Real Returns: Recent Episodes
Andrew Reichert
Welcome to the Real Returns podcast, where we learn how real investments can make a real impact. Join your hosts, Andrew and Dan, as they share stories and interview business leaders on how real estate and other forms of investment can create meaningful change for individuals and communities around the world. Don't forget to visit: https://www.birgo.com
What if the secret to transforming an entire industry lay hidden on a napkin?
In this inspiring episode, Damion Lupo, an experienced entrepreneur and creator of FrameTec, shares his journey of resilience, innovation, and impact. With over 70 companies to his name, Damion reveals his lessons on turning failures into stepping stones, the importance of learning over winning, and the transformational goals behind FrameTech's sustainable housing solutions. Listeners will discover how Damion’s bold decisions are reshaping the construction industry, addressing the housing crisis, and emphasizing a collaborative approach to societal challenges.
[00:01 - 06:17] A Life of Learning Through Loss
- Winning and learning: redefining failure as a learning opportunity
- Damion’s journey from massive financial loss to personal growth
- Building resilience through martial arts and entrepreneurship
[06:18 - 12:40] Introducing FrameTec: From Napkin to Reality
- The origin of FrameTec: a vision to solve the housing crisis
- Sustainable construction with minimal waste
- FrameTec’s disruptive approach to reducing framing timelines by weeks
[12:41 - 18:45] Building Impact: Environment and Efficiency
- FrameTec’s nearly zero-waste process benefits both the environment and the bottom line
- Robotics and automation in FrameTec improve worker safety
- FrameTec aims to be a model for cooperative growth across the industry
[18:46 - 25:22] Impact Beyond Profits: FrameTec’s Unique Value Proposition
- Comprehensive solutions for developers, from design to finished frames
- Damion’s vision for FrameTec as a cultural as well as economic influence
- FrameTec’s long-term capacity goals and plans for national expansion
[25:23 - 32:53] Investment as a Tool for Positive Impact
- The role of integrity and vision in attracting committed investors
- Damion’s all-in investment approach for projects that align with his values
- Building trust and transparency as a foundation for business growth
Key Quotes:
“It’s not about winning or losing. It’s about winning or learning. Every setback is an opportunity to learn and improve.” - Damion Lupo
“FrameTec is a vision to impact the construction industry sustainably—cutting waste, saving time, and creating a culture where people are valued.” - Damion Lupo
"The money is just a side effect when you’re making a massive impact on people and the planet." - Damion Lupo
Visit our website https://www.birgo.com/to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON
What does it take to shift mindsets and create lasting societal impact?
In this episode, Evan Feinberg from Stand Together shares how the organization is transforming approaches to societal challenges. By prioritizing community-based empowerment and bottom-up solutions, Stand Together helps reshape cultural paradigms surrounding issues like poverty, addiction, and education. Feinberg highlights stories of social entrepreneurs who address problems with innovative and human-centered strategies, drawing on Stand Together's unique mix of philanthropic support and entrepreneurial acumen. This conversation provides deep insight into how effective impact isn’t just about solving problems but changing perceptions and empowering individuals to create enduring change.
[00:01 - 06:12] The Road to Stand Together
- Human flourishing as a guiding principle can drive societal impact
- Stand Together's approach is rooted in community involvement
- The foundation aims to empower people by addressing systemic issues
[06:13 - 12:08] Stand Together’s Mission and Philosophy
- Tackling social problems with a collaborative business leader network
- Emphasis on shifting mindsets over simply addressing symptoms
- Promotes individualized approaches in sectors like education and healthcare
[12:09 - 18:56] Rethinking Approaches to Societal Challenges
- Moving from top-down control to bottom-up empowerment
- Misconceptions about poverty and addiction hinder solutions
- Empowerment through social entrepreneurship can drive change
[18:57 - 24:21] Success Stories and Real-World Impact
- Highlighting the Phoenix, a peer-based addiction recovery movement
- The importance of scaling impactful projects effectively
- Real-life examples showcase Stand Together's influence on societal norms
[24:22 - 31:03] Strategic Philanthropy and Investment
- Blending philanthropy with strategic, targeted investments
- Nonprofits and for-profits can partner effectively for social impact
- The role of creativity in finding sustainable solutions
Connect with Evan!
https://standtogether.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-feinberg-7605993a/
Key Quotes:
"Our goal isn’t just to solve problems; it’s to change paradigms about people and the challenges they face." - Evan Feinberg
"When a business creates value for customers. It is creating value in society." - Evan Feinberg
Visit our website https://www.birgo.com/to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON
How does overcoming adversity shape the mindset of a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist?
In this episode of Real Returns, Zain Jaffer, a dynamic entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist, joins Andrew and Danto share his remarkable journey from a challenging upbringing to selling a company for $780 million. Zain reflects on the hardships he faced, including growing up with the wrong role models and navigating failure in early ventures, and how those experiences instilled resilience and grit. Now, as the leader of his family office, Zain invests in real estate, startups, and philanthropic projects, maintaining a keen focus on integrity and impact. This conversation dives deep into the intersections of purpose, profit, and philanthropy, offering valuable lessons for both aspiring and seasoned investors.
[00:01 - 06:14] The Power of Integrity in Business
- Integrity should be the cornerstone of every business decision
- Founders who value money over ethics are a risk in the long term
- Building trust and transparency with investors is crucial for success
[06:15 - 12:58] Zain’s Early Life: From Refugee to Entrepreneur
- Adversity builds resilience and grit, which are essential for entrepreneurship
- Role models may be scarce in difficult environments, but self-reliance and learning can fill the gap
- Discovering the internet early helped Zain develop his entrepreneurial skills
[12:59 - 19:23] Facing Discrimination and Turning it into Motivation
- Different backgrounds can set you apart, but they can also fuel determination to succeed
- In competitive environments, outworking others can make all the difference
- Adversity creates grit, which is invaluable in both business and personal growth
[19:24 - 26:07] The Shift from Startups to Real Estate Investments
- Startups are unpredictable; focus on founders, not just ideas
- In real estate, trust the numbers, not the grand visions
- Integrity and transparency are as important in real estate as in startup investing
[26:08 - 32:36] Balancing Purpose and Profit in Impact Investing
- Impact investing can blend financial returns with societal impact
- Foundations have a different focus, where impact takes precedence over profit
- Integrity and long-term thinking are key factors in making meaningful investments
Connect with Zain!
https://zainjaffer.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zainjaffer
Key Quotes:
"Challenges build grit. And when you combine grit with hard work, it’s amazing what you can accomplish." - Zain Jaffer
"When someone pitches you with a money-hungry view, they’ll screw you when they can. Integrity is what makes the difference." - Zain Jaffer
Visit our website https://www.birgo.com/to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON
What is true financial freedom and how can it go beyond just wealth?
In this episode, Dave Wolcott, founder and CEO of Pantheon Investments, dives deep into what true wealth and freedom mean. Dave shares his journey from a Marine Corps captain to a leading figure in the investment world, revealing the ultra-wealthy's strategies to achieve financial success and holistic freedom. He emphasizes the importance of mindset, strategy, and creating a vision that encompasses financial independence and freedom of time, relationships, and purpose. This episode provides actionable insights for anyone looking to reframe their thoughts on wealth and freedom.
[00:01 - 05:44] From Marine Corps to Millionaire
- Personal background shapes how you view wealth and security
- Traditional financial advice may not be enough for long-term wealth
- Major life events, like starting a family, can shift financial priorities
[05:45 - 10:46] Beyond Financial Independence
- True wealth includes more than financial freedom—consider time, relationships, and purpose
- The importance of defining what freedom means for each individual
- The "Four Freedoms" concept: money, time, relationships, and location
[10:47 - 15:00] Building Your Wealth Vision
- Creating a clear wealth vision is essential for any financial strategy
- Family offices and successful businesses always have a vision; so should individual investors
- Without a target, you'll miss every time—defining goals helps avoid missteps
[15:01 - 20:27] Dave’s Investment Strategy
- Diversify investments across strong sectors like real estate, energy, and private credit
- Aim for a "three-dimensional return" with tax efficiency, passive income, and appreciation
- Alternative investments often outperform traditional stock market approaches
[20:28 - 26:09] The Holistic Wealth Strategy
- Investing is more than just picking assets; it’s about supporting a broader life strategy
- The importance of mindset in building sustainable wealth
- Leveraging tools like infinite banking to optimize and multiply returns
Connect with Dave!
https://pantheoninvest.com/
Key Quotes:
"The top 1% are not building their wealth in the stock market; they're leveraging alternative investments to create true financial freedom." — Dave Wolcott
"Freedom isn’t just about money. It’s about purpose, relationships, time, and location." — Dave Wolcott
"If you don't have a clear vision for your wealth, you'll miss the target every time." – Dave Wolcott
Visit our website https://www.birgo.com/to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON
How does early-stage venture capital shape not only the success of startups but also the future of industries?
This week, Andrew and Daniel are joined by Michael Cardamone, CEO and Managing Partner of Forum. Michael discusses the impact of early-stage venture capital, the importance of investing in diverse founders, and the potential societal impact of the startups they support. He delves into the venture studio model and highlights how his firm helps launch innovative companies in sectors like healthcare and tech. With practical advice for both investors and entrepreneurs, this episode provides a unique look into the world of venture capital and the driving forces behind successful early-stage investments.
[00:01 - 05:07] The Venture Capital Landscape
- Investing in companies before others believe in them.
- Creating jobs and impacting the economy at large.
- Venture capital's role in driving innovation across industries.
[05:08 - 10:48] Impact through Diversity
- Forum Ventures focuses on building diverse teams early on.
- Tracking diversity KPIs helps improve the inclusivity pipeline.
- Diverse teams lead to more innovative and resilient businesses.
[10:49 - 15:15] Investing in Healthcare and Tech
- Startups in healthcare can drive large-scale impact.
- Companies like Blooming Health and Remo Health help people manage care at home.
- AI-based solutions are transforming diagnostics in cancer care.
[15:16 - 20:56] The Venture Studio Model
- Forum Ventures creates companies from scratch through a venture studio.
- Deep founder-market fit is crucial for success.
- Early customer feedback and strong CEO leadership drive success.
[20:57 - 26:56] Advice for Aspiring Investors and Founders
- Understanding your unique advantage is key to succeeding in venture capital.
- Founders should leverage industry experience and network connections.
- Storytelling and vision play a pivotal role in raising capital.
Connect with Michael!
https://www.forumvc.com/
Key Quotes:
"We look closely at how we can drive more diversity and inclusion in our pipeline." – Michael Cardamone
"It’s not just about the businesses we invest in but also about the people behind them and the jobs they create." – Michael Cardamone
Visit our website https://www.birgo.com/to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON
What happens when you decide to give your way out of debt, and can such radical actions lead to not just financial recovery, but also a life of impactful investing?
In this episode of the Real Returns Podcast, Andrew and Daniel sit down with Paul Moore, a seasoned real estate investor, author, and fund manager, who shares his incredible journey from being $2.5 million in debt to financial freedom. Paul’s story is not just about bouncing back but about transforming financial success into meaningful impact. He discusses his experiences in various investment ventures, his philosophy on the intersection of financial success and societal impact, and his dedication to combating human trafficking through strategic philanthropy. Paul's insights are a must-listen for anyone interested in how capital can create both wealth and positive change.
[00:01 - 04:23] From Engineering to Entrepreneurship
- The importance of pivoting in one's career to find true passion
- How early financial success doesn't always equate to long-term fulfillment
- The role of social responsibility in business from the start
[04:24 - 08:57] Overcoming Financial Ruin
- The impact of the 2008 financial crisis on personal wealth
- How unconventional methods can lead to recovery
- The importance of resilience and innovation during financial hardship
[08:58 - 12:22] The Foundation of Wellings Capital
- The evolution of Wellings Capital from a multifamily syndicator to a diversified fund manager
- Why over-leveraging and speculation are risky even in "safe" investments
- The importance of ethical investing and its impact on communities
[12:23 - 17:38] Combating Human Trafficking: Philanthropy Through Investment
- How strategic philanthropy can be integrated into business practices
- The shocking reality of modern-day slavery and the financial power behind it
- The role of investors in raising awareness and funding solutions to global issues
[17:39 - 22:11] Future Plans and Personal Growth
- The importance of aligning with the right partners for business growth
- How personal habits can influence professional success
- The long-term vision for Wellings Capital
Connect with Paul!
https://www.wellingscapital.com/
Key Quotes:
"We have the highest number of enslaved people in history today, and it's up to us to do something about it." - Paul Moore
"I decided I was going to give my way out of debt. It was a radical, countercultural move, but it worked." — Paul Moore
Visit our website https://www.birgo.com/to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON
How do diverse perspectives shape impactful decision-making in business and investing?
In this season four recap of the Real Returns podcast, hosts Andrew and Dan reflect on a successful season filled with insightful conversations with various industry leaders. They discuss the importance of diverse perspectives, and impactful decision-making, and share personal anecdotes and lessons learned from their journey in podcasting and investing. From innovative business models to sustainable investing and community-focused approaches, this episode encapsulates the core themes and takeaways from the season.
[00:01 - 05:11] Reflecting on Two Years of Podcasting Together
- Podcasting can enhance business partnerships and personal growth
- Learning from early mistakes helps improve content quality
- Consistency and teamwork are crucial for long-term success
[05:12 - 10:59] Impact and Influence
- The impact equals force over time
- Negative impacts and unintended consequences are vital to consider
- Pausing before decisions enhances their impact
[11:00 - 15:24] Aligning Values & Community Building
- Values alignment is crucial in investing
- Stakeholders' alignment drives successful outcomes
- Prioritizing customer experience transforms the business model
[15:25 - 23:38] Innovative Real Estate
- The sharing economy can transform real estate
- Empty spaces can generate additional income and impact
- Innovative approaches can redefine traditional industries
Key Quotes:
"Venture capital is one of the most clear ways to be impactful in the world." - Daniel Croce
"Diversity of thought is one of the most important things to the success of any organization." - Andrew Reichert
Visit our website https://www.birgo.com/to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON
Have you ever considered what lies beyond the traditional investment routes that could potentially accelerate your financial growth?
This week, Andrew and Dan dive into a fascinating conversation with real estate mogul Lane Kawaoka. Lane, an expert in multifamily real estate investments and syndications, shares his journey from a disillusioned engineer to controlling over $2 billion in assets. He discusses the transformative power of real estate, the strategic benefits of investing in secondary markets, and the importance of community impact through investment. The episode uncovers the nuances of financial freedom and offers insights into effective investment strategies that prioritize both profitability and ethical impact.
[00:01 - 07:51] The Wealth Elevator Introduction
- The importance of community in investment journeys
- The concept of "wealth elevator" as a framework for financial growth
- Initial overview of Lane's real estate investment strategy
[07:52 - 14:42] From Engineer to Real Estate Powerhouse
- Lane's transition from engineering to real estate
- The impact of passive income realization
- Early challenges and successes in real estate investment
[14:43 - 21:05] Revolutionizing Investment Access
- Lane's approach to democratizing real estate investment
- The concept of "Hui" investment groups in Hawaii
- Innovations in investment pooling for larger asset acquisitions
[21:06 - 28:02] Community Impact and Sustainable Investments
- Strategies for enhancing community living standards through investments
- The role of ethical considerations in investment choices
- Long-term benefits of improving tenant quality and property management
[28:03 - 35:20] Future of Real Estate and Economic Outlooks
- Lane’s insights on economic trends affecting real estate
- The shift towards development and sustainable asset classes
- Predictions on interest rates and investment strategies in uncertain times
Connect with Lane!
https://thewealthelevator.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanekawaoka/
Key Quotes:
"Live where you want, have a lifestyle where you want, but invest where the numbers make sense." - Lane Kawaoka
"Everybody's on different parts of this journey and different floors of the wealth elevator." - Lane Kawaoka
Visit our website https://www.birgo.com/to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON
How does sustainable investing reshape the landscape of traditional investing and benefit both our planet and portfolios?
In this episode, Sam Adams, CEO of Vert Asset Management and a dedicated advocate for sustainable investing, delves into the nuances of ESG metrics in real estate and their broader implications on the financial markets. Sam discusses the challenges and opportunities in mainstreaming sustainable investments and the potential for systemic change through informed investment strategies. He highlights the importance of long-term investments in sustainability and their impact on corporate practices and environmental stewardship.
[00:01 - 05:14] Introducing Sustainable Investing
- Definition and importance of ESG and sustainable investing
- The role of sustainable investing in modern capitalism
- Introduction of Samuel Adams and his background
[05:15 - 10:50] The Mechanics of Impact Investing
- Differences between direct and systemic impact investing
- The role of pricing mechanisms in influencing corporate behavior
- Insights into public equity markets and sustainable investing
[10:51 - 15:57] Assessing ESG Metrics
- How ESG metrics are integrated and assessed in investment strategies
- The challenge of quantifying ESG data compared to financial data
- The importance of advocacy and engagement in sustainable investing
[15:58 - 20:40] Corporate Responses to ESG Initiatives
- Interaction with CFOs on the relevance of ESG metrics
- Real-world examples of corporate shifts towards sustainability
- The long-term effects of sustainability measures on corporate valuations
[20:41 - 25:58] Future Directions and Personal Insights
- Samuel's vision for the future of sustainable investing
- Impact of personal values on professional choices
- The significance of long-term strategies in achieving sustainability goals
Connect with Sam!
https://www.vertasset.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-c-adams
Key Quotes:
"The real impact comes from long-term, systemic change, not just immediate results." — Samuel Adams
"Investing in sustainability isn't just about making money; it's about making a difference." - Samuel Adams
Visit our website https://www.birgo.com/to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON!
What does it really mean to make an impact in the startup world through venture capital investments? In this enlightening episode, host Andrew converses with Zach Malone, a partner at Magarac Venture Partners, about the nuanced role of impact in venture capital. They delve into how strategic investments not only aim for high returns but also foster significant societal and economic benefits. The discussion spans from personal journeys to professional insights, emphasizing the transformative power of venture capital in emerging sectors and regional economies. Listen in as Zach shares compelling stories from his career, offering a unique perspective on how venture capital can drive both profit and progress.
[00:01 - 03:00] Defining Impact in Venture Capital
- Venture capital as a gateway to transforming innovative ideas into profitable businesses
- The personal background and motivations of venture capitalists
- The importance of a supportive ecosystem for startups
[03:01 - 09:00] The Entrepreneurial Journey
- The criteria for assessing the potential and impact of new startups
- The characteristics of a world-class founder
- The influence of venture capital on business formalization and growth
[09:00 - 12:00] Evaluating Business Potential and Founders
- How the characteristics of a region influence investment decisions
- The significance of local talent pools in sustaining growth
- The impact of venture capital beyond financial metrics, on community and culture
[12:00 - 16:08] The Role of Regional Influence
- Predictions for future trends in venture capital and impactful investing
- The evolving landscape of venture capital with emerging technologies
- The balance between achieving high returns and making a meaningful impact
Connect with Zach!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachmalone/
Key Quotes:
"Impact for us is a byproduct of doing well. So we don't seek out to make an impact in a selfless way per se." - Zach Malone
"Going from an idea to thousands of employees and customers all around the world is not easy. It takes a very unique kind of individual." - Zach Malone
Visit our website https://www.birgo.com/to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON!
How can investing in a laundromat not only provide financial freedom but also make a significant impact on local communities?
In this episode of the Real Returns podcast, Jordan Berry shares his remarkable journey from being a pastor to becoming a laundromat owner and industry expert. Despite initial struggles and financial losses, Jordan persevered and transformed his business, learning valuable lessons along the way. He discusses the importance of laundromats in communities, especially in lower-income areas, and how providing clean, safe, and well-maintained facilities can instill a sense of worth and value. Jordan also shares his passion for educating others about the laundromat industry, helping aspiring entrepreneurs achieve financial freedom while making a positive impact on the communities they serve.
[00:01 - 05:33] The Unexpected Journey
- Jordan Berry’s transition from being a pastor to a laundromat owner
- The initial struggles and financial losses encountered
- The concept of a "zombie mat" and the importance of reputation in business
[05:34 - 10:16] Navigating Through Business Challenges
- Learning from mistakes and the importance of community reputation
- Strategies for business recovery and the slow path to success
- The role of persistence and consistent quality in rebuilding the business
[10:17 - 15:27] Community Impact: Beyond Just Doing Business
- How laundromats can significantly affect local communities
- The shift in laundromat industry perceptions and practices
- The importance of investing in quality and safety to create value
[15:28 - 21:43] Financial Freedom and the Laundromat Business Model
- Comparing cash flow in laundromat investments versus other real estate ventures
- The potential for financial freedom through laundromat ownership
- The importance of buying and operating laundromats the right way
[21:43 - 27:01] Future Horizons: Expanding Impact and Vision
- Jordan Berry’s vision for acquiring hundreds of laundromats
- The creation of a fund for large-scale laundromat acquisition
- The ongoing mission to educate and support aspiring entrepreneurs
Connect with Jordan!
http://laundromatresource.com/
Key Quotes:
"Laundromats are one of the few places remaining where communities still gather." - Jordan Berry
"If you build [your business], they will come... but it’s the reputation that makes them stay." – Jordan Berry
Visit our website https://www.birgo.com/to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON!
Can a blend of education and technology truly transform real estate into a bastion of safety and respect? In this riveting episode of the Real Returns podcast, Sabrina Osso, founder, and CEO of Osso Safe, shares her compelling journey from personal adversity to pioneering a business focused on ensuring homes are safe and respectful environments. Through a detailed discussion on the integration of education, technology, and direct action, this episode sheds light on a groundbreaking approach to combatting domestic violence and fostering respect in residential spaces. Discover how Osso Safe's certification process is setting a new standard for safety in the real estate industry. [00:01 - 04:37] The Genesis of OsoSafe
- The inspiration behind OsoSafe's creation
- Importance of addressing domestic violence through a business lens
- The role of real estate in promoting safety and respect
[04:38 - 10:01] Unveiling the OsoSafe Certification
- Components of the OsoSafe certification
- The innovative use of technology and education to prevent abuse
- Benefits of the certification for landlords and tenants
[10:02 - 15:20] Challenges and Opportunities
- The real estate market's reaction to OsoSafe
- The role of insurance and property value in promoting safety initiatives
- Strategies for overcoming market hesitations
[15:21 - 20:22] A Closer Look at Domestic Violence Statistics
- Staggering statistics on domestic violence
- The necessity for a shift towards safety and respect in all living environments
- Osso Safe's role in setting new standards for home safety
[20:23 - 26:52] Fostering a Culture of Respect
- The interconnectedness of respect, safety, and financial returns
- The significance of addressing violence and abuse proactively
- Sabrina's vision for a future where respect is a non-negotiable standard
Connect with Sabrina! https://www.ossosafe.com/ Key Quote: "Let's make respect a required standard condition of residency across the board." - Sabrina Osso "Safety is so important. It's basic. It's fundamental." - Sabrina Osso Visit our website https://www.birgo.com/to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor -- LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON!
How can a simple idea of renting out unused spaces revolutionize the storage industry and significantly impact individuals and communities?
In this episode, Joseph Woodbury, the founder and CEO of Neighbor.com, shares the fascinating story behind his nationwide self-storage marketplace. This discussion unveils how Neighbor.com is revolutionizing the self-storage industry by turning idle space into income-generating assets, not just for homeowners but for commercial property owners across the United States. Through a series of compelling stories, insightful business analyses, and personal anecdotes, Woodbury illustrates the broader impact of space monetization on communities, individuals, and the environment.
[00:01 - 05:11] Unpacking Neighbor.com's Mission
- Neighbor.com's unique approach to nationwide self-storage
- How excess space monetization benefits homeowners and investors
- The platform's role in all 50 states
[05:12 - 10:51] The Financial and Community Impact
- Real-life success stories from the platform
- The significant financial impact on individuals' lives
- Neighbor.com's contribution to stronger community bonds
[10:52 - 15:14] Exploring Supply and Demand Dynamics
- Challenges in balancing supply and demand
- The importance of supply for platform growth
- Strategies for attracting more space listings
[15:15 - 20:00] Joseph Woodbury's Entrepreneurial Journey
- The inspiration behind Neighbor.com
- Joseph's perspective on impact investing
- The challenges and rewards of building a marketplace platform
[20:01 - 27:30] Personal Insights and Future Visions
- Woodbury's personal wins and inspirations
- The future of Neighbor.com and space monetization
- How listeners can connect with Neighbor.com
Connect with Joseph!
www.neighbor.com
Key Quotes:
"Most of every dollar that comes in through our platform doesn't go to us; it goes to people." - Joseph Woodbury
"Throwing yourself into situations that you feel incapable is probably the fastest way to grow." - Joseph Woodbury
Visit our website https://www.birgo.com/to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON!
How can we find more purpose and meaning in work and life? Denny Boyle has pursued this question from his career as a bank exec building a fintech practice to now, building up people as a professional coach. He shares his journey spanning over two decades in Silicon Valley into executive coaching. Denny provides insights into achieving alignment in investing and in life, emphasizing playing the long game over short-term gains. He also opens up about dealing with burnout and realizing the need to make a change.
[00:00 - 03:48] - Background & Career Beginnings
- Overview of Denny's background
- Early days at PwC and Silicon Valley Bank
[03:49 - 08:15] - Building a Fintech Practice
- Helping launch SVB's fintech practice
- Relocating to support family needs
[08:16 - 15:47] - Investing Philosophy
- Pivoting into executive coaching
- Perspective on impactful investing
- Achieving alignment in investments and relationships
[15:48 - 19:00] - Long Game Mindset
- Emphasis on long term over short term
- Issues with short-term thinking
[19:01 - 28:03] - Closing Segment
- Importance of character in lending and investing
- Overcoming burnout
- Concluding thoughts
Connect with Denny!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/denny-boyle
Key Quote:
“History has shown me that you have to be patient" - Denny Boyle
Visit our website https://www.birgo.com/to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON!
How can leaders and investors rethink "impact" to take a more thoughtful, long-term approach? Lisa Slayton,CEO and founder of Tameem Partners, joins hosts Andrew Reichert and Daniel Croce to challenge conventional notions of impact, examining how short-term, reactionary approaches often cause unintended harm. They discuss the important inner work leaders must do to cultivate self-awareness and groundedness before seeking external change. Check this episode out for an insightful discussion on mindsets and models to drive change in more sustainable and ethical ways.
[00:00 - 06:16] - Leadership Approaches and Defining Impact
- Discussion on long-term vs short-term impact frameworks
- Examination of leadership tendencies to be reactive
[06:17 - 12:14] - The Role of Pausing
- Difference between reacting and thoughtful responding
- Practice of building in pauses before decisions
[12:15 - 19:16] - The Paradox of Growth
- In growth, we must let go of old ways to embrace new
- Leaning into discomfort and the unknown
[19:17 - 28:37] - Examining Unintended Consequences
- Short-term approaches often create anxiety/harm
- Leadership malpractice occurring without self-examination
[28:38 - 37:32] - Life in Flux Book
- Lisa's upcoming book offers navigational skills for change
- Focused on grounding leaders in Epoch of acceleration
Connect with Lisa!
https://tamimpartners.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-slayton-015aa01/
Key Quote:
“Even before the small decisions, you can always take 3 deep breaths." - Lisa Slayton
Visit our websitehttps://www.birgo.com/to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON!
In this season recap episode, hosts Andrew and Dan reflect on key insights from conversations with each guest over the past season. They discuss takeaways around investment discipline, the importance of experts and mentors, building flat organizational structures, raising capital ethically, leaving a legacy through estate planning, and impact investing to help refugees. This episode serves as a refresher going into 2024 of the insights we’ve learned throughout season three.
[00:00 - 02:10] - Opening segment
[02:11 - 04:16] - Joshua Pollard
[04:17 - 07:01] - Ali Swart and Samantha Spitzer Sheetz
[07:02 - 08:38] - Nicole Shirk
[08:39 - 11:02] - Lupei Chou
[11:03 - 12:42] - Maria Zondervan
[12:43 - 14:52] - Tim Daigle
[14:53 - 17:08] - Kim Bodnar
[17:09 - 20:32] - Michael Hall
Key Quotes:
"Particularly as we're in a down cycle economically, people are tempted to make bad decisions" - Andrew Reichert
"If you're willing to roll up your sleeves and learn the game, you can do it." - Daniel Croce
Visit our websitehttps://www.birgo.com/to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON!
In this episode we are joined by Michael Hall, a real estate investor and partner at Launch Capital, a firm focused on providing quality and affordable housing for refugees resettled in the U.S. Michael discusses the major housing challenges refugees face upon arrival and how Launch Capital is meeting the need through a unique, impact-driven business model centered around refugee tenants. Launch Capital purchases apartment complexes in areas with high refugee populations and manages them with the unique needs of refugee residents in mind - from maintenance and operations to community building. The resulting low turnover rates, strong collections, and stability allow Launch Capital to generate solid returns while positively impacting refugee families through accessible housing.
[00:00 - 05:04] - Creating Launch Capital's Refugee Housing Model
- Identified major housing access barriers refugees face when resettled in US
- Believed refugees overlooked as stable, reliable tenants
- For-profit model specifically targets refugees through specialized management
[05:05 - 09:32] - Refugee Tenants Produce Strong Financial Returns
- 10%+ cash-on-cash returns, 25%+ IRR targeted
- Half the industry turnover rate at 20%
- Focus on workforce housing while keeping units affordable
[09:33 - 17:57] - Unique Property Management Approach
- Relationship-based model with frequent touchpoints
- Bi-monthly unit inspections identify issues proactively
- High resident desire for housing stability enables low turnover
[17:57 - 23:00] - Growth Trajectory and Strategy
- Expanding into new markets like Dallas
- Educating investors on benefits of longer hold strategies
- Vision to scale exponentially across US to meet high annual refugee arrival figures
Connect with Michael!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-hall-9b686b3b/
Quotes:
"20% of all renting households are headed by a foreign born head of household” - Michael Hall
"One of our biggest reasons for move outs is people actually buying a home" - Michael Hall
Visit our websitehttps://www.birgo.com/to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON!
Attorney Kim Bodnar joins Andrew to discuss how to properly plan your estate, especially when it comes to your real estate holdings. They cover inheritance taxes, transfer taxes, deed transfers to heirs, issues with reverse mortgages, and opportunities for investors when estates have not been properly handled. In this episode, you’ll uncover key strategies to safely pass down property, avoid financial landmines, and even profit by snatching up deals from poorly planned estates.
[00:00 - 03:22] - Introduction to Kim Bodnar
- Kim introduces her experience as an attorney practicing for over 30 years
- She handles litigation, estate planning, and estate administration
- Calls herself a "whole life attorney" working with clients "cradle to grave"
[03:23 - 14:13] - Planning Your Real Estate Inheritance
- Kim advises clients to decide early who should inherit their real estate
- Transferring deeds to children ahead of time avoids taxes
- Inheritance tax and transfer tax exemptions in Pennsylvania
[14:14 - 20:26] - Issues With Reverse Mortgages
- Problems arising when reverse mortgage companies bet wrong on life expectancy
- Reverse mortgages left in deceased parents' names creates complications
- Opportunities for investors to purchase these properties
[20:27 - 27:50] - Additional Real Estate Planning Strategies
- Creative idea to sell home but continue renting from new owners
- Importance of keeping beneficiary designations updated
- How Kim continues learning through legal education and networking
Connect with Kim!
Website: https://www.kabodnar.com/
Quote:
"I try to encourage my clients to, as soon as possible, decide who they would like their real estate to go to." - Kim Bodnar
Visit our website www.birgo.com to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON!
In this episode, Andrew is joined by Tim Daigle as they discuss impact investing, entrepreneurship, and how we can use 100% of our capital to make a positive impact. Tim shares his journey from big consulting to launching a faith-driven investor network in Pittsburgh. He provides tips for entrepreneurs, an impact investing framework, and examples of investments that balance financial returns with social impact.
[00:00 - 04:40] - Introductions and Tim's Background
- Tim shares his journey from consulting to becoming a young adult pastor and then launching his own business and the Faith Driven Network
[04:41 - 07:18] - Unique Aspects of Faith Driven Investing
- Challenges entrepreneurs and nonprofits to develop sustainable business models instead of relying on donations
- Came from interacting with young adults at church who were launching businesses
[07:19 - 11:50] - Capital Equals Influence and Impact Examples
- Investing directly in companies and funds to drive impact
- Example of low-return, high-impact real estate investment to help startup property management company
[11:51 - 16:00] - Framework for Impact Investing Asset Allocation
- Quadrant model with high/low impact and high/low financial return
- Recommended percentage allocations to each quadrant
[16:01 - 27:59] - Additional Asset Allocation Details and Lightning Round
- Example of investment that moved from low to high return quadrant
- Tim's biggest wins, favorite food, and content recommendations
Connect with Tim!
Website:www.faithdrivenpgh.com
Quotes:
"There's a lot of good nonprofits that are doing work. What we're looking at is how do you really come alongside people to help them" - Tim Daigle
"I think to do impact investing, you need entrepreneurs who are doing the kind of things you want to invest in." - Tim Daigle
Visit our websitewww.reiturn.com to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW onApple Podcasts,Spotify,Google Podcasts,YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON!
In this episode, hosts Andrew and Dan interview Maria Zondervan, CEO of Blue Vikings Capital, about her work in multifamily real estate investment. Maria shares her personal story of having a son with autism and how that motivated her to get into real estate investing to create generational wealth for him. She provides tips for passive investors looking to get started and discusses what she looks for when evaluating deals. Maria also talks about how she educates investors and builds trust with them.
[00:00 - 10:58] Motivations for Transitioning to Real Estate Investing
- Maria's son being diagnosed with autism made her realize the importance of generational wealth planning
- She got into real estate investing on the side while working as a wildlife biologist to build wealth for her son's future
- Shifted to multifamily real estate investing after retiring from her biology career
[10:59 - 23:30] Tips for New Passive Real Estate Investors
- Attend local real estate networking events to learn about opportunities
- Pick one investing strategy instead of jumping between different options
- Make small investments yourself first before involving other people's money
[23:31 - 25:38] What To Look For When Evaluating Deals
- Vet the operators and make sure they have experience and good reviews
- Ensure the market and asset class make sense for the deal
- Make sure the business plan aligns with your investment goals and timeline
[25:39 - 29:43] Lightning Round with Maria
- Her biggest win is her teenage kids still wanting to spend time with her
- Favorite movie is Titanic and favorite food is pizza
- She's currently focused on business strategy growth
Connect with Maria!
Website: www.bluevikingscapital.com
Quotes:
"The fear of loss is always greater than the anticipation of gain." - Maria Zondervan
"People get really tied up with the numbers, but does the business plan and the overall strategy of this work with what you're doing?" - Maria Zondervan
Visit our website www.reiturn.com to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON!
In this episode, Andrew Reichert interviews Lupei Chou, a Naval officer turned real estate investor. Lupei shares her journey from being a hands-off investor to taking an active role in managing her properties. She stresses the importance of education, finding a community, and taking it slow when getting started in real estate investing. Lupei also discusses how having her son has further motivated her to build generational wealth through property. She provides advice for financing projects creatively, like through government programs for affordable housing. If you’re looking for the inspiration to make your next move in real estate, this is the episode for you!
[01:00 - 05:27] - Lupei's Background and Entry into Real Estate Investing
- Transitioning from Naval officer to real estate investor
- Getting started after selling a previous investment property
- Realizing the importance of education and community in real estate
[05:28 - 09:18] - Advice for New Real Estate Investors
- Take it slow and move smart as a beginner
- Surround yourself with like-minded people
- Be hands-on and actively manage properties
[09:19 - 14:31] - Investing with a Social Impact
- Having a child motivated Lupei to creating generational wealth
- Using government programs for affordable housing projects
- Providing housing for low-income families
[14:32 - 16:30] - Applying Military Experience to Real Estate
- Leadership training instilling discipline and work ethic
- Respecting people in the flat business structure vs. military hierarchy
- Getting things done through perseverance and drive
[16:31 - 23:41] - Lighting Round & Closing Segment
- Book recommendation, The Power of Zero, for tax tactics
- Learn to slow down to grow
Connect with Lupei!
Website: https://crowncapitalcorp.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lupeichou/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lupeichou/
Quotes:
"Our actions are really driven by the people surrounding us" -Lupei Chou
"Sometimes growing is slowing down” - Lupei Chou
Visit our website www.reiturn.com to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON!
Get an inside look at company culture at Birgo in this exclusive interview with Head of People, Nicole Shirk. Nicole gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how Birgo creates an environment where employees can thrive professionally and personally.
Learn how Birgo turns core values like "rhinocerality" into tangible actions that shape hiring, performance reviews, and recognition. Find out how implementing operating systems creates clarity and alignment across a growing company. Discover Birgo's innovative approaches to compensation philosophy and employee wellbeing. Whether you're leading a team or want to work for an impact-driven company, this episode provides real insight into building mission-driven organizations.
[00:00 - 05:17] Introduction to Nicole and Her Role at Birgo
- Nicole has 18 years experience in the social profit sector
- Joined Birgo to mobilize people towards a mission
- Oversees the employee life cycle and culture as Head of People
[05:18 - 07:55] Birgo's Core Values - THRIVE - and How They Shape Culture
- THRIVE values: Teamwork, Humility, Rhinocerality, Integrity, Vision, Excellence
- Values used for hiring, performance management, recognition
- Reinforced through stories and living them out daily
[07:56 - 09:18] Creating a Cohesive Culture
- Affirming the value of every employee regardless of role
- Fostering open and honest dialogue across the company
- Making space for all perspectives to be heard
[09:19 - 12:32] Taking a Thoughtful Approach to Compensation
- Led process of developing compensation philosophy
- Gathered input from employees at all levels
- Listened to what matters most to team members
- Established philosophy based on market study and feedback
[12:33 - 15:46] Implementing EOS Operating System for Simplicity and Alignment
- EOS provides clarity, alignment, and consistency
- Tools like visioning, issue tracking, meeting rhythms
- Gets everyone rowing in the same direction
[15:47 - 19:19] Lightning Round with Nicole and Closing Remarks
- Shares about recent “win”, favorite movie, food, growth areas, and content
Quotes:
"We're committed to not just who are you today in this particular job, but who do you want to be in all of life and how can we help you get there" - Nicole Shirk
"Fundamentally, we want to be about listening to our employees, not presuming that we know always what they need" - Nicole Shirk
Connect with Nicole!
Nicole’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-shirk-aa82505
Nicole's Email: nshirk@birgo.com
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON!
From humble beginnings to managing fortunes, Ali Swart and Samantha Spitzer Sheetz of Waldron Private Wealth join Dan and Andrew to unravel the financial journeys that led them to the pinnacle of wealth management.
Ali and Samantha share their unique financial literacy and stewardship paths, discussing how their personal backgrounds have shaped their professional journeys. They describe how they make an impact beyond their firm by creating a podcast called Wealth Simplified to spread financial knowledge to the masses. They emphasize the importance of staying up-to-date with industry trends, including reading the Wall Street Journal, attending conferences, listening to podcasts, and reading blogs like Andrew Kitsis'.
Whether climbing the corporate ladder or looking to master your family's finances, Allie's and Sam's stories will inspire you to redefine Wealth and success!
[00:00 - 07:48] Opening Segment
- How Ali Swart and Samantha Spitzer Sheetz got into finance and wealth management
[07:49 - 14:20] Staying Up to Date on Industry and Market Trends
- The Wealth Simplified podcast was created to provide financial advice and solutions to those who cannot afford it
- It covers debt management, cash flow, retirement savings, caring for aging parents, etc.
- The importance of staying up to date with the current trends
[14:21 - 22:11] Financial Literacy and Education: The Key to Success for the Next Generation
- Ben Carlson and Michael Batnick's Animal Spirits podcast is an excellent source of market commentary
- Setting up education savings funds for young family members is a great way to start them off
- Teaching kids the value of work and Money is important
[22:12 - 28:14] Money Isn't Always the Solution
- Money is not always the solution to stress; it can even be a source of stress if not managed well
- Communication is vital when it comes to money decisions, especially in relationships
- It's essential to work with professionals and build a team of experts to help manage finances
- Holistic financial planning requires a group of at least three people: CFP, CPA, and estate planning attorney
[28:15 - 36:42] Closing Segment
- Get to know Samantha and Ali through the lightning round!
- Connect with them through the links below
Quotes:
"I wanted to be able to help families avoid some of the arguments that I heard my parents have." - Ali Swart
"It's not what you make. It's what you keep." - Samantha Spitzer Sheetz
"Money is earned by doing something. It's not just given to you." - Ali Swart
Connect with Samantha and Ali!
Samantha's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthasheetzcfp/
Ali's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-swart-cfp%C2%AE-mba-9065271a/
Website: https://www.waldronprivatewealth.com
Podcast: https://offer.waldronprivatewealth.com/wealth-simplified
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON!
Joshua Pollard, President and CEO of Omicelo, a mission-driven private equity firm investing in real estate, healthcare, and sustainability sectors, joins us to share his story of growing up in a family of steelworkers and veterans and his experience working at Goldman Sachs. He shares two key realizations that led him to pursue his venture: the need for impact and ownership and the importance of creating meaningful change through one's work. He also explains how he started his nonprofit Solo Care to help those who are uninsured or underinsured get access to medical care.
Tune in as Joshua shares how mission-driven businesses can be profitable and successful while positively impacting their communities.
[00:00 - 07:29] Exploring Impact and Ownership
- Joshua's background and career
- He wanted to have both impact and ownership when investing, which led him to start Omnicelo
- Mission-driven means being motivated by a greater goal than money while also recognizing the importance of profitability
[07:30 - 16:49] Investing with a Mission
- More significant goals can connect the company to its partners, clients, and employees more sincerely and firmly than money alone
- 250 community members have been taught how to invest in real estate through programs such as the Real Estate Co-Powerment Series
- Omnicelo focuses on investments in real estate, healthcare, and sustainability
[16:50 - 24:34] Discovering the Seven Pillars of a Sustainable Business
- The concept of 'seven pillars' for sustainable business
- It is vital to have a good strategy and people for a business
- There is a need to have both financial and energy sustainability
[24:35 - 29:13] Closing Segment
- Get to know more about Joshua through the lightning round!
- Final words
Quotes:
"What does it mean to be mission-driven? To me, to be mission-driven means to be motivated by a greater goal than money while simultaneously acknowledging the important role of profitability and achieving that greater goal time and time again." - Joshua Pollard
"If you can be genuine in your mission orientation, it should lead to higher profitability. And that's how we try to operate our business." - Joshua Pollard
Connect with Joshua!
Website: www.Omicelo.com
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON!
This season of the Real Returns Podcast has been meaningful, thanks to the diverse set of guests in various industries. To close this season, Andrew recaps the valuable lessons learned and brings back some highlights to give us a taste of these guests' impact.
[00:01 - 08:37] Episode 10 - 13 Recap
- The importance of focusing on building a team that has diverse skills and focusing on the strengths of each team member
- Rent-to-own type of investing can be a win-win situation for the investors and lenders
- Focusing on three stakeholders for maximum impact
- The heart for caring for a family should also reflect in your tenants
[08:38 - 17:19] Episode 14 - 17 Recap
- Achieving your goals by helping other people achieve theirs
- There are a million ways to invest and even a million ways to make money in real estate, and one of them is buying distressed mortgages
- Vetting your operators to make sure that they are going to be living out your values
- The importance of synergy and how it can add value to your business
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON!
Justin Escajeda is the owner and president of Escajeda Holdings, a company that specializes in identifying and acquiring construction companies.
Listen to Justin's inspiring journey of starting ten years ago with his own masonry business and acquiring roofing, remodeling, and concrete businesses. Hear his process for identifying and underwriting businesses to develop, looking at financials, and considering cultural fit. They discuss trades and electricians and their experiences in painting, masonry, roofing, and protecting buildings from weather damage. Plus, learn how Justin takes an other-centric approach to his business model by helping sellers solve their problems and customers with theirs.
[00:01 - 06:51] Opening Segment
- Justin specializes in identifying and acquiring construction companies that work in building, restoration, and maintenance
- How Justin has his own masonry company and has acquired roofing, remodeling, and concrete businesses
- The process for buying businesses includes looking at 3 to 5 years of financials, feeling if it's right, and finding companies that fit with existing ones
[06:52 - 14:15] Exploring the Factors to Consider When Buying a Trade or Business
- Trades and businesses are worth every dime that you pay for them
- Painting, masonry, and roofing often overlap
- It is essential to inspect buildings and take preventive measures to protect assets
- Justin has purchased businesses through various scenarios, such as seeking them out or opportunities falling into his lap
- When looking at an acquisition target, factors such as culture, finished product, Google reviews, length of time in business, workforce age should be considered
[14:16 - 21:07] How Acquiring Companies Can Benefit Customers and Save Time
- Restoration work in the southern hemisphere is done differently than in the northeast
- Different products are used down south, such as block and stucco, terracotta tile roofs
- When transitioning from a company that is acquired, technology systems and people changes may be necessary
- Synergies are achieved by keeping companies independent but having management conscious of being under one roof
- Customers benefit from having one-stop shop for multiple trades with one phone call and one price
- Impact on customers is saving time and frustration with high-profile projects
[21:08 - 27:08] Learning More About Finance
- How Justin learned about finance the complex and expensive way through firsthand experience
- Constantly monitoring financials and looking at profit and loss statements
- Reading books on finance, such as Cash Flow and Grow by Tyler Broom and The Intelligent Investor
- The importance of learning about finances in the construction industry
- Having a business model that is focused on helping customers and sellers solve problems
[27:09 - 31:01] Closing Segment
- Get to know Justin through the Lightning Round!
-
- Biggest win: his kids
- Favorite movie: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
- Favorite food: tuna steaks
- Connect with Justin through the links below
Quotes:
"The customer's the real boss. And the only way you're going to grow and succeed is increasing your service to them." - Justin Escajeda
Connect with Justin!
Websites:
www.EscajedaMasonry.com
www.ThreeRiversRoofingMD.com
www.HoulahanRoofing.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-escajeda-801573247/
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON!
Andrew and Dan welcome Brad Shepherd, founder and managing partner of Sugar House Investments. They dive deep into real estate investing and discuss how it can be a powerful tool for individuals to achieve their goals, such as financial security, tax benefits, and a flexible lifestyle. Brad explains that Sugar House Investments helps investors access commercial real estate's passive income without the hassles usually associated with it. He outlines their typical investment strategy, which involves vetting operators who have done at least a handful of deals already and looking for deals that will offer investors significant returns over 3-5 years while providing 6% income.
The conversation also covers other potential risks like deep value add properties, new construction elements, and hurricanes. Finally, listeners get insight into Brad's diverse set of real estate experiences, including vacation rentals, tourist spots, a hotel in Southern Illinois with retail, hospitality, and art gallery elements, plus his business experience gained from the construction scene in Illinois.
[00:01 - 06:08] Opening Segment
- Introducing Brad to the show
- Brad has been in the real estate space for over 20 years and is passionate about helping individual investors access passive income without the hassle
- Real estate is a powerful tool to help individuals achieve their goals, whether that's more time at home or travel or sending kids to good schools
- Sugar House deals typically involve strip malls, apartment complexes, etc., with 3-5-year-olds and 6% returns
[06:09 - 11:05] Evaluating Operators and Building Trust for Maximum Impact
- Partner with multi-family operators, one in self-storage and one in industrial
- Looking for B-class properties to take to B+
- Geographically focused in Phoenix, Texas, Florida, Carolinas, Georgia
- Equity amounts generally 5-15 million
- Vetting operators based on track record and integrity
[12:06 - 20:06] Lessons Learned from a Failed Real Estate Investment
- Doing background checks and deep vetting of operators
- Making sure they have the funds to cover any surprises
- Finding the right people on the team with financial acumen
- Brad's best deals involve a team sport with a general contractor and designer
- Brad's worst deal was an operator with poor communication systems and hurricane risk
- Do more due diligence and search for the suitable operators
[20:07 - 24:57] Taking Risks and Reaping Rewards
- Focus on accredited investors with a decent chunk of cash at their disposal.
- Experience in hospitality investing in unique markets such as upstate New York, Southern Illinois, Utah, etc
- Built a 3-story building with retail and cafe on the ground floor, hospitality suites on the top floor
[24:58 - 31:27] Closing Segment
- What is your biggest win?
- Brad's favorite movie and food
- A plus content Brad is taking in these days
- Connect with Brad through the links below!
Quotes:
"Operators are not rare. You're not lucky just by being able to write them a check." - Brad Shepherd
“You can't go from a lone wolf house flipper to a successful commercial operator as a lone wolf. You've got to put teams together. Some people are going to be great at finding the deals, the broker relationships, and managing the management." - Brad Shepherd
Connect with Brad!
Website: www.SugarhouseInvestments.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bradshep
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON!
Andrew Reichert and Dan Croce sit down with Chris Seveney, an experienced investor who buys distressed mortgage notes. Chris shares his unique approach to impact investing - instead of evicting borrowers behind on their payments, he works to keep them in their homes. He buys loans from banks and hedge funds at a discounted rate and uses a servicing company to handle payments and negotiate new payment plans with borrowers. They delve into buying and selling non-performing loans, with companies acting as middlemen for banks to divest them. Chris also discusses how his company started with a small investment and now manages over $10 million by focusing on distressed debt and providing win-win situations for borrowers by helping them refinance at lower rates.
Join us as we explore Chris's impactful investment strategy that helps people stay in their homes while generating profits for investors.
[00:01 - 07:39] Opening Segment
- Welcoming Chris to the show
- Chris discusses impact investing through distressed mortgage notes
- Buying loans from banks and hedge funds for borrowers behind on payments
- Keeping people in their homes can have a significant effect on wealth creation and property values
- Banks sell loans to hedge funds in bulk, who then pick apart the ones they want to keep and sell
[07:40 - 13:16] Investing in Non-Performing Loans: A Win-Win Strategy for Investors and Borrowers
- Companies can help banks sell non-performing loans
- Whole Loan Trader acts as a broker for banks to divest loans
- Prices for non-performing loans range from 40 to 70 cents depending on state laws
- Loans are typically bought based on spreadsheet data and indicative bids
- The foreclosure rate is low, and it's more profitable to keep borrowers in their homes
- Loans are typically held for two to three years before being sold back on the secondary market
[13:17 - 20:45] Turning $25,000 Into a Successful Note Investment Company
- The company works with borrowers to refinance at a better rate
- The benefits of having multiple exit strategies
- The company manages two funds: Regulation A+ and Regulation D 506(c)
[20:46 - 28:19] Diversifying into Other Asset Classes
- Chris' vision is to stay within the $150-$250 million range with ten employees
- An analytical approach to looking at every loan on a case-by-case basis
- Foreclosure situations can arise due to a borrower passing away or being combative
[28:20 - 33:48] Closing Segment
- Biggest win: overcoming failures and building for the U.S. Army
- Chris' favorite movies, shows, and food
- Current growth edge: being able to step away from the business
- See the links below to connect with Chris!
Quotes:
"Being able to keep somebody in their home can have a significant impact on that individual, their wealth creation, and the neighborhood property values." - Chris Seveney
"Note investing isn't a net sum zero game, there can be win-win situations where you keep the home and it's better for us." - Chris Seveney
Podcast: Creating Wealth Simplified
Website: https://invest.7einvestments.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherseveney/
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON!
Would you rather have all the wealth and knowledge to yourself, or would you rather have a full table and share it with everybody? Tyler Smith will show us why the latter is the key to success.
In this episode, we sit down with Tyler Smith, CEO of Alpha Capital Funds, to discuss his journey in the real estate investment industry. Tyler got his start in wholesaling and flipping houses before building up enough capital to start buying and owning properties himself. He shares his methods for finding distressed properties and helping sellers through a smooth transaction process. Tyler's passion for helping others is reflected in Alpha Capital's community initiatives, like their annual toy drive. He talks about his business strategy of focusing on what works and identifying the needs of his biggest buyer, a hedge fund.
Join us as we dive deep into Tyler's success story and learn valuable lessons that can help you build wealth through real estate investing.
[00:01 - 08:13] Opening Segment
- Introducing Tyler to the show
- His primary business model was wholesaling, but he eventually transitioned to owning properties himself
- He focuses on finding rundown houses and offering a smooth and seamless transaction for the seller
- Alpha Capital is active in 12 different states and 25 different markets, with a team of up to 35 employees
[08:14 - 15:19] Tyler's win-win Solutions
- Hiring people to help with acquisitions and building a work-hard play hard environment
- Social media played a role in their success, as they posted deals and job opportunities on their account
- The importance of helping others reach their goals and sharing knowledge and wealth
[15:20 - 22:16] Expanding Your Business Nationwide
- The Alpha team is involved in the toy drive and other initiatives
- Tyler's business focuses on finding properties that fit a hedge fund's buy box
- They started in Georgia and expanded to other markets by following the hedge fund's lead
- Tyler has a vision for company growth beyond flipping houses
[22:17 - 30:46] Pivoting to Value-add Multi-family Properties
- Tyler has shifted his focus to investing in value-add multi-family real estate
- They use the same marketing efforts to find deals for themselves and other investors
- They plan to bring on investors to scale their business and create win-win scenarios
[30:47 - 35:56] Closing Segment
- Tyler's greatest win: the community he has built
- Tyler's A+ Content: Double Double, Pitch Anything, Atomic Habits, and The Compound Effect
- A good habit to transform your life: just take action
- Final words
Quotes:
"The best way for you to reach your goals is to help others reach theirs." - Tyler Smith
"Money is great, but you have to have a greater purpose. And I think with money, it allows you to make a bigger impact." - Tyler Smith
Connect with Tyler!
Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tylersmithbuysbuildings/
Alpha Capital's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alphacapitalfunds/
Website: www.alphacapitalfunds.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alpha-capital-funds
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON!
We sit down with Madeline and Patrick Gergen, co-founders of American Multifamily Alliance Group, a real estate private equity firm based in Dallas. As we chat with the couple, they share their investment strategies for impact and how they run their business. We learn about the importance of a clear separation between work and home life, with the couple even scheduling weekly date nights to prioritize quality time. We dive into the details of American Multifamily Alliance Group's vertically integrated multifamily real estate business model. The company self-manages its properties while focusing on creating a positive social impact in residents' lives.
Tune in to learn more about socially responsible multifamily investing!
[00:00 - 08:05] Opening segment
- Introducing Madeline and Patrick Gergen to the show
- How they started as single-family home investors and moved into commercial real estate
[08:06 - 16:00] American Multifamily Alliance Group: Creating a Positive Social Impact on Residents' Lives
- Madeline and Patrick have created and maintained boundaries in their work and personal lives
- Their real estate business is vertically integrated and self-managed, with a focus on creating a positive social impact on residents
- They offer free after-school programs, tutoring, resident events, and learning opportunities for residents
[16:01 - 22:49] Dallas-based real estate company prioritizes community engagement and support for residents
- The company focuses on creating community and employment for residents
- Regular events and activities are held to bring residents together
- ROI is seen through lower turnover rates, higher retention, and lower bad debt
- Dallas is a favorable market for investing due to landlord-friendly laws and growth opportunities
- Workforce housing is a preferred class for investment, focusing on value-add opportunities.
[22:50 - 29:39] Multifamily operator prioritizes social impact and community building in their business strategy
- Focusing on value add for excellent, risk-adjusted returns
- Impact programs come down to hiring people with the same mission and vision
- Measure success through crime stats, occupancy rates, renewals, and event attendance
- Prioritizing the company prioritizes empathy and resident satisfaction in the hiring process
[29:40 - 38:59] Closing Segment
- Focus on financial returns and outperforming market
- Self-management helps drive social impact within the organization
- Recommended Content: YPO networking organization, Columbia Business School executive education program, Life Force book by Tony Robbins
Quotes:
"A lot of our impact programs come down to our team. It's who we're hiring; it's who we're bringing on board. They're all having the same mission and vision, and they understand that." - Madeline Gergen
"Our mission statement is to provide a positive social impact in our residents' lives, and then let's lead with that." - Patrick Gergen
Connect with Madeline and Patrick Gergen!
Website: www.multifamilyalliance.com
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON!
Andrew interviews Kyle Stephenson, who was inspired by Donald Trump's real estate success to invest in property. With limited resources, Kyle was able to 1031 exchange his first purchase - a duplex in Patterson, New Jersey - for a million dollars worth of equity over ten years. Kyle shares his journey of growing his portfolio to managing over 4,000 units across multiple states. He talks about how he learned from his experiences, used creative financing strategies, partnered with friends to invest in larger projects, and helped distressed owners during the 2008 market crash by managing their properties and getting lenders current on their mortgages. Tune in now to hear more about Kyle Stevenson's inspiring story!
[00:01 - 14:50] Making a Real Estate Impact with Kyle Stephenson
- Kyle's background and career
- Being inspired by Donald Trump's success with real estate
- Kyle's journey through real estate investing
- Kyle's passion for helping individuals who work hard for a living come home to clean, safe, and affordable housing
[14:51 - 23:38] Respect and Consistency: How to Achieve Successful Property Management and Investor Stewardship
- Respect and respond to everyone the same
- Expense ratios are a function of rent, not race
- The importance of treating tenants with love and respect
- Differentiate from other property managers by providing a positive experience for all tenants
- Investors should be focused on PNLs to ensure accurate returns
[23:39 - 34:29] Property Manager Neurosis
- Surround yourself with people who fill in the gaps and counterbalance each other
- Understand what a healthy culture looks like and have individuals that play well together
- Avoid wasting time on arguments between departments that don't matter
- Be aware of healthy and unhealthy clients
[34:30 - 41:16] Closing Segment
- Lightning round
- Connect with Kyle through the links below!
Quotes:
"The beautiful thing about real estate is that time will heal your mistakes." - Kyle Stephenson
"If we spend less than a thousand dollars a door per year on maintenance, that's a red flag. That means that we're not doing things that we ought to be doing." - Kyle Stephenson
Connect with Kyle!
- www.KRSHoldings.com
Visit our website www.reiturn.com to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON!
James Brown is the co-founder of Hybrid Real Estate Investing. He is the host of the show “This Month in Real Estate Investing,” and is the author of multiple real estate investing books.
[00:01 - 10:13] An Alternative Approach to Real Estate Investing
- Real Home Solutions matches up people who can't get financing with investors for win-win deals
- They focus on the lease-to-own strategy, which has been given a bad name but can be made beneficial for everyone
- They work with lenders to help buyers fix credit issues and get financing through banks
- The typical timeline for someone struggling to be a homeowner is one to three years, and they usually deal with single-family homes
[10:14 - 21:39] Deal structuring and working with lenders
- The speaker works with any bank that can get approved, but sometimes has to find lenders willing to work upfront and explain the deal
- Finding the right lender is important, depending on the borrower, investor, and the deal
- Most of the properties are out-of-state and Midwest, but a few deals are done in Colorado too
- The speaker predicts future valuations based on data trends, and the returns on this model are good compared to regular rentals
[21:40 - 28:20] Closing Segment
- What is your biggest win?
- First deal in Minnesota
- James’ favorite movie?
- Walk Hard
- What is your current growth edge?
- Having a solid mindset and being persistent
- What content or books are you reading right now?
- Waking Up by Sam Harris, Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday
Connect with James:
Website:http://hybridinvestor.vip/
Social Media:LinkedIn,Instagram,Facebook,YouTube
Quotes:
“We want to give that buyer enough resources to be able to get financing through a bank, because we're helping people that can't get financing through a bank at the moment.” - James Brown
Visit our website https://www.reiturn.com/ to know more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the Next Episode COMING SOON!
Charles Carillo is the managing partner at Harborside Partners, a real estate syndication firm, where he has been actively investing in multifamily and commercial real estate since 2006. With over $200 million in investment real estate experience, he has become an expert in his field. In addition, Charles is the host of the Global Investors Podcast, where he interviews professionals about investing in U.S real estate, sharing insights and educating investors.
[00:01 - 09:17] Real Estate Syndications and Surviving Recessions
- Starting small with a multi-family property can provide a foundation for growth
- During times of uncertainty, focus on maximizing occupancy and collections
- Value-add deals can provide good returns without heavy development or renovation
- Working with a reliable general contractor can help manage renovations efficiently
[09:18 - 19:29] Investing Strategies and Impact on Communities
- Typical unit size for syndication should be a hundred plus to achieve economy of scale with full-time onsite management
- Focus on purchasing properties in B minus and above areas that have not yet fully priced in interest rates
- Smaller investments in the same area can make a positive impact on the neighborhood
- When tenants are provided with updated units, it increases tenant retention and boosts the overall impact of investing
[19:30 – 29:36] Lessons on Running a Real Estate Business
- Investors should be informed that investing in real estate is a business, not an annuity
- Transparent communication is key to ensuring investor satisfaction
- Distributions may vary over time and investors should be aware of potential fluctuations
- Forming a team with diverse skills and focusing on the strengths of each team member leads to success
[29:37 - 33:17] Closing Segment
-
What is your biggest win?
-
Purchasing, renovating and renting out a five-unit building
-
Ben’s favorite movie?
-
Wall Street
-
What is your current growth edge?
-
Seeing growth thru referrals and building marketing thru LinkedIn
-
What content or books are you reading right now?
-
Chatham Financial
Connect with Charles:
Website: www.HarborsidePartners.com
Social Media: LinkedIn
Quotes:
“It's best to always start I think on a limited partner passive side and really find out how it works from their side and then seeing what you like and what you don't.” - Charles Carillo
In this episode, Andrew gives a recap of the lessons learnt throughout this season and highlights how the guests interviewed are truly interesting individuals doing unique things inside the investment space.
[00:01 - 07:18] Episode 1 - 4 Recap
- Profitable properties are not only good for the owners, they're also good for the tenants
- Seeing the bed and breakfast space as a institutional real estate investment opportunity
- designing and developing an app to help to improve financial education and financial literacy
- Helping get loans to small businesses and believing that they can create an impact in the community and the world
[07:19 - 15:36] Episode 5 - 8 Recap
- Having a servant hearted approach when dealing with investors
- Lending and deploying capital into community by being a community lender
- How impact correlates to multi-family acquisitions
- Guiding and educating investors on the impact of their investment
Sumit Koovor is the head of Investor Relations at Reiturn.com & Birgo Capital and in this episode he talks about how he is able to help investors across the world invest in one of the most resilient asset classes, multifamily real estate, in the heartland of America and help them build financial freedom.
[00:01 - 07:54] Diving into the Uniqueness of Real Estate
- Sumit shares about his background and how he got started in investor relations
- Looking into real estate to help develop wealth
- Analyzing the impact of leverage on the investment in both the multifamily and stock perspective
- Seeing the repercussions from the loose banking policy
[07:55 - 17:26] Understanding the Impact of Investor Relations
- Recognizing the lack of quality investments and real estate decision-making education
- Help steward the capital of busy individuals
- Understanding the strategy that helps investors make better decisions and invest without fear for their future
- Building relationships with investors and having joy in seeing them succeed
[17:27- 24:52] Educating the Next Generation of Investors
- Engaging investors at an early age about their future investments
- Understanding their goals and help them meet it
- Helping them learn about diversification their portfolio
- Coming across challenges when educating younger investors
[24:53 - 35:41] Helping Investors Know Their Why
- People know their why but are reluctant to share
- Asking questions to get deeper into their why
- Approaching them as individuals
- Helping them understand not only the risk but how they plan to grow the investment
[35:42] Closing Segment
- What is your biggest win?
-
- Seeing his parents proud of his achievements
- Having an impact on multiple generations in his family
- Sumit Koovor’s favorite movie
-
- Anything starring Robin Williams
- Sumit Koovor’s favorite food
-
- Mandarin Jarritos
- What is your current growth edge?
-
- Having the opportunity to be in leadership roles
- Be active in growing a portfolio
- What content or books are you reading right now?
-
- Ray Dalio
- Alex Harmozi
- Tony Robbins
Tweetable Quotes:
"And so it's always about building that comfort with a certain client to what answers they need" - Sumit Koovor
“There's power in learning the principles of saving and not living off of everything that you earn and then also deploying that capital to actually earn over time.”- Sumit Koovor
Josh is a principal at Birgo and is primarily responsible for all aspects of acquisitions, including prospecting, deal screening, underwriting, negotiations, due diligence, and closing. He has successfully sourced and closed on approximately $275 million of investment real estate. Josh also oversees capital raises for funds, Birgo’s commercial real estate portfolio, and all fund marketing campaigns.
[00:00 - 12:10] Providing Impact in the Work Itself
- Falling in love with the idea of purchasing one time for perpetual returns
- Understanding how the real estate business impacts people’s lives
- Measuring impact through anecdotes, reports, and quantifiable data
[12:11 - 27:26] No One Wants Surprises through the Deal-Making Process
- Josh identifies what it takes to be a good property management
- Acquiring stabilized but underutilized multifamily
- Due diligence by looking into past performance, physical property inspections, and vendor relationships
[27:27 - 32:33] The Importance of Encouraging Transparency and Collaboration
- A relational approach to the deal-making process and inviting collaboration
- Making the transaction as smooth as possible through closer involvement
- Having people excited to be a tenant in your properties
[32:34 - 40:06] Closing Segment
- The Lightning Round
- Know more about how you can invest actively at www.reiturn.com!
Connect with Josh!
Website: www.reiturn.com
Quotes:
"I think societally we can tend to think that there's the work that a business does and then there's this little footnote on the website that says, ‘We care about people and we donate’... Of course, there's nothing wrong with that. It's wonderful to be philanthropic and give to charity. But I think what that subtly signals is that… there's impact and there’s what we actually do…two separate things. And I think that just doesn't have to be the case. The work itself is impactful, and what the business does should be set up that everybody believes we are making a positive dent in the world through our business itself.” - Josh Fischer
“We've actually built impact into the whole reason we exist as a business, it's not just this little corner that we have at the bottom of our website buried in the footnotes where we're talking about, you know, we donate some portion of profits… There doesn't have to be this dichotomy, you can actually think about impact in terms of the good that your work does in the world.” - Josh Fischer
Visit our website www.reiturn.com to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor
--
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON!
Sadie McKeown, president of Community Preservation Corporation (CPC), joins us to discuss the unique mission and impact of her organization. She discusses how CPC has been able to access different types of capital, including sustainability bonds, to continue providing financing to underserved communities. Listen as she talks about their focus on affordability across a spectrum of income levels, as well as their commitment to transitioning to a clean energy economy and closing the racial wealth gap through supporting participation in accumulating wealth.
A seasoned leader with 30 years of history at the company, Sadie is President of The Community Preservation Corporation (CPC). In this capacity, she leads the development and implementation of CPC’s growth strategy and oversees all of the company’s field offices, its construction lending initiatives, and its equity and impact investing platforms. Sadie also works to align climate and affordability in the multifamily space as a board member of the New York State Housing Finance Agency, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and New York City Energy Efficiency Corporation (NYCEEC).
[00:00 - 11:39] The Essence of Affordable Housing and Community Involvement
- Creating CPC for construction loans and boosting the economy in NYC and beyond
- The aim of preserving the affordability of real estate and homeownership
- Intentionally addressing the racial wealth gap by encouraging involvement
[11:40 - 38:24] Closing the Racial Wealth Gap through Sustainable Support
- Sadie explains the operations, initiatives, and collaborations within CPC
- Supporting the communities to participate in wealth accumulation
- The climate aspect of real estate - the aim towards a clean energy economy
[38:25 - 39:39] Closing Segment
- Be part of the community at https://communityp.com/!
Connect with Sadie!
Website: https://communityp.com/
Resources Mentioned
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Quote:
"We're now very intentionally reaching to bring brown, black people from the community into the real estate world and get them to own and operate real estate, and then, you know, achieve the wealth that comes along with it." - Sadie McKeown
Visit our website www.reiturn.com to learn more about high-quality, recession-resistant assets for the everyday investor.
LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in, and Stay Tuned for the next episode COMING SOON!
In this episode, we talk to Ben Erskine, Ben is the founder and managing partner at Callis Capital, a real estate investment firm focused on providing equity capital to values-aligned owners and operators of real estate throughout the United States.
[00:01 - 08:14] Opening Segment
- Ben talks about Callis Capital
- Real estate as a ministry opportunity
- Investor goals such as capital, encouragement, and thought leadership
[08:14- 17:09] Creating Impact in the Community
- Looking at impact as being physical, practical, social, emotional, and spiritual
- Staying intentional and accountable to the impact we’re seeking to have
- Having a holistic approach toward tenants
- Having metrics be relational first transactional second
[17:10- 32:04] Creating Relationships Towards the Community and Stakeholders
- Creating trust and being in the community
- Focusing on tenants, communities, and investors
- Delivering outsized impact toward the marketplace
- Importance of defining your why and mission
[32:04- 37:13] Closing Segment
- What is your biggest win?
- Launching Fund 1 in 2020
- Ben’s favorite movie?
- The new Maverick Movie
- Favorite food?
- Wife’s shrimp pasta
- What is your current growth edge?
- The way the deal flow comes out to the community
- What content or books are you reading right now?
- The faith-driven investor, the faith-driven community
Connect with Ben!
Website: https://www.calliscapital.com/
Tweetable Quotes:
"And if you're loving on people really, really well, you're gonna have an easier time. Building a fabric of community that keeps people longer, that becomes actually a pipeline for new tenants and is an attractive kind of a beacon for new tenants. And that should drive occupancy, vacancy down, turnover down, the costs associated with turnover down, which in turn means NOI goes up and there's value creation as a result of NOI improvement." - Ben Erskine
“All investing is impact investing. It's just a matter of what kind of impact you want to have.”- Ben Erskine
In this episode, we talk to George Cook, who is the Co-Founder and CEO of Honeycomb Credit. Honeycomb Credit is a community capital platform where anyone can invest in an independently-owned small businesses have the potential to earn attractive returns and feel good about where they're putting their money to work.
[00:01 - 09:00] Honeycomb Credit Business Model
- George tells about his start in community banking and how he helped launch Honeycomb Credit
- Serving businesses and serving the people who invest in small businesses
- Providing access to business loans for individuals in disadvantaged communities
- Offering opportunities for investment to both accredited and non-accredited investors
[09:01- 25:16] Doing Due Diligence
- Invest as little as a hundred dollars across all campaigns
- The importance of knowing the risks involved in investing
- Due diligence is done for every loan application
- Most loans are used for expansion projects or moving in brick and mortar
[25:17- 33:29] Vision of Honeycomb and the Founders
- Building confidence as a business in the community and seeing returning clients
- Having a passion of helping change people’s lives
- Being uniquely passionate as well being uniquely qualified
- Helping develop communities
[33:30- 38:12] Closing Segment
- What is your biggest win?
- Hitting the 5 year mark with Honeycomb Credit
- George Cook’s favorite movie and food?
- The Darkest Hour
- Anything fermented
- What is your current growth edge?
- Creating a team that resonates with the message of Honeycomb
- What content or books are you reading right now?
- The Economist
Connect with George!
Website: https://www.honeycombcredit.com/
Email: george@honeycombcredit.com
Tweetable Quotes:
"We have hundreds of people that invest relatively small amounts of money into a small business. We need to move the money from those people, deploy it to the small business, take the money from the small business and deploy it back to all those people." - George Cook
“Because we've built a bigger pool of investors on our network, because we've improved the technology and improved conversion rates and made it easier for people to invest, and for those reasons, we've started to gain confidence that we can continue to serve businesses for a longer period of time.”- George Cook
We all know the importance of financial literacy, but facing financial problems is commonplace. According to studies, money is the top cause of stress. In today’s episode, Gene and Jeff discuss how financial education is impactful for today and future generations.
Mr. Natali is the CEO of Troutwood, a financial technology company. At Troutwood, Gene builds financial planning and investment education tools for individuals.
Mr. Davidek creates software tools and games to help people better understand money, make good financial decisions, and avoid major mistakes. He also co-manages Troutwood. Previously, Jeff worked in institutional asset management, i-banking, and at a REIT.
[00:00 - 14:12] Financial Literacy for the Young through Technology
- Building software for individuals to build and implement a working financial plan
- Why 17-year-olds must be part of the financial conversations
- Addressing the gap in financial literacy for the younger generation
[14:13 - 37:26] The Journey to Changing the Trajectory of Financial Empowerment
- The aim to make an impact from the young to businesses and government organizations
- Solidifying the fundamentals to allow for personal and professional excellence
- Going back to basics to build strong communities through education
[37:27 - 39:55] Closing Segment
- Be a beta tester and sign up at https://www.troutwood.com/!
Connect with Gene and Jeff!
Website: https://www.troutwood.com/
Quotes:
"Action has to follow education when it comes to our finances… Young people have hope. Pair hope with a plan, and they are going to see brighter and better futures. I believe [there will be] happier homes, healthier communities, less drug use, and less financial stress. Financial stress, statistically, is the number one source of stress both at home and in the workplace." - Gene Natali
"When people are struggling with financial stress, it's difficult to think about those things that could really help them excel." - Jeff Davidek
“Financial literacy, education, in theory, is intended to lead to financial empowerment. If we achieve financial empowerment within our classrooms, I believe innovation will occur, which [will be] very good for the communities [and] very good economically. That can only happen if people have an understanding of their basic finances.” - Jeff Davidek
Evan Addams is a technology entrepreneur that has led a diverse portfolio of hospitality and healthcare tech startup companies. In addition to that, he has founded a direct-to-consumer coffee company, invested in various types of real estate, and recently started owning and operating a bed & breakfast group, CarriageWay Bed & Breakfast.
Today's episode features Evan as he discusses how bed and breakfasts can provide meaningful experiences for guests and how technology can be used to deepen relationships. We talk about our personal experiences visiting different bed and breakfasts around the world and how they've enriched our lives. We also delve into how other industries could benefit from the cross-pollination that bed and breakfasts provide. Evan also shares his thoughts on how investing in a bed and breakfast has helped him connect with people in a unique way, while also providing economic stability in challenging times.
[00:00 - 08:40] Real Estate Investing for the Young and New
- Evan Addams is involved in the real estate industry in a variety of ways, including owning and operating a bed and breakfast
- Evan's passion is to make an impact on communities, which is why he invested in a mixed use building that would be used for community purposes
[08:41 - 17:20] How Evan and His Wife Built a Bed and Breakfast Empire
- Evan and his wife are a team
- 10 years of traveling allowed them to get to know a local community and have a unique experience compared to staying at a big box hotel
- We've also explored renting out second homes
[17:20 - 25:52] Bed and Breakfast Owner Uses Technology to Deepen Relationship with Guests
- Evan has seen a rise in guests due to the pandemic of loneliness
- Evan's Bed and Breakfast business can help combat the pandemic of loneliness by providing a hands-on experience, curated experiences, and investing into technology to deepen relationships with their guests
[25:52 - 34:45] Bed and Breakfast Owners Struggle to Keep Prices Competitive
- B and Bs are trying to adapt to the touchless experience by creating community spaces and enhancing their checkout process
- The key to success for B and Bs is to focus on long-term relationships with their guests and keep prices competitive
[34:46 - 42:51] B and B Keeps Prices Low Amidst Recession
- The B&B industry is experiencing a recession, and Evan recommends pricing to be in line with the market rate instead of 200 in order to keep cover costs
- Evan takes on The Lightning Round
- Tips for Impactful Real Estate Investing
Quotes:
"When we think hospitable, we're not talking about just great decor Instagram worthy. We're talking about cleanliness. We're talking about thoughtfulness. We're talking about a space that allows somebody to feel safe and confident to break out of isolation or some version of social distancing." - Evan Addams
"You can take lessons from customer success of how your favorite tech company might interact with you." - Evan Addams
JC Castillo is the President & CEO of Velo Residential, a third party property management and renovation company specializing in large scale multifamily properties in Texas and Oklahoma. Velo Residential specializes in third party property management for large scale multi-family properties in the Texas and Oklahoma area. JC has over 15 years of experience in the industry, and says that "owners are usually good people who want to build profitable businesses, and profits are good for both residents and landlords." JC believes that "having profit at property is a completely complementary business to be in both for the residents and for the landlords to be making profits and putting money back into their properties." JC is passionate about impacting the lives of her residents and employees. Join us as he shares his insights about profitable properties that not just benefit the owners but also the residents. Learn more about importance of understanding the impact that your dollars have on those around you and how to invest in a way that has a lasting impact. Tune in!
[00:00 - 07:38] Opening Segment
- JC Castillo discuss his history in the property management industry
- Velo Residential focuses on large scale multi-family properties
- Owners are generally good people who want to build profitable businesses
- Profits are good for both residents and landlords
- Velo Residential offers an innovative solution to the problems faced by traditional third party management companies
[07:38 - 15:04] Why Properties aren't Benefitting the Residents
- America is a country with 50% of its GDP coming from small businesses, most of which are multi-family operators
- When looking at multi-family properties, it is important to focus on online reviews to measure tenant satisfaction
- Apology and response to reviews are important parts of the company's strategy.
[15:05 - 22:47] How to Ensure 100% Customer Satisfaction
- Have a maintenance survey and a move-in survey that goes out to every single resident
- Monitor the reviews and surveys to get feedback on how your service is doing
- Look at the comments to see how the customer is doing
- If there are any problems, try to respond as soon as possible
[22:47 - 30:28] How to Screen for Employees with Integrity, Intelligence, and a "Get It Done" Attitude
- 3 Tips for Hiring the Right Candidate for Your Position
- Have references that you and the candidate share similarities in order to get a good understanding of how they will function under pressure
- Give candidates scenarios they may encounter in their position, so they can talk through their thought process
- Virtualize back office work can help to reduce stress on onsite managers and make them more productive.
- Owners who are frustrated with traditional management companies and the way their onsite staff are performing are likely to be interested in Velo Residential's unique approach
[30:28 - 40:32] Closing Segment
- JC undergoes The Lightning Round
- JC's Tips for Impactful Real Estate Investing
- Profitable properties have a positive impact on not only the owners, but also the residents and community
- How to make an impactful real estate investment: Understand the impact of one's dollars
Connect with JC
Website: www.veloresidential.com
Facebook: Velo Residential
Quotes:
"When you don't take care of your property I think you get flushed down the toilet bowl because that's what business is all about. If you're making terrible bread no one's gonna eat your bread." - JC Castillo
"Try to look at a lot of different options." - JC Castillo
"Asking the customer how you're doing is really the best way to know whether you're really doing right by the customer." - JC Castillo