In Episode 8 of BUILT DIFFERENT, Erin Sykes sits down with Joey Columbo, a top producing agent with Douglas Elliman in Palm Beach who understands that in luxury real estate, relationships are currency.

Recently featured in The Real Deal for selling 27 assembled units to billionaire developer Stephen Ross for a future development site, Joey shares the real story behind a high-risk condo buyout he began in 2021. Unit by unit, through discreet negotiations and LLCs, he built a 42% stake in a distressed building across from Mar-a-Lago.

The outcome was a 6x return. Along the way, there were moments when he thought he could lose everything.

This episode goes beyond the headline. Erin and Joey break down how high-level deals are actually constructed in Palm Beach and why broker-to-broker trust still determines outcomes in a market defined by access and reputation. They discuss how condo buyouts have evolved, the surge in branded ultra-luxury product, whether West Palm is overbuilding, and why $20 to $40 million condo sales are no longer shocking.

They also examine the bigger picture shaping the region. The Wall Street South narrative. The wealth effect from the stock market. The growing divide between true ultra-luxury and everything else. Erin shares her outlook on 2026 and why a flat market may be a healthier reset than another spike.

At its core, this is a conversation about conviction, timing, and knowing when to move while others hesitate.

Listen if you’re:

• A broker or developer who wants insight into assemblage strategy
• An investor evaluating condo buyouts or downtown land plays
• A luxury buyer or seller navigating Palm Beach or West Palm
• Curious whether AI can replace relationship-driven brokerage
• Watching the evolution of West Palm and separating signal from noise

Connect:

Joey Columbo: joeycolumbo26@gmail.com

BUILT DIFFERENT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/built.different.pod

Erin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sykesstyle

Email: erin@sykesproperties.com

BUILT DIFFERENT YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@built_different_pod

BUILT DIFFERENT Website: https://www.builtdifferentpod.com

BUILT DIFFERENT Community: https://connect.builtdifferentpod.com

BUILT DIFFERENT is recorded at PodPlus Studios in Jupiter, Florida.

Learn more: https://www.podplusstudios.com

In Episode 6 of BUILT DIFFERENT, Erin Sykes sits down with Hayley Schapiro, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Founder of Curated Therapy Collective, for a nuanced conversation about mental health strategy for high-functioning leaders.

Hayley brings a rare perspective shaped by years of clinical practice and patient advocacy, explaining why many people struggle to benefit from therapy even when they are doing “everything right.”

The issue is often not readiness or effort, but misalignment. This episode explores how traditional directories, algorithms, and self-diagnosis frameworks fail to capture the complexity of real lives, especially for executives, entrepreneurs, and performers operating at a high level.

Erin and Hayley discuss the quiet patterns that tend to surface among high achievers. They also examine the difference between coaching and clinical care along with why proactive support can be far more effective than waiting for a breaking point.

Rather than positioning therapy as crisis intervention, this conversation reframes it as a strategic tool for clarity, sustainability, and long-term growth, guided by human judgment rather than checklists.

Listen if you’re:

• A high-performing professional looking to sharpen clarity without burning out
• Frustrated by impersonal therapy platforms or algorithm-based matching
• Curious about how mental health support actually works for leaders and executives
• Interested in proactive, human-first approaches to growth and decision-making

Connect:

Guest Hayley Schapiro:

Curated Therapy Collective: https://curatedtherapycollective.com

Curated Therapy Collective Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curatedtherapycollective

BUILT DIFFERENT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/built.different.pod

Erin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sykesstyle

Email: erin@sykesproperties.com

BUILT DIFFERENT YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@built_different_pod

BUILT DIFFERENT Website: https://www.builtdifferentpod.com

BUILT DIFFERENT Community: https://connect.builtdifferentpod.com

BUILT DIFFERENT is recorded at PodPlus Studios in Jupiter, Florida. Learn more: https://www.podplusstudios.com

In episode 6 of BUILT DIFFERENT, Erin Sykes sits down with Christopher Seville, founder of Thatch Construction, to unpack the realities of modern construction, project management, and development in South Florida. A West Palm Beach native and experienced owner’s representative, Chris brings a rare, operator-first perspective on what actually determines whether a project succeeds or stalls.

The conversation goes far beyond tools and timelines. Chris unpacks what an owner’s rep actually does, drawing a clear line between building and true coordination. Efficiency, he explains, isn’t about moving faster but about staying aligned. The discussion also touches on how high-rise development has changed over time, the growing influence of branded residences on the condo market, and the ripple effects of rising costs on developers, investors, and the communities they impact.

At the center of it all is people. From subcontractors and city officials to developers and residents, Chris explains why integrity, transparency, and accountability are the real drivers of sustainable development, and why building better cities starts long before concrete is poured.

This episode is a must-listen for developers, real estate professionals, investors, and anyone curious about how cities grow, and who growth is really for.

Listen if you’re:

• A developer, investor, or owner navigating complex projects and trying to understand where deals actually succeed or break down
• A real estate or construction professional who wants a clearer picture of what an owner’s rep really does and why that role is critical
• Interested in how high-rise development, branded residences, and rising construction costs are reshaping South Florida
• Thinking about growth not just in terms of buildings, but in terms of community, people, and legacy

CONNECT & LINKS:

Christopher Seville:

Christopher’s LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/misterseville

Christopher’s Email: cseville@thatchconstruction.com

Thatch Construction: https://www.thatchconstruction.com/

BUILT DIFFERENT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/built.different.pod

Erin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sykesstyle

Email: erin@sykesproperties.com

BUILT DIFFERENT YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@built_different_pod

BUILT DIFFERENT Website: https://www.builtdifferentpod.com

BUILT DIFFERENT Community: https://connect.builtdifferentpod.com

BUILT DIFFERENT is recorded at PodPlus Studios in Jupiter, Florida. Learn more: https://www.podplusstudios.com

In Episode 5 of BUILT DIFFERENT, Erin Sykes sits down with Krista Watterworth Alterman, founder of Krista Home and design partner at Vesta Home, to unpack what it really takes to build, scale, and successfully exit a creative business without losing your identity.

Krista shares her journey from television host and creative talent to luxury interior designer, entrepreneur, and business owner whose firm was acquired by national staging and design company Vesta Home.

Erin and Krista explore the realities of mergers and acquisitions and unpack the difference between staging and true interior design. They also discuss how collaboration has become a defining advantage in today’s design and real estate markets.

The conversation moves into the business side of luxury service. Krista breaks down pricing, process, and what it takes to manage complex construction timelines. She explains why white-glove execution and operational discipline matter just as much as creative vision.

Krista also reflects on shedding past identities and building teams with grit. She talks about what actually sustains long-term success and how much of it comes down to mindset and follow-through.

Listen if you’re:

• Curious about acquisitions, partnerships, and scaling beyond boutique
• A homeowner, developer, or agent navigating design vs staging decisions
• Interested in luxury branding, operations, and white-glove service
• Focused on building something valuable enough to sell

CONNECT & LINKS

Krista Home Website: https://kristahome.com

Krista Home Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristahome/

Krista Alterman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krista.alterman

Vesta Home: https://vestahome.com/

BUILT DIFFERENT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/built.different.pod

Erin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sykesstyle

Email: erin@sykesproperties.com

BUILT DIFFERENT YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@built_different_pod

BUILT DIFFERENT Website: https://www.builtdifferentpod.com

BUILT DIFFERENT Community: https://connect.builtdifferentpod.com

BUILT DIFFERENT is recorded at PodPlus Studios in Jupiter, Florida. Learn more: https://www.podplusstudios.com

In Episode 4 of BUILT DIFFERENT, Erin Sykes sits down with Laurissa Gendel, President and Fashion Lead at Gendel Girls, the family-run brand behind Breezies, QVC’s top-selling lingerie brand for more than three decades.

Laurissa shares what it’s really like to grow up inside a live television retail empire, from her parents’ early innovation in moisture-wicking fabric to building a category-defining brand that has sold millions of bras and panties nationwide. Erin and Laurissa unpack the psychology of live selling and dive QVC’s “backyard fence” philosophy - and why authentic connection matters more than perfectly scripted sales.

The conversation also touches on entrepreneurship, fashion, motherhood, family business dynamics, and personal reinvention. Laurissa opens up about balancing life on air while raising kids and reflects on navigating divorce and remarriage. She also shares how she stays creatively relevant in a fast-moving retail world and why passion remains essential to building a brand that lasts.

Listen if you’re:

• Curious how brands succeed on QVC and live shopping platforms
• Building a consumer brand rooted in authenticity and storytelling
• Interested in fashion, retail, and live commerce
• Navigating family business, motherhood, or reinvention

CONNECT

Laurissa Gendel Website: https://gendel-girls.com/laurissa/

Breezies on QVC: https://tinyurl.com/4ujdp63h

endel Girls Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gendelgirls/

BUILT DIFFERENT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/built.different.pod

Erin Sykes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sykesstyle

Email Erin Sykes: erin@sykesproperties.com

BUILT DIFFERENT YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@built_different_pod

BUILT DIFFERENT Website: https://www.builtdifferentpod.com

BUILT DIFFERENT Community: https://connect.builtdifferentpod.com

BUILT DIFFERENT is recorded at PodPlus Studios in Jupiter, Florida. Learn more: https://www.podplusstudios.com

In Episode 3 of BUILT DIFFERENT, Erin Sykes sits down with art advisor and creative strategist Christine Wexler, founder of Individual Thread, to explore how art shapes homes, offices, and public spaces - and why it’s far more than decoration.

Christine shares her journey from photographer and textile designer to art advisor, and how art influences emotion, identity, and spatial flow. Erin and Christine discuss residential, corporate, and public art, navigating art fairs like Miami Art Week and Art Basel, commissioning work for specific spaces, and understanding art as both a personal and financial investment.

They also unpack common misconceptions around collecting, emerging artists, authenticity, framing, resale, and why buying art you love is always the smartest strategy.

Listen if you’re:

• Curious about how art transforms homes, offices, and public spaces
• Intimidated by art collecting and want a more approachable perspective
• A homeowner, developer, or real estate professional thinking beyond furniture and finishes
• Interested in art as both an emotional and financial investment
• Fascinated by community-driven and public art projects

TO CONNECT:

Guest: Christine Wexler | Individual Thread: https://www.instagram.com/individualthread?igsh=a3lqOXdkcDZidndq

BUILT DIFFERENT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/built.different.pod

Erin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sykesstyle

Email: erin@sykesproperties.com

BUILT DIFFERENT YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@built_different_pod

BUILT DIFFERENT Website: https://www.builtdifferentpod.com

BUILT DIFFERENT Community: https://connect.builtdifferentpod.com

BUILT DIFFERENT is recorded at PodPlus Studios in Jupiter, Florida.

Learn more: https://www.podplusstudios.com

In Episode 2 of BUILT DIFFERENT, Erin Sykes sits down with Jenna Steffens Mayer to talk about the connection between health, home, and the environments we live in.

Jenna is a real estate professional and co-founder of MayerWorks Construction, where she and her husband build non-toxic homes designed with long-term wellness in mind.

After becoming severely ill from black mold exposure, Jenna was forced to confront how deeply our living spaces can impact our health, leading to the decision to build a home that prioritized clean air, safe materials, and prevention rather than remediation.

Erin and Jenna unpack why mold often goes undetected, why testing can be misleading, and what people should be paying attention to.

TO CONNECT:

Guest:

Jenna Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennasteffens

MayerWorks Construction Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayerworksconstruction

Jenna Website: https://www.findmypalmbeachhome.com

Mentions:

George Swanson: https://geoswan.com/

Anderson Kool Air: https://andersonkoolair.com/

Ornare: https://www.ornare.com/

Dr. Anne Silva https://myhealthfrominsideout.com/index.php/about-us/

Sam Miller, The Great Allowing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RxAloni0Uw

BUILT DIFFERENT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/built.different.pod

Erin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sykesstyle

Email: erin@sykesproperties.com

BUILT DIFFERENT YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@built_different_pod

BUILT DIFFERENT Website: https://www.builtdifferentpod.com

BUILT DIFFERENT Community: https://connect.builtdifferentpod.com

BUILT DIFFERENT is recorded at PodPlus Studios in Jupiter, Florida.

Learn more: https://www.podplusstudios.com

In the debut episode of BUILT DIFFERENT, Erin Sykes sits down with Holly Meyer Lucas for a wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond real estate. Holly is a nationally recognized real estate leader, founder of HypeBoss, and the force behind one of South Florida’s most influential brand ecosystems. Together, they unpack what it really takes to evolve from a single professional identity into a scalable brand portfolio.

The conversation explores the shift from transactional success to long-term brand equity, including why personal branding matters more than ever, how founders can build systems that support growth, and the difference between performative visibility and authentic storytelling. Holly shares candid insights on stepping back from active selling, building teams with intention, and creating businesses that align with both personal values and professional ambition.

Erin and Holly also dive into the realities of media exposure, leadership fatigue, and the pressures of high-performance careers. From recruiting and accountability to the psychology of client trust and communication in luxury markets, this episode offers a grounded look at what sustainable success actually looks like behind the scenes.

This conversation sets the tone for BUILT DIFFERENT - a podcast for people who want to understand not just how to build wealth, but how to build a life, a brand, and a body of work that lasts.

Listen if you’re:

• A real estate professional or founder building a brand beyond a single role
• Reaching the limits of hustle and looking to scale with intention
• Navigating delegation, leadership, and long-term growth
• Interested in branding, media, and building systems that support freedom

TO CONNECT:

Holly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holly.meyer.lucas

Holly Website: https://www.hollymeyerlucas.com

BUILT DIFFERENT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/built.different.pod

Erin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sykesstyle

Email: erin@sykesproperties.com

BUILT DIFFERENT YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@built_different_pod

BUILT DIFFERENT Website: https://www.builtdifferentpod.com

BUILT DIFFERENT Community: https://connect.builtdifferentpod.com

BUILT DIFFERENT is recorded at PodPlus Studios in Jupiter, Florida. Learn more: podplusstudios.com