What does it really take to build a billion-dollar real estate portfolio—and keep going when the setbacks keep coming? In this episode of Seek Go Create, visionary entrepreneur Jose Berlanga shares his journey from immigrant student to Houston real estate leader, revealing the power of persistence, adaptability, and embracing tough lessons along the way. Host Tim Winders and Jose dig into what it means to lead with discipline, purpose, and humility in a constantly changing market. If you’re curious about the realities behind business success, resilience in the face of adversity, and how true leaders keep reinventing themselves, this episode is for you.

"Persistence is more powerful than passion because passion fades away once you start facing setbacks and adversity." - Jose Berlanga

Access all show and episode resources HERE

About Our Guest:

Jose Berlanga is a seasoned entrepreneur and real estate visionary with over 35 years of industry experience and more than $1 billion in real estate transactions. After moving from Mexico City to Houston in the 1980s, Jose co-founded Tricon Homes and played a pivotal role in the revitalization of Houston’s inner city neighborhoods. Known for his persistence, resilience, and commitment to discipline and integrity, he brings a unique blend of economic insight, business strategy, and philosophical perspective to his work. Jose’s expertise spans land investing, development, and building thousands of homes, making him a trusted authority in the real estate world.

Reasons to Listen:

1. Real Estate Secrets from a Billion-Dollar Builder: Jose Berlanga shares hard-won insights from over 35 years and $1 billion in real estate transactions, revealing what it truly takes to build and lead in a competitive market.
2. The Unfiltered Truth About Entrepreneurship: Discover why persistence often outweighs passion, and hear candid stories of navigating setbacks and adversity that rarely make it into glossy success stories.
3. Fresh Perspectives on Success, Luck, and Legacy: Jose’s philosophical take on business, money, and purpose will challenge your thinking and offer practical wisdom for shaping your own journey in life and leadership.

Episode Resources & Action Steps:

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

1. Jose Berlanga’s Website: joseberlanga.com – Central hub for connecting with Jose, learning more about his work, and updates on his books.
2. Book – Dirt Rich: Explore the World of Land Investing and Development by Jose Berlanga – A deep dive into land speculation, development, and the philosophy behind the process.
3. Book – The Business of Home Building by Jose Berlanga – Focuses not just on building houses, but on building a sustainable business within residential construction.

Action Steps for Listeners:

1. Embrace Persistence Over Passion: Reflect on your own journey and focus on developing persistence, resilience, and tenacity—especially when facing adversity. Success often comes from those who “just don’t quit,” rather than those driven purely by passion.
2. Define Your Version of Success: Take time to clarify what success means for you personally—whether it’s more time, balance, financial freedom, or impact. Recognize that success may evolve with different seasons of life and should align with your values.
3. Do Thorough Due Diligence in Business Decisions: Whether in real estate or any business venture, be proactive about research, due diligence, and asking deeper questions before jumping into deals. Adapt and pivot as needed, and don’t be afraid to walk away from a deal that doesn’t serve your goals or risk profile.

Key Lessons:

1. Persistence Outlasts Passion: Jose emphasizes that persistence is often more valuable than passion in the entrepreneurial journey. While passion can fade in the face of adversity, persistence and resilience keep you moving forward when times get tough.
2. Business is Full of Ups and Downs—Adaptability is Crucial: Success in real estate and business involves constant reinvention. Economic cycles, market shifts, and regulatory changes ensure that business is never easy or predictable. Adapting quickly and tolerating uncertainty are essential skills for any leader.
3. Success Isn’t Just About Money: Early in his career, Jose equated success with financial gain. Now, he defines it as quality of life—having the freedom to choose how you spend your time and finding meaning beyond accumulating wealth.
4. Luck Plays a Role—But Preparation Matters: Jose discusses the element of luck in business, acknowledging that timing and external factors can influence outcomes. However, taking proactive steps, asking good questions, and thorough preparation put you in the best position to capitalize on opportunities.
5. Real Leadership Requires Humility and Mentorship: Experience reveals that overconfidence can be a trap. Humility, self-awareness, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures help leaders grow. Jose encourages sharing knowledge and mentoring others to foster growth within the industry.

Episode Highlights:

00:28 Introducing Jose Berlanga: Visionary Entrepreneur

01:32 The Reality of Business Challenges

05:23 The Importance of Persistence in Business

09:03 Balancing Persistence and Smart Decision-Making

13:57 The Early Days: Jose's Journey to Success

22:57 The Role of Luck and Control in Business

28:34 Entrepreneurial Mindset and Humility

29:49 The Importance of Clarity and Passion

31:58 Balancing Passion and Persistence

39:34 The Real Estate Journey

46:00 Current Market Challenges and Future Outlook

52:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources for Leaders from Tim Winders & SGC:

🎙 Unlock Leadership Excellence with Tim

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