SmartTouch Market Pulse

Hosted by SmartTouch® Interactive

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Episodes

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Market Pulse presented by SmartTouch® Interactive is an engaging and comprehensive interview series focusing on the dynamic real estate industry, providing a platform for real estate enthusiasts, industry professionals, investors, and anyone interested in understanding the complex world of real estate and marketing. By keeping its finger on the pulse of the industry, this podcast helps its audience stay ahead of the curve, making informed decisions and understanding the nuances of the ever evolving real estate market.

Listen to episodes

45 recent

August 25, 2026Episode 4648 min

Margin Expansion Through Technology: Rethinking the Homebuyer Journey with Foundation

Where can homebuilders find the next opportunity for margin expansion? In this episode of The Market Pulse, Aaron Fichera sits down with Derek Schairer, Co-Founder of Foundation, to explore how technology can create greater efficiency and stronger margins across the entire homebuyer journey. From marketing and buyer research to onsite sales, contract and construction, and post-sale warranty, Derek and Aaron discuss where disconnected systems and manual processes create hidden costs. They also dive into how builders can use technology, automation and AI to reduce friction, improve conversion and better serve homeowners. The conversation looks beyond simply adding more technology to the builder tech stack and asks a more important question: How can technology help builders operate more efficiently, create a better customer experience and ultimately expand margin?

July 21, 2026Episode 4526 min

Building Better: Insights from Tri-Supply on Today's Housing Market

In this episode of The Market Pulse, host Aaron Fichera sits down with Chris Manuel, Chief Operating Officer of Tri-Supply , to explore how one of Texas' leading building product suppliers has evolved alongside the housing industry. Chris shares his journey into homebuilding, the leadership lessons that shaped his career, and the story behind Tri-Supply's continued success serving builders, designers, and homeowners across the state. Together, they examine the trends influencing today's buyers, from affordability and luxury finishes to smart home technology, wellness-focused living, and the growing importance of the showroom experience. Chris also discusses how Tri-Supply navigated supply chain disruptions, changing consumer expectations, and the conversations builders are having today that were almost unheard of just a few years ago. The conversation concludes with Chris's outlook for the Texas housing market, where he sees the greatest opportunities ahead, and practical advice for the next generation of professionals looking to build a successful career in the homebuilding industry.

July 7, 2026Episode 4441 min

Why We're Bullish on the Austin–San Antonio Mega Region

On this episode of The Market Pulse presented by SmartTouch® Interactive, host Aaron Fichera sits down with Ben Bollman, Director of Business Development at Zonda, to explore one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, the emerging Austin–San Antonio metropolitan corridor. Drawing on Zonda's industry-leading housing data and market intelligence, Aaron and Ben examine the macroeconomic forces driving long-term growth across Central Texas, from sustained population migration and job creation to the influx of major employers reshaping the region's economy. The conversation also explores why both believe the Austin–San Antonio corridor is evolving into one of America's most significant economic hubs. The discussion moves beyond the headlines to provide actionable insights for home builders and developers navigating today's market. Ben shares key data fromZonda on buyer demand, housing supply, pricing trends, and opportunities that can help builders make more informed land acquisition, product, and marketing decisions in an evolving economic environment. Whether you're a builder, developer, marketer, or industry professional, this episode offers valuable perspective on where Central Texas is headed and how data-driven decision-making can position your business for long-term success.

June 15, 2026Episode 4346 min

AI’s Next Chapter: What Home Builders Need to Know Now

In this follow-up episode of The Market Pulse , host Aaron Fichera of SmartTouch® welcomes back John Lee, CEO and Founder of Anewgo, for an insightful discussion on the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence across the home building industry. Building on their previous conversation, Aaron and John explore the latest advancements in AI coming into 2026, the wave of major technology acquisitions reshaping the market, and what these developments mean for builders, developers, and real estate professionals. They examine how industry leaders are investing in AI-driven platforms and why these shifts are changing the way homes are marketed, sold, and experienced. In this episode, you'll learn: How recent AI advancements are influencing the homebuilding industry The significance of major acquisitions and marketconsolidation Ways AI can enhance the customer experience from firsttouch to closing Practical applications for AI throughout the buyer'sjourney Opportunities to improve operational efficiency andteam productivity Key considerations for builders looking to adopt AIresponsibly and effectively Whether you're a builder, developer, marketer or sales leader this episode provides valuable insights into how AI is transforming the future of homebuilding and how yourorganization can stay ahead of the curve

January 7, 2026Episode 4245 min

How Builders Can Attract Global Buyers: Strategy, Marketing & Messaging

In Part II of our conversation with Paolo Neto of NEO, we pivot from global trends to tactical strategy. If you're a home builder or developer wondering how to actually attract international buyers, this episode is your playbook. Host Aaron Fichera dives into foundational marketing actions builders should take, covering everything from messaging and digital infrastructure to partnerships and the tech stack. Paolo outlines how developers can align with global demand, create immersive buyer experiences, and avoid common pitfalls in cross-border marketing. It's a roadmap to expanding your buyer pool and tapping into new revenue streams with smart, scalable strategies.

December 31, 2025Episode 4135 min

Why U.S. Real Estate is the New Hotspot for International Buyers

In this first part of our exclusive interview, Market Pulse host Aaron Fichera sits down with Paolo Neto, President & Chief Growth Officer of NEO, to explore how global forces are reshaping the U.S. real estate market. Paolo shares his journey from tech to real estate and introduces NEO, the world’s first AI-powered global marketplace for new construction. Together, they unpack the macroeconomic and policy drivers pushing international buyers toward U.S. properties offering developers, builders, and agents a front-row seat to a rapidly evolving buyer landscape.

December 2, 2025Episode 4031 min

Building Hope for the Holidays: Austin Habitat for Humanity with Billy Whipple

This special holiday edition of The Market Pulse, hosted by Aaron Fichera of SmartTouch Interactive, celebrates the season of giving by spotlighting the incredible work of Austin Habitat for Humanity. Join us as we welcome Billy Whipple, Chief Impact Officer, for an inspiring conversation about the organization’s mission, the growth of attainable housing in Central Texas, and the power of community collaboration. Billy shares updates on exciting local developments, dives into the impact of HomeBase Texas, and offers meaningful ways for individuals, families, and companies to give back this season…whether by swinging a hammer, making a donation, or helping spread the word. Tune in for heartwarming stories, community insights, and actionable ways you can be part of building a better future for all. It’s not just about building homes. It’s about building hope.

November 11, 2025Episode 3949 min

The Next-Gen Home Buyers: Cracking the Code on Marketing Multifamily & Gen Z

In this episode of The Market Pulse , host Aaron Fichera is joined by multifamily operations expert Adrian Danila, founder of Multifamily X Consulting, to explore how the real estate industry is shifting to meet the demands of Gen Z and younger millennials. Adrian shares powerful insights into the mindset of next-gen renters—and future homeowners—including their expectations around tech-enabled living, authenticity in branding, fast response times, and meaningful community engagement. Whether you're a home builder , real estate developer , or multifamily marketer , this episode delivers practical strategies to help you future-proof your brand and turn today’s renters into tomorrow’s buyers. 🔑 Key takeaways: Gen Z’s influence on multifamily and single-family housing Marketing strategies that resonate with digital-native audiences How to build long-term loyalty with the next generation of homebuyers Tune in for a forward-thinking discussion that helps builders and marketers evolve with today’s most influential demographic. Subscribe to The Market Pulse for the latest trends in real estate development , multifamily strategy , and homebuilder marketing .

October 21, 2025Episode 381 hr 9 min

The Future of AIO: How AI Is Rewriting the Rules of Real Estate Search

In this episode of The Market Pulse , host Aaron Fichera of SmartTouch® Interactive sits down with John Lee, CEO and Founder of Anewgo, to explore how AI is transforming the homebuilding and real estate marketing landscape. Discover how artificial intelligence is driving a shift from traditional SEO to AIO (AI Optimization), enabling smarter homebuyer engagement, dynamic website experiences, and powerful personalization. John shares Anewgo’s startup journey and insights on the tech trends every home builder, real estate developer, and marketer needs to know. What you'll learn: How homebuyers are using AI to search for new homes What AIO means for your digital strategy How builders can use AI tools to sell more homes, faster Actionable digital marketing tactics that work in today’s AI-driven market Whether you're in real estate development, new home marketing, or digital strategy, this episode delivers must-know insights to future-proof your sales and marketing. 🎧 Tune in now to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving world of real estate tech.

August 26, 2025Episode 3731 min

How to Maximize CRM Adoption: Lessons from the Architect of NexGen CRM

In this episode of The Market Pulse, host Aaron Fichera sits down with Robert Cowes, Founder of SmartTouch® Interactive and the key architect behind the award-winning NexGen CRM. With the recent release of the platform’s new user-interface and features, Robert shares the vision behind the redesign and how it’s transforming the way sales managers and agents work in today’s environment. Beyond the platform, Robert dives into his expertise on why many CRMs fail, what sales leaders should focus on to drive adoption, and the daily CRM habits that separate top-performing sales executives from the rest. He also shares his perspective on the future of CRM technology—from AI-driven insights to predictive analytics—and how NexGen is positioned to keep teams ahead of the curve. Whether you’re a sales manager looking to harness the power of data, or a sales professional wanting to turn more leads into closings, this episode is packed with actionable insights, takeaways and an exclusive look at the next generation of CRM technology.