Burning The Ships

In this Burning the Ships Weekly Ramble, we explore the key difference between perception and perspective—and how mastering both improves communication, sales, negotiation, and leadership. While perception is how you see the world, perspective allows you to understand others’ viewpoints.

I share how this mindset shift has shaped my success in sales, leadership, and relationships, with real-life examples of how seeing through others’ eyes builds trust, creates win-win outcomes, and strengthens communication. Whether in business or personal life, this episode challenges you to think differently, ask better questions, and truly listen for more impactful conversations and results.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

02:02 JJ’s Joke of the Week

02:51 Why perception vs. perspective is crucial in sales & leadership

05:30 How shifting from perception to perspective creates more value

07:01 The three biggest factors in closing a sale: Know, Like, and Trust

11:08 The impact of perspective in personal relationships

13:45 How asking the right questions builds deeper relationships & increases sales success

17:42 Leadership lesson: Why great managers listen before they lead

21:04 How this mindset shift can improve daily communication in any situation

Quotables

“Most people operate from their own perception, but true success comes from mastering perspective—seeing things through someone else’s eyes.”

“If you go into any negotiation thinking only about what you want, you’ve already lost.”

“In any conflict, the fastest way to resolution is to stop reacting and start asking questions.”

Links

608B Capital

https://608bcapital.com/

In this episode of Burning the Ships, Jennifer Steward shares how she became a powerhouse in off-market real estate acquisitions, building an agency of 180 virtual assistants who pull and skip trace over 2 million records per month. As a commercial real estate broker with eXp Commercial and a certified expert through the National Commercial Real Estate Association, Jennifer brings unmatched insights into finding and funding deals.

We explore Jennifer’s journey from poverty to building a real estate empire, the mindset shifts behind her success, and how she thrived in a male-dominated industry. She shares her strategies for sourcing off-market deals, building effective teams, and strategic networking. Whether you’re new to investing or scaling your portfolio, this episode is full of actionable insights and inspiration.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:36 Who is Jennifer Steward?

07:12 Reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad at the age of 15

15:34 Navigating the recession the traditional way

18:07 The importance of equity position in achieving financial freedom

22:24 How teaching your kids life lessons can set them up for success

31:10 Putting her family first before entrepreneurship

32:42 Breaking into real estate through cold calling

37:04 How networking can give you opportunities to scale and succeed

45:42 Building a global team of 180 virtual assistants

50:09 The benefits of managing team members individually

54:10 How exposing your children to your business early impacts them

01:00:30 Leading life with the intention to provide passive opportunities

01:03:04 Balancing personal life, business, and health

01:12:25 Overcoming adversity in raising a family and achieving success

01:14:55 The reality behind achieving success as an entrepreneur

01:19:31 Jennifer’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

Quotables

“I knew from a young age that I wanted out—I was willing to do whatever it took to change my future.”

“You have to give yourself the grace to be terrified and terrible.”

“My strength is understanding people’s motivations. It’s about listening, not selling.”

Links

Jennifer Steward

[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/elitedealfinder

In this episode of Burning the Ships, I share my early entrepreneurial adventure as a commercial fisherman, running 200 crab pots on the James River. This experience taught me hard work, strategic thinking, and resilience, shaping my approach to business and life. I reflect on failing to scale the venture and how that setback set the stage for future success.

This isn’t just a story about crabbing—it’s about taking risks, embracing failure, and turning ideas into action. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or just curious about the grind, this episode will inspire you to keep pushing forward, no matter the odds.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:55 JJ’s Joke of the Week

02:35 What it takes to have successful ideas

03:38 How a waterman’s license works

05:49 Running a crab pot license as a teenager

07:57 Developing the idea to turn crabbing into a business

10:54 How the end of crabbing season shut the business idea down

12:04 Lessons learned from small business ideas

Quotables

“Scaling a business isn’t about titles or roles—it’s about doing whatever it takes to get the job done.”

“If you’re afraid to fail, you’ll never take the bold steps needed to succeed.”

“Ideas are worthless without action. The key is to execute, learn, and adjust along the way.”

Links

608B Capital

https://608bcapital.com/

In this episode of Burning the Ships, I sit down with Michael Hunsucker, co-founder and host of Heartland Bowhunter, the award-winning outdoor television show that redefined hunting content. Michael shares how he turned his passion for the outdoors into a thriving business, revolutionizing storytelling and production quality in the hunting industry.

We dive into the early struggles of building a brand, how Michael and his team bootstrapped their way to success, and the business lessons that apply far beyond the hunting world. From navigating sponsorship deals with integrity to balancing entrepreneurship with family life, this conversation is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to turn their passion into a business.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

02:03 Who is Michael Hunsucker?

06:35 The story behind Heartland Bowhunter

13:47 How Heartland Bowhunter started – focusing on storytelling and high quality content

16:49 Creating enough content before pitching to a network

17:50 A unique approach to promotions and sponsorships

20:21 Choosing the right partnerships

24:12 Lessons from running a business based on passion, not just profit

28:53 What was Plan B if the show did not succeed?

30:40 Raising kids in the outdoors and how they shifted Michael’s focus

38:20 Balancing entrepreneurship with family life and personal fulfillment

45:14 The evolution of outdoor media – from channels on TV to Youtube

50:40 The future of Heartland Bowhunter

Quotables

“We didn’t just want to make hunting content—we wanted to tell stories that even non-hunters could appreciate.”

“Authenticity matters. We turned down deals that didn’t align with our values, even when the money was tempting.”

“We had no plan B—failure wasn’t an option. We just kept pushing forward.”

Links

Michael Hunsucker

https://www.instagram.com/michaelhunsucker/

Heartland Bowhunter

https://www.instagram.com/heartlandbowhunter/

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=heartland%20bowhunter

608B Capital

https://608bcapital.com/

Most people chase success the wrong way—focusing on what they can get instead of what they can give. But the reality? The most successful people lead with value. In this episode, we break down why shifting your mindset from self-interest to service is the key to building wealth, relationships, and long-term success.

I’ll share personal stories of how providing massive value without expecting anything in return led to game-changing opportunities in business and life.

If you’re serious about building something meaningful, this episode will challenge you to stop keeping score and start leading with value. Because when you give without limits, the returns take care of themselves.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:25 What it means to lead with value

03:37 The benefits of leading life with value

05:01 Why you need to genuinely provide value

07:38 Developing the instinct to always be providing value

08:20 The pros and cons of leading a value-driven approach

10:13 Return on investment of time when providing value

13:51 Monetizing the value you’re providing

15:33 How focusing on providing value can generate great returns

19:34 Choosing to be a producer vs a consumer of value

21:56 The impact of focusing on providing value

23:51 Finding ways to provide value to people around you

Quotables

“It has to be genuine. You can’t lead your life providing value constantly, doing so with the selfish mentality of ‘oh, I’m gonna get in return from providing this value’.”

“It’s more valuable to me to see somebody that gets success, they achieve success, through effort that I helped them with.”

“You provide enough value, you put enough good, positive stuff out into the world, you contribute enough, you are a producer of value and not just a consumer — the world will reward you for that.”

Links

608B Capital

https://608bcapital.com/

In this episode of Burning the Ships, I sit down with Yeadon Smith, a real estate investor, entrepreneur, and mentor who’s built an impressive portfolio while staying deeply committed to family, faith, and personal growth. From transitioning out of ministry to scaling a $60 million real estate investment firm, Yeadon’s journey is a testament to the power of bold decisions, strong relationships, and relentless action.

We explore how Yeadon burned the ships to go all-in on real estate, the mentors who shaped his success, and the power of community and accountability. He also shares how his My First Million in Multifamily program has helped students close over $300 million in deals. If you’re ready to build wealth, invest, or take your next big leap, this episode is packed with wisdom and action steps.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:31 Who is Yeadon Smith?

06:24 How Yeadon got into real estate investing

10:40 The risks and mindset shifts needed to succeed in real estate

14:18 How my first multifamily deal changed everything

19:03 Realizing the power of investing in multifamily real estate

22:45 The step-by-step guide to scaling to $60 million in assets

26:10 The power of community and accountability in achieving success

29:21 Why action is more important than inspiration and motivation

35:02 The 3 things you need to make changes permanently

39:19 How accountability will shift your perspective in life

41:01 The impact of daily journaling and accountability to your progress

50:21 The importance of being present with family

01:02:06 Resources for new investors

Quotables

“Information in isolation ends in frustration. You need community to succeed.”

“Success isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter, building relationships, and taking calculated risks.”

“Journaling is a gift to your future self. It helps you see how far you’ve come and where you need to go.”

Links

https://yeadonsmith.medium.com/

https://whova.com/web/9o5rihBow5AvJw8v-j4JE56RUro1qWyzImkDvRnk-c8%3D/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIGFk1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHcXOCk-LFavXVuauHozP0q_b9qhCB4SGHz3-8MJ7zH_Ph3iXWEOMXVOnaw_aem_dk38Ev40n2flGPc5nFAZEQ

https://www.facebook.com/yeadon https://www.instagram.com/yeadons/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/3624929014238193

My First Million in Multifamily

https://www.facebook.com/MyFirstMillionInMF/

https://www.myfirstmillioninmultifamily.com/

The Dad Edge

https://thedadedge.com/

In this episode of Burning the Ships, I dive into the role of social media in business, branding, and personal influence. When I left my corporate career, I initially thought I’d disappear from social media entirely. But I quickly realized that cutting ties with the most powerful networking and marketing tool would be a huge mistake.

I share how embracing social media transformed my business, expanded my network, and led to unexpected investments. From leveraging professionals to staying consistent, this episode offers key insights for entrepreneurs and investors—including how one viral video attracted a new investor.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:28 Why I wanted to quit social media

03:38 Using social media for networking

05:01 Social media as a marketing tool for your business

06:11 Making the decision to go all-in on social media

07:32 The importance of consistency on social media

09:26 How hiring experts in social media can help build consistency

12:38 Influencer vs. Entrepreneur

14:40 The unexpected benefits of being on social media

19:44 Building an authentic online presence that attracts the right people

21:46 The impact of social media beyond business

24:33 Why you should lean into social media and use it intentionally

Quotables

“I thought I could build a business in silence—until I realized social media is the most powerful networking tool available.”

“Consistency is key. If you disappear for weeks, people forget you exist. Stay visible, stay relevant.”

“One viral video led to a conversation, which led to an investor. That’s the power of staying active online.”

Links

608B Capital

https://608bcapital.com/

In this powerful episode of Burning the Ships, I sit down with Tim Vitale, a real estate investor who’s mastered the art of consistency, value creation, and taking bold risks.Tim’s story isn’t just about real estate—it’s about burning the ships to pursue something greater. From leaving his corporate job to building a 2,000-unit portfolio, his journey is filled with lessons on perseverance, mindset, and betting on yourself.

We explore how Rich Dad, Poor Dad sparked Tim’s entrepreneurial fire, the moment he almost quit, and how providing value unlocked life-changing opportunities. If you’ve felt stuck or afraid to take the leap, Tim’s story will inspire you to move forward without looking back.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

04:36 Who is Tim Vitale?

08:05 The epiphany from Rich Dad, Poor Dad

11:52 Tim’s first real estate deal

16:05 Why Tim decided to switch to commercial real estate

20:28 Burning the ships: Quitting his job without a safety net—and how it paid off

26:34 The moment that made Tim’s decision to quit his job

29:51 Overcoming the urge to quit before having a breakthrough

34:02 Networking and joining a mastermind group

35:11 The power of providing value

39:58 The strategy to build a 2,000-unit portfolio in just a few years

47:10 Finding balance between business and fatherhood

54:16 The importance of being intentional with your time

59:55 Get in touch with Tim on social media

Quotables

“You work January to May just to pay your taxes. That was my breaking point.”

“If you’re persistent enough, opportunity eventually gets tired of saying no.”

“The best hours of your day are either building someone else’s dream—or your own.”

Links

Makin’ Moves in Multifamily

https://www.facebook.com/groups/makinmovesrealestatecommunity/

Tim Vitale

https://www.instagram.com/timvitaleofficial/

In this heartfelt episode of Burning the Ships, I dive into a question that’s been on my mind: Will my kids be proud of me when they’re adults? Inspired by a thought-provoking quote, I explore the idea that while young children naturally respect us because we’re their parents, true, lasting respect must be earned through our actions, integrity, and how we live our lives.

I reflect on what it means to be a role model—not just by providing, but through choices in health, relationships, and character. This episode challenges you to consider the legacy you’re building through actions your children will remember.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:23 Will your kids be proud of you?

03:55 Why honesty matters more than childhood myths

07:07 The impact of your health on your family

11:02 What neglecting your health will do to your future

15:16 Living in moderation to set an example

17:30 Why you need to lead your family by example

19:03 The lessons kids absorb from watching their parents

24:06 How do you show up for your kids?

Quotables

“Your kids love you because you’re their parent. But will they be proud of you when they’re adults?”

“Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give your family.”

“Your kids have a front-row seat to your life. What are you teaching them without saying a word?”

Links

Jason Seward

https://www.instagram.com/seward_jason/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-seward-06718411/

In this episode of Burning the Ships, I sit down with Erin Bradley—bestselling author, speaker, and host of the Pursuing Freedom podcast. Erin’s journey from financial struggles to building a life by design is nothing short of inspiring. She opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, overcoming burnout, and the pivotal moments that led her to walk away from a thriving mortgage business to pursue her true passion—coaching others toward freedom and flexibility.

We dive into the mindset shifts, business strategies, and intentional decisions that allowed Erin to create a business that supports her life, rather than the other way around. If you’ve ever felt trapped in a career that no longer serves you or struggled with the fear of making a big leap, this episode is for you.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Introduction

[2:22] - Erin’s unexpected path from selling beers on the streets of Barcelona to real estate success

[7:10] - The pivotal moment when Erin realized she was completely broke and had to change everything

[10:45] - How The Go-Giver book transformed her mindset and led to explosive business growth

[15:50] - The fear of leaving a successful career—and how she finally took the leap

[27:30] - The importance of being fully present in life and work

[36:15] - Why traditional hustle culture is broken—and what to do instead

[44:40] - Erin’s Pursuing Freedom community and how she helps entrepreneurs build a life they love

Key Takeaways:

1. Fear is often the biggest obstacle – Erin shares how fear of letting people down kept her stuck and how pushing past it led to true freedom.

2. Success without systems leads to burnout – She explains how building the right processes allowed her to scale her business while maintaining balance.

3. Traditional hustle culture is flawed – Constant availability and overworking are not sustainable; Erin advocates for working smarter, not harder.

4. Being present is a choice – She talks about how restructuring her priorities helped her create a business that aligned with her personal values.

5. Freedom is possible with intentional action – Erin’s journey proves that designing a life around what truly matters is achievable with the right mindset and strategy.

Links & Resources:

• Connect with Erin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pursuingfreedomofficial/

• Learn more about the Pursuing Freedom Collective: https://www.pursuingfreedom.com/

If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a friend who needs to hear it. Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast—it helps more people find the show. And if you’re ready to take action toward your own version of freedom, reach out to Erin or send me a message—I’d love to hear from you.