Our Team
Bill Middleton
Founder + Head Coach
Getting into real estate in 2008 felt like terrible timing, but it turned out to be the best decision I ever made. After five years managing a private restaurant group, I was burned out and searching for a new path. My first year in real estate brought just $18,000 in commissions, and I seriously considered quitting.
As a last-ditch effort, I attended a franchise conference—and met agents thriving in one of the toughest markets in history. At 27, I was either naive or bold enough to believe I could do the same, and thankfully, I was right.
Since then, I’ve sold real estate at a high level, led top-performing brokerages, trained thousands as a national speaker, and coached hundreds of agents in building successful teams and businesses.
In 2017, I shifted gears again, launching Middleton Elite Coaching to help top agents grow without burning out. Today, MEC is the “secret weapon” for many of the nation’s best teams.
When I’m not coaching, I’m chasing around three young boys with my wife, Sarah, usually on a baseball field, at the beach, or watching Disney movies on repeat.
Brian Bursell
Business Coach
My real estate career began in 1996 when I was recruited to build one of the largest wholesale mortgage operations on the East Coast. By 28, I became the youngest VP in the company, leading a team of 250+ across two sites. Our East Providence branch became the largest in the company, and one of the biggest wholesale mortgage operations in the country.
When the 2008 financial crisis hit, I pivoted into bank-owned real estate. As a portfolio manager, I sold thousands of foreclosed homes across 18 states and led a top-performing sales team known for results and client satisfaction.
In 2009, inspired by Robert Kiyosaki’s principles, I began flipping homes and investing in real estate. Since then, I’ve built a solo real estate business that consistently closes over $10 million in annual residential sales.
A true student of the game, I blend my background in finance, investing, and property flipping to deliver exceptional service and results. I strive to stand out in a crowded field through hustle, expertise, and care.
Outside of work, I’m a marathon runner, daily meditator, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu student.
SEAN GOERSS
Business Coach
Real estate runs in my blood. I started entering contacts into Top Producer in 1991 from my mom’s Rolodex and swore I’d never get into the business, so much for that.
After college and a stint at Enterprise, I joined the family real estate business in 2003. By 28, I’d done every job in the office, from lead agent to taking out the trash. By 2011, we built Minnesota’s #1 team, holding that spot for 4 years and ranking in the Top 100 worldwide at Keller Williams.
In 2015, I founded 14 Moves, the first franchised real estate team, which grew to 7 locations, 54 agents, and nearly $5M in annual revenue. Along the way, I discovered a passion for coaching, completing 2,600+ hours of 1-on-1 sessions.
Today, I’m a coach, trainer, and Co-Founder of Thrive Network at eXp Realty, supporting nearly 1,800 agents. Partnering with Middleton Elite Coaching, I’ve been honored to help agents and teams build powerful businesses that serve their lives, not the other way around.
I live in Minneapolis with my wife, Maren, and our four kids. We homeschool, travel, and geek out on all things tech.
Lisa Quin
Business Coach
Three mantras guide how I live and work: 1. If you want different results, take a chance. 2. Guard your thoughts, they shape everything. 3. Words matter. Use them wisely.
I started my career in hospitality, working my way from front desk to General Manager—an experience that sharpened my eye for detail and laid the foundation for my success in real estate. In 2000, I took a leap, got licensed, and joined a RE/MAX team. My first year as a Buyer Specialist, I closed over $10M—and never looked back.
Over the years, I shifted from a team model to working independently, then joined Keller Williams to stay ahead in a tech-driven industry. There, I found a passion for leadership and agent development, which led me to Middleton Elite Coaching—first as a client, now as a coach. With their guidance, I built a thriving team and tripled my production.
Now at eXp Realty, I coach agents and teams through MEC to create systems, clarity, and accountability, all aligned with each person’s unique definition of success. Helping others grow their businesses and their confidence is the most rewarding part of what I do.
Originally from a small town in Louisiana, I’m grounded in community and family values. My husband and I have six children, two grandchildren, and two furry babies, and life is full in the best way.
ZACK BONCZEK
Business Coach
I graduated from Florida Southern College with a degree in Business Administration and a focus on Marketing. My real estate journey began in 2001 at a boutique firm in the Bahamas. Within four years, I was elected to the Bahamas Real Estate Association’s Board of Directors, where I served for eight years and chaired both the Membership and Education Committees.
In 2012, I embraced my passion for teaching and became head instructor for the Entry Licensing Program, training over 350 aspiring agents. That same year, I became Director of Sales & Marketing for Palm Cay, a 70-acre marina community in Nassau. Leading a team across four countries, we grew sales to nearly $24M in 2014.
Seeking better opportunities for my daughters, I moved to Charlotte, NC, launched my real estate business, and eventually met Bill Middleton. In 2018, I became sales manager of an office with nearly 200 agents, helping the team hit record profits through business planning and accountability.
In 2019, I joined Middleton Elite Coaching to fully step into my passion for helping professionals grow. Over the past four years, I’ve coached agents, teams, and financial advisors to boost productivity and elevate their businesses, and I’m just getting started.
ZANE MEADORS
Business Coach
I was born and raised in South Carolina—my family has been in the Greenville area since the 1750s. I got my first job at 15 working at Chick-fil-A, where I learned the power of great training, consistency, and service.
While in college in 1991, my brother and I launched a peanut business at a minor league ballpark, which turned into a 17-year career in the restaurant industry. We built it into a multi-location business with 50 employees, servicing private schools and large-scale catering. I learned to problem-solve, lead teams, and manage growth.
At 23, I bought my first investment property. Since then, I’ve flipped homes, negotiated commercial leases, and built a real estate portfolio of 18 properties (37 doors total). In 2006, I transitioned into commercial real estate, managing complex deals across multiple industries and states.
I later joined a healthcare company with 350+ employees, where I deepened my appreciation for strong company culture, something I first experienced at Chick-fil-A.
In 2016, I entered residential real estate with my business partner, Kirby. By 2020, our team closed 138 transactions for $38M, and 2021 brought even greater growth. I’ve found a passion in leadership and love helping my team grow personally and professionally.
I’ve been married to my wife, Carter, for over 20 years. We have three amazing kids, a cat named Princess Leia, and a puppy on the way. Outside of work, I enjoy time with family, traveling, reading, and anything outdoors, especially running, hiking, fly fishing, and mountain biking.
JIM GRAY
Business Coach
My name is Jim Gray, a Rochester, NY native, and I launched my real estate career in 2012. In my first full year, I sold 57 homes and was the top agent at my office for two consecutive years.
From 2013 to 2019, I sold 437 homes while leading a small team and coaching 15 clients. In 2017, I became a MAPS Coach with Keller Williams. A year later, I joined 14 Moves International as Director of Lead Generation, supporting 50 agents across 7 locations. During that time, we sold over 1,200 homes and ranked #31 nationwide by the Wall Street Journal.
In 2020, 14 Moves merged with industry leaders to form Thrive Real Estate Network at eXp Realty. Looking to align with a coaching company that shared my values, I joined Middleton Elite Coaching. MEC’s client-centric, results-driven approach made it the perfect fit.
Today, I’m proud to coach high-performing agents and teams through MEC. For me, it’s about more than business—it’s about life. Helping clients experience that transformation is the most rewarding part of what I do.
And we’re just getting started. The future is bright—and exciting.
STEVE RIES
Business Coach
At a young age, I learned to leave everything on the table, focus on the process, and trust results would follow. I’ve also carried the belief that every day is a great day—some better than others—and that a positive mindset wins against adversity.
I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, where sports shaped my life, playing football through college at the University of Cincinnati. After earning my MBA and coaching for two years, I entered sales and sales management, eventually becoming Divisional VP of Sales with Sherwin-Williams. This experience gave me valuable insight into corporate America, lessons I carried into real estate.
In 2012, when my wife Maryann was diagnosed with breast cancer, I joined her growing real estate business full time. Together, we’ve closed over 500 transactions in Cincinnati and Naples, FL, and built a real estate investment portfolio of 20+ doors valued at over $5M.
Over the past seven years, I’ve participated in more than 4,500 coaching calls, working with agents, small teams, and investor clients. My corporate and real estate experience allows me to help others write their own story—there’s nothing better than playing a role in someone achieving their goals in business and life.
Krista Wilson
Business Coach
I’ve spent over two decades helping people grow, thrive, and win big in real estate—negotiating deals, coaching agents, building high-performing teams, and mentoring future leaders at the #1 real estate company in Kansas City, with over $4.5 billion in annual sales.
A Kansas City native, I earned degrees in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Missouri–Kansas City in 2001, attended medical school, and ultimately chose real estate to make an impact in people’s lives. Starting as an agent in 2002, I became Rookie of the Year in 2003, and by 2009, I was Managing Broker, guiding agents through market shifts and growth.
In 2019, I joined ReeceNichols’ executive leadership team, supporting 18 managing brokers, launching the company’s first online new agent training, and creating advanced programs graduated by over 500 agents. In 2021, I returned to a hybrid role as Managing Broker while contributing at the executive level.
What lights me up most is coaching and mentoring—helping people uncover strengths, set clear goals, tighten systems, and tackle what’s holding them back, with a little humor along the way. I’ve also served on local MLS and Real Estate Association boards, connecting with top industry leaders.
When I’m not working, you’ll find me on the tennis court, remodeling, or with my kiddo, my guy and his kids, friends, family, and my Japanese Chins, Daisy and Charlie.