Podcasts about i own

TIMESTAMPS: 0:00:00 "I Own a Small Diner in the Middle of Nowhere. I've Heard the Strangest Stories From My Customers." 1:06:48 "I Install Security Cameras for a Living. My Last Customer Wanted Them in the Crawlspace."

In this episode of "I Own a Shopping Center. Now What?", I dive into one of the most critical aspects of owning a shopping center: your lease form. As a shopping center owner in South Florida, I've learned that the lease is not a static document—it's a tool that evolves with every new challenge and opportunity. I talk about why it's so important to update your lease form regularly and share examples of changes I've made over the years, from sales collection clauses to assignment provisions and ACH payment requirements. I also explain why reading every lease during due diligence is non-negotiable. Understanding the details of your leases helps you plan for the future and negotiate smarter. This episode is packed with practical advice, including how I've used lease clauses to address tenant signage issues during a $3 million renovation. Whether you're an owner, property manager, or leasing agent, these tips will help you manage your shopping center more effectively. Tune in to learn actionable strategies for creating a positive and professional showing experience. Don't miss out on future episodes filled with more expert insights and practical advice. Subscribe to my channel now and be ready on owning a shopping center. #CommercialRealEstateInvesting #BethAzor #RealEstatePodcast

How do you make every space showing count? In Episode 27 of "I Own a Shopping Center. Now What?", I break down the essential steps to prepare for and conduct successful showings. Whether you're managing the process yourself or overseeing brokers, it's all about being thorough and proactive. Here are some key highlights: Confirm appointments with a detailed text outlining meeting times and rental terms to avoid misunderstandings. Prepare the space by addressing cleanliness, removing any odours, and ensuring it's well-lit and welcoming. Keep safety top of mind, especially for large or multi-room spaces, and have a second person present when needed. Follow up after the showing with a clear recap of the terms and next steps to keep everyone aligned. Tune in to learn actionable strategies for creating a positive and professional showing experience. Don't miss out on future episodes filled with more expert insights and practical advice. Subscribe to my channel now and be ready on owning a shopping center. #CommercialRealEstateInvesting #BethAzor #RealEstatePodcast

True Stories Pt. 6: Love God Not Money By Louie Marsh, 9-15-2024   Intro slides – last one love of money kills   1) I need to BEWARE of materialism.   13  Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14  But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15  And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:13-15 (ESV)   ·       I need to actively be on my GUARD.   Steve Taylor Video    24  Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, Jude 1:24 (ESV)   ·       All forms of greed are DANGEROUS.   5  Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Colossians 3:5 (ESV)   22  As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. Matthew 13:22 (ESV)   ·       My life has nothing to do with what I OWN.   23  Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)   4  When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:4 (ESV)   2) Never ASSUME what will happen, God is in control.   16  And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17  and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' 18  And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19  And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”' 20  But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' Luke 12:16-20 (ESV)   ·       I can't take it with me & I don't know when I'll LOSE it.   4  “O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Psalm 39:4 (ESV)   3) The Bottom Line on Treasure.    ·       I must remember my treasure is GOD'S NOT MINE.   21  So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:21 (ESV)   10  For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. 1 Timothy 6:10 (ESV)   ·       If I'm rich towards God He will PROVIDE for me.   17  As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17 (ESV)                                    

In the latest episode of "I Own a Shopping Center. Now What?", Beth Azor discusses the vital role of building relationships with tenants. She explains how understanding both mom-and-pop and national tenants' businesses can drive sales and benefit the entire shopping center. Beth shares a practical example: a tenant who sells college and local team apparel hosted an autograph signing for Stanley Cup champions. By coordinating with local authorities and making extra space for merchandise, Beth helped ensure the event's success, which brought hundreds of new visitors and positively impacted all tenants. The episode also covers the importance of regular check-ins and understanding peak business times. From preparing for back-to-school traffic to engaging in casual sales conversations, Beth demonstrates that tenant engagement leads to increased sales and higher rents. Listen to this episode on Spotify to learn how Beth Azor's proactive approach and tenant relationships contribute to the thriving success of her shopping centers. A well-informed owner is a successful owner! Don't miss out on future episodes filled with more expert insights and practical advice. Subscribe to my channel now and be be ready on owning a shopping center. #CommercialRealEstateInvesting #BethAzor #RealEstatePodcast

Beth Azor debuts her insightful new podcast series: "I Own a Shopping Center. Now What?" As a successful owner of multiple shopping centers, Beth has gained a wealth of experience in creating vibrant and profitable retail environments. She's now set to share this rich expertise through her podcast. The series kicks off discussing the foundational elements critical to any shopping center's success: visibility, cleanliness, and security. Beth emphasizes that a satisfied customer is likely to be a repeat customer, underscoring the importance of these factors. Throughout the series, Beth plans to offer practical advice on boosting tenant visibility in cost-effective ways, ensuring that centers are not only safe but also impeccably clean. Over the course of 100 episodes, she will reveal her top 100 tips designed to help fellow owners and enthusiasts understand the nuances of retail real estate management. For anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes dynamics of shopping center ownership or those curious about the industry, Beth's podcast promises a wealth of information and insights. She invites listeners to tune in, subscribe, and join her as she navigates the intriguing world of retail real estate.

Through intentional selection of texts and the art of ongoing reading, the team dissects the various elements and advantages of Read Aloud. From fostering a love of reading and improving skills to raising test scores and building a sense of community, each point is explored. Drawing from personal experiences, literary favorites, and the rich tapestry of educational theory, this podcast provides a comprehensive guide to harnessing the potential of Read Aloud. Whether you're an educator seeking to enhance your teaching approach or simply intrigued by the art of storytelling, this podcast offers a wealth of insights. Tune in to explore the intersection of learning, engagement, and the joy of reading.Highlights include:00:04:15 Definition of Read Aloud00:07:10 By having the true elements of Read Aloud in place we can develop four things - support students' development as readers and writers, foster their love of reading, improve reading skills and abilities, and raise standardised test scores.00:10:02 Using the terms ‘striving' and ‘thriving' rather than ‘struggling' and ‘weak'.00:11:16 Some of the struggles teachers have using Read Aloud, as one of their high impact teaching strategies00:12:30 Read Aloud needs to be intentional, and have purpose. It has everyone attention on listening, making sense etc. It's something students take action on in their own reading and writing.00:14:55 Is Read Aloud under-utilised as a teaching strategy ?00:20:26 Sharon's action research on children's attitudes to Read Aloud00:21:25 The influence on Sharon as a young student of Read Aloud in the 1960's and 1970's.00:22:46 ‘The House at Pool Corner' as Sharon's preferred text when she was child00:23:45 ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,' ‘Alice in Wonderland', poetry being read, ‘Charlotte's Web', ‘The Secret Garden', ‘Midnite', ‘February Dragon', ‘Storm Boy', ‘Treasure Island', All examples of read alouds during Sharon's time as a student.00:24:43 Professional learning as a powerful influence on Phil00:24:50 Reference to Mem Fox podcast on Read Aloud00:25:05  ‘The Wind in the Willows'.00:25:31 Run through of the 13  advantages of Read Alouds. From the book ‘Reading Aloud and Beyond', Giorgis and Serafini.  - Fostering the Intellectual Life with Older Readers.00:26:05 The chapter we refer mostly to is ‘Thirteen Good (Scientifically Based) Reasons to Read Aloud With Older Readers'.00:26:50  Number 1 of the 13, of the reasons: Reading aloud increases test scores. Specifically it increases students' background knowledge, it introduces them to various story structures, and it demonstrates what competent reading strategies look like.00:30:00 Connection to Every Child Every Day research.00:31:50 Connection to the enabling adult work of Aidan Chambers.00:33:04 Number 2 of the 13 of the reasons: Read Aloud introduces readers to new titles, authors, illustrators, titles and text structures00:36:41 Number 3 of the 13: Reading aloud builds a sense of community. It has a connection to to Thinker's Talking. Prompts for Reading Journals on Teachific are a valuable resource for teachers.00:38:43 Number 4 of the 13: Reading aloud allows opportunity for further discussion.00:39:11 ‘We Talk Books'. ‘In My Mind, I Was Thinking' as key phrases empowering students.00:42:47 Number 5 of the 13: Reading aloud with older readers is pleasurable. Especially ongoing read alouds - every day, each week.00:44:13 The series of 4 books that Sharon and Phil both read to their classes: The Magician's House Quartet.00:46:14 ‘The Steps Up the Chimney', ‘The Door in the Tree', ‘The Tunnel Behind the Waterfall', ‘The Bridge in the Clouds.'00:46:52 ‘Rowan of Rin'. Opening the door to a whole series. Investment by older children in reading aloud to them.00:48:00 Number 6 of the 13: Reading aloud connects readers with content area subjects.00:49:40 Charting words and phrases during read alouds is a valuable strategy.00:50:53 Reading aloud is a bridge to students reading more complex text for themselves. ‘I Own the Racecourse', ‘Boss of the Pool', ‘Swashbuckler'- examples of books with themes. Historical fiction has great value. The ‘Grace' series - learning about convicts.00:54:09 Number 7 of the 13: Reading aloud demonstrates response strategies.00:54:39 Number 8 of the 13: Reading aloud increases readers' interest in independent reading.00:56:29 Number 9 of the 13: Reading aloud allows access to books readers may not be able to read on their own.00:56:49 Number 10 of the 13: Reading aloud provides demonstration of oral reading and fluency00:57:14 Number 11 of the 13: Reading aloud helps readers understand the connection between reading in school and reading in life.00:59:25 Number 12 of the 13: Reading aloud provides demonstrations of quality writing.01:01:18 Number 13 of the 13: Reading aloud supports readers' development.01:01:52 Connection to the Australian Curriculum01:04:44 An example of reading aloud by Sharon- this is what it sounds like, to catch yourself doing the wondering and the thinking.01:06:52 The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, read by Sharon01:13:50 End of the reading and a summary01:15:15 Protocols for the class when reading aloud in your classroom01:17:30 Validation of Read Aloud and bringing it in as an instructional strategy across a school01:19:15 Ending piece and thank you.And much more!Enjoy, and let us know thoughts and feedback in our Facebook Group.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.JOIN CUE LEARNING'S NEXT LIVE WEBINAR!Find upcoming events here, and online courses can be found here.Other matching PDF resources are here.Got any questions? Feedback? Thoughts? Email the Cue office at: admin@cuelearning.com.auThe Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy is the free podcast for motivated teachers and school leaders who want the latest tips, tricks and tools to inspire their students and school community in literacy learning. Hear from literacy expert and founder of Cue Learning, Sharon Callen, and special guests.At Cue Learning, our literacy specialists draw on over 30 years of teaching and international consulting experience to deliver world-class learning solutions. We equip, empower and support teachers to become their authentic selves. To find out about upcoming events, and about how Cue can help you and your school, visit the Cue Learning website http://www.cuelearning.com.au/ and sign up to our newsletter https://cuelearning.com.au/contact/And you can get even more amazing teaching resources, right now, at Teachific https://www.teachific.com.au/.To make sure you don't miss any literacy learning tips and insights, please subscribe to our show on your favourite podcast player.MORE INFORMATION AT A GLANCE:Visit cuelearning.com.auSubscribe to the Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy podcasts  or join on Apple  Podcasts hereContact the Cue office:  admin@cuelearning.com.auJoin our Teacher's Toolkit facebook groupFind connected resources on TeachificSee upcoming online eventsSee our online video courses hereAnd finally, read our insightful blogs hereProduced by Apiro Media https://apiropodcasts.com 

Savage Fight Talk. Jay Smoothe From Rush Hour MMA Joins Me on Thursday's to Talk the Weekends Fights. Thank you too all The Subscribers,and All Who Support This PodcastChannel. I'm Still learning,I'll Invest for more Tech,Producer,Co host I can Count On? And It's On like Donkey Kong. I'll do this till I get Sponsored By The Best apps where I Can Be Myself,And Not be Worried about Woke Ideology? Or Cancel Culture Ideology??? I'm so Sick Of Weak People With Nothing Better to do,But Complain,And Try To Cancel Ah Culture they Didn't even Grow up in? Because if they Did? They would of been offended 1000 Times Ah Day! They Wouldn't Say Nothing! They wouldn't even be a avg Human Being! ***Hard Times,Make Hard People!*** ***Soft Times,Make Soft People!*** Don't Listen or Watch This PodcastChannel If You're Easily Offended??? You will not Win I Promise That! I've Been Playing Chess since 3rd Grade when everyone else was playing Checkers! I'm a True Savage! And You Can't Beat a True Savage! I Don't Fold,I Don't Even Bend. That's Public Record,Do You're Homework on Me,B4 You Ever Try something like that on me??? I'm not trying to hurt No one's Feelings? I'm Just Brutally Honest. Anyone I Bring On Is Brutally Honest. Not STD Scared To Death! A Coward Does s 1000+ Deaths! Toughen The F*** Up! Ep.57 I Own all the Rights to this Music. I Recorded it in 06-08 and 2010-2013 did over 20 Shows on both album's,Working on my 3rd.

Have you run out of options?Are you tired of feeling like you have no options?Join Aaron in today's episode as he shares how you can take control and start to Own The Option.  Aaron shares three strategies to take you from out of options to Owning The Option.  Never again say there are no options and start saying there are options and I Own them.  Pull up a seat and join Aaron in the conversation to discover how you can Own The Option.  https://aarondegler.com/

Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch would ride with you on a bicycle built for you, this is Through the Pines… Estate Planning and Trusts Part 2 - Types of Trusts and Why You Need One Our financial wizards this week include Rex Baxter, Brandyn Smith, and Dan Nelsen & Bryce Froerer SNOW NOTES: Estate Planning: Part 2 Types of Trusts: Asset Protection Trust / Businesses (LLC, S-Corp, etc.)  Funding Trusts Special Needs What is Medicaid and how does it differ from Medicare How do you qualify for Medicaid How can trusts help with this qualification? Asset Protection Trusts How does this protect my assets? I Own a business or Rental Property, how do I coordinate my business ownership with my estate plan? What are some common provisions that people include in a trust like this?   SMORE NUMBERS   Special Needs Trust Can you describe some clients where this trust may be appropriate for? How does this protect my assets from Medicaid I Own a business or rental property, how do I coordinate my business ownership with my estate plan? What are some common provisions that people include in a trust like this? TCRAT, GRAT, CRAT, CLAT…. Oh MY!!!   Contact Info: planwithbaxter.com   Through the Pines  -  Reminding you to use Yesterday's Dollars to Finance Tomorrow's Dreams

Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch would ride with you on a bicycle built for you, this is Through the Pines… Estate Planning and Trusts Part 2 - Types of Trusts and Why You Need One Our financial wizards this week include Rex Baxter, Brandyn Smith, and Dan Nelsen & Bryce Froerer SNOW NOTES: Estate Planning: Part 2 Types of Trusts: Asset Protection Trust / Businesses (LLC, S-Corp, etc.)  Funding Trusts Special Needs What is Medicaid and how does it differ from Medicare How do you qualify for MedicaidHow can trusts help with this qualification? Asset Protection Trusts How does this protect my assets? I Own a business or Rental Property, how do I coordinate my business ownership with my estate plan? What are some common provisions that people include in a trust like this?   SMORE NUMBERS   Special Needs Trust Can you describe some clients where this trust may be appropriate for? How does this protect my assets from Medicaid I Own a business or rental property, how do I coordinate my business ownership with my estate plan? What are some common provisions that people include in a trust like this? TCRAT, GRAT, CRAT, CLAT…. Oh MY!!!   Contact Info: planwithbaxter.com   Through the Pines  -  Reminding you to use Yesterday's Dollars to Finance Tomorrow's Dreams

Clicks and Bricks Podcast Episode # 188 On Todays Episode Ken interviews Tino Go from Baru. Baru is changing the way hyperlocalized manufacturing is thought about. Jump Ahead: 00:00 Intro 00:25 What is Baru 02:52 How Does Baru Work? 04:04 Were there Challenges to Making the Application? 04:17 Baru Patents 04:52 How Much Time and Money Was Spent to Get Baru Patents? 08:23 What Hurdles Are You Looking for in the First Year? 09:10 Can anyone dispute your Patent? 09:43 I Own a CNC Machine How Do I Get Started 12:03 Who is the Ideal Partner for Baru? 13:52 Bringing Jobs to Local Communities 16:31 Do Baru Products Change Based on Market? 18:56 Who is Baru looking for? 19:12 Where is Baru on the Investment Cycle? 19:58 How Does Baru Help Property Flippers? 22:02 Contact Baru 22:21 Final Thoughts From Tino 25:33 Contact Ken Reach Out to Tino: Email: tino@hellobaru.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNBKnmU3zaIgB3WXoro-PA Website: https://hellobaru.com Come See Ken At Pod Fest Global Expo 2022 in Orlando Florida https://podfestexpo.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clicks and Bricks Podcast Episode # 188 On Todays Episode Ken interviews Tino Go from Baru. Baru is changing the way hyperlocalized manufacturing is thought about. Jump Ahead: 00:00 Intro 00:25 What is Baru 02:52 How Does Baru Work? 04:04 Were there Challenges to Making the Application? 04:17 Baru Patents 04:52 How Much Time and Money Was Spent to Get Baru Patents? 08:23 What Hurdles Are You Looking for in the First Year? 09:10 Can anyone dispute your Patent? 09:43 I Own a CNC Machine How Do I Get Started 12:03 Who is the Ideal Partner for Baru? 13:52 Bringing Jobs to Local Communities 16:31 Do Baru Products Change Based on Market? 18:56 Who is Baru looking for? 19:12 Where is Baru on the Investment Cycle? 19:58 How Does Baru Help Property Flippers? 22:02 Contact Baru 22:21 Final Thoughts From Tino 25:33 Contact Ken Reach Out to Tino: Email: tino@hellobaru.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNBKnmU3zaIgB3WXoro-PA Website: https://hellobaru.com Come See Ken At Pod Fest Global Expo 2022 in Orlando Florida https://podfestexpo.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Answering the rest of your questions about hitting $500k total revenue in under 2 years! Some of the questions I'm answering are:

A chapter ends, and a new chapter opens - insofar as there are beginnings, and ends, and middles.  Written by Fred Greenhalgh and Greg Tulonen. Story by Fred Greenhalgh, William Dufris, Barry Dodd, and Greg Tulonen. Based on The Dark Tome, created by Fred Greenhalgh and William Dufris. Story consulting by Christopher Reynaga and Marguerite Croft. Sensitivity consulting by Maulian Dana. Voices by Tony Aidan Vo, Stephanie Diaz, Jason Grasl, Colleen A. Madden, Anna Carvalho, Herbie Madden, Vivian Madden, Denise Poirier, Graham Rowat, Holly Adams, Kim Gordon, Lisa Stathoplos, Lukis Crowell, Maiya Koloski, Moira Driscoll, Nathan Dana Aldritch, Ned Donovan, Paul Bellefeuille, Peter Berkrot, PJ Ochlan, Ray Porter, Richard Fish, Richard McGonagle, Sam Mowry, Tim Sample, Wendy Tremont King, William Steele. Directed and Produced by Fred Greenhalgh. Dialogue editing and sound design by Jason DeWald of Audio Evolutions. Additional sound by Mind's Eye Productions. Final mix by Fred Greenhalgh. Original score by Hubert Campbell. Theme song, “Here My Friend Your Future” by Frank Schulmeyer. Feat. the songs “Little Lorrie” and “Mesquite Street” by Carolyn Kendrick and the song “I Own the Road” by The Don Campbell band, used by permission from the artists. Special Thanks to Christopher Reynaga and the Point Mystic Podcast, Emily Burnham, and Mary Sangiovanni. Simpson Falls is a Dagaz Media production, presented by Realm. Listen Away. For more shows like this, visit Realm.fm, and sign up for our newsletter while you're there! Follow us! On Instagram @RealmMedia_ On Twitter @RealmMedia Check out our merch at: merch.realm.fm Find and support our sponsors at: www.realm.fm/w/partners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony has the opportunity to revisit the moment in his childhood when everything changed, and faces an impossible choice.  Written by Fred Greenhalgh and Greg Tulonen. Story by Fred Greenhalgh, William Dufris, Barry Dodd, and Greg Tulonen. Based on The Dark Tome, created by Fred Greenhalgh and William Dufris. Story consulting by Christopher Reynaga and Marguerite Croft. Sensitivity consulting by Maulian Dana. Voices by Tony Aidan Vo, Stephanie Diaz, Jason Grasl, Colleen A. Madden, Anna Carvalho, Herbie Madden, Vivian Madden, Denise Poirier, Graham Rowat, Holly Adams, Kim Gordon, Lisa Stathoplos, Lukis Crowell, Maiya Koloski, Moira Driscoll, Nathan Dana Aldritch, Ned Donovan, Paul Bellefeuille, Peter Berkrot, PJ Ochlan, Ray Porter, Richard Fish, Richard McGonagle, Sam Mowry, Tim Sample, Wendy Tremont King, William Steele. Directed and Produced by Fred Greenhalgh. Dialogue editing and sound design by Jason DeWald of Audio Evolutions. Additional sound by Mind's Eye Productions. Final mix by Fred Greenhalgh. Original score by Hubert Campbell. Theme song, “Here My Friend Your Future” by Frank Schulmeyer. Feat. the songs “Little Lorrie” and “Mesquite Street” by Carolyn Kendrick and the song “I Own the Road” by The Don Campbell band, used by permission from the artists. Special Thanks to Christopher Reynaga and the Point Mystic Podcast, Emily Burnham, and Mary Sangiovanni. Simpson Falls is a Dagaz Media production, presented by Realm. Listen Away. For more shows like this, visit Realm.fm, and sign up for our newsletter while you're there! Follow us! On Instagram @RealmMedia_ On Twitter @RealmMedia Check out our merch at: merch.realm.fm Find and support our sponsors at: www.realm.fm/w/partners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Knocked off balance between there and now and the over there, Sonia latches on to an unreliable narrator to help her track down Tony. The crossing will be more dangerous than she could ever imagine.  Written by Fred Greenhalgh and Greg Tulonen. Story by Fred Greenhalgh, William Dufris, Barry Dodd, and Greg Tulonen. Based on The Dark Tome, created by Fred Greenhalgh and William Dufris. Story consulting by Christopher Reynaga and Marguerite Croft. Sensitivity consulting by Maulian Dana. Voices by Tony Aidan Vo, Stephanie Diaz, Jason Grasl, Colleen A. Madden, Anna Carvalho, Herbie Madden, Vivian Madden, Denise Poirier, Graham Rowat, Holly Adams, Kim Gordon, Lisa Stathoplos, Lukis Crowell, Maiya Koloski, Moira Driscoll, Nathan Dana Aldritch, Ned Donovan, Paul Bellefeuille, Peter Berkrot, PJ Ochlan, Ray Porter, Richard Fish, Richard McGonagle, Sam Mowry, Tim Sample, Wendy Tremont King, William Steele. Directed and Produced by Fred Greenhalgh. Dialogue editing and sound design by Jason DeWald of Audio Evolutions. Additional sound by Mind's Eye Productions. Final mix by Fred Greenhalgh. Original score by Hubert Campbell. Theme song, “Here My Friend Your Future” by Frank Schulmeyer. Feat. the songs “Little Lorrie” and “Mesquite Street” by Carolyn Kendrick and the song “I Own the Road” by The Don Campbell band, used by permission from the artists. Special Thanks to Christopher Reynaga and the Point Mystic Podcast, Emily Burnham, and Mary Sangiovanni. Simpson Falls is a Dagaz Media production, presented by Realm. Listen Away. For more shows like this, visit Realm.fm, and sign up for our newsletter while you're there! Follow us! On Instagram @RealmMedia_ On Twitter @RealmMedia Check out our merch at: merch.realm.fm Find and support our sponsors at: www.realm.fm/w/partners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Podcast where we go through the works of Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch Series on Now - Horeb Mitzvah #26 Part 2 Pesach - Why Can't I Own, Enjoy Or Eat?

Sonia's nightmares may become reality as Tony makes a momentous decision to confront his past.  Written by Fred Greenhalgh and Greg Tulonen. Story by Fred Greenhalgh, William Dufris, Barry Dodd, and Greg Tulonen. Based on The Dark Tome, created by Fred Greenhalgh and William Dufris. Story consulting by Christopher Reynaga and Marguerite Croft. Sensitivity consulting by Maulian Dana. Voices by Tony Aidan Vo, Stephanie Diaz, Jason Grasl, Colleen A. Madden, Anna Carvalho, Herbie Madden, Vivian Madden, Denise Poirier, Graham Rowat, Holly Adams, Kim Gordon, Lisa Stathoplos, Lukis Crowell, Maiya Koloski, Moira Driscoll, Nathan Dana Aldritch, Ned Donovan, Paul Bellefeuille, Peter Berkrot, PJ Ochlan, Ray Porter, Richard Fish, Richard McGonagle, Sam Mowry, Tim Sample, Wendy Tremont King, William Steele. Directed and Produced by Fred Greenhalgh. Dialogue editing and sound design by Jason DeWald of Audio Evolutions. Additional sound by Mind's Eye Productions. Final mix by Fred Greenhalgh. Original score by Hubert Campbell. Theme song, “Here My Friend Your Future” by Frank Schulmeyer. Feat. the songs “Little Lorrie” and “Mesquite Street” by Carolyn Kendrick and the song “I Own the Road” by The Don Campbell band, used by permission from the artists. Special Thanks to Christopher Reynaga and the Point Mystic Podcast, Emily Burnham, and Mary Sangiovanni. Simpson Falls is a Dagaz Media production, presented by Realm. Listen Away. For more shows like this, visit Realm.fm, and sign up for our newsletter while you're there! Follow us! On Instagram @RealmMedia_ On Twitter @RealmMedia Check out our merch at: merch.realm.fm Find and support our sponsors at: www.realm.fm/w/partners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony and Sonia find themselves within the mirrored walls of the Malleus Corporation building, fighting to hang on to health and sanity, as memory and reality grow increasingly unreliable.  Written by Fred Greenhalgh and Greg Tulonen. Story by Fred Greenhalgh, William Dufris, Barry Dodd, and Greg Tulonen. Based on The Dark Tome, created by Fred Greenhalgh and William Dufris. Story consulting by Christopher Reynaga and Marguerite Croft. Sensitivity consulting by Maulian Dana. Voices by Tony Aidan Vo, Stephanie Diaz, Jason Grasl, Colleen A. Madden, Anna Carvalho, Herbie Madden, Vivian Madden, Denise Poirier, Graham Rowat, Holly Adams, Kim Gordon, Lisa Stathoplos, Lukis Crowell, Maiya Koloski, Moira Driscoll, Nathan Dana Aldritch, Ned Donovan, Paul Bellefeuille, Peter Berkrot, PJ Ochlan, Ray Porter, Richard Fish, Richard McGonagle, Sam Mowry, Tim Sample, Wendy Tremont King, William Steele. Directed and Produced by Fred Greenhalgh. Dialogue editing and sound design by Jason DeWald of Audio Evolutions. Additional sound by Mind's Eye Productions. Final mix by Fred Greenhalgh. Original score by Hubert Campbell. Theme song, “Here My Friend Your Future” by Frank Schulmeyer. Feat. the songs “Little Lorrie” and “Mesquite Street” by Carolyn Kendrick and the song “I Own the Road” by The Don Campbell band, used by permission from the artists. Special Thanks to Christopher Reynaga and the Point Mystic Podcast, Emily Burnham, and Mary Sangiovanni. Simpson Falls is a Dagaz Media production, presented by Realm. Listen Away. For more shows like this, visit Realm.fm, and sign up for our newsletter while you're there! Follow us! On Instagram @RealmMedia_ On Twitter @RealmMedia Check out our merch at: merch.realm.fm Find and support our sponsors at: www.realm.fm/w/partners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With their stay in Simpson Falls unexpectedly extended, Tony and Ricky visit an old childhood haunt while Sonia unearths secrets tucked along the river.  Written by Fred Greenhalgh and Greg Tulonen. Story by Fred Greenhalgh, William Dufris, Barry Dodd, and Greg Tulonen. Based on The Dark Tome, created by Fred Greenhalgh and William Dufris. Story consulting by Christopher Reynaga and Marguerite Croft. Sensitivity consulting by Maulian Dana. Voices by Tony Aidan Vo, Stephanie Diaz, Jason Grasl, Colleen A. Madden, Anna Carvalho, Herbie Madden, Vivian Madden, Denise Poirier, Graham Rowat, Holly Adams, Kim Gordon, Lisa Stathoplos, Lukis Crowell, Maiya Koloski, Moira Driscoll, Nathan Dana Aldritch, Ned Donovan, Paul Bellefeuille, Peter Berkrot, PJ Ochlan, Ray Porter, Richard Fish, Richard McGonagle, Sam Mowry, Tim Sample, Wendy Tremont King, William Steele. Directed and Produced by Fred Greenhalgh. Dialogue editing and sound design by Jason DeWald of Audio Evolutions. Additional sound by Mind's Eye Productions. Final mix by Fred Greenhalgh. Original score by Hubert Campbell. Theme song, “Here My Friend Your Future” by Frank Schulmeyer. Feat. the songs “Little Lorrie” and “Mesquite Street” by Carolyn Kendrick and the song “I Own the Road” by The Don Campbell band, used by permission from the artists. Special Thanks to Christopher Reynaga and the Point Mystic Podcast, Emily Burnham, and Mary Sangiovanni. Simpson Falls is a Dagaz Media production, presented by Realm. Listen Away. For more shows like this, visit Realm.fm, and sign up for our newsletter while you're there! Follow us! On Instagram @RealmMedia_ On Twitter @RealmMedia Check out our merch at: merch.realm.fm Find and support our sponsors at: www.realm.fm/w/partners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony takes Sonia to the iconic Mona's Diner, and while grappling with the age-old question, "Whoopie pie or blueberry pie?" an unexpected visitor changes their trajectory.  Written by Fred Greenhalgh and Greg Tulonen. Story by Fred Greenhalgh, William Dufris, Barry Dodd, and Greg Tulonen. Based on The Dark Tome, created by Fred Greenhalgh and William Dufris. Story consulting by Christopher Reynaga and Marguerite Croft. Sensitivity consulting by Maulian Dana. Voices by Tony Aidan Vo, Stephanie Diaz, Jason Grasl, Colleen A. Madden, Anna Carvalho, Herbie Madden, Vivian Madden, Denise Poirier, Graham Rowat, Holly Adams, Kim Gordon, Lisa Stathoplos, Lukis Crowell, Maiya Koloski, Moira Driscoll, Nathan Dana Aldritch, Ned Donovan, Paul Bellefeuille, Peter Berkrot, PJ Ochlan, Ray Porter, Richard Fish, Richard McGonagle, Sam Mowry, Tim Sample, Wendy Tremont King, William Steele. Directed and Produced by Fred Greenhalgh. Dialogue editing and sound design by Jason DeWald of Audio Evolutions. Additional sound by Mind's Eye Productions. Final mix by Fred Greenhalgh. Original score by Hubert Campbell. Theme song, “Here My Friend Your Future” by Frank Schulmeyer. Feat. the songs “Little Lorrie” and “Mesquite Street” by Carolyn Kendrick and the song “I Own the Road” by The Don Campbell band, used by permission from the artists. Special Thanks to Christopher Reynaga and the Point Mystic Podcast, Emily Burnham, and Mary Sangiovanni. Simpson Falls is a Dagaz Media production, presented by Realm. Listen Away. For more shows like this, visit Realm.fm, and sign up for our newsletter while you're there! Follow us! On Instagram @RealmMedia_ On Twitter @RealmMedia Check out our merch at: merch.realm.fm Find and support our sponsors at: www.realm.fm/w/partners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sonia joins Digby and Madge for a Dark Tome conspiracy theory tour and discovers she's getting far more than she bargained for. Written by Fred Greenhalgh and Greg Tulonen. Story by Fred Greenhalgh, William Dufris, Barry Dodd, and Greg Tulonen. Based on The Dark Tome, created by Fred Greenhalgh and William Dufris. Story consulting by Christopher Reynaga and Marguerite Croft. Sensitivity consulting by Maulian Dana. Voices by Tony Aidan Vo, Stephanie Diaz, Jason Grasl, Colleen A. Madden, Anna Carvalho, Herbie Madden, Vivian Madden, Denise Poirier, Graham Rowat, Holly Adams, Kim Gordon, Lisa Stathoplos, Lukis Crowell, Maiya Koloski, Moira Driscoll, Nathan Dana Aldritch, Ned Donovan, Paul Bellefeuille, Peter Berkrot, PJ Ochlan, Ray Porter, Richard Fish, Richard McGonagle, Sam Mowry, Tim Sample, Wendy Tremont King, William Steele. Directed and Produced by Fred Greenhalgh. Dialogue editing and sound design by Jason DeWald of Audio Evolutions. Additional sound by Mind's Eye Productions. Final mix by Fred Greenhalgh. Original score by Hubert Campbell. Theme song, “Here My Friend Your Future” by Frank Schulmeyer. Feat. the songs “Little Lorrie” and “Mesquite Street” by Carolyn Kendrick and the song “I Own the Road” by The Don Campbell band, used by permission from the artists. Special Thanks to Christopher Reynaga and the Point Mystic Podcast, Emily Burnham, and Mary Sangiovanni. Simpson Falls is a Dagaz Media production, presented by Realm. Listen Away. For more shows like this, visit Realm.fm, and sign up for our newsletter while you're there! Follow us! On Instagram @RealmMedia_ On Twitter @RealmMedia Check out our merch at: merch.realm.fm Find and support our sponsors at: www.realm.fm/w/partners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony and Sonia pull together to get to their assignment - the Press Conference about the new hospital - and start to get a feel for what's really going down in Simpson Falls.  Written by Fred Greenhalgh and Greg Tulonen. Story by Fred Greenhalgh, William Dufris, Barry Dodd, and Greg Tulonen. Based on The Dark Tome, created by Fred Greenhalgh and William Dufris. Story consulting by Christopher Reynaga and Marguerite Croft. Sensitivity consulting by Maulian Dana. Voices by Tony Aidan Vo, Stephanie Diaz, Jason Grasl, Colleen A. Madden, Anna Carvalho, Herbie Madden, Vivian Madden, Denise Poirier, Graham Rowat, Holly Adams, Kim Gordon, Lisa Stathoplos, Lukis Crowell, Maiya Koloski, Moira Driscoll, Nathan Dana Aldritch, Ned Donovan, Paul Bellefeuille, Peter Berkrot, PJ Ochlan, Ray Porter, Richard Fish, Richard McGonagle, Sam Mowry, Tim Sample, Wendy Tremont King, William Steele. Directed and Produced by Fred Greenhalgh. Dialogue editing and sound design by Jason DeWald of Audio Evolutions. Additional sound by Mind's Eye Productions. Final mix by Fred Greenhalgh. Original score by Hubert Campbell. Theme song, “Here My Friend Your Future” by Frank Schulmeyer. Feat. the songs “Little Lorrie” and “Mesquite Street” by Carolyn Kendrick and the song “I Own the Road” by The Don Campbell band, used by permission from the artists. Special Thanks to Christopher Reynaga and the Point Mystic Podcast, Emily Burnham, and Mary Sangiovanni. Simpson Falls is a Dagaz Media production, presented by Realm. Listen Away. For more shows like this, visit Realm.fm, and sign up for our newsletter while you're there! Follow us! On Instagram @RealmMedia_ On Twitter @RealmMedia Check out our merch at: merch.realm.fm Find and support our sponsors at: www.realm.fm/w/partners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reporter Tony Baxter is called back to his home town of Simpson Falls, Maine to investigate a new multi-million dollar boutique hospital project by the mysterious Malleus Corporation.  Written by Fred Greenhalgh and Greg Tulonen. Story by Fred Greenhalgh, William Dufris, Barry Dodd, and Greg Tulonen. Based on The Dark Tome, created by Fred Greenhalgh and William Dufris. Story consulting by Christopher Reynaga and Marguerite Croft. Sensitivity consulting by Maulian Dana. Voices by Tony Aidan Vo, Stephanie Diaz, Jason Grasl, Colleen A. Madden, Anna Carvalho, Herbie Madden, Vivian Madden, Denise Poirier, Graham Rowat, Holly Adams, Kim Gordon, Lisa Stathoplos, Lukis Crowell, Maiya Koloski, Moira Driscoll, Nathan Dana Aldritch, Ned Donovan, Paul Bellefeuille, Peter Berkrot, PJ Ochlan, Ray Porter, Richard Fish, Richard McGonagle, Sam Mowry, Tim Sample, Wendy Tremont King, William Steele. Directed and Produced by Fred Greenhalgh. Dialogue editing and sound design by Jason DeWald of Audio Evolutions. Additional sound by Mind's Eye Productions. Final mix by Fred Greenhalgh. Original score by Hubert Campbell. Theme song, “Here My Friend Your Future” by Frank Schulmeyer. Feat. the songs “Little Lorrie” and “Mesquite Street” by Carolyn Kendrick and the song “I Own the Road” by The Don Campbell band, used by permission from the artists. Special Thanks to Christopher Reynaga and the Point Mystic Podcast, Emily Burnham, and Mary Sangiovanni. Simpson Falls is a Dagaz Media production, presented by Realm. Listen Away. For more shows like this, visit Realm.fm, and sign up for our newsletter while you're there! Follow us! On Instagram @RealmMedia_ On Twitter @RealmMedia Check out our merch at: merch.realm.fm Find and support our sponsors at: www.realm.fm/w/partners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

'Do it Again' by Donald Fagen & Walter BeckerTrue story: the LOUDEST concert I was ever at was a Steely Dan concert at an outdoor ampitheatre. That speaker stack was one LOUD-ass motherfucker. Tinnitus for days. My ears are ringing just remembering it. …Or maybe I'm thirsty. PDAers sometimes resist the demands of our own bodies. "Thirsty, am I? Don't tell me what to do, body, I OWN you! …Oh, we're passing out now? Maybe this time I'll learn my lesson…"

The Joy of Ownership I remember owning my first car. I felt liberated and rich! The world was mine and I had freedom of movement. Whilst I've never owned a house, I can put myself in the shoes of those who have and can imagine just how secure and strong and safe it must feel. There is joy in ownership. Not all ownership is equal! On my workshops I often set myself up to be at fault about something innocuous, just to make a point. When the trap has been laid, I ask the participants, “Who is to blame?” “It's YOU, Lex!” they say, laughing. I agree with them and then I invite them to point at the person who is to blame and say it again! As they are pointing at me, I ask them to hold their hands in the index-finger-pointing position. You might like to have a go at that now. The ‘reveal' is to ask them to count the number of fingers pointing back at them from their own hand. This usually causes a joyous response around the room as the participants realise they've been set up for an “Aha!” moment. I love owning stuff – most of the time – but rarely enjoy ‘owning' problems. When we point the finger at others – something I'm really good at – we fail to own our own opportunity to be a part of the solution. The simple exercise of noticing that three fingers on our own hand point back at us when we point our index finger at others may be enough to bring about a shift in our thinking. One pointing out, three pointing back; 25% outside, 75% under our own control. That litter on the pavement is an issue I can point to and say, “Tut! Tut! People should know better!” It can also become an opportunity where I pick it up even if I do agree that, “People should know better!” When I remember this illustration, it encourages me to repeat a phrase I learned in training, “I OWN the problem.” When I do this, I discover that there is usually some small step I can take to improve the situation. Yesterday, I was listening to a world expert on the topic of motivation. He was ranting and raving about poor customer service, and I found myself not only agreeing with him but also thinking, “I bet I sound like that!” It wasn't a very beautiful sound! He was right but the moaning and complaining pulled my energy down. I would like to moan less and own more – in the sense of taking more responsibility for making a difference. “I own the problem,” is a powerful mantra, and ‘mantra' comes from Sanskrit, literally meaning the thought behind speech or action. “I own the problem!” Perhaps you'd like to chant that with me now. [Joe Polish story] “I own the problem!” If you ‘own' the problem, you ‘own' the solution as well! If you ‘own' the problem, you ‘own' the opportunity to change your history! When we cease to blame others, and focus on what part we can play, it's like owning that first car. There's a sense of liberation and wealth, of potency and potential. Let's, perhaps just for today, put the key in the ignition of decision and drive our minds to somewhere better where we own the problem AND the opportunity. [Image credit: Charles Deluvio on Unsplash]

This week Phillip is feeling a lot better and takes you through all the films that he has watched when he was sick and now. The films that he has seen at home or in the theaters are; Theater of Blood (1973) -Criterion Channel,The Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman NETFLIX, Tremors: Shrieker Island (2020) Netflix, Night of the Creeps (1986) Shared from MoviesAnywhere by Joe Merle, The Most Dangerous Game (1932) -TCM, The Gangster (1947) -TCM, The Tax Collector (2020) -Redbox, Darkman (1990) -Peacock, Dangerous Mission (1954) -TCM, I Died A Thousand Times (1956) -TCM, Joint Security Area (2000) -Criterion Channel, 2001: Making a Myth (2001) -Amazon Prime, Freaks (1932) -TCM, Near Dark (1987) -TCM, Assignment to Kill (1969) -TCM, Andre the Giant (2018) -HBOMax, Rapid Fire (1992) -HBOMax, Ride the High Country (1962) -TCM, Ricochet (1991) -HBOMax, Spectre (2015) -ITUNES (I own it.), The Invisible Man (2020) -I OWN, Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) -I OWN, Le Cercle Rogue (1970) -Criterion Channel, Jaws 2 (1978) -HBOMax, Leprechaun (1993) -HBOMax, Let Him Go (2020) -In the theaters, Witches (2020) -HBOMax, True Detective (Season 3) (2019) -HBOMax, The Great Escape (1963) -OWN on Criterion Bluray, The Evil Dead (1981) -I just bought on Bluray, Road Games (1981) -Rented on iTunes, The Crow (1994) -I OWN Now on Bluray, and Mank (2020) -In the theaters. So give a listen, and find out what he thought of all these films. Let us know your thoughts by leaving a text or a voicemail at 602-688-2403

This week Phillip is feeling a lot better and takes you through all the films that he has watched when he was sick and now. The films that he has seen at home or in the theaters are; Theater of Blood (1973) -Criterion Channel,The Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman NETFLIX, Tremors: Shrieker Island (2020) Netflix, Night of the Creeps (1986) Shared from MoviesAnywhere by Joe Merle, The Most Dangerous Game (1932) -TCM, The Gangster (1947) -TCM, The Tax Collector (2020) -Redbox, Darkman (1990) -Peacock, Dangerous Mission (1954) -TCM, I Died A Thousand Times (1956) -TCM, Joint Security Area (2000) -Criterion Channel, 2001: Making a Myth (2001) -Amazon Prime, Freaks (1932) -TCM, Near Dark (1987) -TCM, Assignment to Kill (1969) -TCM, Andre the Giant (2018) -HBOMax, Rapid Fire (1992) -HBOMax, Ride the High Country (1962) -TCM, Ricochet (1991) -HBOMax, Spectre (2015) -ITUNES (I own it.), The Invisible Man (2020) -I OWN, Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) -I OWN, Le Cercle Rogue (1970) -Criterion Channel, Jaws 2 (1978) -HBOMax, Leprechaun (1993) -HBOMax, Let Him Go (2020) -In the theaters, Witches (2020) -HBOMax, True Detective (Season 3) (2019) -HBOMax, The Great Escape (1963) -OWN on Criterion Bluray, The Evil Dead (1981) -I just bought on Bluray, Road Games (1981) -Rented on iTunes, The Crow (1994) -I OWN Now on Bluray, and Mank (2020) -In the theaters. So give a listen, and find out what he thought of all these films. Let us know your thoughts by leaving a text or a voicemail at 602-688-2403

ML brings John Feinstein in to chat about his latest book "The Back Roads to March," traveling 35,000 miles for the best college hoops stories, why mid-majors matter, the Big 5's impact, "I Own a College" and Iona and Jimmy V, why small school gyms are so amazing, Fran Dunphy's incredible journey and more.  

I don't rent, I OWN, when it comes to gaming. That's what the cool kids say when they are playing their Forknife, right? Anyways, this week I played The Last of Us for the first time as well as Uncharted 4 and my imagination and love for puzzle solving was taken to new heights!Not only that, we were able to see Spider-man: Far From Home. Which was many weeks before we recorded this bish. And WAYYYY before this episode was finally uploaded.Download and listen to this brand new episode wherever you get podcasts!Music: http://www.hooksounds.comComposed by: Alvaro AngeloroLyrics by: TheDoctorDanko

My dearest Joyrider, Having my children and grandchildren over for a few weeks has taught me a few very valuable lessons. I hardly got my 'own' job done, only to realize that when I OWN my impact everything can be my job. Besides, my only real job is, JOY. I only get frustrated when I strive for Impressive or Income because those things can not be found in everyday life. This episode is about knowing your value. On one day, after a text message from my son in law, I made a choice that led to having impact on 'only' two people, instead of working on my 'masterpiece' that is supposed to impact thousands of people and bring me fame and fortune. But the impact that I did have by making that choice was of GREAT VALUE to these two people, who will both have a lot of IMPACT in the world because of MY choice to choose Impact over Impressive and Income. And it's not just about the impact on the lives of others, it is also about the Impact on your OWN life. What does YOUR LIFE look like while you're busy being Impressive and Important and choosing Income over EVERYTHING? My life looks like an empty page in the most important book of all the books that I write. My Daily Diary. If I don't have anything to say but work, work, work at the end of the day, or if I don't have time to catch this beautiful life that we're given with some ink and watercolor, than my REAL LIFE is a lie. I can create the most inspiring courses, I can write the most fantastic books, but If my Daily Diary is not filled with good stuff, it is not a good life, it's a good lie, because it is PROOF that I don't practice what I teach. So have a listen and see for yourself if you (can) choose Impact over Impressive and Income. It might not bring you fame and fortune, but it will bring you JOY and you WILL have a TREMENDOUS IMPACT. i did. On two people. One little one and one big one. People I mean. But both HUGE impact! Godspeed, Lou P.S. For the Dutch Ones, speaking of Impact, in the Magical Manifesting Motel (https://louniestadt.com/product/magical-manifesting-motel/) I am hosting a JOYRIDE for YOUNG ONES Masterclass on Wednesday Night July 17 at 19.30. To help our teens to understand the universal laws and their brains better, so they can make better choices, and it will teach you how to help them do that. It is for Magical Manifesting Motel Members Only (https://louniestadt.com/product/magical-manifesting-motel/) but for the price of just one night, you have access to all the Masterclasses and Now this one for YOUNG ONES. And who knows what this will lead up to, because Teaching (about) Young Ones is pure JOYRIDE! XXX

James: Hi listeners, welcome to Achieve Wealth Podcast. Achieve Wealth Podcast True Value in Real Estate Investing focuses on key players in valuable estate investing specifically on Commercial Real Estate asset class. Today we have Michael Becker who has done more than 7,200 units, primarily, I believe in the Dallas area, I know Michael can help me fix that. But you know, he has done a lot of deals in the past few years that he has been investing. Hey, Michael, welcome to the show.  Michael: Thanks for having me. Appreciate it.  James: Good, good. Can you tell the listeners about things that I missed out about your credentials? Michael: Yeah. So, Michael Becker, I'm based in Dallas, Texas and I'm a banker by profession. That's kind of how I got into the business was loaning money to other people and went out on my own about six years ago now, so about six years of experience. And as we talk right now, we're just closing up our 34th and 35th acquisition. So puts us about 70 to 100 units that we've done in our career. So far we going full cycle on 16 deals. So we refinanced three out, return some Capital still own and we sold 13 of them. So as we talk, we currently own about 5,000 apartment units, the vast majority of those are up here in Dallas Fort Worth, which is where I'm based. We have 400 units in Tyler and then we have 900 units in the Austin markets. So we're Texas-based focused, predominately on Dallas Fort Worth and Austin for where we look to buy. James: Awesome. Awesome. So rarely, I get to interview someone who has come from, you know, brokerage business and also the landing site, right? But I always wonder why Brokers and lenders who lend money and trade deals never really become the buyer or the owner of the assets, right? So what was your triggering Aha moment that you said, hey, I should better just, you know, go on the other side of the table here and start buying deals rather than lend money? Michael:  Yeah to be a banker, you have to have a certain like mindset and generally pretty conservative and if you start becoming successful like I was as a banker making a lot of loans, they try to tie you in the bank by giving you stock options and have more investing period so it's kind of the longer you wait, the harder it is to leave. But for me, I was 35 when I left the bank, I'm 40 now, and we're just like this little fork in the road, I felt that if I stuck around it was going to be that much harder to go. And really what I did was this all day every day was making loans to other people like yourself that would be a buyer, distress deal, renovate and sell it for big profits and I kind of realized I was on the wrong side of all those deals. It's better to be the borrower than a lender.  And you know a lot of great clients, a lot of them are friends, my friends still to this day, and I was looking at a lot of them and I was like thinking myself like if that guy can do it, I definitely could do it. You know, not that they're not smart. But what I like about the business it's a really, really simple business at its core; it's not always easy to execute but it's pretty simple to understand. So I had a lot of connections, had a lot of experience, you know, I underwrote deal after deal after deal, I knew everyone in Dallas Fort Worth, I was in the industry. I just wasn't doing anything about it.  So I met my business partner, Shawn, back when I was at the bank and he was helping people out of California buy properties in Texas. I made a loan to them. And so, he was kind of sick of working for his boss the broker and I was sick of working for my boss at the bank and so we kind of went out on our own. And like I said, we're probably the second or third most active B classifier in Dallas Fort Worth and the current market cycle. So we've been pretty active here in Dallas Forth Worth.  James: Got it. Got it. That's interesting. I always wonder, I mean, what do the Brokers and lenders see in themselves that they want to continue doing that rather than owning an asset? Michael:  You know, when you think about it though, like as a banker, you don't have any money at risk, you got other people's money at risk, you got your clients' money, you got the bank's money and you know for you to go tie up a deal, especially today, I mean, you posted up six figures in earnest money or God forbid, you know, well north of that hard earnest money day one and get all this like Risk and then you got to go out and raise, syndicate the capital. So to take that to do what we do for a living, you got to have a certain amount of guts to go out and do that because you know, you're taking a calculated risk along the way and you don't have a paycheck. So if you don't do business you don't get paid. So that's a certain minority of people in the world I can go on and take that type of risk on and thrive and if you go out setting cases up like I do, you just have to be comfortable taking that kind of risk. And on top of that, you know, most of the stuff is on recourse, where you still sign and carve out. Some bankers get pretty, pretty nervous about signing, you know, I have 4- 500 million in debt right now so I mean that's a lot of money, you know, and to try to take that mentality, it's just a different type of mindset for sure.  James: Yeah, I guess the entrepreneurship mindset and whether you want to do it, I mean, especially if you have gone through the last crash in 2008, you can be very scared.  Michael: That's right, for sure. James:  So let's come back to how did you scale up to this large portfolio, right? Because I used to listen to your podcast when I started in this multifamily investing in 2015. When I was listening, I know you had like, first year in[05:47unintelligible] you had like 1000 units and now you have like 7,000 units, right? I mean maybe now you own like 5,000 units, but what was the system's process if you put back yourself back into that time and I know you made mistakes from then until now but you know, what are the teams or what are the processes and who would you hire first to grow to this scale? Because now it seems like clockwork for you because you guys have been... Michael: Yeah, so we started out, it was pretty lean. So when we first started out, I did the first four deals, first 800 units. I still worked at the bank and then I kind of had enough scale that I felt like I could you know, keep going. I had enough credibility in the market place; you buy one deal, you get a lot of credibility. You buy four like quickly everyone in town knows you're out there buying it because like I mentioned, I had a lot of resources like from the standpoint like all I did, all day, was underwrite apartment loans. I had a lot of connections to a lot of people. What was holding me back was that everyone thought of Michael Becker as a banker, they didn't think of me as a principal so I had to kind of change the perception in the marketplace what I was from a banker to a principal. So once I did that, that changed it pretty quick and then from there, we sort of started to scale. And so it was my partner Sean and I and we had one employee when we started. We kind of did a little bit everything and we all do a little bit everything when you're that kind of small. And so, you know, we were just kind of guys who were doing deals and then all of a sudden we woke up. I think we had seven or eight deals and we had all this work on us and there was still just three guys out there doing deals. So we had to figure out how to systematize so we started out with someone that's got an IT project management background experience actually, so she came in and kind of did operation; we were disorganized with stuff everywhere. So like our Dropbox wasn't orderly, you know, just wasn't everything wasn't save down. We didn't have any documentation of processes and procedures. So she came in the systematically, you know by meeting with me for two hours at a time., she'll talk about whatever, interview me and systematically built out all our policies and procedures and organize everything. You know, our chaos for life got real organized over a six to a 12-month period from there. Then we added an analyst to kind of help on top of it. And then we started layering in an administrative help on top of that and then you know, we start getting Asset Management help, hired a professional asset manager and then you know, we hired transaction people to kind of help run process the escrow and things like that. So those are the types of teams, you know, we have a third-party management company. I think you're vertically integrated when you do management in-house.  So we're able to manage 5,000 units with nine people; basically my partner and I and seven employees. We've got ahead and taken the approach. So I want to hire really high-quality people, pay them a little bit more money, but just be a little bit leaner. So that's kind of the approach we've taken because I really don't like managing people. So the lesser quality people will take a lot more of my resources so I rather pay someone that's a killer really high salaries and trust they can go out and do the job. But you know, admin help is the first thing I think you need. Someone to make sure you get organized. You have a process, make sure you get an investor database. Be really helpful, if you do syndication dropboxes, so we use dropbox all the time.  You'll have internal chat systems. Those are things that kind of we can do quick little messaging, you know, all sorts of stuff like I talk about, about raising money more efficiently if you want to go down that path or if you want to talk about operation, we talked about that too. But just trying to use technology and work smarter not harder. And every time we do a deal, at the end of the deal, we always have a Post-mortem meeting where we go over the good and the bad and we take away lessons that were bad and then we take those and try to improve the process for the next deal.  And when we first started out, they were a lot of bigger issues and now, fortunately, the issues are really small and minor because we got the list of stuff you don't ever want to do again list, got really long pretty quick and try not to make the same mistake willingly twice. James: Yeah, so can you name like top three things that you have realized from that not to do list, can you share it with the listeners?  Michael: I mean around raising capital in particular, you know, we first started out, we had a database and I needed to raise a million. I remember I had to raise a million four for a deal, I think it was a million five something like that. And it took me about 20 25 people somewhere in that range to get a million five in, a hundred thousand minimum. We first started out I'd get a package. I need be able to an investor. I set up a call and have an hour-long call, 45 minutes to an hour long call and I had to do that 25 times. Now, what will do is we'll email the list, we hit schedule webinar and it's at, you know, seven o'clock Central Time on Wednesday. People that can attend Live, great. If not, we'll send them a recording of the webinar. And then they can watch the webinar when they want to and then I have a five-minute call with them if I need to resolve. So I presented all the materials of the deal so maybe a lot more efficient that way. Whereas, you start scaling up doing like webinars a lot more efficient way to present your opportunity than one on one calls. Because, for example, we just finish up with 24.6 million dollar equity raised and if I had to do that one call at a time like that is so huge, you can't do that. It's going to be 200 people basically invested to get 24.6 million. So, you know, you'd have to have 300 calls to get that and that just isn't an efficient way of doing it. So, that'd be one thing.  Another thing that's been official, as I said we got an investor database. So when you invest with us, you go to our database or portal up our website you fill your stuff in electronically and you electronically sign your documents. And that's a much easier way of going about it and getting the old school, paperwork out, that's kind of how we started. And then finally what was another good way to be able to work efficiently. You know, I think we got more efficient the way we've kind of work it and keep people in line and we clearly communicate what's expected of people and we're really consistent with it. So those are things you grow into, those aren't things you necessarily have money to do out the gate because we, you know, spent a couple of thousand bucks a month on our investor database. So if you have zero units to spend $24,000 a year on a database doesn't make sense. But you know, gotowebinar is certainly something you can do and you can use a Google sheet instead of a set of a database until you ultimately get enough revenue where you can afford some of the more technology tools that are available out there.  James: Yeah, yeah. In fact, I just launched my investor database yesterday, which was a lot of my investors love it. They just say it's so nice for them to see their dashboard, in terms of investment because a lot of them have multiple investments with me and it's just nice for them to see. And all the documents are in one place and they can just log in and get the report. They just love it. Michael: And it'll help you when it comes to tax time to track all your distribution in there, I'm sure and then you don't have to go recall your distributions at the end of the year to do your K1s. James: Got it. So coming to I mean you must have a good number size of passive investors. I mean, how do you select certain passive investors for certain deals? I mean is it first come first serve or how is that? Yeah, so we have, let's see, I did 900K1s last year. I think I had about 500 unique investors when we closed the year out. We just raised, I'm not quite sure what the stats are of how many are a repeat, how many are new but I probably have 600 unique investors who've literally invest with me at this point in time. And we're going to do 12-1300K1s  next year easily. So yeah, we generally will so we definitely have like a blacklist, right? So if we take your money and you're a pain, we'll make sure we don't take your money again. That's certainly the thing I think everyone should do that for sure.  On the front end if we think you're going to be a pain we'll generally kind of blacklist you as well, life's too short. Yeah, too many people, we don't have time to have a little distraction. But basically when we have an offering, we'll just go in the database and you'll get together like the MailChimp will send out a little, hey, coming soon email or save the date email, got a future opportunity coming up and then you just email the database and just generally first come, first serve.  Sometimes we have a couple of guys that we know that we have a special situation with that. They're like, hey, I have this money. I want to place it with you. Maybe we'll give them a little bit of a head start to deal from time to time. But generally, send it out first for people to pay attention, fill the paperwork out, get it all done, wire the money in, those are the ones that get into the deal. James: Yeah. I mean, I agree with some investors being a pain. I mean, it's just so hard to win. Especially sponsors like us. I mean, there's so much of moving parts and so much hard money in and on day one, I mean, so much money stuck on escrow and this has so many things going on in closing a deal. And there will be some people we just had to deal with it, right? Michael:  Yeah, so, you know, it wasn't the vast majority, people are great and but you know, one of the things that I was talking with one of my buddies, he's syndicating his first or second deal, yesterday, and he was getting a little frustrated, it wasn't going quicker and I'm like well just because you have a deal in escrow and you have a deadline and it's important to you, doesn't mean that it's not as important to investors, but they have other stuff going on their lives. So you got to be able to make sure you meet your deadlines. So you got to consistently communicate deadlines and be proactively reaching out to people and you know, you gotta push sometimes to get these people. Because if you don't stay in front of them, they're going to get distracted and something else in life is going to come up and they'll just simply forget that, you know read about your deal. They don't mean to and it's kind of like happens.   James: Yeah. Yeah, I always communicate as well to make sure that everybody knows the timeline and when do we expect things and keep on communicating to them because everybody's working on getting things done, the passive investor, the sponsors and all that. So that's important. And so the type of deal nowadays that you're doing because usually I mean, I'm not sure whether you know, I wrote a book called Passive Investing in Commercial Real Estate where I categorize three different types of deal, which one is core, the other ones are light value add the other ones a deep value add. So the type of deal that you're doing, can you describe those characteristics? Michael: Yeah. So when we first started out, we bought a whole lot of[16:37unintelligible] that's kind of generally where we started out that's where most people start out. So the first probably ten deals may be more raw 1960s 1970s vintage stuff and then about two years into the business, we started to transition more in the B-class. So Texas, things like the 1980s vintage. And then really the last two to three years the vast majority of what we have done had been kind of more B plus, A-minus. So things kind of like late 90s all the way to about 2008; that's kind of my most favorite part of the market, as we sit right now.  We have done a couple of brand new deals. We had some exchanged money, we sold a BDO and we just bought a brand-new 17:16unintelligible]  and then we bought a few deals a little bit older than the 90s. But generally speaking, if you ask me, A-minus is my favorite space and a couple of reasons for that. Now one, if you go back when I first I bought my first apartment 2013, I bought a brand new class A Deal in Dallas for about a 5 cap, a BDO was like six and a quarter six and a half cap and a CDO was like eight, eight and a half cap. Fast forward to today an ADO is like a 475, a BDO is like a 5 and the CDO like five and a quarter by five and a half, something like that, right? So what used to be a big gap is now really, really narrow.  So we have the ability to track larger amounts of capital. So it make as much sense to me to be on a risk-adjusted return basis to buy a 1970s piece of crap building if I can buy a 2004 vintage building for a similar cap rate. So that's kind of what we're focusing on. And the stuff that was built that's 15 years old, stuff kind of on the 2000s. Still, most of those have like white appliances and cheap light fixtures and you know, no backsplash and you know cheap cabinet fronts. You still do similar value add things like flooring, appliances, fixtures, backsplash, cabinet fronts and still push the rent lift up a hundred dollars or maybe more per unit by doing the work. So that's kind of my favorite part on the market and then just kind of we've been fortunate enough to have a couple of deals go full cycle and return a bunch of capital. So we have a lot of money in our database and so I can't simply go raise two or three million dollars, that's just too small, you know, we need to be raising, you know, nine ten million time minimum; it's just too small. So we're just trying to do a little bit of a larger deal. And that's kind of what we've been focused on and say light value add, A-minus that's the vast majority of what we do with a couple like more newer stabilized kind of deals then thrown them in if we do an exchange or we just think we're getting a good basis on a deal. James: Got it. Got it. And also the other thing that I mentioned the book is the passive investors will be, they would like to invest based on their preference or based on their investment cycle. So when you look at your passive investor demographic, do you see some differentiation in terms of these are the group of people that like to invest in my deal?  Michael: Yeah, I mean, listen with 700 different people that invested with us you get a little bit of everything, right? You know, but that's one of the things that we always try to make sure we stress is you know, hey, here's what to expect. You know, we're really explicit about what the projections are, the timing and amount and the timing of the cash flow and when you do a syndication, ultimately most of those things need to sell at some point. It's hard to keep a whole bunch of unrelated people to together for perpetuity; forever is not a good hold in a syndication environment. That's cool if it's like you or you and a partner or a really small group of people, but when you have, you know, a hundred unrelated people that's hard. So we want to make sure when we're communicating with them that--and they understand like, you know what to expect and I also let them know if we're going to sell it and it doesn't fit what your objectives are, then this isn't a good thing for you to invest in.  So we try to be really explicit. So we match expectations properly because what I don't want is a year down the road, for you to be upset because you thought you were investing in, you know, one thing and there's really something different so, you know trying to be explicitly and very clear to our investors is what we're trying to do.  James: Yeah, that's good. That's the best way to just make sure that everybody knows what they're getting into right? So with the market at the current cycle right now, I mean in DFW Austin, you know, the whole taxes or places where you're investing it's very hot right now so, where do you think we are right now and how your strategy has changed in terms of acquisition? Michael: Yeah, I mean. You know, this has been a hell of a run where we're nine years into this thing or something like that. I mean, it's been one hell of a run. You know, with that said, the more we focus on a predominately Austin which is where you live in Dallas which is where I live and if you look at the population projections about three weeks ago, I've done this with staff about three weeks ago. The Census Bureau came out and kind of have stats for the growth 2018. So Dallas, Fort Worth from 2010 through 2018 over an 8 year period, there are a million more people in here in 2018 that was in 2010. So, we went from that 6 and a half million people to about 7 and a half million people and their projections in Dallas Fort Worth are to grow from about 7 and a half million people to almost 10 somewhere between the next 12 to 15 years. So to put that in perspective that's about two and a half million more people coming to Dallas, Fort Worth if the projections are right. So that's the equivalent of like the entire metropolitan area of Charlotte or Orlando and then putting it on top of Dallas, Fort Worth today. And everything I just quoted to you about Dallas, if you take the percentages, it's even higher in Austin. So Austin is growing even faster on a percentage basis. If you feel like just driving around, there are just more cars, more people all that. So I don't know a whole lot, James, but I know if the equivalent of the entire metropolitan area, Charlotte is put on top of Dallas Fort Worth[22:50unintelligible] have to go higher right? They just have to go higher. So what we want to do is, you know, make sure that we're focusing on the right locations within the metropolitan area. You know, we're trying to buy away from these Supply the best we can. We're buying like Suburban multifamily deals in better school districts. We're trying to focus on basis. So we're trying not to pay Crazy Prices. One of the strategies we've done here recently is focused on properties that you can come buy and assume someone else's mortgage and you get this avoids having a large yield maintenance or the [23:24unintelligible] prepayment penalty. So you get a pass along a lower cost to you as a buyer. So that's a way to kind of counteract that a little bit.  What you give up as a buyer; you give up five years of interest only on the front end as you're assuming a mortgage that's most likely already amortizing so kind of hurt you up from yield. But if you save a million dollars or two million dollars in basis, you know, one day, that's going to burn down if you need to sell it or refinance it free and clear. So that's one strategy we've been doing. And then here's another thing. I mean you own a bunch of stuff to San Antonio like those we were talking about before we started recording. You know, this is one of the things I would say, it's completely unfair business, you know, a lot of it who you know, what you know, what chips you can trade. And you know, I own a lot of stuff in Dallas but I walk in the San Antonio, you know, you have more clout in San Antonio than I do, just because I don't own. So the Brokers are more apt to sell you something than someone that doesn't know that market. So we're at this point in the cycle doing 35 deals or some like that at this point, we know everybody, everyone knows us that our Brokers are players in town. So we get our unfair share deals. So, you know, we're looking at a lot of stuff and we're trying to be selective with it. It's also as far as strategy goes, you know, the lone assumption route has been something that's been successful for us. And then two, we put up a lot of hard money. That is the other thing that helps.  So you can put up a lot of hard money, get aggressive with your terms, you know, act quickly, you know, we got a deal in escrow that we officially never got to tour, you know, so we had to go shop it and then we never got to tour it and so we just basically got it in escrow went hard [25:10unintelligible]  without ever having an official tour and I can do that because I've done 30 something deals. You don't do that on your first deal. So I know what's up, I know what's going on and we did our due diligence and we didn't find anything that we didn't already expect. So we knew what to expect and that's what experience and repetition gives you a psyche. I got my 10,000 hours and I kind of know what's going on. I kept having to make better decisions, quicker with that level of experience.  James: Yeah and brokers love it too because for them is like you're a very easy buyer because you already know the submarket. You're not going to give a surprise and they have done deals with you. They just love it things to go much smoother. They make money as well. So they love the repeat buyers and the local players, as well. Michael: Yeah, that's right. And then we're all friends like we go and have drinks together we go to the baseball game together. We all become friends and you know people do business with people they know like and Trust so being local in the markets that we own and operate in. I was at lunch before this podcast and ran from the[26:17unintelligible] Brokers because of their office across the street from me. Walking down the street and you ended up having lunch in these just randomly. And as I was walking out, one of my competitors who own like 12,000 units whose office is around the corner for me walked across me in the hallway, you know, and on the sidewalk, I mean so this like being proximity and doing a lot of deals that stuff helps. James: Got it. Got it. So let's say nowadays, what's the process of your firm looking at a deal? So let's say today there's a deal coming. I mean, it's not on the market, the broker tells you, who looks at it first, how does it come to your eyesight before?  Michael: Yeah. The way we are set up, a deal comes in, say I get it, you know comes across my desk. You know, I basically kind of where's it located? You know, what's the basic price? Right? So I'll just kind of go to Google Map. Make sure you kind of know the location I'm in and I know whatever location that they are sending us. Like we know like the markets because we're in the market. So, you know, usually, most of the deals are like, no, it's the wrong location or no, you're prices are extremely insane. I'm not paying that price per unit for this type of product. And so usually a lot of people kind of get kicked out, but if it passes kind of that basic high-level test, then at that point usually we'll do like a real get the financial statements in from the seller. And then what we'll do like a real back of the envelope analysis.  We'll spend 20 to 30 minutes doing a real high-level underwriting just to make sure that it kind of passes the high-level test and usually a lot of those deals die right then. So, you know, the deal was just like, you know the match it doesn't work. It's just way too expensive or we don't think there's not much upside in the rinse. Just whatever it is. We kick a lot of deals out that way. Then if it passes that deal usually at that point, we'll do a full underwriting and that will take this like four hours. You know, we have a CFA that's our analysts. Our analyst will go underwrite the deal for four hours. Since it's my partner and I, then my partner will go through and kind of review the model. And once you review the model, it passes that, then, you know usually, most of the deals kind of die right there then they don't really work. But the deals that kind of pass that screening that's when you know, we'll kind of get down and get serious about it. And I think that point that's usually when I go tour. So that point, they pass all the tests so we set up a tour maybe put [28:34unintelligible]  in early kind of depends on the situation. And so, you know, we're looking at you know, 60 70 deals to get one that actually makes something like that. That's probably somewhere in that kind of General ratio is what we look at. And we just have like little series of check marks along the way that we gotta like, you know, but doesn't pass this one little test and let's just kill a deal and move on. I found on the biggest cost to have in my life anymore, stop tuning cost. So if I spent a lot of time on one thing it's at the expense of something else. So my time is precious. So just trying to make sure I get, you know, use that the most widely and don't chase these deals for you know weeks and weeks. I never had the opportunity of actually making it in a day. So that's hard to do when you're first starting out and that's a lot easier to do when you have some experience.  So when you start out, you got to learn these lessons sometimes the hard way. You got to underwrite this deal that if you would have just at the end of it just kind of be self-reflective like, you know, what could I have seen earlier on this deal that would have stopped me from wasting a week of my life on it? You know, you need to start that. I think that's what separates a better apartment owner, ownership syndication type groups from the less successful ones.  James: Yeah, I agree. I mean, I don't look at more than five parameters in any P&L to decide whether I want to dig deeper. So what's the ratio of deals that you look at verses you looking at and passing it to your analyst for the four hours underwriting? Michael:  I mean, it's probably pretty limited. So if it's called 60 deals to get one, I mean it's probably, at least half just get killed or your pricing is way too high or it's the wrong location or the deal too small or something physically about the deal I don't like. So that's probably half of them and the ones I've been going to like get a back-of-the-envelope, we probably kill, you know, the 30 that make it through on the 60 we're probably killing, you know, so that's 20 right there. Then we'll probably underwrite, you know, ten to get the one type of thing.  James: What do you look for in a location?  Michael: You know, yeah, so we're Suburban multi Family Guy. So good Suburban location that is in the better school districts, you know near major thoroughfares preferably to have access to Lifestyle and Retail amenities like, you know, like they are near a Starbucks, near a good grocery store, you know, retail restaurant, stuff that people want to live in. First and foremost, low-crime area too, I don't want to buy in the hood. So, you know, no low-crime area. Those are the things I look for and we're targeting, you know, preferably 200 plus unit, A-minus family deals, but that's kind of my perfect deals. An A-minus deal with more than 10% or an upside, you know it's well located, low crime, better School District, near employers, near retail and restaurant. That's kind of what I look for.   James: So, can we go a bit more deeper into the back of napkin underwriting? So, let's say there's a $10 million deal you know, 50 unit, maybe a 100-unit deal, how did you underwrite that? Back of the Napkin. Michael: I mean, so what is the first major metric is a, you know, one other [inaudible31:51} ransom what's our basic market survey say . So, pull a [inaudible] and look at the market rent. So then how much upside do we have in rent? So, I say, so, if there's only 5% upside in rents then it's probably not ideal for us, you know, we typically 10 plus percent in upside of rent to make the mass work. So, if I only have 5%, I know when I layer in my sponsorship compensation it's just not going to make sense. All right, so you know, like it's just not going to have no margin for us to be able to go attract capital. So, that's the first thing and then we'll then obviously go down and like other income or other income opportunities, then obviously look at the expenses as well. Michael: So, you know, one of the deals were we just got awarded, the payroll is by 1600 ,1650 a unit and it should be 1200, you know, so we can on day one, boom, take 450 out of payroll that certainly helps quite a bit. So, we're looking for things like that, that's kind of what it is. And you know, basically for maybe if you think about it at its simplest form, James, like, I need to do a deal I need to be able to deliver somewhere between 13 to 15% IRR today that's what takes me to attract capital. So if I can't get a deal layer in my compensation layer in whatever capital you need to do, um, you know, talk to the purchase price and I don't have enough upside of rents because at the end of the day, if I can't produce a 14% or 15% IRR over a five year hold period, my investors don't want to invest. So, I can't spend time on deals on can produce those types of returns. So, we're just trying to find, stuff that has enough upsides would be able to produce that. So, whatever that is, reducing expenses, increasing income, the two most common things, or is there some sort of way we can get a different type of debt quotes that may be kind of juices, some of these returns or whatever the specific situation is to that property. That's kind of what we're trying to get to the heart because, if I can't produce a 14 or 15% return, I need to shoot the deal and move on. James: Got It, got It. So, coming to 13,14% IRR is it to investors, or is it overall returns on ... Michael: Investors right. So, if it’s like 15 investors 17 and a half, 18 to the deal and you put a sponsor comp in there? So, it's got to be, I gross 8 total 18 they get up 15 and our structure or something, something like that. James: Got It, got It. Yeah. It's interesting on the debt code side, no, sorry, before I go there, how do you know that the seller is not taking some of your upside? Because nowadays that's what sellers do, right? They price it slightly higher; they give you upside, but they price it higher, which erases your upside. So how do you determine that? Michael: That's the whole thing why we don’t buy c class anymore because of the same catch, so yeah you know, that's the thing so I mean, all these deals that have a lot of upside have a lot more interest and so they can again, bit up and the cap rates are compressing. So, the trick is you got to overpay a little bit, but you can't overpay too much. Right. James: Right. Michael: And that's kind of like what you're doing. So, at the end of the day I got to, I, it's as simple as I deliver a 15 IRR and if I can't deliver, I can pay up to a certain price and then you start doing past out price and I can produce the returns I need. And that's kind of when we back off. James: Okay. Michael: So that's kind of how I think about it, so, every, most of the deals we'll work out at a price. So, we just kind of get to where this is the Max price what we can do to push to push out a 15 IRR for investors. And so that works up to 20 million and 20 million, 100,000 it doesn't work. So, you got to kind of draw the line in the sand and have a lot of arms in the fire. You get a whole bunch of deals working all at the same time. Usually, they start popping. James: Yes, yes, yes. The basis of my question is because they could be $150 or hundred dollars a rent bump potential, but the seller has priced it so much or we could have outbid-- Michael: Yes. James: --so much that it's not worth it, right. So, to do that because you might be just getting-- Michael: Yes, there's that. And then you get a little nervous for some of the less-- the newer people in the business, with little less experience like you're going to pay a five cap for 19 C class, 1917 deal. Okay, location and suburban St. Tonio or Dallas or whatever and then you're going to perform like a five and a half or five 75 extra cap. Five years down the road for a c class deal, maybe that, maybe that's the right cap rate, maybe it's not, it needs-- as you go and improve the property, you're able to increase rents and by extension, you value you’re in a why. But at the same time, the more upside you take out of these deals because your turnover, 50% units upgrade them, shrinks your buyer pool cause everyone wants value add. So, the more value you take out on the deal, your cap rate actually goes up. So, it's like a weird little dynamic you're in that you got to like, you got to factor in. It's like a 3-D puzzle you're doing because what's great because you're increasing, you're why. Because you're raising your rent, but at the same time you're also expanding your cap rate, as we sit in the same marketplace. So, it's interesting, complex puzzle, the marketplaces are right now. James: Yes, I was talking to a broker and you say hottest deal to sell nowadays it’s like deals where everything is done right, 90% is done. Michael: Yes. James: Nobody really wants it because everybody wants value add right? Michael: That's probably the opportunity to go buy a bunch of that stuff. Cause that's what today is. And then if you can get higher leverage loan, you get a 75% loan and get a good low-interest rate and get a bunch of I Own and go buy a deal that's turnkey. Maybe that's a better way of going, to be honest with you. And just kind of get a little bit more your return from current yield versus a big pop on the backend. That's thought about strategy, to be honest with you, it's a lot more safer than going and doing a bunch of work on a property-- James: Yes. Michael: --and paying a 475 cap for 1970 deal. I'd rather pay a six and a quarter cap for six and a half cap for a deal that's already done. James: Yes, because the backend is not certain. Right. Nobody knows what's going to happen-- Michael: Right. James: --at the [inaudible37:58] cap rate, so. Michael: That's right. James: So that brings to my next-- Michael: And then you do all the work, you might expand your cap rate anyways. And then you're doing all this work to only get half the payment. So, I think if I could go back in time, I would've bought every deal on a bridge loan. I would not have spent a single dollar in renovations and just operate it, wait five years and you sell it in today's environment for like a freaking 475 cap, that would have been a better decision with the benefit of hindsight. James: Yes, correct. Correct. So how would you-- sorry, in terms of cash flow vs. IRR vs. Equity multiply, right? So, what do you see, what is the most important number that-- for you, right, I know you're passive investors need to look at? Michael: Yes. You know, I think everyone, that everyone's different too. Like, all my investors have different things that are most important to them. I think, honestly at the end of the day, a pair of this investment, that investment, IRR is really kind of the driven. I'm not the biggest IRR in our store. We, I think the cash on cash certainly matters because I can't pay my bills on IRR, but I can with a check every month. So, I, that certainly protects it. But at the end of the day, really, we're focused kind of when we're-- comparing this, it's up to you in the next one, really kind of IRR. Because you know, if I'm able to come in this deal, I assume a mortgage and refinance in the third year or something like that and have a partial return of capital that pops my IRR pretty, pretty good. And I keep take some of this capital and return to my investors quickly. Two-year period, you know, 30% of their money back through a refi or something like that. That certainly is attractive. So, we'll, I think I kind of focused on IRR when I'm making the decisions on which deal, I want to buy, which deal I don't. And we've been, we like [inaudible39:54], we've been focused many deals about loan assumptions recently trying to get a lower basis. So, the first and foremost I'm focused on basis, making sure I buy a deal that's a relative value to everything else is trading right now. And I, cause I was only two things. You can't change on a property; you can't change your purchase price and you can't change location of it. Everything else you can kind of modify can always refinance it. I can always improve the property, but I can't change what price I paid or where it's located. So, we'll locate a deal with good prices, and I think everything else will kind of generally work itself out. James: Got It. And got it. How do you make decent between buy and hold for long term vs. buy and buy and refi? How do you decide? Michael: Yes, so if it's a syndicated deal, we've done a couple deals, especially when it first started out doing dentures where it's like what equity partner in us. Those deals we tend to hold longer. We bought a bunch of workforces, we sold them, we exchange, like A-minus or a product. So, we did a bunch of that. And then when it's a syndication people for like forever is not a good whole period if you're in syndication. Because people want, return on their money as well as return of their money and kind of the intermediate term. So, we're typically performing a five-year hold period. I think you'd be going much past seven. Most people kind of like, you know, shoot, I don't want to tie my money up for 10 years or 20 years. Now I kind of want to get my, I kind of want to see a return of my money as well as the return on my money. So, it kind of depends on the thing, but that's a heck of a lot of work buying and selling these things. So, it was just a lot easier just to kind of hold and it's kind of operate, especially the way we're set up with a third-party management company that does all day today. I, managing a bunch of thousands of apartment units. It's kind of like adult daycare. James: Yes, it's adult daycare, it's a good one to see. Michael: It's property management as a business of problems. I mean, there's always a problem, like every day, always, problems everywhere. So, if you have third-party management to kind of oversee that and we're set up and I have an asset manager that layered in between me and them. As a principal, the way we're set up, it's really not that bad on the day today. So, what we've been kind of focusing on is we're just selling the older stuff and buying newer, nicer stuff. Cause there's old stuff, I mean, not only, it was great, and we made a bunch of money, but you have asphalt parking lots and casts on sewers and t one 11 siding, Hardie. You go renovate a deal and two or three years later you've got to renovate the deal because the parking lot needs to be redone and you painted over wood. So, then you've got to have more wood of what, right? You got to go paint over again. And you can't cast, our sewers are collapsed in every time you turn around and get, dig it up and replaced sexting sewer pipe. So, you have all these like nonrecurring items that recurrent all the time. So, doesn't impact in a live per se, but it impacts your actual cash and the bottom line? So, I'm so I think the actual net cash you can pay out, it's not that different on a higher cap rate, older deal versus, or maybe a little bit lower cap rate, better quality deal if you're going to be in these deals for a long period of time. So, we've been just trying to get younger in our portfolio, so stuff I owned a day, I'd be much more likely to want to hold than the stuff I owned in 2014, 2013 cause those were just tougher, older, older deals. And I think that's what I've seen been kind of like the natural progression of most people that do what I do for a living. Just over time. One of the things, one of my mentors told me once when I first got in the business was, you own apartments in dog years, and every year of ownership feels like seven. So, like over time, you know that statement is very, very true. The older the property and the smaller the property, the more true that statement is. The bigger, nicer. It's just easy, just easier. So, I don't know if I answered your question,-- James: [inaudible43:42]. Michael: --but those are the-- between owning or selling a deal. James: Absolutely. Absolutely. And-- so let's go back to a bit more personal stuff, right? So, can you name like three things that you think is your secret sauce in, scaling up to this level? Michael: Yes, so, first and foremost, I mean I'm pretty tenacious and I had a lot of ambition, so, that was, that was a lot of it, right? I was like, I was willing to do what it takes to get to where I got. So, we had a lot of experience, background, and training and that certainly, so first and foremost, I just really, really, really wanted it. And like last weekend I flew to Jacksonville, not check, yes, Jacksonville, Florida, I'm sorry. Losing track of where I was. So, I was in Jacksonville for 21 hours. I spoke in front of 300 potential investors. I flew back home. I did that Saturday morning, came back Sunday morning and three weeks earlier I was in Newark, New Jersey, went to some hotel conference room on a Saturday, came back on Sunday. So, I'm willing to sacrifice a good chunk of my weekend to go out and get in front of investors so I can then do these larger deals. So, if you're not willing to put in the work and do what it takes and you're only, you're going to get a moderate your success for sure. Second thing was, I had a great background being a banker for over a decade and I just did deal after deal after deal. So, I've got a great education on my, on the bank Stein. So, most people don't have that. Cause then they're not bankers. Right. But, go get educated. That's the other thing I would, I would say get educated, higher from a reputable mentor. There's a lot of people out there put the time in. Become a student of your craft, go listen to this podcast, or listen to our podcasts, read books, do stuff like that. That’s a great way of learning. These podcasts are great. Like we host the Dole Capitol podcasts or your podcast. You're going to sit here and talk to me. So, it looks like about at least 45 minutes here- James: Yes. Michael: --at this point. And you get to your conversation from two guys that own almost 10,000 units collectively for 45 minutes for free. And there's a lot of wisdom and nuggets, but I think hopefully you can take out of that. Um, so, my background, my education was certainly it. And then really just a lot of its just relationships. You know what I mean? A lot of this is as simple as just don't be a jerk. That's, that's a lot of it, right? So, the brokers want to do business with people they know, like, and trust. They want you to be honest with them. They want you to be, do what you say you're going to do. And if you could just do that and be in a good guy and be friendly with them, man that goes a long way. It really does. So those are, those are three things I've done pretty well in this business. James: Got it, got it. And why do you do, what you do, I mean, where are you? Michael: I understood back, couple of things, right? To have a better life to be able to, the monetary if you'd have done well, the very rewarding monetarily. I sit back, so I got a couple of things happen, reflecting back on this, cause you know, we've done a lot in a short period of time. When I was 2010, so my mother passed away in 2010. So, I was like 32, I'm 32, 31, something like that at the time. And, so she was like 57 when at the time she passed away and then she-- her and my father sacrificed to save all their life to then be able to retire one day and then go have all those great traveling adventures in the sunlight and do stuff that was great in life and she didn't get to do that. She works to sacrificed and saved and I never got to-- the fruits of it. So, I kind of, that was a thing that kind of burned into my mind that I need to be able to do something young, unable to take a risk young. So, then I can then enjoy a lot of stuff in life. So shortly after, that's when I really first started was in 2011. I bought a bunch of rent houses in 2011. I [inaudible 47:28] my mom passed away and that's kind of really when I started like taking risks and doing stuff because being a banker, you're just naturally conservative. You're not really wanting to go take risks. But I started small and kind of got some confidence and then a transition in the multifamily. So that was one thing. And then, and then when I was about 34, 35, I was sitting at the bank and I worked for a large, large national bank and then, I was really successful, and they're kept trying to promote me. And, when I was looking at the bank and I looked at my boss and my boss's boss and his boss and thinking about what they do all day, it was kind of depressing, to be honest with you. Like I didn't want to do that. And I felt like a, it is a metaphorical thing, but it felt like a little fork in the road. Like I'm 34, 35 and if I don't go out and take a chance like right now, and I wait one more year, every year is, we made a little bit harder to go out and take this risk. But if I like go out right now, I saw the market, the market was right. Capital was blowing and the deals are so good. And I knew that because I was in the industry. So, I was like, if I go out and I fail I can always come back and be a banker because I was a really good banker and I can, y'all are going to need to be a banker. But if I go out and I succeed, then I can have a great life and get to go to Hawaii for three weeks. Like I'm going to this summer, I'm just going to pick up the family in Hawaii for three weeks. I'm just going to work from Hawaii for three weeks to sort of be in a hundred degrees in Dallas. Right. So that's what you, that's what I get to do today. And I get to pay for my sister and her family to go to Hawaii because we've taken the risk and been successful and those are-- that's kind of, I guess some of my whys right there. James: Yes. It's, it's interesting on how you're tenacious. I mean, whether its real estate or anything. And you can do this in anything, right to, you just have to be-- Michael: Yes. James: --persistent in doing it and know your why and just push it. And I can change your life. Right? So. Michael: In every transaction, there's always a problem, right. James: Yes. Michael: So that's the thing too. And that's what I always fall back on. Like there's always a problem. There's always stress, there's always, whatever. And you just got to like push through who's going to put your head down. You just got to push through. Just kind of will it, so do what you needed to do, you know? And not that every time I feel frustrated and you were not getting a deal, right? Like I've gone months and months on a deal, I just do more. Like, you know, I make more calls, I go do this, I'm proactive. I'm just like more always answer. So, we don't get what you want to do. More effort, not, that's usually, usually tends to work out pretty good for me. James: Good. Good. We're coming to the end. One more question. Do you have any like a daily habit or daily ritual that you do that contributes to your success or effectiveness in life? Michael: I'm not the most, I don't really read a lot of books. I don't really meditate on do any of that. So, what-- I, I do find myself from time to time, I'll go down the rabbit hole of doing something and like burn off 30 minutes by all my life around the internet or something like that in the middle of the day. And I always try to catch myself and say, okay, like I just need to prioritize. So, I have a hundred things to do every single day and I need to ensure I know what the most impactful thing is. And I focus my time on that. Cause, sometimes you let the tyranny of the urgent get in the way of the important. So just cause I have 40 emails on red, I need to go clear. It doesn't mean that's the most important thing for me to do right then. Even though that's like dinging on my screen in front of me. Sometimes I'll try to shut that out, focus on what are, what is the most important thing. And then I know when I, I'll schedule time to come back and clear my emails out an hour later down the road when I kind of get done the most important thing. Because, if you're in a Sproul, I'll leave you with, it's kind of, there's this whole thing that I've, I've definitely learned in this business, as a syndicator, as someone that does, find that puts together an apartment operators, apartment investment opportunities or any sort of opportunity like that. The best way you make, the way you make money in this business, you've got to find deals and find money. Going to find deals and find money and everything else is sort of noise. It’s all really important. You got to operate; you've got to do all their things right. But, that doesn't really, that's not driving revenue. So, if you want to focus on revenue, you've got to find deals or find money. So, I'm not talking to brokers, I'm not talking to my investors, you know, everything else is, not driving revenue. So, at the end of the day, I always try to remember that when I'm deciding, what do I spend my time on. Do I spend my time on this or that, that's always in the back of my mind? James: Got it. Got it. Is there anything else that you want to share in this podcast that you have not shared in hundreds of other podcasts that you have been? I should have [inaudible51:57]. Michael: I, I think, we do a pretty good job. So, I would, if you want to know more about me, I think really there's a couple of ways you can, the easiest way to find me, just get my company's website, which is a company spiadvisory, just go to our website www.spiadvisory.com. It's spi like spy advisory dot com. There's a contact us form, fill that out. I always happen to have in 10 or 15 minutes. A telephone call, listeners of the podcast. You guys are interested in maybe working with us or really the best way if you want to know more about me or if you listen to this podcast or [inaudible] or. So, you can listen to a dual capital podcast. So that's on iTunes or Stitcher or YouTube or anywhere you're probably listening to me right now. You can find the old capital real estate investing podcast. So, we have probably 300 episodes in the archive or more at this point. So, we do interviews with other people kind of similar to this format. As well as we do a little short one where my partner Paul interviews me and asked me one question a week and I answered about one specific topic. So, if you want to know anything about and just all-around apartment investing in your or some form or fashion. So you want to learn more about me, that's a good way to kind of-- I talk, I have a lot of stuff recorded that's out there that, but if you like this, you may, you may like that and hopefully can provide some, a little nub. It nuggets on different little talk topics, to listen to those. James: Yes. Yes. I learned a lot from you. I mean, listening to you from different, different podcasts throughout my apartment investing journey. So, I'm thankful for that. And I think that's it. Hopefully, all the audience and listeners got the value that they want to get or getting from Michael and myself. I think that's it. Thank you. Michael: All right. Thank you.  

Let’s talk about HOW to judge if you're own MLM position is performing how it should...   First of all, I'm not talking about rating the company that you've chosen to be a distributor for.   What I'm saying is...   How do you rate your MLM position?   I want to teach you a really cool model that you can use to see how you're doing in business.   One of the biggest questions I get is, “Stephen, I've built this thing and I don't know what to focus on next”.   In order to know what you need to do, you need to know where you currently are. This is a rating system that is used in real businesses.   Major businesses Multi-million dollar companies   I'm gonna teach you how to do it for your specific MLM position inside of your company.   RATE YOUR CURRENT MLM POSITION   This will help you go in and say, “Okay, here's my current place and where I am” and it'll be very obvious to you where you're weak.   I'm gonna teach you how to go through and rate your current MLM position.   This will help you create a roadmap.   I recommend that you take out a piece of paper.   This is literally how I go through and do this with my own business on a routine basis. And I know it's one of the reasons why we have such focused action inside of my company.   Because I take a moment to figure out where we are and where we're trying to go in relation to those two things.   It's very easy for me to see where we're weak. I sell my strengths, but I still need to go in and fix the weak spots, as far as the systems go and I'm gonna explain that to you moving forward.   One of the biggest things I run into inside of MLM is that people don't treat it like a business, and I know I've said that on this show.   “But Stephen, how do I treat it like a business?”   You need to know why it hasn't felt like a business and why you have not been treating it like one.   This episode will teach you the systems needed so you can treat it like a business, so that you're not the business. So that you're not treating like a hobby and so that you have something that's measurable.   You need to know if your business is actually growing and THIS will teach you that framework.   WHAT IS A BUSINESS?   When I was in college they would ask questions like, “What is a business?”.   We had to write a paper about what a business is…   At the beginning of my entrepreneurship classes there were some specific books that I was told to read.   I'd read the book and the first half of the book was great but the second half of the book was really awkward.   The reason it was so awkward is because they would say things like...   “The business has a soul” “The business wants to expand” “It's ready to grow and it's ready to breathe”   … and it got fluffy.   And I gotta tell you guys… I'm not into that type of business belief AT ALL.   I don't believe in business WOO WOO.   What I practice is measurable activities that will guide me to success.   I don't care about ART.   I'm not saying ART ART…   I love art but art by definition is sometimes hard to define…   And because it's not to define-able, it's hard to design ahead of times. There's things in this life that you have to design. There's things you have to discover.   I want to know, in business, what I can design ahead of time.   I want to know that when I do A + B I get C   This is how I KNOW what to do next in my business. It is a way to rate how you're doing in whatever business you're in.   I'm not trying to say how to rate your MLM business as a whole. What I'm saying is how to rate your performance in your MLM position in your business.   How do I rate it and how do I know what to do next?   WHAT TO DO NEXT IN YOUR BUSINESS   THIS IS POWERFUL STUFF.   This is this is one of the coolest ways to know what to do next.   I had to do redesign what a business was in my head.   You might know this story... But one of the first funnels that I ever built was for a company that wasn't an MLM but they had a two tiered affiliate system. Sometimes they were mistaken for an MLM.   It was the first major success I ever had on my own while I was still in college. And it was for this water company. They're selling water machines and wateriners, water ionizers, Kangen Water, stuff like that.   I did all this marketing research and I did a bunch of Ask campaigns. And I found a whole bunch of people who had a lot of questions. They wanted MORE from the company.   Since they already had an existing customer base, I dropped a question out to their people. “What are you still struggling with?” and I got 157 responses.   What happened next was shocking. I spent the next week reading those. It took me three different tries to get through them because they were so intense.   The topic was intense as I asked people, “What are you guys struggling with your health? We're trying how to figure out how we can serve you guys better”.   People were saying things like, “Hey, I'm sitting here next to my spouse who's supposed to die any day. We're in the hospital and I'm responding to this. I really wish that I knew about your stuff sooner”.   I was like, “Oh, I thought we were marketing hard enough”, and I it got so heavy because some of these people were telling their life story... Which is kind of what you want in an Ask campaign.   MLM BUSINESS MARKETING   But the topic was so heavy for me and I remember sitting back and just thinking, “Oh my gosh this is intense”.   And I come back the next day and someone would be like, “Hey, I'm sitting here and I just was diagnosed with cancer. Why did you not tell us about this sooner?”   Again, I was like, “We're not marketing hard enough!”   So I went back and we started looking at the products that we're being sold in this company. I launched a funnel and designed it all out and it was a big success.   They made great money from it and it was the first big huge win that I had for a client and something interesting happened though...   This has happened THREE times now…   DAY 1: The launch happens and everyone's like, “Oh my gosh, this is so freaking cool. This is so awesome. Steven this is so much money. I can't believe how much money this is. This is amazing!”   I'd be like, “Yeah what's up?”, I'm on the phone with the CEO, “What's up? Oh, I told you it would work” and it was really validating for me at the time.   DAY 2: They called me and said, “Wow, this is a lot of sales… Oh my gosh” and I'd be like, “Yeah, what's up? I told you it's gonna be super cool! It's gonna elevate everything.”   DAY 3: They called and they'd be like, “Turn it off! Turn it off! Turn the funnel off!” and I'd be like, “Who wants less sales?” and I'd hang up.   THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FUNNEL AND A BUSINESS   And I remember the first time that happened with that first water company. I was like, “You psycho, who wants less sales? You're crazy, you're insane. Who wants less sales?”   About two weeks later I just stopped answering my phone altogether. He would call in a desperate frenzy and he goes, “Stephen, turn it off!” and I was fed up.   I go, “Dude, why would you want less sales? I don't know anyone else on this planet who wants less sales.”   He goes, “Stephen, you are going to bankrupt us.”   I said, “That doesn't even make any sense. I don't get it. That doesn't make any sense. You're making more money”   And he goes, “No dude, you don't get it. You're selling so fast that you're sucking all the cash out of the business just to fulfill in the product. I can't pay my people. We have a serious cashflow issue going on. You're selling too quickly. TURN IT OFF!”   I was like, “OH MY GOSH!”   Iit was the first time in my entire life that I ever realized that there is a massive difference between a FUNNEL and a BUSINESS.   HUGE DIFFERENCE!   “Stephen, how does this relate to MLM?”   That’s a MASSIVE reason why most people don't have success in MLM. They go out and they don't realize that there's two different parts of this.   YOU DON’T OWN ANYTHING IN YOUR MLM POSITION   You're gonna go ahead and design the business that you own... And we've gone over this in the past.   You don't own anything in MLM.   The products The position you're in Those that you're getting inside your downline   I'm not saying this to freak you out... It's the truth.   At any moment, stuff can change... So what do you have control over?   You have control over a few things:   The WAY that you approach people The audience that you approach The training you give your downline   This is a lot of what Secret MLM Hacks is about. It's about how to create a message that you can go and approach the market with your dream person.   Inside of the message that you approach them with is that unique offer. That unique recruiting offer, that you developed… A self-liquidating offer.   The third thing you can control inside of your downline is the TRAINING you give them after they join you.   I didn't get a lot of training in the first time MLM I joined. You have probably been in one like that and it's frustrating.   They're like, “Just go talk to your friends and family”, I'm like, “Alright, if that's what you're supposed to do…”   The reason I'm going over this is because, first of all, you control these three things. But on top of that, I want to give you a way to rate where you are.   UNDERSTANDING YOUR CURRENT MLM POSITION   It's very hard for Google Maps to tell you where to go when they don't know where you're starting.   This is to help you understand where you currently are and the MLM position that you're in   The first time I ever saw this, someone was teaching me how to rate my own business.   This doesn't come from me. It comes from some specific people mixed with a lot of different books... A lot of time and experience for sure.   A great book that'll walk through some of these concepts is it book called Clockwork.   Anyway, here's how to rate the business.   The reason I told that story as well is because a lot of people get obsessed with the funnel. The purpose of the funnel is very finite and a funnel is not the same thing as a business.   A funnel is not the same thing as a business.     A FUNNEL generates the revenue.   The BUSINESS fulfills on the revenue.   Let's define what a business is.   A BUSINESS is a series of systems that generate a lead, then convert that lead, then deliver what the lead was sold.   There's a lot of consensus that THIS is what a business systems are.   After this, there's a lot of varying opinions. For me I look to see how well I UPSELL them after this.   Second money is ALWAYS easier than first money... Which is one of the reasons why you create a self-liquidating offer in your MLM.   Once you've created that, it's very easy for them to go and buy from you and your downline, whatever you're selling. Your product, your opportunity. Because you've already warmed the mind with a first sale.   MAJOR FUNCTIONS OF A BUSINESS   What is a funnel responsible for? Technically you can have a funnel that generates a lead, converts that lead, delivers what they bought and upsells them. That's why a funnel is so powerful.   If you design it the right way, a funnel can perform some of the major functions of a business.   I like to look at these as independent systems because technically a funnel can fit inside all those.     I'm gonna design the funnel into ONE specific function of business.   HOW TO RATE YOUR MLM POSITION   How well do you generate a lead?   If you're scoring yourself on your ability to generate a lead as a 3, you have more leads coming in than you can handle. If you score yourself as a 1, you're not getting enough leads to fuel the other functions.   These all feed into each other.   Lead → Convert → Deliver → Upsell   This is not stuff that an upline teaches you. What you're taught inside of an MLM is to be the lead gen for your upline.   Which means go get my friends and family. I am their system for leadgen. That's why that's taught.   I am my upline's system around lead creation   They convert them. The company delivers and upsells all for me. It's literally out of my control after the lead.   There's two things I can do with this…   #1: Create a self-liquidating offer then I gain control back on ALL of these functions. I create my own offer in front, which Secret MLM Hacks really is for me.   I don't pitch you guys on my MLM or my down line. Most of you don't even know what I'm in.   It allows me to gain control back on gaining leads, converting leads, getting cash in hand that gets me more leads. All this money dumps back into ads and then I deliver what I said I would deliver. Then I upsell later on.   That's exactly what I've created here, and what I'm teaching you to create. You don't have to make something to the magnitude of Secret MLM Hacks.   YOUR MLM POSITION AND SECRET MLM HACKS   A major purpose of this course is to teach the market, that we're using very old systems. This puts POWER back in the hands of the MLMer.   When you learn to create something in the front, it lets you gain control over it.   You're not usually given that much control over converting. Definitely not on product because it's not your product.   YOU DON’T OWN ANY OF IT.   To get power back into your hands, what you do is create an SLO, which is what Secret MLM Hacks  teaches you how to do.   There's multiple ways to pull that off.   I want you to RANK where you currently are. What this becomes is a MAP.   You have to decide whether to rank yourself in terms of your ability, in terms of your MLM position. How well do you generate a lead?   We’re talking about BUSINESS. Business systems, business structure that frees YOU from being THE business.   If you handle every...   Support ticket differently Lead different and there is no system Conversation when someone is interested in your downline   … YOU’RE THE BUSINESS   I'm recruiting a lot of people DAILY and I'm not talking to any of them.   The knee-jerk reaction people have had when I say that is. “Well Steven, you just took the human element out of this game”.   No I didn't. I have a system that…   Generates leads Converts them Delivers what they bought from me (including MLM training which is what hackMLM.com is for my team). Upsells people to gain back cash and cash flow hard   ...All I did was create systems around it.   RANK YOUR MLM POSITION   I didn’t take the human element out of it... I just treat it like an actual company instead of a freaking hobby.   In terms of my MLM position, let's also rank it on the SLO that you've created. This is why we're doing what we are here, this is why it's so powerful.   There's only so many things you control in your MLM position. What I do have control over is getting more leads than I can handle.   That's good, that's awesome, that's a sign of massive strength.   I don't really have control over the MLM position delivery itself. I don't control the fulfillment that my MLM has.   I want you to rank where you currently are in terms of the self-liquidating offer that fuels this but then also where you are in terms of the position your MLM has handed you.   On a scale of 1 - 3 (3 being AMAZING!) rate the following:   MLM POSITION   LEAD: CONVERT:DELIVER: UPSELL:   For me personally I'm gonna rank LEAD a three because we got a butt ton of leads.   We're about to pass 1,400 people asking to join my personal down line, not including all the people who joined my MLM and get the same systems and all the people asking to join theirs.   IT’S INSANE!   WHAT TO DO NEXT WITH A LEAD   As far as converting them, I'm gonna rank myself a two. We give them personal phone calls. I have people in my downline who I've deemed as being good phone closers and people who can answer questions about the MLM.   They give personal phone calls to those who asks to be in our downline. I think it could be better. We're still trying to figure out a few gravy train changes that we could switch and I think we know what it is. Delivery... I don't really have control over that because my MLM does that. They’re the ones packaging up our product and shipping it out to them and giving them more training. I'm gonna put an X here.   What's interesting is, I created an entire program to train them on how to be successful. There is a training on our back-office for just our team. Here's a training on some cool lead strategies for just our team.   No one else gets it. That adds value for when they join me. Do the same thing in yours. I'm NOT pitching you, I'm telling you to do the same thing in yours.   As far as upselling goes, there's not a ton that I have in place for upselling. Although some of it is in Hack MLM.   I don’t have control over the THING itself… Delivery, fulfillment, I don't have control over that.   What I do have is this program that will teach them about it and in doing so, they have more success with it.   Hack MLM is both delivery and upsell.   RANK YOUR MLM POSITION - WHAT TO DO NEXT?   In terms of how I'm doing in my MLM position, I've rated myself pretty high. THIS is how I RANK it but then what do I do with it after I rank it?   That's where I'm really taking us ;)   Now let's think in terms of your self-liquidating offer. Let's say you're, gonna go create a product.   Say you’re selling a protein supplement...   You're like, “Stephen, I really want my downline to be filled with people who are very scientific in terms of their understanding about the supplement. They understand protein synthesis, they know what's going on a molecular level.”   “Stephen, I'm a nerd. I love our supplement to a huge scientific molecular level. I want my downline to be full of those people.”   Great! So then what kind of product would attract a whole bunch of people, who are scientific about your thing? A product that's scientific about the thing!   You just create the same SLO as the type of person you're attracting.   The reason I created Secret MLM Hacks with a lot of awesome funnels in there is because I targeted it at the funnel community. They see that as extremely valuable.   I'll charge $50,000 to $100,000 to build one funnel for somebody and you get eight. It's pretty awesome.   RANK YOUR BUSINESS SLO   That's who I'm targeting therefore that's how I designed this self liquidating offer.   I'm gonna rank mine.   YOUR SLO:   LEAD: CONVERT:DELIVER: UPSELL:   Our self-liquidating offer gets a lot of leads but I'm not gonna give it a three. I do think there's a few things we could do to make it even better. There's a book that we're writing.   I own bigMLMsummit.com. That's a cool way I know I want to create more leads.   As far as converting them, we actually have a pretty good conversion rate but there's a lot that I want to go update in the webinar. More things that I want to give to HELP you guys. Emphasis on help. I don't want to give more for the sake of giving more.   I think the last thing anyone needs is another video course.   There's a few ideas I have that could improve Secret MLM Hacks. I'm gonna give that a two because we still convert. We still deliver really well.   Upsell? There's no upsell. I'm gonna say one because there's not really an upsell to Secret MLM Hacks.   The only upsell from here in the value ladder is if you want to join my downline.   People reach out and they ask and we tell them where to go, we give them a phone call.   RANK YOUR SLO - WHAT TO DO NEXT?   What I do then is THIS:     I look to see what I'm ranking the lowest on, and that becomes the focus for my next month or two.   The next logical thing for me to do would be to create something specifically to upsell my existing buyers, because there really isn't one.   Then after that I would choose the next lowest one. This becomes my to-do list. The number ones literally become the first thing I do. Number twos are the next thing I do. Number three is the next thing you do.   Then I just go back and re-rank it. I'm making sure to develop a system that gets leads. That’s why I tell you to publish so much. It's the easiest thing to do, to get a bunch of really warm and hot leads AND it converts them for you.   You can suck at sales messages and just be podcasting your journey in MLM and what you're learning and you will attract true believers into your life.   They'll just buy from you, because they've been listening to you. Because they love you and they love your stories.   Delivering. If you're doing info products, it's as simple as a freaking email with login access.   We ship you out cool boxes and packages and stuff like that but anyway…   Upsell. I don't really have an upsell. I SHOULD have an upsell and this tells me I should probably go make one.   WHAT DO YOU CONTROL IN YOUR MLM POSITION?   That's just the stuff that I control in my MLM position. I don't control that much. There's tons of rules, there's lots of red tape in MLM which is understandable.   You know where you're trying to go. You're trying to get to a spot where you have a well-oiled machine like we've built.   I have leads and they convert pretty much on their own because of the systems I've built They get delivered on by the MLM They’re up sold by the MLM   I can facilitate that better by creating a program that trains them on the MLM, which is what I did with hackMLM.com.   Focus on the next major to do list in terms of your MLM position. In order to fuel THIS, you need to start looking at THIS side. What can I go create? What is the status of where things are currently?   I'll do this periodically for anything that I sell.   I ask myself, am I building a business?   I challenge you to:   NOT launch funnels   Launch businesses   A funnel is just an arm for these things. What are the system that you have created? Do you have a system?   If there's no established way, I become the system.   I'm NOT the system, I am NOT the funnel, I am NOT the business.   I OWN the business, I BUILT the funnel, I CREATED the system.   You gotta treat it this way or it's a hobby.   WHAT TO DO NEXT - JOIN SECRET MLM HACKS   I know it's tough to find people to pitch after your warm market dries up, right?   That moment when you finally run out of family and friends to pitch. I don't see many up lines teaching legitimate lead strategies today.   After years of being a lead funnel builder online I got sick of the garbage strategies most MLMs have been teaching their recruits for decades.   Whether you simply want more leads to pitch or an automated MLM funnel, head over to secretmlmhacks.com and join the next FREE training.   There you're gonna learn the hidden revenue model that only the top MLMers have been using to get paid regardless if you join them.   Learn the 3-step system I use to auto recruit my downline of big producers WITHOUT friends or family even knowing that I'm in MLM.   If you want to do the same for yourself, head over to secretmlmhacks.com.   Again that’s secretmlmhacks.com.

Darren Springer is one of the producers of the weekly comedy show Ossington Comedy. His humor writing has appeared in CBC Comedy, The Beaverton, and Splitsider. He is also the host of the upcoming standup show I Own 12 Hot Tubs, happening Tuesday April 23 at 8 PM at Comedy Bar.

Starswing S2 E08 "I Own this Joint Baby" by Erik Beltz

Episode 161: “When is it okay to have sex with someone you really like?” “How do you stay broken up with someone you know isn’t good for you?” “How do you use dating apps without being superficial and going crazy?” When I polled my Instagram audience the other day to find out what they wanted to know the most about, these are the three questions I received repeatedly.  So, today’s podcast episode of the Mind Body Musings show is going to be all about these three things. DISCLAIMER: None of the insight or advice you are about to receive are set in stone. Coach Maddy Moon has been fooled into going on dates with many a**holes throughout her years via dating apps, she has reached out to exes she knew she shouldn’t be with, and she has had sex before when she really could have gone without it. But, hey, I OWN these experiences totally and I wouldn’t take any of them back for anything. I owe a lot to the nights I ended back up in the arms of an ex because it’s those gross gut feelings that led me to ending things permanently.  I owe a lot to giving myself to someone who wasn’t right because I realized how much of a treasure my body is and why I need to only share it with someone who really matters. I owe a lot to my insecure past. She taught me what strength really looks like. She taught me how to stick up for my values, worth and voice.  I’ve had some really dark days when it comes to relationships (this year in particular was a doozy) but nonetheless I’ve remained open and vulnerable. I’m so proud of my romance battle scars because they’ve healed into something spectacular. I know myself, I know what I want, and I know what not to do.  So, without further ado, are you ready to hear what I’ve learned about these three topics? Let's go! Show notes: Enjoy Four Sigmatic’s Mushroom Hot Cacao Mix and get a dose of its many health benefits! Enter the code ‘maddy’ in their website and get a 10% off your purchase. When using dating apps know yourself and be clear on what kind of person that you want to date. Go on ‘mini’ dates so that if it’s not working, you don’t feel locked in. When on a date, I let him pay if I feel we are a good fit and we are enjoying ourselves. If it’s not a good fit, I always pay half. Don’t overthink if a date goes really well. If you want to say hi the next day, do so. Know the type of person that you are and know the type of person that you are with. I am primarily a secure type of person, but secondarily anxious. I can get very attached to someone who is an ‘avoidant’, someone who does not respond and plays a little hard to get. Being an anxious person, I let go of people who are avoidant as they activate my attachment style MAJORLY. Listen to the podcast I did about the book Attached to learn more. Notice the pattern of communication after your date. Mentalities you can have when using dating apps: I​’m doing this for dating. I’m doing this for entertainment / fun. I want to meet new people. Make new friends. If you want more insight about dating, Matthew Hussey has a book called ‘Get the Guy’ + a great YouTube channel. So why choose the middle path when on dating apps? To increase your pool of potential and possibilities. Know that an ‘attachment’ is created when you have sex with someone. Can you or your partner handle that? If you are an anxious person, an avoidant is already not good for you. Much so if you have sex with him/her as sex only multiplies your attachment. Consult with your heart and feel what’s best for you. Maybe talk to your partner first and see how you both feel about your relationship before you have sex. Giving yourself to someone only to watch the relationship quickly crumble is always painful, but learn what you can from the situation and stay in your softness and femininity. One of the reasons one stays in a relationship is comfort. But life is not just for comfort, my friends. To cope up with a break-up: Travel

You’re Listening to the Street Smart Wealth Podcast, show 304. It’s Monday, and so our Mantra for today, before we get into some business is - I choose to welcome success into my life. And, it’s important to focus on Choosing Success in Your Business, too. Need some coaching to move you forward? My one on one and inner circle programs are LIVE! Are you looking for coaching to be successful in your Network Marketing business? Want to also learn how to generate your own leads online? My Inner Circle Coaching Program may be just what you need. Or, maybe it's one on one coaching. Learn more about both at http://StreetSmartWealth.com/coach And, http://DirectSalesBootcamp.com is open! Check the podcast archives on the blog at JackieUlmer.com for previous episodes if you missed any or are new to the show. I’m excited to share  with you that http://StreetSmartNetworker.com is now live. I have taken my 20 plus years of networking online and offline for success and created a training program to teach YOU how to create an endless stream of leads, prospects, sign ups and referral partners for your business. A lot of people GO to networking events. But few know how to monetize them. Now, you can be one of those few. Had a great conversation about Networking events with my interior designer, who hates networking events. Listen in as I share how that mindset of “Networking events don’t work” is a flawed thought process. They DO work. Like crazy. I’ve been to networking events where over half the people there are in some type of Network Marketing company. A lot has been going on around here lately and I am AMAZED at the show growth now that it is back in iTunes and has 300 episodes available to listen to on demand! I’m going to be recycling some of my past shows, that are no longer archived there for Throwback Thursday. Stay tuned. And, I have a HUGE favor to ask you - would you share this show with another? Maybe one other person, or post it on your Facebook wall, or business page? Send out a tweet? Share it on instagram? Growing the show is huge in getting the word out there to others about what success is and how they can have success. Tag me in your Facebook post, or your tweet - @jackieulmer I would love to publicly acknowledge you, too, for your support. Also, join me over on my Facebook page for the Millionaire System series. I’m going through the 1 Minute Millionaire book and taking some concepts from it for you. It’s more than just money! Choosing Success in Your Business I choose to welcome success into my life. That’s our Monday Mantra and our mantra for the week. Say it, write it down, post it on Post It Notes and also repeat - I am choosing success in my business. Let’s talk a little bit about the power, and the fallacy in mantras and then I want to share some thoughts on what it means to be choosing success in your business. Mantras - they are talked about quite a bit, and they are powerful for a few things - Keeping you focused on where you are headed and where you want to be, instead of staying stuck in one spot. They are positive, they are uplifting and they can be a catalyst for shifting you to where you want to be. The fallacy of mantras is when one just blindly recites them, expecting THAT one act to make the change. It’s so much more than that. It’s FEELING your way to the success you want. It’s thinking about the mantra and the words you speak and feeling as if it were already true. Remember, the mind does not differentiate between what is real and imagined, UNLESS, you are blindly reciting something that you don’t feel at all aligned with. So, practice these mantras and do so in a way that allows you to feel what you are saying and where you want to be. Okay, so now that we are clear on that, let’s talk about Choosing Success in Your Business. What does that look and feel like for you? Success - it’s an interesting word and it means different things to different people. For most, it starts with that feeling of monetary success. Of starting something and taking the action necessary to create income; to create clients; referrals; team members; SALES. I was recently interviewed by John Milton Fogg, also known as the Greatest Networker in the World, for a group of Russian entrepreneurs. And, he asked me a question - what’s been the best thing for you about success in Direct Sales and your Home Business, and for me, with Social Media. And, my answer is simple - The money of course, was why I started. I wanted to create a better life for my children, my family and myself. I wanted to travel and enjoy life, and not feel the struggle. And, I achieved that. And, it’s been great. Beyond all of that, however, it’s the knowledge that I DID IT. That I accomplished my goal. That I did more than just talk about it - I did it. Along the way, I met amazing people and they are part of that success story. They ARE the success story. No matter what ever happens, I OWN that story.  What’s your story? What’s your story now, and the story you are passionate about creating? How focused are you on achieving that success and that story? How committed are you to achieving that success and that story? How do you FEEL about achieving that success and that story? How do you feel if you do NOT achieve that success and that story? How would you feel about being that top producing Real Estate agent in your office? Or the top recruiter and team builder in your Network Marketing company? How would you like being the top new comer in your insurance company? Do you know how simple it is to grow your own successful business? It’s starts with just a decision, and then a little plan. I am coaching a new real estate agent right now, and we are working through her fears first. We are moving her past herself and building her up to become the Go To person in her neighborhood, in her niche and on a national and worldwide basis. Imagine the referrals she can get from others outside of her area just by bonding through Social Media. Social media is not a fad, and it is not a mystery. IT’s a systematic process of authenticity, starting conversations, sharing value and building relationships. It’s been my passion and made me a fortune for the last 18 years, almost. 18 in October. If you want a little guidance, go to Profit in Your PJs now, and let’s get you on the path. I LOVE and appreciate reviews! Go to JackieUlmer.com/itunes or JackieUlmer.com/stitcher to leave your review and be entered into a drawing for a free month of coaching. Show notes http://JackieUlmer.com/301 I really do want to hear from you. This world and business needs more connection! Do you have a question or comment for me? Feedback for the show? Tweet me - @jackieulmer let me know what's on your mind. I'll respond! and if you have a question for the show, add the hashtag #JackieUlmer or, ask them at JackieUlmer.com/question and include a link to your blog for a link back! Has this been helpful? I would REALLY appreciate it if you would rate the podcast on iTunes or Stitcher, or wherever you listen. Just go to http://JackieUlmer.com/iTunes - click to view in iTunes and you’ll see the link to reviews And, share the link with friends and team partners! On Stitcher - http://JackieUlmer.com/stitcher  Until next time - remember this - Hesitation Never Cashed a Check!

What are some useful tips for using smartphones? Satoshi Nakamoto, I Own a Smartphone repair franchise called I Fix Screens I can give you tips concerning your Phone battery lifetime. Every battery has a certain number of charge ...

  After two weeks off I'm ready to get back to work. But before we jump head-long into 2016 let's take a look back at what made 2015 so news worthy. I will have six different guests to get their views of 2015 and their expectations for 2016. The show will be jam packed with first rate observations, keen insights and just a little bit of fun too.    First I'll be joined by Sara Marie Brenner,Sara Marie has been a conservative voice since 2001. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and international relations theory from OSU. She hosted a daily radio show and has been cited or published in The Washington Times, Human Events, Yahoo!, Fox News Opinion, Breitbart, I Own the World, and many others. She has been a guest on The Glenn Beck Show, One America News Network and countless radio shows. Sara has interviewed conservative all-stars, and had an investigative voting fraud piece linked to on Drudge Report in 2012. Currently, she is an Ohio delegate and the Delaware County, Ohio chairman for the Trump for President campaign. You may join her 51,000 followers on Twitter @SaraMarieTweets , friend her on Facebook, or connect on LinkedIn. . Sara Marie is the original “Conservatarian” and I am happy to have her back on the show. Second up will be Lady Patriot Dr. Sharon Schuetz. The second hour will start with the unapologetic, unabashed conservative Josh Bernstein. My next guest will be Tea Party activist, political writer Ken Crow, and we finish strong with Annie “the Radio Chick” Ubelis host of Southern Sense Talk Radio show.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tapp-into-the-truth--556114/support.

  After two weeks off I'm ready to get back to work. But before we jump head-long into 2016 let's take a look back at what made 2015 so news worthy. I will have six different guests to get their views of 2015 and their expectations for 2016. The show will be jam packed with first rate observations, keen insights and just a little bit of fun too.    First I'll be joined by Sara Marie Brenner,Sara Marie has been a conservative voice since 2001. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and international relations theory from OSU. She hosted a daily radio show and has been cited or published in The Washington Times, Human Events, Yahoo!, Fox News Opinion, Breitbart, I Own the World, and many others. She has been a guest on The Glenn Beck Show, One America News Network and countless radio shows. Sara has interviewed conservative all-stars, and had an investigative voting fraud piece linked to on Drudge Report in 2012. Currently, she is an Ohio delegate and the Delaware County, Ohio chairman for the Trump for President campaign. You may join her 51,000 followers on Twitter @SaraMarieTweets , friend her on Facebook, or connect on LinkedIn. . Sara Marie is the original “Conservatarian” and I am happy to have her back on the show. Second up will be Lady Patriot Dr. Sharon Schuetz. The second hour will start with the unapologetic, unabashed conservative Josh Bernstein. My next guest will be Tea Party activist, political writer Ken Crow, and we finish strong with Annie “the Radio Chick” Ubelis host of Southern Sense Talk Radio show.

As you may know, I OWN rental properties and also I encourage ALL of my clients to buy rental properties each year. Of course the first trick is buying quality rentals, THEN it's managing them without the headaches, yet making them profitable at the same time. This show is dedicated to that goal!!  I will have several experts on the show sharing their wisdom and experience with tips, strategies and pitfalls to avoid when managing your rental properties. This show will MAKE and SAVE you thousands!!! The show will broadcast today, Tuesday September 4th, at 11am PST / 2 EST. You can call in and listen LIVE on the road at 646-200-4285, or listen in here from your computer.