Episode Summary

In this episode of Groundbreakers, Michael Mendoza, founder of APEX Real Estate Contracting, shares how he’s using Opportunity Zones and modular construction to rebuild fire-impacted communities and deliver smarter, faster housing. A former U.S. Marine and MBA graduate, Michael brings a mission-driven lens to development, blending public-private partnerships, sustainability, and investor returns.

Michael unpacks the strategy behind his 1,500-acre project in Colorado and walks through how APEX is tackling housing shortages by working with municipalities, leveraging government incentives, and embracing emerging technologies.

Key Points Discussed

• Community-First Development: Michael explains how APEX identifies projects with both impact and upside—starting with unmet housing needs and layering in government partnerships, incentives, and design.
• Opportunity Zones in Action: He shares his blueprint for structuring a real estate fund in designated Opportunity Zones and why he sees these as an underutilized tool for long-term wealth creation and community revitalization.
• Modular for Scale and Speed: Michael dives into the decision to go modular, breaking down how factory-built units reduce time, waste, and cost, while increasing speed to market.
• Navigating Public-Private Partnerships: From wildfires in California to workforce housing in Colorado, Michael shares real-world examples of working with cities to align incentives and secure development wins.
• Leadership, Grit, and Vision: A Marine Corps veteran, Michael reflects on how his background in logistics, leadership, and capital raising shapes the way he tackles massive, high-stakes development challenges.

Guest Information

• Name: Michael Mendoza
• Role: Founder at APEX Real Estate Contracting
• LinkedIn: Michael Mendoza
• Website: APEX Real Estate Contracting

Conclusion

Michael Mendoza’s story is a powerful reminder that real estate can be both profitable and purposeful. His ability to align municipal needs with investor goals—and deliver at speed through modular construction—offers a blueprint for the next generation of community-first development.

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn to learn more about his projects and how APEX is transforming Opportunity Zones into real opportunity.

In this episode of Groundbreakers, René Bello, founder of Atelier, shares how he’s combining AI, design, and wellness to reshape the short-term rental experience. Drawing from a background in boutique hospitality and $100M+ in real estate development, René is on a mission to create branded, owner-friendly short-term rental condos that merge luxury living with curated wellness.

He breaks down how Atelier’s platform empowers owners to both enjoy their properties and generate income—while leveraging automation, design, and hospitality standards to elevate the guest experience.

• Building a Brand-First Hospitality Platform: René shares why he believes the future of short-term rentals lies in building lifestyle-driven brands that emphasize consistency, wellness, and personalization.
• Designing for Ownership and Income: Atelier’s model allows buyers to own short-term rental condos in luxury buildings and benefit from curated property management and a strong hospitality brand.
• AI in Hospitality: René discusses how they use artificial intelligence to streamline operations, respond to guest needs, and automate experiences without losing the human touch.
• Lessons from Boutique Development: From running wellness resorts to co-founding a developer group in NYC, René reflects on the challenges of ground-up development and why he’s now focused on tech-enabled, asset-light models.
• The Wellness Edge: He explains how biophilic design, scent branding, and community engagement drive guest satisfaction and differentiate Atelier in a crowded market.

• Name: René Bello
• Role: CEO at BLDG Ventures & Developing Atelier Residences Miami
• LinkedIn: René Bello
• Website: BLDG Ventures

René Bello’s story is a masterclass in blending creativity, hospitality, and business. Whether you’re a syndicator, developer, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable insight into how to think differently about real estate—and how to build a brand that people want to live in, not just rent.

Connect with René on LinkedIn to learn more about Atelier and their unique approach to short-term rental ownership.

In this episode of Groundbreakers, Steven Johnson, founder of JS Summit Global, shares how he walked away from landlord headaches to build a passive income empire through mortgage note investing. With a background in mobile home parks and single-family rentals, Steve explains why he pivoted to buying debt—and how the shift gave him more time, more control, and less stress.

Steven also talks about his mission to help beauty and wellness entrepreneurs build generational wealth through real estate, drawing on lessons from his own entrepreneurial journey in Miami.

• Why He Left Traditional Rentals: After years of managing tenants, repairs, and property headaches, Steven turned to buying mortgage notes to earn passive income without being a landlord.
• How Note Investing Works: Steven breaks down what a mortgage note actually is, how to buy one, and why distressed debt can be a hidden gem for savvy investors.
• Helping Beauty Entrepreneurs Build Wealth: Through JS Summit Global, Steven teaches hair stylists, barbers, and other wellness professionals how to break out of the cash flow trap and become business owners and investors.
• Scaling Without Burnout: Steven shares how he’s building a business that funds his freedom and supports others—without overextending or chasing every opportunity.

• Name: Steven Johnson
• Role: Founder of JS Summit Global
• LinkedIn: Steven Johnson
• Website: jssummitglobal.com

Steve Johnson’s journey is a powerful reminder that wealth building doesn’t have to mean burnout. By shifting from ownership to control, Steve found a smarter path to financial freedom—and now he’s helping others do the same.

Tune in to learn how mortgage notes work, why they’re gaining traction, and how you can start leveraging debt as an asset.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Groundbreakers, Troy Evans, founder of the Luxury Residence Vacation Portfolio (LRVP), shares how he’s building a luxury short-term rental fund that blends real estate, hospitality, and social impact. With a background in nonprofit leadership and corporate marketing, Troy breaks down how his experience shaped a unique approach to fund management—prioritizing investor experience, mission-aligned assets, and long-term trust.

Troy’s story highlights the value of transferable skills, creative structure, and purpose-driven investing in a competitive market.

Key Points Discussed

• From Nonprofits to Real Estate: Troy shares how his leadership roles at organizations like Teach For America and the Boys & Girls Clubs taught him to lead with trust, empathy, and a long-term mindset—principles he brings into real estate investing today.
• The LRVP Thesis: Troy walks through the strategy behind his fund structure, which focuses on luxury short-term rentals with a high-touch guest experience. He discusses how investor perks, property design, and regional demand trends factor into his acquisition criteria.
• Raising Capital with Integrity: Having raised millions across both nonprofit and real estate sectors, Troy emphasizes the importance of transparency and communication in building lasting investor relationships.
• Lessons from Hospitality and Branding: Troy explains how his background in hospitality and marketing informs everything from deal packaging to Airbnb operations, and why thoughtful brand positioning can be a competitive edge.

Guest Information

Name: Troy Evans

Role: Founder at LRVP (Luxury Residence Vacation Portfolio)

LinkedIn: Troy Evans

Website: LRVP Investment Fund

Conclusion

Troy Evans is redefining what it means to be a real estate operator by blending luxury design, mission-driven investing, and hospitality-level service. If you’re interested in building a lifestyle-forward real estate portfolio or raising capital through trust and storytelling, this episode is a must-listen.

Connect with Troy on LinkedIn or check out his fund at LRVPfund.com to learn more.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Groundbreakers, Chad Freeman, founder of MHPinvestors and a full-time airline pilot, shares his remarkable journey from buying a $200 crash pad to building a 200-pad mobile home park portfolio. Chad opens up about how he and his wife started with small rentals and house hacks, and gradually scaled into mobile home parks to create generational wealth—without leaving their W2s behind.

Key Points Discussed

• From Side Hustle to Scale: Chad’s real estate journey started with buying a crash pad for fellow pilots and house hacking a duplex. Over time, he and his wife grew a real estate portfolio that now includes more than 200 mobile home pads.
• Mobile Home Parks as a Wealth Vehicle: Chad explains why he transitioned into affordable housing, the operational advantages of mobile home parks, and how he identifies value in secondary markets.
• Balancing Aviation and Real Estate: With a demanding career as a commercial pilot, Chad shares how he prioritizes family, carves out time to underwrite deals, and runs his business with efficiency.
• Raising Capital Through Authenticity: Chad breaks down how he built trust with investors, overcame imposter syndrome, and now helps other pilots and professionals grow their wealth through syndications.
• Lessons in Partnership and Process: From managing deals with his spouse to building systems to manage properties across multiple states, Chad shares the mindset shifts and tactical approaches that helped him scale.

Guest Information

• Name: Chad Freeman
• Role: Founder at MHPinvestors
• LinkedIn: Chad Freeman
• Website: MHPinvestors

Conclusion

Chad Freeman’s story is a blueprint for anyone balancing a demanding career while trying to build long-term wealth through real estate. His approach to niche investing, family partnership, and disciplined execution offers valuable lessons for both new and experienced operators.

Connect with Chad on LinkedIn or visit MHPinvestors to learn more about his deals and educational content for professionals looking to invest in affordable housing.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Groundbreakers, John Casmon, founder of Casmon Capital Group, shares his journey from leading marketing campaigns at General Motors to building a $145M multifamily portfolio. John walks us through how he leveraged his corporate skill set, navigated early rejections, and built lasting investor relationships by focusing on education and trust.

Key Points Discussed

• From Marketing to Multifamily: John explains how working on multi-million-dollar ad campaigns for Fortune 500 companies helped him build the storytelling and relationship skills he’d later apply to raising capital and launching Casmon Capital Group.
• House Hacking to $145M AUM: John got his start by house hacking a duplex while working full-time. He shares how that first deal gave him the confidence and experience to go bigger—eventually scaling his portfolio through joint ventures and syndications.
• Investor Education as a Superpower: Rejection from early investor conversations didn’t stop John—instead, it inspired him to create a platform to help others. His thought leadership through podcasts, blogs, and speaking has become his biggest capital-raising asset.
• Partnerships and Positioning: John discusses the power of positioning and what it really takes to attract investors who trust you with their capital. He also shares insights into finding great operators and building partnerships that last.
• Lessons from the Journey: From learning the value of alignment with co-GPs to focusing on long-term credibility over short-term wins, John’s journey is packed with hard-won insights every aspiring syndicator needs to hear.

Guest Information

• Name: John Casmon
• Role: Founder at Casmon Capital Group
• LinkedIn: John Casmon
• Website: Casmon Capital Group

Conclusion

John Casmon’s story is a playbook for any aspiring investor looking to scale from side hustle to full-time real estate entrepreneur. His marketing background, resilience through early setbacks, and dedication to serving others have made him a trusted voice in multifamily investing.

Connect with John to learn more about his work at Casmon Capital Group and how he helps busy professionals passively invest in real estate.

In this episode of Groundbreakers, Radhika Rastogi, founder of Relik Capital Group, shares her inspiring journey from a career at a Fortune 20 company to building a $15M senior living real estate portfolio. Radhika opens up about how she balances her corporate job, motherhood, and scaling her syndication business — all while focusing on an overlooked but rewarding niche in senior living.

Her story is a testament to resilience, clarity of vision, and the power of focusing on the right partnerships and investor education.

• From Fortune 20 to Senior Living: Radhika explains how she transitioned from consulting into real estate by starting with single-family rentals, then moving into multifamily, and eventually finding her niche in senior living.
• Balancing Career, Family, and Investing: Radhika shares her strategies for managing a demanding consulting career at a Fortune 20 company while raising young children and building Relik Capital Group.
• Why Senior Living: Radhika dives into why she chose senior living as her focus, explaining its growing demand, cash flow predictability, and positive impact on communities.
• Building Investor Trust: She talks about how she educates her investors, builds credibility, and creates long-term relationships through transparency and thoughtful communication.
• Lessons in Scaling: From vetting operators to structuring deals and avoiding common pitfalls, Radhika outlines the lessons she learned while growing her portfolio.

• Name: Radhika Rastogi
• Role: Founder at Relik Capital Group
• LinkedIn: Radhika Rastogi
• Website: Relik Capital Group

Radhika’s journey shows that it’s possible to build a meaningful and profitable real estate business without quitting your W2, by focusing on a clear niche, serving investors well, and staying consistent.

Connect with Radhika on LinkedIn to learn more about her work at Relik Capital Group and how she helps investors access opportunities in senior living real estate.

In this episode of Groundbreakers, Jeff Hayton, Co-Founder & CIO of Luxe Living Homes, shares his unconventional journey from fishing boats in Alaska to building net-zero, investor-friendly real estate communities. Jeff discusses how his early experiences in startups and grit-heavy jobs shaped his approach to real estate — and why prioritizing both people and energy efficiency is his competitive edge.

His perspective blends operational discipline with a commitment to creating value for investors and residents alike, offering lessons on partnerships, sustainability, and scaling thoughtfully.

• From Fishing Boats to Foundations: Jeff’s journey began on the water, working in one of the toughest industries before pivoting into startups and, eventually, real estate development. He explains how those early lessons in perseverance and problem-solving still guide him today.
• Building Net-Zero Communities: Jeff breaks down why sustainability is more than a buzzword and how designing for energy efficiency not only benefits the environment but also improves investor returns and tenant retention.
• Balancing People and Profit: Jeff shares his philosophy on aligning investor goals with community needs, focusing on creating a product residents are proud to live in — while delivering strong returns.
• Partnerships That Scale: Jeff dives into how he chooses partners, what to watch for when aligning with investors, and how to ensure everyone stays focused on the mission as the business grows.

• Name: Jeff Hayton
• Role: Co-Founder & CIO at Luxe Living Homes
• LinkedIn: Jeff Hayton
• Website: Luxe Living Homes

Jeff Hayton’s story is a refreshing example of how grit, vision, and sustainability can coexist in real estate. His focus on building both investor confidence and resident satisfaction highlights a path for syndicators who want to differentiate themselves in a competitive market.

Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn to learn more about Luxe Living Homes and their mission to redefine what it means to build responsibly.

In this episode of Groundbreakers, Brock Mogenson, Managing Partner at Smart Asset Capital, shares his journey from house hacking his first duplex to managing a $50M industrial real estate fund. Brock discusses how he identified his niche in industrial and retail properties, built strong partnerships, and created a vertically integrated operation to scale efficiently. His experience highlights the importance of focus, trust, and systems in building a sustainable syndication business.

• From House Hack to Fund Manager: Brock’s journey began with a duplex he house hacked while working full-time. That experience lit the fire for real estate and eventually led to launching Smart Asset Capital.
• Why Industrial and Retail: Brock explains why his firm chose to focus on industrial and retail assets instead of multifamily, and how staying niche gave them a competitive edge.
• Building a Strong Partnership: He shares how he met his business partners, how they divide responsibilities, and why complementary skill sets are critical for long-term success.
• Going Vertical: Brock describes the benefits of bringing property management and construction in-house, and how it improved both execution and investor confidence.
• Lessons from Scaling: From early missteps to current strategies, Brock reflects on what he would do differently and what advice he gives new syndicators entering the market.

• Name: Brock Mogenson
• Role: Co-Founder at Smart Asset Capital
• LinkedIn: Brock Mogenson
• Website: Smart Asset Capital

Brock Mogenson’s story is a powerful example of how focus, partnerships, and vertical integration can turn a small start into a multi-million-dollar operation. His disciplined approach to choosing a niche and building the right team provides actionable insights for anyone looking to grow in real estate.

Connect with Brock on LinkedIn to learn more about his work at Smart Asset Capital and his strategies for scaling efficiently.

In this episode of Groundbreakers, Georgy Marrero, founder of Equis Capital, shares his bold journey from earning $800k a year at Meta to building a $28M real estate portfolio. Georgy discusses how he walked away from a lucrative tech career to create a life of financial freedom and impact through multifamily syndications. His story highlights the power of courage, discipline, and strategic partnerships in scaling a real estate business.

• From Tech to Real Estate: Georgy talks about his transition from a high-paying corporate job at Meta to full-time real estate investing, and why money alone didn’t feel fulfilling.
• Building Equis Capital: He shares how he founded Equis Capital, raised over $9M from investors, and grew to $28M AUM in just a few years through multifamily acquisitions and syndications.
• Overcoming Fear and Taking the Leap: Georgy discusses the mindset shift it took to leave a secure job, confront risk, and pursue entrepreneurship — and how he prepared himself financially and mentally.
• Lessons in Leadership and Partnerships: From aligning with the right partners to building trust with investors, Georgy outlines what’s worked (and what hasn’t) in scaling his business.

• Name: Georgy Marrero
• Role: Founder at Equis Capital
• LinkedIn: Georgy Marrero
• Website: Equis Capital

Georgy Marrero’s story is an inspiring example of how to trade comfort for purpose and create lasting wealth through real estate. His focus on integrity, education, and building genuine relationships has helped him create a business that empowers investors and communities alike.

Connect with Georgy on LinkedIn to learn more about his work at Equis Capital and his approach to real estate syndications.