What does it take to overcome childhood adversity, thrive in the Marines, and then build a career in real estate that creates opportunities for generations?

In this episode of The Profitable Cleaner, Michael Gabriel shares his powerful story — from foster care and adoption, to serving as a Marine, to becoming a real estate professional with a mission bigger than himself.

Michael opens up about the challenges that shaped him, the lessons from military discipline, and how faith and family guide his approach to business. He also shares how real estate can be more than transactions — it can be a vehicle for purpose, legacy, and generational wealth.

👉 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• ✅ How adversity can fuel discipline and resilience in leadership
• ✅ Why faith and family are central to building a meaningful career
• ✅ The truth about creating generational wealth through real estate
• ✅ How to reframe challenges into opportunities for growth
• ✅ Why purpose-driven business outlasts profit-only models

Whether you’re in cleaning, facilities, or real estate, this conversation will inspire you to lead with clarity, courage, and conviction.

🎧 Listen now and discover how faith, family, and real estate can shape a lasting legacy.

⏱️ Timestamps

• 00:00 – Growing up in foster care & adoption journey
• 06:00 – Lessons from the Marine Corps
• 15:00 – Becoming a stepdad before becoming a dad
• 24:00 – Faith, prayer & starting a family
• 33:00 – How adoption shaped Michael’s view on fatherhood
• 45:00 – Real estate as a path to generational wealth
• 57:00 – The importance of gratitude & growth mindset
• 1:07:00 – Work, marriage & balancing family life
• 1:18:00 – Trailhead Community: real estate with purpose
• 1:30:00 – Faith, obedience & building a strong marriage
• 1:47:00 – Final reflections: faith, family & legacy

🎟New Event Coming Soon

Our next live event is in February 2026 in Dallas, TX.  

The Profitable Cleaner Summit isn’t your typical industry event. While others only talk operations and contracts, we go deeper. We combine industry-specific strategies with personal transformation - because lasting business success starts with YOU.

‍This is your breakthrough moment: to elevate your mindset, prioritize your health, strengthen your family, and unlock the strategies that will transform both your life and your business.

Don't miss it ➡ Register NOW and get Early Bird pricing: https://www.profitablecleaner.com/extra-components/profitable-cleaner-summit-2026-event 

💼 Our Trusted Partners:

• ✅ uSource: All-in-one hub for the facility maintenance industry – Start Free Trial
• ✅ Team Engine: Hire, communicate, and manage your workforce – Learn More
• ✅ Swept: Janitorial software that scales with you – Check It Out

🙌🏼 Join Our Community:

• 📈 Join to be a member to our Private Business Growth Community: https://app.networked.co/c/the-profitable-cleaner/feed 

📲 Follow Us:

• 📸 Instagram →

Text Our Community JOIN today

Support the show