Rob Nelson hosts an inspiring episode with Alex Griffin, a successful broker in Vail, Colorado, who shares his unique journey of starting his career with Ninja Selling principles from day one - through a college course taught by Larry Kendall himself.

This episode is a masterclass in building a real estate career with intention. Alex recounts his incredible start, transitioning from a university classroom directly into a high-stakes role at The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Vail during a pivotal time in the market. He shares the invaluable lessons learned from mentors like Larry Kendall and Matt Blake and breaks down the strategies he uses to thrive in the complex Vail resort market. From building a powerful referral network to navigating roles as a sales assistant, top-producing agent, and managing broker, Alex’s story proves that the Ninja system is a powerful foundation for success in any market, at any stage of your career.

Discover why deep-seated relationships and creating value are the keys to a sustainable business, and learn how the "Return on Enjoyment" can be the most important metric for clients in a luxury market.

Episode Highlights:

• An Introduction to Vail Broker Alex Griffin

• Starting a Real Estate Career the Ninja Way... in College!

• The Inside Story of Selling The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail

• Thriving in a High-End, Luxury Resort Market

• The Power of Mentorship with Larry Kendall and Matt Blake

• Transitioning Through Roles: From Sales Assistant to Top Agent to Managing Broker

• How to Build a Powerful Referral Network in Feeder Markets

• The Difference Between ROI (Return on Investment) and ROE (Return on Enjoyment)

• Why the Right Referral Partner Matters More Than the Brand

Key Takeaways:

"I say that it was like getting my master's degree in high-end new development, luxury condominium sales in a resort market."

"One of my favorite terms to use is your ROE, your ‘return on enjoyment’."

"He always said, 'Find a mentor, find a mentor,' and someone that you really look up to and want to become."

"You work backwards from the client's best interest."

"It doesn't matter what jersey they wear. What matters most is that they're the right agent for the right people."

"There's a difference between proactive and reactive, of being on accident as opposed to on purpose. Where's the blend? Where's the middle?"

"I was a Ninja in name only because I didn't know what I didn't know."

Links:

• Website: http://www.NinjaSelling.com/Podcast

• Email: TSW@NinjaSelling.com

• Phone: 1-800-254-1650

• Podcast Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/TheNinjaSellingPodcast

• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NinjaSelling

• Instagram: @NinjaSellingOfficial

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ninjaselling

• Upcoming Public Ninja Installations: https://NinjaSelling.com/events/list/?tribe_eventcategory%5B0%5D=183&tribe__ecp_custom_2%5B0%5D=Public

• Ninja Coaching: http://www.NinjaSelling.com/course/ninja-coaching/

• Alex Griffin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderhgriffin/

Eric Thompson hosts a very special episode featuring none other than Matthew Gardner, one of North America's leading real estate economists. Together, they dive deep into the real estate market at the halfway point of the year, providing clarity and data-driven insights to help you navigate the current landscape.

Matthew cuts through the noise of media headlines, explaining why today’s market isn't crashing and what key metrics you should really be watching. From the surprising strength of home prices to the truth about inventory levels, this conversation provides the perspective needed to be a proactive, trusted advisor.

Discover the real driver behind mortgage rates (it’s not what you think!), learn about the impact of tariffs on new construction, and get Matthew’s forecast on transaction volume and interest rates for the coming years. This episode is packed with takeaways you can share directly with your clients to position yourself as a true market authority.

• An Introduction to Leading Real Estate Economist Matthew Gardner

• A Mid-Year Check-In on the Market’s Vital Signs

• Why Prices are at an All-Time High and What It Means

• The Importance of Comparing Today’s Inventory to 2019, Not Last Year

• Unpacking Why the Market is Not Going to Crash

• The True Connection Between 30-Year Mortgage Rates and the 10-Year Treasury

• Understanding the “Spread” and Why It’s Wider Than Normal

• A Look Ahead at Where Interest Rates and Transaction Volume are Headed

• How Tariffs and Global Economics are Impacting Housing Costs

• Why New Construction is Now Directly Competing with the Resale Market

• The Biggest Challenge Facing the Next Generation of First-Time Homebuyers

"For well-priced and well-positioned houses, there is still demand."

"The terminal rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages is going to be around that 6 percent level."

"New construction is competing with the resale market."

"My biggest worry out there are our first-time buyers."

"If there was a crash, I would be screaming it from the rooftops, as I was in 2005. But I just don't see it."

"Twenty-seven percent of the things that go into a new-build home are imported from China."

"The median age of a first-time buyer last year was 38. It's supposed to be around 30, 31... Why? Because, again, affordability."

"It's not the amazing market that you saw over the course of coming out of COVID, but there is still a market."

Links:

• Website: http://www.NinjaSelling.com/Podcast

• Email: TSW@NinjaSelling.com

• Phone: 1-800-254-1650

• Podcast Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/TheNinjaSellingPodcast

• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NinjaSelling

• Instagram: @NinjaSellingOfficial

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ninjaselling

• Upcoming Public Ninja Installations: https://NinjaSelling.com/events/list/?tribe_eventcategory%5B0%5D=183&tribe__ecp_custom_2%5B0%5D=Public

• Ninja Coaching: http://www.NinjaSelling.com/course/ninja-coaching/

• Matthew Gardner’s LinkedIn and Facebook: mjdgardner

• Matthew Gardner’s Email: m.gardner@gardnereconomics.com

Rob Nelson is back, and he's starting with the punchline first: our guest today, a rookie in real estate, completed his first year with an incredible 20 transactions and $28 million in volume. That rookie is Koby Bishop, a finalist for RISMedia's Rookie of the Year, and he's here to share exactly how he did it.

Koby unpacks his journey from professional athlete to real estate powerhouse, revealing how the discipline, grit, and competitive drive from his baseball career became the bedrock of his business. He discusses the unique dynamic of learning from his mother, a 20-year industry veteran, and how he proactively built his own sphere by creating immense value for clients outside of the transaction, leading to a powerful organic referral network.

Discover the simple yet profound advice that shaped his approach: "always answer your phone" and "run your business like a 9 to 5 storefront." Koby also shares his strategy for overcoming imposter syndrome through a relentless focus on affirmations and mindset, and how a "dream list" created with his wife provides the ultimate 'why' for pushing past the hard parts. Tune in for an inspiring blueprint on how to launch a real estate career with intention, confidence, and incredible results.

Episode Highlights:
Koby’s Journey from Professional Baseball to a Real estate Rookie

Achieving $28M in Volume and 20 Transactions in His First Year

The Dynamics of Working with a Parent as a Mentor

How to Build a Sphere from Scratch, Even When it Overlaps

The Strategy of Creating Value Beyond the Transaction

Why You Should Always Lean on and Learn from Top Producers

The Two Pieces of Advice: "Always Answer Your Phone" and "Run Your Business 9 to 5"

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with an Athletic Mindset

The Power of Affirmations and Creating a "Dream List" as Your ‘Why’

Developing Grit to Push Past the Hard Parts and Stay Consistent

Key Takeaways:
Approach every day with the proactive mindset of "How can I put a deal together?" to fuel your drive and create momentum.

When faced with a challenge, you have a choice: focus on the obstacle or get into flow and actively create new opportunities.

Prioritize creating value for your clients and making their experience your number one focus.

Two foundational rules for success: always answer your phone and run your business with the structure of a 9-to-5 storefront.

Consistent, disciplined mindset work, such as daily affirmations, can rewire your brain for confidence and belief in your goals.

Remember that if a task is hard for you, it's hard for everyone; success comes to those who push past the difficulty.

Create a "dream list" with your partner to clarify your 'why' and provide powerful motivation for your hard work.

Find fulfillment in your daily grind by connecting your hard work directly to achieving the goals on your dream list.

Links:

Website: http://www.NinjaSelling.com/Podcast

Email: TSW@NinjaSelling.com

Phone: 1-800-254-1650

Podcast Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/TheNinjaSellingPodcast

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NinjaSelling

Instagram: @NinjaSellingOfficial

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ninjaselling

Upcoming Public Ninja Installations: https://NinjaSelling.com/events/list/?tribe_eventcategory%5B0%5D=183&tribe__ecp_custom_2%5B0%5D=Public

Ninja Coaching: http://www.NinjaSelling.com/course/ninja-coaching/