In The Lab with Ruben Kanya

Guys I’m back! I’m back for good - I will be releasing new episodes Wednesdays Fridays and Sundays CONSISTENTLY. Many of you have come across this podcast awhile back and as mentioned in this episode I’ve broken one of the key fundamentals of the compound effect. Consistency. Why is it that when something works as human creatures we often have a tendency to stop doing it? What if you were to instill 1 new habit or take away one and consistently do it until your last days days here on this wonderful earth of ours. We can all personally admit that that would make a difference for us and yet we don’t do it. Let’s reflect and find a way to do that. One way to do it is by attaching a new habit to something that you are already consistently doing. More on that in part 2. But for now - thanks for taking a listen. Releasing an episode 3 times a week - Wednesday, Friday and Sunday will be my new habit I’m adding. Y’all can hold me accountable. As you can see I’ve attached a specific day to it to make the goal more realistic and giving myself direction. Again more on that later...what works for you. DM me or inbox me on bigger pockets and I’ll talk about it on the next episode and share it with the people. Let’s build.

As a 🏘 real estate investor and owner of a 🧑🏾‍💻digital marketing agency I value both physical real estate and digital real estate just as much...and maybe even a little more...but here’s the good news....the reason I am launching this new segment for my 🎙podcast is because I believe the two can co-exist and rather should. But let’s define what a digital asset is first...in our world it’s 1️⃣ A podcast 2️⃣ Digital Content (audio, video) 3️⃣ Social media platforms 4️⃣ websites 5️⃣ Forums (Facebook groups, bigger pockets) 6️⃣ OTAs (online travel agents a.k.a Airbnb, booking.com, vrbo) 7️⃣ Digital Marketing 8️⃣ Branding 9️⃣ Personal branding 🔟 An email list The list goes on (pun intended) but the question is as an investor are you taking the time to build digital assets in your world as you are taking the time to build your physical ones? If not then this segment will be for you. I can tell you right now that if you combine the two you will explode the return on your investment...and I’ve experienced these crazy ROIs myself. I was a digital marketer before I became a real estate investor and the two must go hand-in hand. If you’re an investor who understands the power of digital assets but you know you have so much to learn (and we all do considering technology’s fast moving pace) then this segment will be just for you. I’m doing this for me as much as I am doing it for the community. 🗣Speaking of community, If you want to engage in questions or suggestions on topics to cover Feel free to text me “digital” to 678-679-5613 and tune in EVERY THURSDAY for the new digital asset series called DIGITAL ASSET THURSDAYS brought to you by my team at @investedtalent and let’s continue to build. 💪🏾💪🏾 www.investedtalent.com TEXT ME “digital” to 678-679-5613

🧪In this episode I reflect on the importance of knowing Your Compass in your life and business. What are you optimizing for? It is important that you know ...because if you don’t a client or individual with their own Compass may steer you in their direction. The sooner you identify where you are going the least likely you are to get pulled in other people’s directions. This is important because we all know that when our GPS reroutes - it always adds time to our final destination. Let’s build. 🧱

🧪In this episode we talk about the importance of presenting offers in bunches in order to justify and better position the initial offer as it is or simply give contrast and justification amongst the bunch. It is no wonder why the majority of business will offer options in small, medium or extra large; beginner, novice, expert or the way giving two options on a contract gives you the upper leg . People love options but my experiments and those of others will confirm that less is more. Too many options can kill and offer or business model. So which one will you choose; Multiple offers or single one? (See what I did there 😉) Let’s build. 🧱

Get the Midterm Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprintIn this strategic episode of In The Lab, Ruben breaks down the five core pillars he’s taking into 2026: relationships, resources, resilience, speed, and standards. After closing out 2025 with major wins and powerful lessons, he shares how each pillar showed up in the real world—from securing financing after four banks said no, to creating rooms and communities that unlocked new opportunities, to using AI as a force multiplier for execution.Ruben explains why every major milestone in his life has come from a relationship, how resourcefulness replaces excuses, and why resilience is the non-negotiable trait behind every breakthrough. He also unpacks the power of speed, the mindset shift behind moving without all the answers, and why your standards quietly dictate your destiny long before your habits do.This episode gives you a clear framework you can apply immediately: build deeper relationships, leverage the right resources, stay resilient through the inevitable challenges, move quickly with conviction, and raise the standards that shape your environment and outcomes.Tune in now to learn how to apply all five pillars, accelerate your growth, and build a 2026 filled with momentum, clarity, and results.#EntrepreneurMindset #SuccessFramework #AIForBusiness #BusinessGrowth #ExperimentNation #MindsetMatters #GoalSetting2026 #RealEstateEntrepreneur #HighStandards #PersonalDevelopment

Get the Midterm Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprintIn this forward-focused episode of In The Lab, Ruben breaks down the three pillars he’s using to engineer a powerful and intentional 2026: a clear definite aim, an AI-powered execution toolbox, and the 1-5-10 framework for turning vision into action. After reflecting on Q4, two AI workshops, and the patterns he’s seen among operators and entrepreneurs, Ruben explains why most people fail at goal setting — and how a simple shift in mindset and structure changes everything.He walks through why experimentation is the only path to discovering your purpose, how to filter every opportunity through a 10-year trajectory, and why alignment becomes your internal GPS. From there, Ruben shows how AI removes the two biggest excuses holding people back — lack of information and lack of time — and how to use AI as a personal board of directors to eliminate blind spots and accelerate execution.Finally, Ruben breaks down the 1-5-10 framework, including how to define your 10-year dream life, reverse-engineer your five-year milestones, convert that into one-year focus, and translate everything into monthly and weekly sprints that actually stick. This episode is a practical blueprint for anyone who wants to avoid another “New Year sprint–February fizzle” cycle and instead build a system that compounds for years.Tune in now to learn how to set a clear aim, harness AI, and build a weekly structure that finally closes the gap between who you are and who you’re becoming.#EntrepreneurMindset #GoalSetting #AIForBusiness #ProductivitySystems #ExperimentNation #BusinessGrowth #VisionPlanning #RealEstateEntrepreneur #MindsetMatters #2026Planning

In this powerhouse episode of In The Lab, Ruben sits down with Jack Martin — co-founder and CIO of 52TEN, one of the top mobile home park operators in the United States. Jack brings decades of experience across development, acquisitions, capital formation, and operations, having overseen over $1B in real estate projects and more than 2,000 lots nationwide.Jack breaks down why mobile home parks sit at the lowest end of the real-estate risk spectrum, how they deliver unusually stable cash flow, and why investors from high-net-worth individuals to family offices chase the asset class for its superior tax advantages. He explains the core difference between mobile home parks and RV parks, why land improvements are the real engine of bonus depreciation, and how lot-rent economics create both affordability for residents and reliable income for operators.Throughout the conversation, Jack unpacks key levers for value creation — sub-metering, operational discipline, expense reduction, proper sizing for scale, and what separates truly institutional-quality parks from everything else. He also reveals how his team evaluates 150 deals a year and buys only three, why scarcity drives long-term upside, and how EOS, belief, and people have shaped 52TEN’s rise into a market leader.This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand the real math behind mobile home park investing, see how large operators think, and learn why this niche remains one of the most tax-efficient, recession-resistant strategies in the country. Tune in now to discover why Jack calls mobile home parks “the most stable real estate in America.”Get the Midterm Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprintHIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:08:02 Jack talks about why MHPs are lowest on the risk spectrum25:56 Jack talks about applying cost segregation KEEPING IT REAL:06:00 – Mobile home park model08:06 – Why investors choose MHPs10:36 – Bonus depreciation power12:57 – Tax buckets clarified14:49 – Investor profiles shift21:17 – Land improvements explained24:53 – Cost-seg advantage28:10 – Evaluating properties33:03 – Renting land, not homes37:56 – Tenant stability factor45:28 – Why new parks aren’t built49:04 – Expense leaks & fixes53:05 – Affordability for residents57:22 – Yield expectations1:04:12 – Belief, EOS, people  Episode Hashtags: #MobileHomeParks #RealEstateInvesting #AffordableHousing #WealthStrategy #PassiveIncome #TaxStrategy #LandImprovements #MHPInvesting #FinancialFreedom #ScaleWithStabilityCONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite: https://52ten.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-martin-52ten/

Get the Midterm Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprintIn this reflective episode of In The Lab, Ruben unpacks one of the most overlooked success variables in entrepreneurship and temporary housing: your environment. After attending a high-level BookThinkers event hosted by his friend Nick Hutchinson of episode #99 and reconnecting with mentors and peers, Ruben breaks down how proximity, intention, and the rooms you choose to enter shape your growth more than tactics ever will.He shares the deeper meaning behind the “white lab coat vs. the suit” rebrand—why beginner operators need experimentation, and why seasoned operators need depth, systems, and specialization. Ruben walks through how he discovered his tribe across short-term rentals, mid-term rentals, insurance housing, and beyond, with pivotal moments sparked by guests like Michael Sjogren (Episode 91), Dr. Rachel Gainsbrugh (Episodes 81 & 263), and Will Dotson. Each connection created a bridge, a business model, or a breakthrough reminder.This episode zooms in on the power of alignment, integration, and why deeper rooms lead to bigger opportunities, why Q4 is advantage season, and how vertically aligning your mission, business, and contribution creates momentum that lasts beyond a single market cycle.If you’ve ever felt stuck between where you are and the room you know you should be in, this episode is your invitation.Tune in now to learn how to choose environments that elevate you, adopt belief systems that accelerate you, and build a business that serves something bigger than yourself.#EntrepreneurMindset #RelationshipEquity #BusinessGrowth #RealEstateInvesting #Networking #ExperimentNation

Get the Midterm Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprintIn this detailed episode of In The Lab, Ruben sits down with tax strategist and CPA, Michael Uadiale Michael brings the type of clarity most entrepreneurs wish their CPA would give them, breaking down the real tax game in a way that feels simple, concrete, and practical.Michael shares why the tax code is built for business owners and investors, not W2 earners — and how most people are losing money simply because they’re operating in the wrong category. He explains the difference between tax preparation, tax planning, and tax strategy, why bonus depreciation is so misunderstood, and how entrepreneurs can position themselves before Q4 ends.Throughout the conversation, Michael outlines the real KPIs that matter for understanding your tax position, the most common blind spots he sees in operators, and how AI is reshaping the accounting industry. More importantly, he gives a blueprint for building a tax-optimized business structure — from entity setup, to bookkeeping hygiene, to capturing deductions the right way.This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to stop guessing, stop overpaying, and finally understand how to use the tax code as a tool for building wealth. Tune in now to learn how Michael’s strategic approach can help you keep more of your money, protect your business, and plan for long-term freedom.HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:11:50 Michaeil talks about the tax code and real estate success.17:40 Michael talks about getting proactive on managing taxes KEEPING IT REAL:04:20 – What CPAs do07:58 – Compliance vs. strategy11:15 – Why books matter14:42 – Cash flow leaks17:10 – Business owner mindset20:55 – W2 vs. 109923:41 – Entity structure basics26:12 – LLC vs. S-Corp29:09 – Audit red flags32:44 – Deduction vs. credit36:01 – Mileage & receipts40:28 – Real estate benefits44:12 – Depreciation explained48:00 – Cost segregation use52:18 – Passive vs. active55:44 – Short-term rental rules58:59 – Material participation tests1:02:10 – Tax strategy stacking1:05:08 – Mid-term rental angle1:08:30 – Investor documentation1:12:44 – AI and accounting1:16:10 – Scaling financial ops1:20:55 – Final takeawaysCONNECT WITH THE GUESTLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smeedcpa/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael_uadiale/?hl=en #TaxStrategy #BusinessFinances #RealEstateInvesting #CashFlow #EntrepreneurMindset #FinancialLiteracy #SREI #BusinessOwnerLife #CPAInsights #WealthBuilding

Get the Midterm Rental Insurance Blueprint: ⁠https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprintIn this insightful episode of In The Lab, Ruben welcomes Giang Nguyen, founder of One River Capital, a former scientist turned real estate investor and syndicator. Giang shares her remarkable journey from working in gene therapy at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to achieving financial freedom through multifamily real estate. Her story unfolds with precision and strategy—from buying her first $30,000 foreclosure property in cash to scaling into duplexes, five-units, and eventually syndications.Giang breaks down the financial and emotional blueprint behind leaving a W2 job the right way—by doing the math, living below her means, and mastering capital allocation. She reveals how she bought, renovated, and refinanced early properties, often paying in cash before leveraging them to scale. As a mortgage broker and syndicator, Giang dives deep into the mindset and numbers that drive wealth building—covering how to calculate key performance indicators (KPIs), why cash flow matters more than NOI, and how investors can prepare to transition from single-family homes to multifamily investments.This episode is a playbook for anyone looking to build wealth strategically, without hype—only math, milestones, and mastery. Tune in now to learn how Giang's methodical approach can help you engineer your exit from a W2 and design a business that funds your freedom.HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:07:35 Giang talks about the push that made her need to grow in multifamily22:21 Giang talks about how syndication performance is measured. KEEPING IT REAL:00:05 – Offense vs. defense01:09 – Scientist to investor06:23 – Choosing freedom over medicine08:58 – First $30K property10:35 – Learning by doing14:04 – Living below one’s  means15:57 – Employer match strategy17:00 – No car philosophy18:35 – Comfort in numbers21:01 – Financial blind spots23:33 – Tracking key KPIs25:01 – Distribution vs. NOI30:55 – Cash flow clarity33:37 – Proof of concept35:04 – Multifamily cash flow36:09 – Zoning strategy explained37:26 – Buying “by right”38:05 – Highest and best use40:06 – Transition to 5+ units42:00 – Immigrant lending limits43:40 – Lender risk factors1:41:13 – Power of communityCONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite: https://onerivercapital.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thatsalsainvestor/#RealEstateInvesting #FinancialFreedom #Syndication #Multifamily #W2ToWealth #CashFlow #ImmigrantEntrepreneur #WomenInRealEstate #MortgageBroker #OneRiverCapital #InvestSmart #BuildWealth#CapitalRaising #FinancialStrategy

Get the Midterm Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprintIn this powerful episode of In The Lab, Ruben sits down with August Biniaz, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer at CPI Capital, to unpack how he went from building homes in Canada to managing large-scale U.S. multifamily funds. August shares his journey from being a general contractor and developer to launching CPI Capital, a cross-border real estate private equity firm that bridges Canadian capital with U.S. opportunities.He breaks down the real roadmap for scaling in real estate—starting from joint ventures, to syndications, closed-end and open-ended funds with the road to ultimately launching a REIT. August also highlights why CPI shifted focus to U.S. markets like Tampa Bay and San Antonio, where rent control, entitlement speed, and yields outperform Canadian markets.Listeners will gain deep insights into capital raising, fund structuring, investor relations, and how credibility and reputation equity become key leverage points when scaling to institutional investors. Tune in now to learn how August’s strategic evolution from builder to fund manager can help you structure smarter, scale faster, and raise with confidence.HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:16:12 August talks about syndication21:48 August talks about progression from joint ventures to syndicationsKEEPING IT REAL:09:01 – Private equity structure explained17:12 – Syndications vs. funds overview20:45 – Managing investor expectations28:08 – The pivotal land assembly deal31:04 – Structuring partnerships and equity35:01 – Why U.S. over Canada45:01 – Launching CPI Capital51:03 – Navigating cross-border challenges55:21 – Entitlement timelines and delays59:09 – Partnering with experienced operators1:01:02 – Market focus: Tampa and San Antonio1:02:09 – Build-to-rent explained1:05:17 – Duplex strategy and investor returns1:07:01 – Raising from retail to institutions1:08:01 – The 30,000-door vision1:13:18 – From syndication to REITs1:16:02 – Final thoughtsCONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite: https://cpicapital.ca/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/augustbiniaz/#RealEstateInvesting #Syndication #REIT #PrivateEquity #Multifamily #BuildToRent #CommercialRealEstate #InstitutionalCapital #FundManagement #WealthBuilding #CrossBorderInvesting #CapitalRaising #FinancialStrategy

Get the Midterm Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprintIn this reflective episode of In The Lab, Ruben unpacks the concept of “relationship equity”—the unseen deposits we make when we give value first without expectation in return—and how this principle has created full-circle moments in his real estate and entrepreneurial journey. Drawing from his own experiences and those of past podcast guests, Ruben highlights how relationships built on giving often return dividends in the form of opportunities, mentorship, and growth.He recalls pivotal lessons from Michael Elefante (Episode 161), whose transparency and content-driven brand inspired collaboration and mutual support, and Michael Shogren (Episode 91), whose Airbnb strategy shifted Ruben’s path entirely. Ruben also shares how contributions to Dr. Rachel Gainsbourg (Episode 263) and Will Dodtson ( Episode 265) later came full circle into opportunities that opened new doors.This reflective conversation breaks down why “relationship equity” matters more than transactions, how small acts of service compound over time, and why long-term giving creates reputational capital that no market crash or downturn can erase.If you’ve ever wondered how to turn networking into true opportunity, this episode will shift your perspective. Tune in now to learn how to build a relationship equity bank that compounds into partnerships, contracts, and doors you never knew existed.#EntrepreneurMindset #RelationshipEquity #BusinessGrowth #RealEstateInvesting #Networking #ExperimentNation

Get the Midterm Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprintIn this powerful episode of In The Lab, Ruben sits down with George Otel, a finance expert, entrepreneur, and investor who has carved a unique path from trucking fleets to becoming “the finance guy” for business and real estate deals. George immigrated to the U.S. in 2011, built a trucking fleet, then pivoted into real estate, business loans, and funding strategies after realizing the leverage and creativity that come from finance. Today, he’s the go-to resource for SBA loans, equipment financing, commercial real estate, private lending, and complex deal structuring.George reveals how he helps entrepreneurs and investors unlock capital, stack funding sources, and position themselves for growth—whether it’s acquiring businesses, scaling commercial assets, or tapping into the $10 trillion wave of baby boomer business exits. With a deep belief in buying back your time and focusing on one core skill, George shares how discipline, mentorship, and deal structuring literacy shaped his journey.If you’re looking for a roadmap to financing smarter, leveraging hidden equity, and positioning yourself for the coming wealth transfer, this episode is packed with practical strategies and actionable insights. Tune in now to learn how George’s “finance-first” approach can change how you play the game.HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:21:38 George talks about creative financing.43:45 George talks about the $10 trillion baby boomer wealth transfer.KEEPING IT REAL:09:10 – Redefining financing12:40 – Structuring deals with multiple funding stages17:18 – Equity in equipment as collateral19:13 – Commercial brokers vs. finance brokers22:28 – Seller financing and tax advantages in acquisitions26:05 – Bridge loans, DSCR loans, and refinancing strategies31:12 – From trucking fleets to real estate and finance37:45 – Adding value when networking with mentors44:00 – The $10 trillion baby boomer wealth transfer opportunity51:50 – The sweet spot for acquisitions55:30 – Buying back your time and building teams using Dan Martell’s frameworks1:02:25 – Business owners should own their buildings1:09:00 – Where capital is flowing next1:27:04 – How to connect with GeorgeCONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite:https://www.usbizfunding.net/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeotel/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgeotel/?hl=enX: https://x.com/george_otel#BusinessFunding #RealEstateInvesting #Entrepreneurship #WealthTransfer #PrivateLending #CommercialRealEstate #BusinessAcquisition #FinancialLiteracy #IndustrialRealEstate #DealStructuring

Connect with me at https://experimentrealestate.com/connectGet the FREE Mid-Term Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprint In this episode, Ruben shares a simple but powerful framework from his mentor, Myron Golden —the three C’s of fulfillment—and shows how it applies to business, real estate, and life. If something feels “off,” it’s usually because one (or more) buckets is empty: Create (projects, content, opportunities), Connect (community, proximity, masterminds), and Contribute (impact beyond self). When all three are present, work becomes meaningful and momentum compounds.Ruben maps the 3 C’s onto the temporary housing / mid-term rental niche: creating listings and deal flow, curating rooms and meetups that foster connection, and building brands and businesses that contribute to something bigger. You’ll hear practical ways to fill each bucket—hosting or co-hosting meetups, joining rooms outside your niche to expand surface area for luck, creating content because “if they don’t know you, they can’t flow you,” and designing purpose-driven business systems that reward contribution across your team and partners.If you’ve ever grown your numbers but still felt underwhelmed, this episode is a reset: fill the three buckets and fulfillment will follow.Tune in now to learn how to use the Create–Connect–Contribute framework to realign your business, energize your week, and build a portfolio (and life) that actually feels good to run.#EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessGrowth #RealEstateStrategy #MidtermRentals #Leadership #CommunityBuilding #PersonalDevelopment #ExperimentNation

Connect with me at https://experimentrealestate.com/connectGet the FREE Mid-Term Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprint In this solo briefing, Ruben breaks down Airbnb’s move to a single host-only fee (15.5%) for listings managed through property management software (PMS)—what’s changing, when it hits, and what it means for operators. He clarifies the Aug 25 & Oct 27, 2025 timelines and why this shift underscores a hard truth: Airbnb optimizes for guests first, not hosts.Ruben shares the immediate, practical fix: adjust PMS channel markups (not your global pricing tool) so Airbnb prices reflect the new fee without mispricing you across other OTAs. Then he zooms out to strategy—leverage Airbnb’s traffic, but don’t depend on it. Diversify across VRBO/Expedia/Furnished Finder/Zillow, build direct-booking pathways through brand presence in-stay, and set business guardrails (no auto IB if it breaks your ops).You’ll also hear how to turn Airbnb visibility into long-term relationships, protect margins with smarter pricing ops, and operate like a true B2B temp-housing brand. This isn’t “Airbnb or nothing”—it’s Airbnb and a resilient distribution stack.Tune in now to learn exactly how to update your pricing, protect profits, and future-proof your portfolio while still riding Airbnb’s massive demand engine.Get the Midterm Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprint#ShortTermRentals #AirbnbHost #PMS #MidTermRentals #HospitalityOps #RevenueManagement #OTAstrategy #ExperimentNation

In this focused solo episode of In The Lab, Ruben unpacks the lessons he learned from attending a three-day Nike tennis training camp and how they directly apply to business, real estate, and personal growth. He reflects on the four key pillars that make intensive training so powerful—proximity, reps, correction, and longevity—and why missing just one of these can make the entire experience meaningless.Drawing from his own journey as an athlete, coach, and entrepreneur, Ruben explains how the right environment accelerates progress, why repetition creates mastery, and how a single correction from a mentor can completely shift your trajectory. Most importantly, he emphasizes the compound effect: real transformation doesn’t come from a one-time intensive but from consistent application over time.If you’ve ever been inspired by a boot camp, conference, or training program but struggled to sustain the momentum afterward, this episode will show you how to turn short bursts of intensity into long-term growth. Tune in now to learn how to leverage intensive training for lasting success in your business, health, and personal experiments.Connect with me at https://experimentrealestate.com/connectGet the FREE Mid-Term Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprint #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #RealEstateStrategy #MindsetShift #CompoundEffect #ExperimentNation

Connect with me at https://experimentrealestate.com/connectGet the FREE Mid-Term Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprint In this reflective solo episode of In The Lab, Ruben shares the lessons he gained from running his first 10K race and how they directly apply to entrepreneurship, real estate, and life. From training with mentors to pushing through discomfort and finding the right environment, Ruben unpacks why success is less about talent and more about discipline, persistence, and proximity to the right people.Using powerful analogies from sports and business, he explains how identifying your targets, surrounding yourself with the right environment, and pacing yourself against stronger peers can accelerate growth. Ruben also dives into the importance of environment over automation in today’s AI-driven age—and why genuine relationships remain irreplaceable.If you’re re-evaluating your goals mid-year or searching for the right push to keep going, this episode will help you reflect, reset, and realign with the fundamentals that never change: preparation, mentorship, consistency, and celebrating each milestone along the way.#EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessGrowth #MentorshipMatters #Resilience #RealEstateStrategy #Leadership #MindsetShift #ExperimentNation

Connect with me at https://experimentrealestate.com/connectGet the FREE Mid-Term Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprint In this high-impact episode of In The Lab, Ruben sits down with Brandon Rickman, an Atlanta-based investor, entrepreneur, and general contractor who has flipped over 500 houses, developed 100 new-construction single-family homes, and built vertically integrated businesses spanning private lending, self-storage, and consumer products. With over 25 years in real estate, Brandon shares how his career evolved from flipping houses to raising private capital for large-scale developments—including a three-story, Class A self-storage facility outside Atlanta.Brandon opens up about the peaks and valleys of entrepreneurship, from multi-million-dollar exits in the consumer products world to surviving the 2008 market crash when banks abruptly called his loans. He reveals the data-driven criteria he uses to reverse-engineer self-storage projects for REIT buyers, the add-on revenue strategies that maximize NOI, and why private lending has become a major growth focus.If you’re looking for a transparent blueprint to scaling across multiple real estate verticals while building resilience through challenges, this conversation is packed with insights on strategy, mindset, and execution.HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:14:46 Brandon talks about self-storage investment strategy44:55 Brandon talks about entrepreneurial resilience and scaling across multiple real estate verticalsKEEPING IT REAL:05:20 – Why self-storage is Brandon’s top focus today06:47 – How syndication works for self-storage investors10:04 – Understanding demand: square footage per capita and site selection data14:46 – Reverse-engineering self-storage for REIT buyers17:47 – Pricing power and tenant retention in self-storage22:05 – Increasing NOI through add-on services and rentals26:27 – Automated vs. manned self-storage operations30:08 – From consumer products to multi-million-dollar exits44:51 – Surviving the 2008 market crash and negotiating with banks59:22 – Big wins: high-margin flips, 7-figure syndication potential, and legacy deals1:10:08 – Building a $20M/year private lending business1:14:10 – Advice for 20-year-old entrepreneurs CONNECT WITH THE GUESTLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-rickman-9885a22/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonrickman08/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfQGTzF6JvH4qqT_V8Lx2cw#RealEstateInvesting #SelfStorage #EntrepreneurMindset #PrivateLending #FlippingHouses #ResilientEntrepreneur #CommercialRealEstate #BusinessGrowth #REITStrategy #FinancialFreedom

Connect with me at https://experimentrealestate.com/connectGet the FREE Mid-Term Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprint In this powerful and paradigm-shifting episode of In The Lab, Ruben sits down with Jay Cameron, real estate investor, international speaker, and founder of Maximum Impact Travel. Jay opens up about the pivotal moment when he realized that grinding through life just to pay bills wasn’t enough. After building financial stability through real estate and entrepreneurship, he made a bold decision to travel to Africa—facing his fears, confronting his conditioning, and ultimately transforming his life.Jay shares the mental due diligence required to break out of the bubble, why many Americans have a flawed perception of Africa, and how embracing global citizenship reshaped his identity and his business. From launching a multimillion-dollar travel company to leading over 2,000 people on transformative international trips, Jay explains how deep experiences—not just dollars—pay the highest dividends.If you’ve ever felt stuck in routine, this episode will challenge you to rethink your own story. Tune in to hear Jay’s journey from constraint to clarity and how you can unlock a life filled with purpose, expansion, and global impact.HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:11:03 Jay talks about overcoming the old paradigm of fear, routine, and mental confinement38:33 Jay talks about why Africa’s branding is broken KEEPING IT REAL:04:26 – How travel shaped his identity and business10:58 – The old paradigm: fear, routine, and mental confinement13:30 – First fearful leap to Africa in 201816:55 – A better way to grind? Unpacking hustle culture20:39 – Use low overhead to create freedom30:58 – Reframing travel as a personal investment32:59 – “Die With Zero” and building memory dividends37:15 – Why Africa’s branding is broken42:27 – Doing your own mental due diligence45:53 – How expanding your mind dismantles generational programming50:26 – Smiles, dignity, and the universal human connection51:22 – Turning the world into an adult summer camp53:23 – From viral YouTube video to travel empire54:05 – Why this business is the reward after the grindCONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite: https://www.maximumimpacttravel.com/#Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-cameron-532a2951/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaycameronofficial/?hl=enYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/c/maximumimpactwithjaycameronLinktree: https://linktr.ee/maximumimpacttravel#RealEstateInvesting #GlobalCitizenship #MindsetShift #LifestyleDesign #EscapeTheGrind #MaximumImpact #TravelEntrepreneur #MentalDueDiligence #AfricaUnfiltered

Get the Midterm Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprintIn this deep-dive episode of In The Lab, Ruben sits down with Joel Friedland, founder of Brit Properties, to explore an uncommon but powerful approach to real estate syndication: acquiring industrial properties with no debt. Joel, who has been in the industrial real estate game since the age of 22, shares his evolution from working under a Chicago family office to building his own portfolio of high-performing industrial buildings.The conversation spans everything from the anatomy of industrial leases and long-term tenant retention to the personal values that shape Joel’s unique investment philosophy. Joel opens up about surviving the 2008 financial crisis, the dangers of signing standard loan documents, and how he now protects his investors through detailed side letters and ultra-low leverage—or none at all.You’ll hear how Joel evaluates industrial assets, builds long-term relationships with tenants and investors, and why he believes most operators are taking unnecessary risk in the name of returns. His perspective is rare, contrarian, and backed by decades of experience.If you're a syndicator, investor, or entrepreneur curious about how to build a portfolio with resilience and integrity, this episode will shift how you think about risk, returns, and relationships. Tune in now to learn why Joel is one of the few operators in America focused on building a community through no-debt deals—and how you can apply the same principles to your business and life.HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:21:34 Joel talks about building relationships13:11 Joel talks about his lawn mowing business at age 14KEEPING IT REAL:05:00 – Why industrial outperforms office and retail08:13 – Long-term leases and tenant retention10:00 – Triple net leases and low-maintenance management11:16 – Entry into industrial real estate13:11 – Lessons from starting a lawn business at 1415:06 – Are entrepreneurs born or made?20:19 – From chasing deals to building relationships30:16 – A model focused on long-term trust and low turnover36:08 – The critical importance of reading legal docs42:46 – Hidden risks in loan documents47:04 – Avoiding high leverage even if it means lower returns52:00 – Strategy and differentiation: why safety wins56:00 – Why he doesn’t use infinite banking or other loan-backed strategies59:03 – Hiring mistakes and how to identify A-players1:03:01 – Likability ≠ capability: the hiring lesson most learn too late1:06:10 – Current focus and future direction1:08:55 – Why he only buys infill industrial in Chicago1:10:50 – The shrinking market advantage in industrial real estate1:13:02 – Parting advice and how to connect with Joel.CONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite: https://www.britproperties.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-friedland/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brit-Properties/61561165483112/?_rdrYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@investingwithjoel#PublicAdjuster #InsuranceClaims #CoverageD #MidtermRentals #TemporaryHousing #RealEstateInvesting #PolicyholderAdvocacy