Investing To Win

In this episode of Investing to Win, Garret Wong chats with Kate Assaraf, the founder of Dip Sustainable Hair Care, to uncover how she built a wildly successful plastic-free brand by going against every marketing norm — no Amazon, no influencers, no ads. Kate shares her journey from a plastic-conscious mom to a purpose-driven CEO who champions small retail, authentic customer care, and human-to-human commerce.

[00:00:00] Introduction:

Garret introduces Kate and previews the unique journey of Dip — a brand built on values, not algorithms.

[00:01:38] Topic 1: The Plastic Wake-Up Call

Kate explains how a book during pregnancy sparked her obsession with reducing plastic exposure — and why beauty products became her battleground.

[00:04:25] Topic 2: Building High-Performance Sustainable Haircare

She reveals the development of Dip’s conditioner bars, how they save users hundreds annually, and why performance matters just as much as sustainability.

[00:06:53] Topic 3: Word-of-Mouth Over Ads

Kate discusses why Dip has never run a single ad and how a community of real customers powers its growth — one referral at a time.

[00:21:18] Topic 4: The Decision to Stay Off Amazon

Kate breaks down her bold refusal to sell on Amazon and how that choice supports hundreds of small eco-shops across the U.S.

[00:31:50] Topic 5: Digital Pollution & the Return to Human Commerce

She and Garret reflect on the dangers of “digital slop” and the need for real, offline, trust-based shopping experiences.

[00:42:42] Interview with Guest:

Kate opens up about motherhood, entrepreneurship, and the intentional decision to scale slowly and stay present with her family.

[00:45:10] Key Takeaways:

Success isn’t about hypergrowth — it’s about freedom, fulfillment, and designing a business that aligns with your values.

Kate Assaraf is the founder of Dip Sustainable Hair Care, a plastic-free brand committed to high-performance haircare that’s good for people and the planet. A 20-year veteran of the beauty industry, Kate launched Dip in 2021 and has scaled it into a 7-figure brand without ads, influencers, or Amazon. She’s been featured in Allure, Cosmopolitan, BYRDIE, and was named a “Woman of Courage” by Insigniam Quarterly for her bold leadership and consumer advocacy.

• Boys Adrift by Leonard Sax
• Dip Sustainable Hair Care
• Fair – Wholesale platform for small retailers
• Refilleries (local zero-waste shops)
• Ugg Boots Founder Story
• Spanx – Sarah Blakely

• Website
• Instagram
• Linkedin

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In this episode of Investing to Win, Garret Wong is joined by note investing legend Eddie Speed. With over 40 years in the real estate and finance game, Eddie explains why becoming the lender—rather than the landlord—can lead to more control, less stress, and long-term passive income. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just tired of tenant headaches, this episode opens the door to a powerful alternative: owning the paper, not the property.

Introduction:

Garret sets up the conversation by highlighting the difference between traditional landlording and the lesser-known strategy of mortgage note investing.

Topic 1 – Why First Mortgages Make Sense for Today’s Market:

Eddie breaks down what first mortgage notes are, how they work, and why they’re a smart move in the current economy.

Topic 2 – From Burnout to Freedom: Ditching Tenants for Notes:

They discuss the mindset shift that happens when investors stop managing properties and start managing paper instead.

Real World Note Deals and Lessons Learned:

Eddie shares real examples from his decades of experience, including how investors create cash flow without property ownership, and what mistakes to avoid.

Key Takeaways – Becoming the Bank is Simpler Than You Think:

Garret and Eddie reflect on the episode's biggest insights and offer encouragement for landlords looking to level up into lender status.

Eddie Speed is the founder of NoteSchool and a pioneer in the world of creative financing and mortgage note investing. With over 40 years of experience and more than 50,000 note deals under his belt, he has helped thousands of investors build wealth through paper instead of property. Eddie is widely regarded as one of the most influential educators in the alternative investing space and is known for making complex strategies simple and actionable.

• NoteSchool – Education and resources on mortgage note investing
• “Be the Bank” investor framework
• Default mitigation and risk control strategies
• Why banks don’t own properties—they own notes

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Website

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In this episode of Investing to Win, Garret Wong sits down with Hacia Atherton, a fifth-generation tradeswoman who became the first woman in her family’s legacy to take up plumbing. Hacia shares her powerful story of building a meaningful trade business while breaking into an industry traditionally dominated by men. It’s an inspiring, practical conversation about purpose, grit, and what it means to lead with impact.

[00:03] Introduction:

Garret opens the show and introduces Hacia’s background and passion for the skilled trades.

[00:21] Topic 1 – Women in the Trade Space:

Hacia talks about being the first woman in her family's plumbing legacy and why she believes tradespeople save more lives than doctors.

[05:44] Topic 2 – The Social Value of Skilled Trades:

They explore how clean water, gas safety, and sanitation create healthy communities—and why trades should be treated with respect.

[09:22] Topic 3 – Leadership, Legacy & Breaking Norms:

Hacia reflects on earning respect in a male-dominated business and how she reframed her career into a purpose-driven path.

[18:10] Key Takeaways – Grit, Community, and Empowerment:

The episode wraps with Hacia’s reflections on freedom, legacy, and why more women should be empowered to lead in trade businesses.

Hacia Atherton is a passionate tradeswoman, entrepreneur, and speaker. As the first female in five generations of her family to step into the plumbing industry, she has dedicated her career to reshaping the way society values skilled trades. Hacia believes in the power of legacy, community service, and using her platform to inspire more women to join and lead in trade-based businesses. Her story is one of purpose, resilience, and disruptive leadership.

“Plumbers Save More Lives Than Doctors” – quote from Hacia

Wall Street Journal article on Gen Z & skilled trades: Link

NoteSchool – Investing with first mortgages: https://noteschool.com

• Official Website
• Linkedin
• Instagram

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In this episode, Garret Wong sits down with direct selling legend John Solleder to discuss the mindset, values, and strategies it takes to succeed, not just in business, but in life. From faith to failure to financial freedom, John shares raw insights from his 42-year journey in network marketing and personal growth.

[00:00:00] Introduction

Garret introduces the episode and previews the conversation about personal growth, faith, and mentorship with John Solleder.

[00:03:00] The Power of Mentorship

John shares how his mentors—including Jim Rohn—shaped his entrepreneurial journey and why mentorship is essential in any business model.

[00:15:30] Faith, Truth & Business Ethics

John talks about the role of faith in business, staying truthful even when it’s hard, and how core values define long-term success.

[00:25:45] Interview with Guest: John Solleder

John recounts his early days in New Jersey, starting his business with just $32, and how consistency, belief, and persistence helped him build a global team over four decades.

[00:45:00] Key Takeaways

Garret and John wrap up with actionable advice on developing mental toughness, learning from failure, and why writing everything down is a lost but essential discipline.

John Solleder is a 42-year veteran of the network marketing industry and a globally respected mentor and speaker. Starting in 1983, he built massive international sales teams, became a top company earner, and mentored thousands of entrepreneurs along the way. John is also a published author, leadership trainer, and passionate advocate for personal growth and faith-driven success.

• The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson
• Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
• Jim Rohn (Mentor/Philosopher) – https://www.jimrohn.com
• John Solleder’s books and programs

Connect with John Solleder:

• Instagram
• JohnSolleder.com

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In this episode, Garret Wong sits down with Zach Lemaster, founder and CEO of Rent to Retirement, to break down the power of turnkey investing, build-to-rent strategies, and why new construction might beat renovations in today’s market. Whether you’re a Canadian investor eyeing U.S. real estate or a seasoned buyer wanting strategic growth, Zach brings a tactical, no-fluff perspective to wealth building through real estate.

[00:00:00] Introduction: Meet Zach Lemaster and hear how he transitioned from optometrist and Air Force captain to full-time real estate investor.

[00:03:00] Topic 1: Zach’s first deal, house hacking a duplex, and why consistency year-over-year built his real estate empire.

[00:15:30] Topic 2: New construction vs. renovations: tax advantages, tenant quality, and why Zach prefers new builds in growth markets.

[00:25:45] Interview with Guest: Zach explains Rent to Retirement’s turnkey model, how they build or source properties nationwide, and the secret behind their 5% down investment loans—yes, even for Canadians.

[00:45:00] Key Takeaways: Why consistency beats perfection, how to 1031 into generational wealth, and Zach’s definition of winning in real estate and life.

Zach is the founder & CEO of Rent to Retirement, the nation’s leading turnkey investment provider. A former Air Force captain and licensed optometrist, Zach built a large and diverse real estate portfolio across the U.S., spanning single-family, multifamily, commercial, and build-to-rent developments. He's been featured in Forbes, USA Today, Fox News, and Think Realty, and is widely recognized for his expertise in market analytics and helping everyday investors achieve financial freedom.

• Rent to Retirement
• Hemlane – Hybrid self-management platform
• 1031 Exchange
• Cost Segregation & Bonus Depreciation
• DR Horton, Lennar, and other national builder partnerships
• U.S. investment markets: Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, Ohio

LinkedIn

Rent To Retirement Website

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Ready to turn retirement dreams into cashflow reality? In this episode, multifamily specialist Chris Williams reveals the little-known investment habits and asset strategies that generate passive income and build generational wealth. Whether you’ve never bought a duplex or you’re considering a syndication—this is the roadmap.

Episode Breakdown

[00:00] Meet Chris Williams: from corporate world to multifamily maven

[05:45] Why multifamily trumps other real estate for retirement income

[15:20] Due diligence best practices: market analysis, underwriting, risk mitigation

[27:00] Passive vs active investing: how to structure deals for both worlds

[38:10] Creative financing tools: leveraging OPM, private lenders, JV partnerships

[49:30] Exit strategies that safeguard equity and ensure generational handoff

What You’ll Learn

• The mindset shift needed to prioritize cashflow over quick flips
• A repeatable investment due‑diligence checklist
• Structuring syndications to reward both GP and LP investors
• How to scale your portfolio—without going bankrupt

About Chris Williams

Chris is a seasoned multifamily investor and syndicator managing $150M+ in assets. With deep experience in under-the-radar markets, he blends investor protection with superior returns—now mentoring others to follow his model.

Quick Resources

Chris’s How to Get Started and Successful in Real Estate Course

Connect & Engage

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In this episode, we sit down with Chris Long, founder of Long Yards, a groundbreaking company transforming the industrial outdoor storage (IOS) space. Chris shares how he transitioned from carpentry to building a nationwide storage business, offering high-cashflow opportunities and redefining how small businesses and trades access space. If you've ever been curious about niche real estate investing, this one’s a game-changer.

[00:00:00] Introduction: Meet Chris Long and learn how Long Yards was born from his blue-collar construction roots.

[00:07:00] From Contractor to Real Estate Visionary: Chris shares his path from licensed carpenter to real estate investor and entrepreneur.

[00:15:30] Building the Business of Building Yards: How Long Yards scales nationally, manages remotely, and trains local teams across the U.S.

[00:35:00] Interview with Guest: Chris Long: A deep dive into Long Yards' IOS model, zoning challenges, financing strategies, and the real estate/investment hybrid that's attracting private equity attention.

[00:50:00] Key Takeaways: Chris’s cashflow-first mindset, his strategy for investor partnerships, the role of AI-resistant businesses, and what winning looks like to him.

Chris Long is the founder and CEO of Long Yards, a company revolutionizing the industrial outdoor storage industry through a creative, scalable, and highly profitable model. With roots in carpentry and construction, Chris now leads a vertically integrated real estate and construction operation that spans North America. His vision: to make flexible yard space accessible, affordable, and turnkey for trades, small businesses, and logistics providers—while offering strong ROI for investors.

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Facebook

Long Yards Franchise

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In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with financial expert Bill Westrom to explore how everyday consumers can take control of their finances, break free from traditional banking traps, and leverage simple strategies to save thousands in interest. Bill shares his revolutionary Credit Line Banking method — a practical system that puts you in the driver's seat of your financial future.

[00:00:00] Introduction Meet Bill Westrom and get a preview of today’s discussion on alternative debt management strategies.

[00:20:00] Bill’s Journey: From print shop owner to mortgage broker to financial innovator — how an unexpected meeting with an Australian banker changed Bill’s career forever.

[00:35:30] What’s Really Wrong with the Banking System: How traditional banking and debt repayment models are designed to benefit the banks and why most consumers unknowingly feed the system.

[00:55:45] Interview with Guest: Bill Westrom: Bill breaks down the fundamentals of Credit Line Banking, why focusing on interest rates is a losing game, and how to leverage your income to rapidly pay down debt — without changing your lifestyle.

[01:10:00] Key Takeaways: Why controlling the flow of your money is key to financial freedom, the importance of becoming your own banker, and how small strategy shifts can yield massive long-term results.

Bill Westrom is a seasoned financial strategist and founder of Truth In Equity. With nearly two decades dedicated to helping individuals break free from conventional debt traps, Bill teaches a revolutionary system called Credit Line Banking — enabling consumers to leverage their income, dramatically reduce interest payments, and regain control of their financial future. A veteran of the mortgage industry and a passionate advocate for financial literacy, Bill brings both depth and clarity to the world of personal finance.

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Truthinequity

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In this episode of Investing to Win, Garret Wong chats with real estate investor Jessie Lang, who scaled from house hacking in Austin to owning over 70 rental doors in just 36 months. Jessie breaks down the BRRR method, shares her biggest property management lessons, and reveals the systems and mindset shifts that made her real estate journey successful.

[00:00:00] Introduction: Meet Jessie Lang and what to expect in this episode.

[00:03:00] Jessie’s journey: From Craigslist roommates to house hacking and early lessons in real estate.

[00:15:30] Discovering the BRRR method: Overcoming deal-itis, and building scalable systems.

[00:25:45] Jessie shares her transition from wholesaling to long-term rentals, the reality of self-managing 70+ doors, and how she helps students avoid costly mistakes..

[00:50:00] Key Takeaways: Focus on process, not perfection; treat real estate like a business; and build relationships to unlock scale and freedom.

Jessie Lang is a seasoned real estate investor and educator based in Columbus, Ohio. Starting with house hacking, she scaled her portfolio from 11 to 70 doors in just three years using the BRRR method. A former project manager, Jessie brings strong systems thinking to real estate and now mentors other investors through her mastermind and recently published book, Rentals Made Easy.

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In this inspiring episode of Investing to Win, Garret Wong sits down with Sun Yong Kim—an entrepreneur, real estate investor, and options trading coach—whose remarkable journey began in a South Korean orphanage. Sun Yong shares how she overcame unimaginable hardships, retired early with no savings, and ultimately built a seven-figure income through savvy investing and unshakable resilience.

[00:00:00] Introduction: Garret introduces the episode and his guest, Sun Yong Kim.

[00:03:00] Childhood in a South Korean Orphanage :Sun Yong shares her emotional story of being abandoned, overcoming physical disabilities, and the defining moment that drove her to learn how to walk.

[00:15:30]Adoption and Life in America: At age 14, Sun Yong is adopted by an American family, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life. She shares the struggles and breakthroughs of adjusting to a new culture and language.

[00:25:45]Interview with Guest: Sun Yong reflects on her 33-year career as a certified medical assistant, the financial reality of retirement, and how a conversation with her doctor led to her leap into real estate and options trading.

[00:50:00] Key Takeaways: Sun Yong explains her “Miracle System” for options trading, offers actionable advice for escaping financial stagnation, and shares her next goal: building $10 million in five years.

Sun Yong Kim is a self-made entrepreneur who overcame extreme adversity, including childhood abandonment and disability, to build a seven-figure retirement portfolio. After working 33 years in healthcare, she turned to real estate and options trading, developing her own simplified “Miracle System” that has helped her—and her clients—achieve financial independence. Her story has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, inspiring thousands around the world.

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