Episode 77

Building Community and Expertise with James Milner

Published on: 12th February, 2025

On today’s Performance Mindset podcast, Amy sits down with James Milner, owner and president of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate in Boone, North Carolina. Appalachian offers sales, leasing, consulting, and appraisal services. James entered commercial real estate following a stint in residential real estate, and today, he is the leading commercial real estate agent in his area.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

James Milner’s role as the owner and president of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate in Boone, North Carolina.
Why getting his CCIM license radically changed the trajectory of his career.
The importance of momentum and the inability to delegate some things in your business.
James’s background as a paralegal before entering the commercial real estate space.
The housing shortage in Boone, North Carolina, what’s driving it, and the economics of the general area.
Scarcity of space and the challenges it presents.
Amy’s “no assholes” policy and sending clients to another agent when she can’t offer them the best help.
Staying focused on clients and serving them to the best of your ability.
Referrals and building relationships in your community.

Connect with Amy Calandrino here:

Beyond Commercial

Connect with James Milner:

Appalachian Commercial Real Estate

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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.