Video April 21, 2025
The Blueprint by Smoking Gun Creative Agency
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/f4OoVB5Yp9E?feature=shared
Sometimes, you walk away from a conversation and realize you’ve just absorbed something more valuable than notes or sound bites, you’ve taken in perspective. That was exactly what it felt like talking with Lori Keebaugh, a seasoned real estate broker whose experience, grit, and straight-shooting honesty left a lasting impression on me.
This wasn’t just another sit-down. It was part of The Blueprint, a series powered by Smoking Gun Creative Agency, where we dig into the real stories behind success. The lessons, hurdles, and the sparks that keep the fire going. With Lori, that spark is more like a blowtorch.
Right out of the gate, Lori dropped something that stuck with me. “They call me the bulldog.” She said it casually, like it was no big deal. But what is the meaning behind it? Powerful. It wasn’t about being aggressive, it was about holding the line. She’s someone who takes contracts seriously, someone who stands by her word and expects the same from those around her. In a world of shortcuts and blurred lines, that kind of conviction felt refreshing. Necessary, even.
Lori’s bulldog energy isn’t just about toughness. She is all about commitment. She holds weekly trainings, walks her team through contracts, marketing, business building, you name it. And she does it with the kind of passion you can’t fake. But even then, she knows the limits. “I can’t put passion in them,” she said. That hit me. You can guide, teach, and support. But passion? That has to come from within.
What stood out most, though, was Lori’s heart for service. She doesn’t just see transactions; she sees transformation. Helping someone move from renting to owning, guiding them through one of the biggest decisions of their life, she feeds off that. That’s why. And when someone’s why is that strong, the work doesn’t feel like work. “I tell people the schedule is flexible,” she joked, “You can work any 90 hours you want a week.”
I couldn’t help but see the parallels between Lori’s mindset and what we aim for at Smoking Gun Creative Agency. We’re all about uncovering the smoking gun. It’s that irrefutable proof of strategy done right. Just like Lori delivers certainty and confidence to her clients through real estate, we aim to do the same in the world of branding, marketing, and creative direction.
Our agency was founded on the idea that the best ideas are the ones that leave no doubt. The name “Smoking Gun” wasn’t chosen for style, it’s a declaration. In every campaign we create, we look for that moment of clarity. The undeniable. The piece that cuts through the noise and connects. Because in today’s world, trust is currency, and clarity is everything.
Lori’s story reminded me that this mission applies beyond our own team. It’s what we look for in the people we talk to, the stories we tell, and the clients we serve. She embodies that mission in the real estate world. She serves her clients with a clarity of purpose and a fierce dedication to helping them win.
She also spoke a lot about the reality of the grind, how every year, every transaction, can feel like starting from scratch. That uncertainty is something anyone in business can relate to. Whether you’re launching a brand or selling a home, there’s always that question: Where is the next client going to come from? Lori’s answer? Stay visible. Stay consistent. Stay human.
Her approach to marketing was simple but effective. Treats at showings, personal notes, and staying active in her community. She understands that relationships are the real currency. That trust is earned one impression at a time. She talked about staying on the refrigerator. Literally. By creating little touchpoints that keep her top of mind, and let’s be honest, that’s good branding.
It was also interesting to hear how much support she gets from her family, especially her husband. Real estate doesn’t clock out. That dynamic painted a picture of what the balance really looks like when you’re running full speed in an unpredictable industry. And yet, she embraces it. Because for her, it’s not just a job. This is her calling.
At Smoking Gun, we often talk about understanding your audience, knowing their dreams, fears, and behaviors. Lori does this every day. She listens to what people want in a home, what they’re chasing, and what they’re afraid of. She connects the dots. She speaks directly to their needs. That kind of empathy and strategy? It’s the same core we build into our work. Real marketing isn’t about noise. It’s about resonance.
There’s a part of the conversation that really brought it all together. Lori said, “You never know who your next customer is going to be.” She shared a story about spending $60 on something that didn’t feel worthwhile at first…until it led directly to a sale. That moment, that unpredictability, is the reason we pour so much into the little things. Every choice, every post, every flyer, every interaction. It is that choice, that one thing alone, that could be the one. And that’s why being intentional matters.
At the end of the day, this conversation with Lori was about showing up with clarity. With consistency. With heart.
I was so grateful to have her on the Blueprint Podcast, where we can show how success isn’t a straight line, or an easy path, or a clear victory without any doubts. It’s a collection of choices, backed by belief and reinforced with action. That’s the kind of mindset we champion at Smoking Gun Creative Agency. Not just flashy marketing or pretty visuals, but impact and proof.
We’re all looking for that one thing that makes the difference.
For Lori, it’s being the bulldog. For us, it’s delivering that smoking gun.
Watch the full episode on YouTube to see how Lori embodies the Smoking Gun mindset
