Forged In Fire

Nate Pharmer and Cole Farrell discuss the importance of setting clear goals and tracking progress in business. They emphasize the need for a documented plan, including the "why" behind goals, and the significance of tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) such as revenue and marketing effectiveness. They highlight the importance of flexibility, using a hypothetical golf ball business to illustrate how to pivot strategies in response to market changes or unforeseen events. The conversation also touches on the value of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and seeking mentorship from experienced individuals to navigate challenges effectively.

Action Items: 

1. ) Develop a clear goal for the new venture and understand the underlying "why" behind it.

2.) Document the goal, milestones, and action steps in writing.

3.) Identify the key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to track the progress of the new venture.

4.) Create standard operating procedures (SOPs) to document the processes involved in the new venture.

5.) Seek guidance and mentorship from experienced individuals who have successfully launched similar ventures.

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David Creel is known as The Blindspot Coach and is the Founder of The HOPES Tribe. He guides and inspires people to achieve greatness and become the person God created them to be. His one-line business plan is "Be Curious, Not Judgemental." His life motto comes from Zig Ziglar, "You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want." His mission in life is to give people hope, encouragement, and to make a positive contribution.

In this episode, we sit down with David Creel, a visionary entrepreneur, to dive into his journey of growth, resilience, and success. He shares powerful and inspiring stories that are packed with valuable lessons for entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your business, his experiences and insights will leave you motivated and ready to tackle new challenges.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a seasoned entrepreneur who's been through it all!

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In this episode of Forged in Fire, Nate and Cole dive deep into the power of mindset and how it plays a crucial role in setting the foundation for success—whether you're a real estate investor or just someone looking to level up in life. Get ready for an action-packed conversation filled with strategies for personal growth, goal setting, and the importance of understanding your MINS (Most Important Next Steps).

Key Takeaways:

1. Starting Your Day with Purpose: Nate kicks things off by sharing his daily routine, which starts at 4 AM, getting into the gym by 4:45, and taking time to stretch and meditate. It's all about starting the day with clarity and focus to tackle the challenges ahead.
2. The Power of Positivity: Cole chimes in on the importance of a positive mindset, offering a different perspective on his own routine. He talks about how he wakes up at 7 AM, plays with his three cats, and uses tools like bullet journaling and affirmations to get into the right mental space for the day.
3. MINS (Most Important Next Steps): One of the core themes of the episode, MINS are all about focusing on the tasks that propel your growth—not just the urgent ones. Cole shares how he uses sticky notes to track his to-do list and highlights the importance of identifying the top three tasks that will move you forward.
4. The Importance of Setting Goals: Both Nate and Cole emphasize the need to set actionable goals that break down long-term objectives into daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. With a solid structure, you can achieve even the loftiest goals.
5. Building Your Support System: As the conversation progresses, the duo stresses how having a strong team and accountability partners can help keep you on track. Whether it's through weekly meetings or simply having someone to check in with, it’s all about staying focused and pushing forward.
6. The Secret to Growth: The discussion wraps up with a look at how MINS feed into your larger goals, helping you stay aligned with your bigger vision. From quarterly milestones to annual targets, everything ties together to keep you moving in the right direction.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re drifting or overwhelmed by the chaos of everyday life, this episode will help you recalibrate and gain control. With these tools in your arsenal, you’ll be ready to take on the world—one MINS at a time!

Resources Mentioned:

• MINS (Most Important Next Steps): A framework for identifying tasks that truly drive growth.
• Bullet Journaling & Affirmations: Tools for staying mentally sharp and focused.
• Goal Setting & Tracking: How to break down big goals into manageable steps and achieve them.

Tune in now to learn how to maximize your daily routine and stay focused on what truly matters!

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Matthew Baltzell knows a thing or two about real estate and getting things done. He hosted Real Estate Journeys, a Top 400 Business Podcast with 114 episodes, and built up a portfolio of 743 units along the way. He previously worked as an Asset Manager at Boardwalk Wealth, a private equity firm out of Dallas. 

Now, as the founder of CAP X MEDIA, he helps real estate investors raise capital through podcasting and smart marketing strategies. Oh, and when he’s not busy, you’ll find him perfecting his coffee game—he’s a coffee sommelier with a soft spot for a smooth Americano.

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Matthew Schneider serves as the CEO of Building PropTech Inc, with an entrepreneurial journey spanning roles such as a fiction novelist, to leading small-cap and derivative trades in the stock market. 

Matthew has 5 years in capital markets and 4 years in real estate tokenization, with proficiency in Building Information Management, investments, AI, blockchain, and asset securitization. 

He has engaged investors, innovators, and industry professionals from around the world in business development, market discovery, and performances like pitch competitions and keynotes.

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In this episode, co-hosts Nate Pharmer and Cole Farrell welcome Brian Harness, founder of KC Web Designs, as he shares his inspiring journey from Kansas City, MO, to San Antonio, TX, and his evolution from freelancing to running a full-fledged digital marketing agency. Brian delves into his passion for building and creating, the lessons he learned through trial and error, and how a drive to solve problems led him to web development and digital marketing.

He candidly discusses the struggles of entrepreneurship, including a period when he had to return to a 9-to-5 job, and how he overcame those challenges to refocus on growing his business. Brian also provides valuable insights into client acquisition strategies, including the importance of cold emailing, social media marketing, and nurturing referral-based relationships.

Listeners will be inspired by Brian's resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to building something meaningful.

Follow Brian Harness:

• Instagram: @kcwebdesignz
• LinkedIn: Brian Harness
• Facebook: KC Web Designs

This episode is perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and anyone navigating the ups and downs of running a business. Don't miss it!

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Domingo Valadez is an ex-Google Product Strategy Lead, seasoned real estate investor, and host of the Groundbreakers podcast, where he interviews entrepreneurs and real estate operators about their journeys and current deals. 

He has syndicatedtwo deals himself, building an investor base of over 3,000 accredited and non-accredited investors. After experiencing firsthand the complexities and pain points that syndicators often face—from fundraising to deal administration—Domingo started building Homebase to simplify these processes. Launched earlier this year, Homebase is designed to streamline deal administration, investor relations, and fundraising for real estate syndications and currently supports $25M in assets under management.

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Ray Sensenig, founder and president of Sensenig Coaching and Consulting, LLC, and the chairman of P.I.E. W.O.R.K.S. It’s an honor to stand here today and share a bit about my journey and what it’s like to lead in both the coaching world and the P.I.E. W.O.R.K.S. community.

Being in a position where I guide others through their financial challenges and business decisions is a privilege that I take seriously. At Sensenig Coaching and Consulting, I work with people who are trying to take control of their financial futures, whether it’s overcoming debt, building savings, or starting a business from scratch. I’ve found that my role is not just about giving advice but about offering tools and resources that empower people to make informed decisions for themselves. It’s incredibly rewarding to see people achieve financial clarity and stability, knowing I’ve helped them along the way.

On top of that, being chairman of P.I.E. W.O.R.K.S. is an incredible experience. The network is built on collaboration, mutual respect, and a shared mission to provide excellent services to our clients. It’s more than just a professional network; it’s a community where we support one another’s growth and hold each other accountable to high standards. The role allows me to connect with a diverse range of professionals, all of whom bring unique skills and perspectives. As much as I lead, I also learn and grow alongside them.

Running both the coaching firm and serving as chairman of P.I.E. W.O.R.K.S. involves juggling multiple responsibilities. It’s a constant balancing act between helping clients achieve their goals and ensuring that P.I.E. W.O.R.K.S. remains a thriving and supportive environment for everyone involved. But honestly, it’s that challenge that drives me. I wake up every day excited about the impact I can have, whether it’s helping a family get on track financially or supporting a fellow business owner in navigating their challenges.

Ultimately, I believe the common thread in all of this is service. Whether it’s through coaching, consulting, or leading a group of talented professionals, my goal is to serve others by giving them the tools and support they need to thrive. It’s a journey I’m proud to be on, and I’m grateful for every opportunity to make a difference.

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Louis P. Kassa III is the Chief Executive Officer/President of The Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation and B+Labs. Philadelphia. Kassa is also the co-founder of the HatchBio Fund, a 50 million dollar venture capital fund. 

He previously served as State Director and Chief Operating Officer at VisionQuest National, Ltd, an national behavioral health company. In 2020, Kassa was named one of “The 10 Best COO’s of 2020” by Industry Era, a global technology media outlet. In 2023 and 2024, Kassa was named to the Philadelphia Business Journal’s “Power 100” business leaders. In 2024, City and State Pennsylvania named Kassa a "Trailblazer in Health Care". 

Kassa received his undergraduate degree from Penn State University and received a Masters in Public Administration from Villanova University in December 2007. 

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Emma went from stay-at-home mom of 6 to a multimillionaire in less than 5 years. In 2022, she hit a huge goal by retiring her husband early on real estate investing.

She has partnered on almost 1,000 apartment units and sponsors a free commercial investing club to help other investors expand their portfolios.

As co-founder and president of Rise Capital Investments, a boutique private debt and equity

fund, Emma has raised several million dollars of capital for joint ventures and syndications.

Emma hosts Passive Income Adventures Podcast with over 50 episodes and has been featured on nearly 100 podcasts and has an easy to interview style.

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