Most people wait for the perfect moment. Jeremiah Parker ran toward the fire instead.

Before he ever closed a deal, Jeremiah spent years as a career firefighter, working long shifts, responding under pressure, and learning how to stay calm when everything around him was chaos. Those skills followed him into real estate, where he started as a broker, stacked reps, and eventually stepped into development with the same mindset that kept him steady on the job: trust your training, move with purpose, and don’t freeze when things get hard.

In this episode, Kristi and Raphael sit down with Jeremiah to explore how a firefighter with no safety net became a full-time investor and developer by confronting fear, building a reliable team, and taking on projects most people would talk themselves out of. His story is raw, local, and all real life: the early struggles, the mindset shifts, the deals that forced him to grow, and the deeper reason he’s building something bigger than himself.

What We Cover:

✅ How firefighting shaped Jeremiah’s perspective, discipline, and decision-making

✅ Why he got into real estate and how becoming a broker opened doors

✅ The fear, hesitation, and mental battles behind his first investment moves

✅ How he built a trusted team and why the right people change everything

✅ The challenges of scaling from small deals to larger development projects

✅ What drives him to keep building, even when the path isn’t clear

Bold Truth: Real estate doesn’t reward the fearless. It rewards the people who feel the fear, step forward anyway, and build something their community can point to and say, that came from one of us.

🎧 Listen now to hear how Jeremiah turned fear into action and built a team and a strategy that allowed him to scale and why the next project transforming your community could be yours.

Connect with Jeremiah:

📲 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Jeremiah-Parker-Real-Estate-Broker-at-EXIT-Realty-CW-100057358813554/

Listen + Subscribe:

Watch full episodes on YouTube or listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

Want more from Kristi?

Hear how she’s helping locals become developers in their own communities without the gatekeeping.

🎧 Local Real Estate Developer Podcast Playlist →

👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship:

https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship

🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:

https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper

🎬 Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Real Estate Development

01:32 Transitioning from W2 to Full-Time Investing

05:45 Overcoming Fear in Real Estate

11:10 The Importance of Taking Action

12:36 From Flips to New Construction

17:04 Navigating the Development Process

18:25 Building a Strong Team for Growth

21:31 Building Strong Relationships with Contractors

22:55 The Importance of Continuous Learning

23:13 Finding Motivation in Personal Goals

25:48 The Deeper Why Behind Development

26:33 Affordable Housing Initiatives

28:14 Navigating Financing and Development Challenges

29:48 Understanding Land Costs and Development Strategies

33:51 Advice for Aspiring Developers

37:48 Connecting with Jeremiah

#localrealestatedeveloper #realestateinvesting #womeninrealestate #mindsetmatters #communitydevelopment #realestatejourney #propertyinvestor #infilldevelopment #therealestatedeveloper #partnerships #elevateswfl

Most people look at development and see something out of reach. Katie Neason looked at it and asked a different question: What if becoming a developer is less about expertise and more about identity?In this episode, Kristi and Raphael sit down with Katie for a grounded, brutally honest look at what it really takes to build where you live. From navigating infill projects and fighting “analysis paralysis” to learning to trust small first moves, Katie breaks down why local development isn’t reserved for the chosen few. It’s for anyone willing to learn the rules, build the right relationships, and take action before they feel ready.Katie shares the mindset shifts behind her Rookie Redeveloper program, how she helps everyday people see themselves as developers, and why small neighborhood projects can have the biggest long-term impact.Her story is a reminder that you don’t need to start with land, capital, or confidence. You just need to redefine who you are and take the next step in front of you.What We Cover: ✅ Why your identity matters more than your skill set ✅ How small infill lots create outsized neighborhood impact ✅ The power of removing barriers through clear guidance and community ✅ The difference between owning a property and shaping a place ✅ Why analysis paralysis stops most beginners ✅ How Katie teaches first-timers to take action, not wait for permissionBold Truth:The moment you decide to see yourself as a developer is the moment your entire path changes. Building begins with identity, not experience.🎧 Listen now to hear how Katie breaks down the barriers to getting started and why the next person shaping your community might just be you.Connect with Katie: 🌐 Website: https://www.katieneason.com/ 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiedevelops/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-neason-89b4a7a/ Listen + Subscribe: Watch full episodes on YouTube or listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.Want more from Kristi? Hear how she’s helping locals become developers in their own communities without the gatekeeping. 🎧 Local Real Estate Developer Podcast Playlist →👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship:https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper🎬 Chapters00:00 Introduction to Local Development01:42 Katie Neason's Journey into Development03:31 Navigating Challenges in Development07:40 Understanding City Planning and Zoning11:58 Building Trust with the City12:28 Financing Development Projects20:05 Adapting to Changing Banking Relationships22:26 Innovative Cottage Cluster Development29:22 Navigating Community Responsibilities30:12 The Importance of Local Climate Awareness31:21 Partnership Dynamics in Development33:34 Choosing the Right Investors35:36 Understanding Market Cycles39:15 The Value of Local Development41:08 Incremental Development Strategies42:09 Advice for Aspiring Developers49:06 Community-Driven Development Explained52:07 Current and Future Projects#localrealestatedeveloper #realestateinvesting #womeninrealestate #mindsetmatters #communitydevelopment #realestatejourney #propertyinvestor #infilldevelopment #therealestatedeveloper #partnerships #elevateswfl

What if the key to success wasn’t more but meaning?After building hundreds of millions in real estate, Meg Epstein could’ve stopped at wealth. But as she tells Kristi and Raphael, money without purpose leads to misery, a truth she learned firsthand in Los Angeles, surrounded by the rich and unhappy.Now based in Nashville, Meg has turned her focus toward freedom, purpose, and people, building projects that serve both investors and communities. From flipping the script on Airbnb condos to scaling The Modernist, her new model for flexible, investor-owned living spaces, Meg shares how to create developments that actually give back.This isn’t a story about chasing deals. It’s about building differently with vision, values, and the courage to ignore the crowd.What We Cover: ✅ How early exposure to “miserable rich people” changed Meg’s definition of success ✅ Why money without a mission leads to burnout in real estate ✅ The power of giving back and how purpose sustains your ambition ✅ Meg’s formula for scaling community-centered condo projects ✅ How The Modernist bridges the gap between investing, living, and flexibility ✅ The underrated skill that helped her raise hundreds of millions in equity ✅ Why thoughtful outreach and consistent learning still beat automation ✅ Meg’s lesson on staying focused and playing the long gameBold Truth:Real success isn’t about how much you build, it’s about why you build. The developers who last are the ones who lead with purpose, not ego.🎧 Listen now to hear how Meg is redefining what it means to build wealth with purpose and why the future of real estate belongs to developers who lead with vision, not vanity.Connect with Meg: 🌐 Website: http://www.holladayventures.com/ 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megaubaleepstein/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megepstein/ Listen + Subscribe: Watch full episodes on YouTube or listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.Want more from Kristi? Hear how she’s helping locals become developers in their own communities without the gatekeeping. 🎧 Local Real Estate Developer Podcast Playlist →👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship:https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper🎬 Chapters00:00 Introduction to Real Estate Development Journey00:32 Perseverance in Development: The Key to Success00:42 Finding Motivation: Beyond Financial Success#localrealestatedeveloper #realestateinvesting #womeninrealestate #mindsetmatters #communitydevelopment #realestatejourney #propertyinvestor #infilldevelopment #therealestatedeveloper #partnerships #elevateswfl

What happens when you stop waiting for big developers to show up and start building for your own community?In this episode, Kristi and Raphael sit down with Anne Pollack, a seasoned land use and zoning attorney in St. Petersburg, Florida, who’s helped shape some of the city’s most complex redevelopment projects. Anne doesn’t just know the rules, she teaches local developers how to use them to their advantage. From navigating city staff and neighborhood plans to learning through costly mistakes, Anne brings a real-world, no-shortcuts perspective to what it takes to turn local vision into approved projects.For anyone who’s ever hit a wall with permitting, struggled to align with a city’s plan, or wondered how small-town development really happens, this conversation is your playbook.What We Cover: ✅ Why the hardest projects teach you the most valuable lessons ✅ How to “pay tuition” through experience and make it worth every dollar ✅ What community-driven development actually looks like (and what it’s not) ✅ How to read and leverage your city’s comprehensive plan ✅ The two ways to start a project: lead with your idea or lead with your city’s needs ✅ Why motivation matters more than money in long-term development ✅ The rise of small, local developers and why they’re shaping the future of Florida’s growth ✅ How joining local real estate organizations can expand your network and opportunityBold Truth: If you can flip a house, you can flip a block. Real community change doesn’t come from waiting on outsiders, it comes from locals who learn the rules, build with purpose, and take ownership of their own neighborhoods.🎧 Listen now to hear how Anne helps turn everyday challenges into community-driven wins and why the next great developer might just be you.Connect with Anne: 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annepollack/Listen + Subscribe: Watch full episodes on YouTube or listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.Want more from Kristi? Hear how she’s helping locals become developers in their own communities without the gatekeeping.🎧 Local Real Estate Developer Podcast Playlist →👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship:https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper🎬 Chapters00:00 Introduction to Land Use and Real Estate Development02:56 Anne Pollack's Journey in Land Use Law05:26 Understanding Land Use: Key Concepts and Challenges08:11 The Importance of Due Diligence in Development10:53 Navigating Zoning and Comprehensive Plans13:32 The Role of Relationships in Land Use Approvals16:43 The Complexity of Zoning Processes19:18 The Value of Local Expertise in Development22:13 Real-Life Examples of Development Challenges24:58 Conclusion and Key Takeaways31:29 Navigating Coastal Development Challenges34:12 Balancing Safety and Market Needs36:57 Advice for New Developers42:56 Understanding Community-Driven Development48:07 The Future of Development in Florida#localrealestatedeveloper #realestateinvesting #womeninrealestate #mindsetmatters #communitydevelopment #realestatejourney #propertyinvestor #infilldevelopment #therealestatedeveloper #partnerships #elevateswfl

What if the future of your town depended on you? Jason Duff didn’t wait for investors or city hall to fix his fading downtown. He bought one empty building, turned it into a spark, and built a movement that brought life and $40 million of reinvestment back to his hometown of Bellefontaine, Ohio.

In this episode, Kristi and Raphael sit down with Jason to unpack the real, boots-on-the-ground story behind Small Nation, his company that’s rewriting the playbook for small-town development. From losing tenants to rallying locals, from scraping by to building an ecosystem of thriving businesses, Jason’s story proves that small towns aren’t dying, they’re just waiting for someone to lead.

He shares how to take action even when you don’t have the answers, how to earn city support instead of fighting it, and why courage not capital is the first investment every developer needs to make.

What We Cover:

✅ How Jason turned one empty building into a $40M downtown revival

✅ The early mistakes that nearly ended his first project

✅ Why small towns are the new frontier for developers who care

✅ How to partner with your city (not fight against it)

✅ The real talk on risk tolerance and failed partnerships

✅ How local leadership can spark entire ecosystems of entrepreneurs

✅ Why money is just energy and why profit and purpose can coexist

✅ How AI and tech will actually make Main Street more valuable than ever

Bold Truth: Your town doesn’t need saving, it needs a leader. Be the one who builds what everyone else is waiting for.

🎧 Listen now to hear how Jason turned one empty building into a movement that brought a small town back to life.

Connect with Jason:

🌐 Website: https://smallnationstrong.com/

📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallnationstrong/?hl=en

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallnation/

Small Nation Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ash2PUY2dYyZtGZ5PlYowhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-small-nation-podcast/id1630822327 The historic church renovation, The Maxwell.

https://smallnationstrong.com/2025/03/10/historic-church-to-transform-into-elegant-wedding-and-event-venue-the-maxwell/https://themaxwellevents.com/ Full list of Small Nation’s case studies: https://smallnationstrong.com/success/ We’d love to find a way to refer and partner up, here’s more about our services and Small Town Success™ Formula - https://smallnationstrong.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SMALL-TOWN-SUCCESS%E2%84%A2-FORMULA-1.pdf News article about how we are helping towns: https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/central-ohio-news/how-a-small-town-was-revamped-into-ohios-most-loveable-downtown/

Want more from Kristi? Hear how she’s helping locals become developers in their own communities without the gatekeeping. 🎧 Local Real Estate Developer Podcast Playlist →

👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship:https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship

🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper🎬

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Local Development and Entrepreneurship

02:57 Jason Duff's Journey and the Birth of Small Nation

05:49 The Importance of Community and Storytelling in Development

08:38 Overcoming Challenges in Small Town Development

11:32 The First Project: From Vision to Reality

14:17 Building Partnerships for Success

17:15 Scaling Up: Lessons from Successful Ventures

20:25 Navigating Commercial Development Challenges

23:11 The Future of Small Town Development

26:29 Navigating Commercial Development Challenges3

2:37 The Art of Transformation in Real Estate

38:02 Building Community and Economic Development

43:42 Advice for New Developers

50:01 Embracing Innovation and Future Trends

#localrealestatedeveloper #realestateinvesting #womeninrealestate #mindsetmatters #communitydevelopment #realestatejourney #propertyinvestor #infilldevelopment #therealestatedeveloper #partnerships #elevateswfl

What if your first real estate deal wasn’t a rental or a flip… but a hotel? Most people would call that insane. Hannah Corbacio called it a challenge worth taking.In this episode of Local Real Estate Developers, Kristi and Raphael sit down with Hannah Corbacio, a first-time developer who alongside her husband took on a 200-year-old historic bank building and is transforming it into The Rosalia Hotel, a luxury boutique stay and wedding venue in Pennsylvania.No background in development. No generational wealth. Just grit, vision, and a willingness to learn fast. Hannah opens up about what it really takes to buy, design, and self-manage a multimillion-dollar adaptive reuse project while still running a marketing agency and raising a family.This isn’t a “follow-your-dreams” story. It’s about rolling up your sleeves, facing small-town skepticism, and taking messy action every single day until the vision becomes real.What We Cover:✅ Turning a historic bank into a boutique hotel and wedding venue✅ Funding the project without deep-pocket investors✅ Navigating construction, self-management, and phase development✅ How she’s using her marketing background to pre-book weddings before completion✅ Overcoming fear, overthinking, and taking daily 1% action✅ Building credibility in a small town and turning critics into believers✅ The plan to scale through property management contracts and future acquisitions✅ Why learning on the go beats waiting for “perfect timing” every timeBold Truth:You don’t need permission to build something bold in your hometown. You just need the guts to start, the patience to learn, and the persistence to take one small step every single day.🎧 Listen now to hear how Hannah turned vision into action and built something her entire community can be proud of.Connect with Hannah: 🌐 links.hcdigitalagency.com 📲 Instagram: @hannahcorbacio 💼 LinkedIn: Hannah Corbacio Listen + Subscribe: Watch full episodes on YouTube or listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.Want more from Kristi? Hear how she’s helping locals become developers in their own communities without the gatekeeping.🎧 Local Real Estate Developer Podcast Playlist →👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship:https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper🎬 Chapters00:00 Introduction to Hannah Corbacio and Her Journey02:50 Transition from Marketing to Real Estate05:31 Finding the Hotel Project08:33 Negotiating the Purchase11:04 Due Diligence and Construction Challenges14:14 Funding the Project16:49 Current Status and Future Plans20:29 Embracing Collaboration in Development22:39 Balancing Roles in Partnerships24:05 Community Engagement and Local Impact25:10 Overcoming Community Resistance29:33 Taking Action and Moving Forward32:41 Future Goals and Expansion Plans34:01 Unique Features of the Historic Building#localrealestatedeveloper #realestateinvesting #womeninrealestate #mindsetmatters #communitydevelopment #realestatejourney #propertyinvestor #infilldevelopment #therealestatedeveloper #partnerships #elevateswfl

After breaking her leg, most people would slow down.Michele Correa used it as her wake-up call.From 37 years in the family business to jumping headfirst into real estate in her 50s, Michele completely reinvented herself. One duplex, one rezoning battle, and one lesson at a time.In this episode, Kristi and Raphael sit down with Michele to talk about what it really looks like to build from scratch later in life: the pivots, the partnerships, and the persistence it takes to stay in the game when nothing goes as planned.Michele’s story is equal parts grit and grace, a reminder that you don’t need to have it all figured out to start. You just need to keep showing up, learn as you go, and trust that every setback is setting you up for the next level.What We Cover:✅ The broken leg that changed everything✅ From family business to first duplex✅ Two years of rezoning battles (and what she’d do differently)✅ The power of aligned partnerships✅ How Michele turned obstacles into opportunitiesWhy “everything is figure-outable” is more than a quote,it’s a way of lifeHer role in Elevate SWFL and why community is at the heart of every great projectBold Truth: You don’t need a perfect plan. You just need to start, adapt, and stay curious enough to figure it out along the way.🎧 Developer Vault Drop: Get Michele’s exclusive Partnership Question Guide. A resource to help you vet JV partners, align on values, and build lasting collaborations. Available now inside the Developer Vault.Connect with Michele: 🌐 CorreaEquityPartners.com 📲 Instagram & Facebook: @correaequitypartners 💼 LinkedIn: Michele CorreaListen + Subscribe: Watch full episodes on YouTube or listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.Want more from Kristi? Hear how she’s helping locals become developers in their own communities—without the gatekeeping. 🎧 Local Real Estate Developer Podcast Playlist →👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship:https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper🎬 Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest01:04 Michelle Correa's Journey to Real Estate04:16 The Decision to Pursue Real Estate06:20 First Project: The Duplex Experience08:48 Challenges in Development Projects11:51 Navigating the Infill Project in New Brunswick16:32 The Importance of Team and Partnerships19:29 Evolving Roles in Development21:08 Capital Raising and Regulatory Considerations24:04 Motivation and Overcoming Challenges25:56 The Importance of Sleep and Stress Management28:06 Navigating Difficult Conversations29:49 Advice for New Developers32:39 Community-Driven Development36:21 Future Projects and Expansion38:12 Building Community Connections42:43 Keeping It Real in Real Estate#localrealestatedeveloper #realestateinvesting #womeninrealestate #mindsetmatters #communitydevelopment #realestatejourney #propertyinvestor #infilldevelopment #therealestatedeveloper #partnerships #elevateswfl

This isn’t just another story about real estate. It’s about grit, reinvention, and what it really takes for locals to carve out their place in development.In this raw and inspiring episode of Local Real Estate Developers, Craig shares how he went from a career in car sales to staking his claim as a real estate developer. His story is one of transition, resilience, and the power of finding the right mentors and partners to help push past fear and into action. Craig lays out the unpolished truths of financing, navigating city politics, and breaking into development without a silver spoon or corporate backing.If you’ve ever wondered whether “ordinary” people can become developers, this episode proves that not only is it possible — it’s happening.Topics Covered Include: ✅ Craig’s leap from car sales into his first real estate projects ✅ How mentorship and local relationships opened doors to development opportunities ✅ The challenges of city approvals, financing, and dealing with setbacks ✅ Why partnerships can be the difference between stalling out and scaling up ✅ Lessons learned from early mistakes and the courage to keep moving forward ✅ Craig’s vision for creating spaces that serve communities, not just profit marginsCraig’s story is proof that you don’t need to be a corporate suit or a Wall Street type to build something lasting. You just need grit, persistence, and a willingness to learn as you go.💡 “If I can step into development with no background, so can you. The only difference is deciding to start.” – Craig👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship:https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloperGuest Name: Craig Kincheloe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigkincheloe/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craigkincheloe/ 🎬 Chapters00:00 Introduction to Real Estate Development01:50 Craig's Journey into Real Estate Development03:47 Early Lessons in Real Estate Sales07:29 Navigating Market Shifts and Economic Cycles11:44 Creative Selling Strategies in a Down Market16:45 The Importance of Local Knowledge in Development18:01 First Development Project: Challenges and Successes23:14 Understanding Zoning and Entitlements29:23 Community Impact and Development Philosophy42:52 Mindset and Motivation in Real Estate46:07 Advice for Aspiring Developers50:46 Future Vision and Community-Driven Development#LocalRealEstateDeveloper #ThinkBigStartLocal #RealEstateWithHeart #LREDPodcast #BuildWhatMatters #CommunityFirst #FromVacantToVibrant #MentorshipMatters #NeighborhoodRebuilders #GatekeepingEndsHere

This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a playbook for LOCALS willing to take the hits and keep building.

In this raw and real episode of Local Real Estate Developers, Lance Cox pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to build in small-town Montana. From cutting his teeth in construction, to managing high-profile Disney projects, to coming home and battling politics, banks, and community pushback — Lance’s story is a masterclass in resilience.

He doesn’t sugarcoat it. His first townhome project stalled. His subdivision sat for four years caught in a city moratorium. Banks pulled back when he needed them most. And every step of the way, Lance had to fight for the right to build in his own backyard.

Topics Covered Include:

✅ Lance’s unconventional path — from Montana builder → California → Disney → back to local development

✅ Why being a builder is NOT the same as being a developer

✅ Hard lessons from his first project and the timing mistakes that nearly sunk it

✅ HOAs: the hidden landmines that can make or break your project

✅ The brutal reality of a 4-year battle with the city over a subdivision approval

✅ How politics, moratoriums, and red tape kill local momentum

✅ The mindset shift locals need if they want to compete with outside developers

Lance doesn’t just share the wins — he lays bare the setbacks, the grind, and the reality check every aspiring local developer needs to hear.

💡 “Development isn’t for the faint of heart. But if locals don’t do it, outsiders will — and they won’t build with your community in mind.” – Lance Cox

👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship:

https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship

🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:

https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper

Guest Name: Lance Cox

Website: https://www.lmcox.com/

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

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

🎬 Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Real Estate Development

02:03 Lance's Journey in Real Estate

05:14 The Disney Experience and Its Impact

10:34 Transitioning to Independent Development

13:29 Phasing and Funding the Townhome Project

20:40 Sales Strategy and Market Dynamics

25:14 Establishing the HOA and Its Challenges

31:00 Understanding HOA Responsibilities

31:26 Assessing Financial Health in Condo Associations

33:35 Navigating Development Challenges

37:04 Market Shifts and Development Strategies

39:12 The Impact of External Factors on Local Development

42:00 Partnership Dynamics in Real Estate

44:32 Advice for Aspiring Developers

52:09 Community-Driven Development Philosophy

#LocalRealEstateDeveloper #ThinkBigStartLocal #RealEstateWithHeart #LREDPodcast #BuildWhatMatters #CommunityFirst #FromVacantToVibrant #MentorshipMatters #NeighborhoodRebuilders #GatekeepingEndsHere

This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a movement for LOCALS ready to lead.

In this raw and inspiring episode of Local Real Estate Developers, Clayton Silva opens up about his journey from a curious entrepreneur testing small ideas to a developer stepping into bigger, riskier projects that could change his neighborhood’s future.

Clayton didn’t come in with corporate backing or deep-pocket investors — he started with hustle, lessons learned the hard way, and a belief that locals should have a seat at the table. Through wins, setbacks, and bold decisions, he shows what it really takes to push past fear, build partnerships, and trust the process of development.

If you’ve ever wondered what separates “thinking about development” from actually doing it, Clayton’s story gives you the blueprint — equal parts grit, vision, and persistence.

Topics Covered Include:

✅ Clayton’s path from small entrepreneurial plays into real estate development

✅ The tough lessons that come with risk, setbacks, and trying again

✅ How partnerships, trust, and collaboration shape every stage of a project

✅ The difference between dreaming and executing — and why locals need both

✅ Balancing personal risk with long-term community impact

✅ Why development isn’t just about buildings, but about identity, resilience, and legacy

Clayton also shares the deeper motivation behind his work: proving that development isn’t reserved for outsiders or big corporations — it’s for locals who are willing to risk, learn, and build with purpose.

💡 “You can’t just dream it. At some point, you’ve got to put your skin in the game.” – Clayton Silva

👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship:

https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship

🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:

https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper

Guest Name: Clayton Silva

Website: https://www.atlasmortgagegrp.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crsilva915/

🎬 Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Real Estate Development and Lending

03:18 Clayton Silva's Journey into Real Estate and Lending

06:22 Understanding Different Lending Products and Strategies

09:10 Navigating the Lending Landscape: Types of Lenders

12:04 The Importance of Forward Commitments in Development

14:45 Creative Financing Solutions for Developers

17:33 Market Trends and Opportunities in Real Estate

20:33 Advice for New Developers and Understanding Lending

24:05 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

#LocalRealEstateDeveloper #ThinkBigStartLocal #RealEstateWithHeart #LREDPodcast #BuildWhatMatters #CommunityFirst #FromVacantToVibrant #MentorshipMatters #NeighborhoodRebuilders #GatekeepingEndsHere