
Making Real Estate Simple
By A simpliHŌM Podcast
Want to join the movement? Visit joinsimplihom.com
For more content, follow @simplihom on Facebook and Instagram.

Making Real Estate SimpleMar 24, 2023

Real Estate Investment: Risk, Rewards and Lessons Learned with Austin Kepley
In the latest episode of the simpliHŌM podcast, join Sean Miku and guest Austin Kepley as they discuss the ins and outs of investing. With a focus on risk and rewards, best practices for navigating this dynamic market, revealing when to accept a loss and the invaluable lessons that can be learned from mistakes. Sean and Austin emphasize the importance of looking at the bigger picture rather than getting caught up in small victories. This episode offers valuable insights for both seasoned investors and those considering.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Austin Kepley - @keptalks
Grant Brotan - @pixelsbygrant

Fortunas Descubiertas: Revelando los Secretos de la Inversión Inmobiliaria
¡Bienvenidos al podcast SimpliHŌM con tu anfitriona Lucy Sique! En este episodio, nos sumergimos en el cautivador mundo de la inversión inmobiliaria desde cero. Únete a Lucy y su distinguida invitada, Lucero Maddox, mientras comparten conocimientos invaluables sobre lo que se debe y no se debe hacer al navegar en la industria como agente inmobiliario. Desde identificar oportunidades lucrativas hasta evitar errores comunes, revelan los secretos para alcanzar el éxito en el competitivo mercado inmobiliario. Ya seas un inversor experimentado o recién estés comenzando, este episodio ofrece una gran cantidad de conocimiento para ayudarte a tomar decisiones informadas y prosperar en el dinámico mundo de los bienes raíces. ¡Sintoniza SimpliHŌM y descubre la clave para hacer realidad tus sueños inmobiliarios! Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Lucy Sique - @lucy_sique
Lucero Maddox - @luceservin
Grant Brotan- @gbrotan21

Influencer Impact: Mastering Real Estate's Social Media Game with Christen Whitney
On today's podcast, Sean is joined by special guest and OG simpliHŌM agent, Christen Whitney, as they delve into the captivating world of influencers in the real estate industry. They explore the pros and cons of leveraging social media to boost one's real estate business, shedding light on the potential outcomes. Additionally, they offer valuable insights and practical tips on how aspiring real estate professionals can effectively gain a following and leverage social media to their advantage. Tune in to this episode to gain a deeper understanding of the influencer landscape in real estate and learn how to navigate it successfully.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Christen Whitney - @christen_whitney
Grant Brotan - @gbrotan21

Marketing Mastery: Strategies for Creative Marketing and Retaining Clients with Derek Trainer
Join host Sean Miku and guest Derek Trainer, a top-performing simpliHŌM agent, as they discuss key strategies for creating raving fans and retaining clients, as well as powerful marketing techniques to drive consistent growth in the real estate industry., Sean and Derek share their insider knowledge and practical tips for cultivating raving fans who will sing your praises and refer new business your way. Whether you're a seasoned agent or just starting out, you won't want to miss this valuable conversation on how to accelerate your real estate career and achieve consistent success.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Derek Trainer - @thetrainergroup
Grant Brotan - @gr4nt.mp4

Casas y Comunidad: Secretos para el éxito en el mercado inmobiliario hispano
En este episodio de SimpliHŌM en Español, la anfitriona Lucy Sique y la invitada Nailet Carpio, ambas agentes experimentadas de SimpliHŌM, exploran los desafíos y oportunidades únicas de comprar y vender casas dentro de la comunidad hispana. Desde establecer confianza con los clientes hasta superar dificultades, comparten información valiosa sobre cómo tener éxito como agente de bienes raíces en este mercado. No te pierdas esta conversación informativa sobre los entresijos del mercado inmobiliario en la comunidad hispana.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Lucy Sique - @lucy_sique
Nailet Carpio - @nalietcarpio
Grant Brotan- @gbrotan21

Breaking Ground: Two Agents' Journey in Developing New Construction Together
On this episode, we’ll hear from simpliHŌM agents Santana Jones and Enrique Selman as they team up to take on the ambitious project of building new construction. We’ll talk about the challenges they faced, from finding financing to navigating the intricacies of local building codes during COVID. Join us as we explore the world of real estate development and discover what it takes to turn a dream into reality.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Santana Jones - @santanasoldit
Enrique Selman - @dos_riques
Grant Brotan - @gbrotan21

Building a Thriving Real Estate Brokerage: Strategies for Recruiting Top Agents and Providing Solutions to Drive Success
On this episode, we're talking with simpliHŌM’s Nashboro Principal Broker, Mike Mekhail on the ins-and-outs of running a successful brokerage. We’ll explore the importance of finding the right agents to represent your brand and strategies for attracting and retaining top talent. We’ll also discuss the common challenges that brokerages face in their day-to-day operations and offer solutions for overcoming them.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Mike Mekhail -Principal Broker and Team Leader 615-500-7018
Grant Brotan- @gbrotan21

الاستثمار والملكية: إرشادات عملية حول سوق العقارات في تينيسي اليوم.
مناقشه عن سوق العقارات مع مايك ميخائيل و ابرام ابراهيم. ما هو وضع سوق العقارات في تينيسي الان؟ ماذا ننصح من يريدوا ان يصبحوا اصحاب بيوت بدلا من الايجار؟
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry. Follow our hosts:
Mike Mekhail -Principal Broker and Team Leader at simpliHŌM 615-500-7018
Abram Ibrahim - simpliHŌM REALTOR 615-738-1758
Grant Brotan- @gbrotan21

Diferencias Culturales: Navegando el mercado inmobiliario en las Comunidades Hispanas
Acompañen a nuestra presentadora Lucy Sique y su invitado Eduardo Macías en el primer episodio de simpliHŌM Podcast en Español. Ellos hablarán sobre varios temas del mercado inmobiliario para poder asistir a la comunidad hispana. Darán datos e’ información sobre el proceso de compras y ventas. Explicarán los requisitos para compradores primerizos. Platican de las diferencias culturales para calificar a varios programas de financiamiento. Más que todo, ellos nos dirán cómo facilitar el proceso para poder hacer estas decisiones informadas y con más confianza.
Join our host, Lucy Sique and her guest Eduardo Macías in the first episode of the simpliHŌM Podcast in Spanish. Where they discuss various topics related to the real estate market to assist the Hispanic community while providing data and information on the buying and selling process. They will explain the requirements for first-time buyers and discuss cultural differences in qualifying for various financing programs. Above all, they will tell us how to streamline the process so that we can make informed decisions with more confidence.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Lucy Sique - @lucy_sique
Eduardo Macias - @eduardomaciasfcm
Grant Brotan- @gbrotan21

Practical Guidance on Successful Follow-Up From Open Houses with Lauren Lamberth
On this episode, we're talking with simpliHŌM's own Lauren Lamberth as we explore practical guidance on successful follow-up from open houses. Lauren will share her best practices for following up with potential clients, prioritizing your efforts, and using tools and systems to track and manage your follow-up. We'll also hear success stories of converting potential clients from open houses or online leads into actual clients and explore common mistakes to avoid. Consistency is key, and we'll discuss strategies for staying motivated and maintaining a positive attitude throughout the process. Tune in to learn how to personalize your follow-up efforts, balance being persistent without being pushy, and gain advice for new real estate agents who are just starting to follow up with potential clients from open houses.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Lauren Lamberth - @laurenelizabeth1421
Grant Brotan- @gbrotan21
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wiley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy

Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success as a Realtor with Elizabeth Taylor
Tune in to hear the inspiring story of Elizabeth Taylor, who has had an incredibly successful year despite facing a variety of personal and business challenges. Hear how Elizabeth overcame these obstacles and achieved success, and gain invaluable insight into the strategies and mindset that helped her achieve success in such a short time. This episode will be packed with advice, motivation and encouragement for anyone looking to make the most of their time, no matter the obstacles they face.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Elizabeth Taylor - @theelizabethtaylor
Grant Brotan- @gbrotan21
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wiley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy

Exploring the Sunshine State: Why simpliHŌM Expanded Into One of the Hottest Real Estate Markets.
Join us this week as we chat with Nicholas Rapisardi, our Florida Broker, about the opportunities and difficulties associated with expanding into one of the U.S.'s hottest real estate markets.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Nicholas Rapisardi - @homes_sold_by_nicholas
Grant Brotan- @gbrotan21
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wiley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy

From the Ground Up: The Highs and Lows of Land Development with Flavius Trombitas
On this episode of the simpliHŌM podcast, Sean sits down with simpliHŌM's own Flavius Trombitas. Where they discuss managing luxury land developments, being in a productive mindset and the future of the real estate market.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wiley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Grant Brotan- @gbrotan21

Zero To Hero: How to Flip Houses Sucessfully with Austin Kepley
On this episode of the simpliHŌM podcast, we sit down with one of our agents Austin Kepley. Where we discuss market shifts, how to manage multiple flip projects, material shortages, and choosing the right contractors for your project.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wiley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Grant Brotan- @gbrotan21

The Start of Something Great - The History of simpliHOM with Sean Miku
What is simpliHOM? How is it different? How is it the same? What is it that has so many Realtors joining the ranks of one of the fastest growing real estate brokerages in the country? This week we sit down with Sean Miku, CEO and Founder of simpliHŌM to discuss the journey from inception to 400+ agents and how keeping things simple has positively impacted the company's trajectory. Here are some of the topics covered:
- Trademarking lessons: Where did the name “simpliHŌM” come from?
- S.O.S. “Shiny Object Syndrome” and how
- The number one thing agents request when looking for a new brokerage
- Does Sean believe that tech will replace real estate agents?
- What does “support” mean to Sean?
- What was the first problem Sean faced when starting “HOM Group”?
- What did Sean do daily the first year of building the company?
- What brings agents and keeps agents at simpliHŌM?
- Where has Sean seen simpliHŌM’s agent’s lives changed?
- The responsibilities of being a CEO
- What is the most exciting part of simpliHŌM’s future?
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Director of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wiley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

Reframing Reality and Creating a Winning Mentality with Greg Pihs
Wow… That’s all we have to say after watching this podcast with Greg Pihs. Greg is a Marine Veteran, Board Certified NLP Trainer, Timeline Therapy® Trainer and Real Estate Agent. In this episode he sits down with Sean Miku and Kyle Mann to talk about how we can all change our lives for the better (professionally and personally) with some simple tools that we can implement right NOW. When we say that this has been one of the most motivational and valuable pieces of advice for anyone who is struggling to overcome self-limiting beliefs, trauma, or a plateau in business… we mean it. Here’s some of what we cover:
- Who is Greg Pihs?
- How reading revolutionized Greg’s life
- What was the first major lesson Greg learned from NLP?
- Greg’s experience as marine infantry and how it shaped his business
- How an abusive childhood helped Greg with detaching in emotional business situations
- The one exercise that will keep you focused and motivated
- How to pick yourself up from a fall using visualization exercises
- What is “away-from” and “towards” energy and how do we use them?
- What is “perceptual positioning” and how does it help us refocus on our biggest goals?
- Greg explains reframing and how it can help alleviate depression and anxiety
- How does Greg use NLP to overcome past trauma?
- Giving yourself grace when making mistakes
- How to turn introductions into clients
Want to get in touch with Greg? You can find him here:
Website: www.gregpihs.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gpihsrealtor/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-pihs-74b53466
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Director of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wiley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

Operating Under Stress - How to identify, prevent, and conquer chaos in real estate and life
“By aiming high, we are choosing the route where pressure and stress obligingly come along for the ride.” - Ryan Holiday. Stress is inevitable when we make the conscious decision to take the road to success. It is in these chaotic and stressful situations that we must keep our cool, assess the situation, and make a decision. How you do that and when is ultimately up to you but this week on the simpliHOM Podcast we’re looking to share insights from the simpliHOM team on how they identify and overcome such situations.
Let’s inspire each other! How do YOU overcome stressful situations?
Here are some of the topics they cover this week:
- How do you know when you’re about to enter a chaotic and stressful situation?
- Can you be content in stillness?
- Fear of uncertainty when you’re a control freak
- How do you handle the moments where you have done everything right but chaos finds a way to make you feel uncertain?
- The freedom of having a team that you don’t want to let down
- How to train yourself to use perfectionism to your advantage
- How to remove emotion from a chaotic situation
- Why are we obsessed with focusing on the “alarm” instead of the problem?
- Identifying the worst case scenario
- How to deal with the worst case scenario
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Director of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wiley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

Conversations with a CEO- Grassroots marketing and work life balance with Isam Aziz
What’s up HŌMies? This week on the pod we have one of our own simpliHŌM agents, Isam Aziz chatting with our CEO, Sean Miku. Isam was fired from his job in 2016 and became a real estate agent to better serve his family and create a legacy for generations to come. But, after nine months of grinding with no return, Isam was ready to give it up. Fortunately, in 2017 he sold $6M in houses and maintained his success all the way to today (2022) where he has sold 8.77M in real estate this year so far (as of 6/28/22). What helped Isam grow his real estate business and build a referral business? Listen to find the answer to that question as well as discussions about the following topics:
- Waking up and forgetting you have a showing
- Using social media successfully
- How Isam reframed his mindset from “sell houses” to being a trusted advisor.
- Door knocking, social media, open houses, referrals, client events… where is Isam getting his business?
- Typical ROI of client events in Isam’s neighborhood.
- Figuring out what the sellers ACTUALLY want
- Managing expectations for your clients and family
- How to balance your real estate career and still spend time with your family.
- Building legacy through real estate investing
- Affordability in Nashville
- How will real estate be affected by a recession?
- What advice do you have for people who are “waiting for the market to cool off”?
- Number one challenge for Isam’s business right now.
Want to get in touch with Isam? You can follow him here:
Business FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/theazizteam/
Personal FB: https://www.facebook.com/isamaziz/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isamaziz/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@isamaziz
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Director of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wiley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

How to Turn Bad Advice Into Good Advice: A discussion about reframing well-intentioned advice in life and business
Join the HŌMies as they reflect on the worst advice they’ve ever received in life and business… or is it truly bad advice? Expect to hear plenty of laughs from the crew while also receiving insights into the advice our CEO has taken… and rejected. If hanging out is your thing and you want to learn something along the way, this is your new HŌM. Here’s what we cover this week:
- Brett broke a rib.
- Hilarity ensues as Swy forces everyone to compliment the person to their right.
- Shots fired at Dave Ramsay.
- Who should you take advice from?
- Swy gets told not to marry her high school sweetheart.
- What is an “askhole”?
- How bad advice nearly killed Sean… literally.
- Working for free or discounted rates.
- “‘Yes men’ don’t build great companies.”
- Building your social media for good advice.
- The crew is asked: “What’s the worst advice you’ve given?”
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Director of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wiley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

Landing Real Estate Leads from YouTube with Brenna Foster
Every real estate agent knows the importance of creating video content online. What few agents realize is that when done intentionally, platforms like YouTube can be a lead generating machine for your business. This week Sean Miku, our CEO and founder sits down with Brenna Foster, a HOMie who without any previous experience in creating content, and dive in on how she has turned her YouTube channel “Moving to Tennessee” into a recurring source of leads. Here are some of the topics they cover:
- Where Brenna learned how to set up her YouTube channel
- Do you need experience with video or photography to start a channel?
- How to overcome doubting your ability to create videos
- The one thing Brenna did to kickstart her videos
- How many leads has Brenna received from her videos?
- How does Brenna edit her videos?
- Should you go hyperlocal in the content of your videos?
- How to create community with your videos
- How long is the sales cycle for Brenna’s YouTube leads?
- How Brenna “embraced the suck” of grinding through the first few months of creating videos.
- The importance of relatability in your videos
- The hardest part about making videos
- How does YouTube compare to other marketing lead generation methods?
Want to know more about Brenna or have a question about moving to Tennessee? You can find her here:
Brenna Foster | Realtor |Relocation Specialist
865-228-8844
Brennafosterrealtor@gmail.com
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Director of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wiley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

Personal Branding for Real Estate Agents - Authenticity, timing, and setting the right expectations - with Derek Trainer
This week on the simpliHOM podcast we have Derek Trainer (contact linked below) joining us to talk about how he closed $20.7 million in volume in 2021 (with $24mil projected for 2022 as of June) and how his personal branding contributed to that growth. Derek shares his wisdom on when he started to think about branding himself for his business, how you can start building yours, and how setting the right expectations could be the key to it all. Here are some of the things we covered:
- Who is Derek Trainer?
- Why Derek’s mission is to “Change the way people view the Realtor”
- When did Derek start focusing on his branding with his real estate business?
- Authenticity in branding and how it makes you relatable
- What is Ryan Serhant doing that is changing personal branding for agents?
- Authenticity when it comes to working with your clients.
- The three biggest expectations that Derek sets for all of his clients before ever working with them.
- How did Derek create those three expectations?
- The number one skill you need that will have the biggest impact in your business.
- What is step 1 in branding yourself?
- How to not be like every other real estate agent on social media
- Swy's pointers on making a great Instagram Reel
Where you can find Derek:
@trainergroup on Instagram
/The615agent on Facebook
Derek Trainer on YouTube
Trainer.homes on the Web
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Director of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wiley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

Advice for Real Estate Agents: A practical guide on how to build deeper rapport with your clients by telling your story
This week on the simpliHOM Podcast we’re helping real estate professionals how to better tell their story using the oldest framework for creating the top producing movies, TV shows, books, and branding the world has ever seen. Really. We’re giving you a process to better communicate your story to your potential and existing clients so you can build rapport by relating at the most human level possible. Don’t fall into the trap of being one-dimensional in your business. You are MORE than what you do.
- Brett is missing but we show him some love
- How Sean learned to tell his story using stand up comedy
- What is the Hero’s Journey and how does it relate to your branding?
- Who’s the hero in your business?
- How do your services solve your client’s philosophical problems?
- How a one word change on our recruiting site hamstrung our recruiting efforts.
- The number one tool to relate to others when communicating with them
- The importance of being relatable in your marketing
- THE KEY to learning without a mentor by… having many mentors
- How to curate your social feeds to become more focused
- Preparing for the hate that will come with telling your story
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Director of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wyley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

"Cinco De Hangout" - challenges with video, scaling culture in a real estate brokerage, and bad behavior
This week on the simpliHOM Podcast the HOMies spend some time reminiscing about the good (and bad) at the simpliHOM annual awards ceremony and the challenges that come along with scaling culture in a real estate brokerage. We hope you enjoy this raucous crew’s recount of one of real estate’s fastest growing brokerages. Here are some of the topics:
- Caffeine and protein
- How much did you drink during quarantine?
- How to get your significant other to work out with you
- Swy confronts the boys about their behavior at the awards ceremony
- The challenges of creating video content under a tight deadline
- Kyle absolutely shafted Brett with the biggest video in simpliHOM history
- How to adapt when operating costs triple
- The challenges of culture and scale with a real estate company
- How churches inspired subculture strategy
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Director of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wyley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

Landing Listings in a Chaotic Real Estate Market with Brett Ratkowski
This week on the simpliHOM podcast, our COO and marketing guru Brett Ratkowski is going to show you how to find more seller leads in your market. This is a practical podcast which means you’re going to want to take notes and take action NOW. If you find the info in this podcast helpful, let us know by following and liking :)
- Big changes in the simpliHŌM ecosystem
- The challenges of the Nashville,TN real estate market
- Is it advantageous to market that you support local buyers?
- The effects of hedge fund buyers on your neighbors
- The top 3 things to getting more seller leads as a real estate agent
- How to add set up and communicate your value proposition
- How to take advantage of circle prospecting
- Besides cold-calling, what are some ways to drum up new seller leads
- Should you use tiktok for leads?
- The trick with bandit signs…
- The taboo of working without a commission
- What platforms are you using to gain leads?
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Director of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wyley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

Create 1,000+ videos for your real estate business - A chat with Austin Gardner with Loft Realty
This week on the simpliHOM Podcast we’re bringing in Austin Gardner (linktr.ee here) , a content creating machine and real estate agent from north of the Mason-Dixon line. As an agent at Loft Realty in Milford, Delaware Austin splits his time between selling real estate, working as a first responder, and getting his time in at the gym. In this episode however, we take a peak at Austin’s formula for creating over 1,000 pieces of content a year and how you can apply it to your business.
- As a real estate agent, how do you get started creating video content?
- How do you know what content to shoot?
- What is the “Garfield Complex”?
- How and where should you post your content?
- Should you post to TikTok?
- How do you turn your content into a lead generation tool?
- How many pieces of content is Austin releasing every year?
- Document vs. Create
- Advice for introverts wanting to do video
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Director of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wyley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

Advice for real estate agents: Interest rates and delivering exceptional service from a senior loan officer
This week on the simpliHOM podcast we’re bringing in David Lippe, a senior loan officer from SWBC that’s been in the business for over 20 years. David sits down with our CEO Sean Miku to talk about how interest rates are and will affect Nashville, Tennessee and surrounding areas and how you can gain a competitive advantage by creatively solving your client’s financial situations. David is a wealth of knowledge so pull out your note taking method of choice and get ready to grow. Here are some of topics covered:
- Are high interest rates here to stay?
- Reflections on $1,000/sq. ft. property values in Nashville, TN
- How the growth in Nashville, TN is affecting property values in select cities
- What real estate agents do to win for their clients when it come to financing
- The benefits of putting more down when buying a home
- The six negotiable points to a TAR contract
- Waiving financing… should you do it?
- How many out of state buyers is a mortgage lender seeing in Middle Tennessee
- Will the market correct?
- What will happen when interest rates settle?
- The difference between interest rates and mortgage rates
- Why are out of state buyers justifying paying way above listing price?
- “Delayed Financing” and how it benefits cash buyers
- Using a HELOC to pay off your mortgage. Is that a good idea?
- Advice for Realtors: David Lippe’s recipe for delivering exceptional service
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Director of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wyley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

Are you going to die or push back? - Inspiration and Real Estate with Elizabeth Taylor
Today we bring on special guest Elizabeth Taylor (@theelizabethtaylor on Instagram), an award-winning Realtor at Compass, wife mom, and MS survivor who has been CRUSHING real estate and life. In 2020 she sold 60 houses in the Nashville, Tennessee area and this year she’s on track to do the same all while battling not only the pulls of normal life but the complications that come along with being diagnosed with MS at 24 years old. In this episode, Elizabeth talks about the effects of growing up in a cult, removing limiting beliefs, the value of authenticity, and so much more! Here’s some talking points covered:
- What do you do in the face of inevitability?
- Are you going to die or stand up and push back?
- What would you do if you knew you couldn’t lose?
- Removing limiting beliefs. “What is holding you back?”
- Visualizing your future
- The power of intentionality and what Elizabeth’s daily routine is like.
- The struggle of being “authentic” online
- How “seasons” of workload occur in real estate and how to handle them
- “Busy” vs productive
- What’s up with chiropractors?
- Should you shoot for the moon or set realistic expectations?
- The origin of the hexagon in simpliHOM’s logo and how it relates to Saturn and DNA
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Director of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wyley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

HOMie Hangout - Raising Millions of Dollars, Tiny Doors, and the Nashville Real Estate Market
This week on the simpliHŌM Podcast, the crew digs into the current real estate market and why Sean is wearing a suit again (trust us, the answer involves MILLIONS of dollars). The HŌMies also journey through what immersive technology means for the future of real estate and how simpliHŌM is preparing for the shift into the Metaverse. Here are some other things they cover:
- The mindset behind Sean wearing suits
- Swy’s tiny doors and new refrigerator
- Brett’s refrigerator debacle
- The science behind why wood floors cup and crown from water and humidity
- Fundraising millions of dollars
- The future of immersive technology in real estate
- Inflation and interest rates
- The economic and housing impact of out of state buyers on the Nashville market
- How to know if your house is appreciating
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Director of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wyley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

More Money and More Time - How to Turn Your Real Estate Career into a "Real" Real Estate Business
This week on the simpliHOM Podcast Sean Miku, our CEO and Brett Ratkowski, our COO dig into how you can convert your real estate business as an agent, into a business that operates without YOU! How do you identify where to start first? How do you build a process that works every time? How do you free up your time and grow your income to get closer to the life you’re working so hard to achieve? Well of course, this process takes longer than a 45 minute podcast but what you learn today will bring you one step closer. Here’s some of what they cover:
- The difference between a real estate business and a real estate job
- The “Vacation Test” or the “Extended Vacation Test”
- Identifying where to start transitioning into a business
- "Cookbooks and Recipes"
- How to transfer trust to your assistant/buyer’s agent for your client
- Is starting a team right for you?
- Systems and processes and how often you should revise them
- How to break down your processes to then automate and/or delegate them
- Can you afford an assistant? What is your time worth?
- Where to start when you are a new agent.
- When it comes to looking at your competitors…
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Director of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wyley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

Conversations with a CEO - Hedge Fund Investors, Housing Bubbles, and the future of New Construction with Sean Miku and David Balfour
Support. It is hands down the number one thing agents indicate they need when joining simpliHŌM. This week simpliHŌM’s CEO Sean Miku sits down with David Balfour, one of our Principal Brokers and valuable support staff to talk about the economy and housing market in Nashville and beyond.
David Balfour has been a Principal Broker since 2005, has taken over 360 hours in specialized education and certifications, and currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Middle TN Association of Realtors. With over 750 successful real estate transactions, David is a valued fount of information and wisdom. Here’s what he and Sean Miku cover this week:
- Economic outlook for real estate agents
- The future of new construction
- How to advise you buyers in this seller’s market
- What will a bump in interest rate do to the housing market?
- The difference between the mortgage bubble and a housing bubble
- The effect of investor hedge funds on the local market
- Predictions of the real estate investment market for the next 8-10 years
- How to succeed as a real estate agent in a crazy seller’s market
- How to not overthink lead generation
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Director of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wyley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

22 Rules for 2022 Part 2: Practical Advice for Making 2022 a Year for GROWTH
This week on the simpliHOM Podcast, we wrap up our two part series on our 22 Rules for 2022. This episode is PACKED with practical advice on finishing this year strong. Let us know on our socials @simplihom what your rules are for 2022. Do you agree with ours? What would you change? Here’s what we cover on this episode:
- Kyle is proud of his kids, Brett is proud of his abs, Swy is proud of adulting, Sean is proud of time away
- The importance of pushing one more step
- Mental health and "me time"
- The sign that you've lost control of your future
- Being comfortable with tough conversations
- How to avoid resentment
- Look forward to the words "You've changed"
- Take your vitamins
- Detaching from distraction to be present
- Let failure fuel you. When things go bad, respond with “Good.”
- Replacing “I Can’t” with “How can I?”
- Get active with your family
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Director of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wyley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

22 Rules for 2022 Part 1: Practical Advice for Making 2022 A Year for GROWTH
This week on The simpliHOM Podcast, Swy puts “the boys” in their places after they (kind of) fail to prepare for this practical and philosophical topic: “What are your ‘rules for life’ this year and moving forward?”. What about you? What are some of your rules for 2022 and beyond? Let us know on our socials!
- “The Boys” are in the dog house
- Highs and lows
- When “setting expectations” goes horribly wrong
- 75 hard
- Integrate “play” into your life
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Director of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wyley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

Poor vs. Broke: Firing friends, financial literacy, abundance vs. scarcity, and overcoming "poor"
“Poor vs. Broke”… There’s a lifetime’s worth of difference between these two concepts but the HŌMies are going to try to break it down in this week’s episode. Our number one priority is to educate and inspire real estate professionals and hopefully if you’ve found yourself in a position where you are “broke” or if you’ve been stuck in a “poor” environment for a while, we hope this episode will help.
- Scarcity vs. Abundance
- How the team’s past experiences shape mindset
- The difference between poor and broke
- Financial literacy can become your protection from being poor
- Habits and thought patterns dictate your results
- Your upbringing trains an abundance or lack mindset
- How to surround yourself with people that has an abundance mindset
- What gets you out of a poor mindset?
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Director of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wyley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

HOMie Hangout - Horror stories from running a business
Horror stories… When you’ve been in business long enough, the chances that things go from “Good” to “Things are definitely not good” very quickly is inevitable. This week we ask the HOMies what time in their careers they experienced things going catastrophically wrong.
Have a story you want to tell? Let us know on our socials.
- How wire fraud cost Brett’s client over $200k dollars
- How AOL email signatures fell from glory
- Kyle was held at gunpoint in Chad
- Something about homeless guys taking Kyle to a bar in Jamaica
- Who doesn’t want “FU” money?
- Sean reveals the time a deal almost caused a divorce
- “We would love for you ta…”
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Director of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wyley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

The Great Debate
On this episode of the simpliHOM Podcast, we dive deep into the minds of members of our leadership team on what they would do if presented the following scenario: 10 million dollars cash today or relive your life from the age of six with all of the knowledge you have today. This turns into a heated philosophical debate that split the table in two with discussions on regret and how it motivates us, our deepest fears, and the struggles of childhoods.
So, which would you choose? Let us know on our socials!
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Director of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wyley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

HŌMie Hangout - How to hire, fire, and a story about wires
What does it take to work for a great company? What does it take to hire great people? The crew tackles these challenges as well as enjoying a few laughs as they reminisce about their first cars and mechanical woes. Grab a drink, your favorite snack, and get ready to have a great time hanging with these HŌMies. Here’s the breakdown:
- Swy makes an offer on a house and buys a puppy
- Should you buy the first house you see when looking for a home?
- The team shares their first car horror stories
- What do you look for in a new hire? Skill? Culture? Talent?
- What happens when you refer a friend for work and they don’t live up to your recommendation
- Sean and Swy are not mechanics
- How to get hired at great companies
- Should you hire fast and fire fast?
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Director of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wyley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

Going from 0 to 1 - How to Start in Real Estate (or anything or that matter)
Going from 0 to 1… It’s often the hardest step in the journey towards starting something new. It’s a subject that hits the New York Time’s Best Seller list on a regular basis by authors like Peter Thiel, Ben Horowitz and more indicating its prominence in the minds of anyone starting anything, ever. This week, the HŌMies tackle how to get started with the things that matter most to you. Here's the breakdown:
- Sean makes a monumental change in his wardrobe
- The top three things you need to look for when searching for a brokerage as a new agent
- Beware of “shiny object syndrome”
- How to avoid early distractions
- Which commission structure should you choose
- The #1 thing you need to work on from day 1 as a new agent
- “Ignorance on fire is better than knowledge on ice”
- The caveat to “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
- Stop being “busy” and be effective
- Clearly communicate your goals and ambitions to your mentor/family/spouse
- How to get out of the “I’m mentally exhausted” rut
- “Burning the boats” vs. part-time agent… do you need to quit your 9 to 5?
- Do you need a mentor? Is it necessary?
- We share a list of resources to help you start
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Head of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wyley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy

Failing 101: Self-help stigmas, losing family and friends, and how to grow from it
Whether you are competitive with others or yourself, if you are someone who aspires for success in business and life, you have experienced failure. The difference between those who reach their goals and those who don’t is simply determined by what you learn from those failures. This week we learn the top three reasons real estate agents fail and discuss how to avoid them. Here’s the rundown:
- Boom, Roasted!
- The three most common real estate factors that lead to failure
- Price, Presentation, Promotion: The 3 P’s that save you from real estate failure
- Create a successful business
- “Do the hard thing.”
- Follow-up, follow-up, follow-up
- Commission breath will suffocate your business
- How to handle imposter syndrome and multiple failures
- Dealing with failure when you’re highly competitive
- Swy is Harry Potter
- Learn something from everyone
- The dangers of the negative thoughts
- “In giving advice seek to help, not please your friend.”
- Drop the fear of failure.
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Head of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wyley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

A Year of Reflection and Growth... LOTS of Growth
This week on the simpliHOM Podcast, we reflect on the year and how it has evolved and the challenges we faced along the way. With simpliHOM being the 3rd fastest company in Tennessee, we have a TON to focus on in 2022 and we absolutely cannot wait to spend it with you guys. Here's the breakdown:
- We play “High, Low, Buffalo”
- A Swy favorite - We discuss the goals we set at the beginning of 2021 and if we met them.
- New Year’s Resolutions - Are they overrated?
- “New Year, New Me” and how that affects those of us that already go to the gym
- Should you eliminate alcohol from your life?
- Our personal and company goals for 2022
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Head of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wyley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

How to Get Better at Sales (and why you might not need to) - The tips, tricks, and secrets to selling more real estate
This week on the simpliHŌM Podcast, we’re analyzing the behaviors and skills that lead to SALES. Do you need to be a great salesperson to be a great real estate agent? The answer to this question and more this week! Here's some of the breakdown:
- Learning how to read body language
- Reading the person “type” vs. the person
- How to build confidence when selling
- Should you use a sales script?
- Toolsets that lead to success
- Kyle shares a story about losing a quarter million dollar video deal
- Do you need to be a good salesperson to be successful in real estate?
- Beware of early success
- Advice on how to go from $10million to $20million/year in sales as a real estate agent
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Head of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wyley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

The Dichotomy of "Work-Life Balance" and How to Navigate It
“Family” is relative to each of us but what remains universal is the balance of trying to pursue career and life goals without leaving our families behind. This week we attempt to tackle this subject while providing some practical advice on how we all can manage this dichotomy. What does “work life balance” mean to you?
- The crew talks about their struggles with balancing work and home lives.
- Sean talks about the “Mid-kid crisis” and reflecting on where to spend his time
- What impression are you leaving your kids when you have no work-life balance?
- How to be more present while also staying productive
- Work-life integration vs. work-life balance
- How to balance a strenuous work life while avoiding resentment from your family
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Director of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wyley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

"The One Where Swy Buys a House" - A Case Study
Hey HŌMies! On this episode of the simpliHOM Podcast Swy mentions that she's buying a house soon on a podcast for real estate agents. Let the "I know a good Realtor" comments commence. We discuss being and working with first time homebuyers and how you can carefully craft your expectations to allow for a simple and smooth homebuying process. Finally, we have a very honest conversation about setting personal boundaries with you clients and how to combat "hustle mode" pressures vs. actual productivity. Here's a little more of what we cover:
- m&mgate
- Weird stories
- Swy is looking to buy a house
- Advice for agents to share with your first time homebuyer clients
- Overcoming "buyer's remorse"
- Our advice for how buyers should prep for buying a house before they start looking
- "Let's talk about blinds"
- Firing clients
- Misconceptions about hustle culture
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Director of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wyley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

Being Creative with Customer Service - Is your "why" as important as your "how" and how under-promising and over-delivering is over-rated
On this episode of the simpliHOM Podcast we discuss customer service at large and how you can incorporate creativity into your client's experiences. We also share some of our own personal favorite customer service stories and even share an embarrassing story or two. Here are a few of the topics covered in this episode:
- Brett talks about transitioning into the COO role and the challenges that he has faced doing so.
- Systems and processes - how to double your business
- How to use creativity with your customer service experiences
- How early success turns to delayed failure when you offer good customer service but poor work
- Kyle completely falls apart in a social interaction
- Vision vs Systems - Which is more important?
- Under promise and over deliver or just deliver?
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Head of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wyley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

“What are you going to do about it?” - How to navigate your life and career through the clouds without losing long term vision
On this episode of the simpliHOM Podcast we get DEEP with some personal stories from the HOMies about how they have used their darkest and most painful moments to leverage success. We also hit on principles and mindset shifts that will help you achieve long term success. Here are the things:
- “Moving Target Syndrome” - Honing in on your goals/vision without getting distracted
- Kyle talked to Sean’s mom
- The crew shares moments where they questioned their goals after repeated failure and how they overcame them.
- How to move from “0” to “1” after experiencing a setback
- Can putting yourself through pain on a regular basis increase your threshold for success?
- Realize your worth, actualize your vision.
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Head of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wyley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

Travelling While Running Your Business - How to delegate work, train replacements, and build a better life
This episode is PACKED full of business and life advice from simpliHOM's CEO Sean, Marketing Specialist Swy, COO Brett, and Head of Video and Immersive Tech Kyle. We're covering the topic of "Travel" and what it means to integrate it into your business as an entrepreneur and/or real estate agent. The topics covered this week:
- Does travel help or hurt your business?
- What is the benefit of "talking from experience" when it comes to travel?
- The difference between "owner-operated" and "business owner"
- Not letting go of tasks is the death of a business.
- Transitioning into a new role and how to train your replacement.
- Admitting to yourself that a great team member needs to be smarter than you.
- Is every human decision based on fear?
- Practical advice on how to free up time in your business to travel.
- Separating work from personal worth to allow objective critiques.
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Head of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wyley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

simpliHOM Hangout - Time management for real estate agents and entrepreneurs, "busy" vs. productive, and antidotes for anxiety
This week on the simpliHOM Podcast Sean, Kyle, and Swy sit down and have laid-back conversation about life and business. Here's the breakdown:
- The woes of vacations with children
- How do you dedicate time to more effective tasks when you feel like you don't have any more time to give?
- How "discipline through the pain" leads to success in your personal life and business
- How to work through creative and productive blocks and maximize your "flow"
- The difference between being efficient and being effective in your work
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Head of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wyley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

Connecting with People (even if you don't like them) - Practical advice on connecting with others from introverts and extroverts
This week on the simpliHOM Podcast, we dive into how to connect with others as an entrepreneur, real estate agent, and human being. We cover a lot on this episode so grab a notepad or keyboard and take notes because Sean and crew offer practical advice to implement TODAY. Here's some of the breakdown:
- Most books on connecting and networking are written by extroverts for extroverts so how do you succeed in it if you are more introverted?
- Advice from our COO Brett on how to optimize time networking and make deeper connections with people by asking the right questions.
- How door to door sales and cold calling helped Sean develop the skills to talk to anyone and more importantly, listen to anyone.
- Sales strategies for closing more deals.
- "Handshake science"
- How to have tough conversations with employees that aren't happy.
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Head of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wyley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive

Clarity of Vision - Getting free of distraction, goal setting vs. commitment making, burnout, "Hustle Culture", and daily habits for success
In this inaugural episode of the simpliHOM Podcast, we cover all things "vision" - how to lose it, how to find it again, and how to leverage it. Here's some of the breakdown:
- Sean goes to Colorado and get's 100% clarity by creating physical distance from distractions.
- We discuss the differences between goal setting and commitment making.
- We share our daily habits for success.
- Burnout - How to recognize it, how to prevent it, and how to cure it.
- We pierce the veil on "hustle culture".
The simpliHŌM Podcast is a new entrepreneurial podcast that tracks the challenges and changes every human and businessperson faces. Our host and Head of Video and Immersive Technology Kyle Mann, leads conversations with our CEO Sean Miku, our Marketing Specialist Sara Wylie Armstrong, our COO Brett Ratkowski, and others about the world we live in and how that impacts relationships, business and simpliHŌM, one of Tennessee’s fastest growing real estate companies. From starting simpliHŌM to family to everything in between, this podcast follows the ebbs and flows of building something from the ground up. For more content, highlights, and commentary, follow @simplihom on Instagram and Facebook.
Interested in joining the movement of REALTORS® that are getting their time and life back? Visit joinsimplihom.com for more info about simpliHŌM and how we're revolutionizing the real estate industry.
Follow our hosts:
Sean Miku - @seanmiku
Brett Ratkowski - @brettratkowski
Sara Wyley Armstrong (Swy) - @swytheflyguy
Kyle Mann - @kyleispositive