Leveraging Data List with Kevin Schumacher Welcome to today’s podcast, where we dive deep into the world of real estate with a seasoned agent who’s not only survived but thrived through multiple market cycles over the last 30 years. In this episode, we explore how leveraging data can dramatically change how you run your real estate business. Our guest shares insights into how data-driven strategies have allowed him to build a business that's scalable, sustainable, and profitable while maintaining a personal life balance. Let’s dive into how this approach can transform your business.   Building a Sustainable Business Model   One of the key themes in today’s episode is building a business model that’s not dependent on you, the agent. This was a turning point for our guest, who realized the importance of removing himself from the day-to-day operations to allow his business to thrive independently. He recounts how a divorce in his early career was a wake-up call that forced him to rethink his approach.   "My business couldn't be Kevin dependent," he shares, referring to the moment he understood that his business needed to run without him for it to scale effectively. This realization led him to seek out mentors who could help him build a business that wasn’t reliant on his presence at every transaction. By doing this, he not only freed himself to focus on growth but also ensured the longevity of his business.    The key? Data. Using a data-driven approach, he was able to predict outcomes, forecast profitability, and scale his business in a way that allowed him to focus on strategy rather than transactions.   The Power of Data in Real Estate   Data has become the backbone of many successful businesses, and real estate is no exception. For our guest, data-driven strategies were not just an added benefit; they were a necessity. “It’s really a math equation,” he explains. “If I know I put $100 down, what’s my return going to be?”   This approach transformed his real estate practice from a hands-on, transaction-based business to one that operates efficiently with measurable returns. Data allows agents to make informed decisions, like identifying where to invest marketing dollars and predicting the potential return on those investments. It also helps to ensure that you’re reaching the right audience at the right time, eliminating wasted effort.   As he describes, "We hired a data scientist, and their data was pushing close to 80% accuracy... which is crucial because it turns out it's all about the contact rate." This level of accuracy gave him confidence in his strategies, knowing that his outreach efforts were targeted and effective.   Scaling Through Strategic Decision-Making   One of the most impactful aspects of today’s conversation is the emphasis on strategic decision-making. Real estate can be unpredictable, with market fluctuations and changes in buyer behavior. By adopting a data-focused approach, agents can mitigate much of the uncertainty.    Our guest shared how, in the earlier years of his business, he had to rely on intuition and relationships to grow. However, as the business grew, so did the need for systems and processes that could scale. This led to his deep dive into data analytics, which allowed him to strategically choose where to focus his efforts and resources.   “Being in the game as long as you have, you see cycles... and being data-savvy helps you navigate these with confidence,” he says. It’s not just about knowing where the market is today but also about predicting where it’s going next. This allows agents to plan their marketing efforts, focus on high-probability leads, and position themselves ahead of competitors who may still be relying on traditional methods.   Emphasizing Personal Life and Business Balance   Another key takeaway from the episode is the importance of balance—building a successful business while also being