Spencer Rascoff is no stranger to risk-taking—from Hotwire to Zillow and beyond. 

Episode 17

Spencer Rascoff is the former CEO and co-founder of Zillow, the co-founder of Hotwire, and many other successful ventures, including his newest, Pacaso – a property broker making the dream of second-home ownership affordable. Today he sits on the boards of several companies, and hosts two podcasts, Dad, I have a Question and Office Hours. When asked what he does for a living, he said, “I teach, coach, and mentor other startup people.”

Spencer was an entrepreneur from an early age – baking and selling goods and selling hand-crafted artwork. For him, it wasn’t necessarily about the money, he was motivated purely by competition and wanting to win. And it’s no wonder – he was surrounded by a family of highly successful business owners. He remembers his father leaving a very secure job in accounting for a risky new career as a tour producer for the Rolling Stones. From his father, he learned that taking risks isn’t so dangerous after all, and it’s well worth the chance.

Sit down with Spencer and Mollie Carmichael and hear about the birth of Hotwire and Zillow, what achievements Spencer is most proud of, and what he would have done differently. Learn about his leadership style and who inspires him, in this episode of the Inspirational Leadership with the Best in Home Building podcast.

Tune in now

Watch the video interview below or listen to the audio podcast available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn + Alexa, PlayerFM, and Listen Notes.

About the series

Inspirational Leadership with the Best in Home Building is an influential podcast led by housing industry expert Mollie Carmichael. Each episode features a personal conversation with a thought leader in the housing industry. Join Mollie as we get to know these top leaders—what inspires them, what drives them, and how they build communities. 

Sponsor the podcast

Insert your company here! Position your brand as an integral part of the home building conversation alongside unique and personal thought leadership content. Grow your brand awareness by sponsoring Mollie’s Inspirational Leadership podcast. Contact us today to learn more!

Subscribe today

Want to receive updates directly? Sign up for Zonda emails to get the latest podcast episodes sent to you.

Get in touch with Mollie

Mollie Carmichael is a Principal of Zonda’s Advisory services. Mollie’s expertise in marketing, products, and home design coupled with Zonda’s data, helps clients understand home shopper needs so that builders and developers can maximize revenue. Discover how we can help you think ahead and provide creative and functional solutions to your customers.

Learn more

Listen to past episodes

Explore our library of podcast episodes, or click below to select a particular episode.

• Episode 16 – Joan Webb, The New Home Company
• Episode 15 – Mike Forsum, Landsea Homes
• Episode 14 – Eric Lipar, LGI Homes
• Episode 13 – Ross Perot, Jr., Hillwood
• Episode 12 – Ryan Marshall, Pulte Homes
• Episode 11 – Sheryl Palmer, Taylor Morrison Homes
• Episode 10 – Doug Bauer and Tom Mitchell, Tri Pointe Homes
• Episode 9 –  Tommy Beadel, Thomas James Homes
• Episode 8 – Brent Herrington, DMB Development
• Episode 7 – Howard Englander, The Englander Company
• Episode 6 – Bert Selva, Shea Homes
• Episode 5 – Steve Alloy, Stanley Martin Homes
• Episode 4 – Ronda Conger, CBH Homes
• Episode 3 – Randall Lewis, Lewis Management Corp.
• Episode 2 – Larry Webb, The New Home Company
• Episode 1 – Adrian Foley, Brookfield Properties and Development