Groundbreakers

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, we’re joined by Sterling Anderson, Founder and CEO of Aria Residential Group, a real estate investment and development firm focused on build-to-rent communities, multifamily acquisitions, and luxury residential projects.Sterling’s journey into real estate began after leaving his job at a bank in 2013 and deciding to pursue investing full time. Starting with wholesaling and fix-and-flip projects, he gradually expanded into multifamily and development, learning how to raise capital, structure partnerships, and scale into larger projects across markets like Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, and Omaha. In this conversation, Sterling shares how he built his firm step by step, the lessons he learned from early deals, and why capital raising, underwriting discipline, and transparency with investors are the foundations of long term success in real estate.Key Topics DiscussedSterling’s journey from banking to full-time real estate investingHow wholesaling and fix-and-flips helped build early deal experienceThe importance of mastering underwriting before scaling into multifamilyWhy capital raising is one of the most important skills in real estateThe growing opportunity in build-to-rent communitiesHow partnerships unlock larger deals and new marketsWhy This Matters for GPs and InvestorsSterling offers a practical perspective on scaling a real estate business in today’s market. From building relationships with investors to verifying underwriting assumptions and structuring strong partnerships, his approach highlights the systems and discipline required to grow from small deals into larger developments.For sponsors raising capital or investors exploring build-to-rent and multifamily opportunities, this episode provides a clear look at how experienced operators think about growth, risk, and long-term strategy.Guest InformationName: Sterling AndersonCompany: Aria Residential GroupLinkedInConclusionSterling’s story is a reminder that most real estate careers do not start with large developments. They begin with small deals, learning the fundamentals, and gradually building the skills and relationships required to scale.If you are building a real estate investment business or looking to understand the future of build-to-rent and multifamily investing, this episode is packed with insights worth listening to.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, we’re joined by Jordan McNeely, founder of Grace Capital Partners, a multifamily investment firm focused on disciplined underwriting and protecting investor capital.Before entering real estate, Jordan spent more than a decade working in the nuclear energy industry as an engineer responsible for the design and operation of commercial nuclear power plants. In an environment where mistakes are not tolerated and safety systems are built around worst case scenarios, he developed a mindset that now shapes how he approaches real estate investing.Rather than chasing aggressive projections, Jordan focuses on downside protection, strong fundamentals, and assets that work from day one.In this conversation, Jordan shares how his engineering background informs his investment philosophy, how he evaluates risk in real estate deals, and why protecting investor capital is the foundation of long term success.Key Topics DiscussedHow a career in nuclear engineering shaped Jordan’s investing philosophyWhy underwriting discipline matters more than optimistic projectionsThe importance of day one cash flow in uncertain marketsHow to structure deals that prioritize capital preservationWhat busy professionals look for when investing passively in real estateThe parallels between safety engineering and real estate risk managementWhy This Matters for GPs and InvestorsJordan offers a unique perspective on risk management that many sponsors overlook. His approach focuses less on chasing upside and more on building deals that can survive when assumptions change.For syndicators raising capital and investors allocating to private deals, the conversation highlights why disciplined underwriting and downside protection are often the difference between a good deal and a great one.Guest InformationName: Jordan McNeelyCompany: Grace Capital PartnersConclusionReal estate investing often rewards optimism. Jordan’s story is a reminder that the best operators think like engineers. They assume things can go wrong and build systems designed to withstand it.If you are a sponsor raising capital or an investor evaluating deals, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on risk, discipline, and long term wealth creation through real estate.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, we’re joined by Mustafa Ladha, Co Founder of Realty Mercato, Senior Vice President of Investor Relations at Veloci Capital, and the mind behind MyFin Journey, a financial education platform focused on helping people build long term wealth with intention.Mustafa’s path into real estate was anything but traditional. After studying genetics and attending medical school, he pivoted into pharma, built and exited ecommerce businesses, and eventually went all in on real estate. Within a month of leaving his corporate role, he generated more income than his entire annual salary. Since then, he has helped deploy over $40M in investor capital, much of it raised through relationship driven channels like WhatsApp.We dive into how he built trust at scale, how he thinks about aligning investment strategy with investor psychology, and why capital raising is less about pitching deals and more about solving real problems.Key Topics DiscussedWhy optimizing for learning beats optimizing for salaryThe psychology behind raising capital and building trustHow to identify investor pain points before offering a dealDifferences between ground up, value add, and debt strategiesRaising capital through relationships instead of paid funnelsSharia compliant investing and structuring all cash real estate strategiesBuilding a financial education platform alongside an investment businessWhy This Matters for GPs and InvestorsMustafa reframes capital raising as a trust building exercise, not a marketing game. Instead of chasing anyone with a checkbook, he focuses on understanding what investors actually want. Cash flow, tax efficiency, growth, or preservation.For GPs raising $1M to $10M deals, this episode is a reminder that the real asset is not the property. It is the investor relationship. When you meet people where they are and speak their language, capital compounds just like returns.Guest InformationName: Mustafa LadhaCompanies: Realty Mercato, Veloci Capital, MyFin JourneyLinkedIn: Mustafa LadhaConclusionThis conversation goes beyond real estate tactics. It is about mindset, trust, and long term relationship building. Mustafa’s journey proves that scaling capital is less about flashy funnels and more about consistent value, genuine conversations, and playing the long game.If you are building an investor base or thinking about how to grow beyond your immediate network, this episode is worth your time.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, we’re joined by Jake Gallagher, Founder and CEO of V2 Markets, a venture secondary platform helping accredited investors access late-stage private tech companies before they go public.Jake breaks down how secondary transactions actually work, why IPO timelines have stretched from under 10 years to 14 to 15 years on average, and how that delay has created a rapidly growing liquidity market for founders, employees, and early investors. What used to be a niche corner of finance has evolved into a $200B+ annual market.We also unpack the mechanics behind these deals. From due diligence challenges to pricing mismatches and company approval hurdles, Jake shares what really determines whether a secondary transaction closes.Key Topics DiscussedThe difference between primary capital raises and secondary liquidityWhy companies are staying private longerHow discounts to prior valuations can create opportunityThe three biggest blockers in venture secondary dealsHow layered SPV fees quietly erode investor returnsWhy V2 Markets only makes money if investors doWhy This Matters for GPs and InvestorsPrivate markets are no longer reserved for institutions. But access alone is not enough. Structure, alignment, and discipline matter more than ever.For capital raisers, this episode offers insight into how liquidity shapes cap tables and investor expectations. For accredited investors, it provides a clear lens into how to evaluate secondary opportunities, fee structures, and downside risk before chasing headline companies.Guest InformationName: Jake GallagherCompany: V2 MarketsWebsite: v2markets.comConclusionVenture secondaries are reshaping how capital flows in private markets. As IPOs get delayed and private companies mature before going public, the secondary market is becoming a critical bridge between early ownership and eventual exit.If you want to better understand how liquidity works behind the scenes in late-stage tech, this episode is a must-listen.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, we’re joined by RJ Fishman, Chief Strategy Officer at Artanis Capital, a firm operating at the intersection of real estate, government infrastructure, and housing resilience.What started as a focus on manufactured and modular housing evolved into something much bigger. After the LA fires and Hurricane Helene, Artanis began building a privatized, asset-based alternative to FEMA’s traditional disaster housing model. Their goal? Turn emergency housing from a recurring expense into a scalable, redeployable real estate asset.RJ breaks down how modular steel-frame construction, public-private partnerships, and a “Beyond FEMA” vision could reshape how America responds to disasters and tackles affordability.Key Topics DiscussedThe difference between manufactured, modular, and stick-built housingWhy FEMA’s current housing model creates long-term liabilitiesHow redeployable steel-frame homes can reduce disaster housing costsThe concept of “emergency communities” built in 120 daysIndustry-driven housing for nuclear, AI, and manufacturing projectsWhy public-private partnerships may define the next decade of real estateWhy This Matters for GPs and InvestorsRJ challenges the traditional mindset around real estate as a static asset. Instead, he frames housing as infrastructure that can be built, redeployed, and integrated into larger economic and disaster recovery systems.If you’re a sponsor thinking about modular construction, workforce housing, public-private deals, or simply how to position your firm in a changing regulatory and political landscape, this episode will expand how you think about opportunity.Guest InformationName: RJ FishmanCompany: Artanis CapitalWebsite: artaniscap.comConclusionThis conversation goes far beyond one deal or one asset class. It is about rethinking housing as a long-term system problem and asking whether private operators can build faster, cheaper, and more sustainably than the legacy model.If you care about the future of housing, infrastructure, or large-scale real estate innovation, this one is worth a listen.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, we’re joined by Greg Guido and DJ Van Keuren, Co Managing Members of Evergreen Property Partners, for a deep, operator level conversation on development, execution risk, and why modular housing has become the foundation of their strategy.Greg and DJ break down why traditional multifamily development often fails after the raise, not in underwriting, and how Evergreen flipped the model by controlling construction, timelines, and costs through modular manufacturing. Instead of relying on cap rate compression or optimistic assumptions, they focus on building durable workforce housing with real margins of safety.This episode is especially relevant for sponsors raising capital today and investors evaluating development risk in an uncertain market.Key Points DiscussedWhy most development risk lives in execution, not the pro formaHow Evergreen builds to a 10 cap instead of buying at a 5The real advantages and constraints of modular constructionWhy speed, control, and repeatability matter more than upside storiesHow owning the manufacturing process changes investor outcomesWhat LPs are prioritizing when evaluating ground up deals todayGuest InformationNames: Greg Guido and DJ Van KeurenTitles: Co-Managing MembersCompany: Evergreen Property PartnersLinkedIn: Greg Guido, DJ Van KeurenConclusionGreg and DJ offer a rare inside look at what it takes to scale development responsibly. Their approach reframes modular housing from a niche concept into a powerful tool for risk management, capital efficiency, and long term value creation. Whether you are a GP building ground up deals or an investor assessing construction risk, this episode delivers practical insights you can apply immediately.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, we’re joined by Greg Talcott, Managing Director at Rastegar Capital, for a deep dive into development risk, execution, and why modular housing has become a core part of their strategy.Greg breaks down how Rastegar thinks about development differently. Not as a speculative bet, but as an engineering problem. We talk through why traditional ground-up projects fail, where most GPs underestimate risk, and how modular construction can compress timelines, reduce cost overruns, and create more predictable outcomes for investors.This conversation is especially relevant for sponsors raising capital in today’s environment, where LPs care less about flashy narratives and more about certainty, control, and clean execution.Key Points DiscussedWhy most development deals break during execution, not underwritingHow modular construction reduces labor, weather, and timeline riskThe tradeoffs and real constraints of modular housingHow shorter build cycles change capital efficiency and investor confidenceWhat LPs actually want to hear when evaluating development deals todayGuest InformationName: Greg TalcottTitle: Managing DirectorCompany: Rastegar CapitalLinkedIn: Greg TalcottConclusionGreg’s perspective reframes modular housing from a niche concept into a practical risk management tool. If you are a GP navigating development in a volatile market or an investor evaluating construction risk, this episode offers a clear, grounded framework for thinking about execution and predictability.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, we’re joined by Chris Lawrence, CEO of OFL Group, a real estate development company reshaping urban environments through data-driven, human-centered design.Chris is a registered architect turned developer who has spent over a decade revitalizing downtown districts through mixed-use, multifamily, retail, and hospitality projects. Rather than chasing speculative returns, his approach starts with deep market research, conservative underwriting, and designing places people actually want to live in.Chris walks us through how he transitioned from architecture into development, why he spent a full year on data analysis before breaking ground on his first major project, and how that discipline helped him lease luxury units in markets with no direct comps.Key Points DiscussedFrom Architect to Developer: How Chris made the leap from designing buildings to leading nearly $200M in development projects.Data Over Gut Instinct: Why he believes confidence comes from research, not hype, and how data shaped every major decision early on.Design as a Financial Lever: How thoughtful design choices directly impact rents, lease-up speed, and long-term asset value.Pessimistic Underwriting Wins: Why conservative assumptions protect investors and create upside instead of disappointment.Working With Cities: How long-term trust with municipalities unlocked incentives and a landmark RFP opportunity.Raising Capital for Ground-Up Deals: What it really takes to earn investor trust when developing from scratch in today’s market.Guest InformationName: Chris LawrenceCompany: OFL GroupRole: CEOConnect: LinkedInConclusionChris’s story is a masterclass in patience, discipline, and building real estate that lasts. Whether you are a syndicator exploring development, raising capital for complex projects, or refining your underwriting philosophy, this episode offers practical insights you can apply immediately.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, we sit down with Jinil Patel, Founder of Rising Capital, to unpack one of the most aggressive real estate scaling stories we’ve featured on the show.With just one single-family rental under his belt, Jinil took a leap most investors only talk about and acquired a 48-unit apartment complex as a solo GP. From there, he didn’t slow down. Within months, he closed a second deal, then locked up a 260-unit acquisition with over $3M of built-in equity.Jinil shares what it really takes to raise seven figures from friends, family, and extended networks, why capital raising is a pure numbers game, and the hard lessons he learned doing his first deals without partners while balancing family, a newborn, and operating franchise businesses.Key Points DiscussedMaking the Jump to Multifamily: Why Jinil stopped chasing single-family scale and committed fully to apartments, even before he felt ready.Raising $1.2M Without a Big Brand: How he spoke with 100–150 investors, had multiple conversations per person, and stayed motivated through rejection.Trial by Fire as a Solo GP: The stress, mistakes, and lessons from taking down a 48-unit deal alone and why he will never do that again.Speed Through Systems: What changed between his first deal that took nine months to close and his second that closed in 90 days.Conservative Underwriting Wins Trust: Why Jinil targets realistic returns, avoids overpromising, and prioritizes downside protection over flashy projections.Work Ethic Over Balance: His honest take on work-life balance, late-night investor calls, and what success really requires early on.Guest InformationName: Jinil PatelCompany: Rising CapitalRole: FounderConnect: LinkedInConclusionJinil’s journey is a real-world example of what happens when preparation meets relentless execution. If you’re a syndicator trying to raise your first million, debating whether to go bigger, or navigating the stress of early deals, this episode is packed with lessons you can apply immediately.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, we’re joined by Jake Heller, Co-Founder of AI for CRE Collective. Jake is a third-generation real estate operator who works at the intersection of development, underwriting, and applied artificial intelligence.While most conversations around AI in commercial real estate focus on hype, Jake brings the discussion back to reality. This episode breaks down how top operators are actually using AI today to save time, improve decision making, and scale operations without rebuilding their entire tech stack.Rather than chasing shiny tools, Jake explains why the biggest gains come from automating the unglamorous but essential workflows that every GP deals with.Key Points DiscussedAI vs Execution: Why most CRE professionals experiment with AI but never fully implement it.High ROI Use Cases: The specific workflows where AI delivers immediate value, including underwriting, deal screening, and admin work.Avoiding the Hype Trap: Why flashy agents and custom tools are rarely the best place to start.Operator First Mindset: How experienced GPs think about AI as leverage, not replacement.Getting Started Simply: Practical steps for sponsors who feel overwhelmed by the pace of AI innovation.Guest InformationName: Jake HellerTitle: Co-FounderWebsite: AI for CRE CollectiveLinkedIn: Jake HellerConclusionJake’s perspective cuts through the noise around AI in commercial real estate. The edge right now is not access to tools, it is execution. For any GP looking to reclaim time, improve consistency, and scale intelligently, this episode offers a grounded and actionable roadmap.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, we’re joined by Anthony Carlton, Founder and CEO of CRE Digital. Anthony works with real estate sponsors across multifamily, industrial, and commercial assets who are trying to raise capital beyond friends and family but keep running into the same problem. No one knows who they are.Anthony shares how he went from finance and private equity into building a growth and branding firm focused exclusively on commercial real estate. Along the way, he saw a clear pattern. Strong operators with solid deals were losing attention and capital to sponsors who simply understood distribution better.This conversation breaks down why brand and trust have become the true bottlenecks in modern capital raising, especially in a market where LPs have more options and more skepticism than ever.Key Points DiscussedWhen to Build a Brand: Why most GPs wait too long to start building visibility and trust.Brand vs Marketing: The difference between posting content and actually earning LP confidence.LinkedIn as a Trust Engine: Why LinkedIn has become the primary platform for long term investor relationships.Capital Is the Constraint: Why deals are no longer the limiting factor for most sponsors.Common Mistakes: The shortcuts sponsors take that quietly damage credibility.What Actually Converts LPs: How consistent, thoughtful content compounds trust over time.Guest InformationName: Anthony CarltonCompany: CRE DigitalWebsite: credigital.coLinkedIn: Anthony CarltonConclusionAnthony’s perspective reframes how sponsors should think about growth. In a crowded market, capital flows to operators LPs already trust. Brand is no longer optional. It is infrastructure. This episode is a must listen for any syndicator looking to scale capital raising in a durable way.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, we’re joined by Hayato Hori, Managing Partner of Red Brick Equity. Hayato’s journey into real estate began in college, where he bought his first rental property from his roommate. What started as a single $70K rental quickly turned into a deeper realization about scale, compounding, and the long term power of multifamily investing. Before launching Red Brick Equity, Hayato built a high volume wholesaling business, sourcing and selling hundreds of off market single family and multifamily deals to both retail investors and large institutions. That experience gave him a rare inside look at how institutional capital underwrites deals, how markets behave when conditions change, and why transaction heavy businesses eventually hit a ceiling. Today, Hayato focuses on acquiring older, no elevator multifamily buildings in Chicago and other Midwest markets where supply is constrained and affordability remains critical. His strategy prioritizes conservative underwriting, strong reserves, and predictable cash flow over chasing growth driven hype.Key Points DiscussedStarting in College: How Hayato’s first rental property shaped his conviction in real estate as a long term wealth vehicle.Inside Institutional Buying: What he learned selling deals to large funds and how that changed his investing philosophy.Why Multifamily Scales Better: The operational and financial advantages of multifamily versus single family portfolios.Market Selection Matters: Why oversupply has hurt parts of the Sunbelt and why Chicago remains resilient.From Churn to Compounding: The moment Hayato realized wholesaling generated income but not durable wealth.Conservative Underwriting: Why strong reserves and realistic assumptions matter more than aggressive projections.Raising Capital with Trust: How transparency and education help first time fund managers earn investor confidence.Guest InformationName: Hayato HoriTitle: Managing PartnerCompany: Red Brick EquityWebsite: redbrickequity.comConclusionHayato’s story highlights the power of disciplined investing in overlooked markets. By focusing on fundamentals instead of hype, he is building a multifamily platform designed for durability, affordability, and long term compounding. This episode offers practical insight for syndicators raising capital and thinking critically about where to deploy it next.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, we sit down with Nolan Ausan, cofounder of Rovo Industries Group. Nolan blends three worlds that rarely overlap — construction, manufacturing automation, and tech — to build a modular housing system designed to cut construction timelines in half and make development more efficient for builders across the country. Nolan shares how he grew up as a third generation carpenter, spent a decade scaling tech companies, and eventually returned to real estate with a simple realization. If we can build cars in a factory with speed, precision and automation, why are buildings still made outdoors, one piece at a time?Rovo is building a first-of-its-kind facility in Colorado that uses robotics, a digital design engine, AI driven permitting tools, and a flexible modular system that adapts to each developer’s project. Their goal is to streamline everything from feasibility to fabrication to onsite installation, while shipping components nationwide by rail. Key Points DiscussedA Multi-Industry Background: How Nolan’s experience in carpentry, aerospace manufacturing and IT shaped the foundation of Rovo.Why Modular Has Struggled: The bottlenecks that caused past modular companies to fail — and how Rovo designed around them.A Flexible Building System: Why Rovo offers panelized walls, pods, or full modular units depending on each project’s location, scale and logistics.AI in Development: How their platform uses AI to interpret local codebooks, flag restrictions and coordinate inspections.Massive Time Savings: Why developers can save six to twelve months on build to rent projects by shifting work offsite.Shipping Nationwide: The role of rail access in distributing modular housing at scale.The Founder Journey: Nolan’s reflections on perseverance, loneliness and staying solution oriented while building a company from the ground up.Guest InformationName: Nolan AusanCompany: Rovo Industries GroupLinkedIn: Nolan AusanConclusionNolan’s story is a look into the future of development. His work shows how modular construction, robotics and AI can create faster, cleaner and more affordable housing at scale. If you want to understand the next wave of innovation in real estate, this episode is worth the listen.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, we sit down with Emanuel Stafilidis, founder of Capable Capital, who has quietly built a 200 property portfolio by doing something most investors never even consider. Instead of chasing value add rentals or the Burr method, Emanuel buys low priced homes in landlord friendly markets, then resells them through long term seller financing to working families who cannot get traditional loans. His model creates steady income for investors while helping families become homeowners. Emanuel breaks down the mechanics behind his strategy. He explains how buying homes for about 50K cash and selling them for roughly three times that number is possible when you structure payments around local rent levels. He also shares why banks refuse to lend under 100K, how that gap creates massive demand, and why his default rate mirrors Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Key Points DiscussedThe origins of Emanuel’s strategy and how his family’s real estate roots in Australia shaped his approachHow seller financing creates 12 to 14 percent returns for investors while giving buyers a path to ownershipWhy homes under 100K are one of the most overlooked asset classes in real estateThe math behind forcing 3x appreciation without doing renovationsHow Emanuel finds multiple buyers for every home by building deep local demandThe real risks of the model, including defaults, evictions, and state by state regulationsWhy Emanuel believes partnering and staying open minded are essential for new investorsGuest InformationName: Emanuel StafilidisCompany: Capable CapitalWebsite: CapableCapital.netLinkedIn: Emanuel StafilidisConclusionEmanuel’s story shows what happens when you stop following the crowd and build a strategy around gaps the market ignores. If you want to understand creative finance at scale and how real estate investing can also expand access to homeownership, this conversation is a must listen.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, we’re joined by Jarom and Justin Pratt, the father-son duo behind EagleCap Legacy Wealth Partners. Their story starts in high school, where Jarom was flipping houses before he could vote—backed by his dad as the first investor. What began as a side hustle turned into a full-time partnership focused on multifamily real estate, legacy building, and investor trust.They open up about the lessons they learned from early flips, the challenges of managing construction-heavy value-add deals, and how their complementary skill sets—Jarom in acquisitions and operations, Justin in capital raising—give them an edge.Key Points DiscussedStarting Young: Jarom’s real estate journey began at 16, flipping distressed homes while learning construction hands-on.Trust and Teamwork: Justin shares how he decided to back his son financially and emotionally, leading to a powerful business partnership.The First Syndication: Their first deal was a distressed 17-unit property. They break down how they raised capital, structured the deal, and got it over the finish line.Why They’re Betting on Legacy: EagleCap isn’t just about returns. It’s about building generational wealth and helping other families do the same.Guest InformationNames: Jarom Pratt & Justin PrattCompany: EagleCap Legacy Wealth PartnersWebsiteLinkedIn: Jarom Pratt, Justin PrattConclusionJarom and Justin’s story is a testament to what’s possible when trust, grit, and long-term vision align. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to bring family into the business, their journey offers inspiration and tactical insight for every syndicator.Let me know if you want a shortened version for Apple Podcasts or Instagram blurbs.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, Shannon Robnett, founder of Shannon Robnett Industries, shares how he went from building police stations and firehouses to managing over $150 million in real estate assets across multifamily and industrial deals.With over 30 years in commercial construction and development, Shannon breaks down his transition from being fully funded by a single family office to raising $75 million from everyday investors, wealth advisors, and RIAs.He also explains why industrial triple net leases are the most overlooked long-term wealth strategy, and how communication—not projections—drives investor trust and repeat capital.Key Points DiscussedFrom Builder to Syndicator: Shannon started in the trades, building everything from schools to medical offices. When a family office stopped funding his deals, he had to learn how to syndicate capital fast—or lose it all.Lessons from the First $1.4M Raise: Even with decades of experience, raising retail capital required a mindset shift. Shannon explains how long it took, the missteps he made, and how he finally broke through.The Power of Triple Net Industrial: Shannon’s family retired off industrial cash flow. He breaks down why NNN leases are so resilient, why Class A tenants matter, and why industrial tenants don’t move for a $400 rent delta.Why Smaller is Harder: It takes the same steps to buy a single-family home as a 100-unit apartment complex. Shannon urges new investors to aim bigger and partner up to scale faster.How to Win with LPs: Shannon shares why overcommunication matters, why he publishes multiple newsletters each month, and how real trust is built in between deals.Guest InformationName: Shannon RobnettRole: Founder of Shannon Robnett IndustriesWebsiteLinkedInConclusionShannon Robnett’s journey shows what happens when a second-generation developer combines boots-on-the-ground experience with long-term vision and tax-savvy syndication strategy. His story is a masterclass in resilience, relationship building, and real estate at scale.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, Thomas St. John, founder of North Corp Capital and a full-time firefighter, shares how he built a 300-unit multifamily portfolio from the ground up while serving his community. Starting with single-family rentals in 2006, Thomas’s journey is a testament to grit, discipline, and learning through experience.He opens up about the creative financing methods that helped him buy properties during the 2008 crash, the hard lessons from losing six figures in a bad deal, and how those challenges shaped his mission to protect investors and build a platform rooted in transparency and trust.Key Points DiscussedFrom Firefighter to Founder: Thomas shares how his entrepreneurial drive led him from shift work at the firehouse to managing a multimillion-dollar real estate portfolio—and why it took nine years to buy his first multifamily property.Creative Financing in the 2008 Crash: When banks stopped lending, Thomas got creative—using credit cards, hard money, and even crowdfunding platforms like Lending Club to keep growing his portfolio through the downturn.Lessons from a Six-Figure Loss: After losing a major investment with an underperforming GP, Thomas launched North Corp Capital to raise capital responsibly and vet sponsors with the same diligence he brings to his own deals.Due Diligence and Discipline: Thomas breaks down his process for evaluating deals, from stress-testing pro formas to flying out and walking every property in person. His rule of thumb: “I have to be okay selling it tomorrow—or holding it forever.”Building a Fund of Funds: Through North Corp Capital, Thomas helps everyday investors access top-tier multifamily deals with lower minimums via SPV structures, allowing them to benefit from institutional-quality opportunities.Guest InformationName: Thomas St. JohnRole: Founder at Northcorp CapitalWebsite: North Corp CapitalLinkedIn: Thomas St. JohnConclusionThomas St. John’s story is proof that persistence and integrity pay off. From working 24-hour shifts as a firefighter to building a respected real estate investment firm, he’s shown that consistency and strong values can outlast any market cycle.Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn to learn more about his work at Northcorp Capital and how he’s helping investors participate in vetted, high-quality multifamily opportunities.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, Jonah Platovsky, founder of The Coliving Concierge, shares how he’s helping real estate investors unlock 15 to 30 percent cash-on-cash returns by converting traditional properties into co living spaces. Jonah walks us through his journey from Wall Street and crypto to real estate, and explains why he believes co living is the most underpriced and underutilized asset class in today’s market.With over 100 successful placements and 50-plus investors helped, Jonah breaks down the economics, operations, and emerging trends in the co living space—offering insights for both first-time and seasoned investors.Key Points DiscussedFrom Wall Street to Real Estate: Jonah started in M&A and tech before discovering creative financing and alternative real estate strategies like subject-to and seller financing.Why Co Living Works: Jonah explains how co living offers both affordability for tenants and unmatched yield for investors, outperforming long-term rentals and even short-term rentals in many cases.Building the Investor Hub: To help meet investor demand, Jonah created a marketplace of vetted co living deals, making it easier to find, underwrite, and close high-yield opportunities across the country.Market Trends and Alpha: Jonah shares his thoughts on the top markets for co living—like Atlanta, Kansas City, and Gainesville—and explains how early movers can take advantage of regulatory shifts and untapped demand.Passive Opportunities: For investors who don’t want to be hands-on, Jonah also outlines how The Coliving Concierge is structuring passive investments with equity upside and double-digit returns.Guest InformationName: Jonah PlatovskyRole: Founder at The Coliving ConciergeLinkedIn: Jonah PlatovskyWebsite: thecolivingconcierge.comConclusionJonah Platovsky is on a mission to make co living a mainstream asset class for real estate investors. With the housing crisis worsening and yields compressing elsewhere, co living offers a unique blend of impact and return. Whether you’re looking to go active or passive, Jonah’s story shows there’s still blue ocean ahead.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, Danny Flores, Principal at Prime Capital Investments and host of the Orange County Power Players podcast, shares how he built an 18-deal track record across multiple market cycles. From his early days in construction to becoming a banker and eventually a multifamily operator, Danny’s journey shows how discipline, systems, and long-term focus can turn small beginnings into a scalable real estate business.Danny breaks down the fundamentals of operating in growth markets like Arizona, how to build broker and management relationships out of state, and why most investors underestimate the importance of operations and debt structure in today’s market.Key Points DiscussedFrom Construction to Capital Raising: Danny started his career as a general contractor before transitioning into finance and real estate. His background in both industries gave him an edge in analyzing deals, managing renovations, and understanding risk.Breaking Into Out-of-State Markets: Danny shares his playbook for building new relationships in unfamiliar markets—from researching population and business growth to calling brokers weekly and flying out for in-person meetings until credibility is earned.Scaling Through Systems: With 18 full-cycle deals completed, Danny explains how he built workflows that allow him to review every property’s financials twice a week and make real-time operational adjustments.The Arizona Advantage: Danny outlines why he’s bullish on Arizona despite recent oversupply headlines—strong job growth, infrastructure investment, and incoming business relocations are setting the stage for long-term rent growth.Lessons From Tough Deals: From managing problem tenants to navigating California’s rent control laws, Danny discusses early mistakes that shaped how he underwrites, structures loans, and approaches risk management today.Guest InformationName: Danny FloresRole: Principal at Prime Capital InvestmentsPodcast: Orange County Power PlayersLinkedIn: Danny FloresWebsite: Prime Capital InvestmentsConclusionDanny Flores’ story is a masterclass in resilience and operational discipline. His transition from construction to multifamily syndication shows that experience, patience, and process are what separate great operators from good ones. For anyone looking to invest out of state, build lasting broker relationships, or understand what it takes to go full cycle on deals, this episode is packed with actionable insights.Connect with Danny on LinkedIn to learn more about Prime Capital Investments and his work in the Arizona multifamily market.