Small business success requires resilience, strategy, and smart investments. In this episode, we explore entrepreneurship, real estate, business growth, and the 2025 housing market with expert insights.

In this episode of Small Business Living It, host Dean Castellano sits down with Bruce Kaminsky and Shawn Zafarpour, two entrepreneurs who transitioned from the restaurant industry into real estate development. They share their journeys, lessons in resilience, and insights on navigating business challenges in highly competitive markets.

Key Takeaways:

• The mindset shift from running restaurants to building real estate ventures
• Lessons from the hospitality industry and how they apply to business success
• The role of strategic partnerships in scaling a small business
• Navigating zoning, permits, and challenges in real estate development
• Predictions for the 2025 housing market and what investors should know

Episode Chapters:

• 00:00 - Introduction: Small Business Journeys
• 03:02 - Overcoming Challenges and Lessons in Business
• 05:59 - Cultural Backgrounds and Business Influence
• 09:03 - Transitioning from Corporate to Small Business Ownership
• 14:50 - The Importance of People and Business Culture
• 18:08 - Restaurant Industry Challenges and Lessons Learned
• 23:50 - The Role of Real Estate in Business Growth
• 28:22 - Strategies for Real Estate Development Success
• 39:01 - Mentorship, Growth, and Market Adaptation
• 50:03 - Housing Market Predictions for 2025

Websites: 

• Small Business, Living It Website
• Graham Mortgage 
• 2nd Floor Studios

Social Links:
LinkedIn: Dean Castelhano
Linkedin: Wesley Castelhano
Instagram: @2ndfloordallas