Roots and Roofs - Success in Real Estate, Entrepreneurship and Motherhood

In this powerful episode of Roots and Roofs, Mackenzie sits down with real estate leader and advocate Francine Bass for a deeply honest conversation about what it really means to grow.Francine shares her journey balancing a demanding career with raising a neurodivergent child—offering raw insight into trust, resilience, and embracing imperfection. She challenges traditional mentorship, calling for a more holistic approach that develops the whole person, not just the professional.From learning to trust your instincts to building strong support systems, this episode highlights the often overlooked side of leadership—the emotional, personal, and deeply human work behind it.This isn’t just about success. It’s about showing up fully—in business, in motherhood, and in life.Time Stamps:01:00 Meet Francine Bass: A Journey of Mentorship and Advocacy02:39 Embracing Change: Knowing When to Transition04:53 The Power of Listening: Reflecting on Mentorship07:21 Be the Mentor You Wish You Had09:05 Holistic Mentorship: Coaching the Whole Person11:12 Navigating Parenthood: Lessons from Neurodiversity15:00 The Imperfection of Parenting: Embracing the Journey19:34 Trusting Your Instincts: The Parent's Role21:57 Opening Up to Support: Breaking Isolation25:07 Problem Solving in Real Estate and Parenting28:21 Bridging the Gap: Transitioning to Adulthood for Neurodivergent ChildrenConnect with Mackenzie:https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleesheltonFind more great tips on her website:www.mahoganyacres.com

In this episode of Roots and Roofs, McKenzie sits down with real estate veteran turned coach Tina Beliveau, whose team sold over 2,000 homes—and then made the bold move to step away from the grind to build something bigger.Tina shares her evolution from top-producing agent to coach and course creator, breaking down the real challenges of leadership, team building, and letting go of control. She dives into the power of leveraging Facebook groups to generate consistent leads, build community, and scale without burnout.This conversation goes beyond tactics—it’s about identity, confidence, and knowing when it’s time to pivot. From balancing motherhood and business to building systems that work for you, Tina proves that success isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing it differently.This is what scaling looks like.Time Stamps01:01 Meet Tina Beliveau: A Real Estate Journey03:18 Transitioning from Real Estate to Coaching13:34 Building a Real Estate Team and Leadership Challenges15:23 The Shift to Online and Course Creation20:13 Leveraging Facebook Groups for Real Estate SuccessConnect with Mackenzie:https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleesheltonFind more great tips on her website:www.mahoganyacres.com

In this powerful episode of Roots and Roofs, Mackenzie sits down with Jennifer DiMotta, co-founder of Dundee Growth Partners, for a no-fluff conversation about what really holds businesses back. Jennifer breaks down the hard truths founders avoid: founder dependency, weak financial oversight, toxic employees, and the lack of operational leadership that quietly kills momentum.She explains why culture can make or break a company, why sales and operations must work in sync, and why understanding your income statement isn’t optional if you want to scale. The conversation dives into real estate investing, leadership self-awareness, mentorship, and the discipline required to turn around struggling businesses.This episode is a masterclass in stepping out of survival mode and into true CEO leadership.Growth isn’t accidental. It’s operational.Time Stamps:02:15 Jennifer DiMotta's Entrepreneurial Journey05:42 Consulting and Coaching for Business Growth12:21 Common Challenges for Founders and CEOs16:44 The Importance of Company Culture20:13 Dealing with Toxic Employees22:24 Building a Strong Leadership Team24:12 Diving into Real Estate Investing28:09 Finding Your Unique Investment Strategy30:51 Self-Awareness in Leadership32:30 The Importance of Mentorship and Coaching36:45 Turning Around Struggling Businesses42:35 Understanding Your FinancialsConnect with Jennifer:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdimotta/https://dimottaconsulting.com/hConnect with Mackenzie:https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleesheltonFind more great tips on her website:www.mahoganyacres.com

In this powerful episode, Jen Gomez shares her evolution from stage actor to entrepreneur and leadership coach—and why joy isn’t soft, it’s strategic.She breaks down how joy can be a competitive advantage in business, especially for women navigating fear, rejection, and leadership identity. Jen challenges the hustle narrative and reframes fulfillment as both an art and a discipline. From decision-making frameworks to capacity expansion, she explains why strategy alone isn’t enough—you have to grow into the life you’re building.Jen also introduces her upcoming book, Joy in the Chaos, a guide for women who want to lead with authenticity, boundaries, and boldness.This conversation is about more than success. It’s about leading from wholeness.Time Stamps02:57 Discovering Joy as a Competitive Advantage05:51 The Journey of Writing a Book08:58 The Evolution of Leadership Identity11:46 Frameworks for Decision Making and Joy15:03 Coaching and Capacity Expansion18:03 Transformational Coaching Strategies21:11 The Art of Fulfillment in Leadership24:01 Conclusion and Future AspirationsConnect with Jen:https://www.jen-gomez.com/https://www.facebook.com/share/1BNDveigPj/https://www.instagram.com/jenthejoyfulstrategist?igsh=MTJseThlejFqYWhsag==Connect with Mackenzie:https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleesheltonFind more great tips on her website:www.mahoganyacres.com

In this powerful episode of Roots and Roofs, host Mackenzie sits down with Dianna Kokoszka, one of the most influential voices in real estate coaching and leadership development. From her early days navigating a male-dominated industry to becoming a sought-after business mentor, Dianna shares the raw truth behind building success from the ground up.This conversation goes beyond business tactics—it dives deep into identity, character, and courage. Dianna challenges women to stop waiting for permission, embrace pressure as a privilege, and step fully into leadership through accountability and tough conversations. She unpacks how adversity shapes character, why actions always reveal truth, and how investing in yourself is the fastest path to meaningful impact.If you’re a woman balancing ambition, leadership, and personal growth—or anyone striving to build a life of purpose and influence—this episode will light a fire. Diana’s philosophy is simple yet transformative: add value, embrace discomfort, and rise as high as you’re willing to go.Time Stamps:01:20 – From Humble Beginnings to High-Impact Leadership04:54 – How BOLD Changed the Real Estate Game06:39 – Unlearning Limiting Beliefs in Leadership11:41 – Why Women Struggle to Step Into Power18:27 – Tough Conversations That Define Real Leaders22:07 – Adversity, Accountability, and Character Building34:16 – What DiannaIs Building Next—and Why It MattersConnect with Mackenzie:https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleesheltonFind more great tips on her website:www.mahoganyacres.com

In this micro episode of Roots and Roofs, Mackenzie cuts through the noise and delivers a hard truth: motivation doesn’t build success—consistency does. She challenges listeners to stop relying on bursts of inspiration and start committing to disciplined daily habits that actually move the needle.This episode reframes grace as a call to growth—not an excuse to stay comfortable—and reminds us that businesses, character, and fulfilling lives are built in rhythms, not rushes. The message is clear: the gap between the life you want and the life you’re living is created by what you do every day.No hype. No shortcuts. Just what works.Connect with Mackenzie:https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleesheltonFind more great tips on her website:www.mahoganyacres.com

In this episode of Roots and Roofs, McKenzie sits down with real estate powerhouse Cortney Thomas, a single mother who made the bold leap from Director of Operations at Prairie and Pine Real Estate Group to joining the team as a full-time real estate agent. Cortney opens up about navigating divorce, financial pressure, and the fear that initially pushed her into the industry—turning each challenge into fuel for her success.She shares how building a strong network before getting licensed gave her a running start, and why consistent, income-producing routines—like mastering scripts for expired listings—became the backbone of her growth. Cortney also highlights the critical role mentors and coaches played in shaping her confidence and strategy.Listeners will hear candid insights on embracing change instead of resisting it, the sacrifices required to pursue a bigger vision and more. As Cortney continues to rise, she now sets her sights on building a mini-team and stepping into a powerful leadership role.This episode delivers both inspiration and practical direction for anyone standing at the crossroads of fear and opportunity.Time Stamps:01:04 Cortney's Journey into Real Estate02:52 Facing Challenges as a New Agent07:17 Transforming Fear into Motivation09:47 Daily Routines and Income-Producing Activities12:20 Achieving Financial Success in Real Estate13:58 Mastering Expired Listings17:47 Sacrifices and Rewards of Real Estate20:14 Support Systems in Real Estate22:47 Advice for Women Facing Challenges24:19 Future Goals and AspirationsConnect with Mackenzie:https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleesheltonFind more great tips on her website:www.mahoganyacres.com

In this episode of Roots and Roofs, Mackenzie interviews Loredana Ghete, who shares her inspiring journey from Romania to the United States and her experiences in the real estate industry. They discuss the importance of mindset in achieving success, and the cultural shifts Loredana faced after moving. Loredana emphasizes the significance of coaching, developing leadership skills, and fostering resilience in both personal and professional growth. The conversation highlights the transformative power of asking questions, the drive to help others succeed and of course, motherhood and entrepreneurship.Timestamps:01:06 Lorendana’s  Journey in Real Estate10:13 Cultural and Mindset Shifts in Moving to the U.S.19:37 The Role of Coaching in Real Estate28:29 Developing Millionaires and Leadership35:45 Understanding Resilience and Growth MindsetConnect with Mackenzie:https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleesheltonFind more great tips on her website:www.mahoganyacres.com

Roots and Roofs host Mackenzie Shelton sits down with mortgage loan officer Nicki Montelongo to shed light on what sets her apart in the mortgage industry. They delve into how lending practices have changed, stress the vital role of educating clients throughout the home buying process, and acknowledge the deep emotional significance of purchasing a home. Nicki highlights the necessity of being financially ready and discusses how she balances her professional life with being a single mother. Furthermore, the episode underscores the value of community engagement and maintaining a long-term perspective in client relations, all with the goal of empowering families through knowledge and assistance.Time Stamps:01:00 Nikki Montelongo: Journey into Mortgage Lending04:32 Evolution of Mortgage Lending: Past vs Present07:00 The Importance of Education in Home Buying09:26 Navigating Emotional Aspects of Home Buying11:49 Financial Preparedness for Home Buyers15:57 Finding Balance as a Single Mom and Professional21:50 Lessons from Motherhood in Client Relationships27:03 Community Involvement and Its Impact31:00 Long-Term Vision for Client RelationshipsConnect with Mackenzie:https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleesheltonFind more great tips on her website:www.mahoganyacres.com

In this episode of Roots and Roofs, Mackenzie brings back her husband Jack Shelton for an intimate discussion about the intricate balance of marriage, parenting, and entrepreneurship within the real estate industry. They explore themes of leadership in marriage, setting examples for children, conflict resolution, and the importance of integrity and service. Jack shares valuable insights from his experiences, emphasizing the significance of being a supportive partner and the lessons learned from past relationships. The conversation highlights the importance of resilience, teamwork, and the legacy they wish to leave for their children.Time Stamps:01:08 Exploring Marriage and Partnership Dynamics02:02 Leadership in Marriage: Balancing Roles05:32 Setting Examples for Children08:10 Teaching Values to Sons and Daughters10:06 Lessons Learned from Marriage12:54 Conflict Resolution in Marriage15:24 Advice for Young Men on Marriage16:26 The Importance of Being Useful18:16 Adjusting Standards in Marriage20:39 Servant Leadership in Family Life21:37 Navigating People-Pleasing Tendencies23:57 Guiding Principles from Faith and Values25:25 Observational Learning in Relationships29:19 Legacy and Family Values30:19 Planning for Children's Future34:03 Raising Resilient ChildrenConnect with Mackenzie:https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleesheltonFind more great tips on her website:www.mahoganyacres.com

In this episode, Mackenzie chats with Barbara Dopp, who shares her amazing journey from stay-at-home mom to a successful real estate entrepreneur. She talks about how important it is to have a growth mindset, how coaching changed things for her, and the ups and downs of the real estate market. Barbara also emphasizes building a great team and how real estate can be flexible for moms.They also dive into why investing in your team, managing partnerships, and tracking your progress with key metrics are so important. Both Mackenzie and Barbara highlight the crucial roles of leadership, vision, and working together in real estate. They also explore how to build wealth through smart partnerships and offer awesome advice for new agents looking to build a thriving career.Time Stamps:01:07 Barbara Dopp's Journey in Real Estate02:30 Transitioning from Stay-at-Home Mom to Entrepreneur07:13 The Importance of a Growth Mindset11:06 The Role of Coaching in Real Estate Success14:54 Navigating Shifting Real Estate Markets22:50 Building and Leading a Successful Real Estate Team31:30 Investing in Team Growth34:07 Navigating Business Partnerships36:37 Measuring Success: Numbers and Growth38:54 The Importance of Leadership and Vision41:30 Creating Wealth Through Partnership48:01 Advice for New Agents: Building a Successful CareerConnect with Mackenzie:https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleesheltonFind more great tips on her website:www.mahoganyacres.com

In this episode of Roots and Roofs, host Mackenzie Shelton chats with Kelsie Rollins who shares her journey of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship in the real estate and marketing sectors. Kelsie emphasizes the significance of self-reflection, learning from failures, and maintaining a positive mindset while navigating the complexities of being a working mother and business owner. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of collaboration among small businesses in revitalizing small towns, the dynamics of business partnerships, and the innovative concept of creating community spaces like The Greenhouse. They also touch on the role of local governance in supporting business growth, strategies for achieving work-life balance amidst chaos, and key lessons learned in entrepreneurship, emphasizing adaptability and self-reflection.Time Stamps:01:04 Meet Kelsie Rollins: Entrepreneur and Mother03:55 The Reality of Entrepreneurship06:48 Taking the Leap: From Employee to Entrepreneur10:05 Challenges of Starting a Business15:08 Building a Supportive Community in Small Towns24:49 Revitalizing Small Towns Through Collaboration30:53 Building Strong Business Partnerships34:01 Innovative Business Spaces: The Greenhouse37:17 Community Engagement and Local Governance39:01 Navigating Chaos: Work-Life Balance Strategies46:32 Lessons in Entrepreneurship: Adaptability and Self-ReflectionConnect with Mackenzie:https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleesheltonFind more great tips on her website:www.mahoganyacres.com

In this episode of Roots and Roofs, Sami Peckham shares her inspiring journey of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship in the real estate industry. She discusses her transition from a corporate job to becoming a successful real estate agent and investor, the lessons learned from her investment experiences, and the challenges faced in the real estate market. Additionally, she shares her recent venture into the coffee shop business, highlighting the importance of collaboration and community support in entrepreneurship. In this conversation, the speakers share practical strategies for time management, the importance of teamwork, and the emotional aspects of pursuing personal and professional aspirations. The discussion emphasizes the need to prioritize goals, manage guilt, and build a supportive team to achieve success while maintaining family connections.Chapters01:08 Sami's Journey into Real Estate04:45 Investment Strategies and Lessons Learned09:04 Navigating Real Estate Challenges16:10 Expanding into the Coffee Shop Business20:00 The Ups and Downs of Entrepreneurship24:04 Finding Focus Amidst the Noise30:17 Balancing Family and Work Responsibilities36:45 Overcoming Guilt and Embracing Goals42:54 Building a Supportive Team for SuccessConnect with Mackenzie:https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleesheltonFind more great tips on her website:www.mahoganyacres.com

In this episode of Roots and Roofs, host Mackenzie Shelton speaks with Traci Stoop, who shares her inspiring journey from being a science teacher to a full-time photographer and mentor. They discuss the challenges and fears associated with career transitions, the importance of family dynamics in entrepreneurship, and the significance of creating a balanced daily routine. Traci emphasizes the need for personal growth and reframing guilt as a working mom, while also providing valuable advice for other mothers seeking change in their careers.Time Stamps:01:17 Traci Stoop's Journey from Teaching to Photography06:16 Overcoming Fears in Career Transition10:28 The Impact of Teaching on Photography Business12:40 Navigating Family Dynamics in Entrepreneurship21:45 Creating a Balanced Daily Routine24:38 Reframing Guilt as a Working Mom27:57 Personal Growth Through Entrepreneurship32:41 Advice for Moms Seeking ChangeConnect with Mackenzie:https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleesheltonFind more great tips on her website:www.mahoganyacres.com

In this inspiring episode, Mackenzie sits down with Cait Boyer, a powerhouse mom, entrepreneur, and owner of Central Athletics, a competitive cheer gym in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Cait shares her raw and powerful journey of how a near-fatal car accident changed the course of her life, eventually leading her to take ownership of a cheer gym she never planned to run.They dive into:Cait’s unexpected journey from school district employee to gym ownerThe life-altering car accident that reshaped her perspective and sparked her leadershipHow she rebuilt the gym from the ground up—during COVIDThe reality of entrepreneurship as a mom of twoHer husband Brian’s unwavering support and how they manage their marriage on opposite schedulesBuilding a family-first gym culture and keeping cheerleading accessible to local familiesWhy she encourages every mom with a dream to “just go for it”Connect with Mackenzie:https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleesheltonFind more great tips on her website:www.mahoganyacres.com

In this episode, Mackenzie unpacks a quote that’s been weighing on her heart: “If you’re focusing on what the other person is doing, instead of looking at yourself, you’re already losing.” Whether you’re navigating the messy middle of marriage, the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, or the shifting dynamics of friendships and business partnerships, this episode is your invitation to turn inward, reclaim your power, and lead with intentionality.Episode highlights: Why keeping score in your marriage (or business) is a losing gameHow to shift from blame to personal responsibilityReal-life examples from Mackenzie’s own marriage and business growthWhy focusing on yourself is the fastest path to positive changeHow comparison robs you of joy and momentum—and what to do insteadPractical ways to “lead in love” when things feel one-sidedA gentle reminder that self-work is not weakness, it’s strengthConnect with Mackenzie:https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleesheltonFind more great tips on her website:www.mahoganyacres.com

In this episode, Mackenzie is joined by Sarah Pierce, a real estate agent and mom of four based in the Omaha area. Sarah shares what it’s like running a growing real estate business with her husband while raising four young kids and how they’ve built a business that aligns with their family’s needs. From social media strategies to scheduling with military life, Sarah dives into the mindset and systems behind her success.What You’ll Learn:How Sarah and her husband Brad divide roles in their real estate businessWhy they’re committed to a 30-hour workweek and how they make it workThe behind-the-scenes of hiring a showing assistant and structuring compensationHow Sarah grew her Instagram to nearly 7,000 followers (with content tips!)What it really looks like to build a business while raising little kidsQuestions Answered in This Episode:How do you set healthy boundaries with four kids and a busy real estate career?What does a social media strategy look like when you’re building for longevity?How do you manage scheduling between two parents, military life, and clients?What advice would you give to other moms wanting to grow a referral-based business?How are buyers changing in 2025 and how should agents respond?Connect with Mackenzie:https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.raburn/https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieleesheltonFind more great tips on her website:www.mahoganyacres.com