Welcome to Between Escrows—where real conversations meet real strategy in the world of real estate, lending, and business growth.
Hosted by Amy Scruggs and Roger Savy, this podcast goes beyond transactions to explore what truly drives long-term success: relationships, mindset, and intentional growth. Each episode delivers practical insights, honest conversations, and actionable strategies designed to help loan officers, real estate professionals, and entrepreneurs build sustainable, relationship-driven businesses.
From navigating market shifts to mastering communication, building your network, and thinking like a CEO—not just a salesperson—Between Escrows is your space to step out of reaction mode and into purposeful growth.
Whether you’re in the middle of a deal or in between escrows, this is where you sharpen your approach, elevate your business, and stay connected to what matters most.
Thank you to our title sponsor: Elevated Lending www.elevatedlending.com (http://www.elevatedlending.com)
Flipping the Script: Roger Savy in the Hot Seat with Guest Host Jeff Blackwell
Roger Savy has spent this show asking the questions. This week, the tables turn.
Roger takes the guest seat, and Jeff Blackwell, SVP of Business Development at Elevated Lending, steps in as guest host. Amy is along for the ride too.
Roger is an international sales coach and leader whose career has been defined by high-stakes environments where precision matters. He ran heart-lung machines during open-heart surgery. He served as a combat leader in the South African infantry. He led global strategy as Vice President of Marketing for Bristol-Myers Squibb’s cardiovascular division. Today he is a certified real estate instructor who coaches and trains Elevated Lending’s loan officers, and the originator of the “With You In Mind” approach.
How does a path like that lead to a mortgage company and a podcast about real estate? Jeff asks the questions Roger has never had to answer.
In this episode:
The journey from the operating room to the battlefield to the boardroom to the broadcast room
What life-and-death precision taught Roger about leading people and serving clients
How the “With You In Mind” philosophy came to be
The principles behind how he spends his 168 hours
Why human connection is still the greatest advantage in a world obsessed with technology
It’s candid, fun, and a little unpredictable, and it’s the conversation our community has been waiting for.
Between Escrows | Real conversations for real estate professionals building businesses and lives they are proud of.
4 Oct 2026
From the Flight Deck to the Closing Table: Service, Leadership & Real Estate with Andre Hobbs
He served aboard the USS Midway and the USS Abraham Lincoln. He earned Sailor of the Year. He became one of the youngest diplomats at the U.S. Embassy in Australia. He supported Secret Service operations for President Bill Clinton.
And then he chose San Diego — and spent the next 20+ years serving military families, veterans, luxury buyers, and investors with the same discipline and dedication he brought to every uniform he ever wore.
This episode Between Escrows sits down with Andre Hobbs — U.S. Navy Veteran, 2022 Veteran of the Year, top-rated San Diego Real Estate Broker, and Team Lead of The Hobbs Valor Group — for one of the most powerful and moving conversations we have ever had on this show.
In this episode: A military career that took him from Brooklyn to Japan to Australia to the White House detail 20+ years serving San Diego's military families through VA loans and relocation His role as National Director for VAREP and what it means for veterans and housing Top 5% of sales associates worldwide — Coldwell Banker Global Luxury President's Circle The leadership lessons from the Navy that built his real estate career What being named 2022 Veteran of the Year means to a man who has spent his life serving others
This is not just a real estate story. This is a story about what happens when a life of service becomes a legacy.
27 Sept 2026
From Chaos to Clarity: Building a Construction Business That Runs Without You
Special Guest: Derek Isaac | Contractor Systems Coach
20+ years in construction. 50+ podcast episodes hosted. One powerful mission — helping contractors stop being slaves to their own business.
This week Amy and Roger sit down with Derek Isaac of Rapid Result Creators for a conversation that every contractor, builder, and real estate professional needs to hear right now.
Systems & Business Coaching for Construction Contractors | Rapid Result Creators
31 Aug 2026
The Slovak Dream: How Monika DeRoussel Built a #1 Real Estate Brand in America
She grew up in Slovakia. She crossed an ocean. And she built one of the most powerful real estate brands in Ohio.
This week Between Escrows sits down with Monika DeRoussel — the #1 eXp Realtor in Ohio — for a conversation about ambition, resilience, and what it truly takes to build something remarkable in America from the ground up.
Monika's journey from Slovakia to the top of the Cincinnati luxury real estate market is the kind of story that reminds you that where you start has nothing to do with where you finish. With 20+ years of experience, 100+ five-star reviews, and a thriving YouTube channel dedicated to Cincinnati life — Monika has built a brand that is as personal as it is powerful.
17 Aug 2026
Goats, Bees & Real Estate: The Randy Coffman Story
30+ years in real estate. Award-winning goats. Beekeeper. Coach. Community leader. Child advocate.
Randy Coffman is one of a kind — and this Thursday he is joining Amy and Roger for a conversation you are absolutely not going to want to miss.
26 Jul 2026
One Chapter at a Time: Leadership, Growth & the Career Journey with Christopher Oscar | Between Escrows
What does it look like to build a remarkable real estate career — not in a straight line, but one chapter at a time?
This week Between Escrows sits down with Christopher Oscar, a strategic leader with Engel & Völkers Sonoma whose career has taken him through some of the most important roles in the real estate profession — producing agent, sales leader, and now a strategic force within one of the most prestigious luxury brands in the world.
This is not a conversation about deals and commissions. It is a conversation about growth, leadership, relationships, and what it truly takes to keep evolving at every stage of your career.
In this episode: From agent to leader — what the transition really looks like How to embrace each new chapter instead of fighting it The relationships that carry you further than any transaction ever could What strategic leadership looks like inside Engel & Völkers The lessons only experience can teach you
Whether you are just getting started or you are a seasoned professional wondering what your next chapter looks like — this conversation is for you.
24 Jun 2026
The Man Behind The Partnership Business Family and Leadership
What does it take to build a life and a business rooted in integrity? This week on Between Escrows, Amy and Roger sit down with Sonoma County real estate veteran Julio Caceres — 25+ years in banking, finance, and real estate, a Master's in Economics, and a reputation that speaks for itself across Wine Country and the Bay Area. This conversation goes beyond the transaction. Julio opens up about building a business alongside his life partner, leading with purpose in both career and community, and the lessons that 25 years in the industry can only teach you one deal at a time. If you are in real estate, in business, or simply someone who values integrity and leadership — this one is for you. Between Escrows | Real conversations. Real people. Real results.
7 Jun 2026
From a mule to a stallion: Lessons in leadership with special guest Joe Burns
Every great leader has a story of when they were just grinding — head down, doing the work, figuring it out one deal at a time.
This week, Between Escrows welcomes Joe Burns — 30+ year real estate veteran, former Mayor of Sausalito, and President-Elect of the Marin Association of Realtors — for a candid conversation about what it really takes to grow from a producer into a true leader.
Joe has worked every corner of the business — buyers, luxury sellers, commercial investors, rehab projects — across some of California's most desirable markets including Marin, Napa, and Sonoma. He brings a rare combination of street-level experience and executive-level perspective that you don't find very often.
In this episode:
The journey from mule to stallion — what it really takes
Leadership lessons from 30+ years in real estate and sales management
What's happening right now in the Marin, Napa & Sonoma markets
Why community matters more than most agents realize
How to evolve your business — and yourself — at every stage of your career
Whether you're just starting out or you've been in the game for decades — this conversation will make you think differently about where you are and where you're going.
22 May 2026
Build It Right. The truth about construction builder financing in today's market.
We're going all in on construction and builder financing with guest Rich Clissold J.D.What's actually happening in today's building world? What do buyers, builders, and real estate professionals need to know RIGHT NOW? We're sitting down for an exclusive conversation that pulls back the curtain on one of the most complex — and most misunderstood — corners of the market.If you're working with builders, have clients looking to build, or just want to stay ahead of the curve — you cannot miss this one.
11 May 2026
Why human interaction is your greatest competitive advantage
In a world gone all-in on AI, the most dangerous thing you can do is forget the people already in your world.In this live episode of Between Escrows, Roger and Amy sound the alarm — and issue a challenge. Because while everyone is chasing the next shiny tech tool, the loan officers and Realtors who are actually winning right now are doing something radically different. They are becoming unforgettable to the people who already know them, trust them, and want to refer them.Nearly 90% of business in 2025 came from past clients and referrals. So why are we still treating cold leads like the prize?This conversation is about HI — Human Interaction — and why it may be the most underrated strategy in your entire business right now.
4 May 2026
Be the Master of your Calendar Part 2: The morning success path
The calendar conversation isn't over — it's just getting good.
In Part 2, Roger Savy and Amy Scruggs go deeper and get practical. Because knowing your 168 hours matter is one thing. Knowing exactly how to start them? That's where the real shift happens.
This episode is all about the morning — and why how you begin your day is the single greatest predictor of how you'll end it. Roger and Amy break down the strategies, routines, and mindset moves that set top producers apart before most people even pour their first cup of coffee.
What you'll walk away with:
A morning framework built for focus, not frenzy
The non-negotiables that protect your energy before the world starts demanding it
How to build a routine that's sustainable — not just aspirational
Why your first hour sets the tone for every decision that follows
You don't rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems. And it all starts in the morning. Between Escrows | Real strategies for real estate professionals building a business and a life they actually love. Downloadable : Morning success 1 sheet
27 Apr 2026
Being the Master of Your Calendar
The purpose of business is to live an intentional life. The one YOU want. So, the real question isn't how busy you are — it's where you're actually putting your energy.
We break down:
Why your calendar is the single most honest reflection of your priorities
How the most successful agents protect their time like a non-negotiable asset
The mindset shift from reactive to masterfully intentional
Practical ways to audit your 168 and take back control
We all think we've got time. But the truth is — we're already spending it. The only question is whether you're spending it on purpose.
This one's going to make you look at your week differently. How are YOU protecting your 168?
21 Apr 2026
The time of order taking is over
The time of order taking is over. If you’re not leading the conversation… someone else will.
15 Apr 2026
Between Escrows Show Trailer
Welcome to Between Escrows—the podcast for real estate and lending professionals who want more than just the next deal.
This is where we talk relationships, strategy, and building a business that lasts.
6 Apr 2026
Mentorship and the right team for new sales agents
Starting out in real estate or lending can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone.
In Episode 3 of Between Escrows, Amy Scruggs and Roger Savy are joined by special guest Jeff Blackwell to break down one of the most important factors in early success: mentorship and the right team environment.
Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to grow faster, this conversation highlights why the people around you can make—or break—your trajectory.
In this episode, we cover:
Why mentorship provides confidence, clarity, and direction early on
The risks of trying to “figure it out” alone
How the right team environment accelerates growth
The importance of culture, collaboration, and support
Avoiding common mistakes that slow down new agents
Jeff Blackwell’s advice to “move your feet” when business slows
How mentorship shortens the learning curve and builds long-term success
Jeff shares real-world insight on staying proactive during slow periods, while Amy and Roger emphasize the power of surrounding yourself with people who are invested in your growth.
This episode is a reminder that success in this industry isn’t meant to be built in isolation—it’s built through guidance, connection, and the right environment.
Key Takeaway:
You don’t have to know everything—you just need the right people in your corner.
28 Mar 2026
Playing the Long Game in Your Business
Are you building a business… or just reacting to the next deal?
In Episode 2 of Between Escrows, Amy Scruggs and Roger Savy dive into one of the biggest mindset shifts in real estate and lending: playing the long game.
In an industry driven by commissions and constant movement, it’s easy to fall into short-term thinking. But the professionals who truly win? They think—and act—like entrepreneurs.
In this episode, we cover:
Why playing the short game leads to burnout and inconsistency
The mindset shift from salesperson → entrepreneur
Moving from “Always Be Closing” to “Always Be Connecting”
How daily habits shape your business months (and years) ahead
The difference between being busy vs. truly productive
Why giving (not just receiving) builds long-term success
How to stay focused when the market feels unpredictable
The power of saying “no” until you check your calendar
Managing your energy, emotions, and focus for sustainable growth
Roger shares practical strategies for staying grounded in what you can control—relationships, conversations, and consistency—while Amy brings real-life insight on aligning daily actions with long-term vision and growth.
Together, they explore how shifting your mindset from reactive to intentional can transform not just your business… but your career.
Key Takeaway:
You don’t lose in this industry because of lack of talent—you lose when you play the short game in a long-term business.
28 Mar 2026
The Power of Your Data Base
Welcome to the very first episode of Between Escrows, where real conversations meet real strategy in today’s lending and real estate world. In this episode, Amy Scruggs and Roger Savy break down one of the most valuable assets in your business: your network—and how to truly use it. What you’ll learn: How to build and manage your personal “power bank” of professional relationships
The difference between trusted clients, advocates, and active prospects Why consistent outreach (every 6 weeks) can transform your business How to set and track meaningful referral goals Practical strategies for both extroverts and introverts The art of asking better questions to create deeper, lasting connections.
Roger shares proven frameworks for staying top of mind, while Amy brings real-world insight from her career across lending, media, and business development—showing how authentic relationships create long-term opportunity.
This episode is a reminder that success in this industry isn’t transactional—it’s relational—and your network is your greatest asset when you know how to use it.
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