Diehard Entrepreneur Stories

What’s the one thing even the smartest, most driven people do that quietly sabotages their success?

In this episode of Diehard Entrepreneur Stories, I tackle a mindset killer that holds people back more than they realize: excuses. Whether you're leading a team, growing a business, or trying to level up personally, your ability to own your actions — without justifying them — is what separates those who stay stuck from those who break through.

I share a defining moment from my time in Special Forces training — a single conversation that made me realize the hidden cost of “just giving the reason.” I break down how excuses creep into our thinking, how they influence the feedback loops we’re in, and how to create a culture of accountability without losing compassion.

From military experiences to personal health goals, this episode is packed with real-life examples and practical tools to help you recognize excuses, take ownership, and keep pushing forward.

💡 If you're serious about building yourself, your team, and your business with more clarity, ownership, and action — this one’s for you.

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

Get on board at: 🤝

https://www.devinramos.com

📕Book Mentioned:

Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin

TIMESTAMP

00:00 Introduction

02:20 Mindset Shifts from My Green Beret Training Experience

09:41 Reasons vs Excuses

11:10 You Need a Feedback Loop

13:09 Business Bottleneck YOU Need to Overcome

13:50 The Power of Leading with Ownership’

15:35 Observing Without Judgment

17:32 Creating a Culture Where It’s Safe to Fail

18:51 From Excuse to Action: One Step at a Time

25:02 Key Takeaways

🎥Watch on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/asbi_pCmfHo

⚡ Let's stay in touch:

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

🎬Produced by:

https://daretopodcast.com/

#EntrepreneurMindset #ExtremeOwnership #NoExcuses #LeadershipDevelopment #GreenBeretWisdom #SpecialForcesMindset #BusinessGrowthTips #AccountabilityCulture #MindsetMatters #HighPerformanceHabits #SoloPodcast #DiehardEntrepreneur #BusinessWithoutExcuses #TakeOwnership #BreakThroughLimits #SelfLeadership #MilitaryToBusiness #ExcusesKillSuccess #EntrepreneurJourney #ForwardFactor #DevinRamos

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Are you an entrepreneur or real estate investor trying to raise capital but not sure where to start — or how to get people to actually trust you with their money?

In this episode, Bill Allen shares the full roadmap. From Navy test pilot to 8-figure investor, Bill breaks down the real strategies he’s used to build credibility, attract funding, and scale fast — all without burning relationships or cutting corners.

You’ll learn how to talk to potential investors (even if they’re friends or family), how much capital to actually raise, and why mindset is just as important as your deal structure. This is a must-listen if you want to turn conversations into commitments and build a business that can grow with real financial backing.

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

Get on board at: 🤝

https://www.devinramos.com

⚡Connect with Bill Allen:

Bill Allen Podcast | 5-Day Flip Funding Challenger

📕Book Mentioned:

Getting the Money by Susan Lassiter-Lyons

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

00:40 Meet Bill Allen

05:05 How Bill Started in Real Estate Investing

09:36 The Shift to Full-Time Real Estate Investing

15:54 How to Raise Capital 

21:39 Navigating Joint Ventures and Investor Relationships

25:06 Key Strategies How to Secure More Funding

37:31 Leveraging Other People's Money

40:20 Building a Financial Safety Net

46:29 Why Raise 110%?

51:49 Raising Capital Effectively

59:49 Practical Steps to Raise Capital

1:04:28 Connect with Bill Allen

1:07:00 Bill Allen’s Message to YOU

Watch on YouTube:

 https://youtu.be/3vUx1R1NNIs

⚡ Let's stay in touch:

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

🎬Produced by:

https://daretopodcast.com/

#RealEstateInvesting #RaisingCapital #EntrepreneurMindset #BillAllen #OPMStrategy #InvestingTips #RealEstateFunding #CapitalRaisingStrategies #PassiveIncome #FinancialFreedom #BusinessFunding #InvestorRelations #RealEstateBusiness #WealthBuilding #MoneyMindset #CashFlowInvesting #RealEstateEducation #EntrepreneurTips #PrivateMoneyLending #RealEstatePodcast #7FigureFlipping #7FigureFlippingBill #forwardfactor #DevinRamos

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

In this powerful episode, Dave Pere, founder of From Military to Millionaire, shares the full story behind his transition from active-duty military service to becoming a successful real estate investor, entrepreneur, and community builder.

Dave dives deep into how a brand born out of a simple blog post evolved into a movement helping veterans build wealth and purpose after service. He talks openly about navigating unexpected legal battles, the critical importance of trademarking your brand early, and the real lessons learned from managing old properties, scaling investments, and protecting business interests with strong contracts and trusted attorneys.

Throughout the conversation, Dave emphasizes that financial freedom isn’t reserved for the few — it’s available to anyone willing to invest in themselves, keep learning, and stay authentic. He shares the realities of property management, the hidden challenges of influencer culture, and why creating a supportive community is not just good business but a lifeline for many.

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

Get on board at: 🤝

https://www.devinramos.com

⚡Connect with Dave Pere:

The Best Podcast Guest 

📕Book Mentioned:

The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure by: Grant Cardone

TIMESTAMPS

00:00  Introduction

00:40  The Birth of a Brand: From Military to Millionaire

06:39  Trademarking and Protecting Your Brand

11:17  Dave Pere’s Journey into Real Estate Investing

15:13  Scaling Up: Chasing Units in Real Estate

20:40  Authenticity in the Influencer Space

23:56  Community Building Strategies 

25:00  Lessons Learned from Real Estate Ventures

41:56  Military Millionaire Community

51:04  Military Millionaire Members Success Stories

53:34  Strategies in Building a Supportive Community for Veterans

1:04:07  What’s in the Horizon of Military Millionaire

1:09:00  Connect with Dave Pere

🎧 Listen on:

Spotify: [We’ll add link once published]

Apple Podcast: [We’ll add link once published]

⚡ Let's stay in touch:

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

🎬Produced by:

https://daretopodcast.com/

#MilitaryToMillionaire #DavePere #VeteranEntrepreneurs #VeteranRealEstate #RealEstateInvesting #PassiveIncome #FinancialFreedomJourney #FromMilitaryToMillions #RealEstatePodcast #EntrepreneurMindset #TrademarkYourBrand #BusinessLawTips #CommunityOverCompetition #VeteransHelpingVeterans #InfluencerReality #MilitaryCommunity #InvestInYourself #RealEstateTips #AuthenticLeadership #BuildWealthAfterService #forwardfactor #devinramos

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What happens when the market crashes, your personal life falls apart, and the business you built starts slipping through your fingers?

Most people fold. But Tyler Jensen rebuilt—faster, leaner, and more focused than ever.

In this powerful episode of Diehard Entrepreneur Stories, Tyler takes us inside the real story behind his house flipping career. From losing $37K on his first deal to pioneering the Seven Day Flip, Tyler opens up about what it really takes to survive—and thrive—in a volatile real estate game.

But this isn’t just about flipping houses. It’s about flipping your mindset. Tyler shares how he faced grief, burnout, and overwhelming pressure—and came out the other side more committed to impact, integrity, and team than ever before.

Whether you’re in real estate or just trying to keep your business alive through tough seasons, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and staying mission-driven when everything feels like it’s falling apart.

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

Get on board at: 🤝https://www.devinramos.com

⚡Connect with Tyler Jensen:

Facebook | Book A Call

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

00:36 Tyler’s First 3 House Flips & Lessons Learned

07:16 From Side Hustle to Full-Time Flipping

11:33 Running a Manufacturing Company and Being a Flipper

13:39 Feeding Your Entrepreneurial Spirit

15:35 Building Culture: Winning as a Team

19:00 Balancing Winning and Building Strong Connection

20:34 The Seven Day Flip

28:22 The Market Shift and the Need for Fundamentals

41:45 Overcoming the Toughest Times and Bouncing Back from Major Losses

54:50 Having the Right Community Means Everything

56:04 Tyler’s Message to YOU

1:00:05 The Right Perspective Will Take You Where You Want To Go

1:00:52 Tyler’s Next Move and How to Connect with Him

🔔 Watch this on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/NlvGsaT2KKQ

⚡ Let's stay in touch:

Instagram| Facebook | Youtube | LinkedIn 

🎬Produced by:

https://daretopodcast.com/

#HouseFlipping #ResilientEntrepreneur #SevenDayFlip #DiehardEntrepreneurStories #RealEstatePodcast #CommunityImpact #MentalHealthAndBusiness #BusinessTurnaround #FinancialFreedom #BusinessGrowth #TransparencyWithInvestors #LeadershipInToughTimes #GivingBackMatters #TeamDynamics #PerspectiveShift #RealEstateInnovation #TylerJensen #forwardfactor #devinramos

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

In this episode of Diehard Entrepreneur Stories, Joseph Druther—successful real estate entrepreneur—shares his journey from being a young plumber to building a thriving real estate business. Joseph takes us through his transition from house flipping to new construction and reveals how the lessons learned along the way shaped his approach to business growth.

Joseph dives deep into the importance of building a strong foundation in both personal and professional life. He explains how aligning team culture with business vision is key to sustaining growth and creating long-term success. From hiring the right people to managing risk and focusing on the right inputs, this conversation covers the essential strategies for scaling a business in the competitive real estate industry. 

Joseph also shares his insights on navigating challenges, avoiding toxic team cultures, and maintaining clarity of vision as you grow. Tune in!

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

Get on board at: 🤝 https://www.devinramos.com

⚡Connect with Joseph Druther:

Joseph Druther Instagram | Facebook | Druther Homes IG | Druther Homes FB 

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction

00:30 - Meet Joseph Druther: From Plumber to Real Estate Entrepreneur

08:30 - Building the Foundation for Real Estate Success

11:25 - Taking Calculated Risks

14:23 - Transitioning from Flipping Houses to New Construction                      

20:56 - Having Clarity and a Strong Foundation in Scaling a Business                             

29:52 - How Joseph Built the Foundation of His Business    

31:27 - Hiring the Right People and Aligning Team Culture with Core Values

38:36 - Focusing on Inputs vs Outputs for Sustainable Growth

43:56 - Building a Strong Team that Matches Your Core Values

53:33 - Joseph Drew’s Vision for the Future of His Business

55:40 - Message to Fellow Visionaries 

57:33 - Secret to Success

57:55 - Connect with Joseph Druther

🔔 Watch this on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/i3uFn6ogpkc

⚡ Let's stay in touch:

Instagram| Facebook | Youtube | LinkedIn 

🎬Produced by:

https://daretopodcast.com/

#RealEstateBusiness #Entrepreneurship #TeamCulture #Leadership #RealEstateInvestment #BusinessGrowth #ConstructionIndustry #ScalingABusiness #RiskManagement #RealEstateSuccess #ScalingStrategies #EntrepreneurLife #JosephDruther #RealEstatePodcast #forwardfactor #DevinRamos

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

What does it take to build a $4 million cleaning business from the ground up?

In this episode of Diehard Entrepreneur Stories, Allie Williamson reveals how she transformed Southern Domestic Diva from a simple side hustle into a thriving cleaning empire. She shares her early experiences, the struggles she faced in the corporate world, and how the 2020 pandemic became a defining moment for her business growth.

Allie dives into the lessons she learned about leadership, financial strategy, and the power of mentorship. She also discusses her transition from vacation rentals to the construction industry, emphasizing adaptability, team-building, and long-term business vision.

This episode is filled with practical insights for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses while staying true to their values and mission.

I’m on a MISSION to help entrepreneurs create IMPACT. 

Get on board at: 🤝 https://www.devinramos.com

⚡Connect with Allie Williamson:

LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Website 

TIMESTAMP

00:00 Introduction

00:37 Meet Allie Williamson

03:46 From Corporate to Entrepreneurship

05:56 The Early Days of Cleaning and Hustling

07:28 Failure is Sometimes a Redirection

07:52 Overcoming Challenges and Building a Team

13:33 The Impact of 2020 on Business Growth

22:25 Significance of Consulting and Business Coaching

28:47 Biggest Challenges & The Cost of Experience

37:40 Future Plans: Expansion and Exit Strategies

42:43 Business Leadership 

45:46 Financial Relationships and Cash Flow Management

49:51 Allie’s Hospitality

52:51 Success in Building a Community

57:32 What Southern Domestic Diva has in a Horizon

🔔 Watch this on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/pEasYDR9Jws

⚡ Let's stay in touch:

Instagram| Facebook | Youtube | LinkedIn

🎬Produced by:

https://daretopodcast.com/

#EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessGrowth #CleaningBusiness #Leadership #ScalingABusiness #CommunityImpact #StartupSuccess #WomenEntrepreneurs #CashFlowManagement #TeamBuilding #EntrepreneurshipMotivation #SouthernDomesticDiva #AllieWilliamson #DevinRamos #ForwardFactor #SmallBusinessSuccess #ServiceIndustry #FinancialFreedom #BusinessScaling #WomenInBusiness #CoachingForSuccess #BusinessStrategy #BusinessLeadership #AllieWilliamson #SouthernDomesticDiva #ForwardFactor #DevinRamos

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

In this episode of Diehard Entrepreneur Stories, Coach Michael Burt—author, speaker, and the driving force behind the Greatness Factory—shares how he transitioned from a championship basketball coach to a top entrepreneurial voice on activating prey drive.

Michael unpacks the meaning of prey drive—the instinct to pursue greatness—and how anyone can awaken this drive to push past comfort zones and self-imposed limitations. He dives into the psychology of success, the role of self-awareness, and why “because goals” are more powerful than vague motivations.

From raising capital to building influence, Coach Burt outlines the different stages of business growth—survival, stability, and quantum leaps—and what it takes to move through them. This episode is packed with wisdom on overcoming mental barriers, embracing risk, and intentionally building the skills that lead to greatness.

Whether you’re chasing your first win or your next breakthrough, this conversation is a powerful reminder that you fail your way forward—and pressure is a privilege.

I’m on a MISSION to help entrepreneurs create IMPACT.

Get on board at: 🤝 https://www.devinramos.com

⚡Connect with Coach Michael Burt:

Coach Michael Burt Coaching Website | The Greatness Factory | Instagram

Books Mentioned:

📚 Flip the Switch by Price Prichett

📚Eight Figure Skills in a Six Figure Vehicle by Coach Michael Burt

TIMESTAMP

00:00 Introduction

00:40 Meet America’s Coach Michael Burt

01:51 Turning Coaching Expertise into Entrepreneurial Success

04:07 What is Prey Drive?

06:06 Activating Your Prey Drive

09:41 Because Goals- Flip the Switch

14:20 Step 1: Get to the Right Place and Get Around Right People

16:47 Building Influence and Capital

21:05 3 Cycles of Business

23:36 Stability vs Quantum Leaping

26:43 Overcoming Mental Barriers to Quantum Leaps

29:03 You Fail Your Way to a Quantum Leap

31:06 Stubbornness vs. Diligence in Business

32:40 Michael Burt’s Recent Quantum Leap This Leap

35:29 Philosophical Beliefs in Wealth Creation

38:03 The Genesis of the Greatness Factory

41:53 Michael Burt’s Horizon and Strategic Growth

44:19 Connect with Michael Burt

🔔 Watch this on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/N2M2pNs_vSA

⚡ Let's stay in touch:

Instagram| Facebook | Youtube | LinkedIn

#PreyDrive #EntrepreneurPodcast #QuantumLeap #BusinessGrowthStrategies #DiehardEntrepreneurStories #BecauseGoals #SuccessMindset #GreatnessFactory #EntrepreneurMotivation #WealthCreation #OvercomingMentalBarriers #CoachToEntrepreneur #BuildInfluence #RaiseCapital #HighPerformanceHabits #BusinessCoach #PersonalGrowthMindset #EntrepreneurLife #StrategicPartnerships #DevinRamos #PodcastForEntrepreneurs #MichaelBurt #ForwardFactor #DevinRamos

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

What does it take to turn a side project into a multimillion-dollar business?

In this episode of Diehard Entrepreneur Stories, Lucas Botkin, the visionary behind T-Rex Arms, reveals how he went from a garage startup to leading one of the most influential companies in the firearms accessories industry.

From finding his focus as a teenager to becoming a driven entrepreneur, Lucas shares the pivotal moments and challenges that shaped his journey. He talks about how he went from working out of a small workshop to building a brand recognized across the world.

Lucas dives deep into the power of obsession, work ethic, and the need to understand your customers' needs to grow your business. He also shares his journey of leveraging social media, especially Instagram, to build a loyal community around T-Rex Arms and how documenting his journey as a content creator played a key role in his success.

This episode is for anyone interested in scaling a business while staying true to their values and vision!

I’m on a MISSION to help entrepreneurs create IMPACT. 

Get on board at: 🤝 https://www.devinramos.com

⚡Connect with Lucas Botkin:

Youtube | Twitter | Instagram

TIMESTAMP

00:00 Introduction

00:39 Meet Lucas Botkin

02:09 The Story Behind T-Rex Arms

05:29 How Lucas Started His Entrepreneurial Journey

07:05 The Power of Obsession in Entrepreneurship

14:43 Essential Advice for Young Entrepreneurs

22:19 Instagram Marketing

25:49 Scaling from a One-Man Show to a Strong Team

31:47 The Hard Truth About Business Roles & Responsibilities

33:48 Growing into a Corporation (2021-2024)

34:20 Businessman vs. Entrepreneur

37:21 The Biggest Trap in Business—Don’t Fall for It!

41:22 Investing in Content Creation

43:18 Hiring People is an Investment

46:10 Pros and Cons of Having a Debt Free Company

49:51 Navigating Internet Fame and Personal Growth

58:41 Maintaining Creative Control Amidst Growth

1:02:10 External Challenges and Market Adaptation

1:07:26 Navigating Legal Challenges in Business

1:09:11 Biggest Threat to Content Creators Today

1:14:12 Lucas Botkin Notable Victories

1:19:36 Why Chasing Money is a Losing Strategy

1:21:07 Advice for Aspiring Content Creators

1:29:40 What’s Next for Lucas?

1:35:46 Connect with Lucas Botkin

🔔 Watch this on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/plfJVnDRFuA

⚡ Let's stay in touch:

Instagram | Facebook | Youtube | LinkedIn

🎬Produced by:

https://daretopodcast.com/

#EntrepreneurMindset #LucasBotkin #TRexArms #TacticalGear #CustomerObsession #CustomerFocus #ContentCreation #BrandBuilding #Leadership #CreativeEntrepreneur #BusinessPodcast #forwardfactor #devinramos

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

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Adam Whitney, a Marine Corps veteran turned real estate investor, entrepreneur, and now CEO of 7-Figure Flipping to talk about his journey from a tough upbringing to building a successful career in real estate and business. I've watched Adam for a while and I’ve always admired his leadership, work ethic, and ability to overcome challenges.

We dive into the lessons he learned from 20 years in the Marine Corps, how those lessons shaped his approach to business, and the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Adam shares insights on real estate investing, mentorship, and leadership, and we talk about the real challenges of scaling businesses, solving bottlenecks, and building a title company. We also get into the importance of faith, community, and trusting the process when chasing long-term success.

If you're an entrepreneur, investor, or someone looking to level up in business and leadership, you’re going to get a ton of value from this conversation.

This episode is packed with real talk and practical insights—let’s dive in!

I’m on a MISSION to help entrepreneurs create IMPACT. 

Get on board at: 🤝

https://www.devinramos.com

⚡Connect with Adam Whitney:

Instagram | Facebook | 7-Figure Flipping | 7-Figure Foundation

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

02:58 Adam's Journey to the Marine Corps

08:03 Leadership Lessons & Transition: From Military to Business

15:22 What Inspired Adam to Pursue Real Estate

18:52 Building a Successful Real Estate Business

23:01 Becoming CEO of 7-Figure Flipping 

26:67 Prominent Lessons Doing Single-Family Deals 

29:27 Bottlenecks in Real Estate Investing

35:29 Adam’s Journey of Building a Title Company

45:14 Giving without Expectation 

46:36 Lessons learned from Multi-family Deals

50:34 Fear of Success

52:16 Vision for 7-Figure Flipping

56:34 Connect with Adam Whitney

🔔 Watch this on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/KYuLwWa_nOI

⚡ Let's stay in touch:

Instagram | Facebook | Youtube | LinkedIn

🎬Produced by:

https://daretopodcast.com/

#Entrepreneurship #SuccessMindset #EntrepreneurLife #BusinessSuccess #RealEstateInvesting #MultifamilyRealEstate #RealEstateEntrepreneur #FinancialFreedom #RealEstateMentorship #VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryLeadership #VeteranOwnedBusiness #FromMilitaryToMillionaire #DiehardEntrepreneurStories #BusinessPodcast #MillionaireMindset #ScalingABusiness #7FigureFlipping #TitleCompany #RealEstateCoaching #AdamWhitney #forwardfactor #devinramos

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

In this episode of Diehard Entrepreneur Stories, I sit down with Terry Blachek to dive into his journey of building and scaling a fitness empire. With over 30 years in the fitness industry, Terry has faced countless challenges, and he shares the emotional and mental resilience needed to overcome them. We talk about how entrepreneurship isn’t just about business strategies; it’s about navigating setbacks, embracing leadership, and staying focused during tough times.

Terry opens up about the complexities of managing rapid growth, scaling a business through private equity partnerships, and how his leadership style evolved along the way. We discuss the importance of adaptability, mentorship, and trusting your team as you grow your business. His insights on leadership, team development, and resilience are incredibly valuable for anyone in the trenches of entrepreneurship.

In this conversation, we also explore how Terry successfully navigated the challenges of exiting through private equity, reflecting on what he’s learned about business expansion and personal growth throughout his career.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the full episode!

I’m on a MISSION to help entrepreneurs create IMPACT. 

Get on board at: 🤝 https://www.devinramos.com

⚡Connect with Terry Blachek

Website | Spotify | Apple Podcast | Instagram | Facebook| Linked-In

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

00:28 - Terry Blachek Impact in Industry

02:47 - What makes OrangeTheory Fitness Competitive

09:56 - The Evolution of the Brand and Business Model

15:09 - Importance of Brand Uniqueness

17:04 - Having a Cult Following

17:49 - OrangeTheory Vision

23:22 - The Role of Private Equity in Expansion

25:34 - Franchising and Growth Strategy

27:50 - The Importance of Open-Mindedness in Business

31:32 - Gas and Brakes of Entrepreneurship

33:27 - Overcoming Capital Constraints

40:34 - The Power of Pre-Selling and Community Engagement

42:45 - Digital and Street Team Marketing

47:48 - Lifecycle of Business

54:11 - Choosing the Right Investment Banker

57:24 - Life After Exiting a Business

59:48 - Life Lessons & Key Takeaways

1:02:42 - Connect with Terry Blachek

🔔 Watch this on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/60-omB6jQzw

⚡ Let's stay in touch:

Instagram | Facebook | Youtube | LinkedIn

Produced by: https://daretopodcast.com/

#DiehardEntrepreneurStories #Entrepreneurship #BuildingABrand #PrivateEquityGrowth #BuildingAnEmpire #OrangeTheory #TerryBlachek #diehardentrepreneurstoriespodcast #forwardfactor #devinramos

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