Founders In The Lab with Ruben Kanya

In this forward-focused episode of In The Lab, Ruben breaks down the three pillars he’s using to engineer a powerful and intentional 2026: a clear definite aim, an AI-powered execution toolbox, and the 1-5-10 framework for turning vision into action. After reflecting on Q4, two AI workshops, and the patterns he’s seen among operators and entrepreneurs, Ruben explains why most people fail at goal setting — and how a simple shift in mindset and structure changes everything.

He walks through why experimentation is the only path to discovering your purpose, how to filter every opportunity through a 10-year trajectory, and why alignment becomes your internal GPS. From there, Ruben shows how AI removes the two biggest excuses holding people back — lack of information and lack of time — and how to use AI as a personal board of directors to eliminate blind spots and accelerate execution.

Finally, Ruben breaks down the 1-5-10 framework, including how to define your 10-year dream life, reverse-engineer your five-year milestones, convert that into one-year focus, and translate everything into monthly and weekly sprints that actually stick. This episode is a practical blueprint for anyone who wants to avoid another “New Year sprint–February fizzle” cycle and instead build a system that compounds for years.

Tune in now to learn how to set a clear aim, harness AI, and build a weekly structure that finally closes the gap between who you are and who you’re becoming.

#EntrepreneurMindset #GoalSetting #AIForBusiness #ProductivitySystems #ExperimentNation #BusinessGrowth #VisionPlanning #RealEstateEntrepreneur #MindsetMatters #2026Planning

In this powerhouse episode of In The Lab, Ruben sits down with Jack Martin — co-founder and CIO of 52TEN, one of the top mobile home park operators in the United States. Jack brings decades of experience across development, acquisitions, capital formation, and operations, having overseen over $1B in real estate projects and more than 2,000 lots nationwide.

Jack breaks down why mobile home parks sit at the lowest end of the real-estate risk spectrum, how they deliver unusually stable cash flow, and why investors from high-net-worth individuals to family offices chase the asset class for its superior tax advantages. He explains the core difference between mobile home parks and RV parks, why land improvements are the real engine of bonus depreciation, and how lot-rent economics create both affordability for residents and reliable income for operators.

Throughout the conversation, Jack unpacks key levers for value creation — sub-metering, operational discipline, expense reduction, proper sizing for scale, and what separates truly institutional-quality parks from everything else. He also reveals how his team evaluates 150 deals a year and buys only three, why scarcity drives long-term upside, and how EOS, belief, and people have shaped 52TEN’s rise into a market leader.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand the real math behind mobile home park investing, see how large operators think, and learn why this niche remains one of the most tax-efficient, recession-resistant strategies in the country.

Tune in now to discover why Jack calls mobile home parks “the most stable real estate in America.”

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:

08:02 Jack talks about why MHPs are lowest on the risk spectrum

25:56 Jack talks about applying cost segregation

KEEPING IT REAL:

06:00 – Mobile home park model

08:06 – Why investors choose MHPs

10:36 – Bonus depreciation power

12:57 – Tax buckets clarified

14:49 – Investor profiles shift

21:17 – Land improvements explained

24:53 – Cost-seg advantage

28:10 – Evaluating properties

33:03 – Renting land, not homes

37:56 – Tenant stability factor

45:28 – Why new parks aren’t built

49:04 – Expense leaks & fixes

53:05 – Affordability for residents

57:22 – Yield expectations

1:04:12 – Belief, EOS, people

Episode Hashtags: #MobileHomeParks #RealEstateInvesting #AffordableHousing #WealthStrategy #PassiveIncome #TaxStrategy #LandImprovements #MHPInvesting #FinancialFreedom #ScaleWithStability

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST

Website: https://52ten.com/ 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-martin-52ten/

In this reflective episode of In The Lab, Ruben unpacks one of the most overlooked success variables in entrepreneurship and temporary housing: your environment. After attending a high-level BookThinkers event hosted by his friend Nick Hutchinson of episode #99 and reconnecting with mentors and peers, Ruben breaks down how proximity, intention, and the rooms you choose to enter shape your growth more than tactics ever will.

He shares the deeper meaning behind the “white lab coat vs. the suit” rebrand—why beginner operators need experimentation, and why seasoned operators need depth, systems, and specialization. Ruben walks through how he discovered his tribe across short-term rentals, mid-term rentals, insurance housing, and beyond, with pivotal moments sparked by guests like Michael Sjogren (Episode 91), Dr. Rachel Gainsbrugh (Episodes 81 & 263), and Will Dotson. Each connection created a bridge, a business model, or a breakthrough reminder.

This episode zooms in on the power of alignment, integration, and why deeper rooms lead to bigger opportunities, why Q4 is advantage season, and how vertically aligning your mission, business, and contribution creates momentum that lasts beyond a single market cycle.

If you’ve ever felt stuck between where you are and the room you know you should be in, this episode is your invitation.

Tune in now to learn how to choose environments that elevate you, adopt belief systems that accelerate you, and build a business that serves something bigger than yourself.

#EntrepreneurMindset #RelationshipEquity #BusinessGrowth #RealEstateInvesting #Networking #ExperimentNation

In this detailed episode of In The Lab, Ruben sits down with tax strategist and CPA, Michael Uadiale Michael brings the type of clarity most entrepreneurs wish their CPA would give them, breaking down the real tax game in a way that feels simple, concrete, and practical.

Michael shares why the tax code is built for business owners and investors, not W2 earners — and how most people are losing money simply because they’re operating in the wrong category. He explains the difference between tax preparation, tax planning, and tax strategy, why bonus depreciation is so misunderstood, and how entrepreneurs can position themselves before Q4 ends.

Throughout the conversation, Michael outlines the real KPIs that matter for understanding your tax position, the most common blind spots he sees in operators, and how AI is reshaping the accounting industry. More importantly, he gives a blueprint for building a tax-optimized business structure — from entity setup, to bookkeeping hygiene, to capturing deductions the right way.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to stop guessing, stop overpaying, and finally understand how to use the tax code as a tool for building wealth. Tune in now to learn how Michael’s strategic approach can help you keep more of your money, protect your business, and plan for long-term freedom.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:

11:50 Michaeil talks about the tax code and real estate success.

17:40 Michael talks about getting proactive on managing taxes

KEEPING IT REAL:

04:20 – What CPAs do

07:58 – Compliance vs. strategy

11:15 – Why books matter

14:42 – Cash flow leaks

17:10 – Business owner mindset

20:55 – W2 vs. 1099

23:41 – Entity structure basics

26:12 – LLC vs. S-Corp

29:09 – Audit red flags

32:44 – Deduction vs. credit

36:01 – Mileage & receipts

40:28 – Real estate benefits

44:12 – Depreciation explained

48:00 – Cost segregation use

52:18 – Passive vs. active

55:44 – Short-term rental rules

58:59 – Material participation tests

1:02:10 – Tax strategy stacking

1:05:08 – Mid-term rental angle

1:08:30 – Investor documentation

1:12:44 – AI and accounting

1:16:10 – Scaling financial ops

1:20:55 – Final takeaways

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smeedcpa/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael_uadiale/?hl=en

#TaxStrategy #BusinessFinances #RealEstateInvesting #CashFlow #EntrepreneurMindset #FinancialLiteracy #SREI #BusinessOwnerLife #CPAInsights #WealthBuilding

In this insightful episode of In The Lab, Ruben welcomes Giang Nguyen, founder of One River Capital, a former scientist turned real estate investor and syndicator. Giang shares her remarkable journey from working in gene therapy at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to achieving financial freedom through multifamily real estate. Her story unfolds with precision and strategy—from buying her first $30,000 foreclosure property in cash to scaling into duplexes, five-units, and eventually syndications.

Giang breaks down the financial and emotional blueprint behind leaving a W2 job the right way—by doing the math, living below her means, and mastering capital allocation. She reveals how she bought, renovated, and refinanced early properties, often paying in cash before leveraging them to scale. As a mortgage broker and syndicator, Giang dives deep into the mindset and numbers that drive wealth building—covering how to calculate key performance indicators (KPIs), why cash flow matters more than NOI, and how investors can prepare to transition from single-family homes to multifamily investments.

This episode is a playbook for anyone looking to build wealth strategically, without hype—only math, milestones, and mastery. Tune in now to learn how Giang's methodical approach can help you engineer your exit from a W2 and design a business that funds your freedom.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:

07:35 Giang talks about the push that made her need to grow in multifamily

22:21 Giang talks about how syndication performance is measured.

KEEPING IT REAL:

00:05 – Offense vs. defense

01:09 – Scientist to investor

06:23 – Choosing freedom over medicine

08:58 – First $30K property

10:35 – Learning by doing

14:04 – Living below one’s  means

15:57 – Employer match strategy

17:00 – No car philosophy

18:35 – Comfort in numbers

21:01 – Financial blind spots

23:33 – Tracking key KPIs

25:01 – Distribution vs. NOI

30:55 – Cash flow clarity

33:37 – Proof of concept

35:04 – Multifamily cash flow

36:09 – Zoning strategy explained

37:26 – Buying “by right”

38:05 – Highest and best use

40:06 – Transition to 5+ units

42:00 – Immigrant lending limits

43:40 – Lender risk factors

1:41:13 – Power of community

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST

Website: https://onerivercapital.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thatsalsainvestor/

#RealEstateInvesting #FinancialFreedom #Syndication #Multifamily #W2ToWealth #CashFlow #ImmigrantEntrepreneur #WomenInRealEstate #MortgageBroker #OneRiverCapital #InvestSmart #BuildWealth#CapitalRaising #FinancialStrategy

In this powerful episode of In The Lab, Ruben sits down with August Biniaz, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer at CPI Capital, to unpack how he went from building homes in Canada to managing large-scale U.S. multifamily funds. August shares his journey from being a general contractor and developer to launching CPI Capital, a cross-border real estate private equity firm that bridges Canadian capital with U.S. opportunities.

He breaks down the real roadmap for scaling in real estate—starting from joint ventures, to syndications, closed-end and open-ended funds with the road to ultimately launching a REIT. August also highlights why CPI shifted focus to U.S. markets like Tampa Bay and San Antonio, where rent control, entitlement speed, and yields outperform Canadian markets.

Listeners will gain deep insights into capital raising, fund structuring, investor relations, and how credibility and reputation equity become key leverage points when scaling to institutional investors. Tune in now to learn how August’s strategic evolution from builder to fund manager can help you structure smarter, scale faster, and raise with confidence.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:

16:12 August talks about syndication

21:48 August talks about progression from joint ventures to syndications

KEEPING IT REAL:

09:01 – Private equity structure explained

17:12 – Syndications vs. funds overview

20:45 – Managing investor expectations

28:08 – The pivotal land assembly deal

31:04 – Structuring partnerships and equity

35:01 – Why U.S. over Canada

45:01 – Launching CPI Capital

51:03 – Navigating cross-border challenges

55:21 – Entitlement timelines and delays

59:09 – Partnering with experienced operators

1:01:02 – Market focus: Tampa and San Antonio

1:02:09 – Build-to-rent explained

1:05:17 – Duplex strategy and investor returns

1:07:01 – Raising from retail to institutions

1:08:01 – The 30,000-door vision

1:13:18 – From syndication to REITs

1:16:02 – Final thoughts

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST

Website: https://cpicapital.ca/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/augustbiniaz/

#RealEstateInvesting #Syndication #REIT #PrivateEquity #Multifamily #BuildToRent #CommercialRealEstate #InstitutionalCapital #FundManagement #WealthBuilding #CrossBorderInvesting #CapitalRaising #FinancialStrategy

In this reflective episode of In The Lab, Ruben unpacks the concept of “relationship equity”—the unseen deposits we make when we give value first without expectation in return—and how this principle has created full-circle moments in his real estate and entrepreneurial journey. Drawing from his own experiences and those of past podcast guests, Ruben highlights how relationships built on giving often return dividends in the form of opportunities, mentorship, and growth.

He recalls pivotal lessons from Michael Elefante (Episode 161), whose transparency and content-driven brand inspired collaboration and mutual support, and Michael Shogren (Episode 91), whose Airbnb strategy shifted Ruben’s path entirely. Ruben also shares how contributions to Dr. Rachel Gainsbourg (Episode 263) and Will Dodtson ( Episode 265) later came full circle into opportunities that opened new doors.

This reflective conversation breaks down why “relationship equity” matters more than transactions, how small acts of service compound over time, and why long-term giving creates reputational capital that no market crash or downturn can erase.

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn networking into true opportunity, this episode will shift your perspective. Tune in now to learn how to build a relationship equity bank that compounds into partnerships, contracts, and doors you never knew existed.

#EntrepreneurMindset #RelationshipEquity #BusinessGrowth #RealEstateInvesting #Networking #ExperimentNation

In this powerful episode of In The Lab, Ruben sits down with George Otel, a finance expert, entrepreneur, and investor who has carved a unique path from trucking fleets to becoming “the finance guy” for business and real estate deals. George immigrated to the U.S. in 2011, built a trucking fleet, then pivoted into real estate, business loans, and funding strategies after realizing the leverage and creativity that come from finance. Today, he’s the go-to resource for SBA loans, equipment financing, commercial real estate, private lending, and complex deal structuring.

George reveals how he helps entrepreneurs and investors unlock capital, stack funding sources, and position themselves for growth—whether it’s acquiring businesses, scaling commercial assets, or tapping into the $10 trillion wave of baby boomer business exits. With a deep belief in buying back your time and focusing on one core skill, George shares how discipline, mentorship, and deal structuring literacy shaped his journey.

If you’re looking for a roadmap to financing smarter, leveraging hidden equity, and positioning yourself for the coming wealth transfer, this episode is packed with practical strategies and actionable insights. Tune in now to learn how George’s “finance-first” approach can change how you play the game.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:

21:38 George talks about creative financing.

43:45 George talks about the $10 trillion baby boomer wealth transfer.

KEEPING IT REAL:

09:10 – Redefining financing

12:40 – Structuring deals with multiple funding stages

17:18 – Equity in equipment as collateral

19:13 – Commercial brokers vs. finance brokers

22:28 – Seller financing and tax advantages in acquisitions

26:05 – Bridge loans, DSCR loans, and refinancing strategies

31:12 – From trucking fleets to real estate and finance

37:45 – Adding value when networking with mentors

44:00 – The $10 trillion baby boomer wealth transfer opportunity

51:50 – The sweet spot for acquisitions

55:30 – Buying back your time and building teams using Dan Martell’s frameworks

1:02:25 – Business owners should own their buildings

1:09:00 – Where capital is flowing next

1:27:04 – How to connect with George

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST

Website:https://www.usbizfunding.net/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeotel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgeotel/?hl=en

X: https://x.com/george_otel

#BusinessFunding #RealEstateInvesting #Entrepreneurship #WealthTransfer #PrivateLending #CommercialRealEstate #BusinessAcquisition #FinancialLiteracy #IndustrialRealEstate #DealStructuring

In this episode, Ruben shares a simple but powerful framework from his mentor, Myron Golden —the three C’s of fulfillment—and shows how it applies to business, real estate, and life. If something feels “off,” it’s usually because one (or more) buckets is empty: Create (projects, content, opportunities), Connect (community, proximity, masterminds), and Contribute (impact beyond self). When all three are present, work becomes meaningful and momentum compounds.

Ruben maps the 3 C’s onto the temporary housing / mid-term rental niche: creating listings and deal flow, curating rooms and meetups that foster connection, and building brands and businesses that contribute to something bigger. You’ll hear practical ways to fill each bucket—hosting or co-hosting meetups, joining rooms outside your niche to expand surface area for luck, creating content because “if they don’t know you, they can’t flow you,” and designing purpose-driven business systems that reward contribution across your team and partners.

If you’ve ever grown your numbers but still felt underwhelmed, this episode is a reset: fill the three buckets and fulfillment will follow.

Tune in now to learn how to use the Create–Connect–Contribute framework to realign your business, energize your week, and build a portfolio (and life) that actually feels good to run.

#EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessGrowth #RealEstateStrategy #MidtermRentals #Leadership #CommunityBuilding #PersonalDevelopment #ExperimentNation

In this solo briefing, Ruben breaks down Airbnb’s move to a single host-only fee (15.5%) for listings managed through property management software (PMS)—what’s changing, when it hits, and what it means for operators. He clarifies the Aug 25 & Oct 27, 2025 timelines and why this shift underscores a hard truth: Airbnb optimizes for guests first, not hosts.

Ruben shares the immediate, practical fix: adjust PMS channel markups (not your global pricing tool) so Airbnb prices reflect the new fee without mispricing you across other OTAs. Then he zooms out to strategy—leverage Airbnb’s traffic, but don’t depend on it. Diversify across VRBO/Expedia/Furnished Finder/Zillow, build direct-booking pathways through brand presence in-stay, and set business guardrails (no auto IB if it breaks your ops).

You’ll also hear how to turn Airbnb visibility into long-term relationships, protect margins with smarter pricing ops, and operate like a true B2B temp-housing brand. This isn’t “Airbnb or nothing”—it’s Airbnb and a resilient distribution stack.

Tune in now to learn exactly how to update your pricing, protect profits, and future-proof your portfolio while still riding Airbnb’s massive demand engine.

#ShortTermRentals #AirbnbHost #PMS #MidTermRentals #HospitalityOps #RevenueManagement #OTAstrategy #ExperimentNation