AI, Bourbon, and Real Estate | How AI is Disrupting Real Estate Brokerages in 2026

About the Episode:What does it take to move from a college soccer coach to a principal broker managing over 40 agents? BJ Santiago, owner of Haven Homes Group, joins us at "The Fort" to discuss the evolution of the real estate industry in 2026. We explore his unique brokerage model, which prioritizes agent autonomy and higher profit margins for experienced professionals over traditional hand-holding. BJ shares how he navigated industry skepticism to build a top-performing office in Northern Kentucky and why he believes the next phase of growth involves a heavy reinvestment in technology and community partnerships. What you’ll hear in this episode:The Pour: A generous "holiday pour" of Old Forester 1:17 Series Prohibition Era Still Proof—a bold 130-proof conversation starter. The Soccer Connection: How recruiting and patience translate from the pitch to the brokerage. Proving the Model: The reality of surviving and thriving in a "non-traditional" real estate model that critics said wouldn't work. The AI Superhero: Why the agents who embrace AI in 2026 will look like superheroes to the rest of their industry. Reclaiming Family Time: How flexibility in real estate allows BJ to be present for his identical twin boys. Takeaway Quote:"The people who utilize it [AI] well are gonna look like superheroes to the rest of the world in their industry." Links & Resources:The Fort NKY: https://www.thefortnky.com/Haven Homes Group: www.havenhomesgroup.comAI on the Rocks Sponsorship: https://www.nky.ai/