Episode Overview In this episode, John Kitchens sits down with Joel Perso for a forward-looking conversation about the 2030 Real Estate Team. Together, they unpack the five business models available to real estate agents and team leaders, how to align those models with your vision and season of life, and what it really takes to build freedom, profitability, and sustainability into your business. From the "ATM Cash Machine" model to traditional teams and hybrid mega-organizations, Joel and John break down the pros, cons, and exit strategies of each. They also preview how AI, fractional leadership, and new business structures will reshape what winning real estate teams look like in the years ahead. Whether you're an agent trying to scale, a team leader considering your next evolution, or simply curious about the future of the industry, this episode provides a roadmap for thinking bigger about your business model. What You'll Learn in This Episode The Five Real Estate Business Models The ATM Model: high profit, low freedom—and why the only exit strategy is asset acquisition Leverage Models: adding licensed support to create time for a "plus one" revenue stream Traditional Teams: the in-production vs. out-of-production dilemma Team Ridge: scaling with headcount, leadership, and agent as your customer Hybrid Models: why mixing leads teams with traditional teams may define the next five years Freedom vs. Profitability How each model fits on the freedom/profitability quadrant Why lifestyle creep can kill your exit strategy The mindset shifts required to move from one model to the next Exit Strategies & Long-Term Growth How to avoid the trap of selling yourself until you retire Why joint ventures in mortgage, title, or home services open new doors The path to creating scalable, acquirable businesses in real estate Vision & Alignment Choosing the right vehicle based on your strengths, season of life, and vision Why leadership—not just systems—determines scalability The importance of aligning goals with values and family support Resources & Mentions Agent to CEO 2025 (Cleveland) – AgentToCEOCE.com Business Model Canvas Framework John Kitchens Executive Coaching → JohnKitchens.coach Final Takeaway There's no "one-size-fits-all" for building a real estate business. Each model—from solo ATM producers to large-scale teamridges—comes with tradeoffs in profit, freedom, and leadership requirements. The key is aligning your vision, strengths, and season of life with the right vehicle to get you where you want to go. "These are business models. These are not ways to be an agent—these are ways to build a real estate business." – Joel Perso 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! 🔥
