In this high-impact episode of the John Kitchens Coach Podcast, John Kitchens and Joel Perso unpack one of the most common struggles top-producing real estate agents face—how to escape production and build a real business that runs without you.

From strategic planning frameworks like EOS and Rockefeller Habits to mastering financial discipline and team structure, John shares the exact playbook that took him and Jay Kinder from burnout to building a scalable, profitable company.

They also break down real-world examples of agents who have successfully stepped out of production—including how they did it, the math behind it, and what freedom actually looks like once you get there.

Whether you're a solo agent planning your next stage, a team leader looking for leverage, or a CEO aiming to scale, this episode will give you the clarity, systems, and strategy you need to create lasting freedom.

The 3 Keys to Escaping Production

• Strategy: How mastering frameworks like Rockefeller Habits and EOS creates structure and focus.

• Value Systems: Why CHSA & CHBA are game-changers for consistency and scalable client value.

• Financial Clarity: The "Simple Numbers" model that transformed their net profit by 17% in one quarter.

Forecasting and Financial Discipline

• Why forecasting is not goal setting—and how to get accurate with your assumptions.

• Understanding cash flow vs. profit to stay in control of your business.

• How small teams and large teams can step out of production faster than mid-sized ones.

Leadership, Freedom, and Ego

• Why most agents can't escape production—and how to fix it.

• Letting go of ego to empower your team and build true leadership depth.

• The real difference between stepping out of production and stepping out of the business.

Real Case Studies:

• How Jim & Leanne scaled leadership to step out within 24 months.

• The Reedy team's path to financial freedom through real estate investing.

• Why Blake Sloan and others achieved lifestyle freedom through leadership leverage.

• Mastering the Rockefeller Habits by Verne Harnish

• Traction / EOS by Gino Wickman

• Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits by Greg Crabtree

• CHSA & CHBA Designations – Certified Home Selling & Buying Advisor Programs

• John Kitchens Executive Coaching → JohnKitchens.coach
  

Freedom in real estate isn't about working harder—it's about building systems, developing people, and knowing your numbers.

As John Kitchens says:

"If you don't have a goal for freedom, you'll never escape production—it'll always own you."

• 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! 🔥

In this powerful episode of The John Kitchens Coach Podcast, John Kitchens sits down with AI strategist and industry innovator Nick Krem to uncover how the AI-powered consumer is changing the real estate landscape faster than ever before.

From Google's evolving search behavior to ChatGPT and Zillow integration, Nick breaks down how consumers are becoming more informed, more confident, and in many cases—believe they know more than their real estate agent. The two dive deep into how agents can adapt, build authority, and stay relevant in an era where technology knows the answers before the conversation even begins.

This is a must-listen for every agent, team leader, and brokerage owner ready to future-proof their business in a world driven by AI and consumer intelligence.

The Rise of the AI-Powered Consumer

• Why the #1 consumer complaint is now "I know more than my agent"

• How ChatGPT, Google, and Zillow integrations are shaping buyer and seller behavior

• What agents must understand about the consumer mindset shift

SEO, AEO & GEO — The New Era of Search

• How Answer the Public reveals what your clients are asking online

• Why SEO isn't dead—it's the foundation for AI-driven visibility

• The power of "digital density" and how to dominate your market through keyword intent

The Coming Wave: AI Agents & Everyday Adoption

• How the "AI agent" device (created by Sam Altman & Jony Ive) will change daily life

• What happens when AI becomes your consumer's full-time collaborator

• How this new wave will transform how buyers find and choose their real estate agent

Emotional Intelligence & Human Leadership

• Why emotional intelligence (EQ) will be the defining skill of future leaders
  
  

• How to use AI as a thought partner—not a replacement for critical thinking
  
  

• The power of mindfulness, discernment, and self-awareness in the AI era

Building an AI Culture in Your Organization

• Why most brokerages are creating AI tool addiction instead of collaboration

• The blueprint for fostering a culture of AI collaboration

• How to use AI to make people better—not replace them

Adapting as an Agent

• Questions to ask clients to identify if they're using AI in their home search

• How to position yourself as a trusted advisor, not just an agent

• Branding yourself in the AI world: expertise, niche, and authority

• Krem.AI – The #1 Institute for AI Certification in Real Estate

• AnswerThePublic.com – Keyword and content search research tool

• The AI-Driven Leader by Jeff Woods – Recommended reading for real estate leaders

• CoachKitchens.AI – Custom GPT tools and frameworks for agents and team leaders

• Huzi.AI – Eric Post's AI platform for real estate professionals

• HoneyBadgerNation.com – Training, events, and resources for top agents

Artificial Intelligence won't replace agents—but agents who use AI will replace those who don't.
The real threat isn't the technology itself—it's the AI-powered consumer who expects faster answers, higher trust, and more expertise than ever before.

As Nick Krem put it:

"AI isn't coming for your job—it's coming for your excuses."

The future belongs to agents who can combine AI efficiency with human connection and leadership clarity.

• 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! 🔥

In this inspiring episode of The John Kitchens Coach Podcast, John Kitchens sits down with Connie Alexander, a powerhouse real estate leader who built a luxury brand from humble beginnings. From growing up in Section 8 housing to closing multimillion-dollar homes, Connie's journey is a masterclass in perseverance, mindset, and standards.

Connie opens up about her early struggles, how she turned survival into success, and why luxury isn't about price—it's about process, presentation, and service. Together, she and John explore what it means to lead with integrity, build a lasting brand, and hold yourself to an elite standard, no matter your market.

Whether you're breaking into luxury, rebuilding your confidence, or striving to elevate your business, this conversation will leave you inspired and ready to redefine your standards of success.

• How growing up with limited resources shaped Connie's work ethic and drive.

• The shift from proving yourself to making your family proud.

• Why your story—not your starting point—defines your brand.
  
  

• The "aha" moment that led Connie to launch her luxury brand.

• How to market luxury by decision, not by price point.

• The mindset difference between chasing status and living by standards.
  
  

• Training agents to think, act, and communicate at a luxury level—first.

• Why "luxury" is a mindset of excellence and precision, not just listings.

• How process, consistency, and attention to detail create a Ritz-Carlton experience in every transaction.
  
  

• How survival moments built the confidence to thrive in any market.

• Turning fear into fuel—and using adversity as a platform for growth.

• Why faith and gratitude are Connie's daily business practices.
  
  

• The book that shapes Connie's leadership philosophy: The Nordstrom Way.

• How Gandhi's quote on belief, values, and destiny became her team's mantra.

• Why consistency and clarity are the ultimate luxury brand builders.
  
  

• The rise of wellness-focused, lifestyle-driven luxury homes.

• How affluent buyers are prioritizing health, technology, and entertainment spaces.

• Why marketing luxury now means showcasing lifestyle, not just square footage.

• JohnKitchens.coach – Executive coaching and leadership resources for agents.

• The Nordstrom Way by Robert Spector – Lessons on world-class customer service.

• The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle – Creating connected, high-performing teams.

• The Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale – On mindset and personal transformation.

• Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni – Identifying your leadership strengths.
  
  

Luxury isn't about status—it's about standards.
It's about serving with excellence, living with gratitude, and creating experiences that elevate everyone involved.

"We train luxury first, because excellence should be the standard for every client, not just the elite few." - Connie Alexander

• 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! 🔥