From Adversity to Abundance

In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Robert Rolih, an international bestselling author, financial educator, and entrepreneur living in Slovenia. This conversation takes a different turn than many past episodes, focusing on financial ownership, personal responsibility, and the hard lessons that come from trusting the wrong “experts.” Robert shares how growing up without much money shaped his drive to build a web development and software business from a young age, finally becoming profitable after five years of persistence.

That success, however, was followed by a major setback. After reinvesting nearly all of his business profits with financial experts and gurus, Robert suffered significant losses — forcing a powerful mindset shift. In this episode, he breaks down the three key steps he took to educate himself on investing, how he rebuilt and grew his portfolio, and what he learned along the way. The discussion spans stocks, crypto, and real estate, while also calling out Wall Street and guru culture. Today, Robert runs a lifestyle-focused business that allows him to work flexibly, travel with his family, and experience a level of financial abundance that didn’t feel possible before.

Guest Introduction:

Robert Rolih

Robert Rolih is an international bestselling author, financial educator, and entrepreneur based in Slovenia. After building and selling software and web-based businesses, Robert experienced major financial setbacks by relying on financial experts and gurus. That turning point led him to take full ownership of his investing education, rebuild his portfolio, and design a lifestyle-centered business that prioritizes freedom, flexibility, and financial abundance.

Episode Highlights:

• Growing Up Without Money – Robert shares how his early financial background shaped his mindset.
• Building a Business from Scratch – Five years of persistence before finally becoming profitable.
• Costly Lessons with “Experts” – What Robert learned from trusting financial gurus.
• Taking Ownership of Investing – The mindset shift that changed everything.
• Three Steps to Financial Education – How Robert re-educated himself and rebuilt his portfolio.
• Rejecting Wall Street & Guru Culture – Why Robert is skeptical of traditional financial systems.
• Designing a Lifestyle Business – Creating flexibility, freedom, and family time through smarter investing.

Key Takeaways:

• Outsourcing financial responsibility can be costly if you don’t understand what you’re investing in.
• Taking ownership of your financial education is critical to long-term success.
• Financial setbacks can become turning points when paired with the right mindset.
• You don’t need gurus or Wall Street to build financial abundance — education and accountability matter most.
• A lifestyle-driven approach to investing can create both freedom and fulfillment.

Learn More about Robert Rolih:

Website:

robertrolih.com

Twitter:

x.com/RobertRolih

Instagram:

www.instagram.com/robertrolih/

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/robert.rolih

Youtube:

www.youtube.com/c/RobertRolih

LinkedIn:

www.linkedin.com/in/robert-rolih-685a6893/

Learn More about Labrador Lending:

Integrity Income Fund:

labradorlending.com/passive-investors/

Labrador Mentorship:

labradorlending.com/active-investors/

Asset Management Service:

labradorlending.com/hybrid-investors/

—

Purchase Jamie’s Book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

—

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LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true

Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q

Connect with Jamie

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/

Twitter: twitter.com/batemanjames

In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Dan Deppen, owner of Call the Underwriter, a company that works closely with seller-finance and owner-finance real estate investors to help create loans for owner-occupied borrowers. But this conversation goes well beyond underwriting and real estate mechanics.

Dan opens up about a season of personal and professional transition that many listeners will find deeply relatable. He shares his experience navigating a recent divorce while simultaneously moving between life as a W-2 employee and entrepreneurship—more than once. Rather than framing these shifts as failures, Dan reflects on how each transition shaped his perspective on work, stability, and what real abundance actually looks like.

Today, Dan is building Call the Underwriter with intention, balancing the demands of scaling a business with the priorities of family, flexibility, and freedom of choice. This episode explores the emotional and mental side of entrepreneurship, the realities of starting over, and how abundance isn’t always about doing less—but about having alignment, options, and purpose. Listeners can expect practical wisdom, grounded insights, and an honest look at what it means to redefine success on your own terms.

Dan Deppen is the owner of Call the Underwriter, a company that supports seller-finance and owner-finance real estate investors by helping structure loans for owner-occupied borrowers. With experience moving between W-2 employment and entrepreneurship, Dan brings a grounded, real-world perspective to business ownership, personal resilience, and redefining abundance through family, freedom, and flexibility.

• Dan’s journey through divorce and major life transitions
• Moving from W-2 employment to entrepreneurship—and back again
• Lessons learned from rebuilding professionally and personally
• What “abundance” looks like beyond money and business growth
• Scaling Call the Underwriter while prioritizing family and flexibility
• Finding stability, purpose, and clarity through change

• Career paths are rarely linear, and transitions don’t equal failure
• Abundance can be defined by freedom, choice, and alignment—not just income
• Entrepreneurship comes with seasons of rebuilding and recalibration
• Personal challenges often shape stronger, more intentional businesses
• True success is about designing a life that supports what matters most

Learn More about Stephen Predmore:

Website:

https://fusionnotes.com/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dandeppen/

Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-note-investor-podcast/id1480182717

Learn More about Labrador Lending:

Integrity Income Fund:

https://labradorlending.com/investors/passive-investors/

Labrador Mentorship:

labradorlending.com/investors/active-investors/

—

Haven Financial Services:

Learn more: jamie.myfinancialhaven.com/

—

Purchase Jamie’s Book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

—

Leave us a REVIEW: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1

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Website: www.adversity2abundance.com

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LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q

Connect with Jamie

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/

Twitter: twitter.com/batemanjames

In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Stephen Predmore, a long-time engineer who discovered firsthand how fragile job security can be—and how real estate investing can provide true financial stability.

After decades in a W-2 role, Stephen described himself as “fat, dumb, and happy,” comfortable in his career until an unexpected financial blow upended everything he thought was secure. In an instant, his primary income source dried up, forcing him to rethink his entire approach to wealth and security.

Instead of retreating, Stephen took action. He began building multiple streams of income through single-family and multifamily real estate investments—first as an active investor, and later by helping others invest passively. Today, he focuses on empowering fellow engineers and professionals to diversify their income and invest with confidence.

This episode is deeply relatable and practical, showing how adversity can serve as the wake-up call that pushes us toward abundance. Stephen’s journey highlights how anyone—no matter their background—can take control of their financial future with the right mindset and plan.

Stephen Predmore is a veteran engineer turned real estate investor who helps professionals, particularly engineers, transition from relying solely on W-2 income to building wealth through real estate. Having experienced sudden job loss himself, Stephen now invests in both single-family and multifamily assets and mentors others on creating passive income streams.

• The Wake-Up Call – How Stephen’s sense of financial security vanished overnight and forced him to take control.
• 
  
• From Active to Passive Investing – Why Stephen shifted from hands-on property management to multifamily syndications.
• 
  
• Diversifying Income Streams – How he built stability by creating multiple sources of income.
• 
  
• Helping Other Engineers Invest – Stephen’s mission to guide fellow professionals toward financial independence.
• 
  
• Mindset Shift After Adversity – The lessons that transformed how he views money, risk, and opportunity.
• 
  

• Job security can be an illusion—diversification is essential for true financial freedom.
• 
  
• Real estate investing offers practical ways to build stability outside your W-2 job.
• 
  
• Adversity can be the turning point that fuels growth and clarity.
• 
  
• Helping others invest can multiply your own sense of purpose and abundance.
• 
  
• 
  

Learn More about Stephen Predmore:

Website:

http://www.TalbottInvestments.com

Instagram:

http://instagram.com/stephenpredmore

Facebook:

http://facebook.com/stephen.predmore.7

LinkedIn:

http://linkedin.com/in/stephen-predmore

Learn More about Labrador Lending:

Integrity Income Fund:

https://labradorlending.com/investors/passive-investors/

Labrador Mentorship:

labradorlending.com/investors/active-investors/

—

Haven Financial Services:

Learn more: jamie.myfinancialhaven.com/

—

Purchase Jamie’s Book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

—

Leave us a REVIEW: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1

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Connect with us

Website: www.adversity2abundance.com

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

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

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q

Connect with Jamie

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/

Twitter: twitter.com/batemanjames

In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Brad Andrus, a Texas-based entrepreneur who’s built, lost, and rebuilt multiple businesses across both real estate and other industries. Brad’s journey is a powerful story of perseverance, adaptability, and the enduring value of strong relationships.

After building a net worth of nearly $1 million by his late 20s, Brad was hit hard by the 2008 financial crash—losing nearly everything and finding himself deep in debt. But instead of walking away, he rebuilt from the ground up. Today, Brad owns and operates several successful companies, proving that setbacks don’t define you—your response to them does.

Jamie and Brad explore how early success shaped his mindset, what he learned from losing it all, and how he’s leveraged lessons from failure to grow into a seasoned entrepreneur. Toward the end of the episode, the conversation takes an exciting turn into the world of AI, where Brad shares how he’s helping businesses harness artificial intelligence—without needing to be the “AI expert in the room.”

More than anything, this episode underscores the importance of people—how healthy, win-win relationships and collaboration can drive long-term success and fulfillment.

Guest Introduction: Brad Andrus

Brad Andrus is a Texas-based entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host who has founded and managed multiple businesses in and outside of real estate. After losing nearly everything in the 2008 financial crisis, Brad rebuilt his wealth and continues to innovate—most recently through ventures exploring the practical use of AI in business. His story embodies grit, reinvention, and the power of relationships.

Episode Highlights:

• Losing It All in 2008 – How the financial crash took Brad from millionaire to nearly broke—and the lessons it taught him.
• Rebuilding from Zero – The mindset and strategies Brad used to climb back and create multiple thriving businesses.
• Beyond Real Estate – Why Brad expanded into non-real-estate ventures and how diversification fuels his entrepreneurial drive.
• The Power of Relationships – How genuine, mutually beneficial relationships became Brad’s greatest asset.
• AI and the Future of Business – Insights from Brad’s new ventures helping companies integrate AI effectively.
• Entrepreneurial Fulfillment – Why Brad continues to build, create, and lead even after achieving financial freedom.
• 
  

Key Takeaways:

• Setbacks are inevitable—but how you respond determines your long-term success.
• Relationships and community are often more valuable than money or strategy.
• Diversification can lead to greater resilience in business and life.
• You don’t have to be an AI expert to start using it meaningfully in your business.
• True abundance comes from creating value, helping others, and staying adaptable.

Learn More about Brad Andrus:

Website:https://northbridge.inc/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-andrus/

Learn More about Labrador Lending:

Integrity Income Fund:

https://labradorlending.com/investors/passive-investors/

Labrador Mentorship:

labradorlending.com/investors/active-investors/

—

Haven Financial Services:

Learn more: jamie.myfinancialhaven.com/

—

Purchase Jamie’s Book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

—

Leave us a REVIEW: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1

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Connect with us

Website: www.adversity2abundance.com

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

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

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q

Connect with Jamie

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/

Twitter: twitter.com/batemanjames

In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman takes listeners deep into the world of mortgage note investing—an often overlooked but powerful alternative for investors seeking stability, clarity, and predictable income.

If you've ever said:

“I want steady income without the volatility.…”

“I want control, but not another job…”

“I want hands-on upside with real stability.…”

—this episode answers that exact call.

Jamie breaks down the three types of investors Labrador Lending serves—Passive, Hybrid, and Active—and explains how each can participate in mortgage notes without the confusion or overwhelm that often stops people from getting started.

Unlike the inspirational guest interviews the show is known for, this is a highly actionable, clarity-driven episode designed to help investors make informed decisions and take their next step with confidence.

• Why Mortgage Notes Offer Stability & Control

Jamie explains why mortgage notes provide predictable returns, reduced volatility, and freedom from property management headaches.

• The Three Types of Investors Labrador Lending Serves

A breakdown of Passive, Hybrid, and Active investors—and how Jamie determined these categories through real client needs.

• The Integrity Income Fund Explained

How accredited investors earn an 8–10% preferred return, why the fund has never missed a monthly distribution, and what makes note-backed assets so durable.

• Introducing the Asset Management Service

Why hybrid investors often get stuck—and how this new service helps them own notes while outsourcing the operational heavy lifting.

• One-on-One Mentorship for Active Investors

What active investors need to succeed, why many fail without guidance, and how mentorship provides clarity, systems, and mistake avoidance.

• Why Mortgage Notes Beat Stock Market Volatility

Jamie breaks down what makes notes both stable and scalable for the everyday investor.

• Moving From Inspiration to Practical Action

Jamie shares why he shifted the podcast toward more actionable episodes and how this one is designed to give listeners a “next step.”

• Mortgage note investing offers stability, security, and predictability—without the headaches of managing tenants.
• Labrador Lending serves three distinct investor profiles, ensuring that nearly anyone interested in notes has a clear path forward
• The Integrity Income Fund provides hands-off monthly income with consistent, transparent reporting.
• The new Asset Management Service supports investors who want to own notes but prefer experienced operators to manage them.
• Mentorship accelerates learning, helps avoid costly mistakes, and empowers investors to build long-term systems and confidence.
• Today’s episode shifts from inspiration to practical clarity—giving listeners real direction for choosing their investing path.

Learn More about Labrador Lending:

Integrity Income Fund:

labradorlending.com/passive-investors

Asset Management Service:

labradorlending.com/hybrid-investors

Labrador Mentorship:

labradorlending.com/investors/active-investors

—

Haven Financial Services:

Learn more: jamie.myfinancialhaven.com

Ideal Project Analyzer:

Learn more: labradorlending.com/ideal-project-analyzer

—

Purchase Jamie’s Book: 

www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

Checkout Our Blogs:

labradorlending.com/blog

—

Leave us a REVIEW: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1

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Connect with us

Website: www.adversity2abundance.com

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q

Connect with Jamie

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/

Twitter: twitter.com/batemanjames

In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, we’re sharing a special conversation where Jamie Bateman joins Jack Hoss on the RealDealChat podcast. Jamie talks about his path from the corporate world into real estate investing, starting with single-family rentals and eventually moving into mortgage notes. He reflects on the origins of Labrador Lending, the influence of his military background, and the lessons he’s learned about focus, balance, and perseverance as an entrepreneur.

Jamie also breaks down the fundamentals of mortgage note investing — what it is, how it works, and why it’s a unique blend of finance and real estate. From buying debt at discounts and understanding collateral, to sourcing notes, building a buy box, and working with loan servicers, he offers a clear look at the realities of the business. And there are still many more topics to be covered in this wide-ranging discussion.

Episode Highlights:

• The story behind the name Labrador Lending
• Jamie’s first steps into real estate and the transition from rentals to mortgage notes
• How long commutes, podcasts, and military discipline shaped his mindset
• Buying notes at discounts and the role of collateral in protecting investors
• Why banks and hedge funds sell notes, and how investors can source them
• Building a “buy box” and finding the right opportunities
• The role of loan servicers and the realities of active vs. passive note investing
• Overcoming overwhelm, knowing when to say no, and lessons from quitting a loan servicing company

Learn More about Labrador Lending:

Integrity Income Fund:

https://labradorlending.com/investors/passive-investors/

Labrador Mentorship:

labradorlending.com/investors/active-investors/

—

Haven Financial Services:

Learn more: jamie.myfinancialhaven.com/

—

Purchase Jamie’s Book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

—

Leave us a REVIEW: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1

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Connect with us

Website: www.adversity2abundance.com

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

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

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q

Connect with Jamie

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/

Twitter: twitter.com/batemanjames

In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Whitney Elkins-Hutten, a real estate investor, educator, and the Director of Investor Education at PassiveInvesting.com. Whitney’s journey is not just about building wealth—it’s about navigating real-life challenges, pivoting when necessary, and using adversity as a catalyst for growth.

Whitney started out as a busy professional juggling a career while running a side hustle in single-family real estate. What began with fix-and-flip projects soon grew into a portfolio of over 40 rentals. But life had other plans. After unexpected family losses and major medical challenges, Whitney was forced to step back, reassess, and ultimately transform her business from a solo entrepreneurial venture into a sustainable wealth-building platform.

Today, Whitney focuses on larger-scale commercial investments—including multifamily, car washes, and debt funds. She is passionate about empowering busy professionals, moms, and entrepreneurs alike to build lasting wealth through smart, diversified strategies.

This conversation dives deep into the inflection points of Whitney’s career and personal life, exploring how she turned hardship into resilience and abundance. Whether you’re an aspiring passive investor, an active operator, or someone considering a career pivot, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable insights.

Guest Introduction: Whitney Elkins-Hutten

Whitney Elkins-Hutten is a real estate investor, educator, and Director of Investor Education at PassiveInvesting.com. She’s also the founder of AshWealth.com, where she helps active and passive investors create wealth through smart real estate strategies. Starting with fix-and-flips and scaling to 40+ rentals, Whitney has since expanded into multifamily, car washes, and debt funds. Her mission is to empower professionals and entrepreneurs to take control of their financial futures.

Episode Highlights:

• From Side Hustle to 40 Rentals – How Whitney built a real estate portfolio while working full-time.
• The Fix-and-Flip Trap – Why Whitney doesn’t consider flipping “investing” and what she learned.
• Life’s Turning Points – How family losses and medical challenges reshaped her perspective and business.
• Passive vs. Active – How Whitney balances being an operator, investor, and educator.
• The Power of Resilience – Lessons on redefining success and finding abundance in the face of adversity.

Key Takeaways:

• Real estate wealth-building often starts small but grows through persistence and smart pivots.
• Family and life challenges can serve as unexpected catalysts for major business and mindset shifts.
• True abundance comes not from avoiding hardship, but from navigating it with resilience.

Learn more about Whitney:

Website:https://ashwealth.com/

PassiveInvesting.com

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

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

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

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/passive-investing-made-simple/id1635957317

Learn More about Labrador Lending:

Integrity Income Fund:

https://labradorlending.com/investors/passive-investors/

Labrador Mentorship:

labradorlending.com/investors/active-investors/

—

Haven Financial Services:

Learn more: jamie.myfinancialhaven.com/

—

Purchase Jamie’s Book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

—

Leave us a REVIEW: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1

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Connect with us

Website: www.adversity2abundance.com

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

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

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q

Connect with Jamie

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/

Twitter: twitter.com/batemanjames

In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Athena Brownson, a former professional skier turned powerhouse real estate agent, investor, and developer. Athena opens up about her journey through debilitating health struggles—including a career-ending injury, chronic Lyme disease, and eight surgeries—while simultaneously building a thriving real estate business in a challenging market.

But her story is much more than financial success. Athena shares how her identity shifted through career transitions, health crises, and mental health battles. What grounded her throughout? Long-term relationships and a commitment to serving others.

In a profession often marked by transactions, Athena’s emphasis on genuine human connection has paid off in both personal healing and professional abundance—closing $28 million in real estate deals in one year and earning $150,000 in a single month. This episode offers a powerful blend of vulnerability and strength, highlighting the role of mindset, purpose, and service in navigating adversity.

Guest Introduction: Athena Brownson

Athena Brownson is a former professional skier who transitioned into real estate after a career-ending injury and a series of serious health challenges. Now a top-producing agent, real estate investor, speaker, and author, Athena has achieved major milestones in her business, including $28 million in transactions in one year. She’s also entering the world of real estate development while continuing to advocate for authenticity, mental health, and long-term relationship-building in the industry.

Episode Highlights:

• From Athlete to Entrepreneur – How Athena transitioned from competitive skiing to real estate after a career-ending injury.
• Facing Chronic Illness – The personal and professional impact of battling chronic Lyme disease and recovering from eight surgeries.
• Redefining Identity – Athena reflects on the mental health challenges and identity crises that shaped her path.
• Relationships Over Transactions – Why building long-term relationships has been key to her success in a cutthroat industry.
• Breakthrough Moments – Earning $150K in a single month and closing $28M in a year, all while navigating adversity.
• Looking Ahead – Athena’s venture into real estate development and her mission to serve and uplift others.

Key Takeaways:

• Your greatest setbacks can become the source of your biggest breakthroughs.
• Health challenges, identity shifts, and mental adversity are part of many success stories.
• Real, lasting success in real estate isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people.
• Building long-term relationships and living authentically can create both abundance and fulfillment.
• You don’t have to choose between serving others and achieving financial success—they can go hand in hand.

Learn More about Athena Brownson:

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

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

Tiktok:https://www.tiktok.com/@athenabrownson

Integrity Income Fund:

https://labradorlending.com/investors/passive-investors/

Labrador Mentorship:

labradorlending.com/investors/active-investors/

—

Haven Financial Services:

Learn more: jamie.myfinancialhaven.com/

—

Purchase Jamie’s Book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

—

Leave us a REVIEW: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1

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Connect with us

Website: www.adversity2abundance.com

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

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

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q

Connect with Jamie

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/

Twitter: twitter.com/batemanjames

In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman speaks with Merriah Harkins, Senior Sales Officer at Lukrom, a private investment firm with a focus on private credit. While Merriah has built a powerhouse career in sales and investor relations—with over 25 years of experience driving revenue and client retention—her professional strength is rooted in deeply personal adversity.

At just four years old, Merriah’s mother abandoned her family, leading to an unconventional upbringing in a boarding school without the traditional presence of either parent. This early trauma shaped her worldview, her emotional resilience, and her unique approach to risk, relationships, and leadership.

Merriah isn’t your typical entrepreneur. In fact, she openly shares about a failed business venture and how it redirected her path toward her true zone of genius: connecting with people and helping them make confident investment decisions—whether they're active or passive investors.

In this candid conversation, Jamie and Merriah explore not only her personal story, but also practical insights on capital raising, relationship-driven sales, and the mindset needed to thrive in real estate and private credit markets. This episode will resonate with anyone who has faced rejection, abandonment, or career pivots—and come out stronger on the other side.

Guest Introduction: Merriah Harkins

Merriah Harkins is the Senior Sales Officer at Lukrom, a private investment firm focused on private credit. With over 25 years of experience in sales strategy, client relations, and capital raising, Merriah brings deep industry expertise and human connection to every investor conversation. Her personal story of resilience and growth informs her no-fluff, heart-centered approach to investor education and relationship management.

Episode Highlights:

• Abandonment to Empowerment – Merriah opens up about her mother leaving at age four and being raised in a boarding school, and how those early wounds shaped her strength.
• Sales as Service – Merriah explains her approach to building trust and loyalty with both active and passive investors.
• Lessons for Active Investors – How real estate and mortgage note investors can elevate their capital-raising strategy.
• Smart Moves for Passive Investors – How to think through investment decisions with clarity and confidence (not financial advice).

Key Takeaways:

• Personal adversity, especially early in life, can develop core strengths that fuel long-term success.
• Failure in business doesn’t mean failure in life—it can be a redirection to your true calling.
• Building authentic relationships is the cornerstone of successful sales and capital raising.
• Whether you’re an active or passive investor, understanding your risk tolerance and emotional drivers can help guide better decisions.

Learn More about Merriah Harkins:

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/merriah-harkins-1080294/

Website:https://www.lukrom.com/

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

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/lukrom/

X:https://x.com/lukromcap

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/lukrom.cap

Integrity Income Fund:

https://labradorlending.com/investors/passive-investors/

Labrador Mentorship:

labradorlending.com/investors/active-investors/

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Haven Financial Services:

Learn more: jamie.myfinancialhaven.com/

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Purchase Jamie’s Book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

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Leave us a REVIEW: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1

www.adversity2abundance.com/reviews/new/

Connect with us

Website: www.adversity2abundance.com

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

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

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q

Connect with Jamie

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/

Twitter: twitter.com/batemanjames

In this heartfelt solo episode, host Jamie Bateman steps behind the mic to share some personal reflections and an important update: From Adversity to Abundance is taking a brief summer pause.

After 3+ years of consistent podcasting and over 170 powerful episodes, Jamie opens up about his decision to step back for the summer — to savor precious time with family, navigate personal adversity, and double down on momentum within his core business at Labrador Lending.

This isn’t goodbye. It’s a reset.

And Jamie shares exactly how you can help the show return stronger than ever this fall.

• Why Jamie is pressing pause this summer
• Honest thoughts about the impact of the show
• An invitation to help shape its next chapter
• How to stay connected and support the mission during the break

• Catch up on past episodes — powerful, timeless stories you might’ve missed
• Leave a rating or review — it genuinely helps others discover the podcast
• Share an episode with a friend — someone you know needs to hear these stories
• Pick up Jamie’s book From Adversity to Abundance on Amazon
• Submit guest recommendations at our website

• From Adversity to Abundance book: Available on Amazon
• Podcast archives: Listen to past episodes here

“This isn’t the end. It’s a pause. I’ll be back this fall with fresh energy, new stories, and maybe a few surprises. In the meantime — stay well, stay strong, and remember: adversity doesn’t get the last word… abundance does.” — Jamie

Integrity Income Fund:

https://labradorlending.com/investors/passive-investors/

Labrador Mentorship:

labradorlending.com/investors/active-investors/

—

Haven Financial Services:

Learn more: jamie.myfinancialhaven.com/

—

Purchase Jamie’s Book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

—

Leave us a REVIEW: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1

www.adversity2abundance.com/reviews/new/

Connect with us:

Website: www.adversity2abundance.com

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

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

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q

Connect with Jamie:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/

Twitter: twitter.com/batemanjames