What happens after homeownership?

In this episode of Work Hard, Play Hard & Give Back, Mike sits down with Edwin Acevedo, 2026 National President of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) and broker-owner of Century 21 LOTUS in Southern California.

Edwin shares his unconventional path from software engineering at Boeing to launching a real estate career just as the 2008 market crashed—and how he went on to build and scale a thriving brokerage. He talks about the importance of culture, execution and work ethic, why he chose the franchise model, and how education and smart diversification have shaped his approach to business.

The conversation also explores NAHREP’s mission to advance Hispanic homeownership and what comes next: building wealth. Edwin discusses the Hispanic Wealth Project, the growing influence of Hispanic homebuyers, financial education, and how real estate professionals can help create greater opportunity in the communities they serve.

Plus, Edwin takes us behind the scenes of his appearance on HGTV’s Flipping 101, shares his approach to fix-and-flip investing, reflects on family, leadership and giving back—and answers the all-important question: what’s his go-to karaoke song?

It’s a conversation about real estate, entrepreneurship and using success to create opportunity for others.

Thank you for listening

Stay connected with us:

• Facebook: facebook.com/cbamhomes
• Instagram: instagram.com/cbamhomes
• Twitter: twitter.com/cbamhomes
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cbamhomes

Visit our website:

• cbamhomes.com

Interested in a career in real estate?

• Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.com

Need to get licensed?

• New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

Three generations of real estate, 25 years in the business, and deep roots in the community.

In Episode 4 of Work Hard, Play Hard & Give Back, Mike Litzner sits down with Tom Nails, a top agent with Coldwell Banker American Homes and the man many know as “Mr. Salisbury.”

Tom shares how growing up around his grandfather Frank LaRosa’s real estate business shaped his work ethic, why consistency and discipline matter more than motivation, and how he built a lasting career by focusing on relationships, systems, and his community.

They also talk about Tom’s approach to video and social media, working alongside his daughters and potentially carrying the family business into a fourth generation, his love of baseball and golf, and why giving back through Island Harvest and the Nails Family Scholarship is such an important part of his life.

Plus, stick around for the Drop the Mic question and the story behind the Nails name.

If you enjoy the show, be sure to follow or subscribe for future episodes of Work Hard, Play Hard & Give Back.

Thank you for listening

Stay connected with us:

• Facebook: facebook.com/cbamhomes
• Instagram: instagram.com/cbamhomes
• Twitter: twitter.com/cbamhomes
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cbamhomes

Visit our website:

• cbamhomes.com

Interested in a career in real estate?

• Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.com

Need to get licensed?

• New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

What does it take to build a successful real estate career that lasts nearly four decades?

In this episode of Work Hard, Play Hard & Give Back, Mike Litzner sits down with Adele Kuczmarski, a top-producing Long Island real estate professional known for serving Manhasset and the Gold Coast luxury real estate market.

For Adele, success comes down to one simple philosophy: always be accessible.

She shares how that approach has helped turn clients into lifelong friends, why she still personally shows up at every closing, and what it takes to navigate multimillion-dollar transactions where trust, discretion, and relationships matter just as much as the numbers.

Adele also explains why luxury real estate isn’t as different as some agents think. Whether representing a $240,000 condo or a multimillion-dollar estate, her approach remains the same: treat every client with the same attention, do the right thing, and be there when they need you.

The conversation goes beyond the transaction as Adele reflects on nearly four decades in Long Island real estate, her deep roots in the Manhasset community, and decades of charitable involvement. She also shares why she believes agents need to get out from behind their screens, come into the office, meet people, and stay connected to the communities they serve.

Along the way, Adele tells some unforgettable stories—from answering real estate calls at 3:30 in the morning and conducting business from a boat to landing a $4 million waterfront listing after someone overheard her talking at the nail salon.

Plus, Mike gets Adele talking about boating, jet skiing, why she hasn’t turned on her stove in 30 years, and her love of Barry Manilow in this episode’s Drop the Mic question.

For real estate agents looking to build a lasting business—and anyone interested in the relationships behind Long Island luxury real estate—Adele’s message is refreshingly simple: show up, be accessible, and take care of people.

Thank you for listening

Stay connected with us:

• Facebook: facebook.com/cbamhomes
• Instagram: instagram.com/cbamhomes
• Twitter: twitter.com/cbamhomes
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cbamhomes

Visit our website:

• cbamhomes.com

Interested in a career in real estate?

• Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.com

Need to get licensed?

• New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

With more than 30 years in real estate, Lori Slattery knows that being a great agent is about much more than selling homes.

Lori joins Mike to talk about why she sees herself as a project manager for her clients, the importance of reputation and relationships, and how experience helps navigate the unexpected challenges that come with every transaction. They also get into VA loans and relocation, old-school outreach and modern marketing, investing in a tight market, and why educating clients upfront leads to better outcomes.

Plus, Lori shares how giving back and staying involved in her community have shaped her approach to both business and life, along with a few unforgettable stories from three decades in real estate.

Thank you for listening

Stay connected with us:

• Facebook: facebook.com/cbamhomes
• Instagram: instagram.com/cbamhomes
• Twitter: twitter.com/cbamhomes
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cbamhomes

Visit our website:

• cbamhomes.com

Interested in a career in real estate?

• Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.com

Need to get licensed?

• New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

Season 4 kicks off with one of the most fascinating guests we’ve ever had on the podcast.

Ron Starrantino’s career has taken him from Wall Street to Hollywood, from competitive bodybuilding to the motorcycle industry, and ultimately to becoming one of Long Island’s top real estate professionals. Along the way, he’s worked with celebrities, built award-winning business networks, and developed a reputation as a relentless negotiator who treats every client like family.

In this episode, Ron shares:

• How his background in finance and entertainment shaped his approach to sales and negotiation
• The mindset that helped him become a top-producing real estate agent
• Why relationships and communication are the foundation of every successful transaction
• Lessons from building one of the largest BNI networking chapters in the world
• His passion for supporting veterans, local businesses, and giving back to the community
• Incredible stories from Hollywood, Sons of Anarchy, motorcycles, Ferraris, and more

Whether you’re a real estate professional, entrepreneur, or someone looking for inspiration on building a career through grit, relationships, and perseverance, this episode is packed with practical insights and unforgettable stories.

Thank you for listening

Stay connected with us:

• Facebook: facebook.com/cbamhomes
• Instagram: instagram.com/cbamhomes
• Twitter: twitter.com/cbamhomes
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cbamhomes

Visit our website:

• cbamhomes.com

Interested in a career in real estate?

• Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.com

Need to get licensed?

• New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

In this episode of Work Hard, Play Hard, and Give Back – A Real Estate Podcast, host Mike Litzner sits down with Jason Waugh, CEO of Coldwell Banker Affiliates Worldwide, to discuss what it takes to lead and grow at the highest levels of the real estate industry.

Jason shares insight into managing a global network of agents, maintaining brand consistency across markets, and why mindset, discipline, and follow-up are critical in both strong and challenging market cycles. The conversation covers taking market share in down markets, building relationships at scale, leveraging AI and technology for efficiency, and the importance of staying focused on what you can control.

The episode also explores leadership, family, giving back, and why service and community involvement remain core to long-term success in real estate.

Whether you are an agent, broker, or industry leader, this episode offers practical perspective and timeless lessons on growth, execution, and leadership.

Thank you for listening

Stay connected with us:

• Facebook: facebook.com/cbamhomes
• Instagram: instagram.com/cbamhomes
• Twitter: twitter.com/cbamhomes
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cbamhomes

Visit our website:

• cbamhomes.com

Interested in a career in real estate?

• Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.com

Need to get licensed?

• New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

In this episode of Work Hard, Play Hard, and Give Back – A Real Estate Podcast, host Mike Litzner sits down with Ron Alber, Real Estate Attorney and Founder of The Alber Law Group, to break down what really happens between contract and closing in New York real estate.

Ron shares practical insights on:
-The most common legal mistakes sellers and buyers make
-Why due diligence matters before listing or purchasing a home
-Certificates of Occupancy, permits, and how missing paperwork can derail a deal
-How agents, attorneys, and lenders can work together to keep transactions moving
-Staying calm and professional when emotions and pressure run high
-Estate planning basics every homeowner should understand
-Wild but true closing table stories from nearly 25 years in practice

Whether you’re a buyer, seller, agent, or investor, this episode offers real-world guidance to help you avoid costly mistakes and close with confidence.

👉 Subscribe for new episodes
👍 Like if you found value
💬 Comment with your biggest takeaway

📍 Guest: Ron Alber, Esq.
🌐 Website: alberlaw.com
📞 Phone: 631-462-6900

Thank you for listening

Stay connected with us:

• Facebook: facebook.com/cbamhomes
• Instagram: instagram.com/cbamhomes
• Twitter: twitter.com/cbamhomes
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cbamhomes

Visit our website:

• cbamhomes.com

Interested in a career in real estate?

• Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.com

Need to get licensed?

• New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/

In this episode of Work Hard, Play Hard, and Give Back, Mike Litzner sits down with Janet Pushee, a top agent in the Northport / Huntington market with over 35 years of experience.

Janet shares what has mattered most throughout her career — waking up each day with a mission, staying productive, putting clients first, and answering the phone when it counts. The conversation also dives into what makes Northport such a special community, how buyers and sellers should approach today’s market, and why giving back through civic involvement is so important to her.

Whether you’re a homeowner, buyer, seller, or real estate professional, this episode offers thoughtful insight from someone who has truly seen it all.

Thank you for listening

Stay connected with us:

• Facebook: facebook.com/cbamhomes
• Instagram: instagram.com/cbamhomes
• Twitter: twitter.com/cbamhomes
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cbamhomes

Visit our website:

• cbamhomes.com

Interested in a career in real estate?

• Join our team: careers.cbamhomes.com

Need to get licensed?

• New York Real Estate Salesperson Classes: resnys.com/77-hr-new-york-real-estate-salesperson-classes-cb/