In this episode of From the Ground Up, we sit down with Brendan Bartic—Army veteran, Founder & CEO of Listing BEAST, and author of The Magnetic Blueprint. Brendan shares how he went from grinding expireds and door knocking to becoming the #1 individual agent in Denver by building systems that attract sellers automatically.

We dive into why hustle culture is burning agents out, how attraction-based marketing actually works, and the simple frameworks Brendan used to close over 9,500 homes and generate $128M+ in commissions. If you’re a real estate agent looking to build a sustainable listing business without chasing sellers, this episode is for you.

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and set up alerts!

Shay Jenkins & Sarah Alberts are the founders of S&S Mortgage Team at New American Funding in Denver, Colorado.

S&S Mortgage Team is a full-service mortgage lender that provides financing for homeowners and home buyers throughout the country. We are licensed in 36 states, so we can serve the greater majority of the United States.

The leaders of the team, Sarah and Shay, met in college in 2008 and instantly clicked. They both have been in the mortgage industry for several years and decided to join forces in 2021 to start the power group behind S&S Mortgage Team.

The S&S Mortgage Team is dedicated to our client’s success. It is this driving mission that keeps our team constantly learning and pushing beyond our boundaries. We make a commitment to each borrower, fulfilling it with hard work, constant communication, and creative problem solving.

Follow Us Everywhere:
https://linktr.ee/ss_mortgageteam
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/ss_mortgageteam
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SSMortgageTeam

In this episode, we sit down with Denver realtor, investor, foodie, and all-around momentum machine Gerard Langhuoth —a man who built his success by never stopping. From growing up working every job in his family’s Chinese restaurants to managing a $70M distribution operation and running his own retail shop, Gerard has been connecting with people his whole life. Now he’s stacking his best real estate years ever by staying active, staying real, and giving back to his community with zero expectation in return.

We dive into:
• How “activity creates activity” became his business motto
• Why authenticity beats every sales tactic
• The role community events and support play in his growth
• His best routines, habits, and mindset for consistency
• What’s coming next at Guide Real Estate and his upcoming broker open events

If you’re a realtor, entrepreneur, or someone who wants to build momentum the right way, this episode is packed with real talk, practical insights, and plenty of laughs.

👉 Follow Gerard: @gerardldenver
👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with Denver’s top leaders and doers.

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and set up alerts!

Shay Jenkins & Sarah Alberts are the founders of S&S Mortgage Team at New American Funding in Denver, Colorado.

S&S Mortgage Team is a full-service mortgage lender that provides financing for homeowners and home buyers throughout the country. We are licensed in 36 states, so we can serve the greater majority of the United States.

The leaders of the team, Sarah and Shay, met in college in 2008 and instantly clicked. They both have been in the mortgage industry for several years and decided to join forces in 2021 to start the power group behind S&S Mortgage Team.

The S&S Mortgage Team is dedicated to our client’s success. It is this driving mission that keeps our team constantly learning and pushing beyond our boundaries. We make a commitment to each borrower, fulfilling it with hard work, constant communication, and creative problem solving.

Follow Us Everywhere:
https://linktr.ee/ss_mortgageteam
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/ss_mortgageteam
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SSMortgageTeam

In this episode, we sit down with Dominic Miller, a top-producing Denver real estate agent and founder of Dominic Miller Homes under Compass. Ranked #3 in Denver for total individual transactions in 2024, Dominic closed over $39 million across 73 deals and was recently featured on the cover of Denver Real Producers Magazine.

But beyond the numbers, Dominic is redefining what it means to lead in real estate — through purpose, community, and connection. From launching his own non-profit and raising $19,000 for Denver Children’s Foundation at his first charity golf event, to balancing a high-performance business with a mission to give back, Dominic shares how he’s building something bigger than just sales.

Tune in as we dive into:

• The systems and mentality behind his consistent success
• How personal pride and purpose drive his business model
• The story behind his new non-profit and upcoming community initiatives
• Why authentic relationships matter more than ever in real estate

Whether you’re an agent looking for inspiration or a leader striving to build impact into your business, this episode is packed with insight, authenticity, and energy.

👉 Listen, subscribe, and join us as we continue to build From the Ground Up.

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and set up alerts!

Shay Jenkins & Sarah Alberts are the founders of S&S Mortgage Team at New American Funding in Denver, Colorado.

S&S Mortgage Team is a full-service mortgage lender that provides financing for homeowners and home buyers throughout the country. We are licensed in 36 states, so we can serve the greater majority of the United States.

The leaders of the team, Sarah and Shay, met in college in 2008 and instantly clicked. They both have been in the mortgage industry for several years and decided to join forces in 2021 to start the power group behind S&S Mortgage Team.

The S&S Mortgage Team is dedicated to our client’s success. It is this driving mission that keeps our team constantly learning and pushing beyond our boundaries. We make a commitment to each borrower, fulfilling it with hard work, constant communication, and creative problem solving.

Follow Us Everywhere:
https://linktr.ee/ss_mortgageteam
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/ss_mortgageteam
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SSMortgageTeam

This week, we sit down with Jessica Northrop, Founding Partner at Compass, who brings three decades of experience, wisdom, and grit to the real estate world. From earning her license at 18 to helping grow Compass Denver from just 4 agents to over 850, Jessica shares what it really takes to build a lasting career — through consistency, coaching, and a no-nonsense approach that clients love.

She also opens up about the Northrop Group’s annual Giveback Homes Build Day, why community impact is central to her business, and what 30 years in the industry have taught her about resilience, leadership, and staying true to the basics.

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and set up alerts!

Shay Jenkins & Sarah Alberts are the founders of S&S Mortgage Team at New American Funding in Denver, Colorado.

S&S Mortgage Team is a full-service mortgage lender that provides financing for homeowners and home buyers throughout the country. We are licensed in 36 states, so we can serve the greater majority of the United States.

The leaders of the team, Sarah and Shay, met in college in 2008 and instantly clicked. They both have been in the mortgage industry for several years and decided to join forces in 2021 to start the power group behind S&S Mortgage Team.

The S&S Mortgage Team is dedicated to our client’s success. It is this driving mission that keeps our team constantly learning and pushing beyond our boundaries. We make a commitment to each borrower, fulfilling it with hard work, constant communication, and creative problem solving.

Follow Us Everywhere:
https://linktr.ee/ss_mortgageteam
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/ss_mortgageteam
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SSMortgageTeam

In this episode of From the Ground Up, we sit down with Linson Jamison—stylist, salon owner, educator, and content creator—whose journey spans Denver, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and beyond. Linson shares how he built his brand, LINSONHAIR, from the ground up while staying true to his authentic self and using social media as a powerful tool for growth. We dive into what it means to balance fatherhood, creativity, and entrepreneurship while empowering others to feel seen and confident. Don’t miss his inspiring story of hustle, heart, and hair.

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and set up alerts!

Shay Jenkins & Sarah Alberts are the founders of S&S Mortgage Team at New American Funding in Denver, Colorado.

S&S Mortgage Team is a full-service mortgage lender that provides financing for homeowners and home buyers throughout the country. We are licensed in 36 states, so we can serve the greater majority of the United States.

The leaders of the team, Sarah and Shay, met in college in 2008 and instantly clicked. They both have been in the mortgage industry for several years and decided to join forces in 2021 to start the power group behind S&S Mortgage Team.

The S&S Mortgage Team is dedicated to our client’s success. It is this driving mission that keeps our team constantly learning and pushing beyond our boundaries. We make a commitment to each borrower, fulfilling it with hard work, constant communication, and creative problem solving.

Follow Us Everywhere:
https://linktr.ee/ss_mortgageteam
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/ss_mortgageteam
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SSMortgageTeam

In this episode of From the Ground Up, Bret sits down with two of Colorado’s most fearless legal minds: Kyle McFarlane, founding partner at BAM Family Law, and Madalia Maaliki, partner at Richards Carrington. Both are Super Lawyers, 5280 Top Attorneys, and adjunct professors at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law—credentials earned through grit, courtroom mastery, and unrelenting advocacy for their clients.

Kyle opens up about navigating high-asset, high-conflict divorces with brutal honesty and precision, while Madalia shares what it takes to succeed in the high-stakes world of criminal defense. Together, they discuss what it means to stand out as top litigators in emotionally charged and life-altering legal battles. If you've ever wondered what it’s like to walk into a courtroom and own it, this episode pulls back the curtain.

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and set up alerts!

Shay Jenkins & Sarah Alberts are the founders of S&S Mortgage Team at New American Funding in Denver, Colorado.

S&S Mortgage Team is a full-service mortgage lender that provides financing for homeowners and home buyers throughout the country. We are licensed in 36 states, so we can serve the greater majority of the United States.

The leaders of the team, Sarah and Shay, met in college in 2008 and instantly clicked. They both have been in the mortgage industry for several years and decided to join forces in 2021 to start the power group behind S&S Mortgage Team.

The S&S Mortgage Team is dedicated to our client’s success. It is this driving mission that keeps our team constantly learning and pushing beyond our boundaries. We make a commitment to each borrower, fulfilling it with hard work, constant communication, and creative problem solving.

Follow Us Everywhere:
https://linktr.ee/ss_mortgageteam
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/ss_mortgageteam
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SSMortgageTeam

In this episode, we sit down with Benjamin Woodley-Rifen, Broker Associate at Guide Real Estate and the force behind Real Eskates, to talk about how he’s flipping both houses and boards. Known as Denver’s premier skateboarding realtor, Benjamin shares how he built a standout personal brand by merging skate culture with real estate hustle. From social media strategy to client connections on four wheels, this conversation is all about breaking the mold, staying authentic, and building a business your own way.

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and set up alerts!

Shay Jenkins & Sarah Alberts are the founders of S&S Mortgage Team at New American Funding in Denver, Colorado.

S&S Mortgage Team is a full-service mortgage lender that provides financing for homeowners and home buyers throughout the country. We are licensed in 36 states, so we can serve the greater majority of the United States.

The leaders of the team, Sarah and Shay, met in college in 2008 and instantly clicked. They both have been in the mortgage industry for several years and decided to join forces in 2021 to start the power group behind S&S Mortgage Team.

The S&S Mortgage Team is dedicated to our client’s success. It is this driving mission that keeps our team constantly learning and pushing beyond our boundaries. We make a commitment to each borrower, fulfilling it with hard work, constant communication, and creative problem solving.

Follow Us Everywhere:
https://linktr.ee/ss_mortgageteam
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/ss_mortgageteam
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SSMortgageTeam

On this episode of From the Ground Up, we sit down with Huy Pham, Founder and CEO of Innovative Retail Group, the driving force behind some of DIA’s top restaurants and retail spaces. Huy shares how his passion for collaboration, work ethic, and winning mindset have helped him open nine new locations in 2024 alone. Tune in as we discuss his journey from the Bay Area to Colorado, the secrets behind his success in the airport business, and where to grab the best bite next time you fly.

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and set up alerts!

Shay Jenkins & Sarah Alberts are the founders of S&S Mortgage Team at New American Funding in Denver, Colorado.

S&S Mortgage Team is a full-service mortgage lender that provides financing for homeowners and home buyers throughout the country. We are licensed in 36 states, so we can serve the greater majority of the United States.

The leaders of the team, Sarah and Shay, met in college in 2008 and instantly clicked. They both have been in the mortgage industry for several years and decided to join forces in 2021 to start the power group behind S&S Mortgage Team.

The S&S Mortgage Team is dedicated to our client’s success. It is this driving mission that keeps our team constantly learning and pushing beyond our boundaries. We make a commitment to each borrower, fulfilling it with hard work, constant communication, and creative problem solving.

Follow Us Everywhere:
https://linktr.ee/ss_mortgageteam
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/ss_mortgageteam
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SSMortgageTeam