toll of feeling exposed in business
- Learning resilience from legal challenges
- Separating personal identity from the Realtor role
- Building a strong support team to handle business operations
49:21 – 1:21:55 Longevity, Leverage, and Consistency
- Hiring assistants early to focus on strengths
- Knowing when to scale with help or partners
- Social media’s growing workload for agents
- Advice for agents approaching growth limits
- Balancing business drive with family priorities
Quotes:
“There is no shortage of housing in this state—that’s what I believe.” – Eden Jordan
“I was an overnight success, but the best thing that happened to me was 2008 because my ego got back in check.” – Eden Jordan
“The problem now is nobody’s sitting there talking—they’re just in their phones.” – Eden Jordan
“If you’re doing more than 10 or 12 deals a year, I don’t know how people are doing it without help.” – Eden Jordan
To contact Eden Jordan, learn more about her business, and make her a part of your network, make sure to follow her on her Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Connect with Eden Jordan!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edenjordan_/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@micheletremblayrealestate3200
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edenjordan/
Connect with me!
Website: toprealtorjacksonville.com
Website: toprealtorstaugustine.com
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