88. From Broker to Coach: Building Scalable Profit Centers for Teams & Brokers with Chris Prefontaine
Mon Oct 20 2025
In this episode, Jennifer Staats interviews Chris Prefontaine about his extensive real estate journey, how he turned adversity into a scalable family business, and what it takes to thrive as an entrepreneur and coach in real estate. Chris shares practical strategies for brokers and agents to build additional profit centers, the mindset shifts needed for success, and why hands-on coaching is critical.
"Mindset and tenacity are as important as skill set in building a thriving business." - Chris Prefontaine
Key Discussion Topics:
Chris's 34-year journey from broker to real estate coach and founder of a family business. Lessons learned from the 2008 financial crisis and rebuilding with creative financing strategies. Smart Real Estate Coach's unique "in the trenches" coaching model: supporting clients from first call to closing. Creative profit centers: owner financing, lease-purchases, and subject-to deals—how agents and brokers can leverage these strategies. The top three questions to uncover seller motivation and close more deals. Adapting and scaling a business post-COVID—including going fully virtual and recruiting nationwide. Chris's personal "superpower" and insights on leading a family business.
About Chris Prefontaine:
Chris Prefontaine is the Chairman and Founder of Smart Real Estate Coach®, a 4x best-selling author. He is a Forbes Business Council Member and a 3-time Inc 5000 Honoree for Fastest Growing Company. Wicked Smart Community operates all over North America and has successfully completed hundreds of transactions, assisting students in doing the same. Alongside his achievements, Chris hosts the Smart Real Estate Coach® Podcast, which ranks in the top 0.5% globally.
Having navigated through challenges such as the crash of 2008, 9/11, a near-death experience with his son, and the impact of COVID, Chris reengineered his entire business to weather all storms and economic cycles. Understanding these challenges, he helps students navigate the constantly changing real estate waters.
Chris, his family, and his team's mission focus on transforming dedicated individuals into Wicked Smart real estate investors.
Chris and his wife Kim have been married for 37 years, and their adult children Nick and Kayla participate in the family business while also pursuing their own entrepreneurial ventures.
Connect with Chris:
Website: https://smartrealestatecoach.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisprefontaine/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CHRISPRE/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisprefontaine_/
Download the Playbook:
https://app.datalabz.re/forms/e23412ac-bb1a-4302-ad81-3e3d4fd744e9
Boost ROI, close more deals, and grow smarter—get your free real estate CRM guide now!: The Heartbeat of Your Business
Connect with Jennifer Staats:
Website: staatssolutions.com
Staats Solution Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staatssolutions/
Jennifer Staats Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifertherealtor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/staatssolutions/
More
In this episode, Jennifer Staats interviews Chris Prefontaine about his extensive real estate journey, how he turned adversity into a scalable family business, and what it takes to thrive as an entrepreneur and coach in real estate. Chris shares practical strategies for brokers and agents to build additional profit centers, the mindset shifts needed for success, and why hands-on coaching is critical. "Mindset and tenacity are as important as skill set in building a thriving business." - Chris Prefontaine Key Discussion Topics: Chris's 34-year journey from broker to real estate coach and founder of a family business. Lessons learned from the 2008 financial crisis and rebuilding with creative financing strategies. Smart Real Estate Coach's unique "in the trenches" coaching model: supporting clients from first call to closing. Creative profit centers: owner financing, lease-purchases, and subject-to deals—how agents and brokers can leverage these strategies. The top three questions to uncover seller motivation and close more deals. Adapting and scaling a business post-COVID—including going fully virtual and recruiting nationwide. Chris's personal "superpower" and insights on leading a family business. About Chris Prefontaine: Chris Prefontaine is the Chairman and Founder of Smart Real Estate Coach®, a 4x best-selling author. He is a Forbes Business Council Member and a 3-time Inc 5000 Honoree for Fastest Growing Company. Wicked Smart Community operates all over North America and has successfully completed hundreds of transactions, assisting students in doing the same. Alongside his achievements, Chris hosts the Smart Real Estate Coach® Podcast, which ranks in the top 0.5% globally. Having navigated through challenges such as the crash of 2008, 9/11, a near-death experience with his son, and the impact of COVID, Chris reengineered his entire business to weather all storms and economic cycles. Understanding these challenges, he helps students navigate the constantly changing real estate waters. Chris, his family, and his team's mission focus on transforming dedicated individuals into Wicked Smart real estate investors. Chris and his wife Kim have been married for 37 years, and their adult children Nick and Kayla participate in the family business while also pursuing their own entrepreneurial ventures. Connect with Chris: Website: https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisprefontaine/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CHRISPRE/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisprefontaine_/ Download the Playbook: https://app.datalabz.re/forms/e23412ac-bb1a-4302-ad81-3e3d4fd744e9 Boost ROI, close more deals, and grow smarter—get your free real estate CRM guide now!: The Heartbeat of Your Business Connect with Jennifer Staats: Website: staatssolutions.com Staats Solution Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staatssolutions/ Jennifer Staats Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifertherealtor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/staatssolutions/