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.

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.

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.

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.

Renting feels cheaper, until you do the math. In this episode, Dan Mullen and Cheryl Knowlton unpack the financial power of homeownership: appreciation, leverage, tax perks, and compound growth. Learn why buying can beat renting, how HECMs protect retirees, and what real estate pros must teach clients to build generational wealth.

In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Dan Mullen discuss:

• Rent vs. own: full financial comparison

• Compound interest and long-term wealth impact

• Appreciation, leverage, and equity explained

• HECMs (reverse mortgages) for retirement housing

• Educating agents — financial literacy and mastery

Key Takeaways:

• When you include appreciation, maintenance, taxes, and rent growth, buying often outperforms renting long-term by millions sometimes.

• Leverage amplifies returns because appreciation applies to the whole asset, not just your down payment, creating disproportionate wealth across decades for homeowners and their families.

• Rent tends to rise; homeowners gain forced equity, stability, and inflation protection.

• Compound interest and time dramatically increase homeownership's advantages; even modest annual appreciation compounded over decades can result in vastly greater net worth compared with renting and investing small differences consistently.

• Real estate pros must teach financial context, quantify scenarios, and collaborate with CPAs and advisors to serve clients.

"In the example in the book... it's like $160,000 of wealth difference in favor of the owner just because they own the house versus renting." - Dan Mullen

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.

Grab a copy of Dan's book, Real Decisions: The Financial Impact of Renting and Owning, HERE:

https://www.amazon.com/Real-Decisions-Financial-Impact-Renting/dp/B0DRKCC7YB

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 pay stubs, 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. Dan is also the author of Real Decisions: The Financial Impact of Renting and Owning.

Connect with Dan Mullen:

Website: https://www.futureandmain.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielbmullen/

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.

Most agents work their adorable little guts out… then get crushed by taxes and surprise IRS bills. This week on Real Estate Elevated, Cheryl sits down with Dan Mullen, CPA & mortgage pro, who has literally built his career saving realtors from tax disasters.

In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Dan Mullen discuss:

• Planning ahead to avoid self‑employment tax "surprises."

• Using S‑corp elections to reduce self‑employment taxes

• Properly documenting travel, meals, and vehicle deductions

• Regular, proactive check‑ins with your accountant

• Investing in your own product: real estate for long‑term wealth

Key Takeaways:

• Proactive tax planning is non‑negotiable for agents who don't want to be blindsided at tax time.

• The S‑corp election can dramatically cut self‑employment taxes when structured correctly, and setting a reasonable salary and letting the rest flow as distributions is where much of the savings happens.

• Travel, meals, and vehicle deductions are powerful but highly audited, so documentation is everything; but clear board minutes, mileage logs, and receipts turn "red flag" categories into audit‑proof benefits.

• Treat quarterly taxes like a standing business appointment rather than an optional chore, with calendar reminders and regular check‑ins with your accountant keeping you out of panic mode and in control of cash flow.

• Truly wealthy agents don't just sell real estate—they own it.

"Real estate builds so much wealth. It does for even people living in their own homes. It certainly does for investors." - Dan Mullen

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 pay stubs, 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:

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.

Burnout doesn't have to be the price of real estate success. In this episode, second-generation broker and top producer Mark Peebles shares how a hard truth from his wife, a faith reset, and a new time management model helped him build a $20M+ business that still puts family, clients, and sanity first.

In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Mark Peebles discuss:

• Second-generation real estate journey and building NavX Realty

• Breaking the "work harder, longer hours" success myth

• Faith, counseling, and confronting workaholism

• Time management framework: four work modes and "best life" appointments

• Client care, Chick-fil-A-level service, and relationship-based lead generation

Key Takeaways:

• Working more hours doesn't guarantee better results.

• Treat family and personal time as non-negotiable appointments, because protecting your relationships is just as important as growing your business.

• Delegating to assistants, transaction coordinators, and trusted partners doesn't mean sacrificing quality; it often improves the client experience while giving you the freedom to focus on your highest-value work.

• People remember how you made them feel long after they forget the details of the transaction.

• Using a structured framework for connective, performance, deep, and essential work can help you earn more, avoid burnout, and build a business that supports the life you actually want to live.

"If we connect with people every single day. It will lead to performance work." - Mark Peebles

About the guest, Mark Peebles:

Mark Peebles is passionate about helping people build lives and businesses that last. A seasoned real estate leader, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and coach, Mark guides agents, business owners, and teams toward greater clarity, purpose, and lasting success.

Mark's passion is making an impact and inspiring people to be World Changers. His mission is to help people live their best life and achieve ultimate success. Mark has been recognized as a Dayton Area Board of Realtors Pinnacle of Performance Award Winner, performing at the highest level among his peers.

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 Mark Peebles:

Website: https://itsmarkpeebles.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsmarkpeebles

Monday Mindset Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/monday-mindsets-with-mark-peebles/id1652699436

The Ultimate Success Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ultimate-success-podcast-with-mark-peebles/id1663931943

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.