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What does it look like to step out of a successful brokerage career and build your own investment firm from scratch?
In this episode, we sit down with TJ Lefler, founder of Lefler Capital, to talk about entrepreneurship, capital allocation, and what it really takes to build something sustainable in Northwest Arkansas.

After years of experience in commercial real estate, TJ transitioned from being a dealmaker to becoming an owner and investor. Today, his firm focuses on strategic, long-term real estate investments and brings a measured, patient approach to growth.

Whether you're running a small business, expanding into real estate, or simply looking for clarity on what “smart growth” looks like, this conversation delivers tangible insights from someone who's in the trenches.

Summary

TJ shares why he chose to leave the brokerage world and take the risk of starting his own firm. He talks about the key inflection points in that transition, including what he underestimated, what he got right, and why ownership has changed how he thinks about long-term value.

Lefler Capital isn’t chasing volume. It’s focused on the right deals with the right partners. TJ explains his criteria for investing, how he structures deals, and why patience is often the hardest but most important strategy. For small business owners considering real estate as a path to scale, this segment offers tactical advice.

As a founder, TJ emphasizes keeping things simple, staying focused, and knowing your numbers. He shares how he approaches growth, manages investor expectations, and builds a team that operates with clarity and consistency. His playbook is refreshingly straightforward and widely applicable beyond real estate.

Highlights

00:00 T.J.s background

15:00 Making Deals in a "small town"

27:00 Bloom Building in Bentonville
35:00 Balancing 'Investor Return' and 'Community Impact'
54:00 What's next for Lefler Capital?

Key Takeaways

1. Know when to bet on yourself - Leaving a steady income isn’t easy, but timing, preparation, and conviction matter more than comfort.
2. Simple systems win - Don’t overcomplicate your growth strategy. Start with a clear plan, tight numbers, and steady execution.
3. Ownership changes everything - When you own the asset, whether it's real estate or your business, you think differently about risk, time, and long-term value.

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NWA Founders is a voice for Founders, Owners, and Builders driving growth in Northwest Arkansas, and is hosted by Cameron Clark and Nick Beyer.