Groundbreakers

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, Charles Rossano, Co-Founder and CEO of Cohaven Capital, shares how he’s scaling a high-performing co-living model that delivers both impact and returns. With a background in building and exiting multiple companies, Charles brings an operational mindset to real estate—turning outdated single-family homes into high-density co-living spaces with 90%+ occupancy and 30–40% total returns.He breaks down how Cohaven is using AI, systems, and disciplined execution to solve one of America’s biggest problems: affordable housing for working professionals.Key Points DiscussedThe Co-Living Model Explained: Charles outlines how converting a three-bedroom home into eight or more private rooms can double or triple rental income while providing high-quality, affordable housing for tenants.Operational Excellence as a Moat: Drawing from his experience scaling companies, Charles shares how Cohaven built standard operating procedures, local field teams, and an AI-driven system (“Maximus”) to manage maintenance, tenant screening, and leasing.Scaling Beyond the 5-Property Ceiling: Many co-living operators stall after a few homes. Charles explains how his team overcame the operational bottlenecks that prevent most from growing.Social Impact with Strong Returns: Cohaven focuses on renters earning $15–$35 an hour—offering community-driven, cost-effective housing that’s half the price of comparable studios while still achieving 15–20% cash-on-cash returns.The Future of Co-Living: Charles discusses his goal to scale to 700+ units per year through single-family conversions, small multifamily projects, and new ground-up developments in partnership with municipalities and nonprofits.Guest InformationName: Charles RossanoRole: Co-Founder & CEO, Cohaven CapitalLinkedIn: Charles RossanoWebsite: Cohaven CapitalConclusionCharles Rossano’s story is a masterclass in how disciplined operations, technology, and purpose-driven investing can reshape housing in America. His approach to co-living proves that real estate can be both profitable and deeply impactful—creating homes that generate community, stability, and long-term value for investors and residents alike.Connect with Charles on LinkedIn to learn more about Cohaven Capital’s co-living model and their mission to redefine affordable housing.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, Vibha Salgamay, founder of Relik Capital Group, shares her journey from product design to building a real estate investment firm focused on senior living communities. Vibha dives into how she transitioned into syndication, why she’s passionate about solving America’s growing senior housing shortage, and how first-time operators can successfully raise capital and scale.Key Points DiscussedFrom Product Design to Real Estate: Vibha’s background in product design taught her how to think from the end user’s perspective — a skill that now informs how she approaches building senior living projects that balance functionality, aesthetics, and dignity.Senior Living as a Social Impact Investment: Vibha shares why she’s focused on senior housing as both a high-demand asset class and a way to create meaningful impact. She breaks down the demographic tailwinds behind the sector and why she believes it’s one of the most overlooked opportunities in real estate today.Raising Capital as a First-Time Syndicator: Vibha talks candidly about her early challenges with capital raising, how she built trust with investors without an existing track record, and the lessons she learned about communicating value to LPs.Design Thinking in Real Estate: She explains how principles from her design career influence how she approaches real estate development — from layout and flow to how spaces can enhance quality of life for residents.Long-Term Vision for Relik Capital: Vibha outlines her vision for scaling Relik Capital into a platform that builds modern, thoughtful senior living communities across the country — creating both strong returns and lasting social value.Guest InformationName: Vibha SalgamayRole: Founder at Relik Capital GroupLinkedIn: Vibha SalgamayWebsite: Relik Capital GroupConclusionVibha Salgamay’s story is a powerful example of how skills from outside real estate can be leveraged to build a meaningful investing career. Her focus on senior living as both an investment opportunity and a mission-driven pursuit shows how syndicators can create impact while building wealth.Connect with Vibha on LinkedIn to learn more about her work at Relik Capital Group and her approach to senior living investments.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, Jake Whitney, co-founder of Onarock Investments, shares his journey from the marketing tech world to building a purpose-driven real estate firm with a $100M vision. Jake discusses how his grandfather’s rental portfolio inspired him to take the leap from passive investing to full-time syndication, and how he and his team are scaling Onarock deal by deal.Key Points DiscussedFrom Passive Rentals to Full-Time Syndication: Jake’s path began with single-family rentals and small multifamily properties before moving into larger deals with his partners at Onarock Investments.Flipping to Syndicating: He explains lessons learned from flipping mobile home parks, sixplexes, and even an office space—plus how those early deals shaped his current underwriting standards.Scaling with Purpose: Jake shares the systems and criteria Onarock uses to target 12–14% IRRs and often exceed them with 24–30% exits, while keeping cash flow as a safety net.Legacy and Mission: Beyond returns, Jake talks about honoring his grandfather’s legacy of integrity and freedom through real estate and how that mission drives his approach to investors and deals.Guest InformationName: Jake WhitneyRole: Co-Founder at Onarock InvestmentsLinkedIn: Jake WhitneyWebsite: Onarock InvestmentsConclusionJake Whitney’s story is an inspiring look at how to transition from a corporate career to purpose-driven syndication. His focus on discipline, investor trust, and building systems has helped Onarock grow from small flips to a platform with a $100M vision.Connect with Jake on LinkedIn to learn more about his work at Onarock Investments and his approach to scaling syndications with integrity.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, Matthew Teifke, founder of TR3 Capital and Teifke Real Estate, shares how he built a $127M portfolio across multifamily, laundromats, RV parks, and more—while teaching others to underwrite, cold call, and close deals.Matthew’s not your typical investor. He started real estate at 17, worked at a grocery store while closing deals, and built his brokerage from scratch. Today, he hosts a weekly Zoom class that brings together brokers, underwriters, and sponsors to break down live opportunities and source deals directly.Key Points DiscussedTurning Sweat into Equity: Matthew shares how his early grind—cold calling brokers, doing free labor, and bringing value to experienced partners—helped him break into multifamily without institutional backing.Building a Real Estate Community: He talks about how his free weekly underwriting and cold-calling Zoom class (every Thursday at 1pm CT) has become a grassroots pipeline for both deals and relationships.Why Brokers Are Still the Key: In a world full of AI deal sourcing and off-market platforms, Matthew explains why old-school broker relationships remain critical—and how most investors aren’t calling enough.Operating Across Asset Types: We dive into how his team structures funds, manages diverse asset classes, and handles investor relations while staying lean and scrappy.Guest InformationName: Matthew TeifkeRole: Founder of TR3 Capital and Teifke Real EstateLinkedIn: Matthew TeifkeWebsite: tr3capital.comConclusionMatthew Teifke’s journey is proof that consistent action, community, and boots-on-the-ground hustle still matter. Whether you’re cold calling, underwriting, or fundraising—this episode will give you real-world strategies to scale in today’s market.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, Katie Claxton, founder of Claxton Capital Group, shares how she transitioned from teaching middle school science to closing two multifamily deals in her first 90 days as a sponsor. Katie discusses how she and her team raised over $2.5 million as part of a women-led investment group, and how she balances raising two kids with raising capital.Her story is a powerful example of grit, clarity, and taking action—even when the timing isn’t perfect.Key Points DiscussedFrom Teaching to Syndicating: Katie shares her journey from being a public school science teacher to building a real estate business focused on long-term wealth and community impact.Raising Capital While Raising Kids: Katie opens up about what it was like to close back-to-back deals as a new mom and how she stayed focused through sleepless nights and uncertain moments.Finding the Right Circle: Katie talks about the importance of joining a community of like-minded women, how she met her co-GPs, and what it was like being part of an all-female team raising $2.5M for multifamily.What She Looks For in Deals: Katie breaks down how she approaches risk, her focus on smaller metros in Texas and the Midwest, and why she’s betting on affordability-driven strategies in today’s market.Guest InformationName: Katie ClaxtonRole: Founder at Claxton Capital GroupLinkedIn: Katie ClaxtonWebsite: Claxton Capital GroupConclusionKatie Claxton’s story is a reminder that you don’t need a finance background—or perfect timing—to start building a real estate portfolio. With the right network, the right mindset, and a willingness to take action, it’s possible to create real momentum fast.Connect with Katie on LinkedIn or visit her website to learn more about her deals and journey.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, Brennor Downs and Mitchell Rice, co-founders of Haven Capital, share how they’re building a mission-driven real estate fund focused on high-quality Section 8 housing. Starting with one 4-unit deal in Little Rock, they’ve now launched a 39-unit fund and manage a growing portfolio valued at over $5 million.The duo breaks down why they believe Section 8 is one of the most overlooked asset classes in real estate—and how they’re blending impact, scale, and strong returns from the ground up.Key Points DiscussedWhy Section 8 Housing Is Misunderstood: Brennor and Mitchell explain how negative stereotypes around Section 8 tenants and red tape have kept many investors away—and why they see it as a competitive edge.Their First Deal and Scaling Strategy: From converting a single-family home into a fourplex to structuring a 39-unit fund, they walk through the details of building Haven Capital step-by-step.Investor Communication and Transparency: Mitchell shares how they’ve differentiated themselves by being hyper-transparent with their investor base and offering detailed updates—even on the messy parts.Building a Mission-Driven Business: They talk about their long-term vision for improving the quality of affordable housing in overlooked markets like Arkansas, and how they’re balancing social impact with returns.Guest InformationNames: Brennor Downs & Mitchell RiceRole: Co-Founders at Haven CapitalLinkedIn: Brennor Downs | Mitchell RiceConclusionBrennor and Mitchell’s story is a playbook for real estate operators who want to do well by doing good. If you’ve ever considered investing in—or building—a fund focused on workforce or Section 8 housing, this is a must-listen.Connect with Brennor and Mitchell on LinkedIn to follow their journey with Haven Capital and learn more about their work in affordable housing.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, Michael Mendoza, founder of APEX Real Estate Contracting, shares how he’s using Opportunity Zones and modular construction to rebuild fire-impacted communities and deliver smarter, faster housing. A former U.S. Marine and MBA graduate, Michael brings a mission-driven lens to development, blending public-private partnerships, sustainability, and investor returns.Michael unpacks the strategy behind his 1,500-acre project in Colorado and walks through how APEX is tackling housing shortages by working with municipalities, leveraging government incentives, and embracing emerging technologies.Key Points DiscussedCommunity-First Development: Michael explains how APEX identifies projects with both impact and upside—starting with unmet housing needs and layering in government partnerships, incentives, and design.Opportunity Zones in Action: He shares his blueprint for structuring a real estate fund in designated Opportunity Zones and why he sees these as an underutilized tool for long-term wealth creation and community revitalization.Modular for Scale and Speed: Michael dives into the decision to go modular, breaking down how factory-built units reduce time, waste, and cost, while increasing speed to market.Navigating Public-Private Partnerships: From wildfires in California to workforce housing in Colorado, Michael shares real-world examples of working with cities to align incentives and secure development wins.Leadership, Grit, and Vision: A Marine Corps veteran, Michael reflects on how his background in logistics, leadership, and capital raising shapes the way he tackles massive, high-stakes development challenges.Guest InformationName: Michael MendozaRole: Founder at APEX Real Estate ContractingLinkedIn: Michael MendozaWebsite: APEX Real Estate ContractingConclusionMichael Mendoza’s story is a powerful reminder that real estate can be both profitable and purposeful. His ability to align municipal needs with investor goals—and deliver at speed through modular construction—offers a blueprint for the next generation of community-first development.Connect with Michael on LinkedIn to learn more about his projects and how APEX is transforming Opportunity Zones into real opportunity.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, René Bello, founder of Atelier, shares how he’s combining AI, design, and wellness to reshape the short-term rental experience. Drawing from a background in boutique hospitality and $100M+ in real estate development, René is on a mission to create branded, owner-friendly short-term rental condos that merge luxury living with curated wellness.He breaks down how Atelier’s platform empowers owners to both enjoy their properties and generate income—while leveraging automation, design, and hospitality standards to elevate the guest experience.Key Points DiscussedBuilding a Brand-First Hospitality Platform: René shares why he believes the future of short-term rentals lies in building lifestyle-driven brands that emphasize consistency, wellness, and personalization.Designing for Ownership and Income: Atelier’s model allows buyers to own short-term rental condos in luxury buildings and benefit from curated property management and a strong hospitality brand.AI in Hospitality: René discusses how they use artificial intelligence to streamline operations, respond to guest needs, and automate experiences without losing the human touch.Lessons from Boutique Development: From running wellness resorts to co-founding a developer group in NYC, René reflects on the challenges of ground-up development and why he’s now focused on tech-enabled, asset-light models.The Wellness Edge: He explains how biophilic design, scent branding, and community engagement drive guest satisfaction and differentiate Atelier in a crowded market.Guest InformationName: René BelloRole: CEO at BLDG Ventures & Developing Atelier Residences MiamiLinkedIn: René BelloWebsite: BLDG VenturesConclusionRené Bello’s story is a masterclass in blending creativity, hospitality, and business. Whether you’re a syndicator, developer, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable insight into how to think differently about real estate—and how to build a brand that people want to live in, not just rent.Connect with René on LinkedIn to learn more about Atelier and their unique approach to short-term rental ownership.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, Steven Johnson, founder of JS Summit Global, shares how he walked away from landlord headaches to build a passive income empire through mortgage note investing. With a background in mobile home parks and single-family rentals, Steve explains why he pivoted to buying debt—and how the shift gave him more time, more control, and less stress.Steven also talks about his mission to help beauty and wellness entrepreneurs build generational wealth through real estate, drawing on lessons from his own entrepreneurial journey in Miami.Key Points DiscussedWhy He Left Traditional Rentals: After years of managing tenants, repairs, and property headaches, Steven turned to buying mortgage notes to earn passive income without being a landlord.How Note Investing Works: Steven breaks down what a mortgage note actually is, how to buy one, and why distressed debt can be a hidden gem for savvy investors.Helping Beauty Entrepreneurs Build Wealth: Through JS Summit Global, Steven teaches hair stylists, barbers, and other wellness professionals how to break out of the cash flow trap and become business owners and investors.Scaling Without Burnout: Steven shares how he’s building a business that funds his freedom and supports others—without overextending or chasing every opportunity.Guest InformationName: Steven JohnsonRole: Founder of JS Summit GlobalLinkedIn: Steven JohnsonWebsite: jssummitglobal.comConclusionSteve Johnson’s journey is a powerful reminder that wealth building doesn’t have to mean burnout. By shifting from ownership to control, Steve found a smarter path to financial freedom—and now he’s helping others do the same.Tune in to learn how mortgage notes work, why they’re gaining traction, and how you can start leveraging debt as an asset.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, Troy Evans, founder of the Luxury Residence Vacation Portfolio (LRVP), shares how he’s building a luxury short-term rental fund that blends real estate, hospitality, and social impact. With a background in nonprofit leadership and corporate marketing, Troy breaks down how his experience shaped a unique approach to fund management—prioritizing investor experience, mission-aligned assets, and long-term trust.Troy’s story highlights the value of transferable skills, creative structure, and purpose-driven investing in a competitive market.Key Points DiscussedFrom Nonprofits to Real Estate: Troy shares how his leadership roles at organizations like Teach For America and the Boys & Girls Clubs taught him to lead with trust, empathy, and a long-term mindset—principles he brings into real estate investing today.The LRVP Thesis: Troy walks through the strategy behind his fund structure, which focuses on luxury short-term rentals with a high-touch guest experience. He discusses how investor perks, property design, and regional demand trends factor into his acquisition criteria.Raising Capital with Integrity: Having raised millions across both nonprofit and real estate sectors, Troy emphasizes the importance of transparency and communication in building lasting investor relationships.Lessons from Hospitality and Branding: Troy explains how his background in hospitality and marketing informs everything from deal packaging to Airbnb operations, and why thoughtful brand positioning can be a competitive edge.Guest InformationName: Troy EvansRole: Founder at LRVP (Luxury Residence Vacation Portfolio)LinkedIn: Troy EvansWebsite: LRVP Investment FundConclusionTroy Evans is redefining what it means to be a real estate operator by blending luxury design, mission-driven investing, and hospitality-level service. If you’re interested in building a lifestyle-forward real estate portfolio or raising capital through trust and storytelling, this episode is a must-listen.Connect with Troy on LinkedIn or check out his fund at LRVPfund.com to learn more.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, Chad Freeman, founder of MHPinvestors and a full-time airline pilot, shares his remarkable journey from buying a $200 crash pad to building a 200-pad mobile home park portfolio. Chad opens up about how he and his wife started with small rentals and house hacks, and gradually scaled into mobile home parks to create generational wealth—without leaving their W2s behind.Key Points DiscussedFrom Side Hustle to Scale: Chad’s real estate journey started with buying a crash pad for fellow pilots and house hacking a duplex. Over time, he and his wife grew a real estate portfolio that now includes more than 200 mobile home pads.Mobile Home Parks as a Wealth Vehicle: Chad explains why he transitioned into affordable housing, the operational advantages of mobile home parks, and how he identifies value in secondary markets.Balancing Aviation and Real Estate: With a demanding career as a commercial pilot, Chad shares how he prioritizes family, carves out time to underwrite deals, and runs his business with efficiency.Raising Capital Through Authenticity: Chad breaks down how he built trust with investors, overcame imposter syndrome, and now helps other pilots and professionals grow their wealth through syndications.Lessons in Partnership and Process: From managing deals with his spouse to building systems to manage properties across multiple states, Chad shares the mindset shifts and tactical approaches that helped him scale.Guest InformationName: Chad FreemanRole: Founder at MHPinvestorsLinkedIn: Chad FreemanWebsite: MHPinvestorsConclusionChad Freeman’s story is a blueprint for anyone balancing a demanding career while trying to build long-term wealth through real estate. His approach to niche investing, family partnership, and disciplined execution offers valuable lessons for both new and experienced operators.Connect with Chad on LinkedIn or visit MHPinvestors to learn more about his deals and educational content for professionals looking to invest in affordable housing.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, John Casmon, founder of Casmon Capital Group, shares his journey from leading marketing campaigns at General Motors to building a $145M multifamily portfolio. John walks us through how he leveraged his corporate skill set, navigated early rejections, and built lasting investor relationships by focusing on education and trust.Key Points DiscussedFrom Marketing to Multifamily: John explains how working on multi-million-dollar ad campaigns for Fortune 500 companies helped him build the storytelling and relationship skills he’d later apply to raising capital and launching Casmon Capital Group.House Hacking to $145M AUM: John got his start by house hacking a duplex while working full-time. He shares how that first deal gave him the confidence and experience to go bigger—eventually scaling his portfolio through joint ventures and syndications.Investor Education as a Superpower: Rejection from early investor conversations didn’t stop John—instead, it inspired him to create a platform to help others. His thought leadership through podcasts, blogs, and speaking has become his biggest capital-raising asset.Partnerships and Positioning: John discusses the power of positioning and what it really takes to attract investors who trust you with their capital. He also shares insights into finding great operators and building partnerships that last.Lessons from the Journey: From learning the value of alignment with co-GPs to focusing on long-term credibility over short-term wins, John’s journey is packed with hard-won insights every aspiring syndicator needs to hear.Guest InformationName: John CasmonRole: Founder at Casmon Capital GroupLinkedIn: John CasmonWebsite: Casmon Capital GroupConclusionJohn Casmon’s story is a playbook for any aspiring investor looking to scale from side hustle to full-time real estate entrepreneur. His marketing background, resilience through early setbacks, and dedication to serving others have made him a trusted voice in multifamily investing.Connect with John to learn more about his work at Casmon Capital Group and how he helps busy professionals passively invest in real estate.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, Radhika Rastogi, founder of Relik Capital Group, shares her inspiring journey from a career at a Fortune 20 company to building a $15M senior living real estate portfolio. Radhika opens up about how she balances her corporate job, motherhood, and scaling her syndication business — all while focusing on an overlooked but rewarding niche in senior living.Her story is a testament to resilience, clarity of vision, and the power of focusing on the right partnerships and investor education.Key Points DiscussedFrom Fortune 20 to Senior Living: Radhika explains how she transitioned from consulting into real estate by starting with single-family rentals, then moving into multifamily, and eventually finding her niche in senior living.Balancing Career, Family, and Investing: Radhika shares her strategies for managing a demanding consulting career at a Fortune 20 company while raising young children and building Relik Capital Group.Why Senior Living: Radhika dives into why she chose senior living as her focus, explaining its growing demand, cash flow predictability, and positive impact on communities.Building Investor Trust: She talks about how she educates her investors, builds credibility, and creates long-term relationships through transparency and thoughtful communication.Lessons in Scaling: From vetting operators to structuring deals and avoiding common pitfalls, Radhika outlines the lessons she learned while growing her portfolio.Guest InformationName: Radhika RastogiRole: Founder at Relik Capital GroupLinkedIn: Radhika RastogiWebsite: Relik Capital GroupConclusionRadhika’s journey shows that it’s possible to build a meaningful and profitable real estate business without quitting your W2, by focusing on a clear niche, serving investors well, and staying consistent.Connect with Radhika on LinkedIn to learn more about her work at Relik Capital Group and how she helps investors access opportunities in senior living real estate.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, Jeff Hayton, Co-Founder & CIO of Luxe Living Homes, shares his unconventional journey from fishing boats in Alaska to building net-zero, investor-friendly real estate communities. Jeff discusses how his early experiences in startups and grit-heavy jobs shaped his approach to real estate — and why prioritizing both people and energy efficiency is his competitive edge.His perspective blends operational discipline with a commitment to creating value for investors and residents alike, offering lessons on partnerships, sustainability, and scaling thoughtfully.Key Points DiscussedFrom Fishing Boats to Foundations: Jeff’s journey began on the water, working in one of the toughest industries before pivoting into startups and, eventually, real estate development. He explains how those early lessons in perseverance and problem-solving still guide him today.Building Net-Zero Communities: Jeff breaks down why sustainability is more than a buzzword and how designing for energy efficiency not only benefits the environment but also improves investor returns and tenant retention.Balancing People and Profit: Jeff shares his philosophy on aligning investor goals with community needs, focusing on creating a product residents are proud to live in — while delivering strong returns.Partnerships That Scale: Jeff dives into how he chooses partners, what to watch for when aligning with investors, and how to ensure everyone stays focused on the mission as the business grows.Guest InformationName: Jeff HaytonRole: Co-Founder & CIO at Luxe Living HomesLinkedIn: Jeff HaytonWebsite: Luxe Living HomesConclusionJeff Hayton’s story is a refreshing example of how grit, vision, and sustainability can coexist in real estate. His focus on building both investor confidence and resident satisfaction highlights a path for syndicators who want to differentiate themselves in a competitive market.Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn to learn more about Luxe Living Homes and their mission to redefine what it means to build responsibly.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, Brock Mogenson, Managing Partner at Smart Asset Capital, shares his journey from house hacking his first duplex to managing a $50M industrial real estate fund. Brock discusses how he identified his niche in industrial and retail properties, built strong partnerships, and created a vertically integrated operation to scale efficiently. His experience highlights the importance of focus, trust, and systems in building a sustainable syndication business.Key Points DiscussedFrom House Hack to Fund Manager: Brock’s journey began with a duplex he house hacked while working full-time. That experience lit the fire for real estate and eventually led to launching Smart Asset Capital.Why Industrial and Retail: Brock explains why his firm chose to focus on industrial and retail assets instead of multifamily, and how staying niche gave them a competitive edge.Building a Strong Partnership: He shares how he met his business partners, how they divide responsibilities, and why complementary skill sets are critical for long-term success.Going Vertical: Brock describes the benefits of bringing property management and construction in-house, and how it improved both execution and investor confidence.Lessons from Scaling: From early missteps to current strategies, Brock reflects on what he would do differently and what advice he gives new syndicators entering the market.Guest InformationName: Brock MogensonRole: Co-Founder at Smart Asset CapitalLinkedIn: Brock MogensonWebsite: Smart Asset CapitalConclusionBrock Mogenson’s story is a powerful example of how focus, partnerships, and vertical integration can turn a small start into a multi-million-dollar operation. His disciplined approach to choosing a niche and building the right team provides actionable insights for anyone looking to grow in real estate.Connect with Brock on LinkedIn to learn more about his work at Smart Asset Capital and his strategies for scaling efficiently.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, Georgy Marrero, founder of Equis Capital, shares his bold journey from earning $800k a year at Meta to building a $28M real estate portfolio. Georgy discusses how he walked away from a lucrative tech career to create a life of financial freedom and impact through multifamily syndications. His story highlights the power of courage, discipline, and strategic partnerships in scaling a real estate business.Key Points DiscussedFrom Tech to Real Estate: Georgy talks about his transition from a high-paying corporate job at Meta to full-time real estate investing, and why money alone didn’t feel fulfilling.Building Equis Capital: He shares how he founded Equis Capital, raised over $9M from investors, and grew to $28M AUM in just a few years through multifamily acquisitions and syndications.Overcoming Fear and Taking the Leap: Georgy discusses the mindset shift it took to leave a secure job, confront risk, and pursue entrepreneurship — and how he prepared himself financially and mentally.Lessons in Leadership and Partnerships: From aligning with the right partners to building trust with investors, Georgy outlines what’s worked (and what hasn’t) in scaling his business.Guest InformationName: Georgy MarreroRole: Founder at Equis CapitalLinkedIn: Georgy MarreroWebsite: Equis CapitalConclusionGeorgy Marrero’s story is an inspiring example of how to trade comfort for purpose and create lasting wealth through real estate. His focus on integrity, education, and building genuine relationships has helped him create a business that empowers investors and communities alike.Connect with Georgy on LinkedIn to learn more about his work at Equis Capital and his approach to real estate syndications.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, Lee Yoder, founder of Threefold Real Estate Investing, shares how he left his career as a physical therapist to build a real estate portfolio that now manages over $75 million in assets. Lee walks through the early steps of learning syndications, scaling his team, and how focusing on core markets in the Midwest helped him grow efficiently while keeping operations tight.Key Points DiscussedLeaving a Stable Career: Lee opens up about his decision to step away from physical therapy—first into a sales job, and then full-time into real estate—to create a business with more freedom and impact.Starting Small, Scaling Fast: Lee explains how he went from flipping single-family homes to leading multifamily syndications and raising capital for deals across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.Building the Right Team: He breaks down his strategy for hiring—why his first hires weren’t from real estate, and how clear expectations and ownership helped them thrive.Lessons from $75M AUM: Lee shares the operational lessons he’s learned from managing 600+ units, including deal sourcing, how he evaluates markets, and his thoughts on investor communication.Guest InformationName: Lee YoderRole: Founder & CEO of Threefold Real Estate InvestingLinkedIn: Lee YoderWebsite: Threefold Real Estate InvestingConclusionLee’s story is a blueprint for operators looking to transition from W2 careers into multifamily. His methodical approach, strong Midwest focus, and dedication to team building have enabled him to grow quickly—while keeping values and investor trust front and center.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, Ben Bowerman, VP of Capital Markets at HPP Equity, shares how he scaled from managing 450+ single-family rentals to overseeing a diversified real estate portfolio with over $150M in assets under management. Ben breaks down the strategy behind HPP’s transition into student housing, multifamily, and build-to-rent—and why he believes in holding assets for the long term.He also shares lessons learned from property management, the power of in-house operations, and how his team built a vertically integrated platform that aligns investor goals with long-term generational wealth.Key Points DiscussedFrom Property Manager to Portfolio Builder: Ben started his real estate career in the trenches—managing hundreds of SFRs. He talks about how that experience shaped his perspective on operations and scale.Scaling into Student Housing: HPP Equity’s entry into student housing wasn’t accidental—it was strategic. Ben explains why the team leaned into this asset class, and how they’ve generated strong returns with disciplined underwriting.Lessons in Vertical Integration: HPP manages construction and property management in-house. Ben shares the benefits and challenges of controlling the full lifecycle of an asset, from acquisition to renovation and lease-up.Investor Education & Communication: Ben emphasizes the importance of transparent investor updates and setting realistic expectations in today’s economic climate. He also shares how his team educates investors who are new to commercial real estate.Guest InformationName: Ben BowermanRole: VP of Capital Markets at HPP EquityLinkedIn: Ben BowermanWebsite: HPP EquityConclusionBen Bowerman’s story is a masterclass in scaling real estate the right way—slow, steady, and intentional. From property management to private equity, his journey proves that with the right operational backbone, it’s possible to go far without overextending. His long-term mindset, focus on value creation, and investor-first approach make this a must-listen for anyone thinking about scaling beyond their first few deals.Connect with Ben on LinkedIn to learn more about HPP Equity and their investment thesis.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, Sean Graham, founder of Maven Cost Segregation, breaks down the most overlooked wealth-building tool in real estate: cost seg. After getting laid off in 2020, Sean transitioned into real estate full-time—starting with his own deals before launching a firm that now saves investors millions in taxes every year.He shares how one property generated $400K in tax savings, why ROI should be measured in depreciation, and what most syndicators miss when it comes to maximizing after-tax returns.Key Points DiscussedFrom W2 to Wealth Builder: Sean’s corporate job disappeared during COVID. Rather than wait for the next one, he leaned into real estate—launching Maven to help others unlock the tax strategies he used himself.How Cost Seg Works (for Real): Sean demystifies cost segregation in plain English, from front-loaded depreciation to partial asset dispositions—and why even smaller sponsors can benefit.The $400K Case Study: One property. $400K in paper losses. Sean walks through the math behind a real example and what that meant for investor cash flow and yield.What Syndicators Get Wrong: Sean shares the biggest mistakes operators make when structuring their deals for tax efficiency—and how to fix them without needing a CPA.ROI Beyond the Deal: Why the best operators treat cost seg like a multiplier, not an afterthought—and how to use it to attract high-net-worth LPs.Guest InformationName: Sean GrahamRole: Founder at Maven Cost SegregationLinkedIn: Sean GrahamWebsite: Maven Cost SegregationConclusionSean Graham’s episode is a must-listen for any syndicator who wants to boost IRR after the deal closes. If you’ve ever wondered whether cost seg is worth it, this episode makes the case—backed by real numbers, real savings, and a blueprint for real results.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, Andrea Foley, Director at Generational Wealth Capital, shares how she went from flipping homes in Kansas City to launching a real estate fund focused on hotel-to-multifamily conversions. Along the way, she’s tackled everything from diaper cleaning to owning car wash franchises—proving that building generational wealth takes hustle, grit, and the ability to pivot fast.Andrea breaks down her unique path, including the creative ways she sourced early deals, how she scaled into larger commercial assets, and why she’s bullish on hospitality conversions. She also opens up about the emotional side of entrepreneurship—juggling family, faith, and financial goals in a volatile market.Key Points DiscussedThe Flip That Started It All: Andrea’s real estate journey began with flipping residential homes—but she quickly realized the wealth was in holding, not selling. That mindset shift led to multifamily.Car Wash Franchises & Cash Flow: Before going all-in on real estate, Andrea and her husband bought into a car wash franchise. She shares what worked (and what didn’t) about getting into small business ownership to generate income.Hotel Conversions as an Opportunity: Andrea discusses her team’s thesis on converting hotels into multifamily, the operational complexities, and why she believes this is one of the most underpriced strategies in today’s market.Raising Capital Authentically: She opens up about building trust with passive investors, including the playbook she used to move from personal capital to raising funds from her broader network.Guest InformationName: Andrea FoleyRole: Director at Generational Wealth CapitalLinkedIn: Andrea FoleyWebsite: Generational Wealth CapitalConclusionAndrea Foley’s story is proof that you don’t need a traditional background to succeed in real estate. With persistence, creativity, and a clear mission, she’s building a portfolio that reflects her values—and helping others do the same.Connect with Andrea on LinkedIn to learn more about her fund, her hotel conversion projects, and her journey from flips to franchises to multifamily.