Women Leaders Of Real Estate: Amanda Pflieger of Curbio On The 5 Things You Need To Succeed In The Real Estate Industry

An Interview With Jason Hartman

It’s not always about selling: In real estate, success often hinges on fostering genuine connections with clients beyond just buying or selling a property. I once heard a real estate agent refer to himself as the ‘mayor of his town’ by sponsoring the local sports teams, supporting small businesses at launch events, and starting a local neighborhood highlight series. At the end of the day, you are your own brand and the last thing you would want is for someone to put you in the “transactional” bucket. By being proactive in your community, you are positioning yourself as a staple part of the community and will naturally be top-of-mind when someone is ready to buy or sell.

As a part of my series about the ‘Five Things You Need To Know To Succeed In The Real Estate Industry’, I had the pleasure of interviewing Amanda Pflieger.

Amanda Pflieger is the Vice President of Growth at Curbio. She is a data-driven strategist who is laser-focused on unlocking demand through integrated, results-driven marketing programs and campaigns. As a versatile and ambitious leader, Amanda has an insatiable curiosity to test new programs that drive powerful outcomes with a proven track record of growing revenue for companies of all sizes.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us the “backstory” about what brought you to the Real Estate industry?

Interestingly, my journey to the real estate industry began with aspirations of becoming an eye surgeon. However, during college, right in the middle of Organic Chemistry, I found my passion leading me in a different direction, which kick-started my career in marketing. I started my career in the corporate real estate world, where I had the opportunity to work with a leading Owner’s Representation firm, handling projects for large-scale private and Fortune 500 companies. My projects ranged from workspace renovations to relocation management services, sparking my interest in real estate.

As my career progressed, I transitioned into the high-growth startup and B2B tech sectors, where I honed my skills in innovation and strategy. It was in 2020 that I learned of Curbio and was immediately captivated by its mission. The prospect of revolutionizing the real estate industry and helping agents nationwide prepare their listings quickly and reliably resonated deeply with me. The switch to the prop-tech space felt like a natural progression, and I’ve been motivated by the incredible growth potential ever since.

Can you share with our readers the most interesting or amusing story that occurred to you in your career so far? Can you share the lesson or take away you took out of that story?

One of the most amusing moments in my career occurred shortly after starting a new role. A few weeks in, I eagerly followed my colleagues into what I thought was a regular team meeting, without double-checking my calendar. To my surprise, it turned out to be the company’s management meeting, with the C-suite and upper management present.

To my surprise, the marketing director saw it as a chance to showcase my work, bringing me into the conversation to share an update on an exciting project I was spearheading with the group.

The lesson I took away from that experience is that everything happens for a reason. Even when things don’t go as planned, you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. Embracing unexpected situations and making the most out of them can lead to unexpected opportunities and growth

Do you have a favorite “life lesson quote”? Can you share a story or example of how that was relevant to you in your life?

I heard someone once say, ‘commit and be wrong.’ This concept has stayed with me because it emphasizes the importance of taking action and not letting the fear of the unknown hold you back. The sooner you act, the sooner you’ll know whether an initiative is worthwhile and successful. And then you iterate (and iterate again and again).

This quote resonates with me daily, especially in the fast-paced world of high-growth startups. The path to success is rarely straightforward and filled with challenges, but it’s all about taking decisive action and turning ideas into action. By embracing this mindset, I’ve learned to navigate the twists, turns, and pivots that come my way, ultimately propelling me forward on my journey

Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that will help people?

Right now, I’m focused on refining our company’s messaging and optimizing the user journey. As our company continues to evolve to better serve the needs of real estate agents nationwide, it’s crucial that our messaging and overall experience reflect those changes as well.

As a company created to support real estate agents, we’re on a mission to provide agents with the best possible experience to get every home ready for the market. This means infusing every step of the process with meaningful touchpoints and resources that empower agents to do their job better, faster, and with zero hassles. Ultimately, our goal is to make the entire experience seamless and intuitive, ensuring that agents have everything they need to succeed.

What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?

Curbio stands out because we do one thing and we do it really well — we help real estate agents get their listings ready to sell quickly, reliably, and with no payment due until closing. The traditional home improvement process hasn’t changed in decades and we’re on a mission to modernize the way homes are prepared for the market with an eye on speed and quality. Ultimately, this helps agents deliver a best-in-class experience to their clients and be the value-driven agent that homeowners want.

Plus, our solution gives agents the competitive edge they need to succeed in any market. I was at a tradeshow and an agent shared a story, one that we hear often. She lost out on a $1.8m listing because her competitor was offering a listing concierge service, and she could not offer the same. Curbio’s turnkey, pay-at-closing solution empowers agents to help their clients get the best possible outcome from their home sale.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

Absolutely, there are two individuals who have played instrumental roles in shaping my journey:

Firstly, my mentor, Josh, who also happens to be my brother-in-law. Josh is a seasoned marketing executive with a wealth of experience and insights. He’s been there for me every step of the way, offering guidance, riffing on ideas, fostering connections, and serving as a trusted sounding board. Our conversations dive deep into our goals and challenges, and I’m incredibly grateful for his unwavering support and mentorship.

Secondly, I must give credit to my husband who challenges me daily to strive for excellence, both professionally and personally. His encouragement and belief in my abilities push me to be the best version of myself, and I’m grateful for his constant support as I strive to improve and grow, one percent at a time.

Ok. Thank you for all that. Let’s now jump to the main core of our interview. Can you share 3 things that most excite you about the Real Estate industry? If you can please share a story or example.

While many things excite me about the industry, my top 3 are:

1. The impact of the “COVID era” on the real estate industry has been profound and has been the catalyst of the digital-first approach. As a marketing executive, my favorite is how social media has become an indispensable tool for agents. What excites me the most is the shift towards a video-first approach and the embrace of raw, funny, personable, and authentic content on social platforms. This trend has not only reshaped how agents engage with clients but also presents new opportunities to connect, build authority, and drive sales through social selling.
2. The thrill of the constant evolution of tools, services, and solutions tailored to fit the needs of the dynamic real estate landscape. What particularly excites me are the advancements driven by AI, which make us more efficient professionals and empower us to focus on what we do best. AI-powered platforms that streamline lead generation and automate administrative tasks have and will continue to change how we operate. Now is the time to jump on board and use it to make you more efficient, not replace you.
3. The opportunity to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and learn about their unique journeys and motivations in real estate. Each person has a distinct story and “why”. Whether they started part-time to sell their friend’s homes or made a complete career transition, everyone shares a common goal of assisting individuals in moving to their next phase of life. These connections foster a sense of community and collaboration that is truly inspiring.

Can you share 3 things that most concern you about the industry? If you had the ability to implement 3 ways to reform or improve the industry, what would you suggest? Please share stories or examples if possible.

The ongoing volatility in the market can be a cause of worry and uncertainty for both real estate agents and their clients. The constant fluctuations in economic conditions can make it difficult to navigate the home buying and selling process. To tackle this problem, agents must assume the role of subject matter experts and take control of the narrative. Homeowners rely on agents to provide them with accurate and informed guidance and advice. By doing so, agents can instill confidence and ensure positive outcomes, even in uncertain times.

Although technology has led to automated tools that offer efficiencies and conveniences, there are concerns about the potential marginalization of agents. However, I firmly believe that agents will always be at the center of every transaction. For instance, at Curbio, we work hand-in-hand with agents and empower them to help their clients get their homes ready for the market. By leveraging the agent’s expertise in their local market and our expertise in pre-listing home improvements, we support agents in delivering exceptional service to their clients. This further reinforces their indispensable role in the real estate process.

The skilled labor shortage in the construction industry is causing significant challenges, particularly in preparing homes for sale. It’s essential to have reliable contractors who can complete the necessary improvements efficiently and to a high standard. At Curbio, we understand the importance of having a trusted network of tradespeople. Our commitment to providing agents with access to fast, reliable, and turnkey home improvement solutions demonstrates our dedication to supporting them in achieving successful transactions.

What advice would you give to other real estate leaders to help their teams to thrive and to create a really fantastic work culture?

It’s all about your people! Ultimately, your greatest achievements are a reflection of the dedication and talent of your team members. Prioritizing their well-being and nurturing growth is fundamental. It begins with attentive listening, actively seeking input, and then taking meaningful action. It’s not about just going through the motions and checking a box to say you did; it’s about embracing feedback and leveraging it to implement tangible improvements, whether that means refining processes or introducing new tools to empower agents.

Ok, here is the main question of our interview. You are a “Real Estate Insider”. If you had to advise someone about 5 non-intuitive things one should know to succeed in the Real Estate industry, what would you say? Can you please give a story or an example for each?

1. It’s not always about selling: In real estate, success often hinges on fostering genuine connections with clients beyond just buying or selling a property. I once heard a real estate agent refer to himself as the ‘mayor of his town’ by sponsoring the local sports teams, supporting small businesses at launch events, and starting a local neighborhood highlight series. At the end of the day, you are your own brand and the last thing you would want is for someone to put you in the “transactional” bucket. By being proactive in your community, you are positioning yourself as a staple part of the community and will naturally be top-of-mind when someone is ready to buy or sell.
2. Surround yourself with experts (who may be smarter than you): One of the most effective ways to foster a growth mindset is to surround yourself with individuals who excel in their respective areas of expertise. Seek out mentors, colleagues, or industry leaders whose knowledge and experience you admire. For example, attending industry conferences, joining professional networks, or participating in mastermind groups can provide invaluable opportunities to learn from seasoned professionals and expose yourself to new ideas, perspectives, and strategies.
3. Be a lifelong learner: By staying abreast of market trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies through continuous education and professional development, you position yourself as a trusted advisor and expert in your field. One example of this is to break away from the mindset of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Lifelong learning fosters adaptability, and personal growth, and sets a powerful example for clients and colleagues alike. It ensures that you remain relevant, competitive, and primed for success in an ever-evolving industry.
4. Celebrate your wins (big and small): In the fast-paced world of real estate, it’s easy to focus solely on outcomes and overlook the journey. Take time to acknowledge your achievements and milestones along the way. Whether it’s securing your first client, knocking out your to-do list, receiving a stellar review, or closing a challenging deal, each step forward is a testament to your growth and resilience. Celebrating wins boosts morale, fosters a positive mindset, and reinforces the idea that progress, no matter how incremental, is worth recognizing.
5. Be kind to yourself: In a demanding industry like real estate, it’s easy to neglect self-care in favor of going above and beyond for your clients. However, prioritizing your physical and mental well-being is crucial for long-term success. And that means leaning into how you feel, both good and bad. For instance, I learned the hard way that burning out from overwork only hindered my performance and led to decreased productivity. By prioritizing self-care, being present, and setting boundaries, agents can maintain their energy levels and perform at their best.

Because of your position, you are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the greatest amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.

If I could start (or further) a movement, I’d champion the value of authenticity and genuine human connection. This refreshing movement lessens the pressure of portraying perfection and always being “on”, instead fostering empathy and deeper relationships. At the end of the day, people gravitate towards those that they can relate to. Embracing authenticity allows us to be more approachable and build meaningful relationships, moving away from cookie-cutter approaches to more genuine interactions and connections. It requires vulnerability, a trait that can be daunting but ultimately defines our shared humanity. This movement would spark a ripple effect, inspiring acts of empathy like active listening, extending a helping hand to those in need, and embracing diverse perspectives.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-pflieger-khoury-5810556b/

Thank you for the time you spent on this interview. We wish you only continued success.

About The Interviewer: Jason Hartman is the Founder and CEO of Empowered Investor. Jason has been involved in several thousand real estate transactions and has owned income properties in 11 states and 17 cities. Empowered Investor helps people achieve The American Dream of financial freedom by purchasing income property in prudent markets nationwide. Jason’s Complete Solution for Real Estate Investors™ is a comprehensive system providing real estate investors with education, research, resources and technology to deal with all areas of their income property investment needs. Through Jason’s podcasts, educational events, referrals, mentoring and software to track your investments, investors can easily locate, finance and purchase properties in these exceptional markets with confidence and peace of mind.

Starting with very little, Jason, while still in college at the age of 19, embarked on a career in real estate. While brokering properties for clients, he was investing in his own portfolio along the way. Through creativity, persistence and hard work, he earned a number of prestigious industry awards and became a young multi-millionaire. Jason purchased a California real estate brokerage firm that was later acquired by Coldwell Banker. He combined his dedication and business talents to become a successful entrepreneur, public speaker, author, and media personality. Over the years he developed his Complete Solution for Real Estate Investors™ where his innovative firm educates and assists investors in acquiring prudent investments nationwide for their portfolio. Jason’s sought after educational events, speaking engagements, and his popular “Creating Wealth Podcast” inspire and empower hundreds of thousands of people in 189 countries worldwide.

While running his successful real estate and media businesses, Jason also believes that giving back to the community plays an important role in building strong personal relationships. He established The Jason Hartman Foundation in 2005 to provide financial literacy education to young adults providing the all-important real world skills not taught in school which are the key to the financial stability and success of future generations. We’re in a global monetary crisis caused by decades of misguided policies and the cycle of financial dependence has to be broken, literacy and self-reliance are a good start. Visit JasonHartman.com for free materials and resources.