In this episode, we sit down with Luke Thatcher, founder of Atlantic Disposal, who turned a simple waste removal service into a thriving seven-figure business. From picking up trash to picking up major wins, Luke shares how he built Atlantic Disposal from the ground up—proving that hard work, grit, and a service-first mindset can take you further than you think.

We dive into the heart of his journey:

🔥 How his family and background shaped his work ethic

💡 The early days and growing pains of entrepreneurship

📈 His 2024 goal of scaling the company to $5,000,000

🧠 The mindset it takes to build something lasting from scratch

This one’s packed with wisdom, motivation, and an honest look at what it means to build a business with purpose.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment if this inspired you or gave you ideas for your own business journey.

📲 Follow us and stay tuned—we’ll be checking back with Luke at the end of the year to see if he hits that $5M mark!

In this episode, we sit down with Luke Thatcher, founder of Atlantic Disposal, who turned a simple waste removal service into a thriving seven-figure business. From picking up trash to picking up major wins, Luke shares how he built Atlantic Disposal from the ground up—proving that hard work, grit, and a service-first mindset can take you further than you think.We dive into the heart of his journey:🔥 How his family and background shaped his work ethic💡 The early days and growing pains of entrepreneurship📈 His 2024 goal of scaling the company to $5,000,000🧠 The mindset it takes to build something lasting from scratchThis one’s packed with wisdom, motivation, and an honest look at what it means to build a business with purpose.👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment if this inspired you or gave you ideas for your own business journey.

📲 Follow us and stay tuned—we’ll be checking back with Luke at the end of the year to see if he hits that $5M mark!https://atlanticdisposal.com

In this episode, we sit down with Alex Kang, a former CPA turned management consultant who is now on a mission to acquire small businesses and build consistent cash flow through smart entrepreneurship. 💼💡

Alex shares what he looks for when buying businesses, the mindset shift that took him from corporate to ownership, and why discipline in personal growth — from reading to fitness — fuels long-term success.

If you’re interested in business acquisitions, staying focused on your top priorities, and learning how to build wealth through smart decisions, this conversation is for you.

👉 Listen now to learn how Alex is navigating his entrepreneurial journey, and how you can apply these lessons to yours.

What if I told you two regular guys turned pool cleaning and valet services into million-dollar businesses—and we’re here to show you how... two entrepreneurs who built real companies in the service industry—from the ground up. One runs a full-scale pool cleaning business, the other built a valet and shuttle empire. And together? They're now pulling in over $1 million a year through systems, hustle, and smart branding.This channel is for the business owners still stuck on the hamster wheel, wondering why they can’t break through. We’ve been there—and we’re here to drop the real, unfiltered lessons you won’t hear from online gurus.If you’re ready to grow, scale, and stop playing smallYou’re in the right place!!

Summary

In this episode, Jonathan Velarde interviews Brenda Jones, a multifamily investor and fund manager at LeapFrog Funds, who shares her journey into real estate investing, particularly focusing on RV parks. Brenda discusses the advantages of RV parks over traditional real estate, her strategies for raising capital, and the importance of building relationships and credibility in the investment community. She emphasizes the need for teamwork in real estate ventures and the role of social media in attracting investors. Brenda also highlights the difference between being rich and being wealthy, and the importance of investing in income-producing assets. The conversation concludes with insights on networking, overcoming complacency in W-2 jobs, and the significance of understanding seller motivations in negotiations.

Takeaways

Brenda transitioned from multifamily to RV parks due to better investment returns.

RV parks offer unique opportunities to increase net operating income.

Building relationships is crucial for raising capital.

Investors should start raising capital before having a deal.

Real estate investing is not a solo sport; teamwork is essential.

Passive investors can start with smaller investments in fix-and-flips.

Social media is a powerful tool for attracting investors.

Understanding the difference between being rich and wealthy is key.

Networking and referrals are vital in job searching and capital raising.

Complacency in W-2 jobs can hinder financial freedom.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Brenda's Journey

03:17 The Appeal of RV Parks as Investments

06:13 Capital Raising Strategies and Mistakes

09:18 Building Trust and Credibility in Capital Raising

12:17 Investing Strategies for Beginners

15:19 Balancing W2 Job and Real Estate Investments

18:14 Hiring Insights and Networking Tips

19:59 Building Connections for Success

20:49 Overcoming Complacency in the Workforce

22:09 The Shift to Real Estate Investing

25:14 Harnessing Social Media for Capital Raising

27:57 Navigating Social Media Platforms

32:53 The Importance of Targeting the Right Audience

34:17 Understanding Financial Freedom and Investment Strategies

35:23 Closing Deals and Creative Financing Strategies

Summary

In this podcast episode, Neil Shah shares his inspiring journey from India to becoming a successful hotel owner in the United States. He discusses the challenges he faced, the lessons learned in hotel management, and the importance of staffing and operational efficiency. Neal also delves into funding strategies for hotel investments, emphasizing the significance of understanding hotel valuation and revenue diversification. His insights provide valuable guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry.

Takeaways

Neal moved to the US at 23, leaving behind a successful career in India.

He found his passion in hospitality while working at a hotel in California.

Education in hotel management complemented his practical experience.

Doubling revenue in his first hotel investment was a significant achievement.

Building trust with partners was crucial for future deals.

Staffing and management are key challenges in the hospitality industry.

Funding initial deals often requires creativity and leveraging credit.

Refinancing properties can provide capital for new investments.

Hotels should be viewed as dynamic financial engines, not just buildings.

Networking and continuous learning are essential for success in hospitality.

Chapters

00:00 Neil Shah's Journey to Hospitality

03:29 Key Lessons from Hotel Ownership

06:23 The Impact of Strategic Partnerships

09:13 Navigating Challenges in Food and Beverage

12:15 Effective Management and Staffing Strategies

15:11 Transitioning from Hands-On to Visionary Leadership

27:38 Sibling Rivalry in Business: A Valet Parking Journey

28:27 Scaling Operations: The Importance of SOPs

29:14 Funding the First Deal: From GM to Investor

31:07 The Power of Credit: Financing Strategies for Growth

32:57 Refinancing: A Key to Expanding Your Portfolio

38:30 Hotels as Financial Engines: Beyond Just Buildings

40:35 Revenue Diversification: Unlocking Additional Income Streams

42:44 Transitioning from Airbnb to Hotel Ownership

43:36 Starting with Limited Capital: Creative Financing Options

47:45 The Importance of Education and Networking in Hospitality

Summary

In this episode, Brandon Hien shares his inspiring journey from a successful corporate sales career to becoming a full-time digital nomad and marketing leader for a hostel chain. He discusses the fears and challenges he faced while transitioning to entrepreneurship, the importance of finding a passion that aligns with financial stability, and the unique experience of staying in hostels. Brandon also offers valuable travel tips and insights into the future growth of his company, Howsit Hostels.

Chapters

00:00 From Corporate to Freedom: Brandon's Journey

05:35 Finding Your Path: Making Money Online

10:30 Understanding Hostels: A Unique Travel Experience

13:05 Travel Tips: Best Destinations and Hacks

20:01 Advice for the Future: What to Consider Before Quitting

23:28 Vision for Growth: Building a $400 Million Company

Takeaways

Brandon left a high-paying corporate job to pursue his passion.

The journey to entrepreneurship can be daunting but rewarding.

Finding the right community can provide support and confidence.

Social media can be a powerful tool for networking and growth.

Hostels offer a unique and affordable way to travel and meet people.

Traveling as a digital nomad requires careful planning and budgeting.

Using credit card points can significantly reduce travel costs.

It's important to find a balance between passion and financial stability.

Brandon emphasizes the importance of storytelling in marketing.

The vision for Howsit Hostels is to become a leading hostel brand in America.

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Blake Schmitz, a rising star in the independent music scene, shares his unique journey as a farmer and musician. At just 21 years old, Blake discusses how he balances his farming responsibilities with his passion for music, the influences that shaped his sound, and the challenges he faces in both fields. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, the impact of technology in agriculture, and the significance of dreaming big while taking actionable steps towards achieving goals. Blake's insights into the farming lifestyle, the music industry, and personal growth resonate throughout the discussion, making it a compelling listen for anyone interested in pursuing their passions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Blake Schmitz

03:11 Blake's Musical Journey and Influences

06:13 Balancing Farming and Music Career

09:17 Advice and Insights from the Music Industry

12:06 Lessons from Farming Applied to Music

15:20 Life on the Farm vs. City Life

18:19 Challenges and Investments in Farming

20:46 Financing the Future of Farming

22:02 The Viability of Small Family Farms

24:28 Embracing Technology in Agriculture

26:55 The Drive Behind Young Farmers

30:08 The Value of Mentorship Over Traditional Education

33:08 Living Without Regrets

34:40 Fun and Insights in Country Music

38:40 Building a Brand in the Music Industry

Keywords

Blake Schmitz, country music, farming, music career, mentorship, small town life, challenges of farming, technology in agriculture, balancing careers, life lessons

Summary

In this episode, Mike Demson shares his journey from digital marketing to hotel development, discussing his experiences with significant projects in Sonoma and San Francisco. He emphasizes the importance of partnerships, the entitlement process in real estate, and the lessons learned along the way. Mike provides valuable insights for aspiring developers, highlighting the need for mentorship and the significance of making informed decisions during the acquisition process.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mike Demson and His Background

03:07 Transitioning from Digital Marketing to Hotel Development

06:06 Understanding the Entitlement Process in Real Estate

09:05 Details of the Sonoma Hotel Project

12:18 Exploring the San Francisco Hotel Deal

18:05 Negotiation Strategies and Lessons Learned

24:08 The Importance of Partnerships in Real Estate

30:02 Advice for Aspiring Developers and Marketers

Takeaways

Mike transitioned from digital marketing to hotel development.

He emphasizes the importance of partnerships in real estate.

Understanding the entitlement process is crucial for developers.

The Sonoma hotel project involved significant renovations and value add strategies.

Negotiating the purchase price is key to successful real estate deals.

Starting small in real estate can lead to bigger opportunities.

Having experienced partners can mitigate risks in development.

The San Francisco hotel deal was acquired at a significantly reduced price.

Learning from mistakes is essential in the development process.

Asking questions and seeking mentorship can accelerate learning.

Summary

In this episode, Nick Rossi shares his unique journey from marine construction to launching his own general contracting and specialized coatings companies. He discusses the challenges and lessons learned along the way, including the importance of cash flow, finding a niche, and the vision for his future hotel development focused on wellness. Nick emphasizes the value of experience, networking, and strategic growth in the construction and real estate industries.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nick Rossi's Journey

05:27 Transition from Marine to Construction Industry

11:22 Exploring Multifamily and Hospitality Ventures

16:43 Vision for a Wellness-Focused Hotel

22:50 Advice for Aspiring General Contractors

28:20 Networking and Future Aspirations