The REAL Secret Behind 23 Years of Marriage and Building Multiple Companies Together

In this episode of Built Together™, Adriana and Roberto Castillo sit down with Max and Claudia Zaker—founding partners of Realty of America, entrepreneurs, and partners in both business and life. From Max's journey as an immigrant fighting deportation while building a career, to Claudia's transition from deputy sheriff to real estate leader, this conversation explores what it truly takes to build a life, a business, and a lasting partnership together. But this isn't just a story about success. It's about resilience. It's about communication. It's about overcoming cultural differences, navigating entrepreneurship as a married couple, raising a family, and redefining success through purpose instead of possessions. Throughout the conversation, Max and Claudia share the lessons they've learned from decades of building businesses, overcoming failures, balancing ambition with family, and entering a new season focused on impact, legacy, and giving back. 🎙️ In this episode: • Max's immigration journey and fight to stay in America • Claudia's transition from law enforcement into real estate • Building Realty of America together • How communication saved their marriage and business • Why forgiveness is a daily practice • Their philosophy on work-life balance (or why it doesn't exist) • Raising a family while building multiple businesses • Why experiences matter more than possessions • Finding purpose in new seasons of life • What legacy really means after success Built Together™ is an EverResi Media original series featuring couples who are building businesses, families, and lives together through leadership, entrepreneurship, and shared purpose. Subscribe for more conversations with inspiring couples who prove that success is even greater when it's built together. Website: https://www.everresi.com/ LinkedIn:   / everresi-media   Facebook:   / 61564829109255   Instagram:   / everresimedia   #BuiltTogether #RealtyOfAmerica #Entrepreneurship #MarriageInBusiness #Leadership #RealEstate #Legacy #ImmigrantStory #BusinessPartners #EverResiMedia Timestamps: 0:00 — Trailer 1:18 — Welcome & Introductions 2:43 — What Season Are You Both In Right Now 6:05 — Max's Four Phases of Life 14:22 — The One Pair of Shoes Story 21:00 — How Do You Run a Business and a Marriage Together 24:13 — Learning the Art of Forgiveness 26:40 — How Claudia Met Max & Their Origin Story 33:09 — How They Came Together in Business 38:28 — Acknowledging the Failures Along the Way 40:27 — Max's 12-Year Immigration Battle 52:10 — There Is No Work Life Balance 55:57 — Blocking the Calendar for Family First 1:00:05 — Two Things Max Learned From Claudia 1:06:15 — What's Next for Max and Claudia 1:09:08 — Closing