What does it really take to lead one of Manhattan’s most iconic brokerages through a historic acquisition while preserving its soul and scaling its influence?
In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits down with Kevelyn Guzman, a visionary leader who took a 100-year-old boutique Manhattan brokerage through a transformative acquisition by Coldwell Banker. She opens up about her journey from Wall Street to real estate, her philosophy of treating agents as clients, and her approach to maintaining culture, innovation, and collaboration in a fiercely competitive market.
Kevelyn doesn’t just talk about leadership—she lives it. From supporting women in real estate to demystifying CRMs and AI, she breaks down the real work behind agent retention, marketing strategy, and building a brand that lasts. Whether you’re an agent, broker, or aspiring leader, this episode will challenge you to lead with authenticity and strategy.
If you're a real estate leader or agent looking to elevate your business, follow Kevelyn Guzman on LinkedIn and keep an eye out for her upcoming book. Don’t forget to subscribe to Real Estate Excellence, leave a review, and share this episode with a real estate pro who needs to hear it!
Highlights:
00:00 From Wall Street to Real Estate
05:19 Guiding a Legacy Firm Through Acquisition
13:26 Building a Culture of Agent-Centric Leadership
24:39 Coaching Through Change and Custom Strategy
34:19 Tools, Tech, and the CRM Problem
47:43 Women in Real Estate and Industry Outlook
Quotes:
"Never make decisions when you are highly emotional. Just give it some time." – Kevelyn Guzman
"Our agents are the CEOs of their business—we're just here to support that infrastructure." – Kevelyn Guzman
"It's not always about the money. Support, culture, and visibility matter more than splits." – Kevelyn Guzman
"Real estate isn’t just a job for me. It’s a passion I live out seven days a week." – Kevelyn Guzman
To contact Kevelyn Guzman, learn more about her business, and make her a part of your network, make sure to follow her on her Website, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Connect with Kaitlin Chernyshov!
Website: https://cbwarburg.com/agent/kevelyn-guzman
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevelynguzman
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevelyn-g-055676b/
Connect with me!
Website: toprealtorjacksonville.com
Website: toprealtorstaugustine.com
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