Burning The Ships

We’ve officially hit the halfway point of the year, and in this episode, I’m doing something I’ve never skipped—pulling back the curtain and walking you through a transparent check-in on my 2025 goals.

From our $20M lending volume target at 608B Capital to my personal mission to bench press 315 pounds, I’m sharing what’s working, what isn’t, and what I’ve had to let go. I’m also talking about the importance of moving the goalpost, but not before celebrating when you hit the one you set. This isn’t just about achievement; it’s about alignment, accountability, and doing the internal work required to keep going.

If you’ve ever set a big goal, chased it hard, and found yourself wondering what comes next… this one’s for you.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

03:34 JJ’s Joke of the Week

05:05 Setting long-term and short-term goals

07:41 The 2025 Business Goal: $20M in lending volume

09:18 Breaking down your big goals into micro-goals

12:27 Raising more capital and surpassing the goal ahead of time

16:15 Setting a new goal and celebrating $20M

19:17 Podcast Goal: 200 episodes, no vanity metrics

22:29 Tracking personal habits with HabitBull

24:30 The thought process behind the habits I drop and keep

33:28 Weight goal adjustments for a new strength benchmark

39:04 Golf Score Progress: Lowering handicap to a 10

41:37 Family goals: Date nights, getaways, and quality time with family

44:55 Adjusting, sustaining, and celebrating your goals

Quotables

“If I tell somebody I’m going to do something, I obsess over hitting that goal.”

“Success doesn’t happen overnight. You grind for 2-3 years, and then things start to pop.”

“We were almost going to do what we thought was impossible and not even recognize it. That’s a mistake I won’t repeat.”

Links

608B Capital

https://608bcapital.com

HabitBull

https://www.habitbull.com/

In this episode of Burning the Ships, I sit down with my good friend and powerhouse communicator, Trevor B. West, the CEO of Hive Community Investments, Air Force veteran, speaker, and event MC. We dive into Trevor’s wild ride from military intelligence operator to 73-unit real estate investor, his transformation through faith, and his ability to dominate stages and living rooms alike with one unmatched skill: communication.

Trevor shares how a rugby injury and a Netflix binge turned into a financial awakening, how he got creative to build his real estate portfolio from zero, and why he leads every move with his faith.

We also unpack the real-world parallels between battlefield clarity and entrepreneurial decision-making. Buckle up—this one’s deep, inspiring, and wildly tactical.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

02:04 JJ’s Joke of the Week

02:48 Who is Trevor B. West?

04:40 Joining the Air Force and the pivot from Special Forces to Intelligence

08:26 Life as an Intel analyst and briefing experience 13:21 The turning point: The beginnings of burnout and a leg injury that changed his life

15:33 Reading Rich Dad Poor Dad and shifting mindset from consumption to creation

17:50 Re-discovering life after the military

19:40 Learning the importance of communication from the military

24:24 Clarity over complacency: Dialing in to achieve your goals

30:17 Drawing parallels between military discipline and real estate success

34:33 The value of being resourceful in real estate

36:56 Finding hard money lenders and raising private capital

38:44 Joining communities and surrounding yourself with high-level entrepreneurs

39:54 Surviving shiny object syndrome and realigning his vision

40:40 The spiritual foundation of his business

44:03 Start with education before taking action

46:47 Identifying your strengths and using them to find opportunities

52:19 The value of believing in delayed gratification

58:22 Building connections with people who understand your challenges

59:58 Clear, concise, confident: How Trevor developed stellar communication skills

01:02:50 How saying “yes” to everything brought Trevor to where he is today

01:08:44 Why Trevor introduces himself as a “31-year-old Christian”

01:12:05 What the future looks like for Trevor

Quotables

“If you were excellent at something before, you can transfer that same excellence to your next season—if you’re willing to do the reps.”

“I’m not the smartest in the room, but I know how to communicate a vision. That’s gotten me into rooms I had no business being in.”

“Without Jesus, nothing I build matters. These properties? They’re not mine. I’m just stewarding what God’s given me.”

Links

608B Capital

https://608bcapital.com

In this heartwarming and hilarious edition of Burning the Ships, I bring on my youngest guest ever—my son, JJ!

At just nine years old, he’s already got opinions, jokes, favorite planets, a killer memory for world flags, and some serious thoughts on life, family, and why sharks are cooler than orcas. What started as a casual father-son moment turned into a deeply meaningful conversation about curiosity, independence, and what it means to grow up boldly.

Whether you’re a parent, a leader, or just need a smile, this episode will remind you why life’s simplest moments are often the most powerful.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

02:00 JJ’s Joke of the Week

03:04 JJ on school, grades, and the subjects he loves

05:13 Why the Great White Shark is JJ’s favorite animal

06:35 Geography, flags, and countries

07:25 Flag Quiz Lightning Round

11:43 JJ on reading and his favorite books

12:48 Sports talk: Baseball, wrestling, swimming, and golf

14:39 Why JJ loves hunting

17:20 Lessons learned from buck hunting adventures with JJ

18:38 Family talk: love for his sister and mama

22:00 Pets, messes, and bulldog drama at home

23:04 Outer Banks Vacation Plans & Friendship Generations

24:40 Baseball excitement: kid pitching and the next season

26:30 JJ’s Life Advice: Listen to your parents (most of the time)

33:34 Talking about space, planets, and dwarf planets

Quotables

“I like science and geography… because I get to learn about animals and nature.”

“Pluto’s not a planet anymore because it doesn’t clear its neighborhood. That’s a real rule, Dad.”

“Sometimes I don’t follow my own advice, but other kids should listen to their parents.”

Links

608B Capital

https://608bcapital.com

In this high-energy, deeply personal episode of Burning the Ships, I sit down with real estate hustler and lifelong Smithfield native, Brandon Privette. From chasing deer in the woods to chasing deals in real estate, Brandon’s story is a masterclass in hustle, grit, and finding purpose. We talk about how his entrepreneurial journey mirrors his passion for hunting, how he battled through personal and financial hardship, and how he’s intentionally rebuilding his life around family, faith, and discipline.

Brandon opens up about how a single decision and a bank account with only $5 to his name catapulted him from a 9-to-5 grind into full-time entrepreneurship.

Whether you’re just starting out, rebuilding, or scaling up, this episode is packed with raw, actionable insight on mindset, marriage, money, and making bold moves.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:00 JJ’s Joke of the Week

02:41 Brandon’s Background: Hunting, Hustle & Real Estate Roots

06:20 “You Can’t Save Your Way to Wealth”: From the Air Force to Entrepreneurship

09:51 How the real estate business is just like hunting

11:43 The impact of earning that first commission check

13:45 The Side Hustle Struggle: Balancing job, family, and real estate

16:31 How the grind for your business can impact your family

19:33 Navigating family crisis and the power of becoming 1% better

24:59 The $165K leap of faith from 9-5 to real estate

29:57 Lessons learned from going full-time in real estate

30:37 Getting into wholesaling and doing 20+ deals a year

33:40 The five-year vision: From volume to values

36:29 Being intentional about how you spend your time

40:19 Overcoming FOMO and getting comfortable with what you’re missing

42:25 Letting your short-term wins lead long-term wins

46:47 Fitness, fatherhood, and the psychology of respect

48:34 Using social media as a positive mindset tool

53:26 Mindset, marriage, and reaction control

56:00 The American Dream: Brandon’s new chapter in life and business

Quotables

“You can’t save your way to wealth. You’ve got to hunt for it.”

“My 9 to 5 paid the bills. My 5 to 9 built the legacy.”

“You can’t control the wind, but you can adjust your sails.”

Links

608B Capital

https://608bcapital.com

In this special recap episode of Burning the Ships, I’m sharing my takeaways from the recent Legacy Family Summit in Napa Valley, CA—a real estate mastermind packed with insight, connection, and serious growth. I walk you through what went down over the course of the event and how the relationships, roundtable wisdom, and shared experiences have shaped my journey since joining the community three years ago.

From lessons in leadership and vision shared by powerhouse speaker Kelli Garrett, to practical breakthroughs on funding, scaling, and partnerships, this episode dives deep into how communities like Legacy Family can help you elevate your business and personal life.

Whether you’re building something new or fine-tuning your next big move, this one’s for anyone serious about surrounding themselves with the right people and taking bold, aligned action.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

02:20 JJ’s Joke of the Week

05:21 Why people matter more than the agenda in masterminds

08:30 How choosing to be in the room will change your mindset

10:11 Get Your House In Order: Estates, insurance policies, and more

12:06 Leading by creating culture and casting your vision

14:01 The NASA Janitor: Why every role matters in your mission

17:30 Being in business with your best friend vs. your spouse

21:10 The most ideal people to be partners with in business

24:45 The biggest benefits of joining masterminds

27:10 Takeaways from the first mastermind event on leaving corporate life

29:44 Resolving issues through other people’s experiences

32:13 Scaling, launching a fund, and navigating new challenges

34:19 The difference between extracting value and producing value in a group

38:10 Why finding the right community accelerates your success

40:11 The cost of success: Paying for the right seat at the right table

Quotables

“If everyone in your organization doesn’t know the vision, you haven’t cast it clearly enough.”

“There’s always someone in these rooms who’s been where you are or can get you to where you’re going.”

“Lean in. Contribute. And the compound effect will blow your mind in three years.”

Links

608B Capital

https://608bcapital.com

In this heartfelt and wisdom-packed episode of Burning the Ships, I finally sit down with someone I call my most-referenced guest of all time: Kelli Garrett — entrepreneur, private lender, mentor, and former college basketball legend. Kelli shares her remarkable journey from UPS corporate manager to real estate mogul, and how building a $400M lending business from scratch was never about just the money, it was about impact, culture, and becoming the best version of herself.

Through stories of grit, growth, loss, and leadership, Kelli unpacks the principles that fueled her success and the cultural cornerstones that keep her company thriving.

If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, coach, or someone grinding toward your next breakthrough, this episode is a masterclass in doing hard things with heart and humility.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:45 JJ’s Joke of the Week

03:11 The beginning of my relationship with Kelli

05:32 Who is Kelli Garrett?

08:09 Kelli’s focus in business: Rehab Wallet

09:37 Lessons from 12 Years at UPS

12:04 How corporate experience can shape you as an entrepreneur

14:16 Surviving loss and litigation

18:43 From farm girl to college basketball record-holder

20:40 How learning hard work early impacted Kelli’s life

24:53 Learning to love what you do to achieve success

27:08 Leading by example in life and business

28:95 The growth of Rehab Wallet: $440M Deployed in 5 Years

31:50 How leaders shape the culture of a company

36:56 The importance of alignment in core values

40:02 How celebrating your milestones can impact you and your team

45:39 The most common traits of people who succeed

51:20 Why understanding your goals and how to achieve them is key

53:44 What keeps Kelli going: achieving the best version of herself

59:10 The real value of paying for coaching

01:02:22 How investing in coaching can fast-track your success

Quotables

“Leaders create the culture, culture creates the behavior, and behavior creates the results.”

“I’m not a lender—I’m an entrepreneur that owns a lending company.”

“You can’t change the wind, but you can adjust your sails.”

Links

Everything is Figureoutable

https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Figureoutable-Marie-Forleo/dp/0525534997

Rehab Wallet

​​https://www.rehabwallet.com/

In this week’s solo episode of Burning the Ships, I’m unpacking one of the biggest mindset shifts in my leadership journey: learning to lead from strength. I break down how a single book—StrengthsFinder—radically reshaped how I manage teams, build company culture, and even how I operate day to day. This episode is for the entrepreneurs, coaches, and leaders who are tired of wasting energy on weaknesses, and are ready to double down on what they do best.

From my early management days in sales to growing 608B Capital today, I share how leaning into strengths transformed morale, productivity, and business outcomes.

If you’re building a team or building yourself, this is your sign to burn the ships on weakness-fixation and go all in on what fuels you.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:02 JJ’s Joke of the Week

02:20 My early days in sales and stepping into management

04:49 The mistake I made trying to “fix” people’s weaknesses

05:56 Discovering the StrengthsFinder book and its core philosophy

08:06 How focusing on weaknesses can impact an individual’s strengths

10:00 Reflecting on my weaknesses to better understand my team

12:51 A new model of leadership: energize vs. deplete

15:32 How everything changed for my team in 2015

16:45 Hiring based on energy and not just values

19:02 Partnering with Bill: A case study in complementary strengths

23:02 The creative “chaos” of ADHD as a superpower

26:24 Steph Curry, sports analogies, and playing to your strengths

Quotables

“I used to think I had to fix my team’s weaknesses. But the more I pushed them to spend energy on what drained them, the worse our results got.”

“What if instead of trying to fix what makes you miserable, you could build a life around what fills you up?”

“You don’t hire people and then hope they grow into the job. You hire people whose strengths match the role—and you let them thrive.”

Links

608B Capital

https://608bcapital.com

StrengthsFinder

https://www.amazon.com/StrengthsFinder-2-0-Tom-Rath/dp/159562015X

In this episode of Burning the Ships, I sit down with one of Virginia’s most connected and knowledgeable investor-lending pros—Lindy Pond. If you’re in the Richmond or Hampton Roads area and in real estate, chances are you’ve heard Lindy’s name. She’s more than just a lender—she’s a connector, a motivator, a mom, and a powerhouse of knowledge who gives economic updates that actually matter.

We talk about her start in lending, how she’s raised kids as a single mom while building a thriving business, and why being genuinely helpful and relentlessly communicative are her superpowers.

We also unpack current economic uncertainties, her favorite lending products for investors, and how to navigate the market without freezing in fear. Whether you’re new to real estate investing or scaling your portfolio, this episode will show you why Lindy is the real deal.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

04:50 Who is Lindy Pond?

06:52 JJ’s Joke of the Week

09:00 How Lindy got into lending: mortgage companies to investor lending

13:53 Why Lindy chose to work exclusively with real estate investors

16:29 The passion behind Lindy’s presentations

17:13 DSCR Loans: a game-changer for real estate investors

23:03 Time management and networking as a single mom

28:02 Challenges in being a single mom in business

30:31 Navigating life transitions: having college-age children, finding new hobbies

35:23 The power of genuine networking in real estate

42:42 What makes an investor succeed or fail?

45:44 Why communication is an important part of being an investor

51:11 Lindy’s economic outlook for the next 6-12 months

55:40 Taking advantage of the demand for real estate

57:35 How you can get in touch with Lindy

Quotables

“DSCR stands for Debt Service Coverage Ratio. It’s just how much rent is coming in versus how much mortgage payment is going out.”

“Your word is very important, especially in this community, because we all talk.”

“There’s so much noise right now. When people feel overwhelmed, they freeze. But knowledge is power.”

Links

Lindy Pond

https://lindyloans.com/

https://www.instagram.com/lindyloans/

https://www.facebook.com/LindyLoans

608B Capital

https://608bcapital.com

In this episode, I’m taking you all the way back to the beginning—before flips, rentals, and lending businesses, and when real estate wasn’t a career, it was a mission. I break down how a single-wide trailer, a piece of advice from my grandmother, and a relentless desire to own land in my hometown sparked a journey that would lead to building our dream home, stacking equity, and eventually going all in on real estate.

This isn’t a story of fast cash or flipping empires, it’s about rolling equity forward, staying consistent through chaos, and learning to leverage every move for long-term gain. If you’re just getting started or feel stuck, I hope this shows you that you don’t need a perfect plan, just a relentless one.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

03:00 JJ’s Joke of the Week

04:02 My earliest exposure to real estate through my grandmother

06:02 Growing my goal from just coming back home to building a future

07:30 Renting a trailer near the marina and my first owner-financed deal

10:31 Learning the power of equity and building my first house

13:19 Meeting Katie and convincing her to live in an unfinished house

16:56 How an unexpected inheritance sale led to my first major rehab

20:56 Flipping our new house before we even settled in

24:00 Using an FHA loan and creative financing to keep momentum

26:56 Moving back and building more equity

28:52 Finding our dream property through a handwritten letter strategy

32:13 A handshake deal tested by a higher offer and why character matters

36:08 Finally buying the land and designing our dream home

38:53 Why I walked away from real estate (briefly) after hitting my goal

41:08 How that experience planted the seed for a full-time investing career

43:00 The MVP of the story: my wife, Katie

Quotables

“I wasn’t trying to start a business. I was just trying to figure out how to buy a farm and build a house in my hometown.”

“Every house we moved into, we built equity. Every deal got us one step closer.”

“That piece of land was my number one target. And thanks to a handshake and a man of his word, we closed it—despite a double offer.”

Links

608B Capital

https://608bcapital.com

In this powerhouse episode of Burning the Ships, I sit down with my buddy Loren Wernette—husband, father of four, and founder of a rapidly growing hard money lending business in North Carolina.

Loren shares how a health scare sparked a radical transformation, not only in his wellness journey but also in his professional path from a W-2 ladder climber to full-time entrepreneur. We dive into his evolution from flipping homes and acquiring 66 rental units to launching a unique second-position lending product that’s flipping the script on hard money lending.

This is more than real estate, this is about building a life worth living.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

00:13 JJ’s Joke of the Week

01:06 Who is Loren Wernette?

06:15 Loren’s background: from crop consulting to sales to real estate

08:52 The COVID epiphany that changed Loren’s life

13:04 Going from 0 to 66 units during COVID

14:43 Strategies to scale: buying in C-D areas, seller financing, JV deals, and more

17:40 Balancing two full-time jobs without sacrificing family

24:20 The shift from the W-2 mindset to entrepreneurial fire

30:47 The journey to discovering hard money lending

36:39 Designing a second-position lending product that actually works

41:26 Case Study: Unlocking equity without the need to refinance

45:57 Raising capital vs. finding deals

51:33 The fuel behind the success: family first

55:37 Daily discipline and fitness: The 1000 day commitment

01:00:50 Where to find Loren on social media

Quotables

“There’s no point in building all this if I ruin the thing I’m building it for.”

“The moment I saw the power of structuring deals and raising capital, I realized lending was my game.”

“It’s not just about extreme success. It’s about sustainable success with your priorities intact.”

Links

Brick By Brick

https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/brick-by-brick-wealth-building-conversations/id1796460495

Loren Wernette

https://www.facebook.com/loren.wernette

https://www.instagram.com/investwithloren/

REI Double Close

https://www.reidoubleclose.com/Doubleclose

608B Capital

https://www.608bcapital.com