Real Returns

How can a simple idea of renting out unused spaces revolutionize the storage industry and significantly impact individuals and communities?

In this episode, Joseph Woodbury, the founder and CEO of Neighbor.com, shares the fascinating story behind his nationwide self-storage marketplace. This discussion unveils how Neighbor.com is revolutionizing the self-storage industry by turning idle space into income-generating assets, not just for homeowners but for commercial property owners across the United States. Through a series of compelling stories, insightful business analyses, and personal anecdotes, Woodbury illustrates the broader impact of space monetization on communities, individuals, and the environment.

[00:01 - 05:11] Unpacking Neighbor.com's Mission

• Neighbor.com's unique approach to nationwide self-storage
• How excess space monetization benefits homeowners and investors
• The platform's role in all 50 states

[05:12 - 10:51] The Financial and Community Impact

• Real-life success stories from the platform
• The significant financial impact on individuals' lives
• Neighbor.com's contribution to stronger community bonds

[10:52 - 15:14] Exploring Supply and Demand Dynamics

• Challenges in balancing supply and demand
• The importance of supply for platform growth
• Strategies for attracting more space listings

[15:15 - 20:00] Joseph Woodbury's Entrepreneurial Journey

• The inspiration behind Neighbor.com
• Joseph's perspective on impact investing
• The challenges and rewards of building a marketplace platform

[20:01 - 27:30] Personal Insights and Future Visions

• Woodbury's personal wins and inspirations
• The future of Neighbor.com and space monetization
• How listeners can connect with Neighbor.com

Connect with Joseph!

www.neighbor.com

Key Quotes:

"Most of every dollar that comes in through our platform doesn't go to us; it goes to people." - Joseph Woodbury

"Throwing yourself into situations that you feel incapable is probably the fastest way to grow." - Joseph Woodbury

Visit our website https://www.birgo.com/to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor

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How can we find more purpose and meaning in work and life? Denny Boyle has pursued this question from his career as a bank exec building a fintech practice to now, building up people as a professional coach. He shares his journey spanning over two decades in Silicon Valley into executive coaching. Denny provides insights into achieving alignment in investing and in life, emphasizing playing the long game over short-term gains. He also opens up about dealing with burnout and realizing the need to make a change.

[00:00 - 03:48] - Background & Career Beginnings

• Overview of Denny's background

• Early days at PwC and Silicon Valley Bank

[03:49 - 08:15] - Building a Fintech Practice

• Helping launch SVB's fintech practice

• Relocating to support family needs

[08:16 - 15:47] - Investing Philosophy

• Pivoting into executive coaching

• Perspective on impactful investing

• Achieving alignment in investments and relationships

[15:48 - 19:00] - Long Game Mindset

• Emphasis on long term over short term

• Issues with short-term thinking

[19:01 - 28:03] - Closing Segment

• Importance of character in lending and investing

• Overcoming burnout

• Concluding thoughts

Connect with Denny!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/denny-boyle

Key Quote:

"History has shown me that you have to be patient" - Denny Boyle

Visit our website https://www.birgo.com/to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor

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How can leaders and investors rethink "impact" to take a more thoughtful, long-term approach? Lisa Slayton,CEO and founder of Tameem Partners, joins hosts Andrew Reichert and Daniel Croce to challenge conventional notions of impact, examining how short-term, reactionary approaches often cause unintended harm. They discuss the important inner work leaders must do to cultivate self-awareness and groundedness before seeking external change. Check this episode out for an insightful discussion on mindsets and models to drive change in more sustainable and ethical ways.

[00:00 - 06:16] - Leadership Approaches and Defining Impact

• Discussion on long-term vs short-term impact frameworks
• Examination of leadership tendencies to be reactive

[06:17 - 12:14] - The Role of Pausing

• Difference between reacting and thoughtful responding
• Practice of building in pauses before decisions

[12:15 - 19:16] - The Paradox of Growth

• In growth, we must let go of old ways to embrace new
• Leaning into discomfort and the unknown

[19:17 - 28:37] - Examining Unintended Consequences

• Short-term approaches often create anxiety/harm
• Leadership malpractice occurring without self-examination

[28:38 - 37:32] - Life in Flux Book

• Lisa's upcoming book offers navigational skills for change
• Focused on grounding leaders in Epoch of acceleration

Connect with Lisa!

https://tamimpartners.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-slayton-015aa01/

Key Quote:

"Even before the small decisions, you can always take 3 deep breaths." - Lisa Slayton

Visit our website https://www.birgo.com/to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor

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In this season recap episode, hosts Andrew and Dan reflect on key insights from conversations with each guest over the past season. They discuss takeaways around investment discipline, the importance of experts and mentors, building flat organizational structures, raising capital ethically, leaving a legacy through estate planning, and impact investing to help refugees. This episode serves as a refresher going into 2024 of the insights we've learned throughout season three.

[00:00 - 02:10] - Opening segment

[02:11 - 04:16] - Joshua Pollard

[04:17 - 07:01] - Ali Swart and Samantha Spitzer Sheetz

[07:02 - 08:38] - Nicole Shirk

[08:39 - 11:02] - Lupei Chou

[11:03 - 12:42] - Maria Zondervan

[12:43 - 14:52] - Tim Daigle

[14:53 - 17:08] - Kim Bodnar

[17:09 - 20:32] - Michael Hall

Key Quotes:

"Particularly as we're in a down cycle economically, people are tempted to make bad decisions" - Andrew Reichert

"If you're willing to roll up your sleeves and learn the game, you can do it." - Daniel Croce

Visit our website https://www.birgo.com/to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor

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In this episode we are joined by Michael Hall, a real estate investor and partner at Launch Capital, a firm focused on providing quality and affordable housing for refugees resettled in the U.S. Michael discusses the major housing challenges refugees face upon arrival and how Launch Capital is meeting the need through a unique, impact-driven business model centered around refugee tenants. Launch Capital purchases apartment complexes in areas with high refugee populations and manages them with the unique needs of refugee residents in mind - from maintenance and operations to community building. The resulting low turnover rates, strong collections, and stability allow Launch Capital to generate solid returns while positively impacting refugee families through accessible housing.

[00:00 - 05:04] - Creating Launch Capital's Refugee Housing Model

• Identified major housing access barriers refugees face when resettled in US
• Believed refugees overlooked as stable, reliable tenants
• For-profit model specifically targets refugees through specialized management

[05:05 - 09:32] - Refugee Tenants Produce Strong Financial Returns

• 10%+ cash-on-cash returns, 25%+ IRR targeted
• Half the industry turnover rate at 20%
• Focus on workforce housing while keeping units affordable

[09:33 - 17:57] - Unique Property Management Approach

• Relationship-based model with frequent touchpoints
• Bi-monthly unit inspections identify issues proactively
• High resident desire for housing stability enables low turnover

[17:57 - 23:00] - Growth Trajectory and Strategy

• Expanding into new markets like Dallas
• Educating investors on benefits of longer hold strategies
• Vision to scale exponentially across US to meet high annual refugee arrival figures

Connect with Michael!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-hall-9b686b3b/

Quotes:

"20% of all renting households are headed by a foreign born head of household" - Michael Hall

"One of our biggest reasons for move outs is people actually buying a home" - Michael Hall

Visit our website https://www.birgo.com/to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor

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Attorney Kim Bodnar joins Andrew to discuss how to properly plan your estate, especially when it comes to your real estate holdings. They cover inheritance taxes, transfer taxes, deed transfers to heirs, issues with reverse mortgages, and opportunities for investors when estates have not been properly handled. In this episode, you'll uncover key strategies to safely pass down property, avoid financial landmines, and even profit by snatching up deals from poorly planned estates.

[00:00 - 03:22] - Introduction to Kim Bodnar

• Kim introduces her experience as an attorney practicing for over 30 years

• She handles litigation, estate planning, and estate administration

• Calls herself a "whole life attorney" working with clients "cradle to grave"

[03:23 - 14:13] - Planning Your Real Estate Inheritance

• Kim advises clients to decide early who should inherit their real estate

• Transferring deeds to children ahead of time avoids taxes

• Inheritance tax and transfer tax exemptions in Pennsylvania

[14:14 - 20:26] - Issues With Reverse Mortgages

• Problems arising when reverse mortgage companies bet wrong on life expectancy

• Reverse mortgages left in deceased parents' names creates complications

• Opportunities for investors to purchase these properties

[20:27 - 27:50] - Additional Real Estate Planning Strategies

• Creative idea to sell home but continue renting from new owners

• Importance of keeping beneficiary designations updated

• How Kim continues learning through legal education and networking

Connect with Kim!

Website: https://www.kabodnar.com/

Quote:

"I try to encourage my clients to, as soon as possible, decide who they would like their real estate to go to." - Kim Bodnar

Visit our website www.birgo.com to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor

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In this episode, Andrew is joined by Tim Daigle as they discuss impact investing, entrepreneurship, and how we can use 100% of our capital to make a positive impact. Tim shares his journey from big consulting to launching a faith-driven investor network in Pittsburgh. He provides tips for entrepreneurs, an impact investing framework, and examples of investments that balance financial returns with social impact.

[00:00 - 04:40] - Introductions and Tim's Background

• Tim shares his journey from consulting to becoming a young adult pastor and then launching his own business and the Faith Driven Network

[04:41 - 07:18] - Unique Aspects of Faith Driven Investing

• Challenges entrepreneurs and nonprofits to develop sustainable business models instead of relying on donations
• Came from interacting with young adults at church who were launching businesses

[07:19 - 11:50] - Capital Equals Influence and Impact Examples

• Investing directly in companies and funds to drive impact
• Example of low-return, high-impact real estate investment to help startup property management company

[11:51 - 16:00] - Framework for Impact Investing Asset Allocation

• Quadrant model with high/low impact and high/low financial return
• Recommended percentage allocations to each quadrant

[16:01 - 27:59] - Additional Asset Allocation Details and Lightning Round

• Example of investment that moved from low to high return quadrant
• Tim's biggest wins, favorite food, and content recommendations

Connect with Tim!

Website: www.faithdrivenpgh.com

Quotes:

"There's a lot of good nonprofits that are doing work. What we're looking at is how do you really come alongside people to help them" - Tim Daigle

"I think to do impact investing, you need entrepreneurs who are doing the kind of things you want to invest in." - Tim Daigle

Visit our website www.reiturn.com to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor

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In this episode, hosts Andrew and Dan interview Maria Zondervan, CEO of Blue Vikings Capital, about her work in multifamily real estate investment. Maria shares her personal story of having a son with autism and how that motivated her to get into real estate investing to create generational wealth for him. She provides tips for passive investors looking to get started and discusses what she looks for when evaluating deals. Maria also talks about how she educates investors and builds trust with them.

[00:00 - 10:58] Motivations for Transitioning to Real Estate Investing

• Maria's son being diagnosed with autism made her realize the importance of generational wealth planning

• She got into real estate investing on the side while working as a wildlife biologist to build wealth for her son's future

• Shifted to multifamily real estate investing after retiring from her biology career

[10:59 - 23:30] Tips for New Passive Real Estate Investors

• Attend local real estate networking events to learn about opportunities

• Pick one investing strategy instead of jumping between different options

• Make small investments yourself first before involving other people's money

[23:31 - 25:38] What To Look For When Evaluating Deals

• Vet the operators and make sure they have experience and good reviews

• Ensure the market and asset class make sense for the deal

• Make sure the business plan aligns with your investment goals and timeline

[25:39 - 29:43] Lightning Round with Maria

• Her biggest win is her teenage kids still wanting to spend time with her

• Favorite movie is Titanic and favorite food is pizza

• She's currently focused on business strategy growth

Connect with Maria!

Website: www.bluevikingscapital.com

Quotes:

"The fear of loss is always greater than the anticipation of gain." - Maria Zondervan

"People get really tied up with the numbers, but does the business plan and the overall strategy of this work with what you're doing?" - Maria Zondervan

Visit our website www.reiturn.com to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor

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In this episode, Andrew Reichert interviews Lupei Chou, a Naval officer turned real estate investor. Lupei shares her journey from being a hands-off investor to taking an active role in managing her properties. She stresses the importance of education, finding a community, and taking it slow when getting started in real estate investing. Lupei also discusses how having her son has further motivated her to build generational wealth through property. She provides advice for financing projects creatively, like through government programs for affordable housing. If you're looking for the inspiration to make your next move in real estate, this is the episode for you!

[01:00 - 05:27] - Lupei's Background and Entry into Real Estate Investing

• Transitioning from Naval officer to real estate investor
• Getting started after selling a previous investment property
• Realizing the importance of education and community in real estate

[05:28 - 09:18] - Advice for New Real Estate Investors

• Take it slow and move smart as a beginner
• Surround yourself with like-minded people
• Be hands-on and actively manage properties

[09:19 - 14:31] - Investing with a Social Impact

• Having a child motivated Lupei to creating generational wealth
• Using government programs for affordable housing projects
• Providing housing for low-income families

[14:32 - 16:30] - Applying Military Experience to Real Estate

• Leadership training instilling discipline and work ethic
• Respecting people in the flat business structure vs. military hierarchy
• Getting things done through perseverance and drive

[16:31 - 23:41] - Lighting Round & Closing Segment

• Book recommendation, The Power of Zero, for tax tactics
• Learn to slow down to grow

Connect with Lupei!

Website: https://crowncapitalcorp.com/

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

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

Quotes:

"Our actions are really driven by the people surrounding us" -Lupei Chou

"Sometimes growing is slowing down" - Lupei Chou

Visit our website www.reiturn.com to learn more about High-Quality Recession Resistant Assets for the Everyday Investor

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Get an inside look at company culture at Birgo in this exclusive interview with Head of People, Nicole Shirk. Nicole gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how Birgo creates an environment where employees can thrive professionally and personally.

Learn how Birgo turns core values like "rhinocerality" into tangible actions that shape hiring, performance reviews, and recognition. Find out how implementing operating systems creates clarity and alignment across a growing company. Discover Birgo's innovative approaches to compensation philosophy and employee wellbeing. Whether you're leading a team or want to work for an impact-driven company, this episode provides real insight into building mission-driven organizations.

[00:00 - 05:17] Introduction to Nicole and Her Role at Birgo

• Nicole has 18 years experience in the social profit sector
• Joined Birgo to mobilize people towards a mission
• Oversees the employee life cycle and culture as Head of People

[05:18 - 07:55] Birgo's Core Values - THRIVE - and How They Shape Culture

• THRIVE values: Teamwork, Humility, Rhinocerality, Integrity, Vision, Excellence
• Values used for hiring, performance management, recognition
• Reinforced through stories and living them out daily

[07:56 - 09:18] Creating a Cohesive Culture

• Affirming the value of every employee regardless of role
• Fostering open and honest dialogue across the company
• Making space for all perspectives to be heard

[09:19 - 12:32] Taking a Thoughtful Approach to Compensation

• Led process of developing compensation philosophy
• Gathered input from employees at all levels
• Listened to what matters most to team members
• Established philosophy based on market study and feedback

[12:33 - 15:46] Implementing EOS Operating System for Simplicity and Alignment

• EOS provides clarity, alignment, and consistency
• Tools like visioning, issue tracking, meeting rhythms
• Gets everyone rowing in the same direction

[15:47 - 19:19] Lightning Round with Nicole and Closing Remarks

• Shares about recent "win", favorite movie, food, growth areas, and content

Quotes:

"We're committed to not just who are you today in this particular job, but who do you want to be in all of life and how can we help you get there" - Nicole Shirk

"Fundamentally, we want to be about listening to our employees, not presuming that we know always what they need" - Nicole Shirk

Connect with Nicole!

Nicole's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-shirk-aa82505

Nicole's Email: [email protected]

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