Episode 42

Mindset Matters with Cassandra Hartford

Published on: 25th October, 2023

On today’s Performance Mindset podcast, Amy welcomes guest Cassandra Hartford. Cassandra is a fellow commercial real estate agent who has her own boutique brokerage, Reach Commercial Real Estate, in Melbourne, Florida. What inspires Amy most about Cassandra is how authentic she is. At 18 years old with two babies and recently divorced, Cassandra took a leap and got her real estate license, which took five times to pass. Today, she’s in the top 1% of her peers in her area. Cassandra’s story and grit are inspiring. This is a lively conversation you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Some of the biggest turning points for Cassandra Hartford during her life and her realization that she could outwork her competition.
The time it took to get to the top 1% of her peers and when she switched from residential to commercial real estate.
Cassandra’s branding and how that helped accelerate her success along with referrals.
Her challenges as she’s grown her brokerage and why running a brokerage is harder and more complicated than she thought it would be.
The monetary challenges both Cassandra and Amy have faced in the current economy.
What she does to continue her education and stay on the cutting edge of the industry.
One of her biggest takeaways from CREi this year.
How her curiosity influences Cassandra’s desire to try different things in her personal and professional lives.
The books and events that have impacted her journey.
Cassandra’s advice for others who are running businesses and the strategies she uses to keep her mindset sharp.

Connect with Amy Calandrino here:

Beyond Commercial

Connect with Cassandra Hartford:

Reach Commercial Real Estate

Reach Commercial on Instagram

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About the Podcast

The Performance Mindset Show

Insights for high performers in business, leadership, and real estate.

The Performance Mindset Show is where high achievers come to grow. Hosted by commercial real estate advisor, entrepreneur, and author Amy Calandrino, each episode dives into the habits, strategies, and stories that help leaders think bigger, perform better, and build meaningful success in business and life.

Amy sits down with trailblazers across commercial real estate, entrepreneurship, investing, health, and personal development to uncover how they overcame obstacles, scaled their impact, and created lives built on intention. These conversations are honest, inspiring, and filled with practical insights you can apply immediately.

Whether you're a business owner, creator, investor, or someone who wants to operate at a higher level, this show will help you strengthen your mindset, sharpen your skills, and stay focused on what matters most.

If you want to grow, you’re in the right place.

About your host

Amy Calandrino

Amy Calandrino, SIOR, CCIM, is a Director at Cushman & Wakefield with deep experience representing small and mid-sized businesses, family enterprises, and private investors throughout Central Florida and beyond. She is known for being a thoughtful listener, a creative problem-solver, and a strategic advisor who helps clients make informed decisions that support both their business goals and long-term wealth creation.

With a career rooted in guiding entrepreneurs and families through pivotal real estate moments, Amy brings clarity, structure, and actionable strategy to every assignment. She has completed hundreds of transactions across office, flex, and retail properties, and clients rely on her strong command of market trends, valuations, and space needs particularly within Winter Park and Greater Orlando. Her experience is backed by the SIOR and CCIM designations, reflecting her commitment to expertise and excellence in the industry.

In addition to her advisory work, Amy is the author of From Perfect to Real: Ditch Perfection, Shift Your Mindset, and Thrive on Your Terms, where she shares her SPORT Success System® for high performance. She is also the host of The Performance Mindset Show, a podcast featuring candid conversations with leaders in business, real estate, and entrepreneurship.

Committed to strengthening her community, Amy co-founded the Calandrino Foundation with her husband, Phil, to equip youth with the skills and mindset needed for entrepreneurship and financial empowerment. She also serves on the Park Avenue District Board in Winter Park.

Amy lives in Central Florida with her family. Outside of work, she enjoys golf, running, and staying active with her two children. Her faith, family, and dedication to helping others grow continue to guide her both personally and professionally.