From $3B in Transactions to Building Smart: How Michael Kron Strategically Scaled a 13,000-Unit Real Estate Empire
Decades before net lease funds became hot topics and Texas and Arizona dominated multifamily headlines, Michael Kron was already ahead of the curve—swapping out California C-class properties for A-class opportunities in emerging Sunbelt markets. In this wide-ranging conversation, Michael pulls back the curtain on how he built and operates a 13,000-unit portfolio, shares hard-won lessons from the trenches of development, and explains why controlling your own construction timeline might be the ultimate inflation hedge. One particularly unforgettable moment: the time an architect’s plans didn’t mathematically add up to four walls—an early but formative lesson in choosing the right partners.
Guest Bio
Michael Kron is the Chief Operating Officer of a family-owned real estate firm with a portfolio of over 13,000 multifamily units in Arizona and Texas. He is also Chairman of Guardian Net Lease Fund. With more than $3 billion in real estate transactions under his belt, Kron has led the acquisition, development, and disposition of thousands of apartment units, always with a sharp eye on market cycles and portfolio strategy. A California-licensed attorney and real estate broker, Kron holds a B.B.A. in Finance and a J.D./M.B.A. from the University of Michigan. He began his career practicing land use and real estate law in Los Angeles before transitioning to full-time development and operations leadership.
Episode Highlights and Chapters
00:00 Michael’s real estate roots and early landlord lessons in Ann Arbor
01:25 Trading California C-class for Texas and Arizona A-class assets
03:00 First Phoenix deal: from “crazy investor” headline to record-setting sale
04:00 The leap from landlord to developer—out of necessity and opportunity
05:00 Hiring lessons: When the architect's plans don't add up
06:30 Switching architects midstream: liability, copyrights, and control
08:00 Why they insist on owning all design and engineering plans
11:00 From acquisition to ground-up: building for long-term value
12:30 The case for development over acquisition in a volatile interest rate climate
14:00 How Michael underwrites and manages development risk
17:00 The strategic advantage of being your own end buyer
22:00 Managing refinance risk and construction debt in high-rate environments
24:30 Conservative leverage: Why 50–65% LTV works better for long-term operators
28:00 Inside Guardian’s net lease fund: credit tenants, bonus depreciation, and why Walgreens is out
32:00 Fundraising lessons: mistakes made and what to ask capital partners before you hire them
36:00 The Fed, interest rates, and the housing supply paradox
38:00 Predicting the unpredictable and positioning for long-term success
Contact Information
Michael Kron
Email: mike@guardianadvisory.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-kron-296428a
Guardian Net Lease: https://guardiannetlease.com/
For more episodes and insights, visit Eugene Gershman’s podcast page: https://giscompanies.co/podcast/
Fuquan Bilal on Financial Friends, Flexibility over Freedom, and Building Trust in Real Estate
Fuquan Bilal remembers the moment clearly: stuck at a toll booth without 35 cents, just months after earning a $40,000 check on his first real estate deal. That jarring contrast fueled a new chapter in financial discipline and long-term vision. In this episode, Fuquan shares how he turned early struggles and hard-won lessons into a portfolio spanning luxury homes and multifamily deals, all while raising over $50 million in capital. He breaks down how to win investor trust, structure creative seller-financed deals, and why operational efficiency and investor education are his core priorities today. His story underscores that in real estate, it's not about freedom—it's about flexibility.
Guest Bio
Fuquan Bilal is the CEO and founder of NNG Capital Fund, established in 2012 to capitalize on the growing supply of alternative real estate assets in the interbank marketplace. With 26 years of experience in residential and commercial real estate, Fuquan has a track record of identifying undervalued properties and repositioning them for strong returns. His proprietary investment criteria and strategic leverage allow him to build high-performing, risk-diversified portfolios. NNG Capital’s mission is rooted in community-minded investing, providing financial solutions and quality housing in distressed environments. Learn more at nngcapitalfund.com.
Episode Highlights and Chapters
00:00 Fuquan’s leap of faith: from corporate life to a toll booth wake-up call
01:18 Why people invest in trust, not transactions
02:00 The 4-hour-sleep entrepreneur and the myth of freedom in real estate
03:00 Sales skills learned at flea markets and the first big check that changed it all
06:10 Blowing through $40,000 and learning financial discipline the hard way
08:30 From partnering with distressed property owners to flipping 40 homes
10:30 How a misdirected closing packet led to a million-dollar hard money relationship
12:00 The role of transparency, especially when deals go sideways
14:30 Lessons from the Global Financial Crisis and keeping investors whole
16:30 Managing investor expectations when things don’t go to plan
18:00 Real-world challenges: insurance hikes, rising interest rates, and yield compression
19:30 Teaching sellers to become lenders and structuring win-win carryback deals
21:30 How Fuquan illustrates delayed gratification and tax advantages to sellers
23:08 Operational efficiency, team building, and buy-mode outlook for NNG
24:26 Building new investor relationships—why it can take years, not weeks
Contact Information
Learn more and schedule a discovery call: nngcapitalfund.com
Follow Fuquan Bilal on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/fuquanbilal
Connect with Fuquan on Facebook: facebook.com/fubilal
Visit the host, Eugene Gershman: giscompanies.co/podcast
What do NASA, AI, and real estate investing have in common? According to Alexander Harmsen, quite a lot. In this episode, Alexander—a seasoned entrepreneur and the mind behind PortfolioPilot—shares how his background in aerospace and autonomous navigation systems led him to rethink financial advice entirely. After selling his previous company and navigating his own wealth management challenges, he saw firsthand the emotional pitfalls that plague investors and the outdated systems that serve them. His solution: an AI-powered financial advisor that eliminates bias, surfaces smarter insights, and levels the playing field for everyone—from beginner real estate developers to sophisticated investors. Alexander and Eugene dig into how AI is not just cutting through noise but also helping both investors and sponsors tell better, more credible stories.
Guest Bio
Alexander Harmsen is the CEO and Founder of Global Predictions, the company behind PortfolioPilot, an AI-powered financial advisor designed to help individuals track, plan, and optimize their full financial picture. He previously founded Iris Automation, a company that developed AI software for autonomous navigation, and contributed to the development of NASA’s Mars Helicopter project. Alexander also advises companies like VeriSIM Life, which uses AI to model the human body for pharmaceutical research. A graduate of the University of British Columbia with degrees in Engineering Physics and Economics, he’s been recognized by both Forbes and Inc. in their 30 Under 30 lists. He’s a Y-Combinator alum, Loran Scholar, and a licensed pilot.
Episode Highlights and Chapters
00:00 Alexander shares his aversion to traditional financial advisors and the motivation behind PortfolioPilot
02:00 His journey from building Mars AI systems to launching a fintech company
04:00 Why emotional bias undermines investment decisions—and how AI eliminates it
07:00 The 1% fee problem: why many financial advisors aren’t aligned with investor interests
10:00 How beginners can use AI to generate trust, legitimacy, and investor interest
13:00 The importance of detailed, emotionally resonant investment packets
15:00 Can AI validate AI? A breakdown of how sponsors and investors are both using AI tools
20:00 Biases beginner investors often fall into and how to safeguard against them
24:00 The value of optionality and not panic-buying or panic-selling
28:00 Learning from bad trades, failing forward, and iterating toward better investing
30:00 How sponsors can use PortfolioPilot to model and showcase investment opportunities
32:00 Pricing tiers and the scope of AI-driven financial planning services
33:30 How to connect with Alexander and the PortfolioPilot team for further guidance
Contact Information
Alexander Harmsen:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderharmsen
Website: https://portfoliopilot.com
For more from the host, Eugene Gershman, visit https://giscompanies.co/podcast/
From Town Planning to Tech Pioneer: How Jonny Britton is Digitizing Land Development
What do a brick-sized cell phone, early Twitter, and a derelict lot in East London have in common? For Jonny Britton, they were part of the catalyst that pushed him from an uninspired town planning career into founding LandTech—a platform redefining how developers find, assess, and act on land opportunities. In this conversation, Jonny shares how a tweet turned into a co-founder relationship, how LandTech is unlocking opaque land data, and why the future of real estate development lies in radical transparency and digital reinvention.
Guest Bio
Jonny Britton began his career as a town planner after earning a master’s degree in planning from Manchester University. Frustrated by the bureaucracy and inefficiencies of the traditional planning process, he taught himself to code and eventually co-founded LandTech. The platform is now used across the UK and North America to help developers of all sizes access hidden land data and streamline site acquisition.
Episode Highlights and Chapters
00:01 Jonny’s early career and the emergence of technology
03:15 Why the land market is so opaque—and how that hurts development
06:30 Realization of inefficiencies in town planning: Doncaster case study
08:00 Founding LandTech: from a tweet to a startup
10:00 Early funding struggles and the accelerator breakthrough
12:30 Why zoning laws are still stuck in the past
15:00 Vision for digitizing and reforming planning systems
17:00 LandTech’s practical tools for developers and site sourcing
20:00 Example: Using LandTech to filter vacant, multi-family zoned sites in Miami-Dade
22:00 Skip tracing and sending personalized outreach letters through the platform
24:00 Challenges of scaling from the UK to the US market
27:00 Real-world impact: 3-hour tasks reduced to 15 minutes
28:00 A costly data error and what it taught the team about transparency
30:00 Jonny’s cheat code for new developers: good site + good market = success
Contact Information
Learn more about Jonny Britton’s work and explore LandTech at: https://land.tech/
Connect with Jonny on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnybritton/
To stay connected with host Eugene Gershman and explore more insights on real estate development, visit:
https://giscompanies.co/podcast/
Legacy Meets Blockchain: Making Real Estate Truly Global with Ricardo Johnson
What happens when you combine the timeless appeal of real estate with the revolutionary mechanics of crypto? Ricardo Johnson, Founder & CEO of Oasis, joins Eugene to break down how tokenization is making real estate investing accessible, liquid, and global. Drawing from his own journey—from launching a clothing brand and coffee business to building Oasis—Ricardo unpacks the promise and pitfalls of real estate investing and why tokenized property is poised to reshape the future of wealth-building. From demystifying blockchain mechanics to outlining practical steps for developers and investors, this episode offers a front-row seat to the next big evolution in real estate.
Guest Bio
Ricardo Johnson is a seasoned innovator at the intersection of property and technology, bringing a wealth of experience in navigating the complexities of property investment and management, mobile app development, and Web3 advancements. Throughout his career, Ricardo has been committed to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to revolutionize traditional industries, particularly in the realm of real estate.
Currently, Ricardo is the Founder & CEO of Oases, a groundbreaking platform that democratizes access to luxury real estate ownership through fractional ownership and blockchain integration. His leadership in this venture reflects a deep understanding of how to align technological advancements with market demands, ensuring Oases remains at the forefront of industry trends and regulatory developments in the rapidly evolving Web3 landscape.
Ricardo’s passion lies in fostering a collaborative and entrepreneurial culture, leading cross-functional teams to bring bold, innovative ideas to life. His dedication to continuous learning and adaptability keeps him at the cutting edge of technological developments, making him a key player in the ongoing transformation of the real estate industry.
Episode Highlights and Chapters
00:01 Building legacy through real estate and the idea behind “Land to Legacy”
01:14 From fashion and coffee to real estate: Ricardo’s entrepreneurial pivot
02:00 The early days of Airbnb and launching a property management company
03:00 Discovering structural barriers in traditional real estate investing
04:34 Making real estate accessible for the next generation through Oasis
06:47 The impact of economic shifts on property affordability
07:54 How Oases works: marketplace, SPVs, and fractional investment
09:58 Tokenization vs traditional syndication: ownership, liquidity, and transparency
11:57 Governance and investor rights through tokens
13:00 How real estate developers can tokenize projects on Oasis
14:45 Ethereum-based tokens and built-in regulatory compliance
16:17 Clarifying real ownership and addressing misconceptions
17:21 Tokenization as a faster path to raising capital
18:45 How liquidity enhances value and changes pricing dynamics
20:02 Cost and process to list on tokenization platforms
21:15 Minimum project size and grouping assets for viability
22:00 Navigating global regulatory landscapes
23:54 Accepting crypto as capital and enabling loans against Bitcoin
25:04 How secondary markets determine token value
27:00 The future: tokenized assets potentially priced above acquisition value
28:20 Getting started as an investor or developer
29:55 Oasis’ focus on luxury, multifamily, and affordable housing projects
Contact Information
Website: https://www.oasesglobal.io/
To explore investment opportunities or list your property, visit the website and take the readiness scorecard.
YouTube onboarding and tutorials are available for those new to tokenized real estate.
Connect with host Eugene Gershman: https://giscompanies.co/podcast/
From Soccer Dreams to Real Estate Empires: Jacopo Iasiello’s Blueprint for Holistic Success
A devastating injury at 17 ended Jacopo Iasiello’s dream of becoming a professional soccer player. But instead of succumbing to defeat, he pivoted—launching a jewelry business by 18 and eventually building a real estate empire that now spans the U.S., Italy, and Dubai. In this riveting conversation, Jacopo shares how a mindset shaped by meditation, morning routines, prayer, biohacking, and exercise—his M.P.B.E. method—fueled not only over 350 real estate transactions but also a life of purpose and balance. From flipping properties and investing in land ahead of market trends to cultivating relationships with billionaires, Jacopo offers a wealth of insight for aspiring investors and entrepreneurs alike.
Guest Bio
Dr. Jacopo Iasiello is the CEO of the Luxury Wealth Group and a seasoned real estate investor with over 350 successful transactions. Originally from Naples, Italy, he began his entrepreneurial journey in the jewelry business before shifting to real estate at age 22. A PhD in International Business Management, Jacopo combines global business acumen with personal development principles learned from mentors like Tony Robbins and Robert Kiyosaki. He developed the M.P.B.E. method (Meditate, Morning, Pray, Biohacking, Exercise) to harmonize wealth-building with holistic well-being. His upcoming book, Healthy, Rich, and Happy, is a guide to achieving success from the inside out.
Episode Highlights and Chapters
00:01 From Napoli to Multifamily Real Estate: Jacopo's early journey and first business at 18
03:00 Losing a soccer career and finding purpose in entrepreneurship
08:00 Real estate strategies: flipping, cash flow, and land positioning
11:40 A costly $200K mistake and the importance of choosing the right contractor
14:00 Lessons from a 15-unit multifamily rehab project
20:00 Prefabricated construction: benefits and drawbacks
22:00 Building elite relationships: give first, ask later
28:00 How to approach billionaires and cultivate high-caliber networks
31:00 The M.P.B.E. Method: aligning energy with purpose and wealth
34:00 Defining success and building real estate that rejuvenates
36:00 Final advice to his 17-year-old self and why this book matters
Contact Information
You can connect with Dr. Jacopo Iasiello and explore his work through several platforms. His book, Healthy, Rich, and Happy, is available on Amazon in both print and audio formats, offering a deep dive into his M.P.B.E. method and strategies for aligning wealth with well-being. For additional insights and updates, visit his official website at www.healthyrichandhappy.com.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacopoiasielloinvestorbroker/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacopoiasiellorealestate
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacopo-iasiello-50936244/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jacopoiasiellobroker2735
For more inspiring conversations and to explore past episodes, visit host Eugene Gershman's podcast page at https://giscompanies.co/podcast/.
From Ranger to Real Estate: How Justin Martinez Turned Discipline Into a Million-Dollar Mindset
What drives someone to complete a 100-mile ultramarathon, flip multiple Airbnbs for six-figure profits, and still wake up each day ready to push harder? For Justin Martinez, it’s a mindset he calls "The Compounder’s Way"—where every disciplined choice compounds into a life of freedom and fulfillment. In this powerful episode, Justin shares how his journey from U.S. Army Ranger to real estate investor and performance coach shaped his outlook on success. From finding your breaking point to writing five-figure renovation checks without flinching, Justin delivers a masterclass in resilience, long-term thinking, and building wealth that lasts.
Guest Bio
Justin Martinez is a former U.S. Army Ranger, real estate investor, entrepreneur, author, and fitness coach with over 12 years of experience in personal development and transformation. He holds a Bachelor's in Business Entrepreneurship and a Master’s in Real Estate Development from Arizona State University. His ventures span from building a vending machine business in college to flipping high-performing Airbnbs in Tennessee. He is the founder of CE Coaching and the author of The Compounder’s Guide to Developing the Ranger Mindset, a blueprint for developing elite habits and mental resilience. Justin is also a dedicated athlete, having completed multiple Ironman events and a 100-mile ultramarathon—all part of his ongoing pursuit to push limits and inspire others to do the same.
Episode Highlights and Chapters
00:01 What It Means to Be a Compounder
01:30 Why Most People Quit Before the Breakthrough
03:40 The Drive Behind 100-Mile Runs and Business Scaling
06:00 Real Estate Beginnings and a $78K Profit on His First House
08:30 How a Cabin in the Smoky Mountains Became a Goldmine
10:10 Turning COVID Into an Airbnb Boom
13:00 Innovating with Game Rooms and Mini Golf to Flip Rentals
15:00 Financing Smart: Cash Deals and DSCR-Style Lending
16:30 Lessons From a Full-Gut Rehab Gone Wrong
18:00 How to Run Conservative Numbers That Still Win
20:00 Tactics for Scoring Off-Market Deals
22:00 Minimum Profit Thresholds and Walking From Small Gains
24:00 Why You Must Be Willing to Spend to Build
25:30 Advice to His Younger Self: Buy and Hold for the Long Game
Contact Information
Connect with Justin Martinez and learn more about his mindset and coaching programs through the following links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justin.jones.3152
Website: https://www.cecoaching.coach/
Book: The Compounder’s Guide to Developing the Ranger Mindset – available now
For more episodes and resources from host Eugene Gershman, visit https://giscompanies.co/podcast/
Maximizing Value in Real Estate Development with Matin Haghkar
How do you spot a winning deal that others overlook? For Matin Haghkar, it’s about knowing your numbers, trusting your team, and recognizing hidden potential—like the property he found sitting unsold for a year on the MLS, which he transformed into a lucrative mixed-use success. In this episode, Matin shares how he built a diversified real estate enterprise from scratch, including a brokerage, construction company, property management arm, and more. He also offers a candid look at the lessons learned from unexpected structural challenges, managing costs amid tariffs and market shifts, and the importance of holding long-term for generational wealth. Whether you're an experienced developer or just entering the industry, Matin’s philosophy of calculated growth and relentless team building is one you’ll want to absorb.
Guest Bio
With over 30 years of combined team experience, Matin Haghkar leads RE/MAX Plus, a full-service brokerage operating across Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware, and Chester counties, as well as South Jersey. Matin brings more than two decades of personal experience in the industry, beginning his career at just 18 years old. Under his leadership, RE/MAX Plus has grown to over 50 agents and expanded into property management (with over 1,000 units managed), mortgage services, development, and construction. Matin is known for his client-first approach and commitment to full-service excellence across the real estate lifecycle.
Episode Highlights and Chapters
00:01 Matin’s background and the evolution of his real estate business
02:00 How Matin divides his time across brokerage, management, and development
03:30 Building a trusted team and why it’s essential for scaling
05:00 The mindset shift from short-term commissions to long-term client relationships
07:00 Creating alignment between employee security and client quality
08:30 What defines a “good deal” in today’s challenging market conditions
10:00 Design development costs and the true investment in getting shovel-ready
12:00 Why Matin bakes 15–25% profit into every project—and how site development surprises can wipe it out
14:30 A favorite recent deal: turning a neglected commercial lot into a valuable asset
16:00 The unexpected costs of building on top of an existing structure
21:00 Lessons from design missteps and dealing with structural surprises
24:00 When and why Matin started his own construction company
26:30 The risk of taking on too many ventures at once in real estate
28:00 Navigating tariffs and why Matin stockpiled appliances early
30:00 Planning development in uncertain economic conditions
32:00 How local market dynamics influence national trends
34:00 Matin’s view on tariffs, recession, and long-term positioning
37:00 The importance of persistence and realism in real estate success
Contact Information
To learn more about Matin Haghkar and his team, visit their real estate brokerage at https://plusrealtors.com. For property management services, go to https://plusmanagers.com, and for mortgage solutions, check out https://wisemortgage.com. You can also find Matin and his businesses on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter).
To explore more podcast episodes, visit Eugene Gershman’s official site at https://giscompanies.co/podcast.
Land to Legacy: Building Real Estate Success One Connection at a Time with Elijah Iung
What happens when a former waste management entrepreneur transforms his network of blue-collar millionaires into a multifamily investment powerhouse? In this episode, Elijah Iung shares his journey from buying farmland solo to raising capital for value-add multifamily syndications tailored to a working-class investor base. He and Eugene discuss why “killing the deal” is often the first step to success, how Elijah evaluates operators by investing his own capital first, and why he believes time in the market—and a clear vision—are the best allies for young developers.
Elijah also shares insights into development pitfalls, including why a 20-unit Michigan project didn’t pencil out despite promising incentives. Their conversation spans construction costs from Seattle to Detroit, strategies for weathering market volatility, and the underappreciated power of buying with cash in today’s climate.
Guest Bio
Elijah Iung is the founder of Legacy Way Holdings and a long-time entrepreneur with a strong track record of success. He built and operated a service business for 11 years, which he exited with a multiple seven-figure sale. Leveraging the proceeds and experience from that venture, Elijah began investing in real estate across a diverse range of asset classes over the past eight years—from vacant farmland and a service station to multifamily syndications in markets spanning Texas to South Carolina.
Today, Elijah specializes in raising capital for value-add multifamily projects, focusing on serving a unique network of blue-collar millionaires. He is committed to helping hardworking business owners grow wealth and build generational legacies through thoughtful, passive investment strategies. His approach is rooted in transparency, trust, and deep relationship-building.
Episode Highlights and Chapters
00:01 Elijah shares his background and transition from farmland and waste management to real estate investing
02:00 Building an investor base: “blue-collar millionaires” and tailoring syndications to their needs
03:00 Why a 20-unit development deal in Michigan didn’t pencil out despite incentives
06:00 EG on deal analysis strategy—“killing the deal” as a first step
08:00 How Elijah vets operators with his own money before bringing in LPs
09:30 Red flags in proformas: unrealistic rent growth and operating expense assumptions
11:00 Seattle vs. Michigan: construction cost comparisons and development challenges
13:00 Market timing: why now may be the best time to entitle and prepare new developments
15:00 Elijah on “affordable” housing and the inefficiencies of subsidized models
16:30 How early-career developers can find capital: importance of meetups, vision, and relationship-building
18:00 From cold calls to partnerships—Elijah’s story of building trust with a broker
21:00 Investing during COVID dips and testing the short-term rental market
22:00 Elijah’s preferred asset class: value-add, garden-style multifamily
23:00 Geographic focus: Michigan roots, Sunbelt investments, and testing partnerships in Louisville
24:00 Horror story from a past business: losing money speculating on heavy equipment
25:00 Exploring cash-only acquisitions in today’s high-interest environment
26:00 Shared vision: EG and Elijah on acquiring distressed assets and structuring refinance-driven returns
Contact Information
Learn more about Elijah Iung and Legacy Way Holdings at https://legacywayholdings.com. Fill out the contact form on the site to join the newsletter and discover more about their multifamily investment strategies.
Connect with Elijah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahiung/
For more episodes and insights, visit Eugene Gershman at https://giscompanies.co/podcast/
From Land to Legacy: Navigating Coastal Development with Douglas Moreland
How does a luxury community rise from concept to coastal landmark while preserving the environment and satisfying municipalities? Douglas Moreland, developer and founder of Moreland Capital Partners, takes us behind the scenes of Marre, his latest project—a 67-home, design-coordinated community in Rockport, Texas. With thoughtful architectural controls and a pair of marinas, the development stands as a case study in balancing creativity, compliance, and coastal constraints. In this episode, Douglas shares invaluable insights on working with regulatory agencies, the importance of building local trust before deals begin, and the power of great consultants. You'll also hear why a man-made drainage ditch was once nearly mistaken for a protected salmonoid stream—and what it taught both host and guest about environmental review surprises.
Guest Bio
Douglas Moreland is the founder and principal of Moreland Capital Partners, a Texas-based real estate investment and development firm focused on thoughtful land planning and community-building across the southern United States. With decades of experience in land use, permitting, and master-planned community development, Douglas brings a measured and deeply informed perspective to the challenges of modern real estate. Prior to founding Moreland Capital Partners, he held leadership roles in real estate investment and development and has advised on a wide range of asset classes and geographies.
Episode Highlights and Chapters
00:01 - Introduction and the unique dynamics of the Texas second-home market
03:45 - Comparing Texas land use regulations with other states
07:15 - Site evaluation, early engagement with planning commissions, and feasibility strategies
11:00 - Wetlands, environmental reviews, and permitting surprises
14:10 - Working with the Army Corps of Engineers and successful project navigation
16:00 - When to walk away: navigating shifting municipal support
18:00 - Inside the Marre project: 67-lot luxury coastal community with architectural controls
21:00 - Community design inspirations and the role of the town architect
23:30 - Working with vetted builders and supporting homeowners beyond the sale
25:00 - Developer responsibilities and infrastructure investment
26:30 - Capital stack breakdown: equity, debt, and permitting contingencies
28:00 - Structuring land deals and seller relationships
30:00 - Advice for aspiring developers and reflections on the developer's role
Contact Information
You can learn more about Douglas Moreland and his work by visiting https://morelandcapitalpartners.com or connecting with him on https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-moreland-5901934/ . For more episodes and to reach host Eugene Gershman, visit https://giscompanies.co/podcast/.
Clean Lines, Smart Design: Why White Shaker Cabinets Still Work with Amy Barrickman
White shaker cabinets might seem overdone—but not in Amy Barrickman’s world. In this insightful conversation, Amy, a seasoned interior designer, breaks down why design standards endure and how to innovate within them. She shares actionable strategies for developers to infuse warmth and uniqueness into homes without risking market appeal. From mixing wood tones thoughtfully to maximizing mudroom storage for sports gear, Amy covers the details that matter. The episode also dives into the reality of AI-generated renderings, the balance between beauty and function, and how developers can avoid costly mistakes with early collaboration. If you’re building or designing spaces that need to sell or rent quickly—and beautifully—this episode is full of practical gold.
Guest Bio
Amy Barrickman is the founder and principal designer of Barrickman Design, a Seattle-based interior design firm known for thoughtful, livable, and elegant spaces. With over 15 years of experience, Amy blends creativity with practicality to deliver interiors that feel both timeless and uniquely personal. She is the author of The Living Room Design Formula: Style Your Home Like a Pro, One Room at a Time, a guide that helps homeowners and developers alike design with intention and clarity. Amy’s work spans from high-end custom homes to investment properties, and she’s particularly passionate about the emotional impact design can have on everyday life.
Episode Highlights and Chapters
00:01:00 — Why white shaker cabinets still have value for investors and buyers
00:02:30 — How to modernize a classic kitchen with warm accents and mixed materials
00:04:00 — “Do the thing that works, but make it feel different” – Amy’s design philosophy
00:05:30 — Building design avatars and why narrowing your audience works
00:07:30 — The value of functional design, especially in overlooked spaces like mudrooms
00:09:00 — Sorting inspiration from AI, Pinterest, and Instagram without getting overwhelmed
00:11:00 — How to dissect what clients actually like in an image
00:13:00 — Amy’s book, Living Room Design Formula, and the process it offers
00:15:00 — Eugene shares the chaos of designing his own home without a professional
00:16:30 — Navigating dynamics between architects, designers, and contractors
00:19:30 — Budgeting smartly with design intent vs. expensive specifications
00:20:00 — The tile trick: large format porcelain instead of real marble
00:22:30 — Designing for the future by focusing on how a space should feel
00:25:00 — When to bring in a designer for maximum impact with minimal cost
00:26:30 — Trusting the process and your professionals
00:28:00 — AI tools in design: use for inspiration, not execution
00:30:00 — Why real-world site visits still matter in construction and design
00:32:30 — The value of fully coordinated construction sets and cross-discipline meetings
00:35:30 — Ego and communication in the field between contractors and designers
00:36:00 — Amy’s biggest tip: add sconces and gallery walls to elevate any space
00:38:00 — Where to find Amy’s resource: gallerywalltips.com
00:39:00 — The emotional payoff of great design and why it matters
Contact Information
To learn more about Amy Barrickman and her work, visit her website at gallerywalltips.com or connect with her on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/amybarrickman. For more episodes and insights from host Eugene Gershman, visit giscompanies.co/podcast.
What do Amazon warehouses, mom-and-pop tenants, and crab processing plants have in common? Gregg Gruehl reveals the unseen forces driving America’s industrial real estate boom. In this episode, Gregg shares why the world of industrial investments remains a mystery to many retail investors, how co-sponsorship accelerates development, and why due diligence in this space demands more than spreadsheets. Plus, you’ll hear his firsthand stories of navigating unpredictable deals and the surprising challenges behind triple-net leases.
Guest Bio
Gregg Gruehl is an industrial real estate entrepreneur specializing in value-add and ground-up developments. His experience spans major players like Link Logistics (Blackstone’s platform) and Stag Industrial. Today, he co-sponsors projects across the Midwest, leveraging his deep operational background and extensive brokerage network to source opportunities, raise capital, and manage assets. Gregg focuses on opening up industrial real estate investments to a wider network of investors who traditionally had little access to the sector.
Episode Highlights and Chapters
00:00 - Partnering with specialists and the importance of shared expertise
01:34 - From institutional acquisitions to launching his own firm
04:43 - What it means to be a co-sponsor on industrial deals
06:15 - Why Gregg moved from multifamily and retail into industrial real estate
08:00 - Inside Link Logistics and the explosion of industrial assets
09:53 - Building projects on spec vs. build-to-suit in today’s market
12:23 - How to evaluate industrial opportunities in new markets
14:05 - Why information is gatekept and how to access it
16:18 - Risks of relying on poor brokerage networks
17:58 - Industrial vs. Multifamily: Risk, leases, and rent growth
20:17 - How corporate leases differ from residential leases
21:05 - The risks and benefits of leasing to massive tenants like Amazon
22:27 - Challenges of GSA (government) leases in industrial properties
24:06 - The evolution of lease structures in industrial real estate
25:00 - Why Gregg prefers being on the sponsor side over being an LP
25:47 - His most shocking real estate experience (hint: imitation crab meat)
28:09 - Dealing with flaky sellers and institutional skepticism
28:18 - The #1 mistake real estate investors make
29:24 - Trust, relationships, and lessons from early setbacks
30:54 - How Gregg essentially restarted from scratch and built his firm
31:34 - Building deal flow and partnering with growth-minded sponsors
33:17 - Advice Gregg would give his younger self about perseverance
34:06 - Where to find and connect with Gregg
Contact Information
Connect with Gregg Gruehl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregggruehl/
For more episodes and to connect with the host Eugene Gershman, visit: https://giscompanies.co/podcast/
When your net worth is in the millions but your bank account is nearly empty, what do you do? Wyatt Simon opens up about the raw moment in early 2024 when he found himself in tears, contemplating getting a job—despite owning 185 units and a $20 million portfolio. In this episode, Wyatt walks us through his evolution from taking a $200K line of credit to building (and pivoting) a real estate empire, moving from multifamily operations to flipping, hard money lending, and mentoring investors. Eugene and Wyatt compare war stories from development and property management trenches, explore financing strategies, and discuss the systems and mindsets needed to succeed. If you’ve ever thought about jumping into real estate—or stepping back to rethink your path—this episode is full of cautionary tales, practical strategies, and inspiration.
Guest Bio
Wyatt Simon is a seasoned real estate investor, operator, and coach who began his journey with a $200,000 line of credit and grew it into a $20 million portfolio. Known for his “get rich slow” philosophy rooted in real estate, Wyatt has experience spanning single-family rentals, multifamily properties, property management, and hard money lending. He’s also the author of 100 Units: The Real Estate Investor’s Playbook to Scaling a Rental Portfolio, and is passionate about teaching others how to systemize and scale their real estate businesses. Wyatt shares his knowledge widely through social media, YouTube, and coaching programs.
Episode Highlights and Chapters
00:00 - Wyatt’s early real estate journey: from failing at his first job to buying his first duplex
02:00 - Jumping into multifamily in 2021 without formal coaching
03:00 - Lessons from property management and losing $33K to bad bookkeeping
04:00 - A candid 2024 turning point: “I thought I’d have to get a job”
05:30 - Pivoting from multifamily to flipping and wholesaling single-family homes
06:45 - Using a family line of credit to buy his first property and the BRRRR strategy
08:00 - Eugene breaks down risk and funding in new development
11:00 - Wyatt’s early mistakes, including losing $68K on a flip
13:00 - Why cash flow and overhead planning are critical for real estate entrepreneurs
14:30 - Property management nightmares: what made Wyatt take it in-house
17:00 - Lessons from Michael Gerber’s The E-Myth and becoming a business builder
19:00 - Implementing EOS and scaling with systems
21:00 - Wyatt’s only syndication deal: a win, but not worth the time
22:30 - Ethical dilemmas and overpaying in today’s multifamily market
24:00 - How Wyatt structures his hard money lending and sources investor capital
27:00 - Eugene’s creative strategies for financing development without outside LPs
30:00 - Why Eugene launched multiple retail funds for development and distressed assets
32:00 - Wyatt on content marketing and building investor trust through social media
33:00 - Writing 100 Units to answer the questions people kept asking
35:00 - Final advice: “Most successful people are just dumb enough to take the risk”
Contact Information
Instagram: @wyattbuysbuildings — https://www.instagram.com/wyattbuysbuildings
YouTube: Wyatt Buys Buildings — https://www.youtube.com/@WyattBuysBuildings
Website: https://www.wyattsimon.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wyatt-simon/
Free Deal Analyzer Tool: Available on his website
Learn more about the host, Eugene Gershman, and access more episodes:
https://giscompanies.co/podcast/
When your rental property loses $30,000 and attracts squatters, it’s time to pivot—and Sean Graham did just that. In this episode, Sean returns for part two of his conversation with Eugene Gershman to dive deep into self storage, one of the most resilient and underappreciated asset classes in real estate. From analyzing market demand to dealing with REIT competition, Sean breaks down exactly how and why self storage has become his investment vehicle of choice. You’ll hear how he leverages his CPA background to bridge tax strategy with real estate execution, and why choosing quality over cash flow on paper saved him time, stress, and money.
Guest Bio
Sean Graham is a CPA and founder of Maven Cost Segregation, specializing in helping real estate investors legally reduce their taxable income through advanced depreciation strategies. With a background in tax and a passion for real estate, Sean has transitioned from the corporate world to become a full-time investor and entrepreneur. He now focuses heavily on self storage developments and acquisitions, combining financial expertise with on-the-ground investing experience.
Episode Highlights and Chapters
00:00 The appeal of self storage: simplicity, tech-enabled management, and fewer headaches
02:00 Sean’s journey from tax world to real estate syndication
04:00 Why self storage qualifies for SBA loans and how that changes the financing game
05:30 REITs vs. mom-and-pop operators: who wins and where?
07:50 Market analysis tools and why saturation levels matter
09:45 It’s an art, not a science: secret shopping and demand testing
10:50 Ideal facility size and what attracts REIT buyers
12:00 Development timelines and inspector nightmares
13:00 What investors care about: IRRs, equity multiples, and yield thresholds
14:30 Rent per square foot comparisons with multifamily
17:20 The suburban sweet spot: where Sean operates and why
18:30 Lessons learned: why high quality assets attract better tenants and reduce stress
21:00 Sean’s offer for podcast listeners and how to connect with him
Contact Information
Sean Graham
Website: https://mavencostseg.com/EG
Email: sean@mavencostseg.com
To learn more about the show and Eugene Gershman, visit https://giscompanies.co/podcast/
Did you know you could front-load your property depreciation to potentially wipe out your real estate income—legally? Sean Graham, CPA and founder of Maven Cost Segregation, unpacks how savvy investors leverage cost segregation to minimize taxes and maximize cash flow. In this episode, he breaks down complex tax strategies like bonus depreciation, passive vs. active income treatment, and even how building materials can influence depreciation schedules. Whether you’re buying a single-family rental or developing a multi-million-dollar commercial project, understanding these strategies could make a huge difference in your returns.
Guest Bio
Sean Graham is a CPA and the founder of Maven Cost Segregation. With a background in tax and accounting, Sean transitioned full-time into real estate as a self-storage investor. He now combines his tax expertise with his real estate experience to help investors reduce their taxable income through cost segregation strategies. His firm serves clients ranging from single-family rental owners to large commercial developers.
Episode Highlights and Chapters
00:01 – The “boring accountant” who helps you pay fewer taxes
01:28 – Sean’s path from CPA to self-storage investor and cost segregation expert
03:33 – What is depreciation and why it matters in real estate
04:51 – Accelerating depreciation: front-loading expenses for upfront tax benefit
05:30 – Residential vs. commercial depreciation schedules
06:00 – How bonus depreciation turbocharges cost segregation
07:39 – Offsetting passive and active income: real estate professional status and loopholes
09:30 – Real-world example: Sean’s Chicago triplex and depreciation in action
10:39 – Depreciation recapture and avoiding taxes through 1031 exchanges
12:22 – Using depreciation from new properties to offset gains from sold ones
13:06 – Depreciating new developments: when it starts and how it works
14:58 – Why timing your certificate of occupancy can impact your taxes
16:30 – How your building materials can affect depreciation classification
18:16 – Wrapping up: two episodes coming, one on cost segregation and one on self-storage
Contact Information
To connect with Sean Graham or explore cost segregation for your property, visit:
https://mavencostseg.com/EG – Exclusive discount for listeners of the show
Email: sean@mavencostseg.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-graham-cpa/
To learn more about the podcast or reach out to host Eugene Gershman, visit:
Developers and investors often focus so much on building that they forget one crucial step—marketing. By the time they’re ready to sell or lease, it’s almost too late. In this episode, marketing expert Alex Thoric breaks down the essential strategies real estate professionals need to start marketing early and effectively. From “5-a-day” ad campaigns to leveraging AI-driven engagement strategies, Alex shares how to make sure your properties and investment opportunities reach the right audience at the right time. If you’ve ever wondered how to optimize digital advertising for real estate, this is the episode for you.
Guest Bio
Alex Thoric is a marketing strategist with over seven years of experience helping businesses build powerful marketing systems. Specializing in digital advertising, lead generation, and sales funnels, he has worked with a variety of industries, including real estate professionals looking to attract buyers and investors. Through his company, Building Income on Demand, Alex provides consulting and educational programs to teach entrepreneurs how to build and execute effective marketing campaigns.
Episode Highlights and Chapters
[00:01:11] Introduction to Alex Thoric and his marketing background
[00:02:37] Why early marketing is key in real estate
[00:04:16] The “thumb stopper” strategy—grabbing attention in under 3 seconds
[00:06:00] Best platforms for real estate marketing (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube)
[00:07:45] The role of awareness campaigns and pre-construction marketing
[00:10:37] Engagement-first advertising: Retargeting for lower-cost leads
[00:14:08] Is LinkedIn advertising worth the cost?
[00:16:45] Budgeting for real estate marketing campaigns
[00:17:21] Raising capital through social media marketing strategies
[00:19:55] A marketing success story: Growing a gym business during COVID
[00:21:56] Lessons learned: The importance of focus in business
[00:26:00] How AI is transforming digital marketing
[00:30:41] Automation tools for marketing: AI-driven workflows
[00:32:00] Alex’s programs for business owners
Contact Information
Alex Thoric
Website: Building Income on Demand
Social Media: @alexthoric on all platforms
Email: alex@buildingincomeondemand.com
For more episodes, visit Eugene Gershman’s Podcast.
Mathew Owens learned the hard way that real estate isn’t always a straight path to success. From losing everything in the 2008 crash to building a thriving real estate investment business with over $150 million raised, Mathew shares the critical lessons that shaped his career. In this episode, we dive deep into how he bounced back, strategies for raising capital, and why taking a hit in business can be the best thing that ever happens to you—if you handle it right.
Guest Bio
Mathew Owens is a CPA turned real estate investor, fund manager, and capital-raising expert. Since leaving his accounting career in 2006, he has flipped over 1,000 houses, managed $35 million in loans to flippers, and raised more than $150 million for real estate and private business investments. His expertise spans fix-and-flips, multifamily investments, private lending, and capital structuring. Mathew also teaches investors how to create financial freedom through passive income strategies.
Episode Highlights and Chapters
[00:01:03] Mathew’s background: From CPA to full-time real estate investor
[00:03:07] How Mathew’s first house flip led him to quit his job
[00:04:12] Surviving the 2008 market crash and repaying investors out of pocket
[00:06:24] Learning to read the market and anticipate financial downturns
[00:09:57] Lessons from losing $500,000 to a bad contractor
[00:12:26] Why an investor’s track record should include failures
[00:14:15] The first steps to successfully raising capital
[00:16:05] The importance of networking and nurturing investor relationships
[00:18:44] Structuring deals to attract investors
[00:21:47] Biggest business mistakes: Delegation, hiring, and trusting too easily
[00:25:33] The myth of part-time real estate investing
[00:27:20] Expected returns across different asset classes
[00:29:22] Why Mathew invests in real estate, private lending, and commodities
[00:31:43] Favorite tools: Monday.com, ActiveCampaign, QuickBooks, SyndicationPro
[00:33:00] Understanding economic risks in today’s real estate market
[00:36:38] Eugene’s distressed asset fund and the opportunity ahead
[00:37:27] Where to find Mathew and access his free resources
Contact Information
To connect with Mathew Owens, visit MathewOwens.com (with one ‘T’ in Mathew). His website offers a free 200-point due diligence checklist, masterclasses on raising capital, and resources for deal analysis.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathewowens/
For more episodes, visit Land to Legacy Podcast Page.
HOAs – love them or hate them, they’re here to stay. But what if your HOA actually worked for you instead of against you? In this episode, we talk with Brandon Barnum, CEO of HOA.com, about how his company is transforming homeowner associations across the country. From increasing transparency and communication to reducing frustrating fines, Brandon shares how technology, AI, and good old-fashioned community-building can turn HOAs into something homeowners actually appreciate. Plus, he reveals how developers can save thousands in legal fees by using best-practice HOA documents, why real estate agents should become Certified HOA Specialists, and how an AI-powered concierge service is making life easier for HOA board members.
Guest Bio
Brandon Barnum is the CEO of HOA.com, a company dedicated to revolutionizing homeowner associations by enhancing transparency, communication, and community engagement. With a rich background in real estate and business development, Brandon has been instrumental in building multiple successful ventures, including his role as CEO of Refer.com, which grew to over 5 million members. He is also the author of Raving Referrals, a guide aimed at helping professionals generate consistent referral business. Passionate about fostering connected communities, Brandon’s mission with HOA.com is to transform HOAs into organizations that homeowners value and trust.
Episode Highlights and Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Brandon Barnum and HOA.com
01:20 - The biggest complaints homeowners have about HOAs
02:54 - How HOA.com is working to improve transparency and communication
06:00 - The challenge of creating fair and effective HOA rules
08:48 - Best practices for developers when setting up an HOA
10:59 - How AI is transforming HOA management and reducing board stress
13:24 - Cost-effective HOA management solutions for smaller communities
15:22 - The problem of lawsuits against developers and how to mitigate risks
18:36 - How HOA.com helps real estate agents, developers, and homeowners
22:00 - The business model of HOA.com and how it benefits communities
24:09 - How Brandon acquired HOA.com and turned it into a major platform
27:15 - The Certified HOA Specialist program for real estate agents
28:50 - The future of community-building and hyper-local engagement
30:33 - Final thoughts and how to get involved with HOA.com
Contact Information
For more information about HOA.com, visit: www.hoa.com
Check out Brandon Barnum’s book Raving Referrals: www.ravingreferrals.com
Connect with Brandon Barnum on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonbarnum/
For Eugene Gershman’s podcast and business insights, visit: giscompanies.co/podcast
Flipping houses is one thing, but shifting to real estate development is a whole different game. Frank Iglesias shares his journey from being an investor and flipper to becoming a builder and developer—sometimes by accident. He dives into the lessons learned from building 20 homes at once, navigating historic remodels, and dealing with the risks that come with both construction and development. Whether you’re a small-scale investor or looking to scale up, this episode is packed with insights on making the right choices, working with the right builders, and why having a coach can make all the difference.
Guest Bio
Frank Iglesias is a real estate investor, builder, and coach based in Atlanta. With a background in IT and music, he transitioned into full-time real estate investing, starting with flipping and eventually moving into new construction and land development. Over the years, he has worked on a range of projects, from modern homes to historic remodels. Today, Frank helps investors navigate the complexities of development, guiding them on risk management, contractor selection, and business fundamentals.
Episode Highlights and Chapters
[00:02:00] – Frank’s background: From music and IT to real estate investing
[00:02:55] – The unexpected transition from flipping to development
[00:04:23] – Running a construction company vs. being an investor
[00:06:34] – Development vs. construction: Different risks and rewards
[00:08:25] – Managing risk in real estate projects
[00:10:56] – Working with contractors and aligning incentives
[00:15:56] – Historic remodels vs. new construction: Lessons learned
[00:20:33] – Scaling up: Why 20 spec homes at once was a challenge
[00:22:43] – The difference between production builders, spec builders, and custom builders
[00:28:12] – How to find the right builder for your project
[00:31:07] – Why every real estate investor needs a coach
Contact Information
Connect with Frank Iglesias:
• Website: frankiglesias.com
• LinkedIn: Frank Iglesias
• Facebook: Frank Iglesias
• Instagram: @frank.iglesias
• Phone: 678-408-2228
For more episodes and insights, visit Real Estate Development: Land to Legacy Podcast Page
Navigating today’s real estate financing landscape is tougher than ever, with rising interest rates and tighter lending environments. Jake Clopton, founder of Clopton Capital, explains how to overcome these challenges by leveraging strategic capital sources, understanding the trade-offs between equity and debt, and effectively presenting loan packages to lenders. From creative uses of debt funds to risks in pre-development financing, Jake shares practical advice and insider tips to help developers and investors secure funding and manage risk in a volatile market.
Guest Bio
Jake Clopton is the founder and president of Clopton Capital, a leading commercial real estate financing firm specializing in debt origination, equity placement, and structured capital solutions. With over 16 years of experience, Jake has facilitated transactions across multifamily, retail, industrial, hospitality, self-storage, and other asset classes. Known for his expertise in creative financing strategies and his deep network of capital sources, Jake helps clients navigate complex financing challenges and achieve their investment goals.
Episode Highlights and Chapters
[00:01:00] Jake’s Background and Expertise
Jake shares how he founded Clopton Capital and the broad scope of his work, from fixed-rate loans to innovative financing solutions for specialty projects.
[00:03:00] Deciding Between Debt and Equity
A breakdown of how ownership structures influence the choice between equity and debt, with considerations for risk, cost, and recourse.
[00:05:25] What Are Debt Funds?
Jake explains how debt funds fill the gap left by banks, offering flexible, entrepreneurial lending options while carrying higher costs.
[00:07:47] Pre-Development Financing Risks
The pros and cons of leveraging debt for pre-development costs, and why timing and planning are critical to avoid costly delays.
[00:10:31] Securing Construction Loans
Jake reveals how the lending environment has shifted, requiring more equity and extensive outreach to secure competitive construction financing.
[00:13:00] Alternative Financing Tools: A Practical View
An honest look at the pros and limitations of PACE loans, including where they can add value and why they’re not always the best solution.
[00:15:08] Packaging a Deal for Success
Key advice for presenting loan requests: organization, transparency, and understanding the underwriter’s perspective.
[00:21:00] Market Momentum After the Election
Jake discusses the significant uptick in investor activity and deal flow, driven by renewed confidence in the market.
Contact Information
To connect with Jake Clopton, visit:
• Website: cloptoncapital.com
• LinkedIn: Jake Clopton on LinkedIn
For more episodes and resources, visit the host, Eugene Gershman, at giscompanies.co/podcast.
