Podcast Episode Details

#716: Pivoting into Real Estate, Building Trust, and Leading with Professionalism with Fred Butts

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Episode 716

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Episode Overview

In this powerful conversation, John Kitchens sits down with Fred Butts, a former international CEO who pivoted into the industry with his wife and business partner, Elaine.

Fred shares how decades of global leadership experience—from LL Bean to international startups in Shanghai—taught him the power of professionalism, problem-solving, and staying close to the customer. Now, he’s applying those same principles to build a thriving real estate business rooted in connection, respect, and community.

This is a masterclass in pivots, leadership, and building a business (and life) that truly feeds your spirit.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode Life Before Real Estate

• Lessons from LL Bean, Patagonia, and global startups in China and Vietnam

• Why professionalism always starts with respect

• The common thread that separates fast-growing companies from slow movers

Pivoting into Real Estate

• How Fred and Elaine navigated the humbling shift from CEO to brand-new agents

• Why connection to the customer became their non-negotiable

• Building a referral-based business rooted in care and curiosity

Principles That Transfer Across Industries

• The role of professionalism, curiosity, and problem-solving in real estate success

• Why “if you own the problem, you own the market” applies to every business

• How to stay calm when clients feel like their “hair is on fire”

Partnership in Business & Life

• The rules Fred and Elaine set for communication at home and in business

• How clear roles and responsibilities protect both the marriage and the business

• Why respecting boundaries accelerates growth and prevents burnout

Looking Ahead

• Fred’s transition into the luxury market with eXp Realty

• How AI tools and marketing innovation will reshape the client experience

• The mindset every new agent must adopt to succeed in today’s market

Resources & Mentions

• The Ride of a Lifetime by Bob Iger – Leadership lessons that resonated with Fred

• Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins – The “cookie jar” concept for resilience

• John Kitchens Executive Coaching → JohnKitchens.coach

• Learn more about Fred & Elaine Butts – eXp Luxury Partners

Final Takeaway

Pivoting into real estate isn’t about starting over—it’s about carrying your principles forward. For Fred Butts, professionalism, respect, and connection to the customer are the through-lines that built success at the global level and now fuel success locally.

“Professionalism starts with respect. That’s the human side of what we do—and clients never forget how you made them feel.” – Fred Butts

Connect with Us:

• Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach
• LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach

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Published on 1 week, 6 days ago