Realtor Conversations

Today we’re joined by Jen and Rick Scherek of LaBelle Real Estate Group. Based in Stillwater, they bring over 20 years of experience in the real estate industry. In this episode, they share what it takes to succeed as a modern real estate agent—from having the right support system to marketing homes in ways that resonate with today’s buyers. They also highlight current interior design trends and recommend some favorite local spots to explore. In this episode: Contact Jen and Rick Scherek: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen_and_rick_homes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jenandrickscherek/ Text Jen: 651-283-4463 Text Rick: 651- 558-6139

Today we’re joined by Chantell Hendrix of the Pinnacle Team and eXp Realty, whose background as a paralegal has given her valuable skills that translate seamlessly into real estate. Passionate about helping clients navigate major life transitions—especially during challenging times—Chantell shares how her legal experience shapes the way she supports and advocates for those she serves, along with her journey from solo agent to team member and the tools that help streamline her business. In this episode, we cover: Contact Chantell Hendrix: Instagram: @SellWithChantell Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SellWithChantell Cell # 715-441-2769 chantell.hendrix@thepinnacleteamus.com

On this episode of Realtor Conversations, we’re joined by Brandon Doyle of RE/MAX and the Doyle Real Estate Team. Although Brandon grew up with firsthand exposure to the real estate world, it was his passion for sales and marketing that truly drew him into the industry. He shares how he’s built a business that stays aligned with his clients while still prioritizing a healthy work–life balance. Throughout the conversation, Brandon breaks down the shifts he’s made in his business, the marketing tools that have fueled his growth, and where he’s intentionally invested his time to increase his visibility in the industry. In this episode, we cover: Contact Brandon: Cell # 612-702-7687 brandon@doylerealestateteam.com

Today we’re joined by Realtor Shannon Stelton with LPT, who is licensed in Florida, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Initially, she was drawn to a career in real estate decades ago, but it wasn’t until she went through some life changes that she was finally ready to take the leap. During the episode, she shares what she’s learned over the last several years in the industry and how she successfully moved her work to Florida. In this episode: Contact Shannon: Minnesota # 651-260-7669 Florida # 727-390-7080 shannonstelton@gmail.com

Today our guest is Ana Vogler, with Coldwell Banker. She has faced her fair share of challenges in breaking into the Minnesota real estate industry. From moving from another country, learning English, changing careers, and making new connections where she didn’t know anybody, she persevered (even when it felt intimidating) and has built a successful real estate career. In our conversation, she opens up about her unique approach with clients and what she has learned from buying her own properties. In this episode: Contact Ana: Cell: 651-235-4230 Email: ana@cbrealty.com

We’re joined by Taylor Housley with LPT Realty in this episode. After her mom brought her into the business, Taylor found herself in the real estate industry starting off as a buyer’s agent. Eventually, as she grew professionally and her mom’s focus changed, she would move on to take the helm as Owner and Lead Agent of Housley Homes. Taylor shares about her team members and what stands out about her team, what she sees happening in the market right now, and her passion for supporting the local community. In this episode: Contact Taylor: Website: housleyhomes.com Direct message her on Instagram @taysellshomes

Today we’re joined by Wyatt Lemon from REAL. On top of being a real estate agent, Wyatt also recruits new faces to join him at REAL. He truly enjoys attracting new talent over a cup of chai—especially when it’s someone he sees will be great to work with. In today’s conversation, he shares that signs that show new talent will do well in the business, what the most successful agents do that others don’t, and Wyatt’s predictions for rates and trends in the near future. In this episode: Contact Wyatt: Cell: 651-336-2927 (call or text)

On this episode of Realtor Conversations our guest is Michelle Markuson of Lakes Sotheby's International Realty. Michelle loves negotiating, and this is one of the top skills she brings to her clients in real estate. We hear all about her interests outside of real estate in this episode, and how they also play into her career in a positive way. She also gives extremely useful advice that buyers need to navigate the real estate market right now. In this episode: Contact Michelle: Cell: 612-483-1494 Email: michelle.markuson@lakesmn.com

Jackie Garofalo with Keller Williams Premier is with us in this episode to talk about how having a positive mindset in your work is crucial, especially in the real estate industry. There will be things that happen that are out of your control, like market changes and internal shifts with clients. As a Realtor, Jackie emphasizes that it’s important to take care of yourself, trust your instincts, and be confident in yourself. In this episode: Contact Jackie: Cell: 651-303-2548 (texts preferred)

In this episode our guest is Ellissa Friedman from Keller Williams Premier Realty of Woodbury. It’s no secret that people love working with Ellissa—she has a great energy that people are drawn to. Teaching is at the forefront of her approach, and she’s passionate about helping her clients make great decisions. This conversation has her sharing how she got into the real estate industry, as well as the other parts of life she’s passionately involved in. In this episode: Contact Ellissa: Cell: 612-509-5130 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Ellissa-Friedman-Realtor-KW-Premier-Realty-100089545624551/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellissa_friedman

Today we’re chatting with Paige Tollefsbol, an up-and-coming real estate phenom. From a young age, Paige knew she was going to enter the real estate industry. Now, three years in, she’s learned a lot—which lends to her coming across a lot more seasoned than she is. Being at the start of her career, she also brings a lot of excitement, enthusiasm, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to get the best outcome for her clients. In this episode: Contact Paige: Cell: 651-295-9996 Email: paige.tollefsbol@results.net Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paige.tollefsbol/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptollefsbolrealestate/

We have the pleasure of hosting both Dominique Redmann and Amanda Gilman of Coldwell Banker and The Home Sweet Homies Team today. These women have transitioned from careers in nursing and the military to real estate, so they tell us all the details about their decision to launch their own venture. With candid stories, they share the realities of the post-COVID housing market, and debunk myths about the so-called “glamorous” life of realtors. They discuss the diverse skills required in their field, and offer very useful insights and advice for first-time homebuyers and sellers. In this episode: Contact Dominique: Cell: 715-573-2521 Contact Amanda: Cell: 763-442-6593

Nick Moucha, a charismatic real estate expert with Keller Williams, is chatting with us in this episode. He takes us through his bold exit from banking to navigating the challenges of commercial real estate, including an unbelievable phone call he received while on vacation in his early days. We explore his transition to the residential market in Rochester, Minnesota, leveraging his banking connections and navigating a tight-knit community. We also hear Nick’s take on current real estate dynamics, including why moving can be a tough sell for homeowners right now. In this episode: Contact Nick: Cell: 608-692-4688 Website: www.nickmoucha.com

We welcome Collin Vold with eXp Realty in this episode, a military veteran turned real estate agent who has now been in the industry for over 15 years. Collin shares his captivating journey from serving in the Army with deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq to finding his calling in real estate. We hear about his genuine passion for real estate, exploring his insights on the evolving market and the importance of mentorship. Collin also talks about what he does in his personal life, from growing up on a 60-acre hobby farm to enjoying the vibrance of Minneapolis. In this episode: Contact Collin: Cell: 651-395-9268 Email: collin@collinvold.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collinvold Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collinvold

We have the pleasure of hosting Leanda Andrade from RE/MAX Advantage Plus. Leanda shares her journey into the real estate industry, beginning with her ambitious goals in multifamily investing and the challenges she encountered along the way. Supported by Minnesota's diversified workers program, Leanda transitioned into a successful real estate agent after attending Minnesota Realty School. Our discussion explores the importance of mentorship and authentic support, and we talk about the excitement of the upcoming 2025 spring market. In this episode: Contact Leanda: Cell: 612-222-0159 Email: realty@leandaandrade.net

In this episode, we are thrilled to have real estate experts Kim Jackson and Elise Tagg from Keller Williams Premier in Stillwater. Their journey spans nearly two decades, with Elise transitioning from a sandblasting business to real estate, driven by her passion for design. Kim, on the other hand, moved from a career in corporate relocations and is also regularly involved in house flipping. Together, they provide so many insights into property potential and improvements. Our discussion covers the allure of unique homes like “barndominiums” and container houses, as well as anticipated market trends for 2025, such as developments in Wisconsin's White Pine Ridge and Hillside Estates. In this episode: Contact Kim: Cell: 651-334-5586 Email: kimjacksonhomes@hotmail.com Contact Elise: Cell: 612-759-0993 Email: elisetagg@gmail.com

Today we’ve got Jeff Sundsmo of the Olsen Group and Keller Williams Premier Realty, who was involved in the medical field and in selling cars before transitioning to real estate. We hear about the origins of the Olsen Group and explore the resilience that Jeff strongly believes is needed in the industry. Our conversation takes a lighter turn as we discuss family dynamics, Jeff's passion for softball, and the resurgence of direct mail. We wrap up with Jeff's charity efforts and his predictions for the real estate market in 2025, highlighting the importance of education and patience in this ever-changing field. In this episode: Contact Jeff: Cell: 651-491-3037 Email: jeff@mikeolsen.com

We’re joined by Angel Rangel Chavez with RE/MAX Advantage Plus today, a remarkable individual excelling in both the healthcare and real estate sectors. Angel shares his inspiring journey from Mexico to the United States, highlighting the challenges he overcame, such as mastering English and navigating a new education system. As a registered nurse and a savvy real estate agent, Angel discusses how he balances these two demanding careers, drawing on lessons from his father, a seasoned contractor. He talks about the nuances of property flipping, the differences between healthcare systems in the US and Mexico, and the evolving real estate market. In this episode: Contact Angel: Cell: 651-253-7936 Email: arc@mnrealestateteam.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelrc_re

Danielle Eaves with eXp Realty is our guest in this episode. She shares her thoughts about living in Inver Grove Heights and her creative parenting strategies for her daughter who is a promising swimmer. Getting into the current housing market, we discuss the implications of interest rates and the potential influence of political shifts. Danielle explains financial and seasonal trends that are poised to shape the market as well, and also shares renovations and maintenance that homeowners can do in 2025 to make their houses sell quickly. In this episode: Contact Danielle: Cell: 612-730-1512 Email: realtordaniellee@gmail.com

This conversation is with Justin Tolle, who started out in the mortgage industry in 2004 before becoming an agent. Justin's journey is marked by strategic foresight and a passion for property investment, which began when he purchased his first home at 21. Justin shares how the support of his wife and his dedication as a family man have fueled his success. We also discuss the importance of building relationships, maintaining a client-first mindset, and leveraging social media to enhance personal branding. In this episode: Contact Justin: Cell: 612-532-1298 Email: justin@nowrealty.net Website: https://nowrealty.net/justintolle/