In this powerful episode, John Kitchens is joined by Jay Kinder, Al Stasek, and special guest Nick Krem for a high-energy deep dive into the future of real estate, leadership, and personal transformation. From the life-changing impact of getting in the right rooms, to how AI is reshaping efficiency and human potential, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it takes to thrive in 2025 and beyond.

Nick shares his incredible journey—from call center agent to building an international AI-driven company—and how one mastermind event completely changed the trajectory of his life. The crew also digs into the upcoming Agent to CEO 2024 in Cleveland, why the event is capped for impact, and how transformational experiences—not just tactics—create lifelong growth and relationships.

Whether you’re a team leader navigating AI, an agent trying to break through the noise, or an entrepreneur looking for clarity, this episode will leave you inspired, challenged, and ready to take action.

• Why transformational events matter more than tactical ones

• The magic of Agent to CEO 2024 and why seating is capped at 100

• The importance of being in the right room at the right time

• From 15-hour call center shifts to international entrepreneur

• How one mastermind event in Key West changed everything

• Building the world’s first AI-certified agent and scaling globally

• Why AI callers will soon be more trusted than humans

• How to build a company knowledge base to train AI with your team’s calls, scripts, and culture

• Why efficiency, not effort, will define winning teams in 2025

• The shift from departments to “pancaked” teams led by a Head of Growth and AI-powered systems

• Why 30% of jobs may disappear in the next 18 months—and how to adapt

• The compound effect of simple daily habits

• Nick’s “Perfect Day 2.0” framework for rewiring your brain with AI

• Why growth starts with personal transformation before business scale

• Why AI won’t replace creativity—it will amplify it

• The 95/5 Rule: letting AI take you 95 yards and finishing with your expertise

• How to break away from the flood of AI-generated content

• HoneyBadgerNation.com – Tickets, merch, CHSA/CHBA, Honey Badger of the Month
  StoryBrand by Donald Miller – Framework for guiding clients with clarity

• The Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale – On the power of thoughts and habits

• Suno.com – AI music generation tool used in Nick’s “Perfect Day 2.0” exercise

• Agent to CEO 2024 (Sept. 24–25 in Cleveland) – Can’t-miss event for Honey Badger Nation

The future belongs to those who can combine vision, leadership, and AI with daily disciplines that create lasting transformation. As Nick Krem put it, “You get what you think about most of the time.”

“AI is exponential technology. Don’t try to outbuild it—focus on adapting.” – Nick Krem

In this special guest episode, John Kitchens joins Donnie Zappia and Joel HusVar of The HusVar Real Estate Team at eXp Realty for a deep, unfiltered conversation on leadership, vision, and scaling in today’s real estate market.

With 10,000+ hours of one-on-one coaching and over 17,000 coaching calls, John shares his full journey—from building market dominance in a small Oklahoma town, to co-founding industry-leading coaching organizations, to making the pivotal decision to join eXp Realty after aligning with its vision and values.

The conversation dives into the three game-changing systems that transformed his business, the lessons from breaking up (and making up) with longtime partner Jay Kinder, and how to lead teams through today’s headwinds. John also explains why AI isn’t a threat to great agents, but a tool that will accelerate those willing to adapt.

From Small Town to Industry Impact

• How John built over 20% market share in Lawton, Oklahoma.

• The power of branding and healthy competition.

The Breakup, the Lessons, the Rebuild

• Why a lack of vision caused a major split with Jay Kinder.

• How clarity and leadership brought them back together.

Three Systems That Changed Everything

1. Strategic Planning – The discipline of 90-day cycles using Rockefeller Habits and EOS.

2. CHSA (Certified Home Selling Advisor) – A scalable, repeatable system for listings.

3. Financial Clarity – The five business numbers that matter most from Simple Numbers.

Why eXp Realty

• The behind-the-scenes story of meeting Glenn Sanford and Jason Gesing.

• How vision, core values, and sustainability convinced him to join.

AI, Consumers, and the Future of Agents

• How AI will transform the agent-client dynamic.

• The coming rise of the “AI consumer” and how to stay ahead.

Leadership in Headwinds

• Why the team that got you here may not get you there.

• How to evaluate whether your current team can win in this market.

• Scaling Up by Verne Harnish

• Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits by Greg Crabtree

• The AI-Driven Leader by Jeff Woods

• CHSA & CHBA Certification Programs

• Honey Badger Nation

“We’re wired to solve problems. If your goal isn’t big enough, you’ll stop growing.” – John Kitchens

• Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach
• LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach
• Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

In this powerful conversation, John Kitchens sits down with real estate professional Renee Velasquez to discuss one of the most challenging — and overlooked — aspects of the industry: guiding families through the sale of a home during major life transitions, especially when caring for aging loved ones.

Drawing from her own deeply personal experience and years of client work, Renee breaks down the emotional, legal, and logistical hurdles that families face, from probate pitfalls to the delicate “right-sizing” conversation. You’ll learn how to prepare clients before crisis hits, build a trusted network of attorneys and service providers, and serve with empathy while still leading decisively.

Whether you’re an agent looking to better serve this growing market or a family member navigating these waters yourself, this episode is a must-listen.

The Emotional Landscape of Families in Transition

• How emotions override logic in real estate decisions during difficult times

• Understanding the “brokenhearted, disgruntled, and disinterested” client types
  
  

Legal & Financial Essentials

• Why wills alone aren’t enough to avoid probate — and the one document that can save months of stress

• The critical role of estate, trust, and probate attorneys — and how to build a referral network

• Common mistakes families make when transferring property
  
  

Right-Sizing & Housing Options

• Why Renee avoids the term “downsizing” and what “right-sizing” really means

• Exploring ranch homes, condos, multi-generational housing, assisted living, and memory care facilities

• How reverse mortgages can be a viable solution for funding care needs
  
  

Practical Solutions for Overwhelmed Families

• Handling a home full of possessions: storage, donation, selling, or “as-is” sales

• The benefits of packaging a home sale for buyers willing to purchase with contents included

• How to lead group decision-making when multiple heirs are involved
  
  

Agent Leadership & Empathy

• The balance between compassion and strong leadership in emotional transactions

• When to refer the listing to another agent (and how to co-list)

• Building lifetime relationships by guiding clients through one of the hardest seasons of their lives

• Connect with Renee Velasquez: Facebook, Instagram, Email: renee@thersvpgroup.com, Call/Text: (330) 321-3339

• HoneyBadgerNation.com – Events, merch, training, and resources for top agents

• StoryBrand by Donald Miller – Framework for positioning as a guide, not the hero

• CHSA/CHBA Systems – Increase perceived value and authority in every deal

"Comparison is the thief of joy, and I stopped comparing my business to everyone else’s." – Renee Velasquez

• Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach
• LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach
• Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

In this candid, behind-the-scenes conversation, John Kitchens sits down with top-producing agent and entrepreneur Bryan Colquitt to explore what it really takes to design a real estate business—and a life—that align with your deepest priorities. From dismantling a thriving team of nine agents to rebuild as a highly profitable solo agent, Bryan shares why chasing status nearly cost him his freedom, and how clarity, boundaries, and saying “no” reshaped everything.

If you’ve ever felt the pressure to grow bigger, do more, and be everywhere—this episode is your permission slip to step back, get intentional, and build a business that serves your life, not the other way around.

Key #1: Redefining Success

• Why “freedom” beats “status” every time

• How becoming a parent forced Bryan to re-evaluate everything

• The non-negotiables that guide every business decision now

Key #2: Letting Go of the Ego

• How to step away from a big team without burning bridges

• Why comparison is the thief of joy—and how to stop chasing someone else’s dream

• Removing the fear of “what will people think?” when making big changes

Key #3: Lean, Profitable Operations

• Running a high-margin business as a solo agent

• How Bryan’s mornings and evenings are structured for presence at home

• The “main thing” that keeps business moving every day (hint: conversations)

Key #4: Navigating a “Have-To” Market

• Why most real estate decisions right now are emotional, not logical

• How to uncover the real “why” behind a client’s move

• Serving as an advisor—not just a salesperson—even when it means telling clients to wait

Key #5: Trust Over Transactions

• Building long-term relationships through transparency and empathy

• Setting boundaries with clients while elevating the service experience

• How emotional intelligence creates referrals and repeat business in any market

• Traction by Gino Wickman – for operational clarity

• Coldwell Banker Advantage – Bryan’s brokerage partner

• Sphere & Database Marketing – Bryan’s primary lead source strategy

Success isn’t about the size of your team, the number of transactions, or the title on your business card. It’s about designing a business that fuels your perfect day, protects your time, and gives you the freedom to be fully present where it matters most. Bryan Colquitt’s journey proves that stepping back can be the boldest move forward.

“You have to say no to the wrong things so you can say yes to the right life.” – Bryan Colquitt

• Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach
• LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach
• Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

In this episode, John Kitchens and Jay Kinder go deep on what might be the most important conversation agents need to be having right now: how to create real leverage in your business—through people, systems, partnerships, and AI.

From NIL deals in pro sports to why some mega teams are leaving and returning to eXp for better structure, they draw powerful parallels between elite performance and entrepreneurial decision-making. The guys break down what it actually means to own customer acquisition, how to unlock additional revenue streams, and why agents who embrace AI will grow faster than ever before.

This one is full of real talk, tested frameworks, and future-focused strategies every top agent should hear.

• What NIL deals and pro athletes can teach agents about personal branding and leverage

• Why agents leave eXp—and why smart ones come back for better alignment and structure

• The real definition of leverage: creating results that extend far beyond your direct effort

• How to identify and offload low-leverage tasks

• Why most agents are stuck because they won’t build the systems that free them

• How onboarding, coaching, and leadership structure impacts team growth

• Turning trusted vendors into win-win partnerships

• How a pest control guy became a 10-year retention win for one team

• Why every transaction feeds multiple people—and how to be at the center of it

• Why the first deal is only 3% of a client’s total value

• The mindset shift from “commission chaser” to “trusted resource for life”

• How to build a local ecosystem that keeps your name top of mind for years

• Why AI is the most scalable “who” in your business right now

• How to use AI for speed-to-lead, DISC profiling, and real-time objection handling

• The difference between inputting content vs. layering market intelligence into your AI

• Why consumers now feel more informed than their agents

• The shift from information delivery to interpretation and guidance

• How AI tools like Sphere and Satori personalize communication at scale

• What agents can learn from StoryBrand about becoming the guide, not the hero

• The simple question every agent should answer before setting goals:
  “What’s the problem I’m uniquely qualified to solve?”

• How CHSA/CHBA frameworks still anchor value—even in an AI world

• HoneyBadgerNation.com – Tickets, tools, merch, nominations

• StoryBrand by Donald Miller

• The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni

• The AI-Driven Leader – Recommended reading for real estate pros in 2025

• CHSA & CHBA Certification – Learn how to guide with authority

• Sphere & Satori AI Tools – Hyper-personalized communication tech for agents

"If you own the problem, you own the market." – John Kitchens

• Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach
• LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach
• Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

In this episode, John Kitchens sits down with powerhouse agent and bourbon enthusiast Stacey Lambright to explore how passion, community, and storytelling can unlock explosive real estate growth. Stacy shares the incredible journey of how a random bourbon closing gift spiraled into a full-blown niche, leading to a deeper community presence, charity impact, a YouTube show (Bourbon and Builds), and her best year in real estate yet.

They unpack the power of relationships, how to turn a niche into a lead-generating machine, and why understanding lifetime value is the key to long-term growth. This episode is a must-listen for agents ready to go deeper, not wider, and who want to build a brand around what they love.

• How a single bourbon gift led to a thriving real estate niche

• What makes the bourbon community a surprisingly rich sphere for real estate

• Using your interests to build trust, credibility, and lasting relationships

• Why “riches in the niches” starts with genuine enthusiasm, not strategy

• How to become the go-to agent in your passion-based community

• Blending lifestyle, content, and relationships for organic client growth

• Behind the scenes of Stacy’s Bourbon and Builds YouTube series

• Connecting custom home builders with distillery storytelling

• How a builder + bourbon interview format bridges multiple audiences

• Why database management is still the holy grail of growth

• How one low-commission, 2%-fee deal turned into $1.5M in volume

• The importance of staying top of mind through social, events, and follow-up

• Why Stacy said yes to every lead—no matter how small or far

• The 3-year snowball effect that turned Redfin and OpCity deals into a pipeline

• How to think beyond the referral fee and prioritize lifetime value

• Lessons learned from riding the market from 1997 to now

• How to educate sellers with real-time, hyper-local data

• Pricing strategies that work in today’s evolving inventory landscape

• Getting sellers aligned with market expectations before going live

• Building a vetted contractor network for deferred maintenance and prep

• Creating win-win solutions with staging, painting, and fix-before-you-list services

• Bourbon and Builds YouTube Series → Subscribe Here

• EXP Lead Programs: Redfin, OpCity, Veterans United

• National Women’s Bourbon Council (Ohio Chapter)

• Custom CRM tips for long-term database nurture

• Charity Partnership: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ($51K raised!)
  
  

“Passion builds trust. When you show up consistently in a community you love, the business follows.” – John Kitchens

• Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach
• LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach
• Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

In this episode of One Big Fire, John Kitchens and Jay Kinder is joined by top-producing Ohio team leader Jon Harp to tackle one of the biggest challenges in real estate today: why so many agents are struggling—and what the best are doing to win. With fallout rates at a five-year high and buyers more selective than ever, John and Jon unpack what’s actually working right now to recruit, convert, and close in a shifting market.

They cover everything from buyer presentation gaps, seller psychology, and inventory shifts to the real metrics every team leader needs to track to survive and scale. Whether you’re leading a growing team or flying solo, this conversation is full of real-talk insights, tested strategies, and actionable systems to help you thrive—not just survive—in today’s market.

• Why zero of 75 agents had a buyer presentation (and why that’s a massive red flag)

• The difference between working with buyers versus chasing them

• How a structured buyer process builds trust, reduces fallout, and increases conversions

• Why June’s home cancellation rate hit a record 15%

• How to pre-frame buyer remorse by educating clients on true cost of ownership

• The overlooked financial pressures (HOA, insurance, taxes) killing deals

Sellers Need More Than Motivation

• Why “motivated” isn’t enough—you need to uncover desperation

• The questions that reveal a seller’s real urgency

• How to guide sellers without relying on hope or wishful pricing

• Zillow’s data on price cuts and inventory spikes: what it means for you

• How to use hyperlocal market knowledge to guide pricing strategy

• Creating listing presentations that anticipate objections and pre-frame value

• The #1 difference between agents who grow and those who ghost

• How immersion, shadowing, and simple daily activities drive faster results

• What every new agent should be doing in their first 30 days (hint: not branding)

• The 5-deal story that started with a $126K Zillow lead

• Why top teams invest in leads that produce years of revenue

• Teaching agents to value relationships over commission checks

• Why some agents “stall out” at $1M in revenue

• The team structure, systems, and mindset shifts that break through the ceiling

• Creating predictable onboarding and momentum-building experiences

• BAM & Zillow data reports on inventory and home cancellations

• Buyer presentation frameworks and fallout tracking systems

• Agent to CEO Live – Sept 24-25 in Cleveland

  • Includes ticket to Rock the Spectrum 10-Year Anniversary

  • Tickets & nomination forms: HoneyBadgerNation.com

• Sept 24–25 | Cleveland, OH

• Limited to 100 seats – nearly sold out!

• Master the systems, mindsets, and strategies that take you from agent to business owner.

• Includes ticket to Rock the Spectrum benefit concert!

• Get yours at agentceo.com or honeybadgernation.com

“You can’t rely on hope as a strategy. You need process, data, and the guts to tell sellers the truth.” – John Kitchens

• Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach
• LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach
• Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

In this special edition of Expert Mentors Live, John Kitchens, Al Stasek, and Jay Kinder sit down with Rose Offord, July’s Honey Badger of the Month—and the very first to hold the title! Her story is one of resilience, raw hustle, and unwavering vision. From nearly losing her home to now working on multi-million-dollar deals, Rose’s journey is proof that showing up changes everything.

In an episode packed with inspiration, mindset strategy, and personal transformation, the team uncovers the traits that define true leadership and what it really means to earn the badge of a Honey Badger in 2025.

• How Rose pulled herself out of foreclosure—three times—without a backup job

• What it means to "get in the room," to take action, and how EXPCon changed her trajectory

• The power of personal affirmation, morning rituals, and belief before evidence

• Why Rose started Mindset to Millionaires and how she’s helping others do the same

• Her BIG goal: 130 agents in her organization by EXPCon—and 10+ sponsored to attend

• Why showing up broke beats staying home comfortable

• How assertiveness is the defining trait of top earners

• Real stories of agents sleeping in cars just to attend life-changing events

• Creating contagious energy: Rose’s secret weapon for attraction and growth

• Why proximity and community multiply your potential

• From mindset huddles to luxury watch events—how Rose is expanding what’s possible

• Rose’s deeper “why”: leaving a legacy for her grandsons and her team

• What keeps her going, even in hospital beds and high-stress moments

• How Honey Badger Nation inspired her—and how she plans to pay it forward

• HoneyBadgerNation.com – Nominate the next Honey Badger of the Month

• Mindset to Millionaires Facebook Group – Mondays at 7:00 AM ET

• Agent to CEO LIVE → Sept 24–25 in Cleveland | VIP + Concert Access Available

• Rock the Spectrum 2024 – Exclusive performances by Michael Ray, Dustin Black, Josh Phillips & more

• Breitling Event at EXPCon – In the works thanks to Rose’s initiative

• StoryBrand by Donald Miller – Framework discussed around clarity and positioning

• CHSA/CHBA Systems – Learn how to increase value and become a trusted advisor

• Honey Badger Nation Merch – Legacy gear now available

“My story’s not over. It won’t be until I’m coaching and inspiring full time, leading a global team.” – Rose Offord

• Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach
• LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach
• Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥