This is the most important message I've ever recorded.

In this final episode of Diehard Entrepreneur Stories, I share a decision I've been wrestling with and the powerful lesson behind it: Exponential growth is only possible through ruthless focus and deliberate elimination.

This isn't about quitting—it’s about pruning. Just like in business, when you cut back, you create the space for deeper roots and stronger growth.

I walk you through my personal journey, explaining why I'm winding down this beloved podcast to concentrate fully on scaling my businesses, Forward Factor and Made in America. This choice wasn't easy, but it's a necessary step in practicing what I preach.

If this show has meant anything to you, let it remind you: Diehard Entrepreneurs aren't the ones who do everything. They're the ones who stay relentless about what matters most.

Listen now for the challenge that will help you identify the one thing you need to prune to unlock your next level of growth.

I’m on a MISSION to help entrepreneurs build strong, successful businesses. Get on board at: 🤝

https://www.devinramos.com

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – The Most Important Episode I’ve Recorded

00:12 – Exponential Growth Comes from Focus and Elimination

01:04 – The Mission of Diehard Entrepreneur Stories

01:46 – Why My Focus Became Diluted

02:11 – Focus Comes From Within

02:31 – The Tough Choice: Winding Down the Podcast

02:43 – This Isn't Quitting: It's Pruning

02:54 – Where My Content and Impact are Moving Next

03:17 – The Simple Challenge to Unlock Your Growth

03:40 – Recap: Relentless on What Matters Most

03:59 – Thank You for This Chapter

🎬Watch this on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/bPPhJ-GTKB8

⚡ Let's stay in touch:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/devinramos/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/devinjramos035/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-ramos-602a811ab

🎬 Produced by:

https://daretopodcast.com/

#FocusAndClarity #PruningForGrowth #Entrepreneurship #BusinessFocus #RuthlessElimination #ExponentialGrowth #BusinessStrategy #MakingToughDecisions #FinalEpisode #DiehardEntrepreneurStories #ScaleUp #ProductivityHacks #BusinessPodcast #DevinRamos #EntrepreneurStories #Motivation #MindsetMatters #Leadership #BusinessTips #forwardfactor

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to build a thriving 7-figure real estate business and successfully pivot into hard money lending?

In this episode of Diehard Entrepreneur Stories, Devin Ramos talks with Mike Simmons, who grew a successful house flipping and wholesaling business over a decade before co-founding Express Hard Money. Mike shares his journey from corporate jobs to real estate entrepreneurship, the challenges of building scalable systems, and winning a 7-figure flipping contest in 10 months.

We discuss the shift from hands-on flipping to wholesaling for faster growth, managing sales teams, and navigating the ups and downs of marketing strategies—including overcoming the COVID-19 direct mail collapse.

Mike also dives deep into starting his lending company, how real estate experience shapes his approach, and the nuances of raising capital from family offices versus high net worth individuals. He reveals the importance of smooth customer experience over low interest rates, and lessons learned about fund administration and institutional investor expectations.

Entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and leaders will gain insights on resilience, scaling businesses, and pivoting to new growth opportunities.

Connect with Mike Simmons:

Website: mikesimmons.com

Express Hard Money: expresshardmoney.com

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

06:00 From UPS and corporate to real estate entrepreneurship

14:00 Early flipping struggles and pivot to wholesaling

25:20 Losing contractor and realtor, discovering wholesaling potential

30:00 Marketing scale-up and hiring sales team

32:50 Joining Seven Figure Flipping and rapid growth to $1M

36:00 Challenges managing sales team and business systems

38:30 COVID-19 impact on direct mail marketing and recovery with PPC

42:00 Maintaining $1M revenue as a lifestyle business, scaling again in 2023-24

44:00 Managing partner dynamics and eventual amicable buyout

56:30 Launching Express Hard Money lending company

58:30 Lending niche insights: real estate experience benefits

1:01:00 Raising capital from family offices vs. high net worth individuals

1:14:30 Building proper fund administration and data room setup

1:18:00 Importance of professionalism and patience with institutional investors

1:22:00 Closing thoughts and where to find Mike Simmons online

🎬Watch this on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/I-2RIR5WRQ4

⚡ Let's stay in touch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devinramos/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devinjramos035/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-ramos-602a811ab

🎬 Produced by: https://daretopodcast.com/

#RealEstate #HardMoneyLending #Entrepreneurship #RealEstateInvesting #HouseFlipping #Wholesaling #BusinessGrowth #InvestorTips #PassiveIncome #StartupLife #SmallBusiness #Leadership #DevInRamos #ForwardFactor #DiehardEntrepreneur

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feeling like your marketing costs are rising but sales are dropping in 2025?

In this video, I share real stories from my real estate and cleaning businesses about how we handle higher marketing expenses, fewer quality leads, and lower sales conversions.

Learn simple ways to save money on marketing like using cheaper direct mail options, improving online ads, and focusing only on what works best.

I also explain how to find better customers faster and why cutting your marketing budget can actually hurt your business.

If you want easy-to-follow marketing tips to grow your small business, get more leads, and improve profits, this video is for you.

Subscribe and join me on the journey to smarter marketing and business success!

Website: 🤝

https://www.devinramos.com

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction

00:45 - Host Introduction and Topic Setup

01:09 - Overview of Business Models (Real Estate & Cleaning)

02:12 - Marketing Cost Increase and Impact

03:54 - Lead Quality and Conversion Decline Effects

06:41 - Strategies to Reduce Marketing Costs

10:03 - Exploring Alternative Direct Mail Methods

11:56 - Agency Outsourcing and SEO Efforts for Cost Efficiency

13:28 - Focusing on Effective Marketing Channels and Cutting Ineffective Ones

16:40 - Addressing Lower Conversion Rates and Lead Screening Improvements

20:03 - Targeting the Right Audience and Refining Messaging

🎬Watch this on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/ponpFA6UPUQ

⚡ Let's stay in touch:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/devinramos/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/devinjramos035/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-ramos-602a811ab

🎬Produced by:

https://daretopodcast.com/

#marketingtips #smallbusinessmarketing #digitalmarketing #directmailmarketing #realestatemarketing #cleaningbusiness #leadgeneration #marketingstrategy #smallbusinessgrowth #businesssuccess #marketingcosts #businessowner #entrepreneurtips #marketingroi #onlineadvertising #ppl #seo #salesconversion #businessgrowth #marketinghelp #leadquality #marketingbudget #marketingideas #marketinghacks #businesstips #marketing2025 #entrepreneurship #marketingchallenges #smallbusinessowner #localbusiness #devinramos #forwardfactor

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What can a refugee teach you about resiliency?

In this episode of Diehard Entrepreneur Stories, I sit down with Navid Attayan, a professional real estate investor and founder of multiple businesses. Navid's incredible journey from being a refugee from Iran to a US Army Special Operations veteran and now a successful entrepreneur is a masterclass in resilience and purpose-driven living.

Navid shares the powerful story of his family's escape from Iran to the United States, enduring hardship, persecution, and the uncertainty of life as a refugee. We discuss the mindset shifts required to navigate these challenges, the importance of faith and a strong purpose, and how these experiences laid the foundation for his success in business and life.

We dig into his decision to join the US Army Special Operations, driven by a deep sense of gratitude and a calling to serve the country that offered his family a new life. Navid explains the role of Civil Affairs and how his military experience honed his discipline, leadership, and problem-solving skills, which he now applies to his real estate ventures.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to build a resilient mindset, embrace calculated risks, and find the purpose that fuels true success.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:03 The journey of Navid Attayan

02:30 Growing up in Iran and facing religious persecution

04:40 The courageous decision to leave Iran

07:20 Taking big risks as an entrepreneur

08:25 Arriving in America as a refugee

11:25 The immigrant experience and assimilation

12:54 Why Navid joined the US Army

15:53 The cycling journey that built mental and physical rigor

18:13 Finding a purpose in Civil Affairs

19:24 What Civil Affairs is and why it matters

21:30 The mindset of Special Operations soldiers

23:44 Transitioning from military to entrepreneurship

🎬Watch this on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/PZMWEyni1ss

⚡Let's stay in touch:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/devinramos/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/devinjramos035/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-ramos-602a811ab

Produced by:

https://daretopodcast.com/

#NavidAttayan #DiehardEntrepreneur #ResilientEntrepreneur #RealEstateInvestor #MilitaryVeteran #SpecialOperations #CivilAffairs #EntrepreneurMindset #PurposeDrivenLife #LeadershipLessons #RefugeeStory #BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #RiskTaking #Motivation #Inspiration #EntrepreneurLife #VeteranOwnedBusiness #PodcastLife #SmallBusiness

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🤔What can real estate investing teach us about adaptability, strategic thinking, and the power of putting capital to work for long-term wealth?

⚡️In this episode of Die Hard Entrepreneur Stories, I sit down with Cory Lawson, a seasoned sales and marketing professional who made a bold move during COVID to launch a wholesaling business in Tampa, Florida. Cory shares the journey from his first "wildly easy" deal to the systemic challenges that forced him to build a true business.

We dig into his career pivot from wholesaling to private money lending, a shift prompted by a family move and a strategic decision to leverage a self-directed IRA. Cory's story is a masterclass in adapting to life's changes while continuing to pursue entrepreneurial success.

If you're an entrepreneur, investor, or simply someone looking to put your capital to work, Cory's journey is an incredible lesson in resilience, strategic thinking, and building long-term wealth.

Connect with Cory Lawson:

Email: [email protected]

Website: expresshardmoney.com

00:38 Introduction: A Journey into Private Money Lending

02:24 The Study Period: Why Cory Waited to Start

04:53 The First Step: Betting on Himself in 2021

05:39 Corey's Wholesaling Strategy and First Deal

07:01 The Reality Check: First Deal Success vs. Long-Term Business Building

09:04 Marketing and Building a Team in Year One

13:55 Wholesaling vs. Flipping: Finding Your Strength

19:12 The Strategic Pivot: Why Cory Left Wholesaling in Tampa

22:53 A New Opportunity: Transitioning to Private Money Lending with a Self-Directed IRA

23:28 Understanding Self-Directed IRAs

26:44 Funding a Deal: Combining Different Money Sources

28:11 The Power of Partnership: Co-Funding Deals with Other Investors

🎬Watch this on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/HOHFmrbaew8

⚡ Let's stay in touch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devinramos/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devinjramos035/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-ramos-602a811ab

🎬 Produced by: https://daretopodcast.com/

#DieHardEntrepreneurStories #Entrepreneurship #RealEstateInvesting #PrivateMoneyLending #devinramos #forwardfactor #RealEstateEducation #Wholesaling #SelfDirectedIRA #FinancialLiteracy #StrategicThinking #BusinessPivot #LongTermWealth #MoneyManagement

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to turn hard times into new chances and build a business that supports your life’s true goals?

In this inspiring episode of DieHard Entrepreneur Stories, Jeremy Resmer tells his amazing story—from working in the remote Kenyan countryside facing many challenges, to going through business failure during the 2008 financial crash, to learning how to succeed in real estate lead generation and changing his life on his own terms.

Jeremy shows how facing the unknown, working hard, and staying focused helped him come back stronger each time. He explains why many business owners don’t match their work with what they really want in life and shares the big mindset change that changed everything for him.

If you want to beat fear, build real success, and create a business that fits your biggest dreams, Jeremy’s story is a guide for never giving up, working with purpose, and growing in new ways.

I’m on a MISSION to help entrepreneurs build strong, successful businesses.

Connect with Jeremy:

Facebook: facebook.com/jeremyresmer

Lead Gen & TV Services: retvleads.com

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

00:53 -  Jeremy’s Early Life and College Journey

07:40 -  Life-Changing Experience Volunteering in Kenya

13:40 -  First Business Venture & Facing Failure

29:00 -  Family, Adoption & Transition to Real Estate

40:00 -  Entering Real Estate & Wholesaling Beginnings

50:00 - Lessons from Failure and Building a Focused Business

1:01:00 - Mastering Lead Generation and Marketing Strategies

1:08:30 - Current Business Strategy & Future Outlook

🎬Watch this on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/iSUUzekKgeo

⚡ Let's stay in touch:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/devinramos/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/devinjramos035/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-ramos-602a811ab

🎬 Produced by:

https://daretopodcast.com/

#DiehardEntrepreneur #JeremyResmer #ResilientEntrepreneur #RealEstateLeadGen #PurposeDrivenBusiness #BusinessMindset #EntrepreneurshipJourney #HustleWithPurpose #BreakthroughGrowth #LifeAndBusinessBalance #DevinRamos#Forwardfactor

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ready to break free from the 9-to-5 grind and discover the true meaning of freedom in entrepreneurship?

In this episode of Diehard Entrepreneur Stories, I dive deep into the emotional journey of seeking freedom while running a business. I share the hard truths about bondage behind the dream, why discipline is the real key to freedom, and the proven formula of purpose, people, and process that helped me reclaim control over my time and life.

Whether you’re transitioning from a W-2 job or feeling trapped in the day-to-day grind of your business, this episode offers practical insights and hope to build systems, delegate effectively, and create lasting freedom.

I’m on a MISSION to help entrepreneurs find empowered freedom in their business journey.

Get on board at: 🤝

https://www.devinramos.com

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction

00:44 – Breaking Free: Escape the 9-to-5 Trap

02:18 – Freedom’s Hidden Struggle: Are You Still in Bondage?

04:14 – Discipline = True Freedom: Master Your Feelings

06:00 – Freedom Formula Revealed: Purpose, People & Process

07:20 – Daring to Leap: From Employee to Entrepreneur

09:00 – How to Stop Being a Slave to Your Business

10:50 – Burned Out? Here’s Hope to Find Your Freedom

🎬Watch this on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/z2V_QGf8YQg

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/devinramos/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/devinjramos035/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-ramos-602a811ab

🎬Produced by:

https://daretopodcast.com/

#Entrepreneurship #BusinessFreedom #Escape9to5 #EntrepreneurMindset #DisciplineInBusiness #FreedomFormula #PurposePeopleProcess #SmallBusinessTips #Delegation #BurnoutRecovery #EntrepreneurLife #BusinessGrowth #TimeManagement #Leadership #WorkLifeBalance #EntrepreneurMotivation #BuildYourBusiness #BusinessSystems #Startups #SideHustle #FreedomInBusiness #EntrepreneursJourney #BusinessStrategy #WorkSmart #SelfDiscipline #BusinessOwner #ScalingBusiness #MindsetShift #ProductivityTips #BusinessTips #SuccessMindset #BusinessAdvice #CEO #MotivationForEntrepreneurs #EntrepreneurCoach #EntrepreneurSuccess #SmallBusinessOwner #HustleSmart #BusinessLeadership #FreedomSeekers #BusinessMindset #EntrepreneurshipJourney#forwardfactor#devinramos

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What can a former Special Forces Green Beret teach us about mastering money, entrepreneurship, and building a next-level finance business?

In this episode of Diehard Entrepreneur Stories, I sit down with Mike Glaspie, former Green Beret-turned-CFO and founder of G2 Business Solutions, to dive into his inspiring journey from military life to real estate hustling and launching a thriving accounting firm.

Mike shares how growing up poor shaped his relentless focus on ROI, the mindset shifts that helped him transition from active duty to entrepreneur, and why clear communication and quality bookkeeping can make or break a business.

We explore his experience acquiring another accounting firm, the challenges of growing a team, and how AI is changing the finance world—plus, the vision that’s driving G2 to become the go-to real estate accounting firm in the US.

If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or finance enthusiast, Mike’s story is packed with practical insights, resilience, and smart hustle.

I’m on a MISSION to help entrepreneurs build strong, successful businesses.

Connect with Mike Glaspie

G2BusinessSolutions.com

TIMESTAMPS:

00:50 - Introduction

04:17 - How Mike Went from Military Life to Real Estate Hustle

06:51 - Ditching the Military Paycheck: Mike’s Bold Leap to Entrepreneurship

09:30 - Growing Up Poor Shaped Mike’s Money Mindset for Success

12:02 - Why Mike Fell in Love with Finance and Built G2 Solutions

13:33 - From CFO to Full-Service Finance Hub: How G2 Evolved

18:40 - The Secret Sauce: Clear Communication & Kickass Bookkeeping

29:19 - The People Puzzle: Growing a Team That Delivers

34:06 - How AI is Changing the Game in Accounting & Bookkeeping

40:41 - Behind the Scenes: Who’s Who at G2 Business Solutions

45:06 - The Big Move: Why Mike Bought Another Accounting Firm

49:37 - What’s Next? Mike’s Dream to Become the Go-To Real Estate Accounting Firm

🎬Watch this on Youtube:  

https://youtu.be/t5CtDdL-8d4

⚡ Let's stay in touch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devinramos/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devinjramos035/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-ramos-602a811ab

🎬 Produced by: https://daretopodcast.com/

#Entrepreneurship #FinanceTips #Bookkeeping #Accounting #RealEstateInvesting #CFO #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusiness #MilitaryToBusiness #GreenBeret #EntrepreneurMindset #MoneyManagement #BusinessAcquisition #AIinBusiness #Leadership #StartupLife #FinancialFreedom #BusinessOwner #TaxTips #BusinessStrategy #Investing #RealEstateFinance #EntrepreneurJourney #BusinessTips #SuccessMindset #DiehardEntrepreneurStories #HustleHard #MoneyMindset #BusinessPodcast #BusinessAdvice #FinanceCareer #GrowthMindset#ForwardFactor #DevinRamos

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to leave a tough prison job and build a thriving construction business?

In this episode, I sit down with Dustin and Crystal Hippensteel to hear their inspiring journey from working in a challenging prison environment to launching Sugar Sands Construction and Painting. They share how resilience, faith, and family drove their leap into entrepreneurship, mastering trades, house flipping, and starting a successful painting company in Florida.

We explore balancing hands-on work with leadership growth, setting clear business goals, and the mindset needed for lasting success. Dustin and Crystal also discuss life changes like living in a camper, property investments, homeschooling their kids, and giving back through community nonprofits.

If you’re an entrepreneur or aspiring business owner, this episode offers honest lessons on managing expectations, building a team, and keeping your why at the center of your hustle.

Join us for this real conversation on resilience, growth, and creating a business that supports family and community.

I’m on a mission to help entrepreneurs build strong, successful businesses.

Get on board at: 🤝

Connect with Dustin & Crystal:

Instagram: @sugarsandsconstruction

Website: www.sugarsandsconstruction.com

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

00:40 From Prison to Contractor

04:16 Meeting Through Law Enforcement & Shared Experiences

07:30 Mastering Construction & House Flips

14:49 Building Sugar Sands Painting

19:22 Leaving Michigan: Finding Opportunity in Florida

26:37 Camper Life & Property Investing Hacks

32:57 Building a Team: Leadership & Systems

38:06 Setting Goals & Focusing Your Business

45:03 Leadership Tips: Managing Expectations

51:44 Focus & Win: Key Mindsets for Entrepreneurs

Watch Full Episode:

Youtube:

https://youtu.be/D6kTlRQvTQA

⚡ Stay connected:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devinramos/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devinjramos035/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-ramos-602a811ab

🎬 Produced by: https://daretopodcast.com/

#EntrepreneurJourney #ConstructionBusiness #LeadershipLessons #EntrepreneurMindset #FamilyBusiness #BusinessGrowth #Resilience #Focus #HouseFlipping #SugarSandsConstruction #SmallBusinessTips #SuccessMindset #forwardfactor #devinramos

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the key to your entrepreneurial success lies not just in skills, but in your beliefs?

In this episode of Diehard Entrepreneur Stories, we explore how success comes from doing what you set out to do by understanding and aligning your mindset and abilities. Many confuse skill gaps with limiting beliefs, and learning to distinguish between the two is essential for growth.

We discuss how beliefs inspire action by shaping what you see as possible, while skills provide the know-how to execute effectively. Overcoming challenges often means shifting beliefs before acquiring new skills, creating a continuous cycle of development. Being intentional about both areas helps break through plateaus and move forward.

The episode also emphasizes the power of mentors who reveal what you don’t know and guide you on how to act. By dedicating time to evolve your beliefs and sharpen your skills, you can achieve milestones that grow your business and personal success. This proven approach has supported the host’s ventures and can empower your journey too.

I’m on a MISSION to help entrepreneurs build strong, successful businesses.

Get on board at: 🤝

https://www.devinramos.com

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

01:10 Defining Success: Doing What We Set Out To Do

02:48 The Two Pillars of Success: Beliefs and Skills

04:10 Recognizing When to Change Beliefs or Skills

04:49 The Cycle of Beliefs and Skills in Growth

08:55 The Importance of Mentors: Who Shows You What and How

12:57 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs in Business Growth

15:40 Practical Approach to Skill Building: Setting Time and Milestones

16:59 Continual Growth: Balancing Belief Change and Skill Development

▶️Watch on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/KHOVAvgOa68

⚡ Let's stay in touch:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/devinramos/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/devinjramos035/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-ramos-602a811ab

🎬Produced by:

https://daretopodcast.com/

#Entrepreneurship #SuccessMindset #SkillBuilding #BeliefChange #BusinessGrowth #PersonalDevelopment #EntrepreneurTips #Mentorship #DiehardEntrepreneurStories #MindsetMatters #LeadershipSkills #GrowthJourney #DiehardEntrepreneur #ForwardFactor #DevinRamos

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.