AI, Luxury Real Estate, Entrepreneurship, and the Future of Work: A Conversation with Kristine Smith

Podcast: 3D Media Live
Host: Dmitry Hanuka
Guest: Kristine Smith
Guest Title: CMO of Surterre Properties and Founder of Brevy
Topics: Luxury real estate, AI in marketing, real estate technology, virtual tours, branding, entrepreneurship, shared amenities, automation, discipline, and the future of work

Introduction

In this episode of 3D Media Live, host Dmitry Hanuka sits down with Kristine Smith, Chief Marketing Officer of Surterre Properties and founder of Brevy.

Kristine brings a unique perspective as both a corporate marketing leader and entrepreneur. Her work sits at the intersection of luxury real estate, technology, branding, automation, customer experience, and future-focused business strategy.

The conversation covers everything from virtual tours and AI avatars to luxury real estate marketing, the future of education, entrepreneurship, and how shared-resource technology is changing apartment living.

 

Meet Kristine Smith

Kristine Smith is the CMO of Surterre Properties, a boutique luxury real estate brokerage serving some of Southern California’s most desirable coastal markets.

Surterre has offices in Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and Palm Desert, with a team of approximately 280 agents. The brokerage specializes in high-end real estate and focuses heavily on relationships, marketing quality, brand consistency, and community connection.

Kristine is also the founder of Brevy, a technology-driven company that provides automated rental and accountability systems for apartments, beaches, gyms, and shared amenities.

 

Early Collaboration with 3D Media

Dmitry and Kristine first began working together around 2018 and 2019, right before the pandemic changed the real estate industry.

At the time, 3D Media was providing virtual tours and real estate marketing services. Many agents were still resistant to technology, but Surterre was already open to adopting tools that would make property marketing more efficient and accessible.

That timing proved important. When the pandemic hit, virtual tours were no longer a luxury. They became a necessity.

Because Surterre had already begun working with virtual tools, the company was able to adapt quickly. Agents were trained on virtual tours, Zoom, FaceTime property walkthroughs, and other digital tools that allowed real estate transactions to continue even during lockdowns.

 

Why Virtual Tours Became Essential in Real Estate

Before the pandemic, many agents saw virtual tours as optional. Some preferred traditional photography and were hesitant to adopt new technology.

Dmitry explains that he saw virtual tours as the future of real estate long before they became mainstream. Kristine shared that future-forward mindset and helped bring those tools into Surterre’s workflow.

During the pandemic, virtual tours became one of the most important tools in real estate marketing. They allowed buyers to experience a property remotely, helped agents continue working, and gave sellers a way to market their homes safely and effectively.

Today, virtual tours remain an important part of real estate marketing, especially for luxury homes and out-of-area buyers.

 

Luxury Real Estate in Coastal Orange County

Surterre operates in some of the most valuable real estate markets in Southern California, including Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and other coastal communities.

Kristine explains that coastal Orange County real estate is defined by one key factor: location.

Beachfront and coastal properties are limited. Unlike inland communities, where new neighborhoods can still be developed, coastal land is finite. You cannot create more beachfront property. Someone has to be willing to sell.

That scarcity makes coastal real estate highly desirable and helps preserve long-term value.

Kristine also points out that coastal regulations and local restrictions prevent these areas from becoming densely populated like some other waterfront cities. That exclusivity is part of what makes the market so special.

 

Augmented Reality, Matterport, and the Future of Property Shopping

The conversation touches on an early augmented reality concept Dmitry encountered years ago while working on a property marketing project.

The idea was to combine a Matterport-style virtual tour with clickable product information inside the home. A buyer could virtually walk through a property and click on items like appliances, furniture, artwork, or finishes to learn more or even purchase them.

At the time, the concept was ahead of its time. But Kristine believes this type of technology is now much closer to becoming mainstream.

With AI, augmented reality, virtual tours, and e-commerce tools advancing quickly, the future of real estate marketing may include more interactive property experiences where buyers can explore, shop, customize, and visualize homes in entirely new ways.

 

How Surterre Uses AI Every Day

Kristine is an enthusiastic AI user and believes that people who learn how to use AI effectively will have a major advantage.

At Surterre, AI is used for writing, brainstorming, marketing, training, and productivity. Kristine describes AI as a thought starter that helps her draft, iterate, and move faster.

She also explains that Surterre offers AI classes to help agents understand and use the technology.

Some agents are still nervous about AI, but Kristine believes the key is learning how to use it responsibly and effectively. For people who are curious and willing to experiment, AI can dramatically increase output and learning speed.

 

AI Avatars for Real Estate Agents

One of the most interesting AI tools Kristine discusses is the use of realistic avatars.

Some real estate agents want to create video content and be active on social media, but they feel nervous on camera. They may struggle to record a script, make mistakes, or spend hours trying to get one video right.

AI avatars can help solve that problem.

Instead of appearing on camera every time, an agent can use a realistic digital version of themselves. They can type a script and have the avatar deliver the message, whether it is about a listing, a local restaurant, a neighborhood update, or a market insight.

Kristine also uses an avatar of herself, which allows her team to create more content and get more done efficiently.

 

The Risks of AI and Deepfake Technology

While Kristine is highly optimistic about AI, the conversation also acknowledges the risks.

Dmitry raises concerns about what could happen if an avatar account were hacked or misused. A realistic AI version of someone could potentially be made to say things they never approved.

Kristine agrees that this is one of the fears people have about AI. Like many powerful tools, AI can be used for good or abused in the wrong hands.

The discussion highlights the importance of trust, secure systems, responsible use, and strong team relationships when using AI-powered tools in business.

 

Prompting Is the New Coding

One of the strongest themes in the conversation is that knowing how to ask AI the right questions is becoming one of the most valuable skills.

Dmitry describes prompting as the new coding. Kristine agrees that if someone knows how to ask the right questions, AI can help them accomplish almost anything faster.

AI does not replace curiosity. It amplifies it.

People who are naturally curious, disciplined, and willing to learn can use AI to become smarter, faster, and more effective. The technology can help people research, write, organize, analyze, and create at a speed that was not possible before.

 

Hiring in the Age of AI

Dmitry explains that AI is changing what he looks for when hiring.

In the past, skill and knowledge were the top priorities. Today, he values traits like diligence, honesty, curiosity, and the ability to show up and use time well.

With AI, an untrained but motivated person can learn quickly. But AI cannot create motivation, discipline, or integrity for someone who does not have them.

Kristine agrees and says she tells her kids that simply showing up on time already puts someone ahead of many people. In a world where knowledge is increasingly accessible, character traits become even more important.

 

The Future of Education

Dmitry and Kristine discuss how schools and colleges may need to change dramatically.

Dmitry wonders what college will look like for his children, especially as AI makes information instantly available. If knowledge can be accessed immediately, the purpose of school may shift away from memorizing information and toward teaching discipline, ethics, creativity, and how to learn.

Kristine suggests that society may need to return to certain basics, including discipline and maturity. She raises the idea that young adults might benefit from a period of structured service or training before moving into college or career paths.

They also discuss Israel as an example of a country where mandatory service may contribute to discipline, maturity, and entrepreneurial energy.

 

Robots, AI, and the Future of Jobs

The conversation then moves into the future of work.

Dmitry believes that AI and robotics may eventually eliminate the need for many jobs as we know them. He points out that AI is improving rapidly, training itself, coding, and progressing at superhuman speed.

Kristine believes physical service jobs may remain important for some time, especially in home services like HVAC, repairs, and maintenance. But both agree that the pace of technological advancement is accelerating.

Dmitry suggests that if jobs become less necessary, the most important work may become internal work: becoming a better person, developing discipline, ethics, and moral character.

 

Ethics, Morality, and Personal Growth in the AI Era

One of the deeper ideas in the episode is that as AI takes over more tasks, people may need to focus more on self-improvement.

Dmitry argues that AI and robotics can solve many practical problems, but they cannot decide whether someone is a good person. They cannot replace human ethics, morality, discipline, and responsibility.

For parents, this changes the question of what children need most.

Instead of only asking, “How do I give my child the best education so they can get a job?” the question may become, “How do I raise a good, ethical, disciplined human being?”

Kristine agrees that these qualities will always matter.

 

Parenting in the Digital Age

Kristine shares a funny and thoughtful parenting story about walking into her son’s room and finding him using Alexa, Google Voice, and his computer to complete vocabulary work with almost no effort.

Her first instinct was to be upset because it looked like cheating. But then she realized he had creatively solved a problem.

That moment changed how she thought about technology and education. She wants her children to be problem solvers who can think through the fastest and smartest way to reach a result.

At the same time, she believes schools need to evolve. Students are often still learning the same material and methods used decades ago, even though the world has changed dramatically.

 

Social Media, Mental Health, and Getting Back to Basics

Kristine also talks about the impact of social media, phones, and constant screen time on younger generations.

She sees issues with social skills, situational awareness, mental health, and the way children interact with the world. But she is not pessimistic. She believes society often moves in cycles.

Just as home design trends are shifting away from stark modern minimalism and back toward warm, cozy, traditional, and moody styles, she believes society may also return to more human basics.

Some parents are already choosing to limit social media and delay exposure to certain technologies. Kristine sees this as part of a broader balancing process.

 

Faith, Destiny, and Why Kristine Is Optimistic

The conversation also touches on faith.

Dmitry shares that his religious belief helps him stay grounded when thinking about the risks of AI and the future. If there is an all-powerful God, then even the most advanced AI is still not the ultimate power.

Kristine agrees and says she believes God works in mysterious ways. That belief contributes to her optimism. She does not lose sleep over the future because she believes things ultimately work themselves out.

Both acknowledge that people still pay for mistakes, but they also believe there is a larger order and direction to the world.

 

Treating AI with Respect

Dmitry raises an unusual but thought-provoking point: how should humans treat AI as it becomes more advanced?

He discusses the golden rule: treat others as you would like to be treated. While AI is currently a tool, he wonders whether the way humans interact with AI today could matter later if AI becomes more autonomous or conscious.

Kristine shares that she already says “please” when asking AI for help.

The broader idea is that respect, partnership, and ethical behavior matter — whether in business, human relationships, or potentially even in future human-AI relationships.

 

Trust, Integrity, and Reputation in Business

The conversation then returns to business values.

Dmitry explains that 3D Media manages advertising budgets for clients, and he treats client money with even more care than his own. If a single dollar is missing, that matters because the client has placed trust in the company.

Kristine agrees that reputation and integrity are everything. If she says she is going to do something, she does it.

In real estate, relationships are the foundation of the business. Agents who do not keep their word, communicate well, and remain likable will struggle to build trust with clients and other professionals.

 

Why Agents Are Attracted to Surterre Properties

Kristine explains that Surterre has been around for about 20 years and has survived through many market cycles.

One reason is that Surterre is run like a real business.

Kristine has a business background and believes the brokerage must model the same seriousness it expects from its agents. Real estate is not something to treat casually or as a side hobby. Agents who treat it like a real business can do extremely well.

Surterre does not simply give everything away to attract agents. Instead, the company knows its value and wants its agents to know their value as well.

 

Community, Relationships, and the Meaning of Surterre

Kristine explains that Surterre means “of the earth.” The name connects to the idea of being rooted in the community.

For Surterre agents, real estate is not just about transactions. It is about living, working, and building relationships in the same communities they serve.

One of Kristine’s favorite campaigns is built around the idea of helping people choose their neighbors. If a house next door is for sale, the people nearby may know someone who would be a great fit.

That community-first mindset helps distinguish Surterre in a market where many brokerages now have access to similar online tools, IDX feeds, and international exposure.

The true differentiator is relationships.

 

Supporting Agents So They Can Focus on Clients

Dmitry points out that many Surterre agents value the tools and support the brokerage provides.

Kristine explains that real estate agents are responsible for helping clients with some of the largest transactions of their lives. They should not have to become experts in every marketing tool, flyer layout, virtual tour, social media format, or design platform.

Surterre’s job is to support agents so they can focus on what they do best: building relationships, advising clients, negotiating, and closing deals.

This aligns closely with how 3D Media supports business owners. The goal is to take marketing, media, and technical work off the client’s plate so they can focus on their own service and customer relationships.

 

Focus on What You Do Best

One of the most practical business lessons from the episode is the importance of delegation.

Kristine compares it to doctors. A doctor should focus on medicine, surgery, or patient care — not accounting, HR, website design, or marketing layout.

Dmitry adds that many people miss the opportunity cost. If someone can earn hundreds of dollars an hour doing their core work, it does not make sense to spend hours doing a lower-value task poorly just to avoid hiring someone else.

The smartest businesses allow people to operate in their zone of highest value.

 

Luxury Branding and Attention to Detail

Kristine explains that Surterre has very high brand standards.

The company uses professional graphic designers and follows strict guidelines because luxury marketing requires precision. High-end real estate cannot be marketed with sloppy visuals, poor spacing, misspellings, or inconsistent branding.

Dmitry adds that the difference between standard and luxury often comes down to attention to detail.

Luxury is not always about different materials. It is about the extra time, care, and precision that go into making something feel exceptional.

Kristine says that even a misspelled word on a direct mail piece can damage trust. If someone cannot double-check a postcard, how can a client trust them to handle a multimillion-dollar transaction?

 

Why Boutique Real Estate Can Thrive in Luxury Markets

Dmitry observes that Surterre occupies a unique position.

It is boutique enough to remain personal, accessible, and relationship-driven, but it operates in one of the most valuable real estate markets in the country. That allows the company to invest in high-quality marketing, brand standards, and support systems.

Agents can access leadership in a way they might not be able to at a much larger brokerage.

Kristine often joins listing presentations when agents want marketing expertise. She can speak to digital strategy, analytics, and luxury positioning, helping agents win listings without competing with them.

That support gives agents confidence and strengthens the brokerage’s value proposition.

 

Kristine’s Journey Into Entrepreneurship

Kristine also talks about her journey as an entrepreneur.

She has worked in corporate environments where marketing budgets were larger and vendors were eager to help because the company name carried weight. But starting a company is different.

When she began working on Brevy, she had to learn how to do more with less. She had to grind, teach herself tools, stretch every dollar, and figure things out independently.

That startup experience made her more efficient and resourceful. She later brought many of those startup tools and habits back into corporate environments, saving significant money and improving efficiency.

Kristine believes in the “cross hustle” — the idea that having multiple ventures or skill sets can create synergy rather than distraction when managed well.

 

What Is Brevy?

Brevy is a shared-resource and automated rental platform that began with a simple insight: people living in apartments often need occasional access to bulky or rarely used items, but they do not want to buy or store them.

Brevy works like an oversized smart vending machine or automated locker system. Residents can use an app or QR code to access items such as:

• Ladders

• Tools

• Dollies

• Vacuums

• Coolers

• Camping gear

• Suitcases

• Beach gear

• Games and amenity equipment

Users check items out, use them, return them, and pay based on usage or follow the community’s rules.

For apartment communities, Brevy helps solve a real problem: storage is expensive, residents are transient, and many items are useful only occasionally.

 

Brevy as an Accountability Tool

Over time, Brevy evolved beyond rentals.

Kristine explains that many high-end apartment communities already offer amenities like pool tables, ping pong, cornhole, bikes, and recreation equipment. The problem is accountability.

If items are freely available, people may lose, damage, or fail to return them.

Brevy solves this by tying usage to a resident’s account. If someone checks out a pool stick, bike key, towel, or other item, the system knows who has it. If they return it, there is no issue. If they do not, the property can charge them.

This same concept can apply to gyms, apartment amenities, beaches, and other shared-use environments.

 

From Beach Rentals to Propane Automation

One of the most fascinating parts of Kristine’s entrepreneurial story is how Brevy led to a national propane opportunity.

Brevy was originally focused on shared rentals, including beach gear such as surfboards, wagons, speakers, tents, and chairs. A beach location asked whether Brevy could also sell firewood. That request opened the door to vending and, eventually, propane.

Years earlier, in 2017, Kristine had imagined an automated propane exchange system and even had a mockup created on Fiverr. She sent it to the president of Ferrellgas, which owns Blue Rhino, even though she had no propane background and no obvious reason to be reaching out.

Years later, in 2022, Brevy signed a major contract with Blue Rhino to roll out automated propane vending machines.

Today, the system is in thousands of locations across the United States and continues to grow.

 

Opportunity Comes From Taking Action

Dmitry points out one of the biggest lessons from Kristine’s story: opportunity comes to people who are doing things.

If Kristine had not started with rentals, said yes to beach gear, figured out firewood, and stayed open to unexpected opportunities, the propane business may never have happened.

Kristine’s advice is simple: do something every day toward your goal.

She tells her kids that one hour a day can make someone great at almost anything. One hour a day for a year becomes 365 hours of focused effort.

Success often comes from consistent small steps, not one dramatic breakthrough.

 

The Illusion of Instant Success

Kristine and Dmitry also discuss how social media has created unrealistic expectations around entrepreneurship.

Many young people see content about dropshipping, AI arbitrage, online businesses, and fast money. They think they can become millionaires quickly without understanding the years of work, failure, and persistence behind real success.

Kristine shares that her teenage son told her he needed to make millions before he became “old” like her. She laughs about it, but the point is serious: younger generations often see the result without seeing the grind.

Failure, humility, and persistence are necessary parts of the process.

 

Everyone Carries Their Own Shovel

The episode ends with one of Kristine’s favorite sayings: everyone carries their own shovel.

Her point is that people who act without integrity often dig their own holes. You do not need to seek revenge or try to bring people down. You just need to keep doing the right thing, hold your head high, and continue moving forward.

For both Kristine and Dmitry, values are the foundation of long-term success.

If someone is not a good person, even their success may be temporary. But if they lead with integrity, discipline, trust, and persistence, they are far more likely to build something that lasts.

 

Key Takeaways from the Episode

1. Virtual tours became essential because real estate had to adapt quickly.

2. Luxury real estate depends heavily on scarcity, location, and trust.

3. AI can dramatically improve productivity when used by curious and disciplined people.

4. Prompting is becoming one of the most valuable modern skills.

5. AI avatars can help agents create content more efficiently, but they require trust and security.

6. Education may need to shift from memorization toward discipline, ethics, and learning how to learn.

7. The future of work may make character and self-improvement more important than job-specific knowledge.

8. Reputation and integrity are essential in business.

9. Brokerages win when they support agents and help them focus on relationships.

10. Luxury branding requires attention to detail.

11. Entrepreneurs need to take action before opportunity appears.

12. Brevy shows how one idea can evolve through persistence, pivoting, and being open to unexpected paths.

13. Instant success is usually an illusion. Consistent daily effort matters more.

14. Good values create lasting success.

 

Featured Companies and Links

3D Media
Website: https://3dmedia.com

Surterre Properties
Website: https://surterreproperties.com