Episode Summary

In this episode of Groundbreakers, Chutima Barrios, founder of Rent Roll Capital, shares her journey from private equity finance to becoming a full-time real estate investor. Chutima discusses how her background in financial analysis equipped her with the skills to scale her portfolio, and how she now helps busy professionals grow their wealth through strategic multifamily real estate investments. She highlights the power of co-investing and the importance of efficient operations in maximizing returns.

Key Points Discussed

• From Private Equity to Real Estate: Chutima’s transition from finance and corporate development to building her own real estate portfolio, and how her analytical background gives her an edge.
• Scaling Through Multifamily: How Chutima moved from investing in small properties to larger multifamily deals to maximize returns with the same effort.
• Co-Investing for Growth: Chutima’s approach to raising capital through co-investing with friends and family, making larger deals accessible without using complex jargon.
• Operational Efficiency: The importance of managing properties efficiently, controlling expenses, and partnering with strong property management teams to ensure long-term success.
• Navigating Market Challenges: Insights into how Chutima navigates challenges like rising interest rates, finding deals, and handling unexpected costs such as insurance and property taxes.

Guest Information

• Name: Chutima Barrios
• Role: Founder at Rent Roll Capital
• LinkedIn: Chutima Barrios
• Website: Rent Roll Capital

Conclusion

Chutima Barrios’ journey from private equity to full-time real estate investing offers valuable insights for professionals looking to build wealth through multifamily investments. Her focus on co-investing, operational efficiency, and scaling smartly provides a great roadmap for anyone looking to transition into real estate. Connect with Chutima on LinkedIn to learn more about her work and Rent Roll Capital’s mission to help professionals grow their wealth.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Groundbreakers, Gurjote Sethi, founder of Hukam Capital Group, joins us to share his inspiring journey from tech and mergers & acquisitions to becoming a successful real estate investor. Gurjote’s story highlights the importance of mission-driven investing and the power of leveraging one’s background to make impactful career shifts. He discusses his approach to value-add real estate projects across multifamily, retail, and student housing, and how he aims to help immigrant families build generational wealth. Gurjote also shares his insights on navigating risks in the real estate market and his vision for evolving Hukam Capital into a “family office for the average family.”

Key Points Discussed

From Tech to Real Estate: Gurjote’s transition from a career in tech and M&A to founding Hukam Capital Group, driven by a passion for real estate and helping others build wealth.

Mission-Driven Investing: The founding of Hukam Capital with a focus on value-add projects and the broader mission to improve communities and support immigrant families.

Value-Add Real Estate Strategy: Gurjote’s insights into identifying and executing value-add projects in multifamily, retail, and student housing, emphasizing the importance of community impact.

Navigating Market Risks: The importance of due diligence, transparency, and market testing in mitigating risks and ensuring successful investments.

Future Vision and Growth: Gurjote’s plans to evolve Hukam Capital into a long-term generational investment platform and the potential of partnering with charitable trusts to scale impact.

Guest Information

• Name: Gurjote Sethi

• Role: Founder at Hukam Capital Group

• LinkedIn: Gurjote Sethi

• Website: Hukam Capital Group

Conclusion

Gurjote Sethi’s journey is a powerful example of how mission-driven investing can lead to both personal and community success in real estate. His focus on value-add strategies, commitment to transparency, and plans for long-term growth provide valuable lessons for investors at all levels. Connect with Gurjote on LinkedIn to learn more about his work and the impact of Hukam Capital Group in the real estate industry.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Groundbreakers, Nick Stromwall, founder of Oak & Vine Capital, joins us to share his remarkable transition from a college pastor to a thriving real estate investor. Nick’s journey is a testament to the power of strategic career moves and the importance of mission-driven investing. He discusses how he leveraged his background in ministry to build a successful real estate portfolio, focusing on commercial properties and fund management. Nick provides valuable insights into the current real estate market, the importance of strong partnerships, and the opportunities in niche asset classes.

Key Points Discussed

• From Ministry to Real Estate: Nick’s transition from serving as a college pastor to founding Oak & Vine Capital, illustrating how his experiences shaped his approach to real estate investing.
• Scaling Through Strategic Partnerships: The critical role partnerships have played in Nick’s success, from house hacking to managing large commercial properties.
• Diverse Investment Strategies: Nick’s experience in various asset classes, including multifamily, industrial, and private credit, and how these have contributed to his portfolio’s growth.
• Market Insights and Challenges: Nick’s perspective on navigating the current real estate market, including the impact of interest rates and the importance of market-specific strategies.

Guest Information

• Name: Nick Stromwall

• Role: Founder at Oak & Vine Capital

• LinkedIn: Nick Stromwall

• Website: Oak & Vine Capital

Conclusion

Nick Stromwall’s story is an inspiring example of how purpose-driven investing and strong partnerships can lead to long-term success in real estate. His insights into scaling through strategic partnerships and navigating the complexities of the current market offer valuable lessons for both new and seasoned investors. Connect with Nick on LinkedIn to learn more about his work and the impact of Oak & Vine Capital in the real estate industry.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Groundbreakers, Leo Young, Principal at Cornell Communities, joins us to discuss his dynamic journey from working at Tesla to becoming a leading figure in the niche market of manufactured housing communities. Leo shares how his background in finance and real estate, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, led him to co-found Cornell Communities. He delves into the unique opportunities within mobile home park investments, the challenges of managing these properties, and the social impact that drives his work.

Key Points Discussed

• Career Transitions: Leo’s journey from Tesla’s sales team to co-founding Cornell Communities, highlighting the transferable skills and mindset shifts that helped him succeed in real estate.
• Investing in Mobile Home Parks: The strategic reasons behind choosing manufactured housing communities as an investment focus, including their recession-resilient nature, supply constraints, and high cash flow potential.
• Operational Challenges and Social Impact: The complexities of managing mobile home parks, dealing with municipalities, and enhancing community quality of life through thoughtful improvements and strong management practices.
• Niche Market Expertise: The importance of going deep into a specific asset class and how Cornell Communities’ focus on mobile home parks positions them uniquely in the real estate market.

Guest Information

Name: Leo Young

Role: Principal at Cornell Communities

LinkedIn: Leo Young

Website: Cornell-communities.com

Conclusion

Leo Young’s insights into the world of mobile home park investments offer a unique perspective on the intersection of social good and economic opportunity. His story is an inspiring example of how strategic career transitions and a focus on niche markets can lead to long-term success in real estate. Connect with Leo on LinkedIn to learn more about his work and the impact of Cornell Communities in the affordable housing space.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Groundbreakers, Michael Sambrowsky, CEO and Founder of A-Class Investments, shares his entrepreneurial journey from a young stock market enthusiast to a successful real estate investor. Michael discusses how his early experiences shaped his approach to investing, the challenges he faced managing properties during the COVID-19 pandemic, and his innovative strategies for investing in niche markets such as housing for recovering addicts. He also provides insights into balancing multiple business ventures, including his ventures in car rentals through Turo and a helicopter charter company.

Key Points Discussed

• Entrepreneurial Beginnings: Michael’s journey started with an early interest in the stock market, leading to his first real estate purchase after viewing over 100 properties.
• Investing in Niche Markets: Michael’s strategy of investing in properties rented to recovering addicts, supported by government-backed rent payments, and the importance of selecting the right locations for these investments.
• Expanding Business Ventures: How Michael manages multiple businesses, including his car rental company leveraging Tesla vehicles on Turo, and his helicopter charter business catering to clients in the tri-state area.
• Real Estate Market Insights: Michael’s perspective on the current real estate market in New Jersey, Florida, and upstate New York, and how high interest rates are impacting property investment.
• Overcoming Challenges: The importance of trusting your instincts, taking calculated risks, and learning on the job to succeed as an entrepreneur.

Guest Information

Name: Michael Sambrowsky

Role: CEO and Founder at A Class Investments

LinkedIn: Michael Sambrowski

Conclusion

Michael’s story is a testament to the power of entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and the willingness to dive into the unknown. His experiences in real estate and beyond offer valuable lessons for aspiring investors and entrepreneurs alike. Connect with Michael on LinkedIn to learn more about his journey and the innovative strategies he’s using to build wealth and community through A-Class Investments.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Groundbreakers, Aundre Oldacre, Managing Partner at AoRa Development, shares his expertise on sustainability in real estate development. He delves into innovative technologies and renewable energy sources that enhance efficiency and profitability in their projects. Aundre discusses modular construction, retrofitting existing buildings, leveraging financial incentives, and the importance of timing in real estate investing.

Key Points Discussed

• Sustainable Practices in Real Estate: Aundre emphasizes AoRa Development’s commitment to sustainability through the integration of innovative technologies and renewable energy sources.
• Modular Construction: The benefits of modular construction, including cost savings, faster timelines, better quality, and streamlined management.
• Retrofitting Buildings: Enhancing sustainability in existing buildings with energy-efficient systems like geothermal heating, wastewater recovery, and solar facades.
• Financial Incentives: Utilizing PACE financing and Energy Service Agreements to fund sustainable upgrades, making projects economically viable.
• High Vacancy Rates and Property Prices: Opportunities in cities like New York City to repurpose office spaces into residential units due to high vacancy rates and lower property prices.
• Adaptive Reuse: The concept of converting underutilized office spaces into residential units to address high vacancy rates and support sustainability goals.
• Timing in Real Estate Investing: The importance of taking action and getting started, rather than waiting for the perfect deal, and the potential benefits of purchasing properties during times of high interest rates.

Guest Information

• Name: Aundre Oldacre
• Role: Managing Partner at AoRa Development
• Website: Aora Development

Conclusion

Aundre's insights underscore the significance of sustainability in real estate development and how innovative technologies can drive efficiency and profitability. His perspectives on modular construction, retrofitting, and the strategic timing of investments provide valuable lessons for real estate investors. Visit AoRa Development’s website to learn more about their sustainable development projects and initiatives.

In this episode of Groundbreakers,, Anthony Gair, founder of Wooded Oaks Capital Partners, shares his journey from starting in real estate in 2019 to transitioning to larger multifamily deals. He discusses the importance of mentors, networking, and the challenges of raising equity for deals.

• Anthony's journey from single-family homes to commercial multifamily.
• The importance of networking, mentorship, and hiring a coach in real estate investing.
• Strategies for due diligence on deals and the challenges of raising equity.
• Wooded Oaks' investment thesis focusing on larger multifamily properties.
• The significance of relationships in competing for deals and always be raising capital.
• Advice on balancing a full-time job with real estate investing and the value of mentorship.

• Name: Anthony Gair
• Role: Founder and Managing Partner of Wooded Oaks Capital Partners
• Website: Wooded Oaks Capital Partners

• Anthony's story highlights the importance of mentorship, networking, and continuous learning in the real estate industry. His insights on raising equity, building relationships, and balancing a full-time job with investing provide valuable lessons for aspiring real estate investors. Visit Wooded Oaks Capital Partners' website to learn more about their investment strategies and initiatives.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the podcast, Eric Brody, Founder & Principal at ANAX, shares his journey from construction and development to venturing into the tech-enabled capital advisory space. He discusses the challenges he faced, the lessons he learned, and the strategies he implemented to navigate the real estate market successfully.

Key Points Discussed:

• Eric's journey from college to becoming a successful real estate developer and entrepreneur.
• The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Eric's business and the lessons learned from facing adversity.
• The transition from real estate development to capital advisory services at Annex.
• The importance of understanding the perspectives of lenders and investors in real estate transactions.
• Eric's advice on being self-aware, meditating, and understanding one's own shadow to navigate challenges effectively.

Guest Information

• Eric Brody
• Position: Founder & Principal at ANAX
• Website: ANAX

Conclusion:

• Eric's story serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability required in the real estate industry. His advice on self-awareness, storytelling, and understanding market dynamics provides valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and real estate professionals. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and insights on future episodes of the podcast.

In this episode of Groundbreakers, Domingo interviews Zach Aarons, co-founder and general partner at Metaprop, the leading venture capital firm in the prop tech industry. Zach shares insights into his career journey, the evolution of the prop tech industry, and valuable advice for early stage founders and real estate investors.

Key Points:

• Zach discusses the history and evolution of the prop tech industry, emphasizing the importance of innovation and efficiency in the built environment.
• He shares his personal journey, from working in real estate to investment banking to founding Metaprop.
• Zach highlights the significance of AI in prop tech, particularly in areas like leasing, maintenance, and entitlements.
• He provides valuable advice for founders, focusing on the balance between sales, product, and marketing in go-to-market strategies.
• Zach emphasizes the importance of finding a "power niche" in one's career and being confident in it.

Guest Information:

• Name: Zach Aarons
• Position: Co-founder and General Partner at Metaprop
• Website: Metaprop

Links:

• Metaprop Website
• PropTech 101: Turning Chaos into Cash - A Real Estate Innovation

Closing Remarks: For more insights into the prop tech industry and valuable advice for early stage founders, be sure to check out this episode featuring Zach Aarons from Metaprop. Visit the Metaprop website for research and updates on the latest trends in prop tech.

In the 19th episode of Groundbreakers, Domingo interviews Tem, the founder and CEO of Optemization, a tech consultancy focused on accelerating the adoption of modern productivity and collaboration tools. Tem shares his journey from starting his first company in college to founding Optemization and reaching a significant milestone of hitting a million in ARR this year.

Tem reflects on the challenges he faced in the early days of his business, including the struggle to find a sustainable growth system and the importance of creating a great wiki or knowledge base for onboarding new team members. He also discusses the pivotal moment that led to a major shift in their business model, transitioning to a subscription-based offer that has transformed their revenue stream.

Throughout the episode, Tem provides valuable insights into workspace design methodology, the importance of intentional communication and organization within a company, and the impact of efficient workflows on productivity and employee experience. He also shares practical advice for founders and teams looking to optimize their internal processes and scale their businesses effectively.

To learn more about Tem and Optemization, visit their website at https://optemization.com/. Additionally, Tem also recently launched a YouTube channel called Tem's Tools, where he discusses tools like Notion and shares tips on health and productivity. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation with a true Groundbreaker in the tech consultancy space.