Lever Up Podcast with Nate Barger

What would make a small-town body shop worker leave behind a steady paycheck? For Chris, a back surgery became the unexpected turning point. Join us as he shares his journey from a W-2 job in Hemlock, Michigan, through a leap of faith that led him to real estate and a $500K equity in just nine months. With grit, determination, and mentorship, Chris turned a life setback into financial success—proving that sometimes our biggest challenges lead to our greatest opportunities. To receive our free 5 Roadmap to Retirement Training visit: https://www.brrrrinvestacademy.com/brrrr-invest-five-year For more info on Nate's mentorship, The BRRRR Invest Academy visit: https://www.brrrrinvestacademy.com/app-pod

Meet Jason, who learned resilience in a large family. In this episode, he reflects on his unique upbringing, the role of hunting in his life, and how his father's determination led him to pursue a path in real estate. Tune in for a story filled with grit and inspiration To receive our free 5 Roadmap to Retirement Training visit: https://www.brrrrinvestacademy.com/brrrr-invest-five-year For more info on Nate's mentorship, The BRRRR Invest Academy visit: https://www.brrrrinvestacademy.com/app-pod

Imagine turning from a teenage hacker to a serial entrepreneur! Here, we share an incredible story of grit: a young man, lost in debt, who built himself up through years of sacrifice in a freezing garage to finally make it big. The dedication to his craft, despite countless challenges, redefined what success could mean! To receive our free 5 Roadmap to Retirement Training visit: https://www.brrrrinvestacademy.com/brrrr-invest-five-year For more info on Nate's mentorship, The BRRRR Invest Academy visit: https://www.brrrrinvestacademy.com/app-pod

Curious how to go from a 9-to-5 to financial independence? This is the story of someone who did it—growing her real estate portfolio from scratch. Get inspired by her tips and mindset! To receive our free 5 Roadmap to Retirement Training visit: https://www.brrrrinvestacademy.com/brrrr-invest-five-year For more info on Nate's mentorship, The BRRRR Invest Academy visit: https://www.brrrrinvestacademy.com/app-pod

Mike shares his powerful story—from growing up in one of the toughest neighborhoods in Pennsylvania to becoming a real estate success story. Learn how he transformed hardship into opportunity and why he's passionate about helping others see their potential. To receive our free 5 Roadmap to Retirement Training visit: https://www.brrrrinvestacademy.com/brrrr-invest-five-year For more info on Nate's mentorship, The BRRRR Invest Academy visit: https://www.brrrrinvestacademy.com/app-pod

Hear how Taylor went from a "stable career" as a financial advisor to becoming a full time real estate investor with a thriving portfolio! To receive our free 5 Roadmap to Retirement Training visit: https://www.brrrrinvestacademy.com/brrrr-invest-five-year For more info on Nate's mentorship, The BRRRR Invest Academy visit: https://www.brrrrinvestacademy.com/app-pod

This week, Nate sits down with an incredibly inspiring man and member of the Academy, Demount Prather. After being in prison for 17 years, Demount closed his first property not even 90 days after he was released. Tune in to find out how Demount turned his life around, where his resilience comes from, and the steps he took to get there.

This week, Nate sits down with star real restate couple - Ben and Claire Rasmus. Ben and Claire are members of the Academy, and they are putting in the work to buy back their time and become multimillionaires. Tune in to hear more about leading with an abundant mindset, finding opportunity, and surrounding yourself with good company.

This week, Nate sits down with Academy member, student, and friend - T. Marie! T. has been with the Academy for only a year and has already grown her net worth by $400,000. Nate and T. discuss what she's learned from the Academy, finding and analyzing deals, and trading your time for skills.

This week, Nate sits down with Phuong, a dedicated and talented Academy member and real estate investor. Looking to build more freedom in her life, Phuong joined the Academy just two years ago, and she is already set to make millions. In this episode, Nate and Phuong talk all about the Academy, knowing your why, building a good support system, and leaving a legacy.

Brandon Steiner is the Founder & President of The Steiner Agency, the nation's premiere independent athlete procurement source, and CollectibleXchange, an online platform for fans, collectors, store owners, celebrities, athletes, and teams to buy and sell collectibles. Throughout his decorated career, Brandon has amassed great success through serial entrepreneurism and marketing savvy. From sports marketing to memorabilia, and most recently to authorship, Brandon has become proficient in marketing strategy and personal branding as a way to scale success and continue growth. Tune in to this week's episode to hear Brandon's thoughts on the value of a man who's hungry, doing the little things, and prioritizing gratitude. Contact Brandon: Website: brandonsteiner.com Facebook: Brandon Steiner Instagram: @brandonsteiner

Devin Burr has seen more than his fair share of hardships. At 31, he was bankrupt, heartbroken, and almost homeless with his 9-year-old daughter. Now, seven years later, he's a self-made multimillionaire! Devin built cashflow through real estate, affiliates, and partnerships. He now puts all his focus and energy into helping people become the bank in their own lives. This week, Nate sits down with Devin to discuss living with an abundant mindset, banks and borrowing, and getting through tough times. Instagram: @mr_brrrr YouTube: @Mr_brrrr Schedule a consultation: primecorporateservices.com

Andy Hagans is a two-decade serial entrepreneur who helps High Net Worth Investors protect and grow their wealth with alternative investments. After founding, scaling, and selling four different seven- and eight-figure businesses, Andy decided to purchase multiple businesses through private equity partnerships, and now partners with talented entrepreneurs and real estate developers through GP, Co-GP, and LP investments. Andy is a co-founder of WealthChannel, the leading community for HNWIs who are placing capital in alternative investments. He also hosts The Alternative Investment Podcast. This week, Nate sits down with Andy to discuss buying back your time, creating equity, and private investing. Contact Andy: LinkedIn: Andy Hagans Podcast: The Alternative Investment Podcast

Adam Contos used to run a SWAT team in his previous career. Now, as the recently retired CEO of RE/MAX Holdings, Inc., his professional life is completely different. His approach, however, remains the same. His goal always is to break down barriers, blow up conventional thinking, and help as many people as possible achieve success. Adam developed S.A.F.E.R, Safety Awareness for Every Realtor, and presented the training program across North America. It brought him to RE/MAX for nearly 20 years, where he served as CEO from 2018 to 2022. In this episode, Nate and Adam discuss building processes to solve problems, finding a way to get better, and exercising your passion. Contact Adam: Website: adamcontos.com Facebook: Adam Contos LinkedIn: Adam Contos

This week, Nate sits down with friend and former student Shawn Derringer. Based in central Kentucky, Shawn is an experienced Custom Home Builder, Flipper, and Investor. Tune in to hear what Nate and Shawn have to say about financial freedom, compounding interest, and construction.

In this episode, Nate sits down with Academy member Joao Macavilca. After joining the Academy less than a year ago, Joao increased his net worth from 50k to 580k. Tune in to learn more about why you should join the Academy, the importance of community, and learning from others.

David Meltzer is the Co-founder of Sports 1 Marketing and formerly served as CEO of the renowned Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment agency, which was the inspiration for the movie Jerry Maguire. His life's mission is to empower over 1 billion people to be happy! David is a three-time international best-selling author, a Top 100 Business Coach, the executive producer of Entrepreneur‘s #1 digital business show, Elevator Pitch, and host of the top entrepreneur podcast, The Playbook. In this episode, Nate sits down with David to discuss finding your why, the importance of forgiveness, and getting advice from the right people. Contact David: Facebook: David Meltzer Instagram: @davidmeltzer YouTube: @DavidMeltzer Website: dmeltzer.com

Steven Pesavento is a real estate entrepreneur and Managing Partner of VonFinch Capital. Investing full time since 2016, he's completed over 200 transactions, renovated over 100 buildings, and transacted over $180,000,000 in investment real estate. Formerly he was a Management Consultant for Fortune 500's top companies and High-Growth Startups. Steven is the host of the top ranked podcast with over 1 million downloads, The Investor Mindset, where he has interviewed some of the smartest minds and authors. Nate sits down with Steven to discuss the investor mindset, building financial freedom, and living without fear. Contact Steven: Instagram: @steven.pesavento YouTube: @steven.pesavento Facebook: Steven Pesavento Website: stevenpesavento.com Podcast: The Investor Mindset

This week, Nate sits down with Lynn Smith, National Media Expert, Veteran Journalist, NBC News, MSNBC and CNN Headline News Anchor Alum, Founder of Rylan Media - and Confident Person in Progress. Lynn coaches high-level CEO's, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts who are at the top of their game to increase their confidence to achieve what's next. When she is not opening doors to powerful platforms in the media for her clients, Lynn is a podcast host for StrollerCoaster: a parenting podcast by Munchkin. Lynn helps people share their passion with the masses so their message can be seen and heard. Tune in to hear Lynn's expertise on connecting to the lens, managing fear, and opening yourself up to opportunity. Contact Lynn: Website: lynnsmithtv.com Facebook: Lynn Smith Instagram: @lynnsmithtv

J.D. Frost is the founder and C.E.O of CROFT & FROST, a firm that transcends traditional accounting and wealth creation. With both a CPA and his MBA, J.D. advises businesses on more than just their financials; he utilizes four foundations of wealth creation to help his clients, partners, and employees build courage and create wealth. J.D. coaches individuals on how to generate more income, protect their income, identify tax savings, and invest in themselves and others. He knows what it takes to start — and scale— businesses, and has used his years of experience in accounting to build a solid foundation for each and every one of his clients and partners. In this episode, Nate and J.D. sit down to discuss understanding tax code, sobriety, and building wealth. Contact J.D. Website: jdfrost.today Instagram: @jdfrost.today YouTube: @JDFrost

Grant Cardone is the bestselling author of The 10X Rule and If You're Not First, You're Last as well as a sales trainer, speaker, and entrepreneur who has worked in real estate and the auto industry. Grant owns and operates seven privately held companies and a portfolio over $4 billion in multifamily properties. Named the #1 marketer by Forbes Magazine, he is also the founder of The 10X Movement & The 10X Growth Conference, the world's largest business & entrepreneur conference. This week, Nate sits down with Grant to discuss good debt, the significance of who you follow, saving money, and much more. Follow Grant's Journey: Instagram: @grantcardone Facebook: Grant Cardone YouTube: @GrantCardone TikTok: @grantcardone Website: grantcardone.com

Christian Bachelder is the broker/owner of The One Brokerage and a seasoned real estate veteran. With experience as a realtor, loan originator, house flipper, long and short term rental holder, insurance broker, and even holding a degree in Chemical Engineering from UC Berkeley, Christian brings a wealth of knowledge to The One Brokerage that is rarely matched in the industry. He has been the core piece in The One Brokerage becoming the fastest growing mortgage brokerage in the nation. In this episode, Nate and Christian talk income and freedom ceilings, aligning skill with enjoyment, and compounding money.

This week, Nate sits down with academy student, atomic wealth strategist, and real estate professional Chris Long. Coming from humble beginnings, Chris knows the power knowledge and mindset can hold in transforming your life. In this episode, Nate and Chris talk about what he learned in the academy, shifting your mindset, and setting up generational wealth.

Haleigh Booth is a top real estate professional at eXp Realty in Louisville, Kentucky. She has been a licensed agent for six years now and is diving into her real estate and influencing businesses. She understands the spark and drive that are needed to find success in real estate. This week, Nate sits down with Haleigh to talk working with eXp, where the market is heading, and stepping out of your comfort zone. Contact Haleigh: Instagram: @haleigh.booth TikTok: @haleigh.booth YouTube: @TheBoothFam Facebook: Haleigh Booth

Born and raised in the Cincinnati Area, Jake Tullis has made an impressive impact in the #startupcincy movement. From a young age, he was always drawn to entrepreneurship, from selling gum to mowing lawns, until he finally ended up in the tech space. Jake started Gaelios in 2018, a management consulting company that provides marketing, human resources, finance, software development management, and general day-to-day business operations to the start up community and larger enterprises abroad. In this episode, Nate and Jake discuss the future of crypto, creating freedom of time and energy, and his sobriety journey. Contact Jake: Website: jaketullis.com LinkedIn: Jake T. Tullis YouTube: @jtknowsthings Instagram: @jtknowsthings

DeShon Clark has been a practitioner in Office 365/SharePoint and content management technologies for more than 15 years. He has been in IT for over 20 years with boots-on-the-ground experience. From starting out at the help desk to landing in lead technical roles, DeShon has embraced new challenges and technology changes along the way. Today, he specializes in architecting and developing modern-day SharePoint cloud solutions. DeShon embraces the modern day technology, process, and agile methodologies designed to increase productivity and rapid dev-to-market processes speed needed in this digital era. In this episode, Nate and DeShon discuss the future of technology, the importance of mindset, and whether or not college is necessary. Contact DeShon: Instagram: @deshon.clark LinkedIn: DeShon Clark YouTube: @DeShonClark

Sam Sells is a retired US Air Force officer and combat veteran who founded Wild Mountain Capital in 2018 with his hero dad. Sam traveled globally with US Air Force Special Operations as an International Health Specialist and saw poverty and a lack of safe housing while leading complex rehab and development projects worldwide. This motivated Sam to start Wild Mountain to transform neglected, unsafe, and mismanaged assets not just into “affordable housing”, but into housing that is affordable. Since 2019, the team has syndicated 20 development/rehab properties, creating equity growth nearly twice the initial investment in less than two years. This week, Nate sits down with Sam to discuss syndication, decentralizing poverty, and mistakes to avoid in commercial real estate.

Anne Gannon, CPA, is not your typical accountant. A former professional golfer, she began her career as a CPA with a big-five accounting firm in Boston, Massachusetts. There, she quickly realized that the only winner in the traditional “busy season” approach was the accounting firm. An entrepreneur at heart, Anne founded The Largo Group in 2016 because of her belief that accounting needs to be done differently. Over the past ten years, Anne has worked with over 500 companies all over the United States - ranging in revenue from $5 to $50 million. There are very few people who know more about small businesses than Anne, simply because she has spent a decade on weekly calls with owners around the country. She hears their frustrations, understands their pain points, and helps them navigate challenges while planning for the expansion phase of the business. In this episode, Anne and Nate discuss understanding tax strategy, the importance of adapting, and embracing failure. Contact Anne Instagram: @thelargogroup Facebook: The Largo Group Website: thelargogroup.com

Shawn Meaike is the founder and president of Family First Life. In late 2013, Shawn launched Family First Life, currently a multi-million-dollar independent marketing organization. Family First Life is now represented by over 17,000 licensed agents in almost all 50 states marketing mortgage protection, final expense, life insurance, and annuities. Prior to launching Family First life, Shawn worked as an independent insurance agent, selling final expense, mortgage protection life insurance at a high level for several years. Shawn graduated with a degree in Applied Social Relations, which led to a career in the State Department of Children and Families, where he worked for more than 13 years, alongside owning real estate property. In this episode, Shawn talks about the struggles he has overcome, finding confidence, and running toward hard things. Contact Shawn Instagram: @shawnmeaike LinkedIn: Shawn Meaike Website: familyfirstlife.com

Jason Lee is a highly recognized real estate agent in the multifamily real estate industry. He has worked with multiple eight to ten figure real estate investors from San Diego County, helping them acquire and sell apartment complexes. In the last few years, Jason has represented over 100 investors and sold over $200,000,000 worth of real estate in San Diego County. He is well respected by his investors and is currently one of the top producing real estate agents in San Diego County. Jason also owns several apartment complexes himself, so he can offer advice from a broker standpoint and from an investor point of view. In this episode, Nate and Jason talk finding a mentor, creating a network and climbing the real estate ladder.

Justin Brown started his mortgage career in 1999, working as a loan processor, underwriter and operations manager. This backend experience gave him an extensive edge in understanding the best programs available for his clients and the best way to overcome obstacles. Justin brings 20 years of expertise in residential lending to work for his clients. His dedication to providing top notch service, the best rates and creating a relationship for life has made his clients and their referrals the backbone of his success. In this episode, Nate and Justin talks all things loans, learning how to run a business and pushing through tough times.

Tyler Wright started with $0 at 22, became a millionaire at 27, grew his net worth to $1.5 million by 28 and retired from the corporate world forever just before his 29th birthday. Fresh out of school, Tyler quickly determined that he didn't want to work forever, so he decided to learn as much as he could about personal finance and investing. Over the next 7 years, he raised his income from $30k to over $350k, invested over $750k in the stock market, bought 7 rental units and a primary home, started 2 businesses and raised his net worth to $1.5 million. Now, he spends his time focusing on his true passion, which is teaching and coaching others to expedite their own path to financial success and financial freedom. In this episode, Nate and Tyler discuss the possibilities of real estate, finding the best fit for you and whether you should go to college.

In this week's episode, Nate sits down with Gogo Bethke to discuss her unique story of coming to America and conquering the real estate game. Gogo was one of the first eXp agents to personally bring 100 agents to the company. Now, 3 years later, they have 1000+ agents on #teamgogo, and they are located in 45 states and 5 countries. Gogo learned early on in her career that social media marketing has tremendous power, and she now has the largest social media following out of all agents in the state of Michigan. She teaches all her tricks to other agents in her video-based coaching platform called Gogo's Bootcamp. Tune in to hear what Gogo has to say about communism, culture shock and investing in knowledge.

Over the past 20 years, Rob Stein has developed a life changing process in the IMPOSSIBLE TO FAIL framework that has allowed him to achieve great wealth and financial freedom. He has personally applied this process to transition from a teacher with a master's degree to an award winning music composer and publisher, championship level bodybuilder, top producing real estate agent, team leader and entrepreneurial coach. Rob's formula has become the blueprint to success for many entrepreneurs and business owners. In this episode, Nate and Rob discuss entrepreneurship, overcoming self-doubt and finding your WHY.

Kim Daly has spent the last 20 years helping people achieve financial freedom by enabling them to find the perfect franchise opportunities. Her skill for matching a client's background, interests, skills, finances and life goals to the ideal opportunity has made her one of the top franchise consultants in the country. While helping thousands of other people to live their dreams of business ownership, she has been living her own. Today, she is recognized as one of America's top franchise consultants. She is an international best-selling co-author of Franchising Freedom and the founder and host of KimDaly.tv. This week, Nate and Kim discuss different types of franchising, how much involvement is required and the importance of failure and growth.

Coach Micheal Burt specializes in coaching aggressive-minded companies and individuals in highly commoditized and saturated markets to achieve new levels of success. With a history of winning championships as a former head women's basketball coach, Coach Burt has infused his coaching acumen with his business and entrepreneurial mindset. Bringing a level of creativity, depth and energy that very few coaches possess, he inspires and motivates audiences all across the country on topics from sales and business growth to motivation and even faith-based discussions. In this episode, Nate and Coach Burt discuss finding a person's primary skills, activating the prey drive and analyzing your "why."

Entrepreneur, coach and philanthropist Maurice Philogene discovered at an early age that the only way to carve out the life he desired was to give opportunities a shot, have worldwide, diverse experiences and create wealth that could help his family and others. He quickly learned chasing corporate titles meant nothing to him; ‘LIFE' and helping people did. Maurice has taught countless professionals and entrepreneurs how to gain the freedom they crave in each facet of their lives and start living a life they won't need a vacation from. In this episode, Nate and Maurice discuss becoming wealthy, delayed gratification and creating your own freedom.

This week, Nate sits down with New York Times Best Selling Author and one of the world's most influential marketers, Neil Patel. For over two decades Neil has been providing consulting and thought-leadership to the business and marketing community. A self-made millionaire who started his first business at 16, Neil knows what it takes to climb to the top. Listen in to find out what Nate and Neil think about college, tech and diversification.

This week, Nate meets with friend and mentee Todd Strotman to discuss all things real estate. Todd buys, renovates and sells single family and multi family houses. Tune in to hear about the challenges Todd faced in his real estate journey, how he put in the work and what areas are best to buy in.

On this episode, Nate sits down with Siri Lindley, two-time world champion triathlete, winner of twelve ITU World Cup races, an inspirational, energetic life coach and one of Tony Robbins' 10 favorite motivational speakers. Having faced many mountains in her own life, Siri now empowers audiences to strive for peak performance and to work through and ultimately conquer the demons of fear and self-doubt. Recounting the struggles she faced as a child to healing her strained relationships as an adult, Siri shows us how to clear out space for healing. Tune in to hear more about the challenges she overcame, how to work towards the life you envision and the absolute necessity of forgiveness.

Adam Koehler knows what it's like to struggle for success. Growing up in poverty, Adam decided that he would not let his atmosphere create his reality. Instead of working for others, Adam worked to create his own businesses and found massive success in the art of the side hustle. Now, he is running for Ohio State House Representative for District 24. Tune in to hear more about poverty pimps, Adam's upcoming run in politics and how to turn away from the poverty mindset.

Author, mindset coach and podcast host JM Ryerson knows how to help you write your own story. Having created personal and financial freedom for himself, JM now helps high-performing leaders define and execute their own individual leadership styles in order to grow the impact and profits of their businesses. He is generous with his knowledge and cherishes being a part of other people's journeys. Tune in to hear Nate and JM discuss financial freedom, taking care of yourself and changing your story.

This week, Nate meets with Joe Camberato, CEO and founder of National Business Capital - the leading fintech marketplace, helping entrepreneurs access competitive financing fast, through an easy-to-use online platform and experienced team. Joe started National Business Capital after realizing how challenging it is for business owners to access the funding they need to grow. Tune in to learn more about private lending, fintech and building a business from scratch.

This week, Nate talks to firefighter-turned-real estate expert Seth Teagle about his journey into the industry. While it was a learning curve getting into real estate, Seth was dedicated and determined to create financial freedom and wealth longevity for him and his family. Now, he teaches others to do the same through his coaching and education group, The Firehouse Bros. Listen in to learn more about delegation, scaling and Seth's story.

On this week's episode, Nate talks to the power couple of real estate investing...Glenn and Amber Schworm! Starting in real estate out of sheer desperation, it didn't take long for Glenn and Amber to rise to the top. Now, they flip over 100 houses a year and help others create wealth using their unique formula for success. Tune in to hear Glenn and Amber's views on utilizing the education that's out there, how real estate investing changed their life and getting past your fear.

On this episode, Nate talks to real estate agent, investor and coach Brandon Schlichter about taking $5 and scaling it to a $100 million asset. Brandon owns rentals, laundromats and a trailer park and shares his investing knowledge and experiences through instructional videos. He has helped hundreds of ordinary people acquire highly profitable businesses with no money or low money down, regardless of their credit. Tune in to this week's episode to hear Nate and Brandon discuss the importance of investing, where to start and giving back.

What is holding you back from success? Coach, speaker, author and entrepreneur Ray Higdon is here this week to help you pick your weeds! After losing everything, Ray put in the work to grow his confidence and work his way up to the top on his own terms. Now, he helps others do the same. Tune in to hear Nate and Ray talk about helping others, scarcity mindset and addressing past traumas.

This week, Nate talks to best friend and business partner Jiries Dawaher about how they leveled up their lives! Mentored by Nate, Jiries is an expert of his craft and knows the importance of grinding to create an empire. Listen in to hear more about wholesaling, how Jiries got into real estate and what keeps him going through tough times.

Knolly Williams, the Business Healer, runs 3 separate and distinct 6 Figure Businesses while working just 3 Hours a Day, and he teaches thousands of entrepreneurs and business leaders how to duplicate that success. He lost it all, worked his way back up to the top and is now passionate about simplifying the complex and paying it forward to others. Listen in to hear what Knolly has to say about spirituality, sharing what you know and running a business.

At a young age, Ash Patel knew he wanted to lever up and create financial freedom for himself. He knew he didn't want to work for someone forever. After 15 years in IT, Ash started his side hustles. He saw firsthand the sacrifices required to find success on your own, and he has never stopped pushing forward. Listen in to hear what Ash has to say about his immigrant upbringing, delegating business and finding your why.

Do you work to live? Or do you live to work? Master of the vacation rental business, Renee Jefferson knows just how important it is to enjoy life to the fullest. After building a vast portfolio of success, Renee started Real Estate Your Life to help others create passive income and freedom in their lives. Listen in to hear Renee's insight on working with Airbnb's, creating financial freedom and taking full advantage of the time we have.