TMA Connection

Hosted by Tim Markland

Business EntrepreneurshipInterviews guests

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Episodes

145

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

The TMA Connection is a local podcast show focused on connecting people in the community with new events, endeavors and opportunities. Interviews include people who are doing amazing things in the community, showcasing difference makers and educating listeners in everything real estate. You'll get an inside glimpse in the trials and tribulations of growing a successful business while making a difference in the lives of others. The show is hosted by Tim Markland- team leader and Realtor with the The Markland Advantage Team of Cummings and Co Realtors.

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60 recent

October 27, 2026Episode 14620 min

146 - The Secret to Getting Comfortable on Camera W/ Drew Chavis

In this special episode of The TMA Connection , Tim Markland flips the script and puts his producer and cameraman, Drew Chavis, in the hot seat. Drew opens up about his journey from leaving Target to building Avora Media and operating his digital audio business.They dive deep into what's actually working in social media marketing right now, how to break down camera-fright for real estate agents, the three-second attention span rule, and how AI tools are revolutionizing video editing and virtual staging. They also chat about coding video games with Claude, balancing creative integrity with AI automation, and look ahead at what the next five to ten years hold for digital media production. Subscribe to The TMA Connection on YouTube or stream full episodes on Apple Podcasts and Spotify by searching "The Markland Advantage."

October 20, 2026Episode 14550 min

145 - Navigating High Interest Rates W/ Stephen Lutche

In this episode of The TMA Connection , Tim Markland sits down with Stephen Lutche of Cross Country Mortgage to break down the current state of the real estate market in October 2026. Stephen shares insights from his recent honeymoon in Saint Lucia and dives straight into the reality of 7.5% interest rates, explaining why buyers shouldn't sit on the sidelines. He details how seller concessions and 2-1 buydowns can dramatically lower monthly payments in the first two years, why local pre-approvals beat out big-box internet lenders every time, and how first-time home buyers can leverage down payment assistance and loan products tailored for local heroes. Subscribe to The TMA Connection on YouTube or stream full episodes on Apple Podcasts and Spotify by searching "The Markland Advantage."

October 13, 2026Episode 14450 min

144 - The "Infinite Banking" Secret W/ Rob & Lara Heimbach

In this episode of The TMA Connection , Tim Markland sits down with Rob and Lara Heimbach, co-founders of Force Field Financial, to pull back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood wealth strategies: the Infinite Banking Concept (IBC). Rob and Lara break down how over-funded whole life insurance policies allow business owners and everyday families to build guaranteed, uninterrupted compounding cash value that grows completely tax-free. They discuss why traditional 401(k)s and stock portfolios force you to "cannibalize" your nest egg at retirement, how to deploy policy loans into real estate while your original cash continues compounding, and why building an unshakeable financial floor beats gambling on market volatility. Subscribe to The TMA Connection on YouTube, or listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify by searching "The Markland Advantage." Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and information expressed by our guests in this episode are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The Markland Advantage of Cummings & Co. Realtors . This discussion is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax, or legal advice . Please consult with a qualified professional regarding your individual circumstances before making any financial or investment decisions

October 6, 2026Episode 14358 min

143 - Building Maryland's Top Home Services Giant W/ Sean Mallonee

In this episode of The TMA Connection , Tim Markland sits down with Shawn Mallonee, founder and CEO of SM Mechanical, covering HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and whole-home performance across Central Maryland. Shawn breaks down how a no-nonsense upbringing—working groundwork and plumbing at age 13 under his World War II veteran grandfather—shaped his operational philosophy: falling to your highest level of preparation. He recounts getting laid off during the 2009 recession and scaling SM Mechanical out of his garage to nearly 30 employees, and how he and his wife manage a high-stakes business. Shawn also breaks down the labor shortage in the skilled trades, and how Maryland homeowners can tap into up to $15,000 in EmPOWER Maryland rebates for insulation, air sealing, and high-efficiency systems. Subscribe to The TMA Connection on YouTube, or listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify by searching "The Markland Advantage."

September 29, 2026Episode 1421 hr 26 min

142 - In the Hot Seat: Real Estate, Podcasting & My Story W/ Rich Bennett

In this episode of The TMA Connection , we're turning the microphone around! In this special crossover episode, Harford County podcasting legend Rich Bennett ( Conversations with Rich Bennett ) puts host Tim Markland in the hot seat. Tim pulls back the curtain on his entire entrepreneurial journey: walking away from a comfortable 16.5-year career as a physical education teacher and coach at Bel Air High School, navigating Harford County's seven-year teacher salary freeze, and the hard-hitting lessons from his family's earliest house flips that inspired launching The Markland Advantage. Tim and Rich also break down today's real estate climate, and what it truly takes to build a consistent, value-driven brand. Subscribe to The TMA Connection on YouTube, or listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify by searching "The Markland Advantage."

September 22, 2026Episode 14142 min

141 - How to Survive 35 Years in Business W/ Paul Thompson

In this inspiring and masterclass-level episode of The TMA Connection , Tim Markland sits down with Paul Thompson, owner of Architectural Design Works (ADW), celebrating 35 years of shaping the architectural landscape across Harford County and the greater Baltimore region. Paul shares his remarkable journey—from purchasing his mentor's firm at just 25 years old during a recession to weathering the 2008 financial crash without filing for bankruptcy. He dives into the stories behind iconic local projects, including the permanent addition at Rockfield Manor, the transformation of Independent Brewing Company, the Bob Hooper Hospice House, and 1525 North Calvert Street. Paul also unpacks his philosophy from The Experience Economy , his resistance to cookie-cutter AI design, and his deep philanthropic work supporting local musicians through The Turntable Fund. Subscribe to The TMA Connection on YouTube or listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify by searching "The Markland Advantage."

September 15, 2026Episode 1401 hr 1 min

140 - The 4-Step "Wealth Wheel" Every Homebuyer Needs W/ Zac Hayes

In this deep-dive episode of The TMA Connection , Tim Markland welcomes back 4-time guest and preferred lender Zac Hayes to discuss his major move to Envoy Mortgage and what today's buyers must understand to navigate 2026's housing market. Zac breaks down the heavy hidden cost of "waiting for interest rates to drop"—explaining why sidelined buyers face exploding home prices and fierce bidding wars the moment rates decrease. He unveils the 4-part "Wealth Wheel" financial framework (from maxing retirement matches to maintaining emergency reserves), details why 15-year and 30-year rates behave similarly when the yield curve flattens, and demystifies the real mechanics connecting the 10-Year Treasury yield to everyday mortgage rates. Plus, Zac shares how daily discipline and "Brick Theory" drive long-term success in both fitness and business. Subscribe to The TMA Connection on YouTube or listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify by searching "The Markland Advantage."

September 8, 2026Episode 13937 min

139 - The Networking Secrets That Grew the Harford Chamber W/ Chris Rives

🎧 Sponsored Partner Message The Harford County Chamber of Commerce celebrates 50 years as your voice for business . Membership provides your business with the tools you need to ensure your business is advocated for , educated on key issues , and connected to the people and resources necessary to thrive and shape the county's vibrant economy. Learn more and become a member at www.harfordchamber.org In this candid and inspiring return episode of The TMA Connection , Tim Markland sits down with Harford County's networking MadMan, Chris Reeves (Growth and Development Director for the Harford County Chamber of Commerce, founder of Connect Pro, and creator of WHAR). Chris opens up about the terrifying wake-up call of surviving an unexpected triple bypass surgery with zero prior symptoms—and his remarkable recovery back in the gym just 13 days later. He and Tim break down what it actually takes to build real, relational referral networks, how to overcome the awkwardness of networking when you're an introvert, the growth strategies driving Harford and Cecil County small businesses, and why Chris launched WHAR to bring unapologetic positivity back to local social media feeds. Subscribe to The TMA Connection on YouTube or listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify by searching "The Markland Advantage."

September 1, 2026Episode 13842 min

138 - Stepping Up to the Plate in Today's Housing Market W/ Paul Valle

In this episode of The TMA Connection , Tim Markland sits down with Paul Valle—veteran sports broadcaster (host of The Bat Around on PressBox) and mortgage loan officer with Main Street Home Loans. Paul dispels the biggest misconceptions crushing homebuyers in today's market, from the persistent myth that you need 20% down to the difference between your down payment and total cash to close. He explains why shopping strictly for the lowest advertised rate is a trap, breaks down creative financing programs like DSCR loans for investors and bank statement loans for self-employed buyers, and shares insider credit-repair strategies (including why you should never close a paid-off card). Plus, Paul and Tim talk media consistency, balancing hustle with family life, and Paul's uncanny habit of accidentally reverse-jinxing Orioles players into hitting streaks. Subscribe to The TMA Connection on YouTube or listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify by searching "The Markland Advantage."

August 25, 2026Episode 13717 min

137 - The 2nd Annual Eric Webber Memorial Softball Tournament W/ Dan Webber

In this special live episode of The TMA Connection , Tim Markland sits down with fellow team member Dan Webber to announce and break down all the details for the 2nd Annual Eric Webber Memorial Softball Tournament , taking place on Saturday, September 12th at Bel Air High School . Dan shares how the tournament honors his father Eric Webber, while raising vital funds for Upper Chesapeake's Cancer LifeNet program and Bel Air High School Athletics. Tim and Dan discuss the expanded 6-team format, corporate sponsorship opportunities off-season team "trades" and drama, and how the community can come out to support, play, or volunteer. Subscribe to The TMA Connection on YouTube or listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify by searching "The Markland Advantage."

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