In this episode of the Know Your Why Podcast, Dr. Jason Balara sits down with Mike Zlotnik, a seasoned real estate fund manager who made the leap from technology into commercial real estate following the 2008 financial crisis. Mike shares how experiencing a major market downturn reshaped his understanding of risk, cash flow, and long-term investing. The conversation explores real estate investment strategies built around market cycles, diversification, and contrarian thinking, with Mike offering perspective on why fundamentals matter more than hype. He also reflects on how his business model evolved over time and how family continues to influence both his personal and professional decisions.

Key Highlights:

- Mike transitioned from a technology career into real estate investing after the financial crisis

- Market cycles are unavoidable, and understanding them is critical for long-term success

- The 2008 downturn reinforced the importance of risk management and conservative underwriting

- Diversification across assets and strategies helps protect investors during volatile periods

- Commercial real estate can provide more predictable passive income when structured correctly

- Local market knowledge plays a major role in investment performance

- Cash flow from day one is a non-negotiable principle in Mike’s approach

- Contrarian investing often creates opportunity when others are fearful

- Business models must evolve as markets, capital, and experience change

- Family and lifestyle goals strongly influence how Mike evaluates investments

Mike’s story is a powerful reminder that experience, patience, and discipline matter more than timing the perfect deal. By respecting market cycles, focusing on fundamentals, and staying grounded in personal values, investors can build resilient portfolios that weather uncertainty and support long-term financial freedom.

Get in touch with Mike: 

Website: https://bigmikefund.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzlotnik/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TFmanagementgroup

YouTube (Podcast + Tempo Funding): https://www.youtube.com/@TempoInvestments

If you want to know more about Dr. Jason Balara and the Know your Why Podcast:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/jasonbalara⁠⁠  

Audio Track:

Back To The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.⁠⁠ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/⁠⁠

Artist:⁠⁠ http://audionautix.com/

In this episode of the Know Your Why Podcast, Dr. Jason Balara sits down with Axel Berlin, a former internet addict who now helps others regain control of their attention and time. Axel shares his personal journey of recognizing and overcoming digital addiction, unpacking how algorithmic entertainment quietly hijacks focus and reshapes daily habits. The conversation explores the justifications many people use to defend excessive screen time, the mental health and productivity costs of constant digital consumption, and practical ways to create healthier boundaries with technology. Axel also addresses the challenges of parenting in a screen-saturated world and the importance of modeling intentional behavior for the next generation.

Key Highlights:

• Axel Berlin shares his experience confronting and overcoming internet addiction

  
  

• Awareness is the first step in addressing unhealthy screen time habits

  
  

• Algorithmic entertainment is designed to capture and control attention
  

• Many justifications for screen use mask deeper behavioral patterns
  

• Separating intentional internet use from addictive feeds creates clarity
  

• Digital addiction is rooted in behavior, not just technology
  

• Parenting in the digital age requires leadership by example
  

• Eliminating algorithm-driven content can dramatically improve focus
  

• Axel’s work emphasizes reclaiming time as a core life priority
  

• Protecting attention is essential for mental health and long-term fulfillment

This conversation highlights that digital well-being isn’t about rejecting technology, but about using it intentionally. By questioning our habits, setting clear boundaries, and leading with awareness, it’s possible to reclaim focus, improve mental health, and model healthier relationships with technology for ourselves and our families.

Get in touch with Axel:

Amazon link: /www.amazon.com/Beyond-Brain-Rot-Stop-Scrolling/dp/B0FXFCPBNM/

Website: https://www.beyondbrainrot.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond_brain_rot/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583735904542

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/axelburlin/

If you want to know more about Dr. Jason Balara and the Know your Why Podcast:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/jasonbalara⁠⁠  

Audio Track:

Back To The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.⁠⁠ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/⁠⁠

Artist:⁠⁠ http://audionautix.com/

In this episode of the Know Your Why Podcast, Dr. Jason Balara sits down with Dr. Izzy Justice, chief neuroscience officer at Neuro580, for a deep dive into neuroscience, human performance, and brain education. Dr. Izzy explains how brain frequencies influence cognitive function, mental health, and optimal performance, drawing from principles used in sports psychology and human optimization. The conversation explores why modern life makes it harder to reach ideal brain states, how mindfulness and intentional awareness play a role, and how simple neuro hacks can help individuals operate at a more balanced frequency. Dr. Izzy also shares his perspective on why understanding the brain is foundational to unlocking peak performance and creating a richer human experience.

Key Highlights:

• Neuroscience offers a powerful framework for understanding human behavior, performance, and mental health
  

• The brain is the only place where past experiences and future expectations coexist
  

• Brain education is essential for improving cognitive function and emotional regulation
  

• Optimal human performance often occurs around a 10 Hertz brain frequency
  

• Constant stimulation and digital distraction make it harder to reach ideal brain states
  

• Neuro hacks can help retrain the brain toward balance, focus, and clarity
  

• You don’t need perfect mental performance all day, just in the moments that matter most
  

• Shifting closer to 10 Hertz is often the first step toward improved performance
  

• Mindfulness supports awareness of brain states and intentional self-regulation
  

• Human potential is already within us, waiting to be accessed through understanding the brain
  

Dr. Izzy’s insights reinforce that peak performance isn’t about doing more, but about operating from a healthier mental state. By learning how the brain works and applying simple, intentional practices, individuals can improve focus, resilience, and overall well-being while unlocking the full potential of their minds.

Get in touch with Izzy:

Website: https://drizzyjustice.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.izzyjustice/

X: @izzyjustice

If you want to know more about Dr. Jason Balara and the Know your Why Podcast:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/jasonbalara⁠⁠  

Audio Track:

Back To The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.⁠⁠ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/⁠⁠

Artist:⁠⁠ http://audionautix.com/

In this episode of the Know Your Why Podcast, Dr. Jason Balara sits down with Rod Santomassimo, founder of the Massimo Group, to explore entrepreneurship, leadership, and business growth in commercial real estate. Rod shares his path from traditional employment to building a successful coaching business, unpacking the mindset shifts required to step into entrepreneurship. The conversation weaves through the realities of building teams, shaping a healthy work environment, and using AI as a tool to drive smarter decisions and scalable success. Rod also reflects on how clarity around purpose and motivation fuels long-term performance, not just revenue, and why leadership rooted in trust and intention creates lasting impact.

Key Highlights

- Rod Santomassimo’s entrepreneurial journey highlights the realities of risk, growth, and resilience

- Leaving traditional employment requires a fundamental shift in mindset and personal responsibility

- A supportive work environment is essential for attracting, retaining, and empowering great people

- AI is becoming a powerful driver of efficiency and business growth when applied intentionally

- Commercial real estate strategies must remain local and adaptable to market conditions

- Understanding your why strengthens motivation and sharpens leadership decisions

 - Trusting and empowering team members accelerates both growth and culture

- Data-driven decision making creates clarity in uncertain business environments

- Continuous learning is required to stay relevant as markets and technology evolve

- True success is measured by the impact leaders have on people, not just profits

Rod’s perspective reinforces that entrepreneurship is not just about scaling a business, but about scaling yourself as a leader. When mindset, environment, and purpose align, growth becomes sustainable, teams thrive, and success extends far beyond the bottom line.

Get in touch with Rod:

Website: https://www.massimo-group.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themassimogroup/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themassimogroup

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crecoach/

If you want to know more about Dr. Jason Balara and the Know your Why Podcast:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/jasonbalara⁠⁠  

Audio Track:

Back To The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.⁠⁠ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/⁠⁠

Artist:⁠⁠ http://audionautix.com/

In this episode of the Know Your Why Podcast, Dr. Jason Balara sits down with Dalmo Cirne, an experienced leader and author of 4 Streams of Leadership, to unpack why so many people step into leadership roles feeling unprepared. Dalmo shares practical insights on leadership, management, and communication skills, with a strong focus on navigating difficult conversations and delivering meaningful feedback. He introduces his leadership framework built around four critical areas: managing yourself, managing teams, managing upward, and managing laterally. Throughout the conversation, Dalmo explains how unaddressed gaps in preparation can lead to frustration, misalignment, and breakdowns within teams, and why intentional personal development is essential for effective leadership.

Key Highlights:

- Many leaders step into management roles without the training or preparation they truly need

- Difficult conversations are unavoidable and essential for healthy team management

- Vague feedback creates confusion, while specific feedback drives growth and accountability

- Leadership is hierarchical, and understanding that structure helps reduce friction

- The 4 Streams of Leadership framework provides clarity across multiple leadership responsibilities

- Managing yourself is the foundation before you can effectively lead others

- Proactive communication helps shape team culture instead of reacting to problems later

- Empathy and directness must coexist in effective leadership conversations

- Preparation reduces insecurity and increases confidence in leadership roles

- A clear leadership framework supports consistency across teams and organizations

Dalmo’s perspective reinforces that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about building the skills and awareness to handle complexity with clarity. By focusing on self-management, intentional communication, and structured feedback, leaders can create stronger teams, navigate hard conversations with confidence, and grow into their roles with purpose rather than pressure.

Get in touch with Dalmo:

Website: https://dalmocirne.com/

Website: https://the4streamsofleadership.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalmocirne/

X: https://x.com/dalmocirne

If you want to know more about Dr. Jason Balara and the Know your Why Podcast:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/jasonbalara⁠⁠  

Audio Track:

Back To The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.⁠⁠ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/⁠⁠

Artist:⁠⁠ http://audionautix.com/

In this episode of the Know Your Why podcast, Dr. Jason Balara sits down with Caleb Christopher, serial entrepreneur and founder of Creative TC and Creative Title Company, to unpack what’s broken in real estate customer experience and how higher standards can change the industry. Caleb shares his path through creative finance, entrepreneurship, and building a title company rooted in accountability, communication, and ethical execution. The conversation explores why title companies matter more than most investors realize, how unclear expectations erode trust, and why competing on quality instead of price is essential for long-term success. Caleb also outlines his vision for elevating service standards across real estate while laying the groundwork for future ventures centered on capital and loan servicing.

Key Highlights:

- Caleb’s entrepreneurial journey began in real estate with a focus on creative finance solutions

- Title companies play a critical role in protecting both buyers and sellers through ethical, accurate execution

- Poor communication is one of the biggest breakdowns in real estate transactions

- Customer experience should be intentionally designed, not treated as an afterthought

- Competing solely on price often sacrifices quality and creates long-term risk

- Clear expectations reduce friction and increase trust across all parties

- Raising industry standards requires ownership, accountability, and consistent processes

- Team development improves when leaders understand the stages of competence

- Strong systems allow businesses to scale without losing service quality

- Future growth for Caleb centers on capital, servicing, and infrastructure that supports real estate operators

Caleb’s perspective is a reminder that real estate isn’t just about transactions—it’s about trust. By prioritizing communication, accountability, and customer experience, businesses can stand out in an industry often driven by speed and shortcuts. This episode challenges entrepreneurs to raise their standards, align price with quality, and build companies that serve people well while still scaling sustainably.

Get in touch with Caleb:

Website: https://calebchristopher.io

Website: https://creativetitle.io

Instagram: https://instagram.com/fcalebchristopher

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/calebchristopher

If you want to know more about Dr. Jason Balara and the Know your Why Podcast:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/jasonbalara⁠⁠  

Audio Track:

Back To The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.⁠⁠ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/⁠⁠

Artist:⁠⁠ http://audionautix.com/

In this episode of the Know Your Why Podcast, Dr. Jason Balara sits down with Caleb Johnson, managing principal at Red Sea Capital, to explore his path from restaurant management to multifamily real estate investing in the Phoenix market. Caleb breaks down how focusing on one market sharpened his investment strategies, why vertical integration has been critical to scaling property management, and how strong relationships with banks have fueled acquisitions. The conversation also dives into financial literacy, disciplined goal setting, and the operational mindset required to grow a sustainable real estate business while staying aligned with a deeper purpose.

Key Highlights:

- Caleb’s transition from restaurant management to full-time real estate investing reshaped his long-term vision

- Focusing on multifamily properties in the Phoenix market created clarity and operational efficiency

- Vertical integration improved control, performance, and accountability in property management

- Strong banking relationships play a major role in consistent acquisitions

- Tracking lead measures helps drive predictable results in real estate investing

- Setting a target of one acquisition per quarter created focus and momentum

- Ownership mindset is essential when scaling multifamily portfolios

- Financial literacy is a core mission, extending beyond investing into nonprofit work

- Leveraging complementary skills within a partnership strengthens execution

- Big goals can fundamentally change how a business operates and grows

This episode of the Know Your Why Podcast highlights how focus, systems, and intentional growth can transform a real estate career. Through multifamily investing, vertical integration, and a commitment to financial education, Caleb Johnson demonstrates that long-term success comes from clarity of strategy and clarity of purpose. His journey reinforces that when real estate investing is paired with strong operations and a meaningful why, the impact extends far beyond the balance sheet.

Get in touch with Caleb:

Website: https://redseacapitalgroup.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redseacapitalgroup/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caleb.johnson.56512

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-johnson-7b7300205/

If you want to know more about Dr. Jason Balara and the Know your Why Podcast:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/jasonbalara⁠⁠  

Audio Track:

Back To The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.⁠⁠ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/⁠⁠

Artist:⁠⁠ http://audionautix.com/

In this episode of the Know Your Why Podcast, Dr. Jason Balara sits down with Scott Carson to unpack the world of distressed debt and mortgage note investing within today’s real estate market. Scott shares how he built a business around buying distressed mortgages, raising capital, and creating investment opportunities that balance strong investor returns with empathy for borrowers in difficult situations. He explains how distressed debt investing works, why understanding market trends matters, and how creative financial strategies can often rehabilitate borrowers instead of forcing foreclosure. Throughout the conversation, Scott highlights the human side of investing, showing how compassion, clear communication, and flexible solutions can lead to better outcomes for both borrowers and investors while still delivering consistent returns.

Key Highlights:

- Distressed debt investing focuses on mortgage notes that are 90 days or more delinquent

- Real estate investing through mortgage notes creates unique opportunities outside traditional property ownership

- Empathy in investing can lead to borrower rehabilitation rather than displacement

- A large percentage of borrowers can stay in their homes with the right financial strategies

- Due diligence and negotiation are critical when purchasing distressed mortgages

- Market trends suggest increasing opportunities in distressed debt as cycles shift

- Capital raising is essential for scaling note investing and expanding deal flow

- Strategic marketing, including LinkedIn and targeted email outreach, drives investor and deal awareness

- Investor returns in distressed debt can remain attractive when risk is managed properly

- Creative problem-solving is often the difference between loss mitigation and win-win outcomes

This conversation reinforces that distressed debt investing is not just about numbers, but about understanding people, market cycles, and long-term value creation. By combining financial literacy, empathy, and disciplined real estate strategies, Scott Carson demonstrates how investors can generate solid returns while positively impacting borrowers and communities.

Get in touch with Scott:

Website: http://WeCloseNotes.com

Note Investor Training: http://NoteWeekend.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/1scottcarson/

If you want to know more about Dr. Jason Balara and the Know your Why Podcast:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/jasonbalara⁠⁠  

Audio Track:

Back To The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.⁠⁠ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/⁠⁠

Artist:⁠⁠ http://audionautix.com/

In this episode of the Know Your Why Podcast, Dr. Jason Balara sits down with Lindsay Davis, CEO of Spartan Invest, to explore the evolution from flipping houses to building long-term wealth through rental properties and vertically integrated property management. Lindsay shares how getting clear on her why reshaped both her business strategy and her leadership approach, allowing her to focus on scalable systems, strong team building, and a values-driven business culture. She explains how Spartan Invest’s turnkey real estate model and in-house property management help create more predictable passive income for investors while maintaining quality control across the portfolio. Throughout the conversation, Lindsay also reflects on the realities of the real estate market, the importance of trust and accountability within teams, and how intentional delegation creates space for healthier work-life balance without sacrificing performance.

Key Highlights:

- Clarity around your why creates alignment in real estate investing and leadership

- Moving from flipping to rental properties can provide greater stability and long-term cash flow

- Turnkey properties and vertical integration help maintain consistency and quality

- Property management is a critical lever in protecting investor returns

- Strong team building is essential for scaling a real estate business

- Company culture directly impacts retention, performance, and growth

- Trust paired with verification strengthens internal systems and accountability

- Delegation and offloading tasks are necessary for sustainable expansion

- Real estate can support work-life balance when systems are built intentionally

- Creating opportunities for others is a core responsibility of leadership. 

Lindsay’s story reinforces that success in real estate and business is not just about deals, but about people, systems, and purpose. By aligning investment strategies with strong culture and thoughtful leadership, this episode highlights how building a business the right way can create lasting impact for investors, teams, and families alike.

Get in touch with Lindsay:

Website: https://spartaninvest.com/

Podcast: https://spartaninvest.com/podcast/

If you want to know more about Dr. Jason Balara and the Know your Why Podcast:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/jasonbalara⁠⁠  

Audio Track:

Back To The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.⁠⁠ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/⁠⁠

Artist:⁠⁠ http://audionautix.com/

In this episode of the Know Your Why Podcast, Dr. Jason Balara sits down with Joe Carter, founder of Twin Flame Group Texas, to unpack what it really takes to build, scale, and exit businesses with intention. Joe shares how burnout from the corporate world pushed him into entrepreneurship and how he went on to successfully grow and exit companies in the electronics repair and landscaping industries. Throughout the conversation, Joe explains how identifying market gaps, building recurring revenue, and systemizing operations create businesses that are both resilient and transferable. He also breaks down how owners should think about business evaluation, exit strategy, and long-term sustainability, while tying everything back to his personal motivation of building a lasting legacy through disciplined, well-structured companies. 

Key Highlights:

- Burnout from corporate life led Joe to pursue entrepreneurship

- Scaling electronics repair and landscaping businesses revealed hidden market gaps

- Recurring revenue models create stability and long-term business growth

- Systemization allows a business to operate without the owner’s daily involvement

- Transferable systems increase business value and investor interest

- Data-driven decision making improves business evaluation and clarity

- Documented processes create accountability and operational consistency

- Revenue per employee is a key metric for smarter hiring decisions

- Exit strategy should be considered early, not at the point of sale

- Legacy building is a core driver behind Joe’s business philosophy

This episode reinforces that successful entrepreneurship isn’t just about growth, it’s about building businesses that can stand on their own. By focusing on recurring revenue, clean systems, and clear exit strategies, Joe Carter and Dr. Jason Balara highlight how business owners can create companies that deliver freedom today while leaving a meaningful legacy for the future.

Get in touch with Joe Carter:

Website: https://www.twinflametx.com/

Free PE-Style Business Valuation: https://joe-carter-free-revenue-projection.vercel.app/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategicexitjoe/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577029153573

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joecartertx/

If you want to know more about Dr. Jason Balara and the Know your Why Podcast:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/jasonbalara⁠⁠  

Audio Track:

Back To The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.⁠⁠ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/⁠⁠

Artist:⁠⁠ http://audionautix.com/