wealth unfiltered

In this episode, Army veteran and Landshark Founder Brent Bowers shares his powerful transition story and breaks down why real estate—especially the land niche—has become a game-changer for thousands of service members. Brent reveals the leadership traits, mindset shifts, and tactical steps that allow veterans to build scalable income, even with limited capital or experience. We dive into the realities of leaving the military, how veterans can leverage structure and mission-driven thinking to excel as entrepreneurs, and why land flipping offers one of the most accessible pathways into the real estate world. Whether you're active-duty, transitioning, or long out of uniform, this conversation delivers the clarity, confidence, and motivation to take action. Guest: Brent Bowers Founder of The Landsharks | Real estate investor & coach | Former Army officer Learn more: www.TheLandSharks.com Key Takeaways for Show Notes & Social Posts Veterans have a unique advantage in real estate thanks to discipline, resilience, and structured thinking. The transition out of the military comes with challenges—but also massive entrepreneurial opportunity. Land investing is one of the most accessible entry points into real estate, even with limited capital. Systems, SOPs, and mission-driven leadership translate directly into business success. Real estate provides flexibility, family time, and financial independence for veterans rebuilding their civilian identity. Failures and pivots are part of the journey—Brent shares the ones that shaped his success. Purpose and community remain central: veterans helping veterans creates a powerful ripple effect. Tactical steps: how to make your first deal, what to avoid, and where to find mentorship. Mindset shift required: from "follow orders" to "build your own mission." Real estate offers veterans a clear path to long-term wealth, autonomy, and impact.

Private Wealth Funds & the Future of Ownership: How Elite Capital Networks Are Replacing Traditional Fundraising In this episode of Wealth Unfiltered, Samantha Parrinello sits down with Reagan Rodriguez — futurist, capital strategist, and Managing Director of the 5th Avenue Underground Club — to explore one of the most profound financial shifts of our time: the rise of private wealth ecosystems and their growing impact on global ownership, power, and innovation. Reagan breaks down what the 5th Avenue Underground Club is, how elite investor networks are reshaping influence worldwide, and what this means for the next generation of founders, looking to acquire companies and build wealth. Discover how borderless capital, tokenized assets, sovereign individuals, and exclusive ownership clubs are redefining who controls capital — and how capital shapes the future. Whether you're a founder, a sophisticated investor seeking new deal flow, or simply someone curious about the future of wealth and power, this episode offers a rare look inside the private networks steering tomorrow's economy. Key Topics Covered What private wealth ecosystems are — and why they're exploding now How private investors are replacing venture capital in business acquisitions The future of ownership: tokenization, fractional equity & borderless assets Why capital is moving into exclusive communities and private clubs How private wealth networks are becoming new centers of global influence  

Today's episode features Christopher E. Shockowitz, COO and lead Tax Strategist at DeferTax.com, a premier advisory firm helping high-income earners, business owners, and investors dramatically reduce, defer, or even eliminate federal taxes legally and sustainably. With more than a decade of experience and thousands of clients served, Chris shares powerful, lesser-known tax strategies designed specifically for individuals earning over $500K annually—strategies that put you back in control of your wealth instead of handing it over to the IRS. If you're a high-income professional, entrepreneur, or real estate investor looking to protect your capital and accelerate long-term wealth-building, this episode is a must-listen.     What You'll Learn Why most high-income earners dramatically overpay in taxes The difference between CPAs who calculate taxes vs. strategists who control them IRS-approved methods to reduce or eliminate federal tax liability How tax deferral multiplies wealth faster than traditional strategies Real-world case studies: business sales, real estate exits, capital gains events The myths and misconceptions that prevent people from using these strategies How to keep control of your funds while legally deferring taxes The first steps high earners should take today to lower their tax bill     About Today's Guest Christopher E. Shockowitz Chief Operating Officer & Lead Tax Strategist DeferTax.com Chris specializes in high-income tax mitigation, large-transaction tax strategies, wealth preservation, and advanced deferral structures. His custom frameworks have saved clients millions and transformed how entrepreneurs, executives, and investors build generational wealth.  

Guest: Gordon Brewer, MEd, LMFT Are you growing your business — or just getting busier? In this high-impact episode, entrepreneur and therapist Gordon Brewer reveals what it really takes to scale a company sustainably, profitably, and without burning out. We break down the core shifts that separate small businesses that stall from those that scale into 8-, 9-, and even 10-figure enterprises. Gordon shares actionable strategies for building systems, delegating effectively, shifting your mindset, to strengthen operations, and create long-term vision clarity. If you're an entrepreneur, founder, coach, or small business owner looking to scale smarter — not just faster — this episode delivers the mindset, operational tools, and financial discipline required to unlock next-level growth. Key Takeaways • How to build a scalable business vision Learn the signals that your business is ready to grow, how to set a clear strategic direction, and why scaling starts with clarity — not more hustle. • The essential systems every business needs to scale Discover the three core systems (operations, marketing, finance) that create freedom, consistency, and sustainable growth — plus Gordon's top mistake to avoid when growing a business.  • The mindset required to go from founder to CEO Understand the leadership habits, delegation strategies, and personal growth required to scale beyond yourself and build a team that takes ownership. • How to scale profitably, not just generate more revenue Gordon explains the financial metrics that matter and the biggest money mistakes entrepreneurs make when growing too fast. • Gordon's top 3 pieces of advice to scale your company today Learn the do's and don'ts from someone who has owned and scaled three successful businesses himself

In this powerful episode of Wealth Unfiltered, host Samantha Parrinello sits down with Alex Gill, Viking Capital's first-ever President, to explore his 25-year journey through the highs and lows of real estate development and multifamily investing. From building the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland to leading over $1.5 billion in multifamily projects, Alex shares lessons learned across multiple market cycles — from the Savings & Loan crisis to today's post-2024 real estate reset. Together, they discuss how institutional discipline and entrepreneurial grit shaped his career, why 2025–2026 may be the best buying window since the Great Financial Crisis, and how Viking Capital plans to bring institutional-level reporting, transparency, and opportunity to its investors. Alex also gives practical advice for new investors, breaking down how to evaluate market fundamentals, structure deals, and think long-term in uncertain times. Whether you're an investor looking for insight into market dynamics or a professional curious about the mindset behind billion-dollar portfolios, this episode delivers real perspective, actionable wisdom, and inspiration from one of the industry's most seasoned leaders. Key Takeaways Patience Pays in Development Alex explains why successful development requires patience and precision — with some projects taking years from land acquisition to exit, but offering exceptional long-term rewards when timed right  The Market is Ripe for Opportunity With cap rates compressing and price discovery underway, 2025–2026 may mark one of the strongest entry points for multifamily investors since the Great Financial Crisis  Institutional Reporting Meets Retail Access Alex's goal for Viking Capital is to blend institutional-quality financial oversight with retail investor transparency, enhancing confidence and engagement for every investor  Focus on Fundamentals — Not Headlines Market noise comes and goes. Alex emphasizes focusing on job growth, population trends, and location quality — the fundamentals that drive sustainable performance  The Power of Relationships and Reputation Two decades of broker, lender, and partner relationships fuel Viking's deal flow, creating off-market opportunities that strengthen its investment pipeline

In this episode of Wealth Unfiltered, host Samantha Parrinello sits down with Jackie Ware of Pegasus Residential to uncover one of the most overlooked drivers of multifamily profitability: tenant satisfaction. What if your biggest opportunity to grow NOI and asset value isn't in raising rents — but in creating happier residents? Jackie shares how tenant experience directly impacts returns, why many owners still underestimate the business case for satisfaction, and the simple systems that can turn every building into a thriving, high-retention community. Drawing from her deep experience across both the tenant relations and investor strategy sides, Jackie breaks down actionable ways to reduce turnover, streamline operations, and uncover hidden profits hiding in plain sight. Whether you're a seasoned operator, passive investor, or self-managing owner, this episode delivers practical insights that help you improve performance — without adding major expenses. You'll learn how to turn tenant happiness into financial performance, build stronger communities, and position your properties for long-term success in a changing multifamily landscape.   Key Takeaways: Tenant satisfaction = profitability. Happier tenants reduce turnover, stabilize income, and protect your returns. Quick wins drive big results. Small improvements in responsiveness, communication, and community engagement lead to measurable NOI growth. Don't leave money on the table. Operational inefficiencies often hide profit potential that's unlocked by focusing on the tenant experience. Self-managing owners can compete. Smart systems, consistent follow-up, and a people-first mindset help smaller operators thrive. The future is experience-driven. Modern renters expect value, flexibility, and connection — not just a place to live.

In this power-packed episode of Wealth Unfiltered, host Samantha Parrinello sits down with business strategist and coach Chad Ackerman to uncover the critical metrics that can make or break your company. Chad shares insider strategies for tracking the right KPIs, avoiding common business pitfalls, and building a thriving company culture that drives results. Discover the exact framework successful entrepreneurs use to scale sustainably while avoiding burnout. Whether you're a solopreneur struggling with growth or a business owner looking to optimize operations, this episode delivers actionable insights on financial management, hiring strategies, and the power of focusing on your strengths. Learn why most entrepreneurs track the wrong metrics, how to identify red flags before they become disasters, and the surprising truth about revenue as a vanity metric. Chad's practical approach to goal-setting and accountability will transform how you think about business growth and create lasting success. Key Takeaways: • Focus on Strengths, Not Weaknesses: Hire people who excel in areas where you struggle rather than trying to improve your weak points - it's more energy-efficient and profitable • Revenue is a Vanity Metric: Don't get caught up in top-line revenue numbers; dig deeper into profitability, cost of goods sold, and specific industry metrics that actually drive growth • Goals Must Be Measurable and Time-Bound: Vague goals like "grow my business" are useless - create specific, actionable KPIs with clear deadlines to drive real results • Culture Drives Performance: Engaged employees directly impact safety, productivity, and bottom-line results - invest in building ownership mentality within your team • Start with Goal-Setting: Before tracking any metrics, spend serious time defining what you actually want to achieve - this prevents chasing shiny objects and wasted investments • Hire for Engagement: Personnel issues are the #1 problem most business owners face - focus on finding engaged people who complement your skill set rather than duplicating it

In this episode of Wealth Unfiltered, hosts Samantha and Chris Parrinello tackle a timely question: What happens when headlines drive markets more than fundamentals? From the Fed's latest rate cut to talk of tariffs, AI disruption, and even viral reactions to major news events, they unpack how emotion, fear, and FOMO can send stocks and investors on a rollercoaster ride. Chris explains why savvy investors who stick to fundamentals, and think long-term, often come out ahead when the noise fades. You'll also hear insights from recent CEO roundtables on AI in real estate, how investors can navigate volatility without panic, and why conviction and strategy matter more than the day's news cycle. Key topics: How fear and greed shape investor behavior The hidden power of headlines vs. market fundamentals Lessons from tariffs, Fed cuts, and the AI gold rush Building a portfolio with guardrails: cash flow, growth, and tax mitigation Why stability — not low rates — is what investors should really want 🎧 Headlines may spark the movement, but fundamentals sustain the momentum.

On this episode of Wealth Unfiltered, we sit down with Kristin Burton—PA, entrepreneur, mom, and the powerhouse behind Millionaires in Medicine. Kristin's journey is one of transformation: from graduating with over $150,000 in student loan debt to building a net worth of over $1 million by age 31. She shares the pivotal mindset shifts that fueled her financial independence, the common money mistakes she sees medical professionals make, and the strategies she used to pay down debt, invest with confidence, and diversify her income streams. We also dive into why financial education is missing from medical training, how Kristin is filling that gap through her teaching and mentorship, and the real success stories emerging from her community. Plus, she opens up about balancing wealth-building with the realities of burnout, family, and the demanding world of medicine. Whether you're a med student just starting out, a physician looking to gain control of your finances, or simply someone who wants to learn how to build wealth with intentionality—this episode delivers practical steps, fresh perspective, and a dose of inspiration.

On this episode of Wealth Unfiltered, Samantha Parrinello sits down with Dana Cornell, CEO of Cornell Capital Holdings, to unpack his bold philosophy: "Run your finances like the business they are." Dana shares why traditional one-size-fits-all advice often leaves investors exposed—and how high-income professionals can instead prioritize cash flow, tax efficiency, risk management, and legacy-building to create lasting wealth. From turning speculation into reliable income streams, to uncovering hidden tax inefficiencies, to preparing for liquidity events and generational planning, Dana walks us through the elite strategies that give investors true financial control. If you've ever felt like your wealth plan is too generic or reactive, this conversation will challenge you to break the mold and start managing your money with the discipline and precision of a thriving business.

Most retail investors think they're playing the same game as the ultra-wealthy — but they're not. Family offices, which manage billions in generational wealth, invest with a mindset and playbook that the average investor rarely sees. In this episode of Wealth Unfiltered, host Samantha Parrinello sits down with Bob Fraser of Aspen Funds to pull back the curtain on how family offices actually approach wealth building. From sourcing institutional-quality deals to balancing income with growth, Bob explains the strategies family offices rely on — and why retail investors often miss the mark. You'll hear insights on: Why family offices prioritize private credit and cash-flowing real estate over public markets How institutional due diligence and risk management differ from retail investing The real tradeoffs behind liquidity — and why patience often wins The biggest mistakes retail investors make when trying to grow wealth How Aspen Funds gives everyday investors access to strategies once reserved for the ultra-rich Whether you're building your first passive income portfolio or managing millions, this conversation will challenge how you think about wealth, risk, and opportunity. 🎧 Tune in and learn how to start thinking — and investing — like a family office.

Summer 2025 has brought no shortage of headlines—falling inflation, interest rate debates, and surprising shifts in multifamily real estate. But what's real opportunity and what's just noise? In this episode of Wealth Unfiltered, Chris Parrinello, VP of Investor Relations at Viking Capital, joins us to cut through the hype and break down what today's market means for investors. From inflation and Fed policy to national occupancy levels and creative investment structures, we unpack where smart capital is moving now—and what's ahead for Fall 2025. 👉 Here's what you'll learn: How inflation trends and Fed policy are shaping investor psychology. Why multifamily occupancy is holding steady despite supply spikes. The markets (Atlanta, Texas, Florida) showing signs of rent growth recovery. Innovations in fund structures like GP funds and preferred equity—and how investors are responding. Key indicators to watch over the next 90 days, from M&A activity to Sun Belt migration. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just exploring passive wealth strategies, this episode gives you the unfiltered insights you need to navigate today's market with clarity and confidence.

In this episode, Samantha & Chris Parrinello break down the 5 timeless investment priciples billionaires use to grow and protect their fortunes. Whether you're an experienced investor or just getting started, these insights will help you think, invest, and build wealth like the ultra-rich.  5 Investment Priciples of the Ultra Wealthy: 1) The Power of Long-Term Thinking 2) Diversification with a Purpose 3) Owning vs. Renting Wealth 4) Leveraging Other People's Money 5) Crisis Investing: Buying When Others Are Afraid Key Takeaways:  1️⃣ Think Long-Term Like Buffett – Billionaires like Warren Buffet, focus on decades of compounding growth, not quick wins.  2️⃣ Strategic Diversification Wins – Avoid reckless diversification and instead build a well-balanced portfolio.  3️⃣ Own Cash-Generating Assets – Billionaires prioritize ownership over renting wealth by investing in businesses, real estate, and intellectual property.  4️⃣ Use Other People's Money (OPM) to Scale – Smart investors leverage debt to build wealth, as seen with Carl Icahn, Warren Buffett, and Ken McElroy, who use strategic financing to acquire and grow assets. 5️⃣ Buy When Others Are Afraid – Crisis investing is a billionaire's secret weapon. During economic downturns, they see opportunity, not panic—Warren Buffett made some of his biggest investments during market crashes. 6️⃣ Leverage the Power of Compounding – Equity ownership allows wealth to multiply exponentially over time.  7️⃣ Use Tax-Efficient Wealth Strategies – Billionaires optimize for capital gains and passive income over salaries, benefiting from lower tax rates on stock appreciation and real estate investments. 8️⃣ Master Timing & Market Cycles – Billionaire investors pay attention to economic cycles and adjust their strategies accordingly.  9️⃣ Smart Debt vs. Bad Debt – Understanding good vs. bad debt is critical. Billionaires use debt as a growth tool, acquiring high-value assets that generate income, rather than liabilities that drain wealth. 🔟 Action Beats Theory – The key to building lasting wealth is taking action. Apply these billionaire strategies—invest long-term, buy during downturns, leverage good debt, and master market cycles—to grow your own financial future.    

In this episode of Wealth Unfiltered we dive deep into the macro and micro trends shaping the multifamily investment landscape in 2025. Join us as we explore how key economic factors—such as interest rates, inflation, and GDP growth—are influencing multifamily opportunities, and how recent rate cuts will impact investor sentiment and financing. We'll also examine the shortage of multifamily starts over the past few years and what it means for the next five years in real estate. Demographic shifts, such as urban migration and generational preferences, are driving demand for multifamily housing in certain regions. We'll identify which cities are poised for growth and how these shifts could shape the sector in the near future. We'll also explore the global impact of international capital flowing into U.S. real estate and its influence on the multifamily sector. When it comes to investment strategies, we'll break down the debate between value-add opportunities versus new developments. With factors like cap rate compression and rent growth forecasts at play, you'll gain valuable insights on how to optimize returns. Sustainability and ESG initiatives are also becoming increasingly important in multifamily investments—find out how these trends are affecting ROI. We also cover the risks facing multifamily investors in 2025, including economic volatility and regulatory changes, and explore how technology is transforming property management and enhancing tenant experiences through PropTech innovations. Tune in for expert insights and actionable strategies to navigate the multifamily investment space in 2025, and hear the one piece of advice that could shape your investment strategy this year.

On this episode of Wealth Unfiltered, Chris and Samantha sit down with Travis Smith, CEO & Founder of TribeVest, to talk about the five things he wishes he knew before aggregating capital to invest in real estate deals. Travis shares how pooling money with his brothers led to the idea for TribeVest, the challenges of raising capital as a group, and why "Super LPs" are changing access to private markets. He breaks down how TribeVest removes friction with transparency, compliance, and technology—while making community-driven investing more accessible than ever. If you've ever considered raising capital with others, starting a fund, or joining forces to unlock bigger deals, this episode is your roadmap.

In this special Wealth Unfiltered episode, we pull back the curtain on a decade of grit, growth, and game-changing partnerships. 🎙️ You'll hear how Viking Capital went from a bold idea to acquiring over $1 billion in assets, the turning points that shaped the firm, and how strategic partnerships—like our Fund of Funds program—are driving the next wave of scale. 💡 Lessons from the trenches 🏛️ Culture that scaled with purpose 🤝 A billion built on execution, trust, and vision This isn't just a look back—it's a roadmap forward. Tune in and discover what's next for Viking.

On this episode of Wealth Unfiltered: "Halfway Through 2025 – What the Post-Election Economy Means for Real Estate" We're six months into a post-election year—and it's already been a rollercoaster. From renewed tariff tensions to a stalled Fed, shifting policies, and mixed consumer signals, the economic landscape is anything but stable. On this episode of Wealth Unfiltered, Chris Parrinello returns to help us make sense of what 2025 has revealed so far—and what smart investors should be watching heading into the second half of the year. We dig into: How the new administration's early moves are shaping markets and investor behavior The impact of tariffs on construction costs, inflation, and multifamily margins Where cap rates, migration trends, and interest rates are heading next How to think long-term in uncertain times—and position ahead of the next cycle If you're looking to cut through the noise and find signal in the volatility, this one's for you.

In this episode of Wealth Unfiltered, we sit down with Kyle McGee, Founder and CEO of Sunchase Companies—a Gulf Coast real estate firm that's been quietly but powerfully scaling since 2017. From humble beginnings to becoming a full-service developer and operator of multifamily communities, Kyle shares the origin story behind Sunchase and the vision that drives it today. We explore the strategic decisions that fueled the company's growth, the reasons multifamily investing is central to Kyle's long-term playbook, and the hardest lessons he's learned as a CEO. He also opens up about launching The Legacy Builders Podcast, what separates legacy-minded entrepreneurs from the rest, and what advice he has for aspiring developers looking to follow in his footsteps. Whether you're a first-time investor or building your own firm, this conversation is packed with timeless lessons on leadership, resilience, and long-term vision.

In this engaging episode of Wealth Unfiltered, we dive into the world of finance in medicine with Kristin Burton – a critical care PA, educator, and entrepreneur who transformed her finances dramatically. Kristin started her medical career carrying over $160K in student debt and, through savvy money management and mindset shifts, became a self-made millionaire by age 31. She shares how she did it: from the hard hustle of paying off massive student loans in record time to learning the ropes of investing and building lasting wealth. This conversation unveils Kristin's journey and the creation of Millionaires in Medicine, her platform dedicated to helping medical professionals master their money.

In this episode of Wealth Unfiltered, we break down why saving money is no longer enough—and why investing is the true engine for building wealth. Designed for young professionals, side hustlers, entrepreneurs, and anyone tired of slow savings, this episode explores the real cost of keeping your money idle and how inflation quietly erodes your financial progress. We compare saving vs. investing, explain compound growth in plain terms, and bust the myth that you need to be rich to get started. You'll learn beginner-friendly strategies like index funds, dollar-cost averaging, and even passive real estate options like REITs and syndications. Plus, we tackle the most common fears that hold people back—so you can shift from a saver mindset to an investor mindset and start building real, lasting wealth.