
From Rejected Athlete to $66B CEO – Kyle Matthews | Ep. 197
from Founder's Story
by IBH Media
Published: Tue Apr 08 2025
Show Notes
Kyle Matthews shares how getting “cut” from a dream career in professional sports ultimately led him to founding the largest privately held commercial real estate brokerage firm in the U.S. With over 1,000 employees, 25 offices, and $66B in sales volume since 2015,his journey is a masterclass in grit, sacrifice, and long-game leadership.
💡 Topics Covered:
- The moment football ended—and real estate began
- From solo agent to building a $66B empire
- Mental vs. financial freedom as a founder
- Why “ignorance is bliss” was his best advantage
- Hiring, scaling, and leading 1,000+ people
- His obsession with mental toughness (and Kobe Bryant)
- Balancing CEO life with being a father of four
- The real cost of freedom no one talks about
- Why his last name on the company raised the stakes
🔥 Notable Quotes:
"When I started, I thought I was just building a small boutique. It became a monster."
"If I can do it, you can do it. It’s not brilliance—it’s mental toughness."
"Freedom comes at a price. You might get financial freedom, but you’ll lose mental freedom first."
📲 Follow Kyle Matthews:
Instagram & X: @kylematthewsceo
Website: Matthews.com
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com
* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/FOUNDERSSTORY
* Check out Northwest Registered Agent and use my code FOUNDERS for a great deal: https://northwestregisteredagent.com
* Check out Notion: https://notion.com/founders
* Check out Plus500: https://plus500.com
* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy