What does “zero to hero” really look like behind the Instagram highlight reel?

In this episode of Threads of Success, Bruno Falcone (House of Falcone) sits down with Ivan Presquito, the CEO & Director of Elegant Kiwi Homes (New Zealand), for a raw conversation about resilience, reinvention, and building real success the hard way.

Ivan shares his migrant journey from the Philippines to New Zealand (arriving February 1, 2011, just days before the Christchurch earthquake), the reality of starting over, and the grit it took to go from washing dishes and walking 8–10km in winter… to becoming a property developer and business leader with a powerful giving-back mission.

They break down:

• Why “overnight success” is a myth (and what hard work actually looks like)
• The mindset shift from “I can’t afford it” to “What’s the ROI?”
• How Ivan and his wife built a competitive advantage using finance + construction + property law
• The 4-person “dream team” you need to win in property: accountant, lawyer, mortgage broker, and mentor
• Property investing basics: leverage, population growth, and long-term strategy
• Mentorship, humility, and why staying “the dumbest in the room” helps you grow faster
• Why dressing well impacts performance: “Look good, feel good, do good.”

Plus—Ivan explains why he trusted Bruno with a custom suit made from quick measurements in LA… and how style becomes a byproduct of who you are, not a mask you wear.

If you’re an entrepreneur, investor (or future investor), or someone rebuilding your life from scratch—this one will shift your perspective.

🎧 Listen now and drop a comment: What’s one belief you need to ditch to reach your next level?

Social Links

Website: https://houseoffalcone.com/

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/houseoffalcone

FB: https://www.facebook.com/merlaiofficial

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@houseoffalcone

Connect with Ivan Presquito:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/Ivanprequito/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ipresquito/