In Episode 8 of No Contingencies, the crew sits down with Northern Minnesota standouts Malcolm Wallaker and Bridger Hopkins to unpack what intentional growth, consistency, and leadership actually look like in a small-town market. From scaling production and building offices to Parker’s core philosophies—be the lighthouse, never have two bad days in a row, and go deep, not wide—this episode blends real strategy with real stories. Add in Grand Rapids trivia, northern-market nuance, and a few dead-deer anecdotes, and you’ve got a candid conversation about building a long-term real estate career the right way.

In this episode of No Contingencies, Liz Ryan and Parker Pemberton sit down with A.J. Pedersen for an unfiltered conversation about leadership, team growth, and what it really takes to scale in real estate.

From A.J.’s path from professional baseball to building a high-performing team, to the hard truths about burnout, delegation, ego, and growth pain, this episode digs into the realities most agents don’t talk about—but should.

If you’re thinking about building a team, growing a brokerage, or surviving the messy middle between hustle and sustainability, this one’s for you.

In this episode of No Contingencies, Liz Ryan and Parker Pemberton talk about what actually separates agents who last from those who burn out—standards, discipline, and doing the work even when it’s inconvenient.

They’re joined by Fate Miller, whose story is a reminder that success doesn’t require a perfect setup. After moving to the U.S. with no sphere and no built-in network, Fate built a thriving business through consistency, genuine relationships, and a long-term mindset—closing dozens of homes in her first two years.

This conversation cuts through excuses, digs into mindset over market conditions, and reinforces a simple truth: real estate rewards people who show up, care deeply, and play the long game.

In this episode of No Contingencies, Parker Pemberton, Liz Rein, Nicholas Walpole, and guest Ryan Ecklund dig into what’s actually happening in real estate right now — beyond the headlines.

They break down Zillow’s stock slide and Google’s quiet move into real-estate search, why Minnesota’s “slowing market” headlines miss the point, and what rate cuts really mean for buyers, sellers, and everyday borrowing. From there, the conversation turns personal and practical.

Ryan shares his path from 17 years in the restaurant industry to real estate, why service always beats sales, and how emotional intelligence, listening, and expectation-setting define great agents. The group also unpacks how Ryan built a massive social media presence through consistent, authentic home-tour videos — without fancy gear, gimmicks, or manufactured controversy.

If you care about real estate, marketing, leadership, or making a career leap without a safety net, this episode delivers grounded insight with zero BS.

A blizzard outside, no safety nets inside. In this episode of No Contingencies, Liz Ryan, Parker Pemberton, and executive kill-switch controller Nicholas Worpole dig into both the housing market and what it actually takes to win in it, with powerhouse guest Brenna Kittleson

We kick things off with rapid-fire hot takes: Parker live-bets on the Fed’s rate decision, the crew debates whether Zillow should show extreme weather risk data, and they unpack sensational headlines about delistings and construction costs “deepening” the affordability crisis. Between jokes about Minnesota snow, Good Morning America, and merch budgets, they translate clickbait into what it really means for buyers and sellers on the ground.

Then the focus shifts to Brenna’s story: how she went from 20 years climbing every rung in the Verizon wireless world to closing 67+ deals in about two years in real estate. She breaks down how obsessive client care, staying top-of-mind, thinking outside the box, and refusing to call it a “slow season” built her referral machine. Parker and Liz pull out the key lessons: mission over money, heart-based service, and why there’s “more than enough to go around” if you actually do the work.

The episode wraps with a very serious company matter: the Pemberton satellite office Christmas tree decorating contest—because culture, competition, and a slightly chaotic tree in Edina all matter too.

This week Parker & Liz delve into a series of insightful discussions revolving around current events in the real estate sector. We also talk to David Gutierrez, a remarkable real estate agent whose success since his licensing in 2021 has been characterized by exceptional client service and impressive sales figures. We explore his journey and the strategies that have propelled him to success, including his emphasis on building trust with clients and the significance of effective communication. Additionally, the episode revisits a recent company event, the chili cook-off, highlighting the camaraderie and community spirit within the Pemberton Real Estate team. We invite listeners to glean valuable insights from David's experiences and to consider how these lessons can be applied to their own professional endeavors in real estate.

Takeaways:

1. The podcast emphasizes the importance of adaptability in the real estate industry during fluctuating market conditions.
2. Listeners are encouraged to maintain effective communication with clients, ensuring they feel informed and valued throughout the process.
3. The episode discusses the significance of building a strong referral network and how it can lead to sustained success in real estate.
4. David Gutierrez shares his journey from banking to real estate, highlighting the challenges and opportunities encountered along the way.
5. The hosts reflect on the necessity of resilience in facing business challenges and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset amidst adversity.
6. The conversation highlights the value of continuous learning and personal development as essential components for success in the real estate field.

The primary focus of today's episode revolves around the imperative for real estate agents to adeptly leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their business operations and client interactions. We engage in a vigorous discourse featuring rapid-fire insights from Parker, alongside a profound conversation with agents Beth Riley and Dan Burling, who exemplify the integration of AI in their practices. The episode further dissects the significance of maintaining a strategic approach during the fourth quarter, emphasizing the necessity of proactive sales activities to secure future success. Listeners will gain invaluable perspectives on how to utilize AI tools effectively while also being reminded of the importance of personal engagement and relationship-building within the real estate sector. We aspire to equip our audience with actionable strategies that will not only foster growth but also reinforce their competitive edge in an ever-evolving market landscape.

Hosts: Liz Rein & Parker Pemberton

Featuring: Callie Inman

Behind the Scenes: Nicholas Worpole

The debut of No Contingencies sets the tone for a blunt, fast-paced, no-fluff real-estate podcast. Liz Rein and Parker Pemberton tackle current headlines, interview rising agent Callie Inman, and close with a crash course in running your business by the numbers.

1 · Commissions after NAR settlement

Despite panic predictions, commissions have stayed stable because they’re negotiated per deal and tied to value, not policy.

2 · Compass v. Redfin & Zillow

Parker calls these lawsuits “billion-dollar distractions.” Agents shouldn’t waste energy on corporate posturing—focus on clients, not litigation.

3 · Consumers vs. Interest Rates

After three years of elevated rates, buyers have adjusted; life events still move the market. “Life happens—rates are just part of it.”

Background

Former flight attendant → teacher → co-founder of Fangirl Clothing, a Minnesota game-day-apparel brand now partnered with the Vikings.

Key Mindset: “Go from 0 to 1.” Start, iterate, and figure it out in motion.

Her success comes from showing up daily, staying coachable, and treating every client like a teammate, not a sale.

Marketing Philosophy

1. 
   
2. Be clear: Speak consumer language, not “realtor-ese.”
3. 
   
4. 
   
5. Be authentic: People scroll past fake.
6. 
   
7. 
   
8. Add value: Share experiences that help the viewer, not self-promotion.
9. 
   

Current Challenge: Turning her sphere into a self-sustaining referral base without feeling sales-y—patience and consistency as strategy.

Core Principle: If you run a business, you track it.

What He Tracks

1. 
   
2. Active agents & staff
3. 
   
4.