Episodios

  • #712: Freedom Over Friction: How Bryan Colquitt Found More Success by Scaling Back
    Aug 11 2025
    Episode Overview

    In this candid, behind-the-scenes conversation, John Kitchens sits down with top-producing agent and entrepreneur Bryan Colquitt to explore what it really takes to design a real estate business—and a life—that align with your deepest priorities. From dismantling a thriving team of nine agents to rebuild as a highly profitable solo agent, Bryan shares why chasing status nearly cost him his freedom, and how clarity, boundaries, and saying “no” reshaped everything.

    If you’ve ever felt the pressure to grow bigger, do more, and be everywhere—this episode is your permission slip to step back, get intentional, and build a business that serves your life, not the other way around.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode

    Key #1: Redefining Success

    • Why “freedom” beats “status” every time

    • How becoming a parent forced Bryan to re-evaluate everything

    • The non-negotiables that guide every business decision now

    Key #2: Letting Go of the Ego

    • How to step away from a big team without burning bridges

    • Why comparison is the thief of joy—and how to stop chasing someone else’s dream

    • Removing the fear of “what will people think?” when making big changes

    Key #3: Lean, Profitable Operations

    • Running a high-margin business as a solo agent

    • How Bryan’s mornings and evenings are structured for presence at home

    • The “main thing” that keeps business moving every day (hint: conversations)

    Key #4: Navigating a “Have-To” Market

    • Why most real estate decisions right now are emotional, not logical

    • How to uncover the real “why” behind a client’s move

    • Serving as an advisor—not just a salesperson—even when it means telling clients to wait

    Key #5: Trust Over Transactions

    • Building long-term relationships through transparency and empathy

    • Setting boundaries with clients while elevating the service experience

    • How emotional intelligence creates referrals and repeat business in any market

    Tools & Resources Mentioned
    • Traction by Gino Wickman – for operational clarity

    • Coldwell Banker Advantage – Bryan’s brokerage partner

    • Sphere & Database Marketing – Bryan’s primary lead source strategy

    Final Takeaway

    Success isn’t about the size of your team, the number of transactions, or the title on your business card. It’s about designing a business that fuels your perfect day, protects your time, and gives you the freedom to be fully present where it matters most. Bryan Colquitt’s journey proves that stepping back can be the boldest move forward.

    “You have to say no to the wrong things so you can say yes to the right life.” – Bryan Colquitt

    Connect with Us:
    • Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach
    • LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach
    • Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

    If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

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    50 m
  • #711: Building Leverage, Trust & AI Efficiency in Real Estate
    Aug 7 2025
    Episode Overview

    In this episode, John Kitchens and Jay Kinder go deep on what might be the most important conversation agents need to be having right now: how to create real leverage in your business—through people, systems, partnerships, and AI.

    From NIL deals in pro sports to why some mega teams are leaving and returning to eXp for better structure, they draw powerful parallels between elite performance and entrepreneurial decision-making. The guys break down what it actually means to own customer acquisition, how to unlock additional revenue streams, and why agents who embrace AI will grow faster than ever before.

    This one is full of real talk, tested frameworks, and future-focused strategies every top agent should hear.

    Key Topics Covered Building Leverage in a Shifting Market
    • What NIL deals and pro athletes can teach agents about personal branding and leverage

    • Why agents leave eXp—and why smart ones come back for better alignment and structure

    • The real definition of leverage: creating results that extend far beyond your direct effort

    Scaling Through Systems, Not Sacrifice
    • How to identify and offload low-leverage tasks

    • Why most agents are stuck because they won’t build the systems that free them

    • How onboarding, coaching, and leadership structure impacts team growth

    The Vendor Leverage Model
    • Turning trusted vendors into win-win partnerships

    • How a pest control guy became a 10-year retention win for one team

    • Why every transaction feeds multiple people—and how to be at the center of it

    Lifetime Client Value & The Raving Fan Model
    • Why the first deal is only 3% of a client’s total value

    • The mindset shift from “commission chaser” to “trusted resource for life”

    • How to build a local ecosystem that keeps your name top of mind for years

    AI-Driven Productivity & Efficiency
    • Why AI is the most scalable “who” in your business right now

    • How to use AI for speed-to-lead, DISC profiling, and real-time objection handling

    • The difference between inputting content vs. layering market intelligence into your AI

    Why the Future Belongs to Expert Advisors
    • Why consumers now feel more informed than their agents

    • The shift from information delivery to interpretation and guidance

    • How AI tools like Sphere and Satori personalize communication at scale

    Owning the Problem = Owning the Market
    • What agents can learn from StoryBrand about becoming the guide, not the hero

    • The simple question every agent should answer before setting goals:
      “What’s the problem I’m uniquely qualified to solve?”

    • How CHSA/CHBA frameworks still anchor value—even in an AI world

    Resources Mentioned
    • HoneyBadgerNation.com – Tickets, tools, merch, nominations

    • StoryBrand by Donald Miller

    • The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni

    • The AI-Driven Leader – Recommended reading for real estate pros in 2025

    • CHSA & CHBA Certification – Learn how to guide with authority

    • Sphere & Satori AI Tools – Hyper-personalized communication tech for agents

    "If you own the problem, you own the market." – John Kitchens

    Connect with Us:
    • Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach
    • LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach
    • Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

    If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

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    26 m
  • #710: Riches in the Niches: Building a Real Estate Brand Around What You Love with Stacey Lambright
    Aug 5 2025
    Episode Overview

    In this episode, John Kitchens sits down with powerhouse agent and bourbon enthusiast Stacey Lambright to explore how passion, community, and storytelling can unlock explosive real estate growth. Stacy shares the incredible journey of how a random bourbon closing gift spiraled into a full-blown niche, leading to a deeper community presence, charity impact, a YouTube show (Bourbon and Builds), and her best year in real estate yet.

    They unpack the power of relationships, how to turn a niche into a lead-generating machine, and why understanding lifetime value is the key to long-term growth. This episode is a must-listen for agents ready to go deeper, not wider, and who want to build a brand around what they love.

    Key Topics Covered Turning Passion Into Profit
    • How a single bourbon gift led to a thriving real estate niche

    • What makes the bourbon community a surprisingly rich sphere for real estate

    • Using your interests to build trust, credibility, and lasting relationships

    Niching Down Without Limiting Growth
    • Why “riches in the niches” starts with genuine enthusiasm, not strategy

    • How to become the go-to agent in your passion-based community

    • Blending lifestyle, content, and relationships for organic client growth

    Building a Brand with Bourbon & Builds
    • Behind the scenes of Stacy’s Bourbon and Builds YouTube series

    • Connecting custom home builders with distillery storytelling

    • How a builder + bourbon interview format bridges multiple audiences

    Relationship Marketing Done Right
    • Why database management is still the holy grail of growth

    • How one low-commission, 2%-fee deal turned into $1.5M in volume

    • The importance of staying top of mind through social, events, and follow-up

    Leveraging Lead Sources Without Burnout
    • Why Stacy said yes to every lead—no matter how small or far

    • The 3-year snowball effect that turned Redfin and OpCity deals into a pipeline

    • How to think beyond the referral fee and prioritize lifetime value

    Surviving Market Shifts Like a Pro
    • Lessons learned from riding the market from 1997 to now

    • How to educate sellers with real-time, hyper-local data

    • Pricing strategies that work in today’s evolving inventory landscape

    Elevating Listing Prep & Vendor Networks
    • Getting sellers aligned with market expectations before going live

    • Building a vetted contractor network for deferred maintenance and prep

    • Creating win-win solutions with staging, painting, and fix-before-you-list services

    Resources & Tools Mentioned
    • Bourbon and Builds YouTube Series → Subscribe Here

    • EXP Lead Programs: Redfin, OpCity, Veterans United

    • National Women’s Bourbon Council (Ohio Chapter)

    • Custom CRM tips for long-term database nurture

    • Charity Partnership: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ($51K raised!)

    “Passion builds trust. When you show up consistently in a community you love, the business follows.” – John Kitchens

    Connect with Us:
    • Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach
    • LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach
    • Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

    If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

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    42 m
  • #709: How to Thrive in a Market Where 15% of Deals Are Falling Apart
    Jul 31 2025
    Episode Overview:

    In this episode of One Big Fire, John Kitchens and Jay Kinder is joined by top-producing Ohio team leader Jon Harp to tackle one of the biggest challenges in real estate today: why so many agents are struggling—and what the best are doing to win. With fallout rates at a five-year high and buyers more selective than ever, John and Jon unpack what’s actually working right now to recruit, convert, and close in a shifting market.

    They cover everything from buyer presentation gaps, seller psychology, and inventory shifts to the real metrics every team leader needs to track to survive and scale. Whether you’re leading a growing team or flying solo, this conversation is full of real-talk insights, tested strategies, and actionable systems to help you thrive—not just survive—in today’s market.

    Key Topics Covered The Buyer Presentation Black Hole
    • Why zero of 75 agents had a buyer presentation (and why that’s a massive red flag)

    • The difference between working with buyers versus chasing them

    • How a structured buyer process builds trust, reduces fallout, and increases conversions

    Understanding Fallout Rates & Buyer Behavior
    • Why June’s home cancellation rate hit a record 15%

    • How to pre-frame buyer remorse by educating clients on true cost of ownership

    • The overlooked financial pressures (HOA, insurance, taxes) killing deals

    Sellers Need More Than Motivation

    • Why “motivated” isn’t enough—you need to uncover desperation

    • The questions that reveal a seller’s real urgency

    • How to guide sellers without relying on hope or wishful pricing

    Inventory, Pricing Pressure & Market Positioning
    • Zillow’s data on price cuts and inventory spikes: what it means for you

    • How to use hyperlocal market knowledge to guide pricing strategy

    • Creating listing presentations that anticipate objections and pre-frame value

    Agent Habits That Actually Move the Needle
    • The #1 difference between agents who grow and those who ghost

    • How immersion, shadowing, and simple daily activities drive faster results

    • What every new agent should be doing in their first 30 days (hint: not branding)

    Lifetime Value and Playing the Long Game
    • The 5-deal story that started with a $126K Zillow lead

    • Why top teams invest in leads that produce years of revenue

    • Teaching agents to value relationships over commission checks

    Recruiting, Retention & Culture-Building
    • Why some agents “stall out” at $1M in revenue

    • The team structure, systems, and mindset shifts that break through the ceiling

    • Creating predictable onboarding and momentum-building experiences

    Resources & Tools Mentioned
    • BAM & Zillow data reports on inventory and home cancellations

    • Buyer presentation frameworks and fallout tracking systems

    • Agent to CEO Live – Sept 24-25 in Cleveland

      • Includes ticket to Rock the Spectrum 10-Year Anniversary

      • Tickets & nomination forms: HoneyBadgerNation.com

    Upcoming Event: Agent to CEO Live
    • Sept 24–25 | Cleveland, OH

    • Limited to 100 seats – nearly sold out!

    • Master the systems, mindsets, and strategies that take you from agent to business owner.

    • Includes ticket to Rock the Spectrum benefit concert!

    • Get yours at agentceo.com or honeybadgernation.com

    “You can’t rely on hope as a strategy. You need process, data, and the guts to tell sellers the truth.” – John Kitchens

    Connect with Us:
    • Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach
    • LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach
    • Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

    If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

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    47 m
  • #708: No Excuses, Just Action: Rose Offord’s Rise to Honey Badger of the Month
    Jul 25 2025
    Episode Overview

    In this special edition of Expert Mentors Live, John Kitchens, Al Stasek, and Jay Kinder sit down with Rose Offord, July’s Honey Badger of the Month—and the very first to hold the title! Her story is one of resilience, raw hustle, and unwavering vision. From nearly losing her home to now working on multi-million-dollar deals, Rose’s journey is proof that showing up changes everything.

    In an episode packed with inspiration, mindset strategy, and personal transformation, the team uncovers the traits that define true leadership and what it really means to earn the badge of a Honey Badger in 2025.

    Key Topics Covered Honey Badger of the Month: Rose Offord’s Journey
    • How Rose pulled herself out of foreclosure—three times—without a backup job

    • What it means to "get in the room," to take action, and how EXPCon changed her trajectory

    • The power of personal affirmation, morning rituals, and belief before evidence

    • Why Rose started Mindset to Millionaires and how she’s helping others do the same

    • Her BIG goal: 130 agents in her organization by EXPCon—and 10+ sponsored to attend

    Getting in the Room
    • Why showing up broke beats staying home comfortable

    • How assertiveness is the defining trait of top earners

    • Real stories of agents sleeping in cars just to attend life-changing events

    The Energy of the Environment
    • Creating contagious energy: Rose’s secret weapon for attraction and growth

    • Why proximity and community multiply your potential

    • From mindset huddles to luxury watch events—how Rose is expanding what’s possible

    Leading with Vision and Legacy
    • Rose’s deeper “why”: leaving a legacy for her grandsons and her team

    • What keeps her going, even in hospital beds and high-stress moments

    • How Honey Badger Nation inspired her—and how she plans to pay it forward

    Resources & Mentions
    • HoneyBadgerNation.com – Nominate the next Honey Badger of the Month

    • Mindset to Millionaires Facebook Group – Mondays at 7:00 AM ET

    • Agent to CEO LIVE → Sept 24–25 in Cleveland | VIP + Concert Access Available

    • Rock the Spectrum 2024 – Exclusive performances by Michael Ray, Dustin Black, Josh Phillips & more

    • Breitling Event at EXPCon – In the works thanks to Rose’s initiative

    • StoryBrand by Donald Miller – Framework discussed around clarity and positioning

    • CHSA/CHBA Systems – Learn how to increase value and become a trusted advisor

    • Honey Badger Nation Merch – Legacy gear now available

    “My story’s not over. It won’t be until I’m coaching and inspiring full time, leading a global team.” – Rose Offord

    Connect with Us:
    • Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach
    • LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach
    • Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

    If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

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    31 m
  • #707: Winning in the Arena: Veronica Figueroa’s Blueprint for Tough Markets
    Jul 23 2025
    Episode Overview

    In this episode of the John Kitchens Coach Podcast, John sits down with powerhouse real estate leader Veronica Figueroa to unpack what it really looks like to build, rebuild, and scale in today's high-pressure market. Veronica shares her deeply personal and powerful journey through adversity, loss, leadership transformation, and explosive growth—all while continuing to serve as one of the most influential figures inside eXp Realty.

    From recruiting top talent like Spring Benson and Via Williams to navigating the emotional rollercoaster of family, business, and rapid evolution, this conversation is a raw and honest look at what it means to lead with purpose, passion, and precision. Whether you're a solo agent, team leader, or broker-owner, this episode will fuel your fire and refocus your mission.

    Key Topics Covered

    eXp 2.0 & The Talent Shift

    • Why 2024 marked a major turning point in eXp’s growth and narrative

    • How top-tier leaders are joining forces to redefine the future of real estate

    • What it means to lead a thousand-agent ecosystem with intention and culture

    Leadership Lessons from the Arena

    • Rebuilding after loss, rejection, and hardship

    • Leading through personal adversity: how Veronica turned pain into purpose

    • Why showing up, even when it’s hard, is the real mark of a leader in the arena

    Systems, Accountability & Culture that Scale

    • How Veronica's team tracks engagement, performance, and production

    • What comeback agents teach us about culture, humility, and grit

    • Building “culture centers” and creating ecosystems of support

    Market Skill = Market Confidence

    • Why listing conversations must change—and how to coach through fear

    • Using appraisal workshops, creative finance, and roleplay to build agent skills

    • The importance of qualifying sellers and avoiding “stale listing syndrome”

    The Power of Presence & Relationships

    • How eXp gave Veronica the freedom to be present with her family when it mattered most

    • Why leadership today is about calling, connection, and community

    • How one phone call changed everything: the Spring Benson story

    The Future: Vision, AI, and Global Growth

    • Glenn Sanford’s bold global vision and AI investments

    • How eXp is using tech to onboard 200+ agents in record time

    • Why global scalability and sustainability are now baked into the model

    Resources & Mentions
    • HoneyBadgerNation.com – Events, coaching, merch, and more

    • eXp Global – Agent onboarding, international expansion updates

    • Veronica Figueroa – Instagram | Figueroa Team

    • AI Masterminds at eXp – Tech-driven growth sessions with top producers

    • “List Responsibly” Campaign – Jill Biggs' viral billboard message

    • BAM Media BBQ – Content, strategy, and leadership series with Leo Pareja

    • Coach V Monday Mindset Calls – Weekly agent accountability & inspiration

    Final Takeaway
    • Leadership isn't about being perfect—it’s about being present.
    • You’re one relationship away from the rest of your life changing.
    • Show up. Lead the way. And never forget: “You can’t scale chaos. You can only scale systems.”

    “Leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present.”

    Connect with Us:
    • Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach
    • LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach
    • Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

    If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

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    36 m
  • #706: How Mary Murphy Rebuilt Her Business on Her Terms
    Jul 19 2025
    Episode Overview

    In this episode of the John Kitchens Coach Podcast, John sits down with powerhouse real estate leader Mary Murphy to unpack how she built a thriving, 7-figure business—remotely. Mary opens up about her bold move from New Jersey to Arizona, how she scaled out of production, and what she’s learned about building systems, replacing herself, and thinking like a CEO.

    This isn’t about hype or hustle. It’s about leadership, accountability, and being willing to become the “dumbest person in the room” so you can grow faster. Mary shares how she built a business that works harder for her than she does for it, and why too many agents stay stuck by clinging to control and avoiding change.

    If you’re ready to scale smart, operate with clarity, and unlock real freedom in your real estate career, this episode is for you.

    Key Topics Covered

    From Agent to CEO

    • How Mary transitioned from top producer to operator

    • The mindset shift required to replace yourself in daily production

    • What freedom really means as a business owner—and how to protect it

    Operating Systems & Strategic Leadership

    • The importance of implementing EOS and core systems

    • How to lead a remote team without losing accountability

    • Why clarity, focus, and consistent metrics drive long-term success

    Scaling Your with Intention

    • How Mary uses scorecards, roles, and accountability charts to stay out of the weeds

    • The difference between delegation and abdication—and why it matters

    • Building an org chart that supports your vision (not your ego)

    Getting in the Right Rooms

    • Why Mary credits her breakthroughs to proximity and powerful peer groups

    • How joining masterminds and attending events changed her trajectory

    • What “being the dumbest in the room” really looks like in action

    Lifestyle Design & Business Alignment

    • Why Mary left New Jersey to design her life first—and business second

    • How she leads with authenticity, balance, and boundaries

    • Building a things that supports—not sacrifices—your lifestyle

    Resources & Mentions
    • HoneyBadgerNation.com – Leadership resources & Agent to CEO access

    • EOS® – Entrepreneurial Operating System – Real estate team operating framework

    • Scaling Up by Verne Harnish – Business system Mary references

    • Simple Numbers by Greg Crabtree – The foundation of Mary's financial clarity

    • The Science of Scaling by Benjamin Hardy – For raising your floor and setting “impossible” goals

    • Agent to CEO 2025 – Join Mary, John, and the nation’s top real estate minds

    Final Takeaway

    Freedom doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you stop winging it, get the right systems in place, and surround yourself with people who challenge you to level up. If you're tired of staying stuck, scaling the wrong way, or burning out—Mary’s story is your proof that there’s another way.

    “You can’t scale chaos. But you can scale a system—and step out of production in the process.” – Mary Murphy

    Connect with Us:
    • Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach
    • LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach
    • Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

    If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

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    54 m
  • #705: The Operating System Behind 7-Figure Real Estate Teams
    Jul 17 2025
    Episode Overview

    In this episode of the John Kitchens Coach Podcast, John, Al Stasek, and Jay Kinder sit down to talk real estate leadership, scaling beyond sales, and what true CEOs are doing differently in 2025. While the spotlight is on the upcoming Agent to CEO + Rock the Spectrum event, the conversation dives deep into what it actually takes to build a scalable, profitable, and freedom-driven real estate business.

    They unpack why most agents stay stuck in production, the importance of operating systems like Scaling Up and EOS, and how elite agents like Blake Sloan, Tina Caul, and Dustin Black are running world-class organizations—even in tough markets.

    Whether you’re an agent stuck in survival mode or a team leader ready to scale up and step out, this episode shows you exactly what’s working now—and how to stop playing small.

    Key Topics Covered From Agent to CEO (7-Figure +)
    • Why scaling requires more than hustle—it takes systems and strategic thinking

    • The power of events like Agent to CEO to create awareness, action, and accountability

    • The importance of getting in the right rooms and surrounding yourself with people operating at a higher level

    Why Most Agents Stay Stuck
    • The cost of staying in production too long

    • How awareness and environment can break the ceiling

    • Why the right room challenges you to think, act, and lead differently

    Operating Systems & Frameworks for Real Estate Teams
    • How Scaling Up, EOS, and The 4 Disciplines of Execution provide a blueprint for growth

    • The value of knowing your numbers: top line, gross margin, and net profit

    • The “dumbest in the room” concept—and why that’s where you want to be

    Lessons from High-Level (7-Figure) Operators
    • How Blake Sloan runs a 43% profit-margin team in a 120-day DOM market

    • What makes Dustin Black’s model scalable and service-driven

    • Why Tina Caul and Michelle Wilson are examples of women CEO leaders in real estate

    Thinking Bigger: The Science of Scaling
    • Why most agents set goals that are too small

    • How setting “unachievable goals” forces a higher standard of thinking

    • The role of clarity, focus, and noise elimination in reaching big visions

    The Power of Events & Community
    • What makes Agent to CEO and Rock the Spectrum unique

    • Why this isn’t a recruiting event—it’s a business transformation experience

    • How attending impacts both your business and a greater cause (RIM Farms)

    Resources & Mentions
    • HoneyBadgerNation.com – Get your Agent to CEO tickets

    • Scaling Up by Verne Harnish – Business operating system framework

    • The Science of Scaling by Benjamin Hardy – How to think beyond your goals

    • StoryBrand by Donald Miller – Framework for client clarity

    • Simple Numbers by Greg Crabtree – How to track and manage business financials

    • Rock the Spectrum 2024 – Live music, networking, and fundraising

    • RIM Farms – Charity supported by Rock the Spectrum

    Final Takeaway

    Success in 2025 doesn’t come from working more—it comes from thinking bigger.
    If you’re stuck in production, unclear on your numbers, or unsure how to scale, the Agent to CEO experience is your next move. Get in the right room. Raise your floor. Set unachievable goals. And build the business—and life—you deserve.

    🎟 Grab your ticket at agenttoceocle.com – VIP spots are limited!

    “If your business doesn’t give you freedom, it’s not a business—it’s a job with overhead.” – John Kitchens

    Connect with Us:
    • Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach
    • LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach
    • Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

    If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

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    36 m