The Agent Brew

Luke spent 12 years traveling the world — snowboarding, working on boats, living season to season with no plan and no apologies. Then at 31, a friend handed him a listing and everything changed.In this episode of Agent Brew, host Eric Zollinger sits down with Luke Whittle, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker at Howard Hanna NYC. Luke is one of the most genuine and charming people you will meet. (He also brought his 13-year-old emotional support dog, Lil Girl, who stole the show.)What we cover:*Growing up in the smallest town in Wales, chasing snow seasons across the globe, and landing in New York City at 31 with one contact and zero fear*Starting his career with a $1.7M listing at Two Rector — and immediately discovering what a board package was the hard way*The townhouse deal his dog helped him land — a widow neighbor, an overpriced listing, a competing agent who did nothing, and a final number that brought her to tears: $4.275M against her ask of $3.2M*How he built a 100% referral-based business from scratch in a city where he knew almost no one — and what that took*Why StreetEasy is his biggest frustration — and why he misses the days of real open houses where you could actually educate a buyer*The new collaboration he's teasing — a partnership with a fellow agent that nobody's tried quite this way before*Patagonia, Japan, Colorado, and why last year's sacrifice of not traveling was worth it — but only barelyThe quote he lives by: "Work hard, be nice."Simple. Undefeated.Luke Whittle didn't take the traditional path into real estate. He took every other path first — and it made him exactly the kind of agent his clients trust completely.Agent Brew is produced by RLTYco — giving real estate agents the tools, resources, and support to run their business in a one stop shop. Learn more at RLTYco.comSubscribe so you never miss an episode. New conversations dropping every Tuesday. #AgentBrew #RLTYco #LukeWhittle #HowardHannaNYC #RealEstate #NYCRealEstate #LuxuryRealEstate #RealEstatePodcast #AgentLife #RealEstateBusiness #NewYorkRealEstate

In this episode of Agent Brew, Eric Zollinger sits down with Linette Semino, founder of the Semino Team at Compass and a licensed associate real estate broker with 21 years in the industry. Linette's journey is one for the books. After graduating from hotel management school, she began her career at the new Ritz-Carlton condominium in Battery Park, where she fell in love with real estate. She started as a weekend administrator for a Corcoran Sunshine new development, then worked her way onto a resale team where she trained under great mentors. Under their guidance, she mastered the art of the co-op board package and has since become an expert at selling them. From her roots in Santiago, Dominican Republic, to navigating the most prestigious co-op boards on Park Avenue and Fifth Avenue, Linette shares how she built a thriving, referral-driven business through relationships, discipline, and an unwillingness to compare herself to anyone else.In this episode:How Linette made the leap from hotel management to real estate — and who inspired herWhy co-ops are her specialty (and why most agents run from them)The Manhattan inventory challenge in 2026 and how she's using Compass Private Exclusives to find off-market inventory What it means to build a quality-over-quantity businessHer morning routine and the mindset that keeps her going after two decadesAdvice for new agents: "No one's coming to save you" Agent Brew is produced by RLTYco — providing real estate agents the resources, tools, and support to run their business as a business.Subscribe so you never miss an episode. New conversations dropping Tuesdays! Learn more at RLTYco.com #AgentBrew #RLTYco #NewYorkRealEstate #ManhattanRealEstate #CompassRealty #RealEstatePodcast #RealtorLife #CoOpExpert #NYCRealEstate #RealEstateAgent #LuxuryRealEstate #NewDevelopment #ParkAvenue #RealEstateTips #WomenInRealEstate #NewYorkBuild #RealEstateInvesting #MultifamilyInvesting #RealtorMotivation #RealEstateLife

From Miami Beach to New York City — Heather Domi has never played it safe, and it's paid off.In this episode of Agent Brew, host Eric Zollinger sits down with Heather Domi, one of the most respected names in luxury real estate across New York and South Florida. Now back at Douglas Elliman after an 11-year hiatus, Heather opens up about what brought her back, what keeps her building, and why happiness might be the most underrated metric in this business.What we cover:How Heather went from nonprofit fundraising and springboard diving to becoming a powerhouse NYC real estate agent — by way of Miami Beach, Pompano, and William Beaver HouseSurviving the subprime collapse, Lehman Brothers, and every market disruption in between — and what mindset got her throughThe origin story of NYRAC — and why New York's residential agents needed their own voiceWhy she made the bold move to run her own tech stack on HubSpot — and what she's building nowThe real truth about switching firms: does business go down 25–30%? Not if you do it right.Why surrounding yourself with positive people isn't soft advice — it's a 30% productivity strategyGetting her pilot's license in college, scaring herself on purpose, and why "having guts always works out" became her north starThe quote that landed: "FEAR has two meanings: Forget Everything and Run, or Face Everything and Rise. The choice is yours." — Zig ZiglarHeather Domi is the kind of agent who doesn't just survive change — she engineers her next move through it. This one's for every agent who's ever been pulled off a project, doubted themselves in a new market, or wondered if building a real business is actually worth it.Spoiler: it is.Agent Brew is produced by RLTYco. RLTYco gives real estate agents the tools, resources, and support to run their business like a business — from tax services and healthcare to capital advancement and beyond.Learn more at RLTYco.comSubscribe so you never miss an episode. New conversations dropping regularly.

In this episode of Agent Brew Executive Sessions, we sit down with Jason Haber—President of NYRAC, co-founder of the American Real Estate Association (ARA), a member of REBNY’s Board of Governors, and a licensed NYC broker at Compass—for a candid conversation about the state of the industry and where it’s headed.Jason breaks down why professionalism in real estate has come under fire, how low standards and part-time participation shape public perception, and what ARA is building to push the industry forward—including higher licensing standards, better education, and a fresh approach to advocacy. We also get personal: Jason shares the deal he’s proudest of (the one he didn’t do), how he protects his time with real boundaries, and what he’s working on next—outside of real estate.

What happens when you sit down with the attorney who handled your very first real estate deal — over 25 years ago?You get one of the most honest, warm, and wisdom-packed conversations host we've ever had on the show.Host Eric Zollinger had the privilege of welcoming Bruce Cohen of Cohen & Frankel to our Times Square studio — a true legend in NYC residential real estate law, and someone who has genuinely shaped how I think about this business.A few moments that stopped me in my tracks: "It's not brain surgery." Bruce's neurosurgeon friend once told him — "Bruce, brain surgery isn't brain surgery." The point? Whatever you do, if you care and you do it right, it's harder than it looks. And Bruce has cared deeply for nearly 30 years. His secret sauce? He doesn't hand things off. Ever. Vacations included. In a world where you often get passed to an associate, Bruce is still the one picking up the phone. Biggest advice for agents? Do your homework. Unforced errors — like not specifying what's included or excluded in a deal — are avoidable. And always do a walkthrough three weeks before closing. Always. On working as a team: Brokers, attorneys, and lenders succeeding together isn't a nice-to-have — it's how deals actually get done. Bruce has always modeled that.And his quote of the episode — courtesy of Yankees outfielder Mickey Rivers:"Makes no sense worrying about things you got no control over, because you got no control over them. And makes no sense worrying about things you do have control over, because you have control over them."Simple. True. Unforgettable.Beyond the business, Bruce spoke beautifully about family, loss, legacy, and why time is the one thing that isn't unlimited. It's a conversation I'll carry with me. Watch or listen to the full episode —Brought to you by RLTYco

From the heart of Times Square, Agent Brew sits down with Hilah Hadaway Williams (Douglas Elliman, Brooklyn) — a lifelong real estate pro who grew up in a real estate family, moved to NYC in the 90s, and built a career around integrity, hustle, and fighting for the underdog.Hilah shares how she leverages social media (shoutout to her “Broker Hustle” videos), how AI is changing the day-to-day, and the story of a referral deal that looked impossible: a Brooklyn co-op in rough shape, a building still recovering from a fire, and sellers dealing with massive life changes — and how she still drove a bidding war and got them $100,000 more than they expected, changing their next chapter.In this episode:Growing up in a real estate family + coming to NYC in 1994Why integrity and caring about every deal still winsUsing Instagram as a real business engine (“Broker Hustle”)AI as a tool (and why listing copy is different now)The “disaster” co-op referral that became a bidding warDefining success day-by-day + getting momentum in tough seasonsSubscribe for more real, tactical conversations with agents who’ve been in the trenches.

In this Agent Brew: Executive Sessions, Eric Zollinger sits down with Michael Scarafile, President & CEO of Carolina One Real Estate (South Carolina’s largest brokerage), to break down what broker-owners and agents are really facing in today’s market.Michael shares how Carolina One drives agent engagement through in-person culture, the 90-day Launch Program that helped new agents perform 4.5x better than the average first-year agent, and the hard lessons from expansion, partnerships, and building a real “rainy day fund.” They also dig into why so many agents don’t run their business like a business—and what to do about it.Key topics:Agent engagement + why “agents run faster together”Training new agents like “basic training” (90-day Launch)Why low barrier to entry helps… and hurtsRunning teams like real businesses (LLCs, tax structure, cash flow)The mindset + relationship piece tech can’t replaceNew episodes every Tuesday.

In this episode of Agent Brew, Eric Zeilinger sits down with longtime friend and NYC real estate powerhouse Steven Cohen, head of the Steven Cohen Team at The Corcoran Group.Steven breaks down what it really takes to grow a team, why consistent content actually sells homes, and the mindset shifts that helped him level up; especially one simple change: stop asking “why” and start asking “how.” Plus, the behind-the-scenes story of a record-setting townhouse deal that required negotiating with nine separate owners to make it happen.In this episode:Building a modern team + tracking growth “down to the penny”How Instagram content turns into real salesThe “WHY vs HOW” mindset shiftDefining success beyond businessAdvice to young agents: don’t shrink back—ask for the businessSubscribe for more conversations with industry leaders. New episodes every Tuesday.

In the latest episode of Agent Brew Executive Sessions, host Eric Zollinger sits down with Stephen Larkin, Chief Communications Officer at Douglas Elliman, to go behind the curtain on the PR and communications engine that helps luxury agents win listings, build brands, and stay top-of-mind in a crowded market. From Stephen’s journalism roots to the strategies that land meaningful press (and avoid pointless pitches), this conversation is a masterclass in storytelling, data-backed media strategy, and why—at the end of the day—people still matter most. Listen as Stephen and Eric unpack:What a luxury brokerage communications leader actually does (internal + external comms, crisis, social, IR, agent support) Douglas Elliman’s differentiator right now: a “pure play” luxury focus + following the client across key markets The biggest challenge agents face today—and how strong PR helps agents stand out How Stephen approaches press like a newsroom: real ideas, real data, real substance What a “win” looks like in PR (and the stories that became viral cultural moments) Giving back at scale: the Ride for Love / God’s Love We Deliver partnership and why community leadership matters Career advice worth stealing: “Be teachable,” stay curious, and let younger voices help you see what’s next Stephen’s perspective is a reminder that PR isn’t fluff—it’s strategy, relationships, and story discipline. If you’re an agent, team leader, or operator trying to grow in luxury real estate, this episode will sharpen how you think about brand, press, and what actually moves the needle.

In the dynamic world of real estate, finding a partner who truly understands your needs can make all the difference. In the latest episode of Agent Brew, Eric Zollinger sits down with industry leader Lisa R. Simonsen, a top-ranking associate broker at Brown Harris Stevens with over $2 billion in sales with a team licensed in New York, California, and Florida. Their conversation reveals valuable insights into the mindset, technology, and personal experiences that shape success in real estate today.Listen as Lisa discusses: **The Power of Listening** **Embracing Opportunities** **Reflecting on Wins and Losses** **Innovative Technology** **Defining Success** Lisa R. Simonsen’s journey in real estate serves as a testament to the power of strategic partnerships, a positive mindset, and the effective use of technology. Her insights remind us that success is not just about numbers—it’s about the connections we build and the value we create for others. Key takeaways from this episode include the significance of listening to clients, the potential in challenges, and the role of innovation in sustaining a thriving career.#realestate #pressure #success

Growth, Innovation, and the Art of the Pivot. What does it take to scale a real estate powerhouse in the world’s most competitive market? In this episode of Agent Brew Executive Sessions, host Eric Zollinger sits down with Michael Rossi, Executive President of Howard Hanna NYC. From his early days in hedge funds to navigating the 2008 financial crisis by launching Elegran Real Estate, Michael shares a masterclass in resilience and strategic growth. Whether you’re an agent looking to humanize your brand or a leader navigating the "AI disruption," this conversation is packed with actionable insights on building a legacy that lasts.In This Episode:The Big Leap: How Michael transitioned from the world of finance to real estate leadership. The Power of Partnership: Inside the strategic merger between Elegant Real Estate and the Howard Hanna family legacy. Future-Proofing Your Business: Navigating industry lawsuits, legislative shifts, and the rise of "Agentic AI." The Human Element: Why relationship-building will always outperform a simple transaction.💡 Pro Tip: Stay tuned until the end! Michael gives us a teaser about a future episode featuring Digital Twin AI interviews—you won’t want to miss this experiment in innovation. Love the show? Subscribe for more executive sessions and high-level real estate strategy. It’s a great day for real estate! 🏠✨

Most real estate agents face chaos, but few know how to turn turmoil into triumph. This week on Agent Brew, host Eric Zollinger @ericznyc welcomes Kellee Buehler, an NYC broker at @Compass with 20+ years of experience. Kellee shares the jaw-dropping stories that nearly derailed her career—and how she stayed calm, professional, and ultimately successful. From chaos at closings involving guns and fiery tempers to navigating New York’s changing legal landscape, Kellee reveals the mindset and strategies that turn difficult situations into golden opportunities. You'll discover:- The behind-the-scenes chaos of challenging deals and how Kellee’s composure saved the day- The power of building relationships with co-brokers and attorneys that lead to consistent referrals- How to navigate legal and technological upheavals in NYC real estate- Why emotional detachment and professionalism are key to long-term success- The importance of aligning your daily work with your personal purpose, even amid chaosIn a market where uncertainty reigns, Kellee’s insights show how staying true to your values and nurturing relationships creates resilience—and opportunities—when others see only obstacles. This episode is perfect for agents craving real-world tactics to handle high-stakes deals, navigate industry shifts, and build a career rooted in trust and professionalism. Brought to you by @RLTYCO #globalrealestate #kelleebuhler #Compass #LuxuryRealtor #RealEstateBranding #TopAgent #RealEstateExpert #AgentBrew #EricZollinger #AgentBrewExecutiveSessions #RealEstatePodcast #RealEstateAgents #LuxuryRealEstate #RealEstateLeadership #AgentInsights #TopProducerTips #RealEstateCareer #RealEstateStrategy #RLTYco

In a world where career paths often take unexpected turns, Charles Olson's journey from IT to real estate is a testament to adaptability and passion. Tune in to this week's episode of Agent Brew Executive Sessions, hosted by Eric Zollinger, Charles Olson, founding member of Keller Williams Empire Realty in Brooklyn shares his story of transformation and the lessons learned along the way.Eric and Charles met in 1999 when he was Chief Technology Officer for Barbara Corcoran at the Corcoran Group.  As the tech landscape evolved, Charles found himself at a crossroads. Embracing change, he transitioned into real estate, founding Keller Williams Realty Empire in Brooklyn. His story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to pursue a new passion. Throughout the episode, Charles emphasizes the importance of relationships in business. He shared how networking and helping others have been key to his success. "The key to getting what you want is to help enough people in the world," he quoted Zig Ziglar, highlighting the value of giving back.Charles Olson's journey is a testament to the power of adaptability, relationships, and continuous growth. As he continues to inspire others, his story serves as a reminder that with passion and perseverance, we can achieve great things.Subscribe now to stay updated on more inspiring stories like Charles Olson's. Brought to you by RLTYco#LuxuryRealtor #RealEstateBranding #TopAgent #RealEstateExpert #AgentBrew #EricZollinger #AgentBrewExecutiveSessions #RealEstatePodcast #RealEstateAgents #LuxuryRealEstate #RealEstateLeadership #AgentInsights #TopProducerTips #RealEstateCareer #RealEstateStrategy #RLTYco

Join us as Agent Brew Executive Sessions kicks off the year with one of New York City’s most design-forward and enduring brokerages. We welcome Dezireh Eyn, CEO of Platinum Properties, for a candid conversation on building a culture-driven firm that has thrived for 20 years in one of the most competitive markets in the world.From starting Platinum in 2005 with her brother after falling in love with real estate as a college intern, to navigating the Great Recession, COVID, and today’s post-NAR landscape, Dezireh shares the lessons that shaped her leadership. She opens up about scaling too fast, rebuilding with intention, and how Platinum’s “family-first” culture and in-office collaboration continue to set the firm apart.Desiree breaks down:✨ How Platinum prepares agents for buyer agreements and market shifts✨ The AI sales-coaching tech transforming agent confidence and performance✨ Why New York remains the firm’s sole (and strategic) focus✨ Leadership, motherhood, and protecting culture through growth✨ Plus—our Agent Brew twist on the Gratitude Game ☕A thoughtful, honest conversation packed with perspective, mindset, and real-world strategy—all in under 25 minutes. This is one you don’t want to miss.#LuxuryRealtor #RealEstateBranding #TopAgent #RealEstateExpert #AgentBrew #EricZollinger #AgentBrewExecutiveSessions #RealEstatePodcast #RealEstateAgents #LuxuryRealEstate #RealEstateLeadership #AgentInsights #TopProducerTips #RealEstateCareer #RealEstateStrategy #RLTYco

In this episode: Eric Zollinger sits down with Gary Malin of Corcoran to discuss his life and career!

In this episode, Eric Zollinger sits down with Carrie McCormick of @properties Christies International Real Estate to discuss her life and career!

In this special episode, Eric Zollinger sits down with Brandon Charnas of Current Real Estate Advisors to discuss his life and career.

This week on AGENT BREW: Executive Sessions, we’re sitting down with Melissa Joy True, Team Leader at Christie’s International Real Estate Group in Manhattan.From her roots in a real estate family to over 20 years leading in NYC’s ultra-competitive market, Melissa has helped shape some of the city’s top firms — all while empowering agents to grow, evolve, and thrive.:speech_balloon: Her advice to her younger agent self? “Don’t play scared.”

In this episode, Eric Zollinger sits down with Richard Ferrari of Douglas Elliman to discus his life and career!

In this episode, Eric Zollinger sits down with Scott Elwell of the Michael Lorber Team at Douglas Elliman.

In this episode, Eric Zollinger sits down with Kirsten Jordan of Corcoran to discuss her life and career!

In this episode, Eric Zollinger sits down with Julia Boland of The Corcoran Group to discuss her life and career!

In this episode, Eric Zollinger sits down with Sarah Burke of Compass to discuss her life and career!

In this episode, Eric Zollinger sits down with Manek Mathur of Sotheby's International Real Estate to discus his life and career

in this special episode: Eric Zollinger sits down with Andrew Luftig of Chaves Perlowitz & Luftig LLP to discuss his life and career.

In this special episode Eric Zollinger sits down with Matthew Beall, CEO & Founder of Hawai'i Life to discuss his life and career.

In this episode, Eric Zollinger sits down to discuss his life and career!

In this special episode: Eric Zollinger sits down with Julia Spillman of the Eklund Gomes Team at Douglas Elliman to discus her life and career.

In this episode, Eric Zollinger sits down with Michael Liebowitz, CEO of Douglas Elliman to discuss his life and career!

In this episode, Eric Zollinger sits down with Rober Rahmanian & Louis Adler of REAL New York to discuss their lives and careers!

In this special episode: Eric Zollinger sits down with Michael Jalbert, CEO of Forbes Global Properties to discuss his life and career.

In this special episode of Agent Brew, Eric Zollinger sits down with President & Co-Founder of RLTYco: Daniel Kennedy, to discuss his life, career and how agents can protect themselves with a legal entity.

In this special episode, Eric Zollinger sits down with Bess Freedman of Brown Harris Stevens to discuss her life and career!

In this episode: Eric Zollinger sits down with Libby McKinney Tritschler of the AFA team at William Raveis Real Estate to discuss her life and career!

In this episode, Eric Zollinger sits down with Gerald Germany of the Germany Sears Team at Compass to discuss his life and career!

In this episode: Eric Zollinger sits down with Corey wayne of R New York to discuss his life and career!

In this episode: Eric Zollinger sits down with Mike Fabbri of The Agency to discuss his life and career!

In this episode: Eric Zollinger sits down with Kayla Lee of SERHANT. To discuss her life and career!

In this episode: Eric Zollinger sits down with Thomas Morrissey of HBG Solo to discuss an often overlooked part of a real estate agents life- their healthcare options.

In this episode: Eric Zollinger sits down with Eleonora Srugo, founder of the Eleonora & Co team at Douglass Elliman, star of "Selling The City on Netflix, and RLTYco ambassador to discuss her life and career!

In this episode, Eric Zollinger sits down with Frances Katzen of Douglas Elliman to discuss her life and career.

In this episode: Eric Zollinger sits down with Jared Antin of Elegran | Forbes Global Properties to discuss his life and career!

In this episode: Eric Zollinger sits down with Vince Rocco of Brown Harris Stevens and the Talking New York Real Estate Podcast to discuss his life and career!

In this episode, Eric Zollinger sits down with Sean & Sarah Sadri of The Sadri Group to discuss their lives and careers

In this episode, Eric Zollinger sits down with Alex Miranda & Joseph Padula of the Alex & Joe Team at Compass Florida to discuss their lives and careers!

In this episode, Eric Zollinger sits down with Scott Kogos of the Scott Kogos + Partners team at Elegran | Forbes Global Properties to discuss his life and career.

In this episode, Eric Zollinger sits down with Adriana Pinto Torres & Tracy Ferrer of the APT Team at Fortune Christie's International to discuss their lives and careers.

In this episode Eric Zollinger sits down with Ana Guillen of Compass Florida to talk about her life and career!

In this special episode of The Agent Brew, Eric Zollinger sits down with RLTYco's newest partner: Ricky Carruth!

In this Episode, Eric Zollinger sits down with Scott Harris of Magnetic Real Estate to discuss his life and career!