Beyond the Bio with Terra the Connector

Beyond the Bio with Terra the Connector | Bernard Shamow on Building BAS Group, Real Estate Growth & Relationships. Episode is sponsored by JM Visuals. Check them out at jm-visuals.com. Find out more about BAS Group at basgrouprealestate.com.   Terra Csotty hosts Bernard Shamow, team leader of BAS Group brokered by eXp Realty, who shares his nine-year real estate journey after a career in hospitality and as a Home Depot store manager. Bernard explains why he transitioned into real estate, the hard lessons from his first three years, and what it took to reach top 1% nationwide status with over $40M in volume last year, including 100 solo transactions. He discusses opening a 12,000-square-foot Auburn Hills office to build a team, pay it forward through coaching, and create systems, partnerships with lenders and title, and a strong culture. Bernard highlights the importance of relationships in the industry, upcoming events like Real Producers Breakfast of Champions and Spring Showdown, and how he balances work with family time and golf.   Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bio-with-terra-the-connector/id1864987347 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7p4OkRXwCZ9vkiQpocQLwM Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585046840997 Follow us on Instagram for behind the scenes content: https://www.instagram.com/terratheconnector/ Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@terratheconnector

Nancy Robinson on Real Estate Success, Real Broker, and Building a Support System. Episode is sponsored by 2Gather More Event Venue. Check them out at 2GatherMore.com. Find out more about Nancy Robinson at https://www.facebook.com/NancyRobinsonRealEstate/.   Terra Csotty interviews top-producing Michigan real estate agent Nancy Robinson, who has over 25 years in the industry and more than 2,500 transactions. Nancy shares how an early fascination with a cobblestone house sparked her interest in real estate, her path through college, teaching, and work in clinical/forensic psychology and juvenile court before entering real estate in 1999, and how she stayed productive through COVID by keeping listings active and selling 18 homes in six weeks. She credits much of her success to support from her wife Karen and longtime assistant Katie Kaplan, describing how she retains talent through pay, benefits, bonuses, and work-life boundaries. Nancy explains leaving Century 21 due to moral, political, and financial concerns and joining Real Broker for its co-op ownership model, cap structure, rev share, title options, and flexibility, and she outlines plans to transition business to her network, develop a retirement-focused CRM, expand referral work, and help launch a women’s panel in Michigan.   Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bio-with-terra-the-connector/id1864987347 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7p4OkRXwCZ9vkiQpocQLwM Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585046840997 Follow us on Instagram for behind the scenes content: https://www.instagram.com/terratheconnector/ Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@terratheconnector

From Liquor Stores to Leading a 60-Agent Brokerage: Fanar Ayar on Relationships, Service & Icon Realty Experts. Episode is sponsored by 2Gather More Event Venue. Check them out at 2GatherMore.com. Find out more about Icon Realty Experts at https://www.iconrex.com.   Terra interviews Fanar Ayar of Icon Realty Experts, a major supporter of Real Producers, discussing his 10+ years in real estate and nearly one year co-owning Icon, already growing to 50–60 agents. Fanar shares how their brokerage formed, what sets it apart through availability and hands-on support, and how monthly events and consistent social media content keep agents engaged. He recounts his background running family liquor stores for decades, his work ethic, and how relationship-building shaped his business philosophy. Fanar talks about market ups and downs, the importance of communication, and his positive outlook. He highlights Icon’s new Birmingham office on Woodward, an April 17 ribbon cutting, and plans for a Dream Cruise event, plus his ability to speak three languages and serve clients across Michigan.   Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bio-with-terra-the-connector/id1864987347 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7p4OkRXwCZ9vkiQpocQLwM Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585046840997 Follow us on Instagram for behind the scenes content: https://www.instagram.com/terratheconnector/ Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@terratheconnector

Beyond the Bio ft. Todd Everett: Creating Experiences, Not Just Playing Music   Episode is sponsored by 2Gather More Event Venue. Check them out at https://2GatherMore.com. Find out more about The Todd Everett Experience at https://thetoddeexp.com/   In this episode of Beyond the Bio, Terra interviews Todd Everett, founder of the Todd Everett Experience, an exclusive boutique DJ brand offering mobile DJ, photography, and photo booth services for weddings, corporate events, and celebrations. Todd shares how his MC presence grew from a shy personality into room-commanding confidence through coaching and training roles at Quicken Loans, and explains how he sets himself apart by prioritizing connection, screening wedding clients for fit, and treating the experience as starting from the first meeting. He recalls a memorable War Memorial wedding with a strolling dinner and guests from many regions, discusses travel work and selective referrals, and talks about his Buffalo-to-Detroit journey, his two sons (including 11-year-old DJ “Prince of Harlem”), his passion for vinyl and a new venture, The Basement Vinyl, with an upcoming Eastern Market show.

Beyond the Bio with Terra: Tonya White on TAG, Recruiting Relationships, and Work Ethic Episode is sponsored by Summit Financial Consulting. Check Jon out at jon@https://www.summitfc.net/ Find out more about Tonya at httphttps://thetagit.com/   Terra welcomes her sister, Tonya White, CEO of Talent Advantage Group (TAG), a certified woman-owned boutique staffing agency founded in 2013 with her late husband Mark, and gives a sponsor shout-out to Summit Financial Consulting. Tonya shares how she fell into recruiting after college and explains TAG’s focus on placing IT, engineering, accounting/finance, analytics, sales, and other roles, emphasizing deep vetting, cultural fit, and staying small so she can personally review candidates. She discusses her disciplined routine, how their parents instilled a strong work ethic, and her background as a valedictorian and Wayne State marketing/advertising graduate. Tonya recounts leaving a top role at a $2B staffing firm to stay home with her children, describes ideal clients as small to mid-sized companies nationwide, and explains how candidates can benefit from recruiters and connect with her via “thetagit” social channels and LinkedIn.   Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bio-with-terra-the-connector/id1864987347 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7p4OkRXwCZ9vkiQpocQLwM Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585046840997 Follow us on Instagram for behind the scenes content: https://www.instagram.com/terratheconnector/ Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@terratheconnector

Redefining Real Estate in Southeast Michigan with Matt Talbot | Beyond the Bio with Terra Episode is sponsored by Jon @ Better Rate Mortgage. Check Jon out at [email protected]. Find out more about Redefine Real Estate at https://www.listingmi.com.     Terra interviews Matt Talbot, president and broker owner of Redefine Real Estate, a digital-first brokerage in southeast Michigan known for proprietary marketing, major social media reach, and strong client reviews. Matt shares how he entered real estate after a marketing degree and years in Xerox sales, quickly found success, then felt trapped by doing everything alone until mentors helped him learn to scale through a team. He explains how Redefine blends team benefits with brokerage independence using SOPs, systems, and done-for-you support like contract-to-close management and marketing to give agents time back and improve client experience. Matt discusses branding as showing up consistently, community-building through events and coworking space, his family life with his wife Nicole and son Remy, and ways to contact him.   Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bio-with-terra-the-connector/id1864987347 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7p4OkRXwCZ9vkiQpocQLwM Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585046840997 Follow us on Instagram for behind the scenes content: https://www.instagram.com/terratheconnector/ Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@terratheconnector

Erik Wright on Building Social House Group: Branding, Social Media Systems & Growing Beyond Real Estate | Beyond the Bio   Episode is sponsored by DFCU Financial. Check them out at https://www.dfcufinancial.com. Find out more about Erik at https://socialhousegroup.com   Terra welcomes Erik Wright, broker/owner of Social House Group and a featured Wayne County Real Producers cover agent, to discuss the journey behind his success in real estate. Erik shares how he entered the industry after working as a data analyst at a direct-mail marketing company, why he started Social House out of necessity to build scalable systems, and how social media—guided by lessons from Gary Vaynerchuk—became the driver of his growth from early low-budget ads to major year-over-year sales increases. He explains Social House’s agent support model, including a full-time video editor, social media management, and a focus on building each agent’s personal brand through proven strategies and clear expectations. The conversation also covers how sports and college baseball shaped his discipline and time management, his background and family influences, and his expansion plans with offices in Belleville and Plymouth and a forthcoming Rochester/Auburn Hills area location with new partner Nick Panzi. Erik also talks about Kayla’s new Northville studio Tone It Pilates, and the launch of Social House News with his father to spotlight positive local community stories. Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bio-with-terra-the-connector/id1864987347 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7p4OkRXwCZ9vkiQpocQLwM Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585046840997 Follow us on Instagram for behind the scenes content: https://www.instagram.com/terratheconnector/ Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@terratheconnector

The Journey Behind Real Estate Success: Stacey Taylor's Story   Episode is sponsored by DFCU Financial. Check them out at https://www.dfcufinancial.com.   Find out more about Stacey at https://www.atproperties.com/agents/33822/stacey-taylor Welcome to Beyond the Bio with Terra the Connector! In this episode, Terra Csotty sits down with Stacey Taylor, a top-producing Michigan realtor with over 20 years of experience. They discuss Stacey's journey from a small independent brokerage to being ranked among the top realtors statewide. Hear about Stacey’s personal and professional growth, the importance of being in the right rooms, and how she's now managing her life with positivity and holistic practices. Tune in to discover the real stories behind Stacey's success, her motivations, future goals, and more!   Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bio-with-terra-the-connector/id1864987347 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7p4OkRXwCZ9vkiQpocQLwM Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585046840997 Follow us on Instagram for behind the scenes content: https://www.instagram.com/terratheconnector/ Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@terratheconnector

Unveiling the People Behind the Success Stories: Justin Barton and Connextion. Episode is sponsored by Changing Places Moving. Check them out at https://changingplacesmovers.com.   Find out more about Connextion at Connextion   Welcome to this episode of Beyond the Bio with Terra the Connector! Join host Terra Csotty as she dives into the authentic journeys behind notable success stories. In this episode, Terra sits down with Justin Barton, the founder of Connection—a company dedicated to automating lead capture and customer follow-up for small businesses. Justin shares insights into his entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind Connection, and the role of faith in his life. Learn how Connection is innovating with AI to streamline business operations across various industries. Discover the importance of personal connection in business relationships and explore what's on the horizon for Justin and his company. Sponsored by City Flooring, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on growth, resilience, and the power of human connection. Don't miss out on an enriching conversation that goes beyond the bio!   Watch the full podcast on YouTube: Beyond the Bio Follow us on Facebook: Beyond the Bio Follow us on Instagram for behind the scenes content: Terra the Connector Follow me on TikTok: Terra the Connector

Unveiling Success: Real Estate, Mindset & Mastering AI with Jimmy Nelson | Beyond the Bio   Episode is sponsored by Changing Places Moving.   Find more about Jimmy Nelson at Jimmy Nelson   Join Terra Csotty on this insightful episode of Beyond the Bio as she sits down with Jimmy Nelson, a seasoned real estate coach and founder of Elite Edge Network. Discover Jimmy's unique journey from a high school basketball coach to a prominent figure in real estate, his approach to daily growth, and his strategies for leveraging emotional intelligence and AI in business. With over a decade of experience, Jimmy shares valuable insights on team building, maintaining productivity, and the importance of small wins. Tune in to learn how you can elevate your business mindset and achieve long-term success.   Watch the full podcast on YouTube: Beyond the Bio Follow us on Facebook: Beyond the Bio Follow us on Instagram for behind the scenes content: Terra the Connector Follow me on TikTok: Terra the Connector