Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP

Hosted by Cheryl Knowlton

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198

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Oct 2026

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About the show

🎧 Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP Where HUGE Energy Meets High-Performance Real Estate Welcome to Real Estate Elevated — the podcast where passion meets purpose, mindset fuels mastery, and real estate professionals come to LEVEL UP in every area of life and business. Hosted by Cheryl Knowlton, CSP, Certified Speaking Professional and a 27 year veteran of the real estate industry, this high-octane show is proudly sponsored by GTG Tax Planning. Each week, Cheryl brings you heart-pounding motivation, tactical tools, and industry-shaping insights from top producers, thought leaders, and changemakers across the country. Whether you're an agent, broker, team leader, or entrepreneur, you'll learn how to elevate your skills, lead with authenticity, and create lasting success without burning out. 💥 What to Expect: -High-performance habits that actually move the needle -Inspirational interviews with the brightest minds in real estate -Bold mindset shifts to conquer fear, imposter syndrome & self-doubt -Proven strategies for marketing, leadership, and client connection -Cheryl's signature spark, laughter, and unfiltered truth bombs This isn't just a podcast — it's a movement. It's for the driven, the daring, the difference-makers who know they were born to make an impact. Get ready to think bigger, move faster, and shine brighter. Because when you bring the HUGE energy, success has no choice but to follow. 🎙️ Real Estate Elevated is made possible by Guaranteed Rate Affinity — supporting agents and clients every step of the way with confidence, clarity, and connection.

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October 23, 202629 min

Pam Vitaz: The Energy Behind a Home That Won't Sell

A home's appeal may be about more than its price and photos. Real estate intuitive Pam Vitaz shares how she brings energy work into the selling process and why trusting intuition can help agents and clients navigate a move. In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Pam Vitaz discuss: The Hestia House Method and energy clearing What "stuck" homes can feel like Intuition in real estate practice Buyer choice, fair housing, and agent advocacy Remote clearings, the book, and self-guided resources Key Takeaways: Approach unfamiliar ideas and methods with curiosity and an open mind, giving yourself the opportunity to explore their potential while allowing others the freedom to decide whether they align with their own needs and perspectives. A home can hold emotional associations and routines; noticing how a space feels may be useful when helping clients navigate a sale. Intuition can inform a real estate conversation, but the buyer's choice remains theirs. An agent's value goes beyond finding the right property; it includes advocating for clients' best interests, negotiating favorable terms, guiding important decisions, and continually developing expertise to deliver exceptional service. Curiosity and self-trust can help people make decisions that feel more aligned with their needs. "I don't think this is the right house, but obviously it's your choice. We're not here to talk our buyers and sellers out of doing things, but to present the best options for them as we know." -Pam Vitaz About the guest, Pam Vitaz: Pam Vitaz is the founder of the Hestia House Method and author of *The House Whisperer*. With over 20 years of experience at the intersection of real estate and energy medicine, she helps Realtors® sharpen their intuition and turn their instincts into practical, repeatable skills. Her signature approach, Identify → Clear → Align, focuses on uncovering and clearing energetic blocks in properties to support smoother transactions and more confident decisions. Through her Fieldwork Facilitator Certification, Pam trains real estate professionals to recognize, trust, and apply their intuition in their everyday practice. She empowers agents to move beyond gut feelings, better understand the energy of a space, and gain a distinctive edge in a competitive market. Discover how you can look 'poor' to the IRS and rich to a lender. Check out my sponsor, GTG Tax Planning, at gtgtax.com to book a short discovery call. Get your FREE copy of Making it in Real Estate: Real Estate Elevated - Making It In Real Estate 3rd Edition Audio Book Connect with Pam Vitaz: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamvitaz/ Website: https://www.pamvitaz.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamvitaz/ CONNECT WITH CHERYL: Website: www.cherylknows.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/ Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

October 16, 2026Episode 381 hr 2 min

Lisa Crosby-Torres: Master Your Market, Don't Let It Master You

What does it take to keep showing up, even when life takes an unexpected turn? In this inspiring episode of Real Estate Elevated, Lisa Crosby-Torres shares the lessons behind a remarkable journey, from leading brokerages through major challenges to building a business rooted in hope, integrity, and service. In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Lisa Crosby-Torres discuss: Leading through brokerage crises and change Resilience through personal and professional transitions Coaching, mindset, and agent growth Relationship-driven real estate in Hawaii Volunteer leadership and industry service Key Takeaways: Let a clear guiding principle shape how you lead, serve clients, and build a business. Personal responsibility is not the same as blame; focus on what you can control and how you respond. A great coach helps people recognize blind spots and opportunities they might not see on their own, then shares that perspective with care and clarity so they feel encouraged, confident, and inspired to take meaningful action. Understand the market you serve, but don't let market conditions dictate your mindset or business plan. Build your business around the life you genuinely want to live and move toward that vision with consistent, intentional actions that reflect your priorities, values, and goals. "You've got to realize you're their rearview mirror and their side view mirrors. Like you see things they don't see, and then how do you deliver that in a way that doesn't shut them down but inspires them?" - Lisa Crosby-Torres About the guest, Lisa Crosby-Torres: Lisa Crosby-Torres is an accomplished real estate professional, property manager, coach, and executive leader with extensive experience in real estate sales, brokerage management, and professional development. After building a successful career as a top-producing agent and brokerage leader in the San Francisco Bay Area, she returned to Hawaii in 2017, where she led coaching and training programs for two of the state's largest brokerages. In 2023, she founded Manaolana Realty, focusing on real estate sales and property management, alongside her coaching and litigation support services. A dedicated industry leader, Lisa has served in leadership roles with several REALTOR® associations, including as President of the Sunnyvale Board of Realtors, and currently contributes to the Hawaii Association of Realtors® Standard Forms Committee. She is set to become Regional Director for Windward Oahu and North Shore in 2027. Throughout her career, she has helped improve organizational profitability, increase agent productivity, and elevate professional standards. Guided by her philosophy of leaving people, organizations, and places better than she found them, Lisa remains committed to empowering clients, agents, and communities. Discover how you can look 'poor' to the IRS and rich to a lender. Check out my sponsor, GTG Tax Planning, at gtgtax.com to book a short discovery call. Get your FREE copy of Making it in Real Estate: Real Estate Elevated - Making It In Real Estate 3rd Edition Audio Book Connect with Lisa Crosby-Torres: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisacrosbytorres/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/lisa.crosby.torres/?_rdc=1&_rdr# Email: lisa@lisacrosbytorres.com Phone: 808-321-7441 CONNECT WITH CHERYL: Website: www.cherylknows.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/ Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

October 9, 2026Episode 3752 min

[Classic Rewind] Verl Workman: Real Estate Power Playbook Podcast Magic!!

Are "realistic" goals keeping your business too small? Verl Workman challenges conventional goal-setting, shares his four-pillar approach to income, and explains how to build a team that lets your business grow beyond you. In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Verl Workman discuss: Leveraging relationship capital Building a vision-driven business Specializing and creating leverage Setting ambitious, unrealistic goals Developing a culture of accountability and productivity Key Takeaways: Cultivating strong relationships and making deposits in others' lives can create a powerful network of support when you need it most. When you can articulate this vision and invite others to be a part of it, you unlock the potential for exponential growth and legacy-building. In a competitive market, being a generalist is a recipe for mediocrity. Conventional wisdom around "SMART" goals can be limiting; instead, challenge yourself to set goals that seem unrealistic, as this forces you to think and act differently, ultimately driving greater success. Fostering an environment where accountability is a choice, not an imposition, is key to building a high-performing team. "Accountability is love. It's not something you do to someone because you want to make them do something they don't want to do. It's that you love them so much that you know that that behavior is going to be destructive for their life, their business, their growth." - Verl Workman About the guest, Verl Workman: Verl Workman is the Founder and CEO of Workman Success Systems, a renowned business coach, speaker, and consultant. With over 18 years of public speaking experience, he specializes in sales training, real estate marketing, and leveraging technology for peak performance. Verl has trained and motivated countless real estate agents and brokers, helping them achieve real results. As a seasoned entrepreneur and business owner, he excels in sales strategy, broker consulting, and keynote speaking. Discover how you can look 'poor' to the IRS and rich to a lender. Check out my sponsor, GTG Tax Planning, at gtgtax.com to book a short discovery call. Get your FREE copy of Making it in Real Estate: Real Estate Elevated - Making It In Real Estate 3rd Edition Audio Book Connect with Verl Workman: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verlworkman/ Website: https://workmansuccess.com/who-we-are/ CONNECT WITH CHERYL: Website: www.cherylknows.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/ Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

October 2, 2026Episode 3624 min

Cheryl Knowlton: Get Real and Rewrite the Story You Inherited

The stories we tell ourselves can shape our choices, work, and relationships long after the original hurt has passed. Discover a four-step framework for recognizing those stories—and choosing what comes next. In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton discusses: The Enneagram as a mirror for underlying motivations Adoption, childhood experiences, and identity How protective stories can limit real estate professionals The REAL framework: Recognize, Examine, Accept, Live Authenticity, client trust, and team leadership Key Takeaways: The Enneagram focuses on the motivation beneath behavior—not just what someone does. A story that once helped you feel safe can keep shaping your choices long after the danger has passed. Recognizing the first thought that surfaces when something goes wrong can reveal a recurring story. Change begins with curiosity and acceptance, not shame or rushing to "fix" yourself. One small action aligned with a new story can help build more authentic relationships and stronger client trust. "When you're running an old story, you're performing. You're protecting yourself instead of serving your clients." - Cheryl Knowlton Discover how you can look 'poor' to the IRS and rich to a lender. Check out my sponsor, GTG Tax Planning, at gtgtax.com to book a short discovery call. Get your FREE copy of Making it in Real Estate: Real Estate Elevated - Making It In Real Estate 3rd Edition Audio Book CONNECT WITH CHERYL: Website: www.cherylknows.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/ Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

September 25, 2026Episode 3546 min

Dr. Todd Cameron: From "Normal" to Optimal: Beating Burnout and Reclaiming Your Energy

When high performers start accepting exhaustion as the cost of success, their bodies keep the score. In this episode, you'll learn why "normal" lab results can still leave you exhausted, and what it really takes to rebuild energy, hormones, and joy so you can win in business without running yourself into the ground. In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Dr. Todd Cameron discuss: Pandemic-level declines in T3 and testosterone Standard American diet, insulin resistance, and hidden carbs The difference between "normal" and "optimal" lab ranges Thyroid, hormone testing, and why so many people are misdiagnosed Adrenal exhaustion, stress, and the non-negotiable need for real rest Key Takeaways: Feeling constantly tired, foggy, and unmotivated is often a sign of low T3 and testosterone, not just "getting older" or needing better boundaries. The standard American diet is engineered around high carbohydrates and low fat, driving insulin resistance, weight gain, and hidden visceral fat, even in people who don't "eat that badly." "Normal" lab ranges are based on population averages, not on what helps humans thrive. Most conventional thyroid and hormone panels are incomplete, which means many people are told they're fine while reverse T3, free T3, or free testosterone are quietly sabotaging their energy. Chronic stress and overwork can push people into adrenal insufficiency and even adrenal exhaustion; truly recovering requires rest, boundaries, and a willingness to step back before the crash. "What we can do as individuals is decide how we're going to respond to the stress versus having the stress drive us into a reactive mode." - Dr. Todd Cameron About the guest, Dr. Todd Cameron: Dr. Todd Cameron is a Naturopathic physician and co-founder of Cameron Wellness and Spa in Salt Lake City, UT. He has more than 26 years of experience providing alternative medicine to treat a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. Dr. Cameron holds a deep respect for conventional medicine and recognizes that while it is often necessary, it is not the only solution. In 1997, he founded the Cameron Wellness and Spa with the goal of giving individuals a positive choice in their healthcare through natural alternatives for treatment. Dr. Cameron works closely with each patient and creates individualized treatment strategies that address their total health and well-being. He is dedicated to providing a safe, healing oasis where patients can receive the care they need. Discover how you can look 'poor' to the IRS and rich to a lender. Check out my sponsor, GTG Tax Planning, at gtgtax.com to book a short discovery call. Get your FREE copy of Making it in Real Estate: Real Estate Elevated - Making It In Real Estate 3rd Edition Audio Book Connect with Dr. Todd Cameron: Website: https://cameronwellnessandspa.com/about/dr-cameron Address: 3378 South 2300 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84109 Phone: (801) 486-4226 Email: info@cameronwellnessandspa.com CONNECT WITH CHERYL: Website: www.cherylknows.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/ Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

September 18, 2026Episode 3436 min

John McNellis: Why There Is No Such Thing As Passive Real Estate

Veteran developer John McNellis went from courtroom to construction, surviving recessions, overpaying, and a near-foreclosure to build 40+ years of wins. He shares the unsexy truths: arithmetic over emotion, patience over hype, partnerships built on trust and pay, and why "passive" real estate is a lie. Smart risk, persistence, and character-driven success. In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and John McNellis discuss: From lawyer to long-game real estate developer Biggest mistakes: overpaying, overleveraging, overbuilding Partnership longevity: treat people well, pay well Arithmetic over emotion: disciplined deal selection Market cycles: patience, timing, and selective action Key Takeaways: Disciplined developers win by prioritizing arithmetic over emotion, resisting desperation, and walking away from skinny returns - even when the property looks irresistible, or the market feels hot and urgent. Avoid the trifecta of overpaying, overleveraging, and overbuilding because compounded risk kills. Loyalty lasts when you treat partners well and pay generously. There's no such thing as "passive" real estate. Patience through cycles enables selective action, prudent cash positioning, and the confidence to ignore headlines, wait out froth, and buy quality assets when others fear entering the market. "The biggest lie in real estate is 'passive investment.' No such thing as a passive investment." - John McNellis About the guest, John McNellis: John McNellis is a principal with McNellis Partners, a commercial development firm he cofounded in the mid-1980s in Northern California. After graduating from the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of California Hastings College of the Law, McNellis began his career as a lawyer in 1976 in San Francisco. More interested in business than in law, he started fixing up houses in his spare time and gradually worked his way to more complicated projects. At 28, he began his career as a retail developer. Discover how you can look 'poor' to the IRS and rich to a lender. Check out my sponsor, GTG Tax Planning, at gtgtax.com to book a short discovery call. Get your FREE copy of Making it in Real Estate: Real Estate Elevated - Making It In Real Estate 3rd Edition Audio Book Connect with John McNellis: Website: https://www.johnmcnellis.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mcnellis-b6a1674/ CONNECT WITH CHERYL: Website: www.cherylknows.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/ Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

September 11, 2026Episode 3336 min

Kirk Baumgartner: The Lost Art Every Great Agent Needs

Are you feeling burnt out or stuck on the real estate hamster wheel? Kirk Baumgartner shares how identity, deep listening, and daily gratitude transform chaos into clarity, so you can serve clients better, find real joy, and build a business aligned with your values. In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Kirk Baumgartner discuss: Identity foundation through authenticity and aligned personal values Servant leadership mindset over transactional commission focus Deep listening skills to understand clients' needs Daily gratitude and grounding to maintain presence Strategies to prevent burnout and rediscover joy Key Takeaways: Building a sustainable business starts with knowing yourself deeply, aligning actions to core values, and leading with service rather than chasing transactions or short-term wins. Deep listening reveals unspoken needs and earns trust. Practicing daily gratitude and "I am" statements keeps our minds stable and our focus centered. It is useful to practice gardening or breathing exercises to ground yourself amid chaos. If burnout hits, revisit what you love, niche down, delegate weaknesses, and rebuild routines that support presence, joy, and client-first leadership. "I'm going to help you get this house… not look at it as a transaction, but as a service to get you what you want, and let the chips fall where they may." - Kirk Baumgartner About the guest, Kirk Baumgartner: Kirk Baumgartner is a suicide prevention speaker for youth who is passionate about helping teens and young adults discover hope, purpose, and resilience. As the oldest of eleven children, a father of three, and a grandfather of seven, Kirk knows firsthand the power of family, connection, and community support in overcoming life's darkest moments. As a mental health and suicide prevention advocate, he blends humor, powerful personal stories, and practical strategies to help audiences build resilience, find meaning, and break the silence around mental health struggles. His approach resonates deeply with teens, educators, parents, and leaders seeking tools for youth suicide awareness and prevention. Discover how you can look 'poor' to the IRS and rich to a lender. Check out my sponsor, GTG Tax Planning, at gtgtax.com to book a short discovery call. Connect with Kirk Baumgartner: Website: https://www.redwigspeaking.com/ CONNECT WITH CHERYL: Website: www.cherylknows.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/ Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

September 4, 2026Episode 3247 min

[Classic Rewind] Dave Rosenberg: The Real Estate Power Producers Playbook

In this Classic Rewind episode, Cheryl Knowlton sits down with leadership expert & former naval aviator Dave Rosenberg to talk about radical accountability, how to build teams that actually do what they need to do, when they need to do it, and with accuracy. In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Dave Rosenberg discuss: Radical accountability's three elements: mechanics, mindset, and modeling Importance of clear job descriptions, processes, and formal training with testing Counseling and curiosity instead of yelling when mistakes happen Leadership's impact on safety: fight/flight/freeze/fawn responses to toxic behavior Leaders must "walk the talk" to build trust, accountability, and high-performing teams Key Takeaways: Radical accountability rests on three legs: mechanics, mindset, and modeling, and when any one of these is missing, performance, trust, and culture all suffer. Clear job descriptions, documented processes, and written policies remove "I didn't know" as an excuse. Training must be formal, repeatable, and include testing and practice (like role plays) because without proof of competence, leaders can't fairly hold people accountable or diagnose whether problems are systemic or personal. When leaders yell, they trigger fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses, not learning or growth, and the alternative is a calm "counseling" conversation that looks for either broken systems or misaligned behavior. Team members watch what leaders do more than what they say. "If you want your team to grow, we need to grow as leaders. It's just that simple." - Dave Rosenberg About the guest, Dave Rosenberg: Dave Rosenberg is a professional keynote speaker and leadership development consultant. He guides teams and leaders to foster a culture of accountability that accelerates results. As a leading authority on high-performance leadership, accountability, and team dynamics, Dave Rosenberg is frequently hired as a leadership speaker, accountability speaker, and change management speaker. Dave's engaging, interactive, and insightful speaking style makes him a preferred keynote speaker for businesses aiming for the best conferences and events. After 30+ years in leadership positions, Dave's leadership experience is practical, not theoretical. He has been the president of 4 organizations and has consulted with hundreds of companies across the United States. His clients represent a large cross-section of industry, from manufacturing, retail, construction, engineering, farming, trucking, communications, and service. Connect with Dave Rosenberg: Website: https://lockedonleadership.com/about-dave-rosenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daverosenbergspeaks/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lockedonleadership CONNECT WITH CHERYL: Website: www.cherylknows.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/ Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

August 26, 2026Episode 3026 min

Dan Mullen: The "Logged RE" App for Real Estate Pros

CPA-turned-agent Dan Mullen introduces Logged RE, a simple way for real estate pros to document material participation, support cost segregation strategies, and stay audit-ready. Clear guidance, organized records, real savings! Track what counts, avoid pitfalls, and plan proactively with confidence. In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Dan Mullen discuss: Why Dan built the Logged RE app Material participation: rules and documentation Real estate professional status requirements Cost segregation basics and savings potential App pricing, privacy, and future offerings Key Takeaways: Logged RE enables real estate professionals to document material participation accurately and consistently for compliance. Thoroughly tracking qualifying hours and evidence strengthens cost segregation strategies and improves readiness for IRS examinations and audits. Proactive tax planning consistently outperforms reactive filing approaches. Real Estate Professional status demands 750 qualifying hours and that real property activities exceed all other personal employment or business commitments annually. Annual subscription is $99 after ten free entries, with no data selling and features like calendar sync, evidence attachments, and audit-ready PDF reports. "[Logged RE lets you] stay organized, and get to the point where you can invest in your own product. It can do wonders for your tax bill." - Dan Mullen Check out the Logged RE app HERE: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/logged-re/id6790021868 About the guest, Dan Mullen: Dan Mullen is a mortgage advisor and a partner at a tax firm, a combination that gives him a unique advantage in helping self-employed clients qualify for mortgages. Because these borrowers are underwritten using tax returns rather than W-2s and paystubs, Dan's deep understanding of tax documentation allows him to navigate the process more effectively. Having seen firsthand the pain and frustration caused by mortgage letter requests, he is on a personal crusade to help tax preparers avoid them and to bridge the gap between mortgage underwriters and tax professionals. Discover how you can look 'poor' to the IRS and rich to a lender. Check out my sponsor, GTG Tax Planning, at gtgtax.com to book a short discovery call. Connect with Dan Mullen: Website: https://www.futureandmain.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielbmullen/ Connect with Cheryl Knowlton: Website: www.cherylknows.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/ Show Notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

August 21, 2026Episode 3027 min

[Classic Rewind] Clay Johnson: Building a Real Estate Life of Daily Excellence

In this Classic Rewind episode, Host Cheryl Knowlton sits down with long-time friend and lender partner Clay Johnson, Regional Manager at Guaranteed Rate Affinity, to unpack the real driver of success in real estate: habits, not willpower. From Clay's 27+ year lending journey to practical routines, leadership insights, and breaking bad habits by replacing them, this conversation is packed with timeless wisdom you can actually apply. In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Clay Johnson discuss: Power and impact of daily habits Replacing bad habits instead of "dropping" them Starting each day with small, non‑negotiable wins Consistent, proactive communication in real estate Incremental growth by focusing on one to three habits at a time Key Takeaways: Habits quietly run your life because when you train them intentionally, they become "autopilot" behaviors that move your business and life forward without relying on motivation or willpower. You can't just drop a bad habit; you must replace it. Simple, consistent morning victories like movement, reading, prayer/meditation prime your physical, mental, and emotional state to lead and serve at a higher level. In real estate, consistent communication is a superpower, especially when it's hard. Real change comes from focusing on a few key behaviors at a time, and instead of trying to overhaul everything in January, choose one to three habits, lock them in with consistency, then stack new ones only after those are solid. "A habit is never dropped; it's replaced… What's a bad habit that we're going to lose, what's a good habit we've been wanting to pick up?" - Clay Johnson About the guest, Clay Johnson: Clients looking for a smart mortgage consultant and a company that really cares go to Clay Johnson and Guaranteed Rate Affinity for all their home financing needs. They can count on him to listen and understand their vision, and stay committed to doing what's in their best interest. Clay knows that every client has different financial goals, so he takes the time to understand their vision in order to recommend smart mortgage solutions. As a consultant, he is backed by a dedicated team of loan assistants, processors, underwriters, and closing specialists. He and his team consistently deliver smart choices because they're highly trained and well-versed in all aspects of the industry. To find a smart home-financing solution, give Clay a call today! Discover how you can look 'poor' to the IRS and rich to a lender. Check out my sponsor, GTG Tax Planning, at gtgtax.com to book a short discovery call. Connect with Clay Johnson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clay-johnson-a899989a/ Website: https://www.grarate.com/loan-officers/clay-johnson-33422 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClayJ.GRA/ CONNECT WITH CHERYL: Website: www.cherylknows.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/ Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

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