Episode 05: Resilience, Relationships, and Real Estate
In this episode of Know Your People, host Bob Kelley sits down with Iris Zettler to talk about her journey into real estate and what it truly takes to succeed in the industry. From starting later in life to building experience across different fields, Iris shares how resilience, empathy, and strong relationships have shaped her career. The conversation also highlights the importance of teamwork, guiding clients through emotional decisions, and staying grounded in integrity.

Chapters

[00:00] How Iris Got Into Real Estate
Starting later in life, early challenges, and building experience through other industries.

[02:00] Early Team Experience & Transition
Lessons from a difficult first team and why finding the right environment matters.

[05:00] The Value of Team Culture
Support, collaboration, and how the right team makes a difference in daily work.

[07:00] Balancing Work and Family Life
Managing real estate while prioritizing family and personal time.

[09:00] Working with Buyers (Especially First-Time Buyers)
Empathy, guidance, and building trust through the buying process.

[11:00] The Importance of Financing First
Why buyers must understand their numbers before starting the search.

[13:00] Understanding Client Goals
Asking the right questions to find the right home and long-term fit.

[15:00] Managing the Transaction Process
Guiding clients through contracts, expectations, and next steps.

[17:00] Preparing and Selling a Home
Advice for sellers on pricing, presentation, and handling showings.

[20:00] Pricing Strategy & Market Reality
How pricing impacts demand and final outcomes.

[24:00] Challenging Deals & Ethical Lessons
Real stories that highlight integrity and problem-solving.

[29:00] Why Being on a Team Matters
Support systems, mentorship, and navigating complex deals.

[32:00] What Real Estate School Doesn’t Teach You
The gap between theory and real-world experience.

[34:00] Working with Families in the Buying Process
Handling multiple opinions and keeping clients confident.

[37:00] Life Outside of Real Estate
Family, traditions, and maintaining balance.

[40:00] Final Thoughts: Representing Clients the Right Way
A commitment to treating every client like your own.

Connect With Us

Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review on your favorite platform! Your support helps us bring you more stories from the people who know this industry best.

Follow Iris Zettler
Email - iriszettler@bobkelleyteam.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/izettler6
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/iris.zettler

Follow Bob Kelley:

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bobkelleyteam
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@bobkelleyteam
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bobkelleyteam/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@bobkelleyteam
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rkelley34/
• Website - https://bobkelleyteam.com

Episode 04: The Bridge Between Bartending and Business

In this episode of Know Your People, host Bob Kelley sits down with Tony White to discuss his journey from the service industry to real estate success. Tony shares how years of bartending provided the perfect training ground for the "people business," teaching him how to manage different personalities and keep a level head in fast-paced environments. The conversation dives into the importance of service to clients and how that carries over from any industry.

Chapters

[00:00] The Restaurant Roots Tony discusses his background in the hospitality industry and how seeing family members in real estate sparked his initial interest in the field.

[04:00] The Transition: The reality of the "hustle": how Tony balanced full-time bartending with his first few years as a licensed agent before making the leap to full-time real estate.

[09:00] Tony’s Tips for Buyers A couple tips to help in your home buying process

[12:39] Tony Talks Sellers Tony reflects on a very recent transaction and overall tips for sellers.

[16:45] The Importance of Pricing Why pricing your home right from the start can help you get the best terms

[21:00] Advice for agents Tony discusses his experience and what he would tell agents who are just getting started in the business.

[26:25] The Evolution of our Team Tony shares his perspective on the growth of our team over the years..

[35:00] Life Outside the Sale A personal look at what Tony does to recharge and some of his favorite local spots.

[39:00] Final Thoughts: Tony is a great resource for any questions for real estate

Connect With Us

Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review on your favorite platform! Your support helps us bring you more stories from the people who know this industry best.

Follow Bob Kelley:

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bobkelleyteam
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@bobkelleyteam
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bobkelleyteam/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@bobkelleyteam
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rkelley34/
• Website - https://bobkelleyteam.com

Follow Tony White:

• Phone: 267-664-9120
• Email: anthonyw@bobkelleyteam.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/etihwynot/

Follow Bob Kelley:

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bobkelleyteam
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@bobkelleyteam
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bobkelleyteam/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@bobkelleyteam
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rkelley34/
• Website - https://bobkelleyteam.com

Episode 03: From Hospitality to Home Sales

In this episode of Know Your People, host Bob Kelley sits down with Laura Prior to discuss her transition from a 20-year career in the hospitality industry to becoming a powerhouse in real estate. Laura reflects on the "lightbulb moment" at age 18 when she first wanted her license and the journey that eventually led her back to that dream. The conversation explores how decades of bartending and service industry experience created the perfect foundation for managing the high-pressure emotions of home buying, the importance of local community roots, and why having a servant’s heart is the key to lasting success.

Chapters

[00:00] The 18-Year-Old Ambition Laura recalls graduating high school and telling her mom she wanted to drop out of Penn State Abington for real estate—and the "supportive" ultimatum about bills that kept her in school.

[04:00] 20 Years Behind the Bar A look at Laura’s extensive background in hospitality, working at places like Houlihan's, and how bartending serves as the ultimate training ground for reading people.

[08:00] The Decision to Pivot After years of bartending and raising her oldest daughter, Laura explains the moment she finally decided to stop thinking about real estate and actually get her license.

[13:00] Managing the "Mom Mental Load" The reality of balancing a new, high-stakes career with being a mother to two kids and the logistical "tetris" required to make it work.

[17:00] Hospitality as a Real Estate Superpower Why the "servant’s heart" from the restaurant industry is a massive advantage when helping families navigate the stress of a move.

[22:00] Dealing with "Hangry" Clients and High Emotions How years of managing challenging personalities at a bar translates perfectly to keeping clients calm during intense contract negotiations.

[27:00] The Learning Curve: From Mentorship to Mastery Laura discusses the importance of having a team and a mentor like Bob to help navigate the complexities of the industry early on.

[32:00] Real Estate is Not a "9 to 5" The truth about the schedule: why you have to be available when the clients are, and how hospitality prepared her for the non-traditional hours.

[36:00] The "Village" Life in Skippack A deep dive into why Laura loves her local community, mentioning the shift in the village’s energy and her favorite local spots.

[41:00] Local Recommendations: Soup and Style Laura shares her specific favorites: the French onion soup at The Parc Bistro and why 90% of her wardrobe comes from Hazel Mac.

Follow Laura Prior:

• FB - https://www.facebook.com/laura.jill.142309
• IG - https://www.instagram.com/laurapriorrealtor/

Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review on your favorite platform! Your support helps us bring you more stories from the people who know this industry best.

Follow Bob Kelley:

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bobkelleyteam
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@bobkelleyteam
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bobkelleyteam/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@bobkelleyteam
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rkelley34/
• Website - https://bobkelleyteam.com