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If you're like most founders, “creating a yearly business plan” is one of those tasks you keep bumping to the bottom of your to-do list. Maybe you tell yourself you'll get to it when things slow down, but they never do. And before you know it, you're steamrolling into the new year without a plan, which leads to overthinking every single decision and drowning in busy work. And somehow you end the year wondering how you were so busy… without feeling like you moved the needle at all. Stacy doesn't want that to be your reality at the end of 2026. That's why today, she's walking through the exact planning framework she uses with clients inside her membership, The Boutique Investment Collective.In this episode, she covers:How to set a 10-year “10-bagger” goal that feels exciting and directional (not something that makes you freeze or avoid the plan altogether)Her process for breaking big annual goals into quarterly focuses you can realistically carry while still running a business (and a life)Why it's time to stop using AUM as your only scorecardHow to get clear on what's in your control, what isn't, and where you're wasting energy trying to force outcomesThe mistake that's making your sales harder than they should be (and how to streamline your sales process in 2026) ---Running a fund is hard enough.Ops shouldn't be.Meet the team that makes it easier. | billiondollarbackstory.com/ultimus- - -Thinking about expanding your investor base beyond the US? Not sure where to start? Take our quick quiz to find out if your firm is ready to go global and get all the info at billiondollarbackstory.com/gemcap
Investor Fuel Real Estate Investing Mastermind - Audio Version
In this episode of the Real Estate Pros Podcast, host Michelle Kesil interviews Chris Lento, founder of EM Capital, who shares his journey into multifamily real estate investing. Chris discusses the importance of strategic partnerships, the process of raising capital, and how AI is transforming the industry. He also reflects on challenges faced in real estate and offers valuable advice for new investors. Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind: Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply Investor Machine Marketing Partnership: Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true 'white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com Coaching with Mike Hambright: Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a "mini-mastermind" with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming "Retreat", either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas "Big H Ranch"? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform! Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/ New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club —--------------------
In this episode of The Academy Presents: Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with seasoned capital-raising and wealth management expert Edmund Chien to break down what truly drives successful investor relationships. With over 20 years of experience across private equity, family offices, and estate planning,From navigating rejection and emotional burnout to mastering consultative sales and investor communication, this conversation is packed with mindset shifts and practical strategies for new, stuck, and seasoned real estate investors alike. If you want to raise capital without feeling salesy, build long-term trust, and position yourself as a confident leader in the room, this episode delivers.
In this episode, Kim Lisa Taylor and Krisha Young discuss the most common issues startup founders and real estate sponsors encounter when preparing to raise capital — often before they realize anything is wrong. They break down how early decisions around structure, compliance, and investor strategy can significantly impact a raise, and why misunderstandings around securities laws frequently create problems later. The conversation emphasizes the importance of getting the legal foundation right from the start to protect both issuers and their investors.Kim and Krisha also walk through how a thoughtful, phased evaluation can help sponsors move forward with clarity and confidence. Drawing from their experience structuring hundreds of offerings, they explain how proper planning can preserve flexibility, avoid costly revisions, and keep momentum strong throughout the capital-raising process. Whether you're raising for a startup or a real estate deal, this episode offers practical insight into building a compliant, scalable path forward before accepting investor funds.
Everyone loves a success story, but what we don't talk about enough is what it costs to get there.And what it's like before the money is wired or anyone cares. Before all of that, there was a guy with a phone, a thesis, and a long list of people telling him no.That guy was Cole Wilcox.In this episode, Stacy Havener sits down with Cole, CEO & CIO of Longboard Asset Management, to talk about what it really takes to build an investment firm when you don't start with pedigree, proximity, or institutional backing, just conviction and the willingness to keep going when quitting feels rational.In this episode, you'll hear:How one cold call turned into Longboard's first $5M Why founder-led fundraising is unavoidable in the early years, no matter how strong your strategy isWhat it feels like to hear “call me at $100M”… and then hear it again at $1BHow surviving multiple market crises permanently reshaped Cole's relationship with riskThe moment Longboard nearly shut down, and the structural pivot that kept the firm aliveThe real cost of broken partnerships (and why people issues end more firms than markets)What resilience actually looks like when walking away feels like the logical moveWhy staying power might be the most underrated edge a founder hasMore About Cole:Cole Wilcox, Chief Investment Officer at Longboard, has specialized in trend following investment strategies for over 20 years. As a co-author of award-winning research, he has been profiled in bestselling investment books, featured in major media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and Bloomberg, and is a frequent guest on popular podcasts. Cole leads a highly accomplished team at Longboard, delivering innovative, low-correlation investment strategies that leverage trend following to capture market opportunities. ---Running a fund is hard enough.Ops shouldn't be.Meet the team that makes it easier. | billiondollarbackstory.com/ultimus- - -Thinking about expanding your investor base beyond the US? Not sure where to start? Take our quick quiz to find out if your firm is ready to go global and get all the info at billiondollarbackstory.com/gemcap
“Be authentic.” “Own your story.” “Sharpen your edges.”We say these things at Havener Capital all the time (and Stacy says them a lot). But here's the real question: do they actually move the needle?Mike Denklau, founder of Dorset Agriculture, is here to tell you they do. Today, he's giving us a behind-the-scenes look at what happens when you stop code-switching… and start building from your real story.Before launching Dorset, Mike was part of Harvard's endowment, helping manage a $4B+ agriculture and timber portfolio. Long before that, he was an Iowa farm kid. The journey from flannel in the fields to fund meetings in Boston is full of lessons for any founder navigating identity, fundraising, and first-time firm-building.Here's what you'll hear in this episode:How a kid from Iowa ended up managing billions at Harvard and how that full-circle moment sparked Dorset's launchThe overlooked opportunity in ag investing most firms ignore (and where meaningful, steady alpha may actually be hiding)How Mike landed his first investor without a pitch and without trading his comfy flannel in for a stiff suit to fit in Why boutique founders need to stop hiding behind polish and let LPs see the messy middle (because that's where conviction is built)What early-stage fundraising actually feels like and how to keep going when the uncertainty feels personal and loudThis isn't just a story about agriculture. It's a case study in what happens when you own your different, build what the market didn't even know it needed, and let your backstory do what it does best: open doors that fitting in never could. More about Mike Denklau: Mike was born into a third-generation farming family and raised on a farm in Iowa. He has 14+ years of investment and finance experience and was involved with $8B+ of transactions.Prior to Dorset, Mike was an agriculture investor at Solum Partners and Harvard Management Company. Previously, Mike held investment and investment banking roles at Hudson Advisors, Barclays, and Lehman Brothers.Mike earned a MBA and JD from Northwestern University and a BBA in Finance and a BS in Political Science from the University of Iowa. Mike is also a member of the Illinois State Bar Association.Mike enjoys golf, skiing, and Hawkeye football. He currently lives in Boston with his wife, two children, and golden retriever. ---Running a fund is hard enough.Ops shouldn't be.Meet the team that makes it easier. | billiondollarbackstory.com/ultimus- - -Thinking about expanding your investor base beyond the US? Not sure where to start? Take our quick quiz to find out if your firm is ready to go global and get all the info at billiondollarbackstory.com/gemcap
The Deep Wealth Podcast - Extracting Your Business And Personal Deep Wealth
Send us a textUnlock Proven Strategies for a Lucrative Business Exit—Subscribe to The Deep Wealth Podcast TodayHave Questions About Growing Profits And Maximizing Your Business Exit? Submit Them Here, and We'll Answer Them on the Podcast!“Calm down, it's OK, you've got this. You can do it, it will be OK.”- Sherwood NeissExclusive Insights from This Week's EpisodesWhat if the fastest path to raising capital has nothing to do with VCs, banks, or traditional gatekeepers? Sherwood “Woodie” Neiss helped write the law that unlocked billions in previously inaccessible funding, and in this explosive conversation he exposes the hidden playbook founders can use right now to raise capital directly from their communities.02:15 How Woodie went from Wall Street to Silicon Valley11:00 Why your customers may be your most powerful investors13:30 The fight to modernize 1933 securities laws22:00 The shock rise of healthcare and biotech in crowdfunding24:15 How investors become strategic partners28:00 The step-by-step of working with Crowdfund Capital Advisors31:00 What the algorithm revealed about VC follow-on rounds35:00 The Crowdfundomics equation explained42:00 Simple actions founders can take in the next 90 days43:00 Why today's capital markets are shifting faster than everClick here for full show notes, transcript, and resources:https://podcast.deepwealth.com/499Essential Resources to Maximize Your Business ExitLearn More About Deep Wealth MasteryFREE Deep Wealth eBook on Why You Suck At Selling Your Business And What You Can Do AboutUnlock Your Lucrative Exit and Secure Your Legacy
What does it take to build a biotech company without burning billions—or losing your conviction? In this episode of CPO PLAYBOOK, Felicia Shakiba sits down with Dr. Shalabh Gupta, Founder & CEO of Unicycive Therapeutics, a physician-turned-Wall-Street-analyst who built and took a biotech company public in a way few ever do. Dr. Gupta shares how he raised $150M+ in public markets, went public with just one employee, and scaled to FDA submission readiness with only 22 people—all without relying on traditional Silicon Valley venture capital. This conversation unpacks what real CEO discipline looks like in one of the most unforgiving industries in the world—and what leaders in any industry can learn from it. You'll learn: • Why great CEOs start with the problem—not the product • How to scale a capital-intensive business with radical focus • Why FDA alignment is a leadership skill, not a regulatory hurdle • How public-market thinking changes founder decision-making • What investors actually look for in CEO credibility and trust Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Unisysive Therapeutics 04:27 Innovative Approach to Biotech 07:55 Understanding the Biotech Landscape 10:39 Transition from Medicine to Wall Street 14:08 Lessons from Genentech 19:46 Building a Company Alone 22:47 The Importance of Networking 27:00 Engaging with the FDA 30:57 Raising Capital in Biotech 41:58 Navigating Investor Relationships This episode is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership, capital discipline, and building companies that last. — Subscribe to CPO PLAYBOOK for more conversations at the intersection of leadership, innovation, and capital strategy: https://www.cpoplaybook.com/newsletter Need support scaling leadership or culture? Let's talk: https://www.cpoplaybook.com/contact-us
HSBC Innovations is the global bank's financing arm for American and European startups, especially in the healthcare and life sciences industries. The bank's semi-annual Venture Healthcare Reports document trends in the investment market.Key Tech's Andy Rogers welcomes the report's author, HSBC Innovation Managing Director Jon Norris in Episode 43 of the MedTech Speed to Data podcast.Need to know· Four core market segments — HSBC Innovation's Venture Healthcare Reports cover investments and exits in Biopharma, Dx/Tools, Med Device, and Healthtech.· Sourcing investment data — Norris enriches Pitchbook data with additional structure and analyses, making the report more relevant to these market segments.· Sourcing exit data — Norris supplements media and industry publications with market research and conversations with industry leaders.· An investment data tapestry — The reports provide “an honest picture of what's going on in the market” so investors and innovators alike “can make targeted smart decisions.”The nitty-grittyAndy and Norris discuss the investment market's recent history before exploring drivers of today's investment headwinds.“2021 was a record-setting year,” Norris recalls. “Every record that could be set for deals and dollars was set across all the sectors.” Things changed in 2022 as new BioTech IPOs struggled, prompting investment reprioritizations.“VCs had done all these… frothy valuations,” Norris says. “They had to go back and look at their own portfolios and say, does this company have enough capital? How do you want to put money to work?”Investments rebounded in 2024, but not the number of deals. Investors poured money into their existing portfolios to boost their exit chances, resulting in today's nine-figure megadeals.“Basically, they're smooshing two rounds together and extending the investors coming in to support that round,” Norris says.Headwinds stiffened in 2025 as tariffs, a more litigious competitive space, and other factors amplified business uncertainty.Norris attributes this progression to the psychology of venture capital. “When you think about what makes these folks tick,” Norris explains, “they want to continue to raise new venture funds because they get paid management fees. But in order to raise their new venture funds, they have to show their investors that they've actually gotten returns.”That means reaching an acquisition or IPO. “They're very focused on getting to exit right now. That's why they're so focused on their existing portfolio. And because of that, they haven't been doing as many new investments.”New investments still happen, of course, but the criteria have changed. “While the dollars are actually up in some of these sectors, especially Med Device,” Norris says, “you're seeing that being put to work on later-stage deals because they'd rather get a shorter time to exit.”Data that made the difference:Norris' insights from the HSBC Venture Healthcare Report let him advise startups fighting today's investment headwinds.Adopt a megaround mentality. “Series B has been extremely difficult,” Norris says. “[Raising] sub two million, that's one thing. But if you're looking to raise five million, it's almost better to raise twelve.”Find investors outside the mainstream. “Traditional venture investors don't want to write small checks.” Norris sees angel groups, innovation centers, and other small investors funding these early rounds.Explore acquisition exits, but be careful. “On the device side, most of the corporates have been pretty darn active,” Norris says. However, some litigate to block emerging competition, especially in the Dx/Tools sector. Norris' recommends researching potential acquirers before taking meetings.Download the HSBC Venture Healthcare Report for Norris' complete analysis, and watch the video below for insights into the Medical Device and Dx/Tools sectors, AI's role in MedTech, and more.
Brianna K Hunter transformed her life through courage, mentorship, and strategic investing, revealing an inspiring path toward personal freedom and long-term success. This one's for anyone willing to take bold action.See full article: https://www.unitedstatesrealestateinvestor.com/creating-your-path-to-rising-toward-a-bigger-life-with-brianna-k-hunter/(00:00) - Welcome Back to The REI Agent with Guest Brianna K. Hunter(00:09) - Warm Weather Banter and San Diego Backdrop(00:24) - Brianna Shares Her Current Focus in Multifamily Investing(00:47) - How Brianna Entered Real Estate and Bought Her First Property in College(03:03) - Growing Up in Connecticut and Early Success as an Agent(03:26) - House Hack Beginnings and Using FHA to Buy a Duplex(04:10) - Hands On Renovations and Learning Construction Skills(05:00) - Cash Flowing as a College Student During the COVID Market Shift(06:45) - Mindset, Risk, and Listening to Mentors Instead of Naysayers(07:43) - Appreciation of Duplex Cash Flow and Challenges of Today's Rates(08:16) - Dropping Out of College to Pursue Real Estate Full Time(09:36) - Transition from Neurobiology to Psychology and Human Development(10:02) - Mattias and Brianna Discuss College Value and ROI(11:06) - Education, Drive, and Why Degrees Don't Guarantee Success(12:38) - Scaling as an Agent and Working with Investors(13:54) - Outgrowing Connecticut and Preparing for the Next Big Life Move(15:12) - Brianna's Grandmother Inspires a Cross Country Leap to San Diego(16:21) - Moving to California with No Job and Starting Over Completely(16:31) - Selling Her First Investment Property and Leveraging the Equity(17:19) - Apartment Hunting Without a Job and Signs of Alignment(18:06) - Day One Hustle: Printing Resumes and Knocking Doors in San Diego(19:11) - Landing a Restaurant Job and Transitioning into an Investment Company(20:45) - Learning Fix and Flip, Acquisitions, and Leadership From Mentors(21:05) - Jumping Into Multifamily Syndication and Working for Herself(21:58) - Syndicating Across Multiple States and Market Differences(22:06) - Value Add Investing and Stabilizing Properties in Three to Five Years(23:00) - The Long Term Equity Play in High Value Markets Like San Diego(23:33) - Brianna's Role in Raising Capital and Managing Investor Relations(24:24) - Becoming a General Partner and Vetting Opportunities for Investors(24:46) - The Alignment Between Agents and Syndications Explained(26:37) - Mattias' Personal Example of Depreciation and Syndication Returns(28:19) - Compounding Wealth, Bonus Depreciation, and Using a Self Directed IRA(30:02) - Cap Rates, Forced Equity, and How Operators Add Value(31:17) - Market Risks, Bridge Loans, and Why Understanding the Deal Matters(33:50) - Accredited vs Sophisticated Investors and Understanding Risk(35:38) - Golden Nugget: Lean on Mentors and Ask Questions Relentlessly(36:23) - The Importance of Your Circle and Surrounding Yourself With the Right People(37:30) - Current Reads: Free a Lot of Power and Personal Growth(38:14) - Where Listeners Can Connect With Brianna Online(39:15) - Closing Thanks and Final Messages From Mattias and EricaContact Brianna K. Hunterhttps://www.facebook.com/briannaKhunter/https://www.instagram.com/briannakayh/https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianna-kay-hunter-598b71380/https://www.tiktok.com/@briannakayh https://www.zillow.com/profile/Brianna%20K%20HunterThank you for joining us today. Brianna's journey proves that your next level begins the moment you choose courage over comfort and take action toward the life you want. For more powerful stories and tools to grow your future, visit https://reiagent.com
In this industry, everyone talks about innovation. But innovation rarely starts in a conference room. It starts when a client hits a wall. When they're overwhelmed, under pressure, or staring at an opportunity they can't quite reach alone.That's where Ultimus Fund Solutions steps in. This team doesn't just throw tech at the problem. They roll up their sleeves, pick up the phone, and build real solutions, side by side with their clients.In this episode, you'll hear what that actually looks like:A multi-billion-dollar RIA streamlining 400+ SMAs and mutual funds into a single ETF that's now at $1.2B and climbingA $20B alternatives manager slashing launch time nearly in half with Ultimus GatewayA private credit strategy that didn't exist until Amanda's team built it, piece by pieceA middle office crew turning “random one-off asks” into a well-oiled machineA data team translating challenging requests into crystal-clear, decision-ready KPIsIf you've ever wondered what a true partnership feels like in financial services, this is your peek behind the curtain.More About Ultimus:Ultimus Fund Solutions delivers fund servicing, middle and back office support, and one-of-a-kind solutions across ETFs, mutual funds, private funds, and alternatives, with real people who actually listen, collaborate, and deliver.Learn more at billiondollarbackstory.com/ultimus
John Azar breaks down today's capital markets, why deals are failing, and how to raise money, communicate with investors, and scale a commercial real estate fund.In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack Hoss sits down with John Azar, founder of Peak 15 Capital, to discuss the real state of capital markets, the rise of distressed commercial assets, and what operators must do to survive today's environment.John shares his origin story—from structured finance at Morgan Stanley to launching multiple companies, navigating the 2008 crisis, and ultimately raising and managing large funds. He explains the differences between today's market and 2008, why liquidity isn't the problem this time, and why underwriting is causing widespread defaults across multifamily and commercial assets.John also breaks down how to start raising capital, the difference between syndications and funds, where he's seeing the best opportunities (including flex industrial and ground-up development), and why transparent communication is the #1 rule of investor relations.He also covers how he uses AI and automation to save time while still keeping the personal touch required in private equity.What You'll LearnWhy defaults are rising in CRE (and why it's NOT the properties)The biggest difference between 2008 and todayHow to start raising money the right waySyndication vs. fund structures—and when to use eachWhy flex industrial and development deals are trendingHow to spot distressed opportunities in today's marketHow to scale from being the operator to being a fund managerThe crucial role of communication in investor trustHow AI tools save time but can't replace relationshipsWhat Peak 15 Capital is investing in next
Making Billions: The Private Equity Podcast for Startup Founders and Venture Capital Investors
Send us a text"RAISE CAPITAL LIKE A LEGEND: https://go.fundraisecapital.co/frc2-apply"Why do some fund managers and startup founders close oversubscribed fundraising rounds in days, while others chase investors for months with nothing but "maybes"? The secret to raising capital successfully is not just your IRR, deck, or data room—it's mastering The Fundraise Formula.In this powerful episode of Making Billions, host Ryan Miller reveals the simple yet universal law that dictates every successful private equity deal, venture capital round, and alternative asset raise: Trust multiplied by the Transaction.Stop chasing capital and start making capital chase you. This masterclass is essential viewing for fund managers, General Partners (GPs), Limited Partners (LPs), deal syndicators, venture capitalists, angel investors, and startup founders who are serious about scaling their businesses and building their financial empire.Download The Fundraise Capital Diagnostic Tool—the private framework Ryan uses to score a deal's investor perception—and change the way you raise capital forever: go.fundraisecapital.co/thefundraiseformulaSubscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTOe79EXLDsROQ0z3YLnu1QQConnect with Ryan Miller:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcmiller1/Instagram: https://Support the showDISCLAIMER: The information in every podcast episode “episode” is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. By listening or viewing our episodes, you understand that no information contained in the episodes should be construed as legal or financial advice from the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal, financial, or tax counsel on any subject matter. No listener of the episodes should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, the episodes without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer, finance, tax, or other licensed person in the recipient's state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction. No part of the show, its guests, host, content, or otherwise should be considered a solicitation for investment in any way. All views expressed in any way by guests are their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the show or its host(s). The host and/or its guests may own some of the assets discussed in this or other episodes, including compensation for advertisements, sponsorships, and/or endorsements. This show is for entertainment purposes only and should not be used as financial, tax, legal, or any advice whatsoever.
In this episode of Founder Talk, Alex Iannessa, founder of EnRoads Paving, shares the real story behind going from zero to eight figures in under four years. Alex breaks down how he took a side-door industry path, from laborer, to sales, to founder, and how he used relationships, reputation, and relentless consistency to build a national parking lot management company during a time when most businesses were slowing down.We get into the sacrifices no one sees:The 12-hour days.Moving back in with his parents.Losing relationships.Starting with nothing but a laptop, a cell phone, and blind trust from family investors.Alex also dives into the skilled trades crisis and why society pushed kids into college debt, how that narrative is breaking down, and why the next generation is rediscovering the opportunity and wealth inside blue-collar America. He explains how EnRoads found its competitive edge by bridging the gap between the boardroom and the jobsite, and why trust, humility, and showing up authentically beat any sales tactic.We talk through everything founders never say out loud, from outgrowing your personal life, to the hard choices that come with growth, to why the construction and education systems are fundamentally broken and ripe for innovation.You'll learn: ✅ How Alex grew EnRoads to eight figures in less than four years ✅ Why relationships, reputation, and character are true competitive advantages ✅ The sacrifices founders make (and what Alex would do differently) ✅ Why the skilled trades are booming again and why the narrative is shifting ✅ How AI will reshape construction and where the real opportunities are ✅ Why young founders should focus on resilience, not perfectionIf you've been searching “how to scale a business fast,” “what it really takes to build an eight-figure company,” or “is the skilled trades comeback real?” — this episode gives you the unfiltered truth.Connect with Alex Iannessa:Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderdiannessa/Guest Website: https://enroadspaving.com/If you are a B2B company that wants to build your own in-house content team instead of outsourcing your content to a marketing agency, we may be a fit for you! Everything you see in our podcast and content is a result of a scrappy, nimble, internal content team along with an AI-powered content systems and process. Check out pricing and services here: https://impaxs.comHead to our website to stream every episode on your favorite platform, join the Founder Talk community, and submit questions for future guests–all in one place: https://foundertalkpodcast.com/Timecodes00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:06 Founding EnRoads Paving01:09 The Power of Networking02:06 Raising Capital and Building a Team02:52 Transitioning During COVID08:09 Balancing Personal and Professional Life10:33 Client Acquisition and Sales Strategy19:44 The Future of Skilled Trades26:38 Impact of AI on Skilled Trades27:59 Impact of AI on Skilled Trades28:45 AI in Office Operations29:34 AI in Podcast Production30:15 Challenges in the Construction Industry33:29 Private Equity in Skilled Trades35:40 Future Plans and Personal Goals52:25 The Importance of Resilience53:47 Conclusion and Contact Information
Panels are weird. Everyone's trying to look smart without sounding rehearsed. And somehow you're supposed to introduce yourself and tell memorable stories in just a matter of minutes. It's not easy, and it's not something you want to wing (especially if you want to make sure your participation is worth your while). That's why, in this episode, Stacy's breaking down her top dos and don'ts for showing up sharp and human on a panel. Whether you're intro'ing yourself or riffing off someone else's point, these moves will help you actually make your time on stage count.You'll learn:What makes a 90-second intro landHow to make a panel feel less like a meeting that should've been an emailA better way to add to someone else's point (without just repeating it and blending in)This is Story Snacks, a bite-sized, jam-packed series for fund managers who are ready to master strategic storytelling in under 20 minutes a week. ---Running a fund is hard enough.Ops shouldn't be.Meet the team that makes it easier. | billiondollarbackstory.com/ultimus- - -Thinking about expanding your investor base beyond the US? Not sure where to start? Take our quick quiz to find out if your firm is ready to go global and get all the info at billiondollarbackstory.com/gemcap
Investor Fuel Real Estate Investing Mastermind - Audio Version
In this conversation, John Casmon shares his journey in real estate investing, emphasizing the importance of intentionality, mindset shifts, and the value of education in raising capital. He discusses overcoming limiting beliefs, the significance of building a network, and how to provide value to potential investors. The conversation also highlights the role of confidence, credibility, and connections in successful fundraising, along with resources available for aspiring investors. Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind: Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply Investor Machine Marketing Partnership: Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true 'white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com Coaching with Mike Hambright: Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a "mini-mastermind" with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming "Retreat", either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas "Big H Ranch"? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform! Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/ New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club —--------------------
How do you take a healthcare innovation from lab to market—without losing your shot at impact? In this episode of CPO PLAYBOOK, Sasha Schrode, CEO of FEMSelect, shares her founder journey from licensing IP out of the University of Pennsylvania to raising venture capital, securing FDA approval, and selling her first company. Now leading FEMSelect, Sasha reveals the hard-won lessons from navigating regulatory hurdles, reimbursement pathways, and clinical validation. She also explains how a personal cancer diagnosis in her 30s reshaped her purpose—and why falling in love with the problem, not the solution, is what separates great CEOs from the rest. You'll learn: • Why less than 1% of healthcare innovation reaches patients • The 3 filters every founder must apply before building a company • How to test product-market fit with real clinicians • How to think like an investor—and what VCs get wrong • Why the most successful CEOs start as learners Chapters 00:00 The Journey from Diagnosis to Innovation 13:18 Understanding Market Viability and Clinical Need 22:43 The Iteration Process in Med Tech 24:20 Insights on Raising Capital and Exiting 27:24 Common Mistakes in Commercialization 32:00 First Steps for Aspiring Innovators This is your masterclass on building medtech with purpose, discipline, and market-ready strategy. — Subscribe to CPO PLAYBOOK for more conversations at the intersection of leadership, innovation, and capital strategy: https://www.cpoplaybook.com/newsletter Need support scaling leadership or culture? Let's talk: https://www.cpoplaybook.com/contact-us
John Casmon interviews Ed Mathews, a former Silicon Valley tech executive who walked away from a high-flying software career to build a more family-centered, freedom-focused life through real estate. Ed shares how missing too many “18 summers” with his daughters pushed him to leave DocuSign and go all-in on multifamily after seven years of flipping houses and small-building rehabs on the side. He explains how he scaled his Connecticut portfolio by finding “rock star” contractors through trade-to-trade referrals, building tight systems, and using process—not heroics—to let average people perform exceptionally well. Ed details why he prefers long-term residents over constant value-add turnover, how he achieved 4.2-year average stays, and why responsiveness, respect, and presence on site drive both mission and NOI. The conversation closes with his shift away from property management toward asset management, his expansion into AI-powered operations, and the launch of both a debt fund and private equity fund to pursue larger 150-unit-plus acquisitions. Ed MathewsCurrent role: Founder & CEO, Clark Street CapitalBased in: ConnecticutSay hi to them at: Website: https://www.clarkst.com Phone: (860)675-5800] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@clarkstinvestorsacademy Podcast: https://www.clarkst.com/podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clark-st-capital Twitter: https://twitter.com/clarkstcapital1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClarkStCapital Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarkstcapital Start earning passive income today at gsprei.com/bestever Alternative Fund IV is closing soon and SMK is giving Best Ever listeners exclusive access to their Founders' Shares, typically offered only to early investors. Visit smkcap.com/bec to learn more and download the full fund summary. Join us at Best Ever Conference 2026! Find more info at: https://www.besteverconference.com/ Join the Best Ever Community The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria. Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at www.bestevercommunity.com Podcast production done by Outlier Audio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This session will walk you through the key legal steps to build a business that's ready for investment and eventually for sale. We will dive into the legal side of raising capital. From friends and family to private investors or venture capital. We will demystify the capital raising process – covering commonly used private placement exemptions like Regulation D (Rules 506(b) and 506(c)), basic compliance responsibilities, and the kinds of disclosures and filings that may be required to stay on the right side of the law. Next, we'll look ahead to your exit strategy. Whether you are planning to retire, sell to a competitor, or transition the business to current owner, we will discuss what makes the business sellable, what buyers expect, how deals are structured, how businesses are valued, and the professionals who can help you do it right. This session is ideal for business owners who want to grow with intention, raise money the right way, and make choices that keep their options open for a successful exit. Megan Farley is a partner at Allen Stahl & Kilbourne, PLLC where she focuses her practice on business, nonprofit, alcoholic beverage law, intellectual property (trademark) law, and creditor rights.She regularly advises business clients on a range of matters from formation, contracts, commercial lease review and negotiation, mergers and acquisitions, succession planning, applying for and maintaining trademark registration, and other business operational matters. Megan also assists craft beverage business clients with federal, state, and local ABC permitting, compliance, contracting, intellectual property licensing, and through the nuances of buying and selling ABC-permitted businesses.Megan has sat on the board of directors of the North Carolina Craft Beverage Museum and Invest Collegiate Imagine charter school. Her practical nonprofit experience helps her guide nonprofit clients through the unique challenges they face. In addition to advising nonprofit clients, Megan provides workshops for boards and facilitates strategic planning meetings to assist nonprofits in defining clear goals and strategies to further their missions.Alison Kinnear is a seasoned corporate and securities attorney with nearly 30 years of experience advising clients on complex business matters. Her practice focuses on business transactions, corporate governance, private placements, and compliance with state and federal securities laws.Alison's work spans a wide range of legal areas, including corporate structuring and restructuring, governance, commercial contracts, and private placements under Regulation D, with deal sizes ranging from $500,000 to $50 million. She regularly handles partner buyouts, buy-sell agreements, and mergers and acquisitions involving transactions from $10,000 to $100 million. Her experience also includes business succession planning and overseeing legal due diligence for major transactions.In addition to her transactional work, Alison serves as outside counsel to startups and growing companies, providing both strategic input and practical legal guidance that supports their long-term success.Join us in person for CBP Connects New OrleansDecember 8–10, 2025It's never been more important to connect: https://cbpconnects.com/
Chapters: Rafeh Qazi (Co-founder, Poppy.AI) joins us to share what he's learned during is journey from a struggling immigrant to building a $50M AI startup. After a car accident left his mother injured and his family with no money to pay for surgery, Rafeh channeled his frustration into a relentless drive to succeed. In this episode, Rafeh breaks down his rise to fame teaching millions to code, and his pivoted from service-based businesses to building Poppy.AI, the insights he gained from Alex Hormozi, and why he believes software is the ultimate asset for building wealth. Join us to discover the strategies behind scaling an AI business, why "product-founder fit" matters more than market fit, and how to turn massive failures into an 8-figure valuation. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 02:50 - Motivation and The Car Accident That Changed Rafeh's Life 05:26 - Learning to Code to Survive 07:04 - Dropping Out of College to Teach 13:05 - Launching Courses that Made of $150K 22:49 - The Lawsuit, Losing Everything, and Meeting Alex Hormozi 31:28 - Why He Built Poppy.AI (SaaS vs. Services) 37:07 - Using Poppy.AI to Generate THOUSANDS for Our Clients 48:00 - AI Copywriting vs Humans 53:04 - Scaling with Affiliates and Hitting $500k Per Month 59:43 - Valuation and Raising Capital 1:05:35 - Talent Vs Money (Which Bottleneck is a Harder Problem?)
You can have the dream, you can have the vision, but if you don't have the money…? Today, I'm joined live on stage with four brilliant women who have scaled different types of businesses in different types of ways: Lori Harder, Veena Jetti, Janice Omadeke, and Kelly Kussman! We get into powerful funding strategies for female founders, so you can lean into the best one that works for your business. Our expansive conversation will provide the money habits, operations, and systems we wish we had known sooner to scale faster and smarter. Whether it's bootstrapping for as long as possible, fundraising for the first time ever, or finding the right investor, you'll discover how to finance your big dream! HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Meet the women behind the 2025 PW Event Finance Panel with Lori Harder, Veena Jetti, Janice Omadeke, and Kelly Kussman! 15:40 The top three priorities to bootstrap a product-based business. 20:15 What made Lori decide to fundraise for glōci? 24:30 One operational system to help you scale faster. 31:50 What do investors look for beyond the numbers? 38:50 When is the right time to take on money + what should you look for in outside investors? 44:45 Preparation steps for when you know you're ready to start fundraising. 53:55 Realistic funding paths for a service-based business. RESOURCES + LINKS Join the waitlist for the 2026 Powerhouse Women Event HERE FOLLOW Lori: @loriharder Veena: @veenajetti Janice: @janiceomadeke Kelly: @kelly_ward_kussman Powerhouse Women: @powerhouse_women Lindsey: @lindseymarieofficial Visit the Powerhouse Women website: powerhousewomen.co Join the PW Community Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/powerhousewomencommunity
Most people love to talk about the “boutique advantage,” but very few can show you what it actually feels like from the allocator's side of the table.Seb Stewart can.Seb is Partner and Head of US Institutional BD at Pacific Asset Management (~$20B AUM) and Chair of IMI, the global think tank for specialist firms. In this episode, Seb and Stacy sit down at NASDAQ Studios to discuss what allocators actually value, why boutiques win when they stop acting like large platforms, and how human behavior (not products or performance) raise real funds. In this episode, you'll hear about:Why fundraising is really about selling people and behavior, not productsThe underestimated trust dynamic between PMs and fundraisersThe behavioral cues allocators read before they ever open your deckWhy boutiques win on access, alignment, independence, and specializationKey insights from IMI's landmark research on what truly sets boutiques apartWhy distribution and story remain the biggest choke points for boutiques More About Seb:Prior to joining Pacific as Head of US Institutional Sales, Seb spent 11 years at emerging market specialist, Somerset Capital Management LLP where he had been a Partner, Head of Client Services and latterly Deputy Head of Marketing. Seb helped grow the firm from $1.5bn to $10bn in AUM, working with institutional and wholesale clients across the world, with a particular focus on pension funds, foundations, endowments, family offices and investment consultants in the US. ---Running a fund is hard enough.Ops shouldn't be.Meet the team that makes it easier. | billiondollarbackstory.com/ultimus- - -Thinking about expanding your investor base beyond the US? Not sure where to start? Take our quick quiz to find out if your firm is ready to go global and get all the info at billiondollarbackstory.com/gemcap
In this powerful mastermind session of Investor Impact: Power Talks with Vinney Chopra, host Vinney Smile Chopra brings his signature positivity, humor, and wisdom to a raw, real conversation about raising capital and scaling multifamily portfolios. Joined by his Inner Circle members—including deal partners navigating real transactions—they dive deep into what actually drives momentum in real estate: mindset, clarity, and consistent action. The discussion centers around how confidence and abundance thinking lead to better decisions, smoother deals, and investor trust. The group openly shares their current projects and challenges, exploring:
Raising capital with confidence isn't just about finding investors—it's about doing it legally and sleeping at night. In this episode of the Jake & Gino podcast, Gino sits down with securities attorney Darin Mangum, “America's premier securities lawyer,” to unpack how to raise capital with confidence while avoiding SEC trouble, bad structures, and nightmare investors. Whether you're a first-time syndicator or scaling your private equity platform, this conversation shows you how to use other people's money the right way. Darin explains when you actually shouldn't raise capital, common red flags and legal mistakes, why proper PPMs and disclosures matter, and how regulations like Reg D, Reg S, and crowdfunding really work in today's AI-driven world. You'll learn why raising capital with confidence means treating it like a real business, preparing before you have a deal, and partnering with the right securities attorney instead of winging it and hoping the regulators never call. Connect with Darin H. Mangum Chapters:00:00 – Introduction02:39 – Darin's Journey into Law and Capital Raising11:49 – Common Mistakes Investors Make22:30 – The Challenge of Finding Good Deals29:28 – Mindset and Preparation for Capital Raising32:29 – Horror Stories: The Importance of Preparation38:26 – Understanding Securities Law and Legal Protection42:39 – Navigating Joint Ventures and Partnerships We're here to help create multifamily entrepreneurs... Here's how: Brand New? Start Here: https://jakeandgino.mykajabi.com/free-wheelbarrowprofits Want To Get Into Multifamily Real Estate Or Scale Your Current Portfolio Faster? Apply to join our PREMIER MULTIFAMILY INVESTING COMMUNITY & MENTORSHIP PROGRAM. (*Note: Our community is not for beginner investors)
Are you developing a medical science innovation and need funding for your venture? MTPConnect and Wholesale Investor are collaborating on a dedicated capital engagement program designed for life science companies looking for private investment. Wholesale Investor Co-Founder and Managing Director Steve Torso is behind one of the largest capital raising platforms in Australia, and he joins the podcast to talk about how the MTPConnect Investor Ready program can help life science companies develop an investor network, build a skill base in investor communications and avoid some of the pitfalls when engaging with investors.He covers what to expect at our upcoming inaugural Life Science Investor Day as part of Wholesale Investor's Emergence 2026 conference, which will bring together ASX-listed innovators, breakthrough private companies, and global investors driving the future of health, diagnostics, and therapeutics. To find out more about the MTPConnect Investor Ready program and to register your interest, visit our website or contact Steve Torso. There are limited places still available.
If your firm's outside the U.S. and you're thinking about bringing your fund here, you've probably already started googling and found yourself a million new to-dos. But before you start checking off all of the boxes (structure, fees, compliance, product, etc.), make sure you're not skipping the vital first step most fund managers miss.In this episode, Stacy breaks down the underrated first step that sets successful firms apart when they expand into (or out of) the U.S. and why the smartest managers start with who, not how.You'll learn: • The mindset shift that saves months of frustration • How co-creating with investors builds traction early • Who to call when you're entering or exiting the U.S. market • A smarter way to test your idea before spending a dimeThis is Story Snacks, a bite-sized, jam-packed series for fund managers who are ready to master strategic storytelling in under 20 minutes a week. ---Running a fund is hard enough.Ops shouldn't be.Meet the team that makes it easier. | billiondollarbackstory.com/ultimus- - -Thinking about expanding your investor base beyond the US? Not sure where to start? Take our quick quiz to find out if your firm is ready to go global and get all the info at billiondollarbackstory.com/gemcap
Target Market Insights: Multifamily Real Estate Marketing Tips
Nitzan Mosery is a serial entrepreneur, coach, investor, and host of the Traveling Investor radio show. With decades of experience across diverse industries—including renovation, hospitality, and jewelry—Nitzan eventually found his calling in multifamily real estate. Through firsthand trial and error, he built a powerful investing career focused on passive income, team scalability, and creative financing strategies. Nitzan is the founder of Multifamily Empire and teaches others how to build long-term wealth through value-add multifamily assets in emerging U.S. markets. Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here. Key Takeaways Always verify tenant quality, market conditions, and neighborhood dynamics before acquisition Don't fall in love with the property, fall in love with the numbers Build systems and hire around your own zone of genius to scale effectively Trust is built by consistent visibility, social proof, and delivering real hands-on performance Capital raising only works if you've invested time building authentic investor relationships Topics From Restoration to Rentals How Nitzan transitioned from flipping houses and restoration to multifamily rentals The cash limitation problem that pushed him toward syndication and scaling Hard-Earned Lessons from Early Deals His early duplex in Chicago and fourplex in West Palm, and what went wrong Why failing to verify tenants, management, and neighborhoods cost him What Passive Investors Really Care About How he used mistakes to refine screening, team-building, and due diligence The red flags with PMs who own local units, and how to ask smarter vetting questions Demographics, Market Research, and Value-Add That Actually Works Why Nitzan relies on a dedicated demographer to track population flows How his team validates value-add returns by examining proven rent comps Raising Capital with Intent Why "money will come if the deal is good" is only half true Why educating and nurturing your network before a deal is critical to raising capital Positioning Yourself for Institutional or Family Office Capital The exact conversation that unlocked a relationship with a family office Why showing up consistently (online and in-person) builds trust over time
Investor Fuel Real Estate Investing Mastermind - Audio Version
In this conversation, Dave Seymour shares his journey from being a firefighter in England to becoming a successful real estate investor in the United States. He discusses the differences in investment opportunities between the two countries, his transition to multifamily investing, and the current market landscape shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dave emphasizes the importance of education in real estate and the need for investors to be adaptable and informed in order to succeed. Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind: Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply Investor Machine Marketing Partnership: Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true 'white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com Coaching with Mike Hambright: Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a "mini-mastermind" with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming "Retreat", either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas "Big H Ranch"? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform! Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/ New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club —--------------------
You know those Wall Street movies where young, hungry salespeople make 500 dials a day?That was real life for Devon Drew.He built his career in distribution at some of the biggest asset managers in the world—including Vanguard—before walking away from it all to launch AssetLink, a tech platform designed to disrupt how fund distribution gets done.Because Devon realized something: the model wasn't just archaic, it was broken.Now, he's putting powerful tools in the hands of fund managers who've been overlooked for too long and giving wholesalers a way to work smarter, not harder.In this episode, Stacy and Devon discuss: What it's really like to go from Wall Street to founder lifeWhy the old-school “spray and pray” sales model needs to goHow AssetLink is making sales teams more efficient (and more human)What Silicon Valley taught Devon about innovation (and what Wall Street can learn from it)His experience with Google's accelerator program and what it means to build “tomorrow, today”More About Devon:Devon Drew is the Founder & CEO of AssetLink, an AI-powered platform modernizing fund distribution.With 18+ years in asset management and over $30B raised, his career spans major players like:Merrill Lynch & J.P. Morgan Chase (Financial Advisor)Fred Alger & American Century (VP, Wealth Management Sales)Vanguard ($10T AUM, Sr. Exec in Broker/Dealer Sales)In 2021, Devon founded DFD Partners, the early version of what would become AssetLink, a tool built to help under-resourced managers compete and win in distribution.Drew has been recognized for his innovative work, receiving several accolades, including:• Top 25 Founders of 2025 by Founders Square• 2025 AWD Pioneer Award• Top 10 to Watch in 2024 by wealthmanagement.com• Finalist for the Wealthies Award in 2023, 2024 & 2025 ---Running a fund is hard enough.Ops shouldn't be.Meet the team that makes it easier. | billiondollarbackstory.com/ultimus- - -Thinking about expanding your investor base beyond the US? Not sure where to start? Take our quick quiz to find out if your firm is ready to go global and get all the info at billiondollarbackstory.com/gemcap
Raising Capital and Building Sustainable Companies: Insights from Dr. Thomas Powell of The Founder's OfficeIn a recent episode, host Josh Elledge sat down with Dr. Thomas Powell, founder and CEO of The Founder's Office, to discuss what it really takes to raise capital, refine business models, and build sustainable ventures in today's competitive market. With decades of experience in entrepreneurship, investment, and advising founders, Dr. Powell offers a rare blend of strategic insight and practical wisdom for business leaders at every stage of their journey.Navigating the Founder's JourneyDr. Powell has dedicated his career to helping entrepreneurs overcome the biggest challenges in growing a business—securing funding, scaling operations, and achieving long-term impact. Through The Founder's Office, his team partners with founders to refine business strategies, align with the right investors, and build the financial and operational foundations that sustain growth.He emphasizes that raising capital isn't just about numbers—it's about clarity, credibility, and communication. Founders who understand their business deeply and can articulate their vision effectively are far more likely to attract investors and strategic partners. Dr. Powell also highlights the importance of balance—focusing on both short-term wins and long-term resilience to ensure businesses thrive in any market condition.For emerging founders, Dr. Powell's approach provides a roadmap: be data-driven, build meaningful relationships with investors, and never lose sight of your mission. The goal isn't just to raise capital—it's to build something that lasts.About Dr. Thomas PowellDr. Thomas Powell is the founder and CEO of The Founder's Office, where he and his team help entrepreneurs raise capital, refine their business models, and create sustainable, impactful companies. With decades of experience as an investor and advisor, Dr. Powell has guided startups and established businesses through complex financial and operational challenges, always with a focus on strategic growth and long-term success.About The Founder's OfficeThe Founder's Office provides end-to-end advisory services for entrepreneurs, helping them navigate capital raises, improve business efficiency, and strengthen their organizational structures. The firm's mission is simple: empower founders to make smarter decisions, attract the right investors, and scale responsibly. Learn more at www.founders-office.com/.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeThe Founders Office's WebsiteDr. Thomas Powell LinkedIn ProfileKey Episode HighlightsThe biggest mistakes founders make when raising capitalHow to communicate your business model to attract investorsThe importance of balancing short-term execution with long-term strategyBuilding investor trust through transparency and data-driven planningWhy sustainable growth beats fast, reactive scalingConclusionDr. Thomas Powell's conversation with Josh Elledge underscores a vital truth: successful entrepreneurship isn't about luck—it's about preparation, clarity, and purpose. By combining strategic financial planning with a deep understanding of business fundamentals, founders can secure capital, scale effectively, and create companies that stand the test of time.
Season 4, Episode 8: Jack Stone and Alex Gornik sit down with Seth Weissman, Founder and Managing Partner of Urban Standard Capital, to unpack how a former Goldman Sachs and Perry Capital investor built one of New York's leading private-credit and development platforms. Weissman shares how his equity background shaped Urban Standard's design-driven, relationship-first approach to lending—and why committed, discretionary capital wins in the middle market. He also reflects on his early West Chelsea bets, the transition from developer to lender, and how disciplined underwriting and creative structuring define USC's edge today. TOPICS 00:00 – Introduction 05:04 – From Goldman Sachs to Perry Capital 07:44 – First Deals and the West Chelsea Strategy 13:32 – Raising Capital and Building Investor Confidence 18:03 – Why Committed Capital Changes the Game 21:59 – Inside the Middle-Market Lending Opportunity 27:23 – Private Credit's Rise and USC's Playbook 32:05 – Efficiency and Equity DNA in Underwriting 35:11 – Market Volatility and the Case for Credit 43:34 – Equity Returns with Credit Risk Protection 47:32 – Culture, Partnerships, and Bean the Office Dog Shoutout to our sponsor, Lev. The AI-powered way to get real estate deals financed. For more episodes of No Cap by CRE Daily visit https://www.credaily.com/podcast/ Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NoCapCREDaily About No Cap Podcast Commercial real estate is a $20 trillion industry and a force that shapes America's economic fabric and culture. No Cap by CRE Daily is the commercial real estate podcast that gives you an unfiltered ”No Cap” look into the industry's biggest trends and the money game behind them. Each week co-hosts Jack Stone and Alex Gornik break down the latest headlines with some of the most influential and entertaining figures in commercial real estate. About CRE Daily CRE Daily is a digital media company covering the business of commercial real estate. Our mission is to empower professionals with the knowledge they need to make smarter decisions and do more business. We do this through our flagship newsletter (CRE Daily) which is read by 65,000+ investors, developers, brokers, and business leaders across the country. Our smart brevity format combined with need-to-know trends has made us one of the fastest growing media brands in commercial real estate.
"The best founders are constantly pitching – for customers, recruits, suppliers and capital." In this episode of The Inner Chief podcast, I speak to James Schofield, Founder of Insight Investor Relations, on Pitching your business, raising capital and winning investor trust.
The founder is retiring. The team is evolving. The story… gets archived?Not so fast.In this episode, Stacy shares what to do before you toss the origin story and how to transition from version 1.0 to 2.0 without losing the magic.Inside the episode: • Why “retiring the founder” ≠ “retiring the story” • How to pull legacy threads into your firm's next chapter • What to do if the original story was never that strong to begin withThis is Story Snacks, a bite-sized, jam-packed series for fund managers who are ready to master strategic storytelling in under 20 minutes a week. ---Running a fund is hard enough.Ops shouldn't be.Meet the team that makes it easier. | billiondollarbackstory.com/ultimus- - -Thinking about expanding your investor base beyond the US? Not sure where to start? Take our quick quiz to find out if your firm is ready to go global and get all the info at billiondollarbackstory.com/gemcap
In this episode, Roman Axelrod, founder and CEO of Xpanceo, shares the bold vision behind raising capital - $290M to create smart contact lenses designed to expand human capability. From building prototypes to leading a deep-tech team, Roman opens up about the real challenges of turning science fiction into science fact. He discusses the grit it takes to lead a company operating at the edge of innovation—and how clarity, communication, and conviction become non-negotiables in the process. We explore: • The role of storytelling in raising capital for moonshot ideas • Why prototypes matter more than PowerPoints in deep tech • How to attract world-class talent in a hyper-competitive market • What makes co-founder relationships thrive under pressure • How creativity and discipline coexist in breakthrough innovation Whether you're a founder, investor, or future-focused leader, Roman's journey offers powerful lessons on building what doesn't yet exist—and getting others to believe in it. — Subscribe to CPO PLAYBOOK for more conversations at the intersection of leadership, innovation, and capital strategy. Chapters 00:00 The Vision Behind Xpanceo 10:16 Challenges and Reactions to the Idea 14:14 Building a Deep Tech Company 17:22 Motivating a High-Stakes Team 21:47 The Importance of Prototypes 23:58 Recruiting Top Talent in Deep Tech 27:35 The Co-Founder Dynamic 31:14 Communication and Leadership in High-Stakes Environments 34:42 Cultivating Creativity and Vision 39:49 Looking Ahead: The Future of Xpanceo
Some RIAs slap ESG labels on products and call it impact investing. Chat Reynders has been doing it for real, since before it was cool.In this episode, Chat sits down with Stacy Havener to unpack the story behind Reynders, McVeigh Capital Management, the $4B firm he co-founded after starting his career… raising money for a whale documentary.Yes, really.In this episode, you'll hear about:The wild backstory of how raising $4.5M for an IMAX film on whales sparked Chat's lifelong mission to fuse capital with purposeWhy Chat walked away from traditional finance (and how that shaped his view on sustainable investing)The truth about ESG, what Wall Street got wrong, and how Reynders McVeigh is doing it differentlyThe power of curiosity, clarity, and staying true to your story (especially in a world full of productized sameness)How declaring your firm's identity can fuel growth both externally and within your teamWhether you're a founder, an investor, or someone trying to align your money with your mission, this conversation will get you thinking.More About Chat: Chat Reynders is the Chairman and CEO of Reynders, McVeigh Capital Management, a $4B RIA he co-founded in 2005. With over 25 years of experience in investment management and social venture investing, Chat is known for blending fundamentals with forward-thinking strategies—and for being a true pioneer in values-driven investing.Beyond finance, he's raised over $150 million through public/private partnerships to support cultural and environmental initiatives worldwide. A longtime producer of socially conscious IMAX films (including the Oscar-nominated Dolphins), Chat's passion for impact extends to his work on the board of the MacGillivray Freeman Educational Foundation and other nonprofits.His work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Barron's, and Business Week.Want More Help With Storytelling? + Subscribe to my newsletter to get a weekly email that helps you use your words to power your growth:https://www.stacyhavener.com/subscribe - - -Make The Boutique Investment Collective part of your Billion Dollar Backstory. Gain access to invaluable resources, expert coaches, and a supportive community of other boutique founders, fund managers, and investment pros. Join Havener Capital's exclusive membership ---Running a fund is hard enough.Ops shouldn't be.Meet the team that makes it easier. | billiondollarbackstory.com/ultimus- - -Thinking about expanding your investor base beyond the US? Not sure where to start? Take our quick quiz to find out if your firm is ready to go global and get all the info at billiondollarbackstory.com/gemcap
Stop making million-dollar decisions alone. Hampton gives you a personal board of eight vetted founders in your city who meet monthly to tackle your hardest problems. Find your group: joinhampton.comAlex Smereczniak built a $100M laundry business and sold 118 franchise locations in just 14 months. But just as the business took off, life hit hard. After a series of personal and professional crises, he stepped down as CEO. Now he's back – not for another big exit, but to fix a franchise industry riddled with bad incentives and hidden fees.Here's what we talk about:Building a $100M brand from a college dorm laundry hustleThe personal crises that forced him to walk awayWhy he thinks franchising is totally broken – and how brokers quietly take 60% commissionsWhat he's doing differently at Franzy: flat fees, transparency, no bullshitWhy he's not taking a salary, even with an $11M net worthWhat it actually costs – financially and emotionally – to scale fastThe moment he knew he wasn't the right CEO anymoreWhy he believes franchising could be the path for millions displaced by AIHow he defines success today: not exits, but impactCool Links:Hampton https://www.joinhampton.com/Lower Street https://www.lowerstreet.co/Franzy https://franzy.comAlex Smereczniak https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-smereczniak-%F0%9F%A6%81-40310329 Sponsors:Get US caliber talent at offshore prices with https://www.oceanstalent.com/Achieve your dream body with https://www.dailybodycoach.com/moneywiseProtect your upside and get your time back at https://www.cressetcapital.com/moneywiseChapters:(0:41) Early Entrepreneurship: College Laundry Business(1:31) Selling the First Business & Lessons Learned(2:47) The Moment Alex Reconsidered Corporate Life at Ernst & Young (3:37) Returning to Laundry: The Startup Vision(6:07) Raising Capital & Startup Growth(10:40) Team Building, Hiring Challenges, and Culture(13:15) COVID-19, Franchising, and Business Model Shift(18:21) The Franchise Broker Problem & Franzy's Solution(20:45) Franchising as a Path to Wealth(24:03) AI, Job Displacement, and the Future of Work(28:30) Alex's Personal Wealth, Fulfillment, and Impact(31:00) Reflections on Net Worth, Liquidity, and Success(34:40) Community, Support, and Peer Groups(40:02) The Sweet Spot: Wealth, Happiness & Freedom for FoundersThis podcast is a ridiculous concept: high-net-worth people reveal their personal finances. Inspired by real conversations happening in the Hampton community.Your Host: Harry MortonFounder of Lower Street, a podcast production company helping brands launch and grow top-tier podcasts.Co-parents a cow named Eliza.
Investor Fuel Real Estate Investing Mastermind - Audio Version
In this episode of the Real Estate Pros podcast, host Q Edmonds interviews Sanjay Raghavaraju, founder and CEO of 33 Holdings, a private equity firm focused on wealth creation through real estate investments. Sanjay shares his journey into real estate, his focus on innovative asset classes, and the importance of personal development and relationships in business. He discusses the challenges faced in entrepreneurship, the significance of community building, and his future goals for raising capital and expanding his ventures. Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind: Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply Investor Machine Marketing Partnership: Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com Coaching with Mike Hambright: Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform! Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/ New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club —--------------------
Download Anthony's FREE LinkedIn guide: https://foundmoneypartnerships.com/linkedin-profile-secrets-guide?fpr=tim80 Most people think LinkedIn is just for job hunters or corporate recruiters — but they're missing one of the biggest opportunities for raising capital and building relationships with serious investors. In this episode, I sit down with my buddy Anthony Simonie, founder of Found Money Partnerships, to break down how real estate investors and entrepreneurs can use LinkedIn to find high-net-worth connections, build trust, and raise private money — even from cold traffic. //CONNECT WITH ANTHONY LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonysimonie Instagram: @anthonysimonie YouTube: @anthonysimonie1869 We talk about how to: - Optimize your LinkedIn profile to attract investors - Turn cold outreach into real relationships - Build trust faster by leveraging LinkedIn's credibility - Create an organic funnel that moves investors from online to in person - Stand out in a world flooded with AI and spam If you've been sleeping on LinkedIn, this conversation will change how you see the platform.
Want to learn more about Vodyssey or start your STR journey. Book a call here:https://meetings.hubspot.com/vodysseystrategysession/booknow?utm_source=vodysseycom&uuid=80fb7859-b8f4-40d1-a31d-15a5caa687b7HARVEY LINKS:https://hkesnerlaw.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/harvey-kesner/FOLLOW US:https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16XJMvMbVo/https://www.instagram.com/vodysseyshawnmoorehttps://www.facebook.com/vodysseyshawnmoore/https://www.linkedin.com/company/str-financial-freedomhttps://www.tiktok.com/@vodysseyshawnmooreChapters00:00:00 Introduction to Capital Raising in Real Estate00:02:57 Navigating the SEC and Legal Landscape00:06:03 The Importance of Disclosure and Due Diligence00:08:58 Building a Strong Team for Capital Raising00:11:56 Common Mistakes in Deal Structuring00:14:57 The Responsibility of Managing Other People's Money00:17:57 Understanding Capital Raising Options00:20:41 Private vs Public Offerings00:22:17 The Impact of the Jobs Act on Investment Opportunities00:28:00 The Role of AI in Legal Practices00:34:56 Navigating the Wild West of Crypto and AI Regulations
Coronado native Drew launched his real estate career in 2010 flipping houses after realizing his landscaping job wasn't his calling. He partnered with Chris, a second-generation renovation investor with a finance degree from the University of Missouri–St. Louis, who previously built a successful mortgage career before shifting full-time into real estate. Together, they've renovated over 400 homes, built strong relationships with homeowners, realtors, investors, and contractors throughout San Diego, and joined Rod's Warrior Group in November 2024. When not working, Drew enjoys golfing, cheering on the Chargers, and spending time with his wife and their French bulldogs, Chloe and Wrigley, while Chris can often be found at his son's football games or with his family. Here's some of the topics we covered: From Flipping Houses to Finding Freedom How Hunting Foreclosures Turned Into a 400-Home Fix & Flip Empire Beating the “Red Tape Monster” of California Real Estate The Costly Mistakes of Raising Capital the Wrong Way Why Investing in California Isn't for the Faint of Heart The Hidden Red Flags That Make Drew & Chris Walk Away From a Deal The Truth About “Extend and Pretend” Lenders Nobody's Talking About How to Pivot Your Strategy When the Market Shifts Against You Conquering Analysis Paralysis and Taking Massive Action If you'd like to apply to the warrior program and do deals with other rockstars in this business: Text crush to 72345 and we'll be speaking soon. For more about Rod and his real estate investing journey go to www.rodkhleif.com
Out of more than 100 episodes, this is the one that brought Stacy to tears.And once you hear it, you'll understand why.Meet today's guest, Lon Stroschein, founder of Normal 40, where he works with high-achieving professionals who look successful on the outside but feel stuck on the inside.In this episode, he and Stacy talk about:His backstory – how he went from farm kid to D.C. insider to leading billion-dollar deals in corporate AmericaWhat made him walk away from all of it with no backup plan, just a gut feeling that he was meant for more Why “success” can still feel empty (even when everything looks great on paper)What it really means to outgrow your life (and how to know when you've hit that point)The freedom that comes when you stop pretending and finally get honest with yourselfAnd the surprising patterns he's seen after thousands of coaching convos with top performers who feel stuck, tooThis one's real, raw, and full of truth.If you've ever thought “there's gotta be more than this,” hit play.More About Lon: Lon Stroschein is the founder of Normal 40®—a movement for elite providers who've built success but feel quietly stuck. He helps high performers trade the life they've outgrown for one they actually want.A fourth-generation South Dakota farm kid, Lon's values were shaped by early mornings, hard work, and quiet grit. He spent six years working for a U.S. Senator, followed by six years in private banking and finance, then 14 years as a public company executive—leading strategy, growth, and M&A, including a $2.1B transaction.In 2022, Lon made The Trade—leaving the title, income, and image behind, without a backup plan. No resume. No safety net. Just a belief that his work there was done, his best decade was in front of him, but that it wasn't going to be found where he was standing. Since his resignation, Lon has coached thousands of elite professionals—physicians, executives, entrepreneurs, attorneys—who feel stuck at the top. Through 1,000+ confidential coaching calls (Rambles), he's built the world's most honest library of career transformation—and a library of some of the most incredible stories you will never hear. What he's learned is simple: most people aren't lost—they're just done pretending.Lon's best-selling book, The Trade, continues to reshape the lives of people he will never meet.Want More Help With Storytelling? + Subscribe to my newsletter to get a weekly email that helps you use your words to power your growth:https://www.stacyhavener.com/subscribe - - -Make The Boutique Investment Collective part of your Billion Dollar Backstory. Gain access to invaluable resources, expert coaches, and a supportive community of other boutique founders, fund managers, and investment pros. Join Havener Capital's exclusive membership ---Running a fund is hard enough.Ops shouldn't be.Meet the team that makes it easier. | billiondollarbackstory.com/ultimus- - -Thinking about expanding your investor base beyond the US? Not sure where to start? Take our quick quiz to find out if your firm is ready to go global and get all the info at billiondollarbackstory.com/gemcap
In this insightful episode, Carl Allen shares his expertise in business acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of targeting a core customer and the value of equity in motivating teams. He discusses his journey from Wall Street to private equity and highlights examples like Amazon's roll-up strategy. Carl provides a detailed explanation of building shareholder value, executing buyouts, and understanding buyer psychology. He also shares practical tips for entrepreneurs looking to scale through acquisitions and reflects on his personal experiences in the e-commerce space. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on leveraging strategic acquisitions to build a successful business empire. CHAPTER 00:00 Starting with a Core Customer 00:28 Equity and Employee Motivation 01:05 Private Equity and Business Acquisitions 02:12 The Power of Roll-Ups 03:22 Amazon's Acquisition Strategy 05:22 Building Shareholder Value 09:06 Medical Transportation Roll-Up 10:36 E-Commerce Roll-Up Strategy 15:21 The Importance of Superpowers in Business 21:45 The Role of Psychology in M&A 36:07 The Secret to Successful Business Acquisitions 40:53 The Role of Visionaries in Business 43:26 Raising Capital for Deals 43:46 Structuring and Financing Deals 48:07 Key Questions for Equity Investors 57:39 Lessons from Wall Street to Main Street 01:00:13 The Importance of Safe Hands in Business Acquisitions 01:05:07 E-commerce and Market Trends 01:12:14 Personal Advice and Career Direction 01:19:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
A lot of people build firms.Very few sell them.Even fewer?Walk away from it all to start again.But that's exactly what Toussaint Bailey did.After building and selling a $2B RIA, he's back on the founder path, this time leading Uplifting Capital, a values-first platform rethinking what private market investing could look like.In this episode, he sits down with Stacy to discuss: His backstory – How growing up in SoCal shaped his belief in “actionable faith in possibility”Why he left a law partnership to help build an RIAThe cultural ethos that scaled Enso Wealth to $2B AUM and an eventual exitWhy he launched Uplifting Capital and how it's redefining access to values-aligned private marketsA storytelling framework any fund manager can use to stand out (hint: it starts with “we're not that.”)About Toussaint Bailey:Toussaint's career has been built on a belief in the promise of possibility. As Founder and Managing Partner at Uplifting Capital, this belief manifests itself as investment in “Impact Alpha,” funds, and companies that produce compelling financial performance through gap-closing solutions in critical areas like education, healthcare, affordable housing, and renewable energy. Prior to founding Uplifting Capital, he was CEO and Chairman of Enso Wealth Management, a private wealth firm with a mission to translate wealth into fulfillment for clients and advisors. Toussaint joined Enso shortly after its formation in 2017, overseeing the firm's rapid growth to nearly $2 billion of assets under management and its eventual acquisition. Before financial services, Toussaint spent over a decade as a practicing attorney. Toussaint has served in several advisory and board capacities, including Impact Investment Subcommittee of the Alternative & Direct Investment Securities Association; Investor Advisory Board of HBCU Founder Initiative; Advisory Board of Catalyst Housing Group; Advisory Board of SIY Global; and Board of Regents of Saint Mary's College of California. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Book: Finding Meaning by David Kessler (the “sixth stage” of grief: finding meaning).Want More Help With Storytelling? + Subscribe to my newsletter to get a weekly email that helps you use your words to power your growth:https://www.stacyhavener.com/subscribe - - -Make The Boutique Investment Collective part of your Billion Dollar Backstory. Gain access to invaluable resources, expert coaches, and a supportive community of other boutique founders, fund managers, and investment pros. Join Havener Capital's exclusive membership ---Running a fund is hard enough.Ops shouldn't be.Meet the team that makes it easier. | billiondollarbackstory.com/ultimus
In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Manning Sumner, founder and CEO of Legacy and No Days Off, shares the relentless philosophy that has fueled more than 20 years of success in fitness and entrepreneurship. Sumner shares insights on the importance of daily commitment, both in personal health and business growth. He discusses his innovative partner interval training (PIT) system, the challenges of expanding his fitness empire, and raising capital for his successful ventures. He also explores the significance of community, mental health, and cultivating a culture within his gyms. Additionally, Sumner talks about his new flagship location in Nashville and his high standards for personal and professional disciplines. The episode concludes with practical advice for fitness enthusiasts and budding entrepreneurs. Manning's unwavering mindset and dedication to serving others offer valuable lessons for all listeners.00:00 Introduction: Lessons and Legacy00:48 Meet Manning Sumner: Fitness Visionary01:37 The Birth of Legacy Fit02:35 Expanding the Legacy: From Miami to Nashville03:53 The PIT System: Revolutionizing Fitness06:44 Challenges and Triumphs: Building a Fitness Empire14:27 Raising Capital and Scaling Up17:46 The No Days Off Philosophy21:56 Innovating with Premium Water24:30 Overcoming Adversity: Manning's Football Journey32:27 The Importance of Community in Mental Health32:49 Creating Community in Gyms34:53 Expanding Gym Locations and Future Plans36:49 Lessons Learned in Business37:14 The Value of Reading and Learning from Others38:18 Mistakes and Lessons in Business Operations45:13 Commitment and Consistency in Health and Business53:02 Recommended Books and Resources56:44 Practical Training Advice for Busy Professionals59:45 Conclusion and Future Plans
On this week's episode of Limited Capital, Richard McGirr interviews Gannon Coffman. Gannon shares his path from brokerage and retail development to raising capital for syndications and leading investor relations at Streamline, emphasizing how systemized processes and consistent communication create long-term investor trust. He and Richard dive into the evolution from 506B to 506C offerings, referral strategies, and creative in-person networking tactics—from investor dinners to NFL Players Association sponsorships. Gannon also reveals how leveraging virtual assistants and building repeatable frameworks can help operators scale efficiently while maintaining a high-touch investor experience. Gannon CoffmanCurrent role: Director of Operations, Alakai CapitalBased in: Chandler, ArizonaSay hi to them at: LinkedIn | https://www.alakai-capital.com/ This is a limited time offer, so head over to aspenfunds.us/bestever to download the investor deck—or grab their quick-start guide if you're brand new to oil and gas investing. Get 50% Off Monarch Money, the all-in-one financial tool at www.monarchmoney.com with code BESTEVER Join the Best Ever Community The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria. Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at www.bestevercommunity.com Podcast production done by Outlier Audio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you've ever wondered how to raise capital for real estate investing, this episode breaks it all down. Jake & Gino co-founder Gino Barbaro shares a step-by-step guide to mastering the art of raising money—from your very first deal to becoming an expert capital raiser. Whether you're funding your first duplex or managing millions in multifamily, this episode will help you raise capital with confidence and integrity.In this How To Raise Capital for Real Estate Investing lesson, Gino explains the three growth stages—beginner, intermediate, and expert—and exactly what to focus on at each level. You'll learn how to build a credible personal brand, create content that attracts investors, systemize your CRM and follow-ups, and develop long-term investor trust. Discover the mindset, skills, and systems used by top multifamily operators to raise capital consistently.Connect with Gino Barbaro at JakeandGino.com or email gino@jakeandgino.com We're here to help create multifamily entrepreneurs... Here's how: Brand New? Start Here: https://jakeandgino.mykajabi.com/free-wheelbarrowprofits Want To Get Into Multifamily Real Estate Or Scale Your Current Portfolio Faster? Apply to join our PREMIER MULTIFAMILY INVESTING COMMUNITY & MENTORSHIP PROGRAM. (*Note: Our community is not for beginner investors)
Raising capital for real estate can make or break your investing journey. In this episode, Gino Barbaro from Jake & Gino shares a complete framework to help beginners, intermediates, and advanced investors understand how to raise capital the right way—without burning trust or making costly mistakes. From his first 25-unit deal to managing syndications, Gino explains why raising capital for real estate isn't just about pitching deals—it's about operations, relationships, and treating capital raising as its own business. You'll discover why you must first master “buy right, manage right, and finance right” before moving into syndications, how to build trust with investors, the psychology behind investor decision-making, and the three stages of becoming a successful capital raiser. If you're considering raising capital for real estate, this episode will guide you to avoid beginner pitfalls and position yourself for long-term success. Connect with Gino Barbaro: https://jakeandgino.com We're here to help create multifamily entrepreneurs... Here's how: Brand New? Start Here: https://jakeandgino.mykajabi.com/free-wheelbarrowprofits Want To Get Into Multifamily Real Estate Or Scale Your Current Portfolio Faster? Apply to join our PREMIER MULTIFAMILY INVESTING COMMUNITY & MENTORSHIP PROGRAM. (*Note: Our community is not for beginner investors)
Recently Alex Shandrovsky had me as a guest on his show, the Investment Climate Podcast to talk about The Better Meat Co.'s recent funding round. When it came out, more than one Business for Good listener heard it and told me they thought it would make a good episode to release to our audience too, so this episode is simply the conversation Alex and I had for his podcast. If you've been following the alternative protein sector (and the broader biotech sector), you've likely seen the wave of challenges that fermentation, cultivated, and plant-based startups have faced over the past few years. As recent AgFunder News reporting confirms, ag and food tech investment is at a decade-long low. One active food tech VC even declared that foodtech investing is “maybe as bad as it's ever been.” Some days, building a startup in our sector can feel like being a player in Squid Game—with about the same odds of survival. While layoffs, bankruptcies, shutdowns, and cash-free acquisitions have been rampant in our sector lately, BMC has never conducted layoffs. Instead we've always been very frugal, and we tightened our belt even further in the past year, all while continuing to make important progress toward our aspirations of slashing humanity's footprint on the planet. This has been true in the midst of the three-year litigation we endured, the collapse of our bank and subsequent (temporary) loss of all funds, the painfully wintry investment climate for alt-protein, and other seemingly innumerable challenges. Our ethic of frugality will certainly continue in this new era of scaleup for our company. This financing is hardly the end of our story. Receiving investor dollars isn't our goal; it's solely a means to the end of building a profitable business that will help put a dent in the number of animals raised for food. Raising a round is akin to having someone provide the clothes, tents, and food you'll need to climb Everest…but you still need to actually go climb the mountain—hardly a guaranteed outcome. I've often said these days that we've shifted from what felt like a Sispyphean feat of fundraising to now merely a Herculean feat of scaling. Nearly all startups fail. The vast majority never see their seventh birthday, which BMC recently celebrated. Our company is still far from successful, but we now have a real chance to birth into the world a novel crop that can help feed humanity without frying the planet. We will judiciously use these new funds to work hard to finally let the Rhiza River flow. Alex and I discuss the story of how this funding round came about, and where we may be going from here.
On this week's episode of Best Ever CRE, Amanda Cruise and Ash Patel interview Mark “The Land Geek” Podolsky. Mark shares how he transitioned from being a burned-out investment banker to building a 25-year career in land investing, completing over 6,500 transactions. He explains his strategy of buying rural land at 25 to 30 cents on the dollar, flipping for profit, and creating recurring passive income streams through seller financing. Mark also dives into how he builds systems, manages risk, and structures debt deals with private investors while highlighting why his model has stood the test of time. Mark “The Land Geek” PodolskyCurrent role: Founder, The Land GeekBased in: Scottsdale, ArizonaSay hi to them at: https://www.thelandgeek.com/ | Linkedin | YouTube Try Gusto today at gusto.com/CRE, and get three months free when you run your first payroll. This is a limited time offer, so head over to aspenfunds.us/bestever to download the investor deck—or grab their quick-start guide if you're brand new to oil and gas investing. Visit investwithsunrise.com to learn more about investment opportunities. Get 50% Off Monarch Money, the all-in-one financial tool at www.monarchmoney.com with code BESTEVER Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at https://www.stamps.com/cre. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Join the Best Ever Community The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria. Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at www.bestevercommunity.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
From professional water polo in Russia to raising capital for over 20 multifamily deals in the U.S., Igor Shaltanov's story is all about resilience, discipline, and smart investing.In this episode, Igor shares how he went from renting out his mom's spare apartment in Moscow to building a U.S. real estate business, starting with single-family homes before scaling into multifamily. He explains why he became an LP in 10 deals before actively investing, the lessons learned from both successful and failed partnerships, and how he approaches co-GP relationships today.We also discuss how Igor evaluates sponsors, what to look for in the capital stack, and why newer-vintage multifamily properties with assumable loans are especially attractive in today's market.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Igor's journey from water polo athlete to multifamily investorWhy starting as an LP in 10 deals was the best education he could buyHow COVID revealed the importance of landlord-friendly statesWhat he learned from losing money in deals—and how to vet sponsors betterBest practices for structuring co-GP partnerships the right wayWhy loan assumptions and newer vintages (2000s+) are his current focusHow to think about timing the market when “nobody wants multifamily”Are you looking to invest in real estate, but don't want to deal with the hassle of finding great deals, signing on debt, and managing tenants? Aligned Real Estate Partners provides investment opportunities to passive investors looking for the returns, stability, and tax benefits multifamily real estate offers, but without the work - join our investor club to be notified of future investment opportunities.NH Multifamily Fund III Details:Download The OM For The NH Multifamily Fund IIIAccess The Deal Room For The NH Multifamily Fund IIIConnect with Igor: