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Want to know how to grow sales in the top 10 Amazon categories?In this episode of That Amazon Ads Podcast, we break down the exact Amazon PPC strategies, KPIs, and metrics that actually matter for each niche.Most sellers are applying a one-size-fits-all Amazon PPC approach and misreading their performance data completely.We cover LTV for supplements, return rate-adjusted ACoS for apparel, Q4 share of voice for toys and games, review velocity for electronics, influencer strategy for beauty and sports, and ecosystem building for tools and home improvement.If you are serious about how to grow sales in the top 10 Amazon categories and stop burning ad budget on the wrong metrics, watch this all the way through.Drop a comment if you want a follow-up episode on category-specific campaign structure!
Launch Your Box Podcast with Sarah Williams | Start, Launch, and Grow Your Subscription Box
Do you have a product-based business? Are you selling products via an Etsy store, in a pop-up shop or a retail store? Are you selling one-off products online? Adding a subscription box to your existing business is a no-brainer and can offer you so many benefits! Adding a subscription box provides: A stable, predictable revenue stream - recurring payments benefit your business in so many ways, including stabilizing your cash flow. Customer loyalty - subscribers have committed to regularly purchasing products from you. Increased lifetime value (LTV) - do you know the LTV of your customers? My subscribers stay for an average of 18 months, generating thousands of dollars of revenue each. Opportunities for cross-selling and upselling - pair your box items with additional one-off items from your shop. Scalability - packing and shipping 500 of the same thing is much more efficient than 500 different orders. Have I convinced you to add a subscription box to your business? I have 5 simple steps to follow to make it happen. Identify your best customers: Who are they? How often do they shop with you? Take a look at your top 20 customers and dial into who they are. Identify your best-sellers: What categories are your best sellers? What do people buy from you repeatedly? What are people asking for more of? Set your pricing structure: What is your average order value (AOV)? What is the AOV of your top 100 customers? Price your subscription box in that range. Create exclusivity and scarcity: What are the benefits of being a subscriber? Make items only available in the box. Make them only available by subscription. Create FOMO with your customer base - make them want to be part of something exclusive. Create a great user experience: Are your website and the checkout process clear and easy to follow? Make it easy for people to update or cancel their subscriptions. Provide a higher level of customer service - remember your subscribers are the VIPs of your business. A bonus piece of advice, which is really the best piece of advice, is to talk about your subscription box a LOT. If you want to create a business that is 75% recurring revenue instead of depending on one-off sales, you've got to make it the main thing in your business. And that means talking about it… a lot! Join me for this episode to learn how having a subscription box can change the game for your business. Predictable inventory, better cash flow, monthly recurring revenue, and more. Follow 5 simple steps to get started today! Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join today!
Wanna work with us? Schedule a call here: https://go.oncehub.com/bookacall Who are you as a lender (gameplan revealed) - #333 Not every private lender runs their business the same way—and that's exactly the point. When you control the capital, you control the strategy. In this episode, the hosts break down the different types of private and hard money lenders operating in today's market and how each model approaches risk, leverage, borrower relationships, and deal flow. From ultra-conservative lenders focused on low LTV collateral to relationship-driven lenders offering high leverage to trusted borrowers, there's no single "right" way to structure a lending business. You'll hear real-world examples of lending models used across the country—including nationwide lenders, commercial-only funds, long-term rental lenders, land lenders, and niche operators who have built highly profitable strategies by focusing on a specific borrower or deal type. If you're building or scaling a private lending business, this episode will help you identify your lending strategy, target borrower avatar, and core competency so you can stay focused and grow profitably. Topics covered include: Different types of private and hard money lending models Low LTV vs. high leverage lending strategies Relationship-based lending vs. collateral-first lending Why many new lenders try to do every deal (and why that changes over time) How successful lenders define their target borrower avatar Why focus and specialization can lead to a more profitable lending business Whether you lend your own capital or manage investor funds, understanding what kind of lender you want to be is one of the most important strategic decisions you'll make. If you're interested in learning more about private lending, capital raising, and loan structuring, explore upcoming events and resources at Hard Money Mastermind. ✅ Please like, subscribe, and share! ✅ Are you a new or experienced private lender or hard money lender? Join Jason Balin and Chris Haddon from Hard Money Bankers as they draw from their extensive experience running a successful hard money lending company since 2007. Tune in weekly with episodes related to all aspects of private lending. From discovering lucrative loan opportunities to securing private capital, effectively managing your loan portfolio, handling defaults, and much more, we've got you covered. ✔️ Tune in now and watch the full video podcast at www.privatelenderspodcast.com ✔️If you enjoyed this podcast we would appreciate a positive review... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-lenders-podcast/id1476153070 ✔️Make sure to check out the #1 Online Community For New and Experienced Private and Hard Money Lenders.. Create your account at www.hardmoneymastermind.com FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL Get updates or reach out to Get updates on our Social Media Profiles! ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardmoneymastermind/ ✅ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hardmoneymastermind
Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupWe co-authored The Conversational Report with Postscript to understand one simple question: when shoppers text brands back, what happens next? The punchline is uncomfortable. Customers treat texting like a real conversation, but most brands treat replies like a support inbox, or ignore them entirely. That gap is where a lot of abandoned carts live.Role-based hook: For DTC founders and operators scaling past $1M who want SMS to do more than broadcast promos, and want replies to turn into revenue plus better creative and PDPs.Mike Manheimer from Postscript joins to break down what the data says, why brands struggle operationally, and how AI changes the economics of responding quickly.What we get into:Why brands misread replies as “support,” and why that kills revenueThe consumer expectation gap, plus why 26% real time reply rate is a gift for anyone who executesThe easiest way to start: add one question to your welcome flow and watch what comes backTurning reply data into a weekly insight loop for PDP, creative angles, and offer clarityWhat a real playbook looks like beyond “send more promos”Who this is for: Retention, growth, CX, and founders who know SMS works, but feel like it has not matured into what it should be.What to steal:The “question mark” strategy for welcome and abandoned cart flowsA reply triage model that does not require headcount explosionsA simple way to turn conversations into segments you can act onPostscriptMikeReportTimestamps00:00 Why brands are wasting SMS potential02:00 The gap between brand assumptions and shopper behavior04:14 Why SMS should be treated like sales, not support06:00 The staffing problem behind slow SMS replies08:10 How Postscript's conversational AI actually works11:20 Why fast replies create a better buying experience13:05 The LTV upside of real SMS relationships15:10 How to write SMS flows that get real responses18:12 The revenue and ROI from conversational SMS21:35 Why PDPs cannot answer every shopper question25:05 How SMS conversations create better customer insights31:20 The best conversational SMS playbook for brands37:45 Why one-way SMS is becoming obsoleteSubscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouseFollow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video
Canada’s residential mortgage market is a $32 billion annual asset class in Ontario alone. Plus, it’s structurally undersupplied. Unlike the US, Canada has no 30-year fixed mortgage. As a result, strict banking regulations push Canadian homeowners into the private lending market every few years. That forced refinancing cycle produces delinquency rates roughly one-eighth of what US private lenders see. On top of that, the recourse process in Canada runs just 60–90 days. Chris Lopez sits down with Hugh Tawney, founder of Leeward Capital Partners. Together, they walk through how Property Llama Capital gained access to this market and why they made it part of their Capital 3 fund. Hugh brings an institutional finance background in public equities, fixed income, life settlements, venture, and structured credit. Before founding Leeward, he spent years building fund vehicles across multiple asset classes. His CFO managed fund accounting for 38 entities at a Denver venture firm. His COO, meanwhile, helped build ArrowMark’s multifamily origination platform — a $5 billion book. Their Canadian operating partner, Aman Mann, ran a mortgage investment company from 2017 to 2023. In total, he originated approximately 500 loans with zero impairment of principal. The fund focuses on first and second lien residential mortgages — bridge loans, fix and flip, and short-term refinances. Currently, the portfolio sits at a 76.4% weighted average LTV with an 80% hard ceiling. Also worth noting: two-thirds to three-quarters of the loan book is owner-occupied. Homeowners, after all, default at a fraction of the rate that investment property owners do. For third-party validation, the fund works with Baker Tilly (tax and audit), NAV Consulting (fund administration), UMB (custody), and Stout (quarterly independent valuations). In This Episode We Cover: Why Canada’s lack of 30-year fixed mortgages creates a structural private lending opportunity every 3–5 years How Ontario’s power of sale process delivers 60–90 day recourse vs multi-year US foreclosure timelines The tax structure that classifies fund distributions as qualified dividends — potentially a 30–50% reduction in tax burden vs ordinary income How currency hedging via forwards contracts protects principal at a cost of 8–15 basis points The pending leverage strategy projected to take gross yields from 12% unlevered to 20% levered Why Leeward targets the lower end of the Canadian market — less competition, more inefficiency, higher yields The 15-month liquidity window and how it mirrors a short-term bond fund duration with a private credit return profile If you’re an accredited investor looking at private credit and want to understand an asset class that most US investors have never encountered — this is the episode to start with. Property Llama’s due diligence included a three-to-four day on-site asset tour in Toronto and a personal investment from Chris before the fund was opened to the broader investor community. Watch the YouTube Video https://youtu.be/GvF4XBzzJJs Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome & Executive Summary — What this fund targets and why 04:32 — Chris Lopez — 15 years as an active investor turned passive 08:30 — How Property Llama Found Leeward — Due diligence and the Toronto asset tour 10:26 — Hugh Tawney — Leeward Capital founder and institutional finance background 14:25— Why Canada Has No 30-Year Fixed Mortgage — And what that creates for private lenders 15:55 — Power of Sale vs Foreclosure — How Canada’s 60–90 day recourse process works 23:15— The Private Lending Opportunity — Why Canada pays 300–500 bps more than the US 25:45 — The Tax Advantage — How this fund achieves qualified dividend treatment 40:20— Currency Hedging — Protecting principal across USD and CAD 42:47 Leverage Strategy — How the fund projects a move from 12% to 20% returns 47:58— Fund Terms & Third-Party Validators — Minimums, lockup, and who’s watching the books 57:30 Canadian housing crash fears, IRA/UBIT considerations and next steps Links in Podcast Interested in learning more about the Leeward opportunity? PLC 3 LLC: PL Leeward 1 Data Room Property Llama Capital Passive Pockets Summit — use code LOPEZVIP for $100 off Passive Pockets Podcast (hosted by Chris Lopez)
DTC and eCommerce brands are facing rising ad costs, climbing CAC, and tighter margins in 2026. If your growth strategy still depends on cheaper paid media, it is time to adjust.In this episode of Bottom Line, Cody sits down with Chris Hall, founder of Ecomm Cowboy and former Shopify operator, to break down the new DTC operating system for profitable growth.He shares three strategic shifts brands must make as paid media gets more expensive:• Generate more organic and low cost traffic• Increase LTV through smarter product development• Cut overhead and operate leanIf you run a Shopify brand or lead an eCommerce marketing team, this episode is a practical blueprint for navigating rising ad costs and building sustainable growth.Subscribe for more conversations on DTC strategy, eCommerce marketing, paid media, and LTV optimization.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niLFK8PzZfA .entry-img img{ display:none !important; } .single .hentry .entry-img{ display:none !important; } https://open.spotify.com/episode/2k0Q4tIQThBIQZ5cCfz5nq In today's M&A landscape, the businesses that achieve premium valuations are rarely those with the best numbers alone. They are the ones with brands that command trust, preference, and pricing power. Yet, brand equity is still one of the least understood and least quantified assets in most deals, often buried in a vague goodwill line and ignored in negotiation. For CFOs, founders, and deal professionals, learning how to value brand equity in an M&A deal has become essential to avoiding underpriced exits and capturing the full economic value of what has been built over years, if not decades. In this episode of The GrowCFO Show, host Kevin Appleby tackles a topic that is rapidly becoming mission-critical in corporate transactions: how to value brand equity in an M&A deal. Traditional deal models lean heavily on EBITDA multiples, revenue, and tangible assets, often sweeping brands into a vague “goodwill” bucket. Yet buyers are truly paying for demand, pricing power, and confidence in future cash flows, all of which are heavily influenced by brand equity. Failing to quantify this asset means many sellers unintentionally give away a significant portion of what they have built. To unpack this, Kevin is joined by Stevey Arroyo, Founder & Partner at The Brand Exit, who explains how a brand can be transformed from something “soft” and aesthetic into a measurable, auditable financial asset. Drawing on ISO 10668 and practical M&A experience, Stevey shows how tools like relief-from-royalty and replacement cost can be used to calculate brand value, justify premium multiples, and de-risk post-deal cash flows. For CFOs, founders, and deal professionals preparing for an exit or acquisition, the discussion offers a structured pathway to turning perceived brand value into defensible numbers that stand up in due diligence and negotiations. Key topics covered: Why treating brand equity as indistinct “goodwill” leads to incomplete valuations and allows sophisticated buyers to capture unpriced upside in M&A deals. How ISO 10668 and the relief-from-royalty approach can convert brand equity into a concrete number using projected revenues, replacement cost, discount rates, and market value assumptions. The role of brand in driving demand, pricing power, and quality of earnings, and why these factors often justify a higher multiple than the standard industry benchmark. Why effective exits start years in advance, with brand audits, evidence-building, and linkage of metrics like CAC, LTV, and ROAS to enterprise value, rather than last-minute positioning. How AI, SEO, and “answer engine optimization” (AEO) are reshaping discoverability, and why being the most specific, trusted brand in a crowded market will increasingly drive both deal flow and valuation. Case examples, from specialist properties to Pimlico Plumbers and Apple, illustrate how targeting the right buyer and properly articulating brand equity can multiply deal value well beyond the underlying assets. Links Stevey Arroyo on LinkedIn Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn GrowCFO Mentoring Timestamps: 00:00:00 – 00:05:00 – Kevin introduces the importance of valuing brand equity in M&A and welcomes guest Stevey Arroyo, who outlines his journey from creative agencies to brand-focused M&A. 00:05:00 – 00:15:00 – Why brand is more than logos and design; how brand equity sits behind customer preference, demand, and the very ability to sell a business versus a look alike competitor. 00:15:00 – 00:25:00 – Breakdown of ISO 10668, relief-from-royalty, replacement value, and market value—how these methods turn a brand into a certified, auditable asset in deals. 00:25:00 – 00:35:00 – Exit readiness and due diligence: brand audits, building a multi‑year “log of proof,” and linking marketing metrics to the de‑risking of future cash flows. 00:35:00 – 00:46:00 – AI-driven discoverability, examples like Pimlico Plumbers, and how both buyers and sellers can use brand equity strategically to identify bargains or justify a premium sale. Find out more about GrowCFO If you enjoyed this podcast, you can subscribe to the GrowCFO Show with your favorite podcast app. The GrowCFO show is listed in the Apple podcast directory, Spotify and many others. Why not subscribe there today? That way, you never miss an episode. GrowCFO is a great place to extend your professional network. Join GrowCFO as a free member today and participate in our regular networking events and webinars. Premium members can also access our extensive training center and CFO Digital Toolkit. You can enroll in our flagship Future CFO or Finance Leader programs here. You can find out more and join today at growcfo.net
Are most gym leads slipping through the cracks without ever showing up? Find out what separates high-performing gyms from the rest.Episode HighlightsIn this episode, Whitney from X4 Nexus explains how her gyms achieve a 75% booking rate, 60% show rate, and under 5% churn. She dives into creating scalable processes across multiple locations, building a passionate team, nurturing leads over 14 days with a structured follow-up cadence, and maximizing member value ($1,500–$1,800 per year). Whitney also shares insights on maintaining lead quality, refining marketing targeting, and ensuring consistent operational execution.Episode OutlineWhitney's role: managing four locations with plans for expansionDaily and weekly operational tasks for consistency across studiosLead nurture: 14-day manual follow-up with six calls plus monthly automated outreachBooking and show rate strategies, including urgency and confirmationsClosing rates and maximizing member valueChurn management and retention strategiesAdvice for gym owners: monitor lead quality, refine marketing, improve nurtureKey takeaways: know your numbers, refine systems, balance people coaching with operational metricsEpisode Chapters00:00 Intro to Gym Marketing Made Simple & Lasso00:29 Meet Whitney & X4 operations overview01:59 Managing multiple gym locations & staffing03:23 Hiring from the brand community & “product of the product”04:29 Franchising X4 & building scalable systems06:07 Lessons from OrangeTheory & “you can't improve what you don't measure”08:07 Lead journey design & 14-day nurture cadence11:29 Booking, urgency & show-rate tactics17:13 Free trial, presenting offers & sales process19:25 Funnel math: leads to 15–20% conversions22:54 LTV, CAC and ad spend mindset25:24 Churn, retention & business health vs hobby32:08 People vs process, refining what already works36:31 Final advice to gym owners & GMsAction TakenCreate scalable operational processes for franchise expansionBuild a sales team and implement a structured lead nurture processContact new leads within five minutes and follow up manually for 14 daysMove leads into monthly automated sequences after manual follow-upsImplement confirmation automation and manual confirmation cadenceRefine marketing targeting, monitor KPIs, adjust processes as neededConclusionStructured operations, intentional staffing, and focused lead nurture keep gyms performing at peak efficiency and member engagement high.CTAListen, follow, and visit the provided links to access the tools and insights shared in this episode.
Affiliated: ClickBank's Official Affiliate Marketing Podcast
Jeremy Reeves joins the ClickBank Affiliated podcast to address ways to increase your LTV, get rid of excess expenditures, and maximize cash flow in your business. Get Jeremy's Book - http://profitmodelbook.com/ Jeremy's Business - http://scaleadvisors.com/ Email Us - affiliated@clickbank.com
Kā ir strādāt ar uzskatos radikāli atšķirīgu politisko oponentu? Un kādēļ Čehija samazina savus aizsardzības izdevumus laikā, kad citas reģiona valstis tos palielina. Arī par to šovakar ekskluzīva LTV saruna ar bijušo NATO ģenerāli, tagad Čehijas prezidentu Petru Pavelu.
App Masters - App Marketing & App Store Optimization with Steve P. Young
In this episode, we are joined by Zakhar Azatian, a bootstrapped technical solo founder based in San Francisco and the creator of BeHard, a gamified accountability app built around lifestyle challenges.He's a two-time founder with one successful exit and has grown B2C mobile products to over 1 million users, without a big team or massive funding.In this session, Zakhar breaks down how he generates and tests hundreds of ad creatives per month, the gamification mechanics that dramatically increased retention and referrals, and how he treats App Store search like a technical optimization problem, not just marketing.If you're building a consumer app and want practical growth tactics, this episode is packed with real execution frameworks.You will discover:✅ How to generate and test hundreds of ad creatives per month with a tiny team✅ How to treat App Store search like a code optimization problem✅ Paid growth insights from Meta, TikTok & influencer marketing Learn More:Explore Be Hard
Episode 264 - Special Guest David Wachs of Hanywrytten - Why Handwritten Notes Still Win in an AI World What if you could automate the personal touch? In a world of inbox overload and AI everything, this episode shows you how to stand out with a simple, high-impact strategy: real handwritten notes—at scale. ✉️ Ian Cantle and the Marketing Guides team sit down with David Wachs, CEO and founder of Handwrytten, to unpack a practical system for cutting through digital noise, boosting follow-up, and building loyalty. From when to use handwritten notes (and when not to) to smart ways to automate without losing authenticity, this conversation delivers field-tested tactics you can put to work this week.
App Masters - App Marketing & App Store Optimization with Steve P. Young
How do you successfully sell your app, prepare for a business exit, or structure a SaaS acquisition deal? In this episode, Steve P. Young, Founder of App Masters, on Exit Podcast by Flippa, shares real-world lessons from building, selling, and nearly exiting multiple app businesses, plus what founders must know before attempting a 7-figure exit.You'll learn:✅ How to sell apps on Flippa✅ Common mistakes founders make during exits✅ When it's the right time to sell your startup✅ Why distribution matters more than productSteve also explains how he scaled App Masters from a side hustle into a 30+ person global team, and why he shifted from selling businesses to acquiring them.If you're a startup founder, SaaS operator, app developer, or entrepreneur thinking about selling your company, this episode breaks down the exit process step by step.
In this episode of Building the Billion Dollar Business, Ray Sclafani delivers a direct message to advisory firms. Market appreciation is not the same as real growth. When AUM climbs because of a bull market, it may boost revenue, but it does not automatically build enterprise value.Ray challenges firms to separate capital market lift from true organic growth. Real growth comes from net new relationships, expanded wallet share, stronger engagement, and intentional investments in business development and marketing.He outlines the practical shifts the best firms make, including tracking net new assets accurately, funding growth strategically, upgrading marketing from SEO to AEO, and setting ambitious targets that are not dependent on market momentum.The message is clear: growth is not accidental. It is earned through deliberate choices, disciplined execution, and a mindset that refuses to confuse momentum with mastery.Key Takeaways70% of RIA channel growth over the past decade has come from capital markets.Firms must clearly distinguish net new assets from capital appreciation.Tracking client acquisition, retention, wallet share, and lifetime value is critical.Advisors must know their CAC (client acquisition cost) and LTV (lifetime value).Firms that build organic growth muscles win new clients even when markets stall.Questions Financial Advisors Often AskQ: What is the difference between market-driven growth and real organic growth for RIAs? A: Market-driven growth occurs when portfolios expand due to a bull run and AUM increases because of capital appreciation. Real organic growth is the kind that builds enterprise value by adding new ideal clients, increasing wallet share from existing clients, creating deeper engagement, and expanding capacity to serve more clients.Q: How can advisory firms accurately measure organic growth? A: Firms should separate net new assets from capital appreciation, monitor actual client acquisition and retention, track wallet share and client lifetime value, and analyze numbers as if the market did not change.Q: What reports should advisory firms review to track real growth? A: Firms should be able to track net new assets from existing clients, new assets from new clients, and opportunity reports showing client meetings and new opportunities created. They should generate reports that clearly distinguish net new assets from capital appreciation.Q: What should financial advisors do immediately to improve organic growth? A: Strip market gains from reports and analyze numbers without market lift. Develop a focused business development strategy with defined roles and funding. Audit marketing strategy, including SEO to AEO and AI usage. Define an ambitious growth target tied to new relationships and revenue streams.Q: What growth rate should firms target for real organic expansion? A: Firms serious about organic growth should pursue mid to high teens year-over-year growth, minus capital markets and inorganic growth.Find Ray and the ClientWise Team on the ClientWise website or LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | YouTubeTo join one of the largest digital communities of financial advisors, visit exchange.clientwise.com.
Most gyms waste marketing dollars without seeing results. Small budgets and unclear strategies are often the reason. Knowing where to focus makes all the difference.Welcome to Gym Marketing Made Simple, the show focused on cutting through the noise around gym growth. Each episode centers on practical marketing, sales, and leadership systems that help boutique gyms build steady momentum without guesswork or constant outreach.Episode HighlightsIn this episode, Tommy and Blake break down common misconceptions in gym marketing. They explain how budget, campaign setup, and understanding metrics like LTV and CAC directly impact results. We explore strategies for small and large ad budgets, simplifying campaigns to maximize lead quality, and preparing for future Facebook strategies.Episode OutlineMisconceptions about client expectations and marketing resultsUnderstanding the fitness marketplace and client needsBudget limitations and strategic allocation for small Facebook ad budgetsFacebook's auction-based system and its impact on ad performanceDifferences between service-based and product-based business marketingBuilding awareness and retargeting strategies for gymsOptimizing lead quality and conversion rates with custom audiences and website formsFuture Facebook strategies, including instant forms and integration with platforms like ChatGPTLong-term marketing strategy considerations and adapting to changing conditionsEpisode Chapters00:00 Unrealistic goals & ROAS expectations00:22 Intro – Gym Marketing Made Simple podcast00:48 Episode setup & ad spend context03:25 Why Lasso tests at scale & still owns a gym05:30 Who should run paid ads & budget tiers (750–1k)08:16 Keeping campaigns simple on small budgets10:13 Auction system & why $25/day limits you14:32 Awareness vs lead campaigns explained19:01 Product vs service & the 30‑day ROAS trap23:13 LTV, CAC & long‑game math for gyms36:06 Ideal full‑funnel Meta strategy with big budgets45:06 Improving lead quality (SMS verify, audiences)51:24 Awareness levels: unaware to most aware55:33 Spend more vs fix funnel metrics58:41 Other awareness channels beyond Meta1:01:20 Future of ads: instant forms & ChatGPT1:03:16 Who should (and shouldn't) run FB adsAction TakenTest ads on both website and Facebook lead forms simultaneously; track website conversions to evaluate halo effect and lead qualityAttend a three-hour Meta instant forms and CRM integration presentation to improve lead attributionRevamp campaign structures: fewer campaigns, creatives targeted to specific awareness stages (unaware → most aware)Add LTV and LTV:CAC benchmark metrics to the Gym Builder dashboard for better CAC and scaling decisionsConclusionRealistic expectations and clear strategies are key to successful gym marketing. Understanding budget limitations, optimizing campaigns, and tracking the right metrics ensures marketing dollars are used effectively. Staying informed about new strategies positions gyms to adapt and grow long-term.CTAListen, follow, and visit the provided links to access the tools and insights shared in this episode.
App Masters - App Marketing & App Store Optimization with Steve P. Young
In this solo episode, Steve P. Young, Founder of App Masters, breaks down the newest and most effective app monetization strategies working right now and some key insights he presented at AppsFlyer's MAMA San Francisco 2026.With competition increasing across the App Store and Google Play, monetization is no longer just about adding a paywall; it's about designing the right pricing strategy, structuring trials intelligently, and optimizing every step of the user journey.Steve will share real examples from top-grossing apps and explain how leading subscription apps are increasing revenue without increasing downloads.This session is perfect for founders, product managers, and growth teams looking to improve conversions and maximize subscriber lifetime value.You'll Learn:✅ How top apps structure paywalls to increase conversions✅ The smartest way to use trial-to-discount and paid intro offers✅ How to recover lost revenue with winback and triggered discount strategies✅ Pricing psychology tactics that increase ARPU without hurting conversionLearn More:Subscribe to the newsletter and get free access to the App Growth Playbook:https://appmasters.com/appgrowth-playbook/ You can also watch this video here: https://youtube.com/live/m-1TYFoA2sU*********************************************SPONSORSStill designing, resizing, and uploading screenshots manually? AppScreens lets you pick from hundreds of high-converting templates, generate for every device size and language in minutes, and upload automatically to directly to App Store Connect and Google Play Console. Trusted by more than 100K developers and ASO experts worldwide.Try it free: https://appscreens.com/?via=am*********************************************Thinking about your next great app? This is the best time to make it! Contact Chaim at b7dev.com and get your idea started! Delivery times are super short; you'll be surprised by the cost to develop! B7dev.com*********************************************If you're advertising your growing mobile app, you need a measurement partner you can actually rely on — and that's where AppsFlyer comes in.It gives you a clear view of your entire funnel — from the first impression all the way to the install, in-app events, and user LTV. You'll know what's driving real results, and what's just noise.What teams love about it? It's stable, accurate, and built to handle everything the mobile world throws at you — privacy changes, creative optimization, you name it.And when you need help? Their global support team is there 24/7 — not just to fix things, but to help you grow.If you're ready to level up your mobile marketing and make smarter decisions, check out AppsFlyer.com *********************************************Follow us:YouTube: AppMasters.com/YouTubeInstagram: @App MastersTwitter: @App MastersTikTok: @stevepyoungFacebook: App Masters*********************************************
We're live and poolside at the close of eTail Palm Springs. This year's conference brought less theory and more proof, from agentic platforms doing actual operational work to the quiet rise of go-to-market tooling among merchants. One thing is clear: AI stopped talking and started shipping. Brian and Phillip break down the sessions, hallway conversations, and briefings that mattered most, and dive into their marathon week of discussions with companies including CommerceIQ, Attentive, Resolve AI, Decile, Modem, and more. The Year AI Stopped Talking and Started Working Key takeaways: Agentic AI is operational now. Platforms like CommerceIQ are replacing FTE-style workflows, running around the clock, and proactively surfacing insights. Context is everything… and most native AI tools don't have it. In-tool AI using synthetic or siloed data is producing unreliable outputs. The winning stack integrates across all data sources. CRM is mainstream; go-to-market tooling is emerging. Merchants are now using tools like Clay, a tool built for B2B sales prospecting, to find creators, influencers, and strategic partners. Clienteling looks different when repurchase cycles are a decade long. Brands like Ernesta (custom rugs) and GHD (hairstyling tools) are rethinking loyalty and relationship-building without the luxury of frequent transactions. "Consolidation is power." Whoever consolidates information, tasks, and systems the best will hold the advantage, both in business and in AI. Quotes: [00:20:15] "The marketing agent is looking for a segmentation issue... high CAC and low LTV. Those are things that, as an organization, you'd have to surface, invest in, create segments, create a dashboard — and then bother to look at." — Phillip [00:37:38] "The job of the RFP responder is the same as the code developer. They become a shepherd and a reviewer rather than a writer." — Brian [00:48:03] "What do we lose when we eliminate the mundane?" — Brian [00:51:09] "In the next six months, AI is going to own entire workflows without any human intervention." — George Davis, CMO of Cozy Earth (as quoted by Phillip) In-Show Mentions: Listen to Kristin Flor Perret's episode on Future Commerce Get on the list for our ShopTalk Spring After Party Associated Links: Check out Future Commerce on YouTube Check out Future Commerce Plus for exclusive content and save on merch and print Subscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce world Listen to our other episodes of Future Commerce Have any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Mobile revenue barely grew in 2025. Downloads fell on both app stores. Meanwhile 200,000+ new games launched across iOS and Google Play. The market is saturated and attention is fragmented.The only category that keeps expanding across downloads, revenue and time spent? Strategy. Especially 4X. Deep systems, high LTV, long retention curves. That's where scale still exists.The lesson is simple. You can launch another puzzle game. You can chase trends. Or you can build depth and monetization power. In 2026, monetization design and category selection matter more than ever.---------------------------------------This is no BS gaming podcast 2.5 gamers session. Sharing actionable insights, dropping knowledge from our day-to-day User Acquisition, Game Design, and Ad monetization jobs. We are definitely not discussing the latest industry news, but having so much fun! Let's not forget this is a 4 a.m. conference discussion vibe, so let's not take it too seriously.Panelists: Jakub Remiar, Felix Braberg, Matej LancaricJoin our slack channel here: https://join.slack.com/t/two-and-half-gamers/shared_invite/zt-2um8eguhf-c~H9idcxM271mnPzdWbipgChapters00:00 – Strategy Is Still Expanding (Hello Kingshot)00:30 – Fresh Game Launches This Week01:15 – Tencent x Blockblast Talks01:55 – ByteDance Selling Moonton?02:20 – Sensor Tower State of Gaming 202603:05 – 55K Games Launched… Downloads Falling03:30 – Rainbow Six Mobile Goes Global03:50 – Agatha Christie & Survivor Partnerships04:10 – Playtika Earnings Breakdown---------------------------------------Matej LancaricUser Acquisition & Creatives Consultanthttps://lancaric.meFelix BrabergAd monetization consultanthttps://www.felixbraberg.comJakub RemiarGame design consultanthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubremiar---------------------------------------Please share the podcast with your industry friends, dogs & cats. Especially cats! They love it!Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple!Please share feedback and comments - matej@lancaric.me---------------------------------------If you are interested in getting UA tips every week on Monday, visit lancaric.substack.com & sign up for the Brutally Honest newsletter by Matej LancaricDo you have UA questions nobody can answer? Ask Matej AI - the First UA AI in the gaming industry! https://lancaric.me/matej-ai
In this episode, Gareth Everard, founder of Rockwell Razors and co-creator and former CMO of Lomi ($100M+ in 2 years), explains why revenue growth can be misleading and what serious DTC operators track instead. We unpack Gareth's 4-lever framework for building a profitable eCommerce business, how to calculate allowable CAC before you truly know LTV, and why relying on future LTV assumptions can quietly break your financial model. We also get into his preference for funding via revenue over venture capital, why bundling often beats subscriptions, and the launch mechanics that helped Lomi generate $3M in its first 72 hours on Indiegogo. Key Takeaways (00:00) Intro (01:27) Crowdfunding Vs. Venture Capital Funding (03:25) Why Revenue Growth Can Kill a DTC Brand (06:45) The Real Math Behind SaaS vs. DTC Valuations (14:18) The 4 Levers of eCommerce (22:54) Why He Won't Build Below 80% Gross Margin (26:23) Difficult Business Models (30:26) Is the Subscription Model the Right Move? (35:40) When Bundles Beat Subscriptions for LTV (39:50) How Lomi Did $3M in 72 Hours (43:48) Using Crowdfunding for Product Feedback (Carefully) (47:04) Contribution Margin Creates Optionality Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7NPXMBRuTXE Let's Connect: Website | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter | Facebook
Some brands don't have a product problem, they have an execution problem. In this episode, Nik breaks down a pattern he's seen over and over again this year: brands with incredible products, real social proof, and even professional athlete endorsements…that are completely stuck. He walks through what's actually holding them back, from lazy packaging and unclear positioning to underbuilt websites, weak subscription strategy, and missed logistics opportunities. Nik also outlines a tactical checklist covering shipping and fulfillment, brand strategy, positioning, email and SMS flows, churn reduction, and LTV expansion. If you want to sharpen your website, improve your PDP experience, or learn from the funnels quietly printing money outside the usual DTC bubble, this episode is for you. Roku pioneered streaming on TV. We connect users to the content they love, enable content publishers to build and monetize large audiences, and provide advertisers with unique capabilities to engage consumers. Learn more at advertising.roku.com/limitedsupply. Want more DTC advice? Check out the Limited Supply YouTube page for more insider tips. Check out the Nik's DTC newsletter: https://bit.ly/3mOUJMJ And if you're looking for an instant stream of on-demand DTC gold, check out the Limited Supply Slack Channel for Nik's most unfiltered, uncensored thoughts. Follow Nik: Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mrsharma
The "subscription box" era might be over, but the membership era is just beginning.In this episode, Rick Watson sits down with John Roman, CEO of BattlBox, to pull back the curtain on how they survived the collapse of the 2015 subscription craze to become a powerhouse in the outdoor and survival space. John shares the unfiltered truth about why he prefers the term' membership' over 'subscription box,' and how shifting the focus to community and content saved their business. We dive deep into their unique content strategy—where 15% of their staff is dedicated to video production—and why John believes every modern brand should function like a media company. In this episode, you'll learn:* The "CrateJoy" Origins: How BattlBox validated product-market fit on a niche marketplace before moving to their current scale. * The Inventory Nightmare: Why scaling to 10,000+ members requires production runs and forecasting six months out. * The Content Flywheel: Why 80% of BattlBox's highest-value customers are regular YouTube viewers. * Hiring Your Customers: The story of how Brandon (Current 1776), a paying customer, became a full-time face of the brand. * Data-Driven Leadership: How John's background as a professional poker player influences his obsession with churn, LTV, and retention. * The Future of D2C: Why John believes 70-75% of their 2026 revenue will still come from their core membership model. Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction to BattlBox and Subscription Box Era 0:58 - Evolution from Subscription Box to Membership 5:00 - Inventory Management Challenges 8:53 - The Power of Content and Community18:02 - The "Current 1776" Story: Hiring Customers as Creators 22:20 - Data-Driven Leadership and Business Metrics26:10 Advice for Large Retailers and the Future of D2C Subscribe to the newsletter at https://www.watsonweekly.com/subscribe
Artsiom Kazimirchyk, co-founder and CEO of Campaignswell, joins Apptivate to break down predictive LTV modeling, the critical flaws in how teams measure unit economics, and why today's mobile marketers need unified tools that connect profitability analysis across channels. The conversation covers what's broken in traditional LTV reporting, the technical pain points of fragmented data definitions across platforms, and how accurate cohort analysis can unlock smarter budget allocation. Questions addressed in this episode: What is Campaignswell, and what problem is it solving for mobile marketers? What is wrong with traditional LTV reporting? What exactly is predictive LTV and how far out can you forecast? Which monetization models are easiest versus hardest to predict LTV? When teams estimate their own LTV, how accurate are they usually? What immediate changes can marketers make if their LTV is poorly defined? How does Campaignswell guide budget allocation across different channels? What is the elevator pitch for Campaignswell to get teams to adopt it? Why is cohort analytics misunderstood by most marketing teams? How should marketers think about payback periods when measuring campaign efficiency? Timestamps: (0:26) — What Campaignswell is and what problem it solves for marketers (1:24) — Building Campaignswell as a single source across all teams (5:20) — Why speed matters in campaign decisions (7:50) — The hidden costs in LTV (9:47) — Predictive LTV and calculating on specific horizons (11:19) — Why subscription monetization is easiest to predict (16:19) — Client LTV predictions: When teams' numbers are off by 2x or more (20:27) — Matching optimization targets to the right LTV metrics across channels (26:22) — Why cohort analytics is misunderstood by most marketing teams (28:20) — Lightning round: First thing every morning (29:49) — Closing: Where Artsiom wants to travel next Quotes: (8:07) "Apple takes 30 percent of your revenue by default. It's really huge. It might be all your margin. And if you cannot calculate it, your comparison with customer acquisition cost might be wrong.” (25:20) “Using Campaignswell, you won't be in a situation where one team says they have a CPA of $20 bucks and another team says it's $30.” (29:14) "I noticed that marketing spend was $600,000 per day with really strong performance. ROI was something around 30 percent. So it's a really huge amount of marketing budget. The first thing I thought was there's probably something wrong." Mentioned in this episode: Campaignswell Artisom on Linkedin
"Crystal Ball Marketing," a strategy centered on the "Precursor Effect." This concept involves identifying specific indicators or life events that predict exactly when a marketplace is most likely to need and buy a specific service. By targeting customers at these pivotal moments, businesses can significantly increase conversion rates with less sales effort. Key Takeaways The Precursor Effect Defined: Identifying a life event, calendar event, or business shift that occurs immediately before a customer requires your services. The Marathon Analogy: If you sell cold water at the finish line of a marathon, you don't need a clever sales pitch because the "precursor" (running a marathon) has already created an intense, immediate need. Transference: A precursor strategy that works in one industry (like targeting new movers) can often be successfully applied to another unrelated industry. Case Study: The "Moving" Strategy Frank shares a success story from an inner circle member in the professional services industry who helps people in physical pain: The Precursor: Moving into a new home is a physically demanding experience that often leads to physical pain. The Strategy: The client obtained a list of 540 people who had recently moved and sent them a 1.5-page letter offering a free initial service. The Investment: Approximately $1,000 for the list and mailing. The Results: 8 new customers acquired immediately. $2,500 in immediate cash collected. Over $14,000 in projected lifetime customer value (LTV) within the first year. Industry Examples of Precursors Legal Industry: The implementation of GDPR served as a massive precursor for lawyers to sell updated privacy policies. Home Services: Moving into or out of a home is a primary indicator that a homeowner will need maintenance or repair services. Dentistry: Halloween acts as a precursor for cavity checks due to high sugar consumption. Weight Loss: Holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas are precursors for weight loss services as people tend to gain weight and seek a "reset" afterward. Action Steps Brainstorm: Spend a few minutes writing down every possible situation or event in a person's life that would make them want your service. Identify: Determine how you can find or "broker" a list of people who have just experienced those specific precursors. Execute: Create a targeted offer for those individuals while the need is at its peak.
App Masters - App Marketing & App Store Optimization with Steve P. Young
With AI tools making it easier than ever to launch new apps, competition is exploding. The real competitive advantage today isn't product — it's distribution.In this video, I break down the single most important factor in app marketing: channel market fit and the 5 distribution channels you should consider to grow your app faster.If you're struggling to get downloads, this is the uncomfortable truth about app marketing in 2026.You'll Learn:✅ The #1 mistake founders make in app marketing✅ Why distribution beats product in 2026✅ How to use ASO for organic growth✅ Why Apple Ads is the best starting point✅ The “get the refund” mindset for growth✅ A controversial lifetime free growth hack (that still works)
Most sellers use the same Amazon PPC strategy across all their products — and it's silently bleeding their budget.In this episode of That Amazon Ads Podcast, Stephen, Andrew and Carly break down the 5 category traits to determine your Amazon Ads strategy for any vertical you sell in.From contribution margin and customer LTV, to consideration windows, AOV, and brand loyalty — every category on Amazon plays by completely different rules.We'll show you why a 500% ACoS can actually be profitable, when DSP and Sponsored Brands are worth every penny, and how the right Amazon PPC strategy can transform your campaign performance by category.Whether you're a brand owner, freelancer, or agency, this is the framework you've been missing.
Whitney Elkins-Hutten of PassiveInvesting.com interviews Sam Morris of LSCRE about the $44M acquisition of Discovery at West Road, a 280-unit multifamily property in Houston's Cypress submarket. Sam explains how financial—not physical—distress created the opportunity and why certainty of close mattered more than being the highest bidder. He walks through in-house due diligence, uncovering operational issues, deferred maintenance, and the decision to replace on-site management immediately after takeover. The conversation also covers the 5-year Freddie Mac fixed-rate, interest-only loan at 65% LTV, the equity raise, a 7% preferred return with a 70/30 split, and how declining insurance costs in Houston improved the deal. Sam closes by sharing why location within Cypress ISD made this asset stand out and what he'd do differently next time.
In this episode of Run the Numbers, CJ sits down with Mateo Bryant, CFO of Minted. They break down Minted's life-event flywheel and decades-long LTV, managing extreme seasonality when half the year happens in one month, and balancing long-term CAC with short-term monetization. Mateo also shares lessons from scaling Uber and Amazon globally, localization missteps, and making marketplaces work in emerging markets.—SPONSORS:Abacum is a modern FP&A platform built by former CFOs to replace slow, consultant-heavy planning tools. With self-service integrations and AI-powered workflows for forecasting, variance analysis, and scenario modeling, Abacum helps finance teams scale without becoming software admins. Trusted by teams at Strava, Replit, and JG Wentworth—learn more at https://www.abacum.aiBrex is an intelligent finance platform that combines corporate cards, built-in expense management, and AI agents to eliminate manual finance work. By automating expense reviews and reconciliations, Brex gives CFOs more time for the high-impact work that drives growth. Join 35,000+ companies like Anthropic, Coinbase, and DoorDash at https://www.brex.com/metricsMetronome is real-time billing built for modern software companies. Metronome turns raw usage events into accurate invoices, gives customers bills they actually understand, and keeps finance, product, and engineering perfectly in sync. That's why category-defining companies like OpenAI and Anthropic trust Metronome to power usage-based pricing and enterprise contracts at scale. Focus on your product — not your billing. Learn more and get started at https://www.metronome.comRightRev is an automated revenue recognition platform built for modern pricing models like usage-based pricing, bundles, and mid-cycle upgrades. RightRev lets companies scale monetization without slowing down close or compliance. For RevRec that keeps growth moving, visit https://www.rightrev.comRillet is an AI-native ERP built for modern finance teams that want to close faster without fighting legacy systems. Designed to support complex revenue recognition, multi-entity operations, and real-time reporting, Rillet helps teams achieve a true zero-day close—with some customers closing in hours, not days. If you're scaling on an ERP that wasn't built in the 90s, book a demo at https://www.rillet.com/cjTabs is an AI-native revenue platform that unifies billing, collections, and revenue recognition for companies running usage-based or complex contracts. By bringing together ERP, CRM, and real product usage data into a single system of record, Tabs eliminates manual reconciliations and speeds up close and cash collection. Companies like Cortex, Statsig, and Cursor trust Tabs to scale revenue efficiently. Learn more at https://www.tabs.com/run—LINKS: Mostly Talent: https://mostlymetrics.typeform.com/to/cLTxtAsNMateo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryantmatt/Minted: https://www.minted.com/CJ: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.com—RELATED EPISODES:Peter Oey, CFO of Grab:https://youtu.be/tdq0AZO0dLU—TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Intro03:16 Fixer to CFO05:32 Mexico City Startups09:00 Minted Flywheel10:24 LTV Expansion11:04 Entry Points12:18 CAC and Cohorts13:42 Sponsors: Metronome | RightRev | Rillet17:06 Wedding Lifecycle19:49 Holiday Forecasting22:23 Retail Calendar24:03 Cash Flow Swings25:05 Marketing Over Sales26:06 Email Limits27:41 Sponsors: Tabs | Abacum | Brex31:02 Retail Strategy35:08 Global Experience40:47 Uber Cash Economics46:04 Cost of Not Localizing50:19 Importer of Record53:17 No Google Lesson55:34 QBR Mistake56:48 High Leverage Hours59:03 Finance Stack59:50 Seven Day Cruise Expense#RunTheNumbersPodcast #MarketplaceStrategy #EcommerceFinance #GigEconomy #CFOInsights
Brad Mills is a Bitcoin OG (in since 2011), entrepreneur, and angel investor. In this episode, we talk about what it actually looks like to think long-term in Bitcoin, how he invests without selling, and why “AI agents + Bitcoin” might be the first truly mainstream crypto use case.We get into real founder stuff too: leadership failures, scaling mistakes, decision fatigue, and how Brad rebuilt his habits using a “proof of work” mindset.What we cover:Brad's first “business” at 8 years old, and the Facebook app that hit massive scaleThe moment he realized “buy and hold Bitcoin” outperformed his highest-effort businessesBorrowing against Bitcoin: why LTV discipline matters and how people get wiped outWhy gold confiscation (6102) is not the same risk model as Bitcoin custody todayQuantum risk: what's real, what's noise, and how upgrades likely happenWhy AI agents choosing Bitcoin is a bigger deal than retail adoption“Citadel mind and body”: applying Bitcoin-style consistency to health and relationshipsBooks that actually changed his executionChapters / Timestamps00:00 Intro, “Bitcoin is up 3x since 2022”01:40 Brad's first business at 8 years old04:00 Growing up in poverty, learning to hustle04:30 Hacky sack business and early entrepreneurship05:40 “How do I make money online?” and getting scammed06:15 The Facebook “Roll Up The Rim” app and the cease & desist07:10 Monetization at scale, then getting crowded out08:40 Hiring 17 people, leadership reality check11:55 When Bitcoin outperformed the entire company12:10 Brad's first Bitcoin in 2011 and the early volatility lessons15:00 Failed mining partnership and why he stopped “doing too much”19:00 Trading strategy vs just holding Bitcoin21:05 Becoming an angel investor (Bitcoin-only)21:45 Borrowing against Bitcoin, loans, and LTV discipline28:15 Interest rates and banks eventually offering BTC loans30:00 Canada, optionality, and the sovereign individual thesis33:00 Gold confiscation (6102) and why it's often misunderstood36:05 Self-custody vs “in the bank vault” risk38:45 Capital controls and how Bitcoin changes the game41:30 Epstein/Bitcoin origin claims and why decentralization makes it irrelevant45:20 This downturn: what feels different this cycle50:55 Is quantum Bitcoin's biggest risk?52:00 Quantum soft fork talk + Saylor's quantum task force56:10 “Quantum treasure hunt” and lost coins as a volatility catalyst01:00:25 Portfolio updates, Maple private AI compute, AnchorWatch insurance01:02:15 Square/Cash App Bitcoin payments and orange-pilling merchants01:03:45 AI agents using Bitcoin as default money01:10:15 OpenClaw as “translator” for non-technical builders01:12:30 CLAWI.AI, Mac mini vs VPS setups01:12:40 Token burn reality ($150–$200/day)01:13:45 “Citadel mind and body” and proof-of-work habits01:23:00 Book recs: Buy Back Your Time, The Big Leap, If the Buddha Married01:24:35 WrapThe Arena The Arena is a private Skool community for SaaS founders who are actively building and selling. I share real-time decisions, experiments, and assets as I use them while growing a bootstrapped SaaS.No theory. No polish. Just execution.Learn more at: https://www.skool.com/the-arena/
App Masters - App Marketing & App Store Optimization with Steve P. Young
In this episode, we are again joined by Michael Gants, founder and CEO of Encore, a new SDK helping subscription app developers turn churned users into paying subscribers.Michael is a Stanford grad, a Time Magazine “Leader of Tomorrow”, and a seasoned founder with a passion for building sustainable consumer businesses. Michael breaks down how leading apps use lifecycle experimentation, not just acquisition, but to retain and to winback. We'll go deep into A/B testing across the user journey, smart winback strategies, and the systems top teams use to improve retention, conversions, and subscriber value without relying on more installs.If you're building or scaling a subscription app, this session will help you think beyond surface-level experiments and focus on what actually moves revenue.You will discover:✅ What lifecycle experiments every subscription app should be running✅ How to structure A/B tests beyond onboarding and paywalls✅ Proven winback strategies that actually bring subscribers back✅ How smart layers and options increase subscriber conversionLearn More:Explore Encorehttps://encorekit.com/You can also watch this video here: https://youtube.com/live/x-JmAZbnD9M*********************************************SPONSORSStill designing, resizing, and uploading screenshots manually? AppScreens lets you pick from hundreds of high-converting templates, generate for every device size and language in minutes, and upload automatically to directly to App Store Connect and Google Play Console. Trusted by more than 100K developers and ASO experts worldwide.Try it free: https://appscreens.com/?via=am*********************************************Thinking about your next great app? This is the best time to make it! Contact Chaim at b7dev.com and get your idea started! Delivery times are super short; you'll be surprised by the cost to develop! B7dev.com*********************************************If you're advertising your growing mobile app, you need a measurement partner you can actually rely on — and that's where AppsFlyer comes in.It gives you a clear view of your entire funnel — from the first impression all the way to the install, in-app events, and user LTV. You'll know what's driving real results, and what's just noise.What teams love about it? It's stable, accurate, and built to handle everything the mobile world throws at you — privacy changes, creative optimization, you name it.And when you need help? Their global support team is there 24/7 — not just to fix things, but to help you grow.If you're ready to level up your mobile marketing and make smarter decisions, check out AppsFlyer.com *********************************************Follow us:YouTube: AppMasters.com/YouTubeInstagram: @App MastersTwitter: @App MastersTikTok: @stevepyoungFacebook: App Masters*********************************************
Meta's apparent comeback runs headfirst into shifting UA economics, rising creative costs, and new pressure from platforms like Reddit, forcing marketers to rethink what “working” actually means. We unpack whether Meta is truly back or just delivering short-term dopamine, why in-app ads could reshape ad-monetized LTV, and how CPMs, payback windows, and creative volume are redefining the hyper-casual and hybrid playbooks. Cihan and Josh join to break down the latest Appsflyer data, Reddit's Max campaigns, China's UA surge, and Liftoff's IPO and to debate whether AI is leveling the field or quietly squeezing the middle out of mobile marketing.Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Deconstructor of Funds + UA Monthly kickoff00:17 Meet the guests: Jihan (Scaling.Games) & Josh (Wildcard Games)01:06 Today's agenda: Meta's return, Appsflyer report, Reddit AI ads, Liftoff IPO01:29 Is “Meta back” real? The 2.5 Gamers breakdown & the dopamine-hit spike02:52 What Meta's actually doing: rollout strategy, templates, and market impact06:05 In-app ads explained: why Meta buying inventory could boost ad-monetized LTV07:48 Ad quality debate: intrusive formats, churn-per-impression, and broken incentives12:58 Can hyper-casual come back? CPMs, payback windows, and hybrid monetization18:38 State of Game Marketing report: shrinking US spend, growth in Turkey/India20:16 The creative arms race: AI variations, the ‘middle class' squeeze, and rising noise23:25 AI Shrinks the Creative Gap: Small Teams Catch Up, Mid-Tier Stalls24:41 China's UA Surge + iOS Outspending Android: Where the Scale Is Coming From25:38 30 Creatives a Day: The New ‘Tax' of Competing in Mobile UA26:07 Ripoffs, Ethics, and Beating the Filters: The Dark Side of Creative Volume28:00 Hero Creatives Aren't Dead—But Copy Speed Forces Smarter Variations30:16 Copying vs. Trends: When ‘Stealing' Is Real (and When It's Just the Market)31:40 Is the Market Really an Iceberg? US Spend Down, Web Shops, and the ‘Hidden' Picture34:27 Reddit ‘Max' Campaigns: Advantage+ for Reddit with a Promise of Transparency37:19 Top Audience Personas: Useful Insight or Just a Fancy Dashboard?39:34 How to Test Reddit Max: Onboarding Friction, Learning Periods, and Scalability Unknowns40:58 Liftoff Files to Go Public: Valuation, Margins, Debt, and the AI Black-Box Race45:44 What's Liftoff's Moat? Engine vs. Fuel, Data Advantages, and the AppLovin Comparison48:35 Wrap-Up: UA Monthly Feedback, What to Cover Next
Product led growth isn't about generating more leads - it's about deciding who deserves a conversation. In this episode, we unpack how Navan approaches lifetime value optimization, balances CAC to LTV, and uses product qualified leads to increase sales efficiency while scaling sales teams intelligently. The real challenge in modern B2B selling isn't demand - it's focus. In this episode of the B2B Sales Trends Podcast, Harry Kendlbacher sits down with Amit Shalev, VP of Growth at Navan, to explore how product signals, data, and human judgment work together in a high-volume product led growth model.
Sean Frank, CEO of Ridge, bootstrapped the brand past $100M. Moreover, Ridge has redefined the everyday-carry category. The company has scaled globally without VC dollars, built LTV around products that last a lifetime, and made content the backbone of its growth engine. In this conversation, Sean breaks down the real playbook behind Ridge's rise — from international expansion and localized fulfillment to creator-led marketing, AI adoption, podcasting, and what he sees coming next for modern day eCommerce. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
App Masters - App Marketing & App Store Optimization with Steve P. Young
Want to increase your organic downloads without spending money on ads? In this video, I break down our proven app store optimization (ASO) framework for 2026. Whether you are an indie developer or managing a big brand, these strategies will help you rank higher on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.We cover the exact steps we use at App Masters to help clients find success, from keyword research to conversion rate optimization.In this ASO tutorial, you will learn:✅ The most important ASO ranking factors in 2026✅ How to find low-competition keywords that still drive revenue✅ The do's and dont's of selecting keywords✅ Some Real Case Studies:- $1,600 in revenue in the first 22 days from organic search- $3,000/month purely from long-tail ASO strategy- 90+ #1 keyword rankings using low-traffic terms
When the market feels uncertain, buyers, sellers, and entrepreneurs often make the same mistake: they wait. In this Stay Paid Q&A episode, we break down how to guide clients through fear, why timing the market rarely works, and how entrepreneurs can prove product-market fit before taking on massive risk. From luxury product launches to real estate decision-making, this episode delivers practical frameworks around cash flow, emotional decision-making, CAC vs LTV, and why quality of life often outweighs perfect timing.
Send a textIn this video, we share insights from working with numerous brands and brand owners, focusing on strategies to break the $1 million revenue barrier. We discuss crucial aspects of building a strong brand strategy and effective cpg marketing. This is essential for anyone in the consumer packaged goods industry looking to grow their business.Breaking the $1 million barrier requires strong brand awareness, frictionless first purchase experience, and clear customer acquisition cost strategy.Direct-to-consumer and CPG brands must focus on retention marketing, customer lifetime value, segmentation, email and SMS marketing, and subscription models to increase repeat purchases.Understanding unit economics, scaling customer acquisition, lowering CAC, and improving LTV are critical for ecommerce growth and long-term profitability.Book a call today and get clear answers on how to scale your brand past the $1 million mark: https://bit.ly/4jMZtxu--------------------------------------------------------------------------Want free resources? Dowload our Free Amazon guides here:Amazon Proft Margin Defense 2026: https://hubs.ly/Q042trRH0Amazon PPC Guide 2026 is here!: https://bit.ly/4lF0OYXAmazon SEO Toolkit 2026: https://bit.ly/4oC2ClTAmazon Seller Strategy Report 2026: https://bit.ly/3YN1RME2026 Ecommerce Website & SEO Readiness Checklist: https://hubs.ly/Q040Jg0M0Amazon Crisis Kit: https://bit.ly/4maWHn0Timestamps:00:33 – Why Awareness Is Everything01:13 – UGC vs Influencers for Brand Growth02:38 – Make the First Order Frictionless03:44 – Customer Lifetime Value and CAC04:25 – Building a Real Retention Funnel05:26 – Segmentation for Repeat Purchases06:34 – Why Subscriptions Matter for CPG07:36 – Understanding Unit Economics of Scale09:09 – Breaking Down Customer Acquisition Cost10:02 – Why Profit Focus Can Hurt Growth________________________________Follow us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28605816/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenpopemag/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/myamazonguys/Twitter: https://twitter.com/myamazonguySubscribe to the My Amazon Guy podcast:My Amazon Guy podcast: https://podcast.myamazonguy.comApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-amazon-guy/id1501974229Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4A5ASHGGfr6s4wWNQIqyVwSupport the show
Mortgage loan coming back refer eligible, refer with caution, or denied?Most loan officers give up, but top producers restructure the deal.In this video, I'm breaking down 5 proven ways to restructure a loan and improve approval odds... including adjusting DTI, LTV, loan term, assets, and credit score.If you're a loan officer looking to close more tough deals, this is the playbook.Support the showJoin our weekly calls so you we can help you too!
App Masters - App Marketing & App Store Optimization with Steve P. Young
AI has fundamentally changed app development. With vibe coding, agentic workflows, and modern AI development tools, what used to take 6 months to build can now be shipped in weeks. Costs are lower than ever. Speed is no longer the bottleneck.But here's the problem: faster development hasn't led to better products or stronger app businesses.In this livestream, we're joined by Chaim Sajnovsky, Founder of B7 Dev, a development studio that has helped startups go from idea to launch for over a decade.Chaim brings real-world experience helping founders navigate AI-powered app development, outsourced development teams, and early-stage decision-making. Together, we'll break down why planning, positioning, and distribution now matter more than code, and why so many founders still fail even when building faster than ever.You will discover:✅ How AI reduced app development time and cost by 80%✅ Why “what to build” is now more important than “how to build.”✅ How to define your main hypothesis before writing code✅ Why most of these features don't drive product-market fit✅ AI tools founders are using right now (including Claude Code)Learn More:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaim-sajnovsky-5003494/http://www.b7dev.com/You can also watch this video here: https://youtube.com/live/unb8p-5MkuA*********************************************SPONSORSStill designing, resizing, and uploading screenshots manually? AppScreens lets you pick from hundreds of high-converting templates, generate for every device size and language in minutes, and upload automatically to directly to App Store Connect and Google Play Console. Trusted by more than 100K developers and ASO experts worldwide.Try it free: https://appscreens.com/?via=am*********************************************Got tons of freemium users who won't upgrade? Encore turns free users into paying customers and reduces churn by adding smart, curated affiliate offers at key user moments. Everyone wins with Encore.Learn more at https://encorekit.com/*********************************************If you're advertising your growing mobile app, you need a measurement partner you can actually rely on — and that's where AppsFlyer comes in.It gives you a clear view of your entire funnel — from the first impression all the way to the install, in-app events, and user LTV. You'll know what's driving real results, and what's just noise.What teams love about it? It's stable, accurate, and built to handle everything the mobile world throws at you — privacy changes, creative optimization, you name it.And when you need help? Their global support team is there 24/7 — not just to fix things, but to help you grow.If you're ready to level up your mobile marketing and make smarter decisions, check out AppsFlyer.com *********************************************Follow us:YouTube: AppMasters.com/YouTubeInstagram: @App MastersTwitter: @App MastersTikTok: @stevepyoungFacebook: App Masters*********************************************
In this episode, Stephan Livera and Dhruv Patel, CEO of Arch Lending, discuss the current state of Bitcoin lending, market trends, and the unique products offered by Arch Lending. They explore the mechanics of Bitcoin-backed loans, risk management strategies for borrowers, and the importance of custody and security in the lending process. The conversation also touches on the future of Bitcoin lending, growth strategies, and the evolving landscape of financial products in the cryptocurrency space.Takeaways:
Most real estate investors use DSCR loans, but very few know how to tweak them to actually protect cash flow and avoid painful surprises. In this episode of Chasing Financial Freedom, Ryan DeMent breaks down 3 secret DSCR loan hacks: underwriting deals with conservative rents so your DSCR holds up when the market shifts, using structure (LTV, DSCR bands, reserves) to improve pricing instead of only chasing rate, and matching prepayment penalties to your real exit plan so you're not writing a massive check when you sell or refi. If you're scaling a rental portfolio with DSCR loans, this conversation will change how you analyze, structure, and lock your next deal.
Most practices track numbers, but very few track the metrics that actually drive growth. Dr. Pete and Dr. Stephen break down the ten measurements that determine whether a practice is building momentum or quietly leaking it. This conversation reframes metrics away from surface-level activity and into leadership tools that reveal retention, stability, and profitability. By clearly separating practice metrics from business metrics, the framework shows how operational performance and financial outcomes are directly connected. The result is clarity and control. When the right metrics are measured consistently, decisions become simpler, leadership becomes stronger, and growth becomes predictable.In This Episode You Will:Understand the10 core metrics that determine retention and long-term growthLearn how practice-side metrics and business-side metrics work togetherSee why retention begins at conversion and compounds through complianceDiscover which numbers reveal truth versus vanityClarify how better measurement leads to better leadership decisionsEpisode Highlights06:34 - Dr. Pete frames the series around the two sides of the coin and why commitment is the center that makes both work08:30 - Dr. Stephen clarifies the three identities required to grow: doctor, operator, and business owner14:26 - The conversation defines KPIs as the measurement system that organizes focus and exposes what to fixPractice Metrics19:14 - Stick rate defines how long people stay under care and where retention breaks down by visits, months, or milestones22:32 - Kept visit average (KVA) is introduced as the daily retention signal showing how consistently people show up as scheduled25:24 - Compliance percentage is established as the core retention driver indicating whether patients follow care recommendations26:37 - Inactives and churn rate expose how many people are silently leaving and why defining “active” matters31:30 - Total active patients reframes growth away from visits per week and toward the size of the active care baseBusiness Metrics33:29 - Collection visit average (CVA) measures what the practice collects per visit and can be segmented by stage of care35:06 - Lifetime value (LTV) connects retention to economics by combining patient visit average with collection visit average39:49 - Total revenue is tied back to retention through volume of visits driven by people staying in care40:29 - Monthly recurring revenue (MRR) and annual recurring revenue (ARR) are positioned as the stability engine of the model41:51 - Retained revenue measures the durability of the recurring model by showing how much revenue stays after churn Resources MentionedLearn more about the TRP Remarkable Business Immersion March 6 - 7, 2026 in Phoenix, AZ and March 20 - 21, 2026 in Brisbane, AUS - https://theremarkablepractice.com/upcoming-events/ To learn more about the REM CEO Program, please visit: http://www.theremarkablepractice.com/rem-ceoBook a Strategy Session with Dr. Pete - https://go.oncehub.com/PodcastPCPrefer to watch? Catch the podcast on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRemarkablePractice1To listen to more episodes, visit https://theremarkablepractice.com/podcast or follow on your favorite podcast app.
App Masters - App Marketing & App Store Optimization with Steve P. Young
Most AI photo apps try to do everything, and end up blending in.In this video, Steve P. Young breaks down how Photo Revive AI scaled to over $500K/month by doing the opposite: niching down first, then expanding later.Instead of launching as “another AI image generator,” this app positioned itself around photo restoration and revival and used smart ASO, onboarding, and paywall strategies to win in a brutally competitive market.You'll learn:✅ Why niching down beats competing in red-hot AI categories✅ How Photo Revive AI generates ~$500K/month (verified across multiple tools)✅ The exact onboarding and paywall flow driving conversions✅ How credit-based pricing controls AI costs and boosts revenue✅ Why distribution matters more than features or UISteve walks through:• Real revenue estimates from Sensor Tower, AppFigures, and AppMagic• The full user journey from install → upgrade• Paywall tactics most founders overlook• How to start a niche, win early traction, and expand laterIf you're building:
Wanna work with us? Schedule a call here: https://go.oncehub.com/bookacall How Private Lenders Can Get A+ Opportunities - #325 In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, Jason and Chris break down how private and hard money lenders can consistently create A+ lending opportunities—even when working with borrowers who don't fit the traditional "A borrower" profile. Rather than chasing high-volume institutional borrowers, this conversation focuses on how private lenders can structure safer, more profitable deals by properly underwriting collateral, character, capacity, and credit. Learn how experienced lenders turn so-called "B borrowers" into strong, low-risk opportunities through smart leverage, cash requirements, and deal structuring. This episode also dives into why marketing equals portfolio quality, how playing the numbers game leads to better loans, and why private lenders shouldn't try to compete with institutional capital—but instead position themselves as the ideal Plan B lender. Topics covered include: What truly defines an A+ lending opportunity A borrowers vs. B borrowers (and why labels can be misleading) Structuring low-LTV deals for maximum downside protection The 4 C's of underwriting: collateral, character, capacity, and credit Why leverage—not borrower quality—is often the biggest risk How marketing drives deal flow and portfolio strength When and why private lenders should pass on deals Real-world examples of turning imperfect borrowers into great loans If you're a private lender, hard money lender, or real estate investor looking to deploy capital more safely while improving returns, this episode offers practical insights you can apply immediately. ✅ Please like, subscribe, and share! ✅ Are you a new or experienced private lender or hard money lender? Join Jason Balin and Chris Haddon from Hard Money Bankers as they draw from their extensive experience running a successful hard money lending company since 2007. Tune in weekly with episodes related to all aspects of private lending. From discovering lucrative loan opportunities to securing private capital, effectively managing your loan portfolio, handling defaults, and much more, we've got you covered. ✔️ Tune in now and watch the full video podcast at www.privatelenderspodcast.com ✔️If you enjoyed this podcast we would appreciate a positive review... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-lenders-podcast/id1476153070 ✔️Make sure to check out the #1 Online Community For New and Experienced Private and Hard Money Lenders.. Create your account at www.hardmoneymastermind.com FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL Get updates or reach out to Get updates on our Social Media Profiles! ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardmoneymastermind/ ✅ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hardmoneymastermind
Este lunes empieza una huelga de tres días en el ferrocarril. Los accidentes de Adamuz y Rodalies, hace unas semanas, han enseñado las costuras de un sistema con problemas acumulados. Retrasos, cortes, limitaciones de velocidad y fallos técnicos apuntan a algo estructural. La red ha crecido y transporta más gente, pero arrastra déficit de inversión y de mantenimiento. Ana Fuentes analiza con Javier Fernández Magariño las causas y las posibles soluciones de esta acumulación de incidencias en la red ferroviaria española. En la línea Madrid–Barcelona, la de mayor uso en alta velocidad, se repiten las limitaciones temporales de velocidad (LTV), aplicadas cuando los maquinistas reportan anomalías que deben inspeccionarse y, si procede, repararse. Antes de los accidentes de Adamuz y Gelida se reportaban deficiencias en la red en puntos de la misma “y ahora se habla de tramos por completo”. El ministro de Transportes, Óscar Puente, ha empatizado con una “sensibilidad a flor de piel” de los maquinistas tras la muerte de compañeros, lo que ha provocado el incremento en la prudencia operativa y, con ella, las comprobaciones. “Hemos priorizado la seguridad por encima de cualquier otra circunstancia”. CRÉDITOS Realiza: Ana Fuentes, José Juan Morales y Víctor Rojo Con información de Javier Fernández Magariño Presenta: Ana Fuentes Diseño de sonido: Nicolás Tsabertidis Dirección: Ana Alonso Coordinación: José Juan Morales Sintonía: Jorge Magaz Si tienes quejas, dudas o sugerencias, escribe a defensora@elpais.es o manda un audio a +34 649362138 (no atiende llamadas).
App Masters - App Marketing & App Store Optimization with Steve P. Young
In this episode, we're joined by Ben Moore, U.S. Managing Director of BeReal, one of the most culturally relevant social apps of the past decade.With 41M+ monthly active users worldwide, BeReal became App of the Year 2022 by doing what most social platforms wouldn't: going against algorithms, filters, and AI-driven content.With a background leading growth and monetization at TikTok, Walmart Connect, and global media networks, Ben brings a rare inside perspective on what actually drives product-market fit, retention, and cultural relevance in consumer apps.If you're building a consumer app and struggling with retention, differentiation, or product-market fit, this conversation will challenge conventional growth advice and give you a clearer playbook for what actually works in 2026 and beyond.You will discover:✅ How BeReal scaled to 41M MAU by removing algorithms instead of optimizing for them✅ Creator-led growth in 2026 and beyond✅ Lessons from BeReal's journey: from viral hype → durable, loyal product✅ Practical lessons app founders can apply to build durable growth in saturated marketsLearn More:
App Masters - App Marketing & App Store Optimization with Steve P. Young
AppAdvice has officially shut down — so what does that mean for Apps Gone Free campaigns and lifetime free promos?In this video, Steve breaks down what really happened, why Apple is paying closer attention to these campaigns, and whether Apps Gone Free strategies still work in 2026.He'll share real data, real case studies, and hard-earned lessons from running these campaigns for years, including what triggered Apple's crackdown, what mistakes to avoid, and how app founders can still use promotions to kickstart downloads without risking app rejection or review removals.If you're struggling with app discoverability, ASO, or early traction, this video will help you understand the dos and don'ts of Apps Gone Free campaigns in today's crowded App Store.You'll learn:✅ Why AppAdvice shut down and what it means for app marketing✅ Real case studies showing 2,000–6,000 downloads in days (post-AppAdvice)✅How Apps Gone Free campaigns can still boost ASO and organic installs✅ The right and wrong way to ask for App Store reviews✅ How Indie App Santa fits into the future of app distributionKey takeaway:Apps Gone Free campaigns aren't dead, but the rules have changed. If you run them the wrong way, you risk Apple intervention. If you run them the right way, they can still be one of the fastest ways to jumpstart app growth.
Wanna work with us? Schedule a call here: https://go.oncehub.com/bookacall Why We've Been Doing So Many Hard Money Refinances Lately - #323 Why are hard money refinances suddenly everywhere? In this episode of the Private Lenders Podcast, Chris and Jason break down the recent private lending refinance boom—what's driving it, why it's different from traditional refi cycles, and how private and hard money lenders can capitalize on these opportunities while managing risk. Unlike conventional refinance booms fueled by low interest rates, today's surge in hard money and private lending refinances is being driven by shifting capital markets, loans getting called due, tighter bank lending, and borrowers needing fast, flexible bridge capital. Chris and Jason share real-world case studies, including low-LTV refinances, free-and-clear rental properties, commercial properties, and situations where banks simply won't move fast enough. They also dig into: The pros and cons of hard money refinance loans Why exit strategy is the biggest risk in refi deals Cash vs. equity (and why it matters more than credit score) Inherited property refinances and why they're riskier than they look Common compliance pitfalls (consumer vs. business purpose loans) Why pulling credit and reviewing prior HUDs, notes, and deeds is critical When "payoff in cash" can actually be a realistic exit If you're a private lender, hard money lender, or real estate investor, this episode will help you better underwrite refinance deals, avoid costly mistakes, and spot opportunities others miss.
Keith shares how a recent trip to Colorado Springs and a changing commission landscape reveal what really matters for real estate investors now From there, the show dives into the three levers investors truly control—leverage, operations, and relationships—before welcoming lender Caeli Ridge to break down the major mortgage options for investors. You'll hear how different loan types fit different strategies: from your first conventional "golden ticket" loans, to DSCR loans based on property income, to short-term fix-and-flip and bridge loans that prioritize speed and flexibility. The episode then moves into how more advanced investors can scale beyond 10 doors, navigate debt-to-income and tax strategy, and even approach financing for short-term rentals—all while highlighting why having the right lending partner and long-term plan can make a big difference to your results. Episode Page: GetRichEducation.com/591 For access to properties or free help with a GRE Investment Coach, start here: GREmarketplace.com GRE Free Investment Coaching: GREinvestmentcoach.com Get mortgage loans for investment property: RidgeLendingGroup.com or call 855-74-RIDGE or e-mail: info@RidgeLendingGroup.com Invest with Freedom Family Investments. For predictable 10-12% quarterly returns, visit FreedomFamilyInvestments.com/GRE or text 1-937-795-8989 to speak with a freedom coach Will you please leave a review for the show? I'd be grateful. Search "how to leave an Apple Podcasts review" For advertising inquiries, visit: GetRichEducation.com/ad Best Financial Education: GetRichEducation.com Get our wealth-building newsletter free— GREletter.com Our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/c/GetRichEducation Follow us on Instagram: @getricheducation Complete episode transcript: Keith Weinhold 0:01 Welcome to GRE. I'm your host. Keith Weinhold with new ways to think about your life through goals momentum in the real estate market. Then learn about various mortgage loan types, conventional DSCR, fix and flip, bridge loans, short term rental loans and more. Knowing which loans to use can save you millions and learn the fatal mortgage mistakes you must avoid today on get rich education. Corey Coates 0:29 since 2014 the powerful get rich education podcast has created more passive income for people than nearly any other show in the world. This show teaches you how to earn strong returns from passive real estate investing in the best markets without losing your time being a flipper or landlord. Show Host Keith Weinhold writes for both Forbes and Rich Dad advisors and delivers a new show every week since 2014 there's been millions of listener downloads and 188 world nations. He has a list show guests include top selling personal finance author Robert Kiyosaki. Get rich education can be heard on every podcast platform, plus it has its own dedicated Apple and Android listener phone apps build wealth on the go with the get rich education podcast. Sign up now for the get rich education podcast or visit get rich education.com Speaker 1 1:14 You're listening to the show that has created more financial freedom than nearly any show in the world. This is get rich education. Keith Weinhold 1:30 Welcome to GRE from Winnebago, Minnesota to Winnipeg, Manitoba, and across 188 nations worldwide. I'm Keith Weinhold, and you're listening to get rich education, the voice of real estate investing since 2014 before we get into the mortgage discussion, where we'll discuss five or 10 different investor loan types and their various pros and cons, which could save you millions over the course of your life. I shared with you that I traveled to Colorado A couple weeks ago, for a goals retreat hosted by the real estate guys, top notch event, I spent extra time there in Colorado Springs, because I find it really livable, and I spent five hours with a local realtor there, one day out and about visiting properties in the area I'm potentially looking for a home or a second home. And by the way, how is this for a price range? The realtor wanted to know what my Buy Box is, and since I'm just learning the Colorado Springs market, I told him I'm willing to spend between 400k and 1.2 million on the property, yeah, pretty wide range, a mile wide. Fortunately, my other Buy Box criteria are more narrow and specific, and I have got to say, I'm surprised at how low the area's home prices are. I thought they'd be higher. Interestingly, before touring homes, my buyer agent wanted me to sign a six month exclusive representation agreement. Fair enough, that's standard stuff. It was on the agreement, though, that I as the buyer pay a 3% commission up on the purchase, and the seller would presumably pay the other 3% to make up that total 6% commission for the agent compensation. Well, historically, the seller paid the entire 6% and this, of course, goes back to the NAR settlement, and that ruling that became effective in August of 2024 you probably remember this, and I talked about it on the show back then, and how it's not really that big of a deal, especially to investors like us, because at GRE marketplace and with our GRE investment coaching, it's a direct model. There's zero commission on either side, and then you, in turn, get some of those savings, but out in the larger world and in the owner occupant world. Well, that rule change that started a year and a half ago. It means that sellers are no longer required to pay the buyer's agent. Instead, the fee is now negotiable between buyers and their agent. The other change is that property listings no longer display the buyer agent's commission offer. But here's what's interesting in practice, and what really ends up happening in the end, in most cases, is that the seller still pays the full commission and compensates both agents that full 6% sometimes it's 5% instead of six buyers and buyer agents, they still operate under the seller pays. And that's largely because that has just been the norm. It's what's seemingly always been done. It's what buyers are used to. And the reason that that often persists. Is because the seller is the party in the transaction that has that thick equity in the property, deep equity, and buyers are the ones often just trying to scrape together whatever they can for a down payment and closing costs. Buyers are not going to be able to come up with another 15k for an agent commission when they're buying a 500k property, that's 3% especially today, this is true because American homeowners the seller then still have record equity positions of about 300k an all time high. Nearly half of mortgaged homes are considered equity rich. What does equity rich mean? It means that the loan balance is less than half of the home's value, yeah, the seller has the means to pay the full commission. So the point is, in practice, the seller, yeah, still pays that full five to 6% commission in the overwhelming majority of cases, and the buyer pays nothing. And if that does change, it's going to take a long time. You know, a lot of these evanescent real estate stories that people think are going to have some seismic impact. It rarely does, like this erstwhile NAR ruling or the 50 year mortgage proposal or banning big institutions for buying more single family rentals. You know, this stuff is like one little baseball sized asteroid striking an entire planet. I mean, it's like a barely discernible impact. Real estate is anchored in one place like Jabba the Hut. It is solid. These stories are interesting, but they're not impactful. Keith Weinhold 6:52 Instead, I've mentioned it before. What are three things you control in real estate that really matter. And these are evergreen things. First, it's, how many dollars are you leveraging? That's where your wealth is going to come from. In fact, we're going to discuss that today with mortgage loan types. Second, what's the efficiency of operations on your existing properties? And thirdly, what is the quality of your relationships? And actually, we're addressing the third one today too, talking to a lender that you could make part of your team. You can control these three things. They're unyielding, they're evergreen, they're long term, and they all have gratitas and impact those three things, leverage operations and relationships. Now my agent drops me off and picks me up from my hotel here at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. This was also the event hotel for the goals retreat. I just extended my stay to hang out in the area. Look at real estate, do some climbing on Pikes Peak. Pro tip for you on hotel room rates, talk to a human being before I booked my stay, I called the front desk and asked them if they could extend the attractive event room rate to more nights on my extended stay. And they agreed. You might have heard of the Broadmoor. It is well known. It's been here for more than 100 years, and it is such a fine place to stay. Let me tell you about this special piece of real estate. In fact, I've thought it through, and I will now hereby proclaim that it is the finest us hotel experience that I've ever had in my life. I say us because I stayed at an amazing place in Dubai. But what makes the Broadmoor stand alone? It's the details and the service. A lot of hotels are nice, but this is on a different level. And I don't say this to brag, and this is because you probably can afford to stay here, yeah, like I have. You might have paid more elsewhere in your life for a lesser hotel, although I am here in the low seasons. Okay, now, sure, you've got views of the Rockies and a man made lake and waterfall and even a beautiful chandelier in my hotel room. The thing that sets it apart, though, is you have this service that feels old world and not corporate. That's what makes the difference. The Broadmoor is horse themed, since horses are a symbol of the American West. There are about 800 rooms here. It's kind of like a self contained adult Disneyland championship golf courses, a world class spa, even an outdoor lap swimming pool like that has lanes that I swam in one morning for. Fine dining, casual dining, access to hiking, fly fishing, even falconry, zip lines, tennis, pickleball pools. Take the cog railway to the Pikes Peak, Summit. Okay. Now, other nice hotels have attractions that are sort of like that, but when I rave about the service, it's the little things they are knocking on my door before 10am to come in and clean the room. And you know how so commonly, when you first check into your hotel room and you look in the closet, there are not enough clothing hangers, and they're all like stupidly mismatched. These all match. They're all nice wood, and there are plenty of them. So I'm talking about these details. I'm telling you. I had dinner at one of the broadmoor's restaurants the other night. I just happened to take a close look at the tag on the napkin. Sure enough, it is made in Italy. I mean, jeez, no detail is overlooked at this stellar place. In fact, here's what I'll do. You know, I'll just completely stop my Colorado Springs home search right now. Instead, I'm going to stop down by the Broadmoor front desk, tell him to give me some moving boxes, because I'm moving into the Broadmoor and I'll be here for the next decade. Start forwarding my mail here and everything. And hey, at least I was courteous enough to give them notice. I can't stay here too long, or my standards will be rising faster than my net worth. Yeah, yeah. Can't go to sleep with a mint on your pillow every night, I suppose. Keith Weinhold 11:38 Now, the reason I came here now is to attend that aforementioned goals retreat, and let me take all the time and all the resources that I put into being here and distill them into just a few of the most salient takeaways for you. Goals should be smart, strategic, measurable, actionable, relevant and time based, they must be written down. Now, how would you describe yourself to somebody else that didn't know who you were? Write that down next. What do you think your reputation is? How would others describe you? Write that down now that you can see how you describe yourself and how others describe you, you can see that there's a gap there. That gap is what you need to work on. I learned that goal should be written in the present tense, not the future tense. I did not know that before. For example, say it is January 1, 2035, and I own $5 million in rental property. That's an example of how you would do that. So take future events and write them in the present tense. Other questions at the goals retreat that got really introspective are, what are you really going to do with your life? And write down that answer. Sheesh, that is tough. And if you think that's a hard question for you to ask of yourself, the next one is even harder. It's simply why? Why is that where you're going with your life? And then write that down? I mean, would you answer questions like this for yourself? And you really think about it, that can occupy a new segment of your entire headspace. It is a big cognitive load, and a last one to leave you with is to dream not just big, but gigantic. Get it out there, write down a dream that interests you, but it's so grandiose that you're actually embarrassed to tell someone about this stretch dream, for example, for me, it's the first person to walk on another planet. No human has ever done that, and this would most likely happen on Mars. See, this is so grand that is sort of embarrassing for me to even share that with you. It almost makes you sound Loony, like I would have to learn so many new skills to travel to and walk on Mars. But you should write down a bunch of other goals too. You're sort of brainstorming on goals, attainable goals. Recall that is the A in the SMART goals acronym, you want to write down a bunch of attainable ones, not just that stretch one. So for attainable ones, one of them is for me to become the highest man on earth. To give you an example. And I attempted that goal two years ago, and I failed. I told you about that at that time. But see now, compared to my embarrassing stretch goal of walking on Mars, the highest man on earth feels attainable, I know what it takes to achieve it, and it's worth doing, ah, but it's a grind to get there, yet it would be worth it. Those are some quick take. Ways from the real estate guys goals retreat while on stage the event host Robert helms he took a minute respite from the goals material, and he recognized the fact that, as he calls it, the four OG real estate podcasters are all in the same room. One of them is helms himself, and now I feel like the other three are all older and doing it longer than me. I was one of the four that he mentioned. But you know, there is only one podcast that was mentioned from stage, and that is that Robert helms told the audience that they should be listening to the get rich education podcast. That was a nice thing to say, and he is always a gracious giver. Keith Weinhold 15:45 Next, we're talking about four major loan types, conventional DSCR, fix and flip and then bridge loans. When we discuss the first two parts of it could sound repetitive, but you'll see why we do this, because then you'll be able to compare it to nichey loan types that we discuss, for example, the speed of a bridge loan, where you can get funded in just one week, compared to a slower conventional loan. The mortgage landscape changes. I still remember how in 2012 we had still somewhat freshly emerged from the global financial crisis, and back then, you could only get four conventional loans, four rental properties, not 10 like you can today, 20 married. So get your loans while you can, you probably won't always be able to get 10 loans. We'll start with loan types that are more for beginners, and then we'll get to advanced material. Let's welcome back one of our favorite recurring guests. Keith Weinhold 16:54 You can make millions more throughout your life by understanding mortgage loans. This is key, and today it's the return of the woman that's created more financial freedom through real estate than any other lender in the entire nation, because she's the president of ridge lender group. Hey, it's time for a big welcome back to the incomparable, yet somehow still so approachable Chaley Ridge Caeli Ridge 17:16 my Keith, thank you for having me. I love being here. I love what you're doing. It's my pleasure, sir. Keith Weinhold 17:23 And our followers, our listeners, have been approaching you since 2015 you're one of the longest running guests, truly one of the OGS around here at GRE and now Caeli, before we discuss loan types. You know, we don't really talk politics on this show rather policies, and we're in the midst of a presidential administration that often, in the name of the word affordability, is trying to supremely shake things up in the housing market. Help us dissect what matters and what won't. Caeli Ridge 17:58 I have found that at least as it relates to current administration, whoever that might be, I wait for the buzzwords or the taglines to become the actual policy. Like you said, That's a good point in this case. You know, you've got things floating around, like the 50 year mortgage cutting off the hedge fund guys and that kind of thing. Whether or not, those things come to fruition. I'm happy to give my opinion on them. I do not think that it's going to move the needle much for the people that you and I serve with regard to I mean, just taking them one at a time, I don't think that the 50 year is going to come to fruition. Just first and foremost, if it did do, I think it would be a good idea for a homeowner, probably not, but for an investor, maybe if there's some way that we can keep our payment lower, given the maturity date of a mortgage for an investment property is usually about five years. I mean, I know that this is a 30 year fixed mortgage, but statistically speaking, the average shelf life of a non owner occupied mortgage is about five years. So getting a 50 year amortization, if that were going to reduce the payment, I don't think is a bad thing for an investor, however, and this may get a little bit technical for the listeners, so I apologize in advance if we were to go to a 50 Year am the adjustments, something called, and you and I have talked about this before, something called an llpa, that stands for loan level price adjustment, I think would be such that it could end up defeating the purpose of having the longer term amortization, because I think the interest rates would be higher and I think they may offset so that was a long way to say. One, I don't think it's going to happen. I don't think it's actually going to get to its final resting place. And two, would it be a good idea for investors, yeah, I think it would be worth considering if it kept the payment lower. Okay, that's that as the other piece to cutting off the hedge funds, the big, you know, BlackRock, some of the big players, and giving them access to the residential housing and first right of infusion or etc, because they've got such deep pockets. You. It's such a small amount to what our individual investors are going to have access to that I don't think that that moves the needle either. So I don't know if I'm answering the question, except to say anything that they're going to tout, I would wait for it to actually become written in stone and pass by the rest of the powers that be before I would get excited about or concerned about any of it. Keith Weinhold 20:21 This is pretty parallel with what I've been telling our listeners. All these things seem to make splashy news, but I haven't seen anything that's going to make a deep impact yet, whether it's the 50 year mortgage, which probably won't even come to fruition, or if it's doing these mortgage bond buy downs in order to bring more liquidity into the market and bring rates down, or if it sees any of these other things being discussed with these institutional investors, since they already own such a smaller proportion of the housing market than a lot of people think, we'll discuss seasoned real estate investors and their loans shortly, but first for newer real estate investors, you Know, chili, I kind of think of four or more loan types that a beginner should be familiar with. I think of conventional loans, dscrs, fix and flips and then bridge loans, the first one with conventional loans. What are the basics that someone should know? Caeli Ridge 21:17 So first of all, you should know that there are 10 of these. We call them the golden tickets. I'm pretty sure I coined this, okay, 100 years ago, the golden ticket. We call the conventional aka Fannie Freddie, aka agency. They go by different names, but they all mean the same thing. We call them the golden tickets because it's the highest leverage and typically at the lowest interest rate you can find. Now I do have a hook in our conversation today about that. I'll get we'll get to it. There are 10 of these per qualified individual. So one of the first things that I would tell somebody is, is that if they are a partnership or a husband and wife team, you want to make sure to keep the debt obligation separate, because if you want to maximize these golden tickets, let's just say it's a husband and wife team. You each have, per qualification access to 10, and that includes a primary residence. In fact, let me just take a quick second and define what counts in the 10, because some people get this wrong. So the 10 golden tickets are counted by any residential property, single family, up to four Plex that has a loan on it, where the loan is in the individual name or personally guaranteed by the individual. That's where people get tied up. So if they went out and got a kind of more of a commercial type loan, that was in an LLC name, for example, but they signed a personal guarantee, per Fannie Freddie guidelines, that particular mortgage is going to count against the 10. So those would be some of the first pieces of news or detail I would give them about conventional Keith Weinhold 22:40 for married couples, don't take ownership in both the husband and wife's name, either the husband or the wife. That way, you can get to 20 rather than 10. And yes, you do have to be mindful that your primary residence does count in that 10 or 20, whatever it might be. Anything else quickly with conventional loans, LTVs so on, Caeli Ridge 23:01 yeah, LTV can go to 85% loan to value. So you get a little bit extra than you're going to get in some of the other loan product types. It will have PMI, private mortgage insurance, anything over 80% LTV will always have PMI on a more conforming, conventional basis. So keep that in mind. But the factor is pretty low. I would encourage people that are looking to stretch the almighty dollar. Do the math. Look at the 85 with PMI against, say, an 80% and see what are you giving up versus what you're getting. And then qualification stuff, you guys, my dumb joke, it's Keith's favorite. I'm sure vials of blood and DNA samples are sort of required for the Fannie Freddie loans. So just be prepared to supply or submit us the tax returns and pay stubs and bank statements and and all that stuff, Keith Weinhold 23:44 you'll feel like you're getting fingerprinted almost for a conventional loan qualification. And the second one that I brought up DSCR loans, that's short for debt service coverage ratio. And these mortgages are pretty standard for rental properties. They're underwritten based on a property's income potential. So you know, the way I think of dscrs Chaley from the lender's perspective, is that sustainable cash flow is what matters. The rent has got to support the property's monthly mortgage payments. So we talked to us more about dscrs. Caeli Ridge 24:15 Yeah, I love this product, and this is for somebody that either can't fit into the conventional Fannie Freddie box, or maybe they've exhausted their golden tickets and they're graduating and moving on. This is a great option that will reduce the amount of vials of blood and DNA samples that you're going to have to submit. It still provides for a 30 year fixed mortgage. The leverage is roughly the same, 80% in most cases, on a purchase. And to your point, the gross income divided by the principal, interest, taxes, insurance and Hoa, if it's applicable, is the simple formula, the easy method I'll give people, just to kind of solidify that math, is that if the gross rents were $1,000 a month, and if the PI TI was $1,000 a month, when you divide that, your debt service is 1.0 Now you can go as low, believe it or not, as low as a point seven, five, DSCR, they have those available be ready for the interest rate to get a little hair on it. Okay, it's going to be higher than what the 1.0 and above is going to be. But you can go as low as point seven, five, those are going to be for the investors that have found a property, maybe in distress, and they cannot show the current market value rent, perhaps, and it's on the low end. So you can still get that done at point seven, five, just be ready for a higher interest rate. Keith Weinhold 25:30 So the DSCR loan an alternative for you, which might be especially useful, like Chaley touched on, if you've already exhausted your 10 golden ticket. Fannie Freddie loans, a DSCR of 1.2 for example, means that your rent income needs to exceed your principal, interest, taxes and insurance payment by 20% or more. That's what we're talking about here. And then Chile, those were more of loans for the buy and hold type of investor. Tell us about fix and flip loans. Caeli Ridge 26:03 Yeah. So these are shorter term loan that will allow you to include not just the purchase of the property, but also some renovation or rehab money if you need that. And we're going to be looking at an ARV after repair value. So you've got a purchase price, you've got your renovation or scope of work budget. And then we're looking for an ARV with the ARV to be somewhere around 75% so what that means, if you've not heard of this before, you're going to take, let's say, $100,000 value. And if we want the ARV to be at 75% we're going to lend 75,000 is kind of the mix there. Those are quicker loans. You're going to be paying much higher rates on those. You know, between nine and 13% depending on the deal. The points are also going to be a little bit higher, but a great option for that quick turn and burn where you know your deal has enough skin in it and you can recapture all your capital and make a good tidy profit on it. Keith Weinhold 26:53 We're talking about basically fixer upper loans here with Chaley Ridge, the president of ridge lending group, yes, these are jalopies that rarely qualify for traditional bank financing. And oftentimes, when I think about these fix and flip loans, I'm thinking that often there is interest only flexibility with regard to those higher interest rates that you need to pay. And I think of it as, you know, a shorter term loan that you've got during your renovation period, oftentimes 12 to 18 months. Does that sound about right? Caeli Ridge 27:24 Yeah, 6,18, even 24 months. And to your point, yes, all of these are going to be interest only. And one of the cool things is about these loans is, is that, if there's enough room in the deal, right, based on what you need to borrow and what we think the ARV is expected to be, you don't even actually have to be making those interest payments. You can build it into the final payout when we go to refinance you out of this short term loan, or you simply sell the property and pay off that loan. So for example, let's say that your interest only payment is $1,000 a month, okay? And the value of the property is going to be $200,000 and you only took 120 okay, we're going to be well within that 75% ARV. You can build in that $1,000 say, for 12 months, there's $12,000 and just add it to the outstanding balance that you started by owing, and not have to be making those payments on an ongoing basis. It's not rented, right? So it might be nice to be able to factor that in to the actual payoff when you go to refinance that if it's a fix and hold versus go to sell it on a fix and flip. Keith Weinhold 28:31 Now, long term, we know that the big gains for real estate investors really come from that leveraged appreciation getting that loan. But sometimes there are situations where we might want to act as a cash buyer. And that brings up this fourth of four loan types that I brought up, the bridge loan, short term loans that can temporarily finance a property purchase while you're waiting for a longer term loan to come through. The bridge loan, so I think of it as a pretty speedy loan, if you sort of want to act like you're an all cash buyer. Caeli Ridge 29:04 Yeah, I like this, and in many ways it's similar to a fix and flip interest only. Obviously the term is going to be shorter, six months, 12 months, up to 24 months, and based on largely relationship, the bridge loan for the purpose that you described, really comes into play for an investor that we know and we're comfortable with, we can fund those inside a week, for somebody that we've done several of these loans for. So for those that need that really quick turn, once you've established yourself as a seasoned, experienced investor in that space, those are pretty slick and easy to get through. Keith Weinhold 29:39 Why would someone use a bridge loan, rather than a fix and flip loan. Caeli Ridge 29:43 So if they're in a very competitive market, that might be another option, because those are going to be faster. The bridge loan is going to be faster where they need to say that they're an all cash buyer and they only need seven days to close, or whatever it is. It depends on the municipality in the state. But what if you're at the courthouse steps? And you need cash quickly. Sometimes it needs to be immediate. So that might not be applicable in this case, but if you put the bid in, and you win the bid, and you've got, you know, three days to perform, usually we can get those done. So it's circumstantial. Those would be two variables or two scenarios that that would apply to Keith Weinhold 30:17 the bridge loan gives you the advantage of speed, but that speed can come at a cost. Caeli Ridge 30:22 Oh yeah, yeah, you're going to be paying probably three points, maybe four points, and it's short term interest, 13, 14% Keith Weinhold 30:30 so with these four loan types that we've discussed, conventional DSCR, fix and flip and bridge loans, you can kind of see that there is a loan for most every investment scenario, and there's no reason to rely on only one type, a flipper. Might start with a short term fix and flip loan or a bridge loan and then later refinance to a DSCR or a conventional loan. So consider mixing and matching based on your needs. You're listening to get rich education. We're talking with Ridge leninger, President Taylor Ridge, more when we come back, including steps for more advanced investors, I'm your host. Keith Weinhold Keith Weinhold 31:06 mid south homebuyers with over two decades as the nation's highest rated turnkey provider, their empathetic property managers use your return on investment as their North Star. It's no wonder smart investors line up to get their completely renovated income properties like it's the newest iPhone, headquartered in Memphis, with their globally attractive cash flows, mid south has an A plus rating with a better business bureau and 4000 houses renovated. There is zero markup on maintenance. Let that sink in, and they average a 98.9% occupancy rate with an industry leading three and a half year average renter term. Every home they offer you will have brand new components, a bumper to bumper, one year warranty, new 30 year roofs. And wait for it, a high quality renter in an astounding price range, 100 to 150k GET TO KNOW Mid South. Enjoy cash flow from day one at mid southhomebuyers.com that's mid southhomebuyers.com Keith Weinhold 32:08 you know, most people think they're playing it safe with their liquid money, but they're actually losing savings accounts and bonds. Don't keep up when true inflation eats six or 7% of your wealth. Every single year I invest my liquidity with FFI freedom family investments in their flagship program. Why fixed 10 to 12% returns have been predictable and paid quarterly. There's real world security backed by needs based real estate like affordable housing, Senior Living and health care. Ask about the freedom flagship program when you speak to a freedom coach there, and that's just one part of their family of products, they've got workshops, webinars and seminars designed to educate you before you invest, start with as little as 25k and finally, get your money working as hard as you do. Get started at Freedom family investments.com/gre or GRE, or send a text now it's 1-937-795-8989, yep, text their freedom coach, directly again. 1-937-795-8989, Keith Weinhold 33:19 the same place where I get my own mortgage loans is where you can get yours. Ridge lending group and MLS, 42056, they provided our listeners with more loans than anyone because they specialize in income properties. They help you build a long term plan for growing your real estate empire with leverage, start your pre qual and even chat with President chailey Ridge personally, while it's on your mind, start at Ridge lending group.com that's Ridge lending group.com Blair Singer 33:53 this is Rich Dad, sales advisor, Blair singer. Listen to get rich education with Keith Weinhold. And above all, don't quit your Daydream. Keith Weinhold 34:09 Welcome back to get rich education chili when we go beyond this beginner stage that we've been discussing, how about for an investor just trying to scale to 10 doors worth of one to four unit properties. Now, are there any strategies there or more of a loan order that you would recommend in getting up to your first 10 you know Caeli Ridge 34:29 I think the strategy starts with calling your lender, ideally Ridge lending group, and having that deep strategy call that, that discovery call, so that we can really understand and plant some seeds that say, Okay, Mr. Jones, these are your qualifications today. This is where you want to be in a year or 10 years. These are the steps that are going to be important that we are mindful of and we take to accomplish and reach those milestones. It's really important to have that baseline understanding of what is your debt to income ratio on day one, what are your assets? Sets. What is your credit? Where do you want to be in a year or 10 years? Right? Do you want 10 properties in a year's time? It's going to be a very different conversation than if you're going to slow roll this and want to establish 10 purchases or 10 investment properties over 10 years. So identifying those details is going to be part one, and then next, in terms of order, I would say, largely the higher price point properties, typically, I would say, put those in one through six. And the reason that I'm saying that is is that the underwriting guidelines under conventional financing, they will change based on how many finance properties you have. So of all of the inner working guidelines and things that go into securing a conventional mortgage loan, the three top most heavily weighted are going to be debt to income ratio, credit score and assets. Okay? And within each one of those, the marker or the qualification guideline changes as you evolve and acquire more property. So the higher up the ring you go, or the rung that you go to 10, the more restrictive the guidelines are going to be. So I would typically say, get the higher price point properties go into maybe one to four, one to six, if that's part of your strategy and your diversification of portfolio ownership. Then after you've established having two or three or four properties and that higher price point it as it gets harder to qualify, potentially, if your debt to income ratio is a little bit tight, you've got the smaller loan sizes that might be less impactful in debt to income ratio. All of this is very subjective to the individual's qualifications and needs, of course, but that might be one rule of thumb that I would take Keith Weinhold 36:39 gosh, this This is absolute gold in helping you structure the architecture of a growing income property portfolio. And we're coming up on this Super Bowl, and whatever mortgage lender advertises for the Super Bowl or has some big, splashy campaign nationally, you know they are not the ones that are going to have conversations like this for you, they might be fine for buying a primary residence, but this is why you want to have a long term strategy and work with a lender that's aligned with you on exactly that sort of thing. And Chaley, is there a specific way in which one can avoid hitting the Fannie Freddie loan ceilings too early if you haven't already touched on it. Caeli Ridge 37:22 Yeah, very good question. You know, I think that this is going to come down to a debt to income ratio conversation. It's easy enough to ensure that we contain assets and credit. Those are easier conversations. The debt to income ratio is the piece that's more complicated and can get away from an investor without them even knowing it. You don't know what you don't know, right? So I would say that debt to income ratio and making sure that your lender again, hopefully Ridge lending, because we know this like we know our own faces, making sure they know how to structure and provide feedback and consult on that schedule E, part of the beauty of real estate investing is the tax deductions. Right? Many people get into real estate investing, not for the cash flow, not even for the appreciation, but for that tax strategy, because they're high wage earners, or whatever it may be, and they're sick of paying x in taxes. So the debt to income ratio is key in scaling and making sure you can continue to qualify for those loans. The conversations that we have with our clients really go deep about where we can maximize our deductions to ensure that we get the tax benefit without precluding our qualification on a conventional underwriting basis in the DTI category. Keith Weinhold 38:35 Now, during my growth as an investor, when I got above 10 doors, one gets above 20 doors. When one gets to 216 doors, I began where I needed to qualify more on a DSCR basis, where the lender is looking at the properties qualification, more so than me. So are there any other thoughts with regard to how one can set themselves up for success in really going big and well beyond 10 doors Caeli Ridge 39:03 absolutely so once we've exhausted the Fannie Freddie, and I think one of the real value adds about Ridge is that we are not a one size fits all, and we are extremely holistic versus transactional. So having that first conversation and understanding what those goals are, so that we can pivot as we need to maximize the golden tickets, whether that be 10 to 20, right? If you're in a marriage or a partnership or whatever, and then setting up for the DSCR loans when the time comes, and taking advantage of those, there is no limit to how many DSCR loans we can get for one individual. We have yet to file an individual that we've had to say no, and we've done quite a few of the high, high acquisition investors, so I don't expect that to be an issue, but yeah, I think it's about planning, planting those seeds, creating roadmaps together and have those smart discovery conversations. Keith Weinhold 39:50 Now, as you grow, one way you might diversify is to have perhaps at least a part of your portfolio in short term rentals. So what I. Comes to getting loans for sort of Airbnb or VRBO type properties. What does one look for there? How much does the landscape change versus the longer term rentals that we've mostly been talking about here? Caeli Ridge 40:10 Yeah, I think that the differences are going to be about purchase versus refinance. If we're just talking about purchases, let's kind of try to keep it in one lane. If we're talking about purchasing a short term rental, you may be limited on leverage. You might lose a little bit of leverage, 5% let's say you could get to 75% and maybe on a short term they're going to back it off to 70% LTV, so there may be reduction in that loan to value. And the way in which we're going to quantify the income is absolutely important to share with your listeners on a purchase transaction, we have access to things like an appraisal. An appraisal is going to give us some median rental income, whether it be long term or short term, that we will use to offset a new mortgage payment if that's needed for the individual's debt to income ratio qualification. Now, if they don't need the rental income to qualify, then it's a non issue. But if they do, like most of us, need that rental income to absorb this new mortgage payment that we are securing for them, how that's going to quantify is important. So if it's not in a short term rental area, let's just say it's kind of off the beaten path, and there may not be enough data points to support the income that you need. It's important to know that up front versus way down the rabbit hole, when you paid for appraisals and you're all the way through the transaction and earnest money might be off the table if you had to cancel that kind of thing. So really important to understand the numbers in advance, I would say, when we talk about short term rentals and how the income is going to be quantified from an underwriting perspective, Keith Weinhold 41:43 why does a borrower often need to make a higher down payment on a short term rental than they do a long term rental? Caeli Ridge 41:49 You know, I think that in secondary markets, as we talk about mortgage backed securities and things like that, it's looked at as a higher risk. A short term rental is going to be a higher risk than just the stable long term, long burn tenant is going to be there and they've got their lease for a year, two years or whatever, at a time, the short term rental is more volatile and it's seasonal. It can be I mean, there's all those different factors, so higher risk means more skin in the game for the investor. Keith Weinhold 42:13 That makes a lot of sense. Does that higher risk also translate into a higher mortgage rate for short term rentals than long term rentals? Caeli Ridge 42:18 Fannie Freddie versus DSCR The answer is no. On the Fannie Freddie side, the interest rate's not going to change on a DSCR loan. Yes, it can be slightly higher, usually about about a quarter of a percentage point on a short term versus a long term. Keith Weinhold 42:33 Now, are there any particular markets that lenders want to avoid with short term rental loans? Caeli Ridge 42:39 No, as long as the property is habitable, and all the other metrics fit Qualifications and Credit and assets and all that stuff. No, there isn't a market that we're going to have any issues with now. We do get the notifications for natural disaster areas, and as that relates to the appraisal and things like that, if it's in a natural disaster area or zone, we may have to hold funding until after the disaster is over, and then we can go and take more pictures and make sure it's still standing and there's no major issues. But otherwise, aside from that, as long as it's habitable, no, there is no market restriction. Keith Weinhold 43:12 Yes, with that variability of income for short term rentals, you can understand how a lender would be more careful in making a loan, and would want you, the borrower, to put more skin in the game for a short term rental. Well, Caeli, overall, what should an investor do in the next 24 hours to make themselves more lendable before contacting someone like you? Caeli Ridge 43:36 I would say the answer is sticky, but call rich lending group. That's how you're going to make yourself more lendable. And the reason that I can say that is is that everybody's qualifications and needs and goals are inherently different. So calling someone that understands this landscape and can navigate the battleship in the creek like I like to say, that's the visual aid for those of you that need the visual is the first key. And with that conversation, we're going to be able to identify for you specifically what you would need to do to become more lendable. And it may be nothing Keith Weinhold 44:07 well over there, Chaley, you're growing. You do loans in almost all 50 states. The GRE podcast has more than 5.8 million listener downloads, and you have helped countless GRE listeners acquire smart investor loans for fully a decade now. Just amazing. So talk to us about all of the loan types that you offer investors there at ridge. Caeli Ridge 44:30 My gosh. Okay, so I think one of the real value adds for us is that we have such a diverse menu of loan products. We touched on a few of them already. So we've got the conventional Fannie Mae Freddie, Mac stuff. We've got our DSCR loans. We have bank statement loans, asset depletion loans. I can touch on those if you want. Keith, we have our short term bridge fix and flip. We have our All In One my favorite, first lien, HELOC we have second lien HELOCs. We have commercial loan products, and commercial can apply to residential and commercial property. A cross collateralization, commercial for residential properties. That just means, if you're putting 10 single families into one blanket loan, that would be cross collateralization, or if you're buying a storage unit that's straight commercial, and probably even more than that, ground up construction, there's really not a limit to the loan products that we offer, specifically for investors. The only thing we don't have, I would say in our arsenal is bare land loans. Those are hard to come by Keith Weinhold 45:24 It sounds like you recommend a call in order to get some of that back and forth, to learn how you can best help that investor. But tell us about all the ways that someone Caeli Ridge 45:32 can get a hold of you. Yes, there's a few ways. Of course, our website, ridgeline group.com, you can call us toll free at 855-747434385, 747-434-3855, 74, Ridge. Or feel free to email us info at Ridge lending group.com Keith Weinhold 45:49 and you might get lucky. Hey, spin the wheel. Chaele does get on the phone and talk to individual investors herself too. So Chaley, it's been valuable as always to cover all these different loan types for beginners, and then what one does when they advance beyond that. It's been great having you back on the show. Caeli Ridge 46:09 Thank you, Keith. I appreciate you. Keith Weinhold 46:16 Oh yeah, a lot to learn from Chaley today. You've got mortgage rates three quarters to 1% lower than they were a year ago. At this time, in fact, last month, they ticked below 6% for the first time in years, and their lowest level in over three years. But when you introduce geopolitical uncertainty, well, that tends to make rates tick up again. Now, just what does happen when you have a lower overall rate trend like we have? Well, in this cycle, it's already spurred an increase in housing sales volume. It surged to 4.3 5 million in the latest reporting month, and that is the hottest annualized pace in nearly three years. Some of the same people who said, wait until rates fall, they're about to realize that prices didn't wait. Demand comes back fast. Inventory doesn't if mortgage rates take another leg lower, we could see quite a refinance wave in balanced markets or in supply constrained markets, bidding wars could follow. Now I've shared with you before that I totally do not predict interest rates. I don't know if anyone should. It is a great way to be fantastically wrong and supremely waste a lot of people's time. Instead, I think it's more efficacious for you to be able to interpret the signs that can trigger a further rate drop. Those signs are a weak jobs report that tends to bring lower rates because the labor market needs the help. So does softening wage growth, GDP below expectations, inflation continuing to cool, or a pickup in US Treasury demand. These are all signs that can lead to even lower rates. In fact, right now, with already lower rates and higher wages, real estate is more affordable than it's been in about three years, but overall, longer term, yeah, income properties still feel somewhat less affordable. It's less affordable than it was in pre pandemic times. That's for real for US investors, though, affordability is less about the price of the property, it's about whether the property pays for itself and grows your net worth while inflation does the heavy lifting for you, that's why it still works for us as investors. Higher prices don't kill investors inaction during inflation does you're not so much buying a say, 350k property. You're controlling it with 70k while your tenant and inflation do the rest. We don't rely on hope or appreciation. We start with inflation, tax benefits and debt pay down, and then appreciation typically happens too. A lot of times, the question for us goes beyond whether or not a property is affordable. The question is whether owning an investment property is better than inflation compounding against us, which is an investor mindset for this era, Ridge landing gear. President Chaley Ridge is a regular guest here because the mortgage space is so dynamic and things change a lot. For that reason, we expect to have her with us every few months this year, I'll see you next week. I'm your host. Keith Weinhold, don't quit your Daydream. Speaker 2 50:01 Nothing on this show should be considered specific, personal or professional advice. Please consult an appropriate tax, legal, real estate, financial or business professional for individualized advice. Opinions of guests are their own. Information is not guaranteed. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. The host is operating on behalf of get rich Education LLC, exclusively Keith Weinhold 50:30 The preceding program was brought to you by your home for wealth building, getricheducation.com
After spending back-to-back VIP days with multiple multi-seven-figure leaders, Kelly noticed a powerful pattern: The businesses ready to scale fastest weren't missing strategy — they were missing identity. In today's episode, Kelly breaks down why backing up to the identity of your brand may be the most important move you make heading into 2026. In an economy where information is commoditized and AI is everywhere, the businesses that win are the ones that lead movements, not transactions. This episode will challenge you to rethink how you cast vision, create belonging, and build a brand people want to stay loyal to for years, and not just buy from once. In this episode, Kelly explores: Why logic alone no longer converts buyers (and, how movements outperform marketing tactics) The difference between customers who transact and customers who stick around How to create "stickiness" (and ultimately, lifetime value) through identity and conviction Why the heart and soul of your brand matter more than ever in 2026 TIMESTAMPS: 03:06 – 05:40 — What Kelly noticed after multiple VIP days with 7-figure CEOs 05:41 – 07:55 — Why growth stalls when identity isn't clear 07:56 – 10:20 — Logic vs. emotion: how people actually decide to buy 10:21 – 12:45 — Transactions vs. movements (and why LTV suffers) 12:46 – 15:05 — How identity creates brand "stickiness" 15:06 – 17:30 — Service-based businesses and the lost art of stewardship 17:31 – 18:55 — Why AI makes conviction and humanity non-negotiable RESOURCES: Grab your copy of Conviction Marketing: https://www.amazon.com/Conviction-Marketing-Kelly-Roach/dp/B09S259DWK Subscribe to Kelly's Substack channel: https://kellyroachofficial.substack.com/ Follow Kelly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyroachofficial/ Follow Kelly on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.roach.520/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyroachint/
Want higher retention, more referrals and a stronger lifetime value without constantly relying on new customer acquisition? This episode is for you. I'm breaking down how to increase adoption fast so customers actually use what they buy, get a quick win, and build the kind of momentum that turns into long-term results, renewals, and word-of-mouth growth. You'll learn the shift that changes everything: it's not enough to sell the product, it's your responsibility to design an experience that makes starting frictionless, progress obvious, and consistency more likely. I walk you through 5 practical levers to drive usage, including simplifying the first step, building smart reminders and cues, using proactive check-ins that reduce cancellations and returns, creating community and recognition that reinforces identity, and leveraging social proof to keep belief high while results catch up. HIGHLIGHTS Why usage beats acquisition and how it impacts retention, referrals, and lifetime value. The real reason customers cancel, return, or churn even after an excited purchase. How to design a "fast start" experience that creates an early win and reduces drop-off. The 5 most effective ways to increase adoption (without becoming high-maintenance.) How to use reminders, community, and recognition to build habit and consistency. Why "perception is reality" when customers decide whether your offer is worth it. How retention improves your CAC-to-LTV math, and why that changes everything. RESOURCES Join the most supportive mastermind on the internet - the Mentor Collective Mastermind! Make More Sales in the next 90 days - GET THE BLUEPRINT HERE! Check out upcoming events + Masterminds: chrisharder.me Text DAILY to 310-421-0416 to get daily Money Mantras to boost your day. FOLLOW Chris: @chriswharder Frello: @frello_app