Behind Clever Offers is a dedicated team working to make home selling simpler, faster, and more transparent for everyone.
Meet the team
We’re a group of real estate professionals, analysts, and customer advocates dedicated to one goal: providing sellers with clear choices and strong outcomes. Every person on this team plays a crucial role in making the sales process easier to understand and navigate. Together, our team has helped over 33,000 people buy or sell a home.
Drake Shadwell
Manager, Clever Offers
Drake leads Clever Offers with a data-driven approach to connecting sellers with institutional and investor buyers. With over three years in real estate and $15M in personal sales, he has built a reputation for innovation and client-focused service. He was recognized by the Orlando Regional Realtor Association “Million Dollar Club” and HousingWire “Rising Stars in Real Estate” (2025).
Ben Mizes
President, Clever Real Estate
Ben co-founded Clever Real Estate, now the nation’s leading real estate education platform for buyers, sellers, and investors. Named one of the top 200 most influential people in real estate in 2022, Ben is also a licensed Missouri agent and active investor with a multifamily portfolio in St. Louis. His work has been featured in BiggerPockets, Inman, and other outlets.
Mike Provinzino
Investor Network Manager
Mike brings a blend of startup experience and real estate expertise to Clever Offers. A former licensed Florida realtor with Robert Slack, he also worked with sellers and investors at Rex and Sundae. At Clever Offers, he focuses on expanding the investor network and building tools that help sellers secure strong, competitive offers.
Jay Watson
Buyer Matching Specialist
Jay supports Clever Offers’ buyer-matching process, making sure sellers are paired with the right investors for their property. He is known for creating a warm, supportive environment where teammates feel encouraged, connected, and ready to tackle challenges together. He values the trust and camaraderie that power the team’s success and keep everyone aligned on the same goal.
Steve Nicastro
Managing Editor
Steve leads content strategy for Clever Offers, making complex selling and investing decisions easier to understand. With experience buying, selling, and investing in more than 30 homes, he brings practical insight into realtor commissions, cash offers, and as-is sales. He previously covered personal finance for NerdWallet and uses that experience, plus his investing background, to help homeowners make confident selling decisions.
Ashley Simon
Director of Content Production
Ashley oversees content production at Clever Real Estate, making sure readers have access to accurate, up-to-date information on real estate conditions in their local area. With four years at Clever and a background in real estate writing, she leads a team of product managers focused on creating data-driven insights that help people make informed decisions and move closer to their life goals.
Collins Okoye
Offers Specialist
Collins streamlines the Clever Offers process for agents and sellers, making sure they understand their options and feel confident moving forward. With deep knowledge of partner programs and deal structures, he breaks down complex steps into clear, actionable guidance. His favorite part of the role is turning confusion into clarity and watching deals unlock when someone finally feels informed, empowered, and ready.
Cara Haynes
Director of Content Operations
Cara cares about making real estate less confusing so people can build household wealth, including connecting sellers with innovative solutions like Clever Offers. She has also worked on home service sites such as HighSpeedInternet.com and SatelliteInternet.com, and her writing has been featured on Pluralsight, ManagingEditor.com, and other outlets.
Kristen Herhold
Public Relations Director
Kristen leads Clever Real Estate’s PR team, securing media coverage in outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, HousingWire, and Inman. With a background in journalism, she specializes in turning real estate and personal finance research into compelling stories that drive industry thought leadership. She holds a journalism degree from the University of Missouri.
Katy Baker
Content Project Manager
Katy produces a variety of content for Clever Real Estate, with a primary focus on cash and non-traditional home sales. She enjoys helping people navigate the complexities of real estate and make informed decisions when they buy or sell. Katy holds a B.A. from SDSU and an M.A. from Pepperdine University. Before joining Clever, she managed content for various nonprofits and startups.
What drives us
We created Clever Offers for sellers who are considering a fast sale and want a clearer way to understand their options. Some sellers need to move quickly. Others wish to compare cash offers before deciding whether to list. Whatever your situation may be, our goal is to provide you with the information and support you need to choose the path that makes the most sense.
Our team works across product, engineering, content, and customer success, with one goal in mind: to make the fast-sale process easier, more transparent, and fairer for everyday homeowners. These are the principles that guide our work:
1. Transparency
We believe trust starts with honesty. Sellers deserve clear, upfront information about their options: No fine print, no hidden fees, no sales pressure. Every offer you see through Clever is explained in plain language, so you always know what to expect.
2. Fair comparisons
Most homeowners don’t have access to multiple investors or know how different offers stack up. We make those comparisons simple by connecting you with verified buyers and showing how a cash sale, as-is listing, or traditional listing could impact your bottom line.
3. Speed with clarity
When timing matters, the process can’t get bogged down. We help you move quickly while staying organized and informed. Fast options stay fast, and you always understand what each buyer is offering and why.
4. Smart guidance
Our team combines real estate expertise with technology to help you explore your options in one convenient place. Whether you’re reviewing cash offers or weighing a traditional listing, you’ll get clear guidance from people who want you to succeed.
If you’re exploring a fast sale, talk with a Clever Offers specialist. We’ll walk you through your options, answer questions, and help you choose the route that feels right for your goals. Get guidance from a Clever Offers specialist today!
