Are you curious about alternative investment strategies to build big wealth?

Welcome back to episode 78 of "Inspired To Invest". This week Denis Shapiro is with us. To watch rather than listen, click here.

He is here to share how he transitioned from investing in traditional stocks to a robust portfolio of alternative assets.

Discover the journey of Denis Shapiro, who started investing at 14 and navigated the choppy waters of the global financial crisis to emerge as a leader in alternative investments.

From real estate and mobile home parks to tech startups, Denis shares his transformative experience and the steps that led him to form Strategic Investment Holdings Capital Group.

Along the way, he touches on his discovery of note investing and his bold decision to leave a stable government career to pursue his passion full-time.

Learn how flexibility in work schedules and strategic partnerships can reshape your professional life. Denis candidly discusses his shift from a nine-to-five routine to an adaptable, entrepreneur-driven lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of tailoring work to fit personal and family needs.

By collaborating with like-minded partners, he has successfully launched a boutique hospitality company and engaged in affordable housing projects, proving the power of teamwork and specialized skills in crafting successful business models.

The episode also offers a treasure trove of insights from Dennis's real estate ventures, underscoring the value of relationship-driven investments.

Hear his cautionary tales of investing in Ponzi schemes and the unforgettable story of a broken sewer line at a housewarming event.

Denis emphasizes focusing on quality over quantity, maintaining strong investor relationships, and critiquing traditional syndication practices to foster a transparent investment environment.

Join us as we unravel the strategic thinking and lessons that have fueled Denis' journey to successful investing.

To connect with Denis, go to sihcapitalgroup on social and https://sihcapitalgroup.com online. 

“Inspired to Invest” is proud to support the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy program for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Find out more at @more2give.ca.

Join us again on Jan. 29 for our next episode!

Thank you for tuning into “Inspired To Invest”, hosted by Serena Holmes & remember, "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit!"

Support the show

Craving the secrets to real estate success?

Welcome back to episode 77 of "Inspired To Invest". To watch rather than listen, click here.

This week, Curtis Pimentel is with us. He is a seasoned investor from Burlington.

Curtis unveils the blueprint that led him to achieve his ambitious goal of owning three properties by age 25. Curtis didn't just stop there; he navigated the evolving landscape of property investment during the pandemic, proving the power of education, networking, and strategic tax planning with bear trusts.

Now fully immersed in real estate after his transition from construction, Curtis emphasizes the importance of adaptability in achieving long-term financial freedom.

Discover how his journey and insights can inspire you to refine your goals and strategies in the ever-changing world of real estate investing.

Ready to transform your real estate game? Curtis shares his journey from managing properties solo to harnessing the expertise of property management services, highlighting the critical role of continuous learning and networking.

From planning ambitious portfolio expansions with commercial properties to embracing the benefits of investing in Edmonton's favorable market conditions, Curtis's experiences offer invaluable lessons. Learn how leveraging social media, especially Instagram, can connect you with industry experts and potential partners.

Let Curtis and his story motivate you to invest in yourself and explore the boundless possibilities that await in real estate. Listen, learn, and let Curtis guide your path to unlocking financial success.

To connect with Curtis, go to @curtispimentelrealestate on social or https://pimentelhomes.ca  

“Inspired to Invest” is proud to support the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy program for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Find out more at @more2give.ca.

Join us again on Jan. 22 for our next episode!

Thank you for tuning into “Inspired To Invest”, hosted by Serena Holmes & remember, "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit!"

Support the show

What would life look like if you started investing in your early 20's?

Welcome back to "Inspired To Invest". This week, Gabriella Godde is with us for episode 76. To watch rather than listen, click here.

Tune in to discover the incredible wealth-building journey of Gabriella Godde, a distinguished figure from Palmdale, California. Gabriella brings over 25 years of mortgage industry expertise to our latest episode.

Gabriella’s story is one of resilience and transformation, beginning with challenging early experiences in real estate that taught her valuable lessons in property management and financial empowerment.

As she takes us through her expansive portfolio, which spans California to Mexico, Gabriella reveals the strategic use of credit and financial options that have propelled her success.

She shares personal anecdotes that illuminate the benefits of homeownership, offering listeners a window into how her family's influence has shaped her real estate approach.

Tune in to garner invaluable insights as Gabriela delves into practical real estate investment strategies, emphasizing the transformative power of FHA 203K loans for both newcomers and seasoned investors.

She highlights strategic steps for building a robust portfolio and offers practical credit management tips, such as leveraging parental support to boost children's credit scores.

Gabriela’s vision extends beyond financial gain, focusing on maintaining family connections and realizing personal aspirations through future ventures.

Experience firsthand the inspiring impact of real estate investments on financial freedom and lifestyle enhancements, underscoring the critical role of sales skills and strategic property investments in achieving success.

To connect with Gabriella, go to @gabriellagodde or https://californiamortgagegirl online.

“Inspired to Invest” is proud to support the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy program for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Find out more at @more2give.ca.

Join us again on Jan. 15 for our next episode!

Thank you for tuning into “Inspired To Invest”, hosted by Serena Holmes & remember, "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit!"

Support the show

Welcome back to "Inspired To Invest". Thank you for following along with me for the past 75 episodes. 

I launched "inspire

Taking a Holiday Break – Exciting Updates for 2025! 🎉🎄

Hey, "Inspired To Invest" family! 👋

The holidays are near, and it’s time to hit pause, recharge, and enjoy some much-needed downtime with our loved ones.

We'll be taking a short hiatus from the podcast over the holidays and will be back better than ever on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Mark your calendars – we have big things planned!

When we return, I'll be evolving our focus.

"Inspired To Invest" isn’t just about real estate investing anymore – it’s about inspiring your journey in real estate, business, and entrepreneurship. 

Whether you’re building wealth, growing a business, or chasing your entrepreneurial dreams, we’re here to bring you the tools, strategies, and motivation to succeed.

Thank you for all your support this year – you’ve been an incredible part of this community ❤️ 

Enjoy the holidays, and we can’t wait to kick off an exciting 2025 with you!

Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss our return episode! 🌟

#InspiredToInvest #RealEstate #Business #Entrepreneurship #Podcast

Support the show

What happens when you step away from a conventional career and venture into the unpredictable world of real estate investing? 

Welcome back to episode 75 of "Inspired To Invest".

Join us as Brady McDonald shares his riveting journey from small-town Ontario to becoming a prominent real estate investor with projects spanning Canada and the U.S. 

Brady’s story is one of ambition and resilience, where a pivotal decision in 2015 to leave a stable job at Hydro One initiated the launch of BK Real Estate Investing with his wife. 

Discover how they transformed single-family homes into profitable duplexes and expanded into land development, proving that self-belief and actionable steps can lead to extraordinary success.

Real estate investing isn’t just about buying and selling properties. Brady unpacks the critical elements that separate winners from those who falter, warning against the dangers of rapid growth and mismanagement. 

He offers insights on leveraging equity and joint ventures over excessive debt, and the transformative power of technology in managing investments. With a keen eye on the Canadian market’s unique hurdles, Brady also explains how adopting strategies from the U.S. market can yield significant advantages, urging investors to maintain strong operational foundations and surround themselves with high-caliber individuals.

Adverse conditions like rising interest rates and natural disasters can shake even the most seasoned investor. Brady reveals how he navigated these challenges after relocating to the U.S., highlighting the importance of having a supportive network, including his business partner Kent Clothier. 

His journey towards building an institutional-grade self-storage company underscores the value of setting clear goals and taking decisive action. 

Tune in to learn about the 0 to 100-day challenge, a holistic approach to aligning personal growth with professional achievements, and how you can connect with Brady for further insights on transforming your real estate ventures.

To connect with Brady, go to @brady.mcdonald84 or https://zeroto100.com/ on line. 

Thank you to Milena Cardinal from Cardinal Law for supporting this month’s episodes. To find out more about how her legal services can help you build your business and protect your assets, go to https://cardinallaw.ca.

“Inspired to Invest” is proud to support the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy program for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Find out more at @more2give.ca.

Join us again on Nov. 20 to learn how to build a business and protect your assets with real estate law and structures!

Thank you for tuning into “Inspired To Invest”, hosted by @serenaholmesrealtor & remember, "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit!"

Support the show

Discover how a chance encounter can radically change your career path as we talk with Milena Cardinal, a former lawyer turned real estate maven.

Welcome back to episode 74 of the "Inspired To Invest Podcast". To watch rather than listen, click here.

This week, Milena Cardinal is here to open up about her journey from practicing youth criminal justice, where the emotional weight took its toll, to becoming a key player in the real estate sector. 

You'll hear how a fateful meeting with a mortgage broker redirected her professional path and led to the creation of a thriving investment portfolio alongside her husband, turning her legal expertise into a unique advantage in real estate transactions and community leadership.

We unravel the complexities of real estate investing, focusing on the strategic and legal elements of wholesaling and land banking. 

Milena shares invaluable insights from her successful land banking venture in Rockland and emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and patience in real estate. 

As market dynamics shift, we'll explore how to maintain investor trust through transparency and solid management practices, even when challenges arise. This episode is filled with practical advice on navigating the evolving landscape of real estate investment with resilience and adaptability.

Finally, the conversation highlights the critical role of estate planning and financial literacy for both active and passive investors. Milena discusses the necessity of involving family members in the real estate business, ensuring continuity and trust. 

We delve into the subtleties of real estate vehicles like Mutual Fund Trusts, stressing the need for thorough due diligence and legal oversight. With a focus on building wealth and achieving financial freedom, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge for anyone looking to fortify their investment strategies.

Thank you to Milena Cardinal from Cardinal Law for supporting this month’s episodes. To find out more about how her legal services can help you build your business and protect your assets, go to https://cardinallaw.ca.

“Inspired to Invest” is proud to support the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy program for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Find out more at @more2give.ca.

Join us again on Nov. 20 to learn how to build a business and protect your assets with real estate law and structures!

Thank you for tuning into “Inspired To Invest”, hosted by @serenaholmesrealtor & remember, "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit!"

Support the show

Allen Lomax's incredible journey from personal adversity to remarkable real estate success is nothing short of inspiring.

Welcome back to episode 73 of "Inspired To Invest". To watch rather than listen, click here.

Battling through dyslexia and self-acceptance, coping with a difficult marriage, and losing everything in the 2008 financial crisis, Allen's story is one of resilience and transformation. Join us as Alan takes us through his experiences, from his initial steps in real estate with single-family homes to the lucrative world of mobile home parks.

We explore how embracing one's true identity and confronting deep-seated issues can lead to not just personal healing but also professional triumph, offering a roadmap to financial freedom and abundant living.

Our conversation delves into the intricacies of passive real estate investing, punctuated by Allen's astute insights into the challenges and opportunities that abound in this field. 

We discuss the importance of understanding key investment indicators like population, income, and employment growth, which have been pivotal in Alan’s successful investments across the U.S. 

Additionally, Allen shares a remarkable case of transforming a troubled property, highlighting the profound impact of strategic investment and effective management. As we navigate the challenges of real estate investing, from economic cycles to the balance of community improvement with financial goals, 

Allen’s experiences serve as a guide to avoiding pitfalls and achieving sustained success.

To connect with Allen, go to @steedtalker or https://steedtalker.com/ on line. 

Thank you to Milena Cardinal from Cardinal Law for supporting this month’s episodes. To find out more about how her legal services can help you build your business and protect your assets, go to https://cardinallaw.ca.

“Inspired to Invest” is proud to support the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy program for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Find out more at @more2give.ca.

Join us again on Nov. 20 to learn how to build a business and protect your assets with real estate law and structures!

Thank you for tuning into “Inspired To Invest”, hosted by @serenaholmesrealtor & remember, "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit!"

Support the show

What does it take to break free from the constraints of living paycheck to paycheck, and transform into a successful real estate investor?

Welcome back to ep72 of "Inspired To Invest" with Adriana Ostapenko.

To watch rather than listen, click here.

Adriana, the founder of Ace Properties, joins us to share her remarkable story of tenacity and growth. From her early days as a pastor facing financial insecurities to building a diversified portfolio of multifamily properties, Adriana's journey is a testament to the power of persistence and education.

Throughout our conversation, she opens up about the strategic decisions that fueled her transition from single townhouse renovations to more scalable commercial properties, all while emphasizing the crucial role of leveraging industry connections.

In a candid discussion, Adriana reveals the challenges and triumphs faced along the way, including navigating the complexities of financing and assembling a reliable team. With a keen focus on building systems and seeking continuous mentorship, she explains how she overcame obstacles like CMHC's regulatory changes and property management hurdles.

Her insights on structuring a growing portfolio through holding corporations offer listeners a glimpse into managing real estate as a business. Whether you're an aspiring investor or a seasoned professional, Adriana's story is bound to inspire and provide valuable lessons for anyone on a similar path.

To connect with Adriana, go to @adriana.ostapenko or https://ace-properties.com/ on line. 

Thank you to Milena Cardinal from Cardinal Law for supporting this month’s episodes. To find out more about how her legal services can help you build your business and protect your assets, go to https://cardinallaw.ca.

“Inspired to Invest” is proud to support the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy program for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Find out more at @more2give.ca.

Join us again on Nov. 13 to learn how to overcome intense personal challenges to create an abundance life by investing in real estate – and yourself!

Thank you for tuning into “Inspired To Invest”, hosted by @serenaholmesrealtor & remember, "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit!"

And, for everything related to real estate and real estate investing, please make sure you've subscribed to @serenaholmesrealtor on YouTube & other platforms.

We also have a page dedicated to this podcast on Instagram and Facebook @inspiredtoinvestpodcast where we preview guests each week, highlight their episodes, top takeaways, tips, quotes and more.


 
 

Support the show

STOP losing money on your property investments. Here's how you can maximize the value of a property AND your real estate portfolio!

Welcome back to the 71st episode of "Inspired To Invest" with Joao Macavilca. Tune in and get ready to unlock the secrets to financial freedom through real estate investing with our special guest.

To watch rather than listen, click here

From his humble beginnings, inspired by "Rich Dad, Poor Dad," to becoming a successful real estate professional and general contractor in North Carolina, Joao's journey is a treasure trove of valuable insights. 

You’ll learn how his first duplex transformed his life and why appreciation is often more important than cash flow in property investments. 

Joao shares real-life examples from his properties in South Carolina, revealing the importance of building a robust network within the real estate community where seasoned investors willingly pass on their knowledge.

Join us as Joao recounts the trials and triumphs he faced along the way, from battling major plumbing issues to the pivotal role of having an efficient team. 

Discover how in-house property management has streamlined his operations and the benefits of continuous learning and mentorship. Joao’s advice on buying in the right areas, creating mutually beneficial situations, and leveraging relationships paints a comprehensive roadmap for aspiring investors. 

Don’t miss this episode filled with actionable tips and inspirational stories that could very well change your approach to real estate investing.

To connect with Joao, go to https://stf-capital.com or @joaomac_stf on instagram.

Thank you to Giancarlo Carangelo from Proventure Real Estate Corp for supporting this month's episodes. To learn more about how to scale your real estate investment portfolio with their support and guidance, go to https://www.realproventure.com/ online, @real_proventure or @carangelorealestate on social.

Need support underwriting potential property investments? Check out PropertyCast.io - https://propertycast.io?via=serena

“Inspired to Invest” is proud to support the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy program for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Find out more at @more2give.ca.

 Join us again Nov. 6 to hear from the queen of capital and how she is providing amazing opportunities for investors to grow wealth with her multifamily properties in Moncton, NB. 

Thanks again for tuning in & remember, "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit!"

Sign up so you never miss an episode! https://serenaholmes.exprealty.com/ask/896312e0f685fdd06401c1e53ca6fd17

And, for everything related to real estate and real estate investing, please make sure you've subscribed to @serenaholmesrealtor on YouTube & other platforms. We also have a page dedicated to this podcast on Instagram and Facebook @inspiredtoinvestpodcast where we preview guests each week, highlight their episodes, top takeaways, tips, quotes and more. 

Support the show

Inside tips to crushing it in real estate investing!

Welcome back to "Inspired To Invest" ep70 with Giancarlo Carangelo. To watch rather than listen, click here

If you've ever wondered how you could transform customer service skills from the restaurants industry into a thriving real estate business, then this is an episode you can't miss. 

Join us as we sit down with Giancarlo Carangelo, a seasoned real estate professional from Montreal. With over a decade of experience, Giancarlo walks us through his journey from high school to becoming a successful broker and property manager. 

He shares the pivotal role that listening to clients and tailoring strategies to their needs played in his success. From navigating the shift from brokerage to property management to offering invaluable tips on tenant screening, Giancarlo’s story is a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in real estate.

Scaling a real estate portfolio comes with its own set of challenges, and Giancarlo doesn’t shy away from discussing the financial hurdles he faced. Discover the strategy of leveraging other people's money (OPM) and the crucial importance of educating oneself in property management. 

One of the episode's highlights is a jaw-dropping account of a seemingly perfect tenant who was running an illegal pit bull breeding operation, drawing significant media attention. 

This episode is a must-listen for both novice and seasoned investors, packed with real-world experiences and practical advice that could save you from costly pitfalls.

Thank you to Giancarlo Carangelo from Proventure Real Estate Corp for supporting this month's episodes. To learn more about how to scale your real estate investment portfolio with their support and guidance, go to https://www.realproventure.com/ online, @real_proventure or @carangelorealestate on social.

Need support underwriting potential property investments? Check out PropertyCast.io - https://propertycast.io?via=serena

“Inspired to Invest” is proud to support the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy program for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Find out more at @more2give.ca.

Join us again Oct. 30 to learn more about how to maximize the value of a property and your entire real estate portfolio!

Thanks again for tuning in & remember, "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit!"

Sign up so you never miss an episode! https://serenaholmes.exprealty.com/ask/896312e0f685fdd06401c1e53ca6fd17

And, for everything related to real estate and real estate investing, please make sure you've subscribed to @serenaholmesrealtor on YouTube & other platforms. We also have a page dedicated to this podcast on Instagram and Facebook @inspiredtoinvestpodcast where we preview guests each week, highlight their episodes, top takeaways, tips, quotes and more.

Support the show