Charleston's Leading Producers Podcast

Send us Fan MailKatt Potts (@kp.associates78) is the broker in charge of NextHome the Agency Group (@nexthome_theagencygroup) in Summerville, SC — a growing brokerage of 60+ agents now expanding into downtown Charleston. She's a Goose Creek native, a Trident Tech dental program graduate and former program director, who then jumped into real estate with $600, no experience, and an unshakeable belief that God put her here for a reason. In her first year, she sold 24 homes. By year six, she was running NextHome.In this conversation, Kat reveals:Why there's no secret sauce in real estate — and what the "it factor" actually looks like in personThe biggest mistake top producers never make: why staying connected with past clients is the single highest-ROI activity in the businessWhy she tells agents to stop paying for leads — and what to do insteaHow she pairs new agents with mentors based on personality, not just production numberThe quarterly goal-setting process she uses with every agent at her brokerageWhy praying with buyers on the property isn't unusual for her — it's just who she isThe mindset shift that helped her stop taking it personally when a friend listed with someone elseThis one is raw, real, and deeply human. Less tactics episode more of a reminder of why we got into this industry in the first place.Follow Jake: @jakecummings_homeloansAbout Charleston's Leading Producers: Weekly conversations with the highest-producing real estate agents in Charleston. No fluff. No theory. Just proven strategies from agents doing the work and getting the results.

Send us Fan MailTaelor Pryor (@taelorpryor) is a Mount Pleasant native, Gamecock alum, and Top 40 Under 40 real estate producer with The Boulevard — one of Charleston's largest and most successful brokerages. She carved out a career in residential real estate after pivoting from industrial safety equipment sales and commercial real estate — and built her business almost entirely through Instagram and genuine community connection.In this conversation, Taylor reveals:Why posting market stats and 'just listed' content is costing you trust— and what to post insteadHow she went from no team, no clients, and no roadmap to Top 40 Under 40 by leaning into social media before it was obviousThe mentor relationship that gave her the structure she didn't know she needed — and how to find yoursWhat she tells herself when the comparison trap kicks in (and why 100 loyal followers beat 100,000 passive ones)The real reason fast communication is her #1 trust-builder with clientsHow she bridges the gap between personal content and business — without ever sounding like she's fishing for listingsA candid, refreshing conversation with someone who figured out that showing up as yourself is the most powerful business strategy there is. Real talk, no fluff.Follow Jake: @jakecummings_homeloansAbout Charleston's Leading Producers: Weekly conversations with the highest-producing real estate agents in Charleston. No fluff. No theory. Just proven strategies from agents doing the work and getting the results.

Send us Fan MailTradd Bastian (@traddbastian) is the founder of Bastian and Associates and a top producer with Serhant. A native Charlestonian, Tradd consistently closes over forty transactions per year, has been recognized as a Charleston Top 40 Under 40 leader, and has spent nearly two decades building one of the most authentic, relationship-driven businesses in the market — while not paying for leads.In this conversation, Tradd reveals:Why he recommends not paying for leads — and what he tells new agents who ask about itHow baseball is integral to his sanity and his businessHow he went from flipping washers and dryers on Craigslist to owning investment properties with zero dollars of his own moneyWhy communicating the way your client wants to be communicated with is the most underrated skill in the businessWhat he tells every new agent before they get their licenseThe mindset shift that separates agents who last from the 80% who leave within two years: patience + consistencyTradd doesn't dress it up. He doesn't sugarcoat. He's been through the grind — property management, construction jobs, bike taxis, the whole thing — and he'll tell you exactly what it took to get here. This one's a masterclass in building a real business without shortcuts.Follow Charleston's Leading Producers: @jakecummings_homeloans

Send us Fan MailLindsey Johnson (@mrlindseyjohnson) is a former collegiate basketball player, captain, and personal trainer turned top-producing real estate agent with the Ludify Group in Charleston. In just a few years of building in a city where he knew almost no one, Lindsey has engineered one of the most disciplined, intentional business models in our market. His background in human optimization, coaching, and small business ownership didn't just prepare him for real estate. It gave him a framework most agents never develop.In this conversation, Lindsay reveals:Why he runs two completely separate business engines — relentless outbound prospecting and deep organic relationship building — and why choosing just one is leaving money on the tableHow he structures his day from 4:45am to 4pm so that every hour has a job, including a sacred prospecting block where the phone goes on Do Not DisturbThe exact five-call flow system he uses to work every listing from coming soon through closed — and why each listing should produce 1-3 more opportunitiesWhy he believes 10% of your database will either transact or refer in any given year — and how he reverse-engineers his goals from that numberThe automated mail campaign that flopped hard and the lesson it taught him about shiny object syndromeWhat his personal definition of retirement is — and why "work becomes optional" is more powerful than any dollar numberThis one is equal parts tactical blueprint and personal philosophy. If you're early in your career or feel like you're doing too many things averagely, this conversation will sharpen your focus fast.About Charleston's Leading Producers: Weekly conversations with the highest-producing real estate agents in Charleston. No fluff. No theory. Just proven strategies from agents doing the work and getting the results.

Send us Fan MailNicole Lemieux (@buywithnicole) completed over 100 transactions in her first two complete years in real estate. She started as a teacher, switched careers after one year, and climbed to the top of Charleston's market through relentless hustle and refusing to sound like every other agent.In this conversation, Nicole reveals:how she converts through something we all have access to - Facebook messengerhow she beat established agents for a million-dollar listing as a brand-new agenthow reading people and leading with empathy converts more than scripts and sales tacticsThis is real talk from an agent who sacrificed her 4th of July, cried in her car (we've all been there), and proved that being real beats being polished every single time.Follow Jake: @jakecummings_homeloansAbout Charleston's Leading Producers: Weekly conversations with the highest-producing real estate agents in Charleston. No fluff. No theory. Just proven strategies from agents doing the work and getting the results.

Send us Fan MailKristin Abbate (@kristin.abbate) is a top 3% Charleston agent. A Clemson graduate with an MBA from The Citadel, Kristin spent eight-plus years as a marketing manager for a national home builder - covering Hilton Head, Charleston, and Myrtle Beach - before transitioning into residential real estate full-time. She's part of a tight-knit team that produced over $100M in sales with under ten agents last year.But her story isn't just about production numbers. In 2020, Kristin and her family lost everything in a house fire - running out with nothing but the pajamas on their backs. What happened next shaped not just her career, but her entire philosophy on business, people, and purpose.In the conversation, Kristin reveals:Why the "sign in the yard and pray" approach is officially dead - and what top agents are doing insteadHow her corporate marketing background gave her a competitive edge most agents never developThe open house launch sequence that consistently converts strangers into clientsWhy social media presence doesn't require a massive following - and what it actually needs to do for your businessWhy consistency beats talent in real estate - every single timeThis one goes deeper than marketing and strategy. This is about resilience, and what it actually means to show up for your clients and your community.Follow Jake: @jakecummings_homeloansAbout Charleston's Leading Producers: Weekly conversations with the highest-producing real estate agents in Charleston. No fluff. No theory. Just proven strategies from agents doing the work and getting the results.

Send us Fan MailTricia Peterson (@triciapeterson_islandhouse) is a 2025 $59+ million producer, and owner/broker-in-charge of Island House Real Estate (@islandhouserealestate)—a woman-owned boutique firm of eight agents in Charleston. Before real estate, Tricia spent 15 years as a physical therapist with a doctorate degree. She balances top production with raising three kids alongside her husband Brett, who helps manage their portfolio of short-term rental investment properties they've held since the early days.In this conversation, Tricia reveals:The parallel between physical therapy and real estate that built her entire career: listening first, solving secondWhy she's not afraid to tell clients they shouldn't buy something—and how brutal honesty drives referralsThe biggest mistake agents make today: prioritizing commission checks over client outcomesHow she protects family time while answering calls on Christmas Eve—and why her kids' hard work ethic proves it was worth itThis is real talk from an agent who started small, stayed consistent, and built a business by treating people right and working hard—nothing flashy, just results.Follow Jake: @jakecummings_homeloans Timestamps: 00:00From Physical Therapy to Real Estate05:04Building a Real Estate Empire08:54The Power of Social Media in Real Estate12:50Balancing Family and a Thriving Career16:49Navigating the Luxury Real Estate Market20:46The Importance of Client Relationships24:45The Future of Real Estate Agents27:32Advice for New Agents: Patience is KeyAbout Charleston's Leading Producers: Weekly conversations with the highest-producing real estate agents in Charleston. No fluff. No theory. Just proven strategies from agents doing the work and getting the results.

Send us Fan MailDaniel and Laura Peal (@missionfirst_media) are the founders of Mission First Media, a Charleston-based content creation company specializing in real estate listing photos, drone video, 3D tours, social reels, and agent-branded content. Before launching their business, they spent six years serving internationally as missionaries in Costa Rica, Honduras, and Puerto Rico—where Daniel's passion for photography and media began as a way to capture stories and beauty across cultures.In this conversation, Daniel and Laura reveal:Why 39% of agent leads came from social media in 2025 (NAR study) and what that means for 2026The "Keep It REAL" content framework: Roots, Experience, Advice, LifestyleWhy agents who only post when they have a listing are invisible the rest of the timeThe exact iPhone settings you need to stop uploading blurry content (1080p, upload at highest quality, cross-posting)How to look confident on cameraWhy batch content creation (one full day per month) beats trying to post daily on the flyThis is a conversation on creating authentic, professional content that doesn't drain your time—and actually converts to clients.Follow Jake: @jakecummings_homeloans About Charleston's Leading Producers: Weekly conversations with the highest-producing real estate agents in Charleston. No fluff. No theory. Just proven strategies from agents doing the work and getting the results.

Send us Fan MailCharlotte Berger (@charlottebergerpr) is the founder of CBPR, a Charleston-based PR and marketing firm she launched in May 2020 after being let go during COVID. She's grown her team to 12, been named a 40 Under 40, Woman of Influence, and SC 500 winner. Charlotte has spent over a decade in PR, social media, and influencer marketing, representing hotels, restaurants, CPGs, and nonprofits across the Southeast.In this conversation, Charlotte reveals:How a follower count can be a vanity metric – and what actually matters for ROIHow she uses AI (ChatGPT and Claude) to streamline client work without losing the human touchThe hard truth about marketing: no amount of PR can fix a bad product or experienceWhy Facebook still drives more business than Instagram or TikTok for most industriesThis is a conversation about authentic marketing, building agency culture, and why real connections beat vanity metrics every single time.Follow Jake: @jakecummings_homeloans Timestamps: 00:00 What CBPR Actually Does (It's More Than Social Media) 03:57 The First Step to Getting People to Engage With Your Content 07:45 Why You Don't Need to Be a Publicist to Pitch Journalists 09:30 How Charlotte Uses AI in 2026 (ChatGPT, Claude, and Otter) 13:20 The Hard Truth About Marketing No One Wants to Hear 16:45 Why Follower Count Is a Vanity Metric 19:10 Where to Start Your Branding Journey (Target Audience and Competitor Analysis) 22:30 Why Facebook Still Outperforms Instagram for Most Businesses 24:15 Building the Marketing Mavens: 30+ Women Agency Owners Supporting Each Other 27:50 The One Thing Charlotte Would Tell Her May 2020 SelfAbout Charleston's Leading Producers: Weekly conversations with the highest-producing real estate agents in Charleston. No fluff. No theory. Just proven strategies from agents doing the work and getting the results.

Send us Fan MailSarita Kauffman (@thekauffmangroup) holds a degree in international business from Brazil and leads the Kauffman Group – a tight-knit, multilingual team that recently partnered with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate in Summerville. Her team serves some of Charleston's most diverse client bases.In this conversation, Sarita reveals:Why agents who leave her team come back – and what that says about cultureHow her international business background shaped the way she structures her teamThe AI tools her team is building from scratch to eliminate 80-90% of agent busyworkThis is a conversation focused on team building, technology implementation, and creating a business where people actually want to work – not just collect a paycheck.Follow Jake: @jakecummings_homeloans Connect with the Kaufman Group: Text 843-890-2545Timestamps: 00:00 Building a Team Culture Agents Don't Want to Leave 03:30 International Business Meets Real Estate 06:45 Why the Kaufman Group Partnered with Better Homes and Gardens 09:20 Serving Charleston's Multilingual Community 12:50 What New Agents Actually Need to Succeed 16:15 The AI Strategy That Will Change Everything in 2026 20:40 Let Salespeople Sell: Eliminating Agent Burnout 24:30 Giving Back to the Community Through Schiffa Clinic 28:10 The Kaufman Group's Vision for 2026About Charleston's Leading Producers: Weekly conversations with the highest-producing real estate agents in Charleston. No fluff. No theory. Just proven strategies from agents doing the work and getting the results.

Send us Fan MailLauren Davis (@ldavisrealtor) is a United States Air Force Academy graduate who served as a lieutenant in Iraq negotiating multi-million dollar government contracts. She closed 32 deals her first full year in real estate, scaled to over $19 million in volume in 2025, and just launched her own brokerage – Valor & Vine Realty.In this conversation, Lauren reveals:How negotiating $25 million government contracts made her fearless in real estate negotiationsWhy she refused to use a transaction coordinator her first two years (and why new agents shouldn't either)The discipline and structure that separates top producers from everyone elseThis is real talk from an agent who started from complete scratch in a new market, sacrificed time to build momentum, and proved that military-level discipline applied to real estate creates unstoppable results.Follow Jake: @jakecummings_homeloansEmail Lauren for more info about Valor & Vine Realty: [email protected]: 00:00 From Military Contracts to Real Estate 03:45 How Discipline and Structure Drive Production 06:20 Closing 32 Deals Year One From Scratch 09:15 The Hardest Truth About Real Estate Success 14:30 Negotiating Government Contracts vs Real Estate Deals 18:10 Why New Agents Shouldn't Use Transaction Coordinators 22:35 Facebook Over Instagram: Where Real Business Comes From 26:50 The Offers That Sting (And Why They Still Happen) 31:15 Balancing Three Kids and Top Production 35:40 Launching Valor & Vine Realty in 2026About Charleston's Leading Producers: Weekly conversations with the highest-producing real estate agents in Charleston. No fluff. No theory. Just proven strategies from agents doing the work and getting the results.

Send us Fan MailCourtney Kretly (@courtneykretly) started her real estate career in 2021 and built a thriving YouTube-first business targeting buyers relocating to Charleston. Alicia Smith (@aliciasmithsc) joined her as a team partner in 2025, bringing a marketing director background from Summerville's Chamber of Commerce. Together they've created a powerhouse in @athomewithcourtneyandalicia.In this conversation, Courtney and Alicia reveal:why YouTube's long-form content converts better than any other platform they've testedhow their 55+ community comparison video exploded and built their entire relocation businesswhy they prioritize free marketing channels and value-driven content over paid lead sourcesThis is real talk from a team that refuses to cold call, built trust through content, and proves that grinding smart beats grinding hard - especially when you're balancing motherhood and top production. Follow Jake: @jakecummings_homeloansTimestamps: 00:00 Why Courtney Chose YouTube as Her Primary Platform 03:15 The Power of Long-Form Video for Client Connection 06:42 How One 55+ Comparison Video Built Their Business 09:28 Meeting Through Nexton and Building a Team 12:05 The Value of Networking Groups Done Right 16:20 Underutilized Free Marketing Tools Realtors Ignore 20:35 Grinding Now Pays Off Three Months From Now 24:18 Balancing Motherhood and Top Production 27:45 Why Client-First Always WinsAbout Charleston's Leading Producers: Weekly conversations with the highest-producing real estate agents in Charleston. No fluff. No theory. Just proven strategies from agents doing 10, 15, even 20+ million in volume.

Send us Fan MailMary Patterson (@marypattersoncharleston) spent 20 years building a nutrition and wellness business before transitioning to real estate. She intentionally chose a slower build - overlapping careers for two years while learning the fundamentals. Now she's a top producer at 32 South and stepping into a team lead role.In this conversation, Mary reveals:how reading body language and client psychology drives her successwhy she stayed on a team instead of going out on her own despite having her broker's licensehow digital marketing is evolving her listings strategyThis is real talk from an agent who knows the power of listening, understands that synergy beats solo production, and treats real estate like the teaching profession it actually is.Follow Jake: @jakecummings_homeloans00:00Introduction to Mary Patterson's Journey03:03Relocation and Its Impact on Real Estate05:58Understanding Client Psychology in Real Estate08:40Transitioning from Nutrition to Real Estate11:14Building a Real Estate Business13:58The Importance of Team Synergy16:45Navigating the Real Estate Market19:16The Role of Education in Client Relationships22:05Advice for New Agents24:51Leveraging Digital Marketing27:14Becoming a Team Lead at 32 South28:56Final Thoughts and Contact InformationAbout Charleston's Leading Producers: Weekly conversations with the highest-producing real estate agents in Charleston. No fluff. No theory. Just proven strategies from agents doing 10, 15, even 20+ million in volume.

Send us Fan MailKerri Fotta's first visits to Charleston were to follow her daughter's surgeon from New York to MUSC. What started as a medical journey led to a move to our community and a top 1% producing real estate career in just three and a half years. She recently launched her own brokerage, The Firm, on King Street.In this conversation, Kerri reveals:how she built a client base from zero sphere of influencewhy 95% of her business is now referral-based and how she cultivates those relationshipsher philosophy on collaboration over competition and treating clients like familyThis is real talk from a top producer about turning personal challenges into professional fuel and doing real estate differently.Follow Kerri on Instagram here:@kerrisellscharlestonAnd The Firm here:@thefirmrealestatecompanyAbout Charleston's Leading Producers: Weekly conversations with the highest-producing real estate agents in Charleston. No fluff. No theory. Just proven strategies from agents doing 10, 15, even 20+ million in volume.Follow CLP:@charlestonsleadingproducersFollow Jake:@jakecummings_homeloans

Send us Fan MailBrian Beatty started working in Charleston real estate at 21 years old in 2006. He survived the 2008 crash, has closed over 1,500 transactions and built multiple real estate businesses while maintaining his position as a top 1% producer since 2009.In this conversation, Brian reveals:his philosophy on deep market knowledgewhy he'd rather market his clients listings than himself (and why it generates more business)his strategy for hyper-targeted listing marketing that actually finds qualified buyersThis is real talk from a top producer about what actually works in today's market.About Charleston's Leading Producers: Weekly conversations with the highest-producing real estate agents in Charleston. No fluff. No theory. Just proven strategies from agents doing 10, 15, even 20+ million in volume.

Send us Fan MailJaVonna Alexander is a top producing agent in Charleston. She's closing over 50 deals this year while working as a full-time federal employee and raising her daughter.In this conversation, JaVonna reveals:Why people doubted her early on, and how she's proving them wrongSystems of how to stay-in-touch with your most important clientsHow her educator mindset turns confused bystanders into closed dealsThis is real talk from a top producer about what actually works in today's market.About Charleston's Leading Producers: Weekly conversations with the highest-producing real estate agents in Charleston. No fluff. No theory. Just proven strategies from agents doing 10, 15, even 20+ million in volume.

Send us Fan MailJulissa Edwards is a licensed clinical mental health counselor and mindset coach specializing in helping high-performing entrepreneurs manage stress and build sustainable success.In this conversation, Julissa reveals:Why accepting your emotions (instead of fighting them) is the key to moving forwardHow stillness and mindfulness create the mental capacity to scale your businessThe difference between scarcity energy and abundance energy—and why it matters for your bottom lineThis is real talk about the mental game of entrepreneurship and why your mindset is just as important as your market knowledge.Get in touch with Julissa here:Instagram: @julissa.edwards_counselingEmail: [email protected] Charleston's Leading Producers: Weekly conversations with the highest-producing real estate agents in Charleston. No fluff. No theory. Just proven strategies from agents doing 10, 15, even 20+ million in volume.

Send us Fan MailVal Weber is a top producing agent in Charleston. Her CEO mindset and following on Instagram @thecharlestonhome has driven her to become a leading producer in our market.In this conversation, Val reveals:How she moved from traditional sales techniques to becoming a modern-day entrepreneurThe power of Instagram and how it fits with your sphere of influenceHow her solo CEO retreats are foundational to her business developmentThis is real talk from a top producer about what actually works in today's market.About Charleston's Leading Producers: Weekly conversations with the highest-producing real estate agents in Charleston. No fluff. No theory. Just proven strategies from agents doing 10, 15, even 20+ million in volume.

Send us Fan MailMikki Ramey is the producing broker in charge of Healthy Realty. She ranks in the top 1% of sales for Charleston area agents while running her 20+ member team. She's grown her social media to over 10,000 followers and recently spoke in front of a crowd of 7,000 agents at the Tom Ferry Real Estate Summit.In this conversation, Mikki reveals:How finding your passion is key to thriving in our industryWhat your first steps should be if you're considering your own investment purchasesThe biggest mistake she sees agents making right nowThis is real talk from a top producer about what actually works in today's market.About Charleston's Leading Producers: Weekly conversations with the highest-producing real estate agents in Charleston. No fluff. No theory. Just proven strategies from agents doing 10, 15, even 20+ million in volume.

Send us Fan MailAmber Dollarhite is on track for over $25M this year with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Palmetto. But her path to becoming one of Charleston's top producers started with a terrible first-time homebuying experience that changed everything.In this conversation, Amber reveals:How one Zillow lead turned into a $20M+ business volumeWhy 100% effort in relationships isn't negotiable (and what that actually looks like)The biggest mistakes Charleston agents are making right now that cost them dealsHow she balances being a travel baseball mom with high productionThis is real talk from a top producer about what actually works in today's Charleston market.About Charleston's Leading Producers: Weekly conversations with the highest-producing real estate agents in Charleston. No fluff. No theory. Just proven strategies from agents doing 10, 15, even 20+ million in volume.Hosted by Jake Cummings, Premier Nationwide Lending.