ICONic Talk

Mark connects with Dave Compton, a Pastor a Congregational Care & Seniors at Fellowship Bible Church, as they discuss all things related to the high quality of life for retired adults in Winchester, which is consistently one of the top retirement towns in the country.Links for the episode:Fellowship Bible Church, Seniors gatheringsEvents:September 28, 7:30pm - Shenandoah University, Symphony Orchestra concertOctober 3-6 - Shenandoah University, Legally BlondeOctober 4-6 - North-South Skirmish Association events

Mark shares a bit of his own personal story of what led him to Winchester and his various career paths, all leading up to hear more about how he spends his time on a daily and weekly basis to best serve those he works with.Upcoming Events :Charity Dog Walk and Pool Pawty - Saturday, September 14, 10AM-3PMSherando Park and Poolhttps://visitwinchesterva.com/event/charity-dog-walk-and-pool-pawty/A Scottish Evening at the Battlefield - Saturday, September 14, 6PM-7:30PMKernstown Battlefieldhttps://visitwinchesterva.com/event/a-scottish-evening-at-the-battlefield/Celebración of Winchester Festival - Saturday, September 21, 12PM-4PMOld Town Mall downtownhttps://visitwinchesterva.com/event/celebracion-of-winchester-festival/Shenandoah Valley Apple Harvest Festival - Sat-Sun, September 21-22Frederick County Fairgrounds(Presented by Rotary Club)https://www.rotaryclubofwinchester.org/index.php/shenandoah-apple-harvest-festival/

Mark tackles some of the listener’s tough questions about the new NAR settlement.Upcoming Events:August 31:● Exoticon: Exotic Pet Expo: 9AM-4PM. Millwood Stationhttps://visitwinchesterva.com/event/exoticon-exotic-pet-expo/● Patsy Cline Block Party: 10AM-4PM. 608 South Kent StreetWinchester, VA 22601.https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/patsy-cline-block-party/September 7:● Comic Expo: 11AM-3PM. War Memorial Buildinghttps://visitwinchesterva.com/event/comic-expo/● Picklechester Festival: 11AM-5PM, West Oaks Marketplacehttps://visitwinchesterva.com/event/picklechester-festival/

Mark gives his opinions and thoughts on the new changes in the real estate market due to the NAR settlement - what are the things the media ISN’T telling you!Related Links to the Show:NAR Reminder - https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/national-association-of-realtors-reminds-members-and-consumers-of-real-estate-practice-changeCNN post - https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/12/economy/nar-realtor-settlement-august-commissions/index.htmlToday Show video - https://www.today.com/video/how-changes-to-real-estate-broker-commission-fees-will-impact-you-217134149754Events:Saturday, August 17:Middletown’s Annual Car, Truck, and Tractor Show: 3-8PM. $10 entry fee. 7793 Main Street, Middletown, VA 22645https://www.middletownva.gov/2024/02/06/14t-annual-car-truck-tractor-show-saturday-august-17-2024/Saturday, August 24:Belle Grove Wine Fest: 11AM-6PM. 336 Belle Grove Rd. Middletown, VA 22656. Live music, tastings, food and artisan/merchandise vendors.https://bellegrove.org/calendar/winefestWatermelon Wine Festival: 12-5PM. James Charles Winery. Watermelon wine slushies, local beers, complimentary glass of wine, food trucks, local craft vendors, and live music. https://jamescharleswine.com/event/watermelon-fest-2024/August 24 - September 2:“Hungry for History” Food History Event: Museums and historic sites in our community will offer a variety of programs and special events such as presentations, cooking demonstrations, children’s activities, food tastings, special handouts and giveaways, historic recipes, agriculture related programs and more.https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/hungry-for-history-food-history-event/

Learn more about how you can declutter your home before selling by using a local storage unit facility, Allied Self Storage, as Mark chats with Mallory Frogale and Merideth Reyes in his on-site conversation with them.Self Storage units in WinchesterEvents:1) West Oaks Peach Festival - Saturday, August 3, 11am-5pm2) Sunset Series at Bowman Library - Thursday, August 8, 6:30pm-8:30pm3) Rt 11 Yard Crawl - Saturday, August 10, 7am-“until you drop”!

Mark chats with local author, historian, and ancestry researcher, John Flood, as they dive into local roots and even things from the Wild West!UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS:Friday, July 19● Film and Float: Elemental-7-11PM-Sherando Pool-$10.00 - https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/film-and-float-elemental/● Glow All Out 5k-7:45-9:30PM-Evendale/Byrd Campus -https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/glow-all-out-5k/ Saturday, July 20● Kevin Riley Community Day and Craft Show-9AM-2PM-Food Vendors-Face Painting-Carnival Games-Magic Show -https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/kevin-riley-community-day-and- craft-show/● Antique and Model Car Show- Museum of the Shenandoah Valley- 10AM-2PM-Free admission to the car show. Admission fee required for the gardens—including the outdoor exhibition Gardens of Glass—and the galleries.- https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/antique-and-modified-car-show/Friday, July 26● MSV at Night- Museum of the Shenandoah Valley- 5-8PM-Outdoor show from six-piece country/folk band Smoke & The Poet (sets at 5 & 6:30 p.m.), a quilling demonstration by artist Lana Lechkina, and nighttime access to the gardens and the outdoor exhibition Gardens of Glass. - https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/msv-at-night/Saturday, July 27● Reenactment of the Second Battle of Kernstown- July 27 from 5-7PM and July 28 from 3-4PM- Kernstown Battlefield -https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/reenactment-of-the-second -battle-of-kernstown/Monday, July 29● Frederick County Fair- July 29-August 3- Frederick County Fairgrounds -https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/frederick-county-fair-3/

For our Independence Day episode, Mark recounts the stories of George Washington and Daniel Morgan and the role they played in developing our local Winchester and Frederick County area.Upcoming Local Events:July 4: Frederick County July 4th Celebration and FireworksJuly 5 James Charles WineryJuly 5: Guided Winchester Walking TourJuly 13: George Washington Hotel Concert Series July 13-20: Winchester LIttle Theatre

Listen to a conversation that Mark had with local lender, Ross Lehman, who shares his story on how he has built real estate wealth in our local community.Local Events (Links):Shenandoah Valley Wine Festival - Sat, June 22, 1pm-7pmSSMT, Fiddler on the RoofWest Oaks BBQ, Brews, Bluegrass Festival - Sat, June 29, 11:30am-5pm

Mark gives his perspectives on the upcoming summer real estate market, sharing some stats and stories, along with predictions of what’s to come.

Mark chats with co-owners of CrossFit Vicerant, Merideth and “Rey”Reyes, as they share their story of becoming gym owners and how they celebrate Memorial Day with the intense workout called “The Murph Challenge”.Related Links to the Show:History of MurphCrossFit VicerantEvents Coming Up:Winchester Police Car Show - Sat, May 25, 12pm-4pmWest Oaks Strawberry Festival - Sat, May 25, 11am-5pmLoudoun St Mile - Mon, May 27, 8amHop Blossom Craft Beer Festival - Sat, June 1, 12pm-6pm

Mark swaps stories with co-host, Danielle Spriggs, discussing post-Apple Blossom recap along with the history of Mothers Day and its significance to them.Upcoming Events:ShenCo Labs…Sat, May 11Mother’s Day Brunch…Sun, May 12 - Shen ValleyMother’s Day…Sun, May 12, Winchester Brew WorksChorale Concert…Fri/Sat, May 17/18Fort Loudoun Day…Sat, May 18

Mark shares his take on the NAR settlement, including what it means to buyers/sellers and our local Winchester/Frederick County area.

Mark chats with ICON’s newest real estate agent and recent college graduate, Taion Clanton, as they unpack the journey of high school to college into the workforce for today’s young adult generation.Taion ClantonEvents:Abram’s Creek Nature WalkSat, April 13, 8:30am-10:30amSolenberger’s Hardware Car, Truck, Motorcycle and Tractor ShowSat, April 20, 9am-3pm97th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival!

Mark chats with owner of Moran & Associates, Jim Moran, as they dive into the world of heating and cooling your house - all with efforts to keep you comfortable in every season!Events:Easter weekend…church servicesEaster Brunch - Village Sqaure, 11am-3pmGW Hotel 100th Anniversary Celebration…Sat, April 6“Evening with Orleans”Brunch Bar @ James Charles Winery…Sun, April 7

Mark unpacks the current status of the real estate market in the local Winchester area, including details and tips for buyers who are curious about new construction properties.Events:St Paddy’s Celtic FestDowntown, Sat March 16, 12pm-10pmKite Flying FestivalKernstown, Sun, March 171pm-4pmDancin’ OutSUMarch 22-24She Kills MonstersSUMarch 21-24

Mark gets a chance to sit down with fellow-podcaster, Brian Dick, as they chat all about the music landscape in the Winchester area and the stories that Brian uncovers in his show, “Musician’s Cafe”.Upcoming Events:Sat, Mar 2, 8:30pm-11:30pmKat Atomic at Backseat Bar and GrillSun, Mar 3, 12:30pm-3:30pmWinter Sundays @ Shenandoah Valley Discovery MuseumThu, March 7Harlem Globetrotters, 6pm-9pmSat and Sun, Mar 9/10 Valley Vipers home games at SU

Mark chats with new real estate agent, Danielle Spriggs, as they discuss common interactions, questions, and misconceptions with today’s buyer in the Winchester area.Here are the local events promoted at the end of the episode:Sports Card / Pokémon card showSat, Feb 17, 9am-3pmMillwood Station “Bingo” HallSomeone Special Sweetheart DanceSat, Feb 17, 3pm-8pmWest Oaks Farm MarketWinchester Restaurant WeekFeb 19-25SU - “Pippin”Thur, Feb 22 - Sun, Feb 25

Mark shares a great option for parents to give their children after-school exercise and team-building opportunities by chatting with owner of East Coast Gymnastics and Cheer, Mandy Van Fossen. East Coast website: https://ecgymnastics.com/Event links:FredCo EatsAll week…January 29 - Feb 4African American Heritage Trolley TourSat, Feb 3, 1pm-2pm - Free!ValenWine’s Day Event @ James Charles WinerySaturday, Feb 10, 2pm-5pmGalentines Day @ The Wine Room (Taylor Pavillion)Tuesday, Feb 13, 5pm-10pm

Mark chats with owner of Hope Restored Credit Repair, Megan McLaughlin, who unpacks how she can assist with boosting your credit score, allowing for you to be eligible to acquire a loan for a home purchase when you may think it’s a lost cause.Here's her website:Hope Restored Credit RepairEvents this weekend:Karaoke Night at West OaksApple Blossom Casino and Cash PartyEvents next weekend:MSV Mini-ConWinchester Bridal Expo

Mark shares his new year resolutions, his summary of 2023, and his predictions for 2024 all on this fact-filled first episode of 2024!Here are the links for the various events and details talked about in todays episode:Interest Rate DetailsJurassic Empire - SportsplexJanuary 6The Complete Works of William Shakespeare - Winchester Little TheaterJanuary 5-20Terrarium Workshop - West OaksJanuary 10Brunch Bar - James CharlesJanuary 14

Dive a little deeper into Mark’s story as he chats with his Physician Assistant superstar wife, Erika Francis, to discuss a variety of topics including what brought them to town, their appreciation of the Winchester area, and a few of their family Christmas “traditions”.Links:Holiday Tours At Belle GroveNew Year’s Eve Celebration – Glow Party and Laser Light Show

Mark chats with Team Market Owners of the Virginia Valley Vipers, Rodney and Tina Culbreath, as they share their vision of bringing professional basketball to our area with the purpose of enriching our community.Links:Virginia Valley Vipers: https://virginiavalleyvipers.com/Holliday Wreath Making Workshop: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holiday-wreath-making-workshop-tickets-704963473727

Mark unpacks the history behind Thanksgiving, shares his gratitude for the this season, and celebrates the people of the Winchester area that make it a great place to live.

Mark connects with two of the brothers who make up “Brothers Residential Contracting”, Drew Sanford and Tyler Percy, as they share their experiences in kick-starting their contracting business as new residents of the Winchester area.

Get the full picture “state of the union” update on all things loans, interest rates, and beyond, as Mark chats with lending expert, Marlin Beitzel, from Integrity Home Mortgage Corporation.

Mark chats with ICON Real Estate’s office expert, Olivia Baber, and aspiring real estate agent, Danielle Spriggs, as they unpack the fun of the fall season in Winchester, VA!

Mark chats with owners of Shenandoah Music, Matt and Jason Strosnider, as they share their love for music and love for our community.

Mark brings on a guest co-host, Danielle Spriggs, as they chat about the life of a realtor and what it takes to be successful.

Mark reflects on the history of the Labor Day holiday and also spotlights the top 5 organizations in the Winchester/Frederick County area and how they help strengthen our community.Local event links:Hungry for History:https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/hungry-for-history-food-history-event/Patsy Cline Block Party:https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/patsy-cline-block-party/

Mark has local football expert, Josh Kirby, in the studio to chat about the upcoming season of our local high school football teams, giving run downs of each team along with some predictions.

Mark chats with local appraiser, William Orth, to get his take on the status of how the real estate market is in our local region.

Mark chats with the owner of True North Group, Tom Stamulis, as he shares practical tips to protect yourself and your business from cyberspace criminals.

Mark welcomes back Megan into the co-host seat as they chat about ideal ways to “interview” a realtor to ensure they are a good match and will get the job done for you!

Jon Eye from Mover Dudes shares tips on how to best coordinate a large move from one house to another, while Madison shares an announcement of a move herself.

Mark and Madison find the positives in the stats for the 2023 year so far as they give their take on our current real estate summer market.

Mark and Madison chat with West Oaks Farm & Market family member, Levi Snapp, who shares the story and the vision behind the creation of the marketplace as we know it today.

Listen to a conversation that Mark had over 18 months ago with local attorneys, Doug McCarthy and Matthew Akers, as they unpack all of the behind-the-scenes details that goes into a real estate closing - plus get fresh upcoming local event promotions for this coming weekend of July 8-9.

Mark and Madison reminisce about the first 100 episodes of ICONic Talk and also answer questions from the listening audience.

Mark and Madison chat with Operations Manager of National Settlement Services, Zach Hoopes, as he breaks downs ideas of how to go above and beyond providing value to customers in order to grow business, specifically with a quality social media presence.

Mark shares his thoughts on the value of living every day like it’s your last…and reminds us all to embrace Father’s Day this coming weekend.

Guest co-host, Madison Kilmer, asks Mark questions about what it means to be a real estate broker and how a broker can help shape the success of agents.

Mark chats with guest co-host, Madison Kilmer, to discuss the current state of the rental market in the Winchester area, along with what to expect as both a landlord and a tenant.

Mark chats with the owner of Onsite Wastewater Service Co, Matt Ferrell, who unpacks all you need to know about septic systems and what to look for in a septic inspection.

Mark and Megan discuss the graduation scene around the local Winchester area and reminisce on graduations and high school stories of the past.

Mark and Megan chat with Jennifer Barlow (Studio Manager) and Tabby Roach (Head Coach) from Orangetheory Fitness to share how they are using science-based exercise programming to assist the health of people in our Winchester community.

Mark and Megan recount their own personal experiences of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival over the years along with passing on tips on how to best navigate the activities this weekend.

Mark gives a full breakdown of the next 10 days ahead - Winchester’s very own Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, summarizing the many events and the impact on the real estate market.

Learn how you can get around the Shenandoah Valley (and beyond) in style with your personal driving service, Shenandoah Shores Management Group, and the owner, Dederick Brooks, as he shares with Mark and Megan the benefits of the chauffeur service that he provides.

Do you want to know what the real estate market looks like right now? Listen to Mark and Megan give their perspectives on our current market update for Winchester in this moment!

Mark and Megan have a chat about how sacred art has shaped our current culture within the church with Rose Lauck, a Production Manager and Creative Design staff member of Fellowship Bible Church, as a way to help us prepare for Easter weekend.