In Episode 59 of Success Behind The Numbers, we sit down with Klevis Metani, Team Leader of The Metani Team at KW NYC, whose immigrant journey, relentless discipline, and team-first mindset have helped shape one of the fastest-growing real estate teams in the city. 🎙️🏙️

Klevis opens up about what it took to go from learning a new language to leading a business in one of the most competitive markets in the world. This episode explores how his values of consistency, loyalty, and self-awareness have become the foundation of his leadership style, and how personal growth has directly fueled his professional success.

We dive into his transition from solo agent to team leader, the mindset shift that changed everything, and why clarity in business starts with clarity within. From finding the right talent to navigating ego, burnout, and work-life balance, Klevis shares the lessons that helped him build a team aligned by trust, ambition, and mutual respect.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to build a team in real estate, or how to lead without losing yourself, this conversation is a masterclass in grit, growth, and grounded leadership.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro: Meet Klevis Metani
2:15 – From Albania to NYC: Starting Over in a New Country
5:10 – Finding Real Estate & Discovering a Bigger Purpose
8:45 – Transitioning from Solo Agent to Team Leader
11:20 – Why Self-Awareness is the Most Underrated Skill
15:35 – The Hardest Parts of Building a Team
19:50 – Letting Go of Ego & Leading with Trust
24:30 – Advice to Agents Who Feel Burnt Out
29:00 – The Future of The Metani Team
31:15 – What Klevis Would Tell His Younger Self

Follow Rich:
📲 Instagram: @richamato_kwcore
📧 Facebook: Richard Amato Keller Williams Core

Follow Klevis & The Metani Team:
📲 Instagram: @klevis.metani & @the.metani.team
📧 Facebook: The Metani Team at Keller Williams NYC

#SuccessBehindTheNumbers #RichAmato #TheMetaniTeam #KWNYC #ImmigrantStory #RealEstateLeadership #TeamGrowth #NYCRealEstate #MindsetShift

In Episode 58 of Success Behind The Numbers, we sit down with Suzanne Greenblatt, a Licensed Real Estate Broker with Keller Williams Realty Elite and Keller Williams Points North, whose career spans more than three decades and nearly every evolution of the real estate industry.

Suzanne grew up in Long Beach, getting her license and starting part-time in 1993 before eventually transitioning to full-time. She entered the business long before the internet, GPS, or digital listings, when agents relied on listing books, paper maps, and relationships to get deals done. And through every market shift, relationships have remained at the core of how she does business.

Over the years, Suzanne built a successful real estate business across Long Island and experienced firsthand the highs and challenges that come with long-term production. In this episode, she shares the foundational habits that helped her navigate change, stay resilient, and continue evolving within the industry. She’s deeply passionate about educating agents, supporting their growth, and helping them build sustainable, relationship-driven businesses.


If you’re an agent thinking about longevity, adaptability, and staying relevant through every market cycle, Suzanne’s story offers real insight from someone who has truly seen it all.



Timestamps:
0:00 – Meet Suzanne Greenblatt
1:45 – From NYC Co-ops to Long Island Homes
4:20 – Early Success, Burnout & the Need for Balance
7:05 – Reentering Production During the Pandemic
10:40 – Building a Business With Support Systems
13:25 – Letting Go of the “Shoulds” in Real Estate
16:10 – Building Client Relationships That Last
20:30 – The Power of Showing Up in a Changing Market
23:50 – Advice to Agents in a Burnout Phase
27:00 – What Suzanne Would Tell Her Younger Self

Follow Rich:
📲 Instagram: @richamato_kwcore
📧 Facebook: Richard Amato Keller Williams Core

Follow Suzanne:
📲 Facebook: Suzanne Greenblatt, Realtor
📧 LinkedIn: Suzanne Greenblatt - Licensed Real Estate Broker

#SuccessBehindTheNumbers #RichAmato #RealEstateLeadership #KWElite #BurnoutToBreakthrough #LongevityInRealEstate #WomenInRealEstate #LongIslandRealEstate

In Episode 57 of Success Behind The Numbers, we sit down with Stu Adler, Partner at The ASB Law Group, whose career has been shaped by deep involvement in complex transactions and a front-row view of where deals can break down.

Stu began his legal career representing a gasoline company, gaining early experience navigating high-stakes contracts, risk, and liability. He later transitioned into real estate law, where he found his niche working directly in transactions and guiding deals to the finish line. Closings are his favorite part of the role, where preparation, strategy, and problem-solving all come together.

In this conversation, we unpack what many agents misunderstand about legal protection, why proactive counsel matters long before issues arise, and how strong attorney relationships can elevate professionalism, credibility, and long-term success. From contracts to conflict resolution, this episode reinforces why legal strategy isn’t about fear, it’s about foresight.

If you’ve ever wondered where deals really break down or how to protect your business before problems arise, this episode offers clarity every serious agent should hear.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro: Meet Stu Adler of The ASB Law Group
3:10 – Stu’s Early Years as a Real Estate Agent
7:45 – Lawsuits, Market Volatility, and the Turning Point
13:30 – Why Stu Transitioned from Agent to Attorney
18:40 – Common Legal Mistakes Agents Make
24:55 – When Legal Counsel Should Be Involved in a Deal
30:20 – Protecting Clients While Protecting Yourself
36:45 – Advice for Agents Navigating Risk and Growth

Follow Rich:
📲 Instagram: @richamato_kwcore
📧 Facebook: Richard Amato Keller Williams Core

Follow Stu Adler & ASB Law Group:
📲 Facebook: The ASB Law Group
🌐 Website: www.theasblawgroup.com

#SuccessBehindTheNumbers #RichAmato #RealEstateLaw #AgentProtection #RiskManagement #LegalPerspective #RealEstateLeadership #LongGameThinking #ProtectTheDeal

In Episode 56 of Success Behind The Numbers, we sit down with Gary Brown, former NFL player, 1996 Super Bowl Champion with the Green Bay Packers, and a leader in real estate, title, and nonprofit work through Dream 68. 🎙️🏈

Gary’s story goes far beyond the football field. In this episode, he shares how the discipline, accountability, and team-first mindset forged during his NFL career became the foundation for his work in real estate and title, and ultimately his mission-driven nonprofit efforts. From understanding pressure at the highest level to redefining success after professional sports, Gary opens up about what it takes to transition with purpose and humility.

This conversation dives into leadership after the spotlight fades, the importance of relationships in business, and why giving back is not a side project, but a responsibility. Gary reflects on building credibility in new industries, staying grounded through change, and using platform and influence to create opportunities for others through Dream 68.

If you’ve ever faced a major transition or questioned what legacy really means beyond titles and trophies, this episode will challenge you to think bigger about impact, service, and what winning really looks like.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro: Meet Gary Brown
2:15 – Life After the NFL: Redefining Identity and Purpose
6:40 – Lessons from the Locker Room That Still Apply Today
11:05 – Transitioning into Real Estate & Title
15:30 – Leadership, Accountability, and Earning Trust
19:45 – The Mission Behind Dream 68
24:10 – Giving Back as a Responsibility, Not a Brand
29:20 – Advice for Navigating Career Transitions
34:00 – What Gary Would Tell His Younger Self

Follow Rich:
📲 Instagram: @richamato_kwcore
📧 Facebook: Richard Amato Keller Williams Core

Follow Gary Brown & Dream 68:
📲 Instagram: @gary_brown_dream_68
🌐 Website: www.garybrowndream68.com

#SuccessBehindTheNumbers #RichAmato #LeadershipBeyondTheGame #NFLtoBusiness #RealEstateLeadership #TitleIndustry #Dream68 #PurposeDrivenLeadership #LifeAfterSports #LegacyBuilding #GiveBack

In Episode 55 of Success Behind The Numbers, we sit down with Gina Padro, Team Leader of The Gina Padro Team, and Sinéad Brenseke, Director of Operations, to explore what it really means to build a high-performing, collaborative-driven real estate business. 🎙️🤝

This episode takes you inside the DNA of a team that’s built on intentional culture, clear systems, and trust at every level. From redefining the client experience to building a team that stays true to its values, Gina and Sinéad open up about the leadership decisions, people-first mindset, and operational backbone that turned vision into execution.

We dive into the real conversations that matter: how to build a team without ego, why systems are non-negotiable, and how to stay grounded in the chaos of growth. Whether you’re a team leader, aspiring team leader, or just looking to sharpen your leadership lens, this episode offers a blueprint for building a business that lasts.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro: Meet Gina Padro & Sinéad Brenseke
2:10 – The Early Days: From Solo Agent to Team Formation
4:45 – Building a Team Around Shared Values
7:30 – Why Every Team Needs Systems (And How to Build Them)
10:20 – Creating a Collaborative-Driven Culture
14:05 – The Leadership Mindset Behind Long-Term Growth
18:15 – Navigating Conflict, Communication, and Change
23:20 – Advice to Team Leaders Who Feel Stuck
29:40 – What Gina & Sinéad Would Tell Their Younger Selves

Follow Rich:
📲 Instagram: @richamato_kwcore
📧 Facebook: Richard Amato Keller Williams Core

Follow The Gina Padro Team:
📲 Instagram: @theginapadroteam
📧 Facebook: The Gina Padro Team
🌐 Website: www.theginapadroteam.com

#SuccessBehindTheNumbers #RichAmato #RealEstateLeadership #TeamOperations #KWCore #CollaborativeCulture #RealEstateSystems #WomenInLeadership #GrowWithClarity #TeamDrivenSuccess

In Episode 54 of Success Behind The Numbers, we sit down with Matt Levin, Team Leader of The Levin Home Team, whose smart, systems-first approach is helping agents grow lean, data-driven, and sustainable businesses in any market. 🎙️📊

Matt opens up about the lessons he learned from over-hiring too soon, scaling back, and restructuring with intention. His leadership style is all about transparency, balance, and building smart foundations, from tracking every dollar to managing his calendar like a CEO.

We dive into what it takes to run a business that doesn’t just survive market shifts, but thrives through them. Whether you’re leading a team or flying solo, Matt’s story is proof that structure, numbers, and prioritizing your energy can be a serious competitive edge.

If you’ve ever felt stretched too thin or unsure how to grow the right way, this episode will help you focus on what actually moves the needle.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro: Meet Matt Levin of The Levin Home Team
2:05 – Why Over-Hiring Can Hurt Your Business
6:12 – Restructuring: Letting People Go and Starting Fresh
10:25 – Protecting Your Energy, Tracking Every Dollar
14:42 – Balancing Listings and Team Leadership
19:15 – How Matt Uses His Calendar like a CEO
24:50 – Advice to Agents Trying to Build Their Own Teams
29:40 – What Matt Would Tell His Younger Self

Follow Rich:
📲 Instagram: @richamato_kwcore
📧 Facebook: Richard Amato Keller Williams Core

Follow Matt:
📲 Instagram: @mattlevinrealtor
📧 Facebook: Matt Levin of The Levin Home Team at Keller Williams Realty Elite
🌐 Website: www.levinteam.com

#SuccessBehindTheNumbers #RichAmato #RealEstateTeams #RealEstateLeadership #SmartScaling #LeadingInBusiness #KWCore #RealEstateCoaching #TrackYourNumbers #TeamLeaderTips #TheLevinHomeTeam

In Episode 53 of Success Behind The Numbers, we sit down with Michael Shapot, a powerhouse Real Estate Associate Broker and Team Leader of The Shapot Team at KW NYC, known for his negotiation style, top-tier client service, and unwavering commitment to representation in real estate. 🎙️⚖️

Michael’s journey from litigation law to real estate isn’t just a career change. It’s a philosophy shift. In this candid conversation, he shares how his legal background shaped the way he leads his team and advocates for clients. Michael opens up about the powerful moment he realized that true representation in real estate isn’t just about contracts. It’s about standing firm in your client’s corner, especially when the stakes are high and emotions run deep.

This episode dives into what it really takes to build a career and a team that protects clients at all costs. Michael’s no-fluff perspective on ethics, mindset, and the human side of the deal will challenge agents to rethink how they show up for their clients and their business.

Whether you’re representing a buyer or seller, what matters most isn’t the commission. It’s having the courage to advocate, lead, and act in your client’s best interest even when it’s hard. If you want to be a better advocate for your clients, don’t miss this one.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro: Meet Michael Shapot of The Shapot Team
1:42 – From Litigation to Listings: Michael’s Real Estate Origin Story
4:35 – “It’s About Advocacy, Not Sales”
9:20 – The Day Michael Almost Fired His Own Team
12:00 – True Representation Means Having Hard Conversations
15:10 – Why Clients Need More Than Just ‘Customer Service’
18:05 – Dealing with Difficult Clients (and Difficult Team Members)
23:30 – Setting the Tone for Culture in Your Real Estate Business
29:15 – Advice for New Agents in a Complex Market
35:10 – What Michael Would Tell His Younger Self

Follow Rich:
📲 Instagram: @richamato_kwcore
📧 Facebook: Richard Amato Keller Williams Core

Follow Michael:
📲 Instagram: @theshapotteam
📧 LinkedIn: Michael Shapot - Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker at Keller Williams NYC
🌐 Website: www.theshapotteam.com

#SuccessBehindTheNumbers #RichAmato #BuyerRepresentation #RealEstateTeam #LuxuryBroker #RealEstateEthics #KellerWilliamsNYC #ClientAdvocacy #FromLitigationToListings #RealEstateNegotiation #AdvocacyOverCommissions

In Episode 52 of Success Behind The Numbers, we sit down with Baldassare “Baldo” LaRussa, a former chef whose passion for service laid the foundation for a thriving real estate career. Now a top agent at KW Legendary, Baldo brings the same precision, patience, and calm-under-pressure mindset from the kitchen into every transaction he handles. 🎙️👨‍🍳

This episode dives into how Baldo’s journey through the culinary world shaped his ability to handle stress, build strong client relationships, and grow a business rooted in service, education, and giving back. From leveraging community and charity work to fuel his growth, to educating buyers and sellers with heart and honesty, Baldo shares how real estate helped him create a dream life for his family, and how he’s helping others do the same.

If you’re building a real estate business that’s built to last, this conversation will challenge you to lead with service, double down on the fundamentals, and never lose sight of the client experience.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro: Meet Baldassare “Baldo” LaRussa
1:58 – From Chef to Realtor: Managing Pressure and People
5:20 – How His Culinary Background Shaped His Real Estate Mindset
7:05 – Community, Charity & Growth: The Power of Local Roots
10:30 – Educating Clients With Clarity and Compassion
16:12 – Building a Dream Life Through Real Estate
20:50 – Staying Grounded in a Fast-Paced Market
24:10 – Advice to Agents Looking for Purpose
30:05 – What Baldo Would Tell His Younger Self

Follow Rich:
📲 Instagram: @richamato_kwcore
📧 Facebook: Richard Amato Keller Williams Core

Follow Baldo:
📲 Instagram: @soldbybaldo
📧 Facebook: Baldassare LaRussa
🌐 Website: www.soldbybaldo.com

#SuccessBehindTheNumbers #RichAmato #NYCRealEstate #RealEstateMindset #KWLegendary #ChefToRealtor #ServiceFirstSellingSecond #ClientExperience #AgentAdvice #CommunityDrivenBusiness