Stay Paid

Two real business owners call in — and one of their stories is probably yours.   In this live call-in episode of Stay Paid, hosts Luke Acree and Josh Stike take real questions from real business owners and deliver straight-talk frameworks on building referral-based businesses, re-engaging your database, and turning everyday connections into consistent growth. Whether you're just starting to build your referral network, trying to unlock the goldmine in your existing database, or looking for the right systems to take your business to the next level — this episode gives you the blueprint.   Key topics covered: •      How to stop "paralysis by analysis" and make decisions that move your business forward •      The BNI (Business Network International) model and why it works for natural connectors •      Gary Vaynerchuk's "jab, jab, right hook" approach to referral marketing •      Why your existing database is a goldmine — and how to unlock it •      The power of client events for database re-engagement an

What does a 35-year veteran of real estate think about AI, private listings, and what it really takes to succeed today? Matthew Ferrara — real estate's industry whisperer — joins Josh and Luke on Stay Paid with zero fluff and total clarity.   In this episode: •      Why "list to last" is more relevant today than ever •      How to use AI correctly — and the mistakes killing your authenticity •      The truth about private listing networks and what they really mean for consumers •      Why the golden rule should guide every real estate business decision •      What Matthew would tell his younger self after 35 years in the industry   Resources Mentioned:

Think print is dead? Think again. In this live call-in episode, Luke Acree and Josh Stike answer real questions from listeners — covering why print marketing still outperforms digital on emotional connection and ad recall, how to recruit and retain a team of 50, and how to actually know if your marketing spend is working.   Whether you're in real estate, insurance, or any service-based business, this episode is packed with actionable frameworks you can use today.   Topics Covered: •      Why print marketing still delivers near-100% open rates •      The USPS/Temple University study on print vs. digital ad recall •      Recruiting strategies to build and retain a high-performing team •      Direct response vs. brand-building marketing — and why you need both •      How to calculate your cost of acquisition and lifetime client value •      Why consistency beats everything — especially in a new market  

Most agents avoid working with buyers—but Adam Boxman built his entire business around them. With over 500 families served and 90% of his business coming from repeat clients and referrals, Adam has cracked the code: fewer showings, stronger systems, and a better client experience. In this episode, he breaks down how to create a "client machine" that filters out wasted time, builds trust fast, and turns every buyer into a lifelong referral source.

Mary Kennedy Thompson, CEO of BNI, reveals the networking system responsible for generating over $27 billion in member-driven business. With a background in the Marine Corps and decades of leadership in franchising, Mary shares how "Givers Gain," discipline, and consistent relationship-building drive real growth. From scaling companies to billions in revenue to leading one of the world's largest business networks, this episode is a masterclass in leadership, networking, and entrepreneurship. Learn how to: Build a referral-based business that scales Use networking as a predictable growth system Lead with influence, not control Develop grit, discipline, and consistency Turn relationships into real revenue

The comeback story every agent needs to hear. Jacob McLaughlin went from having $30 in his bank account to closing $25M in real estate sales—and building one of the fastest-growing referral platforms for agents. In this episode of Stay Paid, Jacob shares the raw story behind his journey: cold calling through tax records, driving five hours for showings, walking dogs to survive financially, and ultimately launching ReferralMate, a platform now connecting over 12,000 agents nationwide. Learn about Jacob's journey: Jacob started real estate with no connections, no marketing budget, and only cold calling from tax records. After early success, a failed business venture left him with just $30 to his name. He rebuilt his career by doing everything possible—cold calls, social media, referrals, and long commutes for showings. Referrals became a key opportunity, which inspired him to build ReferralMate, now used by 12,000+ agents. The platform helps agents post referrals, apply for them, and manage ag

What's the difference between agents who stay stuck and agents who scale?   In this Stay Paid Q&A episode, we break down real-world questions from agents about generating better leads, farming the right neighborhoods, building a referral database, and hitting a $6M goal. The answer isn't flashy marketing—it's math, tracking, and intentional action.  

AI isn't the future — it's the present.   In this episode, Rajeev Sajja, Chief AI Officer at BrightMLS, reveals that 61% of consumers are already using AI to evaluate agents — and nearly all of them find it helpful. He breaks down exactly how agents can show up in AI search by optimizing their bio, reviews, and content for Generative Engine Optimization (GEO).   You'll also learn practical use cases for AI in listing prep, marketing, and data analysis — plus a simple 30-day challenge to build real AI skill fast. If you're not adapting to AI, you're falling behind.  

If you feel invisible, you may not be touching your database enough.   On this live call-in episode of Stay Paid, we tackle three powerful business challenges: burnout from doing everything yourself, why listings aren't selling (hint: it's not your marketing), and how to stay top of mind in a competitive market.    From the "treadmill stage" of business to the hard pricing conversations most agents avoid, this episode breaks down practical strategies for leverage, buyer generation, and building referral momentum. If you want to grow without burning out, price listings properly, and create consistent touchpoints that drive referrals, this episode is packed with actionable advice.  

Anthony Lamacchia didn't build a multi-billion-dollar real estate company by accident. Anthony has built one of the fastest-growing real estate organizations in the country—closing over $3.3B in volume and more than 6,000 transactions in a single year. In this episode of Stay Paid, Anthony breaks down why recruiting is the true engine of brokerage growth, how he evaluates acquisitions, and what agents must do to survive and win in today's market. From calling your sphere to building culture, producing leads, and communicating like a true leader, this conversation is packed with no-fluff advice for agents, team leaders, and broker owners who want real growth—not excuses.

When the market feels uncertain, buyers, sellers, and entrepreneurs often make the same mistake: they wait. In this Stay Paid Q&A episode, we break down how to guide clients through fear, why timing the market rarely works, and how entrepreneurs can prove product-market fit before taking on massive risk. From luxury product launches to real estate decision-making, this episode delivers practical frameworks around cash flow, emotional decision-making, CAC vs LTV, and why quality of life often outweighs perfect timing.

Is AI about to replace real estate agents? According to Dave Garland—Managing Partner at Second Century Ventures—the answer is no. In this episode of Stay Paid, Dave breaks down why relationships still drive success, how technology should empower (not replace) agents, and what venture capital sees coming next for the industry. From mergers and acquisitions to AI, branding, and the future of real estate transactions, this conversation delivers a rare, insider perspective every agent needs to hear.

Most agents think their leads aren't serious—but the truth is, they're just early. In this Stay Paid Q&A episode, the team breaks down why nearly every real estate lead requires long-term nurturing and how top producers stay consistent long enough to win. From qualifying motivation to setting better appointments, mastering follow-up, and using ReminderMedia as a conversation trigger, this episode delivers practical tactics and mindset shifts that can take you from sporadic deals to predictable growth.

"Use AI to build better relationships, not replace them." In this Stay Paid Q&A episode, agents call in with three of the most important questions in real estate today: how to break into commercial, how to use AI without losing trust, and how to convert intent-based leads with ads and follow-up. Luke and Josh share tactical advice on mentorship, networking, AI adoption, calling strategies, and why volume is the true separator between average and top producers.

"If you're trying to be for everybody, you're going to be for no one." Shannon Gillette shares how going all-in on authenticity, faith, and personal branding transformed her business and her life. From posting behind-the-scenes moments daily to openly sharing her faith, Shannon explains why trying to appeal to everyone actually repels the right clients. She also reveals the story behind launching the Awaken Summit, a faith-based real estate conference born from fear, obedience, and bold action. 

"If you're going to build people, you must care more about their outcome than yours." Mark Perkins—founder of Pivot Realty Group—shares the truth most brokerages avoid: the real estate industry is broken, and most agents fail because no one tells them what the job actually requires. Mark explains how he built a 200-agent brokerage without traditional recruiting and why culture, leadership, and service—not tech or branding—are the true drivers of growth. Learn about: How he built a 200-agent independent brokerage from scratch Emphasizing long-term strategy over short-term profit What's broken in real estate & why agents fail Focusing on the "middle 60%" who can succeed with the right mentorship Accountability, standards, and clarity matter more than perks Why brokerages should develop agents—not use them Recruiting should come from value, not persuasion

Heather Corrigan—better known as The Hurricane—closed 80 transactions and $20M in volume while most agents were slowing down. From creating her own business hub to leveraging every deal into content and referrals, Heather proves that success isn't about perfect systems—it's about movement. If you want to dominate in any market, this conversation will light a fire.

You're closer to a breakthrough than you think.   Luke and Josh coach three very different agents through three very real problems. Jean asks how to recruit agents to her small brokerage, Naquata wants to know how to make the most of 20–25 hours a week as a part-time agent, and Stefan calls in after burning through his savings with one month left to survive.     Stay Paid hosts breaks down recruiting funnels, sphere-first strategy, activity levels, masterminds, prospecting blocks, and what it actually takes to break through when you feel like quitting. If you're growing, rebuilding, or barely hanging on, this episode will meet you where you are.   Key Takeaways: What to do when you're struggling to recruit agents Mentorship is good but not unique — every broker claims it Create a recruiting funnel the same way agents create a sphere funnel The 3 E's of agent content: Education, Entertainment, Endearmeny Your 100-person sphere is the foundation — call all of them 65% of listings and 56% of buye

He used this CMA strategy to list $11M in 90 days. In this new Stay Paid interview, Jimmy Burgess, The Chief Coaching Officer At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices & HomeServices of America, reveals the three strategies every agent should execute in 2026—and they're simpler than you think. He breaks down why you should buy lunches instead of leads, how a weekly "Deal of the Week" email reactivates your database, and why unsolicited video CMAs remain one of the most profitable activities in real estate. You'll learn about: Jimmy framing his approach using John Maxwell's Rule of 5 Why you should 'Buy Lunches, Not Leads' Sending 'Deal of the Week' Emails MLS-based outreach ideas (price drops, nearby sales to spark conversation) Unsolicited Video CMAs Jimmy returning as Head Coach at Berkshire Hathaway Why legacy and helping agents do more deals fuels his mission ▶️  Checkout Jimmy's YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@JimmyBurgess 

Real estate school teaches square footage, contracts, and math… but almost nothing about how to actually build a career. In our latest episode of Stay Paid, we sit down with Jenifer Morin, author of Beyond the Sale, who shares the real-world skills agents need to build a lasting career. From calendar discipline to lead generation, mindset to capacity, Jenifer breaks down the exact habits that separate top producers from everyone else. ⭐️You'll learn: Why most agents fail within the first 5 years How to structure your day for success Why your calendar is the best predictor of income The truth about treating real estate like a career How to avoid burnout and find your true strengths If you want stability, income, and longevity in this business, this episode is a must-listen.