From my early days on The Apprentice to building Simply Vegas into a powerhouse brokerage, I’ve always believed in betting on yourself. Today, I run multiple businesses across real estate, title, and mortgage, mentor ambitious agents, and speak on stages to help people break free from average.
I created Escaping the Drift to challenge people stuck in mediocrity — not because they’re not capable, but because they’re not honest with themselves. My mission is simple: help people build more income, more impact, and more intention into their lives.
Whether you're feeling like there just has to be more to life, an agent looking for a roadmap, a seasoned entrepreneur ready to scale, or an organization looking for a speaker who actually gets results, I’ve got a lane for you.
► Real Estate Growth: Join my real estate bootcamp or mentorship program to master lead generation, conversion, and scaling a sustainable business. career.Business
► 1 on 1 Coaching: Get tactical guidance to turn your business into a machine that runs without you — using proven systems, marketing, and mindset strategy.
► Speaking Engagements: Book me to fire up your team, challenge your audience, and deliver actionable insights that drive change.
►Get My New Book Pre-Order Now to get a special gift, to help level you up!
No cookie-cutter nonsense. Just straight-up strategies that work.
".......is like getting real talk"
“This book hits different. Gafford’s not trying to impress you—he’s trying to wake you up. Escaping the Drift is like getting real talk from a from a friend who actually wants to see you win. It’s honest, smart, and exactly what a lot of people need right now.”
— Brad Lea, CEO of LightSpeed VT
"...it’s a practical guide to rewiring your brain for purpose"
"Escaping the Drift is more than a compelling read—it’s a practical guide to rewiring your brain for purpose, performance, and possibility. John lays out some strong mindset shifts needed to break free from mediocrity and consciously design the life you truly want. If you’re ready to stop drifting and start creating, this book is your blueprint.”
— John Assaraf, New York Times bestselling author and founder of MyNeuroGym.com
"John Gafford doesn’t preach theory—he’s lived it"
“Escaping the Drift is the no-BS kick in the ass most people need. John Gafford doesn’t preach theory—he’s lived it, built it, and now he’s handing you the playbook. If you’re stuck, coasting, or making excuses, this book will call you out and show you how to level up for real.”
—Kent Clothier, CEO of The Boardroom Mastermind
"John isn’t here to give you fluffy words or empty motivation."
“Escaping the Drift by John Gafford isn’t just another book—it’s a wake-up call wrapped in a challenge. John isn’t here to give you fluffy words or empty motivation. He’s here to rip through the nonsense and show you the cold, hard truth about how to stop drifting through life.”
—Steve Sims, author of Bluefishing and Go for Stupid
You’re not stuck — you’re just drifting. And deep down, you know it.
In my new book,
Escaping the Drift (Radius), I break down the principles that helped me rebuild from rock bottom and build a life and career on my terms. It’s part business book, part kick in the ass, and all about helping you get brutally honest so you can get radically free.
Whether you're stuck in a dead-end job, running a business that’s lost its fire, or just waking up wondering “is this it?” — this book will help you burn down the excuses and start again.
Looking for a speaker who doesn’t sugarcoat but still leaves the room fired up?
I speak on entrepreneurship, real estate success, leadership, and building a life of purpose — without the fluff. Whether it’s a keynote for 5,000 people or an intimate mastermind for 50, I deliver practical tools, war stories, and energy that moves people to action.
Let’s talk about bringing real, actionable inspiration to your audience.
What happens when you stop living on autopilot and start building the life you actually want?
On Escaping the Drift, I sit down with bold entrepreneurs, game-changers, and thinkers to uncover what it really takes to win — in business, in mindset, and in life. Real stories, raw advice, and no fluff.
Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you stream.
Program 1:
Real Estate - The Climb Coaching
A 45-day training program designed for real estate agents who are ready to break through plateaus and create predictable, scalable success. Learn the exact scripts, habits, tech stack, and follow-up systems that built one of the highest-performing teams in the country.
Program 2:
Business Planing Course
Tired of overcomplicated plans that never get executed? This free course walks you through a simple, powerful framework to create a one-page business plan you can actually use — for any business, side hustle, or personal goal.
In less than an hour, you’ll build a clear roadmap to:
► Define your mission and target outcome
► Identify the key levers that move the needle
► Create a focused action strategy that doesn’t overwhelm
► Track progress and stay accountable — in business or life
Whether you're launching something new or leveling up where you are, this system will give you the clarity and confidence to move with purpose.
List or Buy Luxury With Us:
Our expert marketing, deep network, and proven closing strategies have made the Gafford Group the go-to brokerage for high-end listings in Las Vegas and Henderson. If you have a luxury home to sell, we know how to position it, market it, and move it.
Work With Us at Simply Vegas:
We’re not just another brokerage — we’re a brand that attracts top-tier talent and empowers agents to build wealth and freedom through real estate. If you're ready to elevate your real estate career, we want to hear from you.
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Partner With Clear Title: Own your own Title company! Our title company, Clear Title, is built for agents who demand speed, service, and certainty in every deal. Whether you're looking for a seamless closing process or business development support, Clear Title has your back.
Want to take your business or career to the next level? I offer 1:1 consulting, group coaching, and high-impact collaborations with the right people. If you’re serious about growth, we’ll get along just fine.
I don’t take everyone. But if you’re coachable, driven, and ready to go — apply below.
Why should I sign up for John’s Newsletter?
A: Because it’s not your average “blah blah” email. Every week, I send out real, tactical advice you can actually use — whether you’re in real estate, building a business, or just trying to level up.I share:
► Tips to grow your income and influence
► Strategies I’m using in my own companies
► Tools, apps, and systems that save me time and make me money
► Book, gear, and software recommendations
And the occasional kick in the ass to keep you movingIt’s like having me in your inbox, once a week, keeping you sharp and out of the drift.
Escaping the Drift is a wake-up call for anyone who’s coasting through life — making decent money, hitting the “usual” milestones, but feeling empty, bored, or misaligned with what they really want. It’s for the high-functioning, quietly frustrated person who knows they were made for more but isn’t sure how to break the pattern.
In this book, I take you behind the curtain of my own journey — from getting fired on national television by Donald Trump, to rebuilding my life and businesses after hitting rock bottom, to creating a high-impact career that actually lights me up. It’s raw, real, and built to help you get brutally honest with yourself — because that’s where real transformation starts.
Escaping the Drift isn’t just a motivational memoir or a business book. It’s a punch-in-the-gut followed by a hand-up. You’ll get stories that resonate, lessons that challenge you, and frameworks that move you from passive to powerful. Inside, I break down concepts like:
► The subtle trap of comfort and competence
►. How to audit your life for hidden friction and false narratives
►. Why honesty with yourself is the first and hardest step
►. How to find (or become) the right mentors, partners, and allies
►. And how to build a plan that aligns your income with your impact
This isn’t about hustle porn. It’s about clarity, strategy, and doing the damn work — so you can build something worth waking up for.If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, “This can’t be it,” then this book was written for you
When I step on stage, it’s not a lecture — it’s a wake-up call. I don’t read from a script or hide behind slides. I bring raw stories, real strategies, and hard-hitting truths that make people rethink the way they lead, sell, and show up in their own lives.
Whether I’m speaking to 5,000 entrepreneurs or a room of 50 top producers, the energy is the same: high-impact, zero fluff, and relentlessly focused on outcomes. People don’t just listen — they shift. They take notes. They laugh, nod, lean in, and walk out knowing exactly what to do next.
I speak on topics like:
► Escaping mediocrity and regaining purpose
► Building a life that aligns income with impact
► The art of creating incredible value
► Resilience, leadership, and personal responsibility
Every talk is tailored. Every story is earned. Every takeaway is actionable.If you want someone to entertain and say nice things, I’m not your guy.
If you want someone to move the room — I’m ready.
Absolutely not! Broker Clique's events go beyond the typical structure of seminars where you passively absorb information from a series of speakers. Instead, we've designed our events as active, engaging mastermind sessions.
Here's how it works: You will be grouped into smaller, intimate teams and given the opportunity to present your business over a 30-minute slot. This is your chance to delve into your key performance indicators (KPIs), discuss the strategies that are propelling your success, and, more crucially, open up about the challenges you're facing and the areas where you're seeking improvement or solutions.
Once your presentation concludes, your group – a set of top-performing peers who understand your challenges – will then engage in an insightful discussion, providing feedback and working with you to formulate a robust plan to tackle your issues.
The true power of our mastermind lies in this collective thought process, the pooling of insights, experiences, and expertise from a group of your equals in the industry. The goal isn't merely to listen and learn, but to actively engage, strategize, and support one another. Broker Clique mastermind sessions are all about collaborative problem-solving and mutual growth, making them far more than just another seminar.
If you’re serious about your business and ready to level up, we want to talk. Visit the Simply Vegas section of the site to apply. We support both experienced agents and those who are hungry to learn and grow.
Yes — but I don’t take on everyone. I work with driven, coachable individuals and organizations who are serious about growth and ready to put in the work.
I offer a limited number of 1:1 coaching and consulting spots, as well as access to The Climb, my structured coaching program designed for real estate professionals and entrepreneurs who want to scale with purpose.
In addition to personal coaching, I also offer brokerage consulting for firms in other markets looking to expand, restructure, or scale their operations. If you’re a brokerage owner who wants to build stronger systems, attract top talent, and grow revenue without losing culture — we should talk.
To apply or inquire about availability, head to the Work With Me section and fill out the form. If it’s a fit, we’ll connect.
Upcoming
Events
Inman Luxury Connect
Catch John Gafford Live at Inman Luxury Connect in San Diego – July 2025
This July, I’ll be taking the stage at Inman Luxury Connect in San Diego, the premier event for top-tier real estate professionals focused on the high-end market. Known for bringing together the most elite minds in luxury real estate, Inman Luxury Connect offers cutting-edge strategies, powerful networking, and insights that shape the future of our industry. I’m honored to be speaking alongside other industry leaders, sharing actionable strategies for scaling success in the luxury space. If you're in the business of selling lifestyle, not just property, this is the place to be.