In this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with Ryan Berry—an investor who’s proving you don’t need a massive metro to build a massive business. Operating out of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Ryan shares how he’s consistently flipping 70–80 homes a year while managing a lean, high-performing team. We unpack the systems, team structure, and marketing moves that allow him to dominate a market many would overlook.

Ryan gets candid about the lessons he’s learned from scaling too fast, making bad hires, and chasing the wrong KPIs. But more importantly, he reveals how discipline, clarity, and simplicity helped him build a business that runs profitably and predictably. Whether you’re in a small town or a big city, this episode is a blueprint for sustainable, systemized growth.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction

[2:00] - Ryan’s background and how he scaled in a small Midwest market

[6:20] - Building a lean team that flips 70–80 homes per year

[10:45] - The systems and dashboards that keep operations tight

[15:30] - Lessons from scaling too quickly and hiring the wrong roles

[19:40] - Why the wrong KPIs almost broke his business

[23:50] - How switching marketing strategies helped boost deal flow

[28:30] - What he looks for in a killer acquisitions rep

[33:10] - The tech stack Ryan relies on to streamline operations

[38:00] - Staying disciplined and avoiding shiny object syndrome

[42:00] - How his leadership style evolved as the team grew

[46:30] - What’s next: adding wholetail and rental models to the machine

5 Key Takeaways

You Don’t Need a Big Market to Build a Big Business – With systems and discipline, even a city like Cedar Rapids can support a high-volume flip business.

Focus Beats Scale – Scaling too fast can create chaos. Master your market, your team, and your numbers first.

KPI Clarity = Business Clarity – Tracking the wrong metrics led Ryan astray. Real insights come from tracking what actually moves profit.

Build a Team You Can Trust – Lean, committed teams often outperform bloated org charts.

Simplicity Wins – Simple marketing, simple tech, and clear roles are what drive consistent execution.

Links & Resources

• ExploreCG.com – Join the Collective Genius community

If this episode gave you insight or inspiration to clean up your operations or scale smarter, don’t forget to follow, rate, and share the Collective Genius Podcast. Let’s grow more with less.

In this powerful live episode of the CG Podcast, I sit down with longtime Collective Genius member and CEO-level investor Micah Self. Fresh off the main stage, Micah shares the evolution of his business and leadership—from swinging hammers on his first flip to building a high-performing wholesaling operation in Houston with a mission grounded in faith and service.

We explore the turning point that shifted Micah’s mindset from purely transactional deals to life-changing interactions—and how that spiritual transformation now guides every aspect of his company. This isn’t just a conversation about scaling; it’s about doing business with deep purpose and legacy in mind.

[0:00] - Introduction

[2:21] - Micah’s mission: Using real estate as a platform for purpose

[2:43] - Overview of his business model based in Houston, Texas

[3:05] - How his early years were strictly transactional—and what changed

[4:10] - The seller experience that transformed his view of real estate

[5:29] - Can you scale a business and still lead with purpose? Micah says yes

[6:13] - How purpose informs hiring, culture, and team building at American Home Buyers

[7:48] - CG isn’t just about business—Micah shares how the community shaped his life

[9:08] - One member’s transformation after applying Micah’s marriage advice

[12:02] - Micah’s curiosity around AI and how he hopes to integrate it into leadership and operations

1. Purpose is scalable – Building a mission-driven company doesn’t hold you back; it gives you a compass to grow the right way.

2. Real estate is relational, not just transactional – True transformation—for you and your sellers—starts when you care more about impact than income.

3. Leadership is modeled – Your personal values influence your company culture, hiring, and long-term legacy.

• Learn more about Collective Genius: explorecg.com

If this episode moved you, please follow, rate, and share the CG Podcast. And if you’re ready to build a purpose-driven business surrounded by other leaders doing the same, apply today at explorecg.com.

In this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with Fuquan Bilal—CEO of NNG Capital Fund—to talk about what it really takes to go from grinding through deals to building a business that works for you. Fuquan shares his evolution from fix-and-flip hustle to building a fund model that delivers consistent, passive cash flow through note investing and private lending.

He unpacks how 2008 shaped his philosophy, why he exited single-family chaos, and how he built NNG to give him both freedom and impact. We go deep on capital raising, the power of investor education, and how Fuquan uses books, webinars, and financial literacy to not only attract capital but build lasting trust. This episode is a masterclass in scaling smart and aligning your business with the life you want to live.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction

[1:50] - How Fuquan transitioned from heavy flipping to building a private equity fund

[5:20] - Lessons learned during the 2008 crash and how they shaped his strategy

[9:00] - Why he exited single-family deals and focused on notes and passive income

[14:10] - The origin of NNG Capital and building predictable monthly cash flow

[18:45] - Fuquan’s capital-raising flywheel: books, webinars, and trust

[21:50] - Why educating your investor base is your best marketing strategy

[26:20] - Becoming a “servant of capital” and the mindset shift behind it

[30:30] - How Fuquan defines true wealth (it’s not what you think)

[34:15] - The team structure and focus that keeps him in his zone of genius

[39:00] - What he tells every investor struggling with shiny object syndrome

[44:00] - Final advice: scale with intention, not ego

5 Key Takeaways

1. Don’t Just Flip—Build Flow – Flipping may create chunks of income, but Fuquan proves fund models create consistent, scalable wealth.

2. Educate to Raise Capital – Books, content, and transparency build trust faster than hype or returns alone.

3. Past Pain Informs Present Power – The 2008 crash taught Fuquan to protect his time, structure deals better, and prioritize financial freedom.

4. Be a Servant of Capital – When you put your investors first, you build a brand and business that lasts.

5. Focus Beats Flash – Long-term wealth comes from narrowing your strategy and owning your niche—not chasing every deal.

Links & Resources

• NNG Capital Fund – https://nngcapitalfund.com/

• Book: https://www.amazon.com/Passion-Estate-Investments-Fuquan-Bilal/dp/0578189526

If Fuquan’s story gave you clarity or a mindset shift, be sure to follow, rate, and review the Collective Genius Podcast. And send it to someone who needs to trade chaos for cash flow.

In this episode of the CG Live Podcast, I’m joined by Steve Trang—renowned sales trainer, founder of Objection Proof Selling, and long-time Collective Genius member—live from Clearwater Beach at our Q2 CG Premiere and CEO event. Steve reveals the cutting-edge AI solution he’s built to transform the recruiting process for sales roles in real estate investing.

We dive deep into why recruiting should be treated with the same intensity and systems as buying houses, how AI-powered roleplay bots are reshaping how sales talent is vetted, and the origin story of a tool that was literally born from CG member feedback. If you’ve ever struggled with hiring (or keeping) top-performing salespeople, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.

[0:00] - Introduction

[2:15] - Why recruiting is just sales and marketing—and how to automate it

[3:34] - How Steve’s team now uses AI for roleplay assessments before final interviews

[4:41] - The three CG members who pushed Steve to build his new AI recruiting tool

[6:33] - The birth of a new product: A bot so good it fooled top investors

[7:29] - Screening and scoring applicants with AI before human interviews begin

[9:04] - The big takeaway: Treat recruiting like your house buying funnel

[10:55] - Gamifying sales training with bots that simulate real conversations

[13:29] - Takeaways from keynote speaker Allen Stein Jr.: Leadership and the power of high fives

1. Recruiting is sales – If you’re not applying the same systems and intensity to hiring that you do to acquisitions, you’re falling behind.

2. AI can qualify candidates faster and more accurately – Automated roleplays, scoring, and screening save time and preserve high-quality leads.

3. Tech-forward businesses win – If you’re not embracing tools like AI, your competitors will—and they’ll recruit and train better talent because of it.

• Try Steve’s AI tools: objectionproof.ai

• Learn more about Collective Genius: explorecg.com

If you got value from this episode, don’t forget to follow, rate, and share the CG Podcast. And if you’re ready to scale with a high-level community of real estate leaders, apply today at explorecg.com.

In this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with Alan Stein Jr.—keynote speaker, performance coach, and former NBA trainer—to unpack what elite athletes and elite entrepreneurs have in common. Alan has trained superstars like Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant, and now he helps business leaders unlock that same mindset, discipline, and execution in their companies.

We dive deep into the routines and rituals that build resilience, the three key questions every leader should ask themselves daily, and how to narrow your focus to what truly moves the needle. Alan doesn’t just talk theory—he delivers tactical tools you can use to become a better leader, communicator, and high-performance operator. Whether you’re running a team, scaling a company, or trying to lead yourself better, this episode will push you to elevate your game.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction

[2:10] - Alan’s background training NBA stars and what he learned from them

[6:00] - Why the best don’t rise to the occasion—they fall to their level of training

[9:00] - The three questions every leader should ask themselves daily

[12:40] - The power of habits: structure, simplicity, and sustainability

[16:10] - Building a “CEO warm-up” to prep for high-impact leadership days

[20:00] - Why emotional regulation separates good from great leaders

[24:30] - Alan’s rule of one: do one thing, for one person, to make one moment better

[28:00] - “Be where your feet are”: mastering presence as a superpower

[32:40] - Personal stories from training elite athletes that apply directly to business

[36:00] - Why clarity beats hustle—and how to get both

5 Key Takeaways

1. You Don’t Rise to the Occasion—You Fall to Your Training – Preparation and repetition are what elevate performance under pressure, not adrenaline.

2. Daily Questions Drive Self-Awareness – “What’s one thing I can do well today?” is more powerful than any to-do list.

3. Habits Build Confidence – Structured routines create momentum and calm in chaotic environments.

4. Presence Is a Power Tool – Being fully engaged in the current moment increases leadership impact exponentially.

5. Master the Fundamentals – Whether in basketball or business, consistency in the basics beats flash every time.

Links & Resources

• 📘 AlanSteinJr.com – Book Alan for keynotes or coaching

• The Raise Your Game Show – https://alansteinjr.com/podcast/

• ExploreCG.com

If this episode helped sharpen your mindset or gave you new tools to lead stronger, go ahead and follow, rate, and review the Collective Genius Podcast. And share it with someone on your team who’s ready to play at the next level.

In this live episode recorded at our Q2 event in Clearwater Beach, I sit down with CG CEO member Casey Ryan from Las Vegas, a real estate investor who’s turning heads with his tech-forward approach. Casey dives deep into how he’s scaled a lean but powerful business through systems, automation, and strategic investments—not just in properties, but in relationships and knowledge.

From his transition out of engineering into full-time real estate, to building predictive CRM models and forming high-level partnerships within the Collective Genius community, Casey shares how the power of data, automation, and intentional networking have shaped his business. If you’re serious about scaling smart, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction to Casey Ryan and his business model

[1:19] - From engineering to real estate: why the shift made sense

[2:36] - The importance of systems in building a scalable business

[3:32] - What it’s like to move from CG Premier to CG CEO level

[5:07] - How Casey automated deal submission to lenders

[5:51] - Presentation recap: enriching CRM data for smarter marketing

[8:18] - First action step: hooking your CRM to public record data APIs

[10:41] - How CG led Casey to invest in 120 SFRs and two apartment complexes

[13:14] - Adding a self-storage facility with a fellow CG member

[15:08] - Why CG is invaluable for family-minded, growth-driven entrepreneurs

[16:37] - Final thoughts and invitation to join the CG community

3 Key Takeaways

1. Automation Gives You Leverage – Casey has built a lean, high-performing team by creating automated systems that replace manual tasks—saving time and increasing deal flow.

2. Your CRM is a Goldmine – By enriching old leads with public records data and using predictive modeling, you can unlock hidden opportunities and revive dead leads.

3. The Right Room Changes Everything – Being in a community like CG exposes you to strategic conversations, collaborations, and wisdom that can dramatically shift the trajectory of your business.

Links & Resources

• Learn more or apply to join CG: explorecg.com

• Catch up on past episodes: CGPodcast.com

If this episode brought you value, don’t forget to rate, follow, and share the Collective Genius Podcast. Your reviews help more people discover the powerful insights shared by our top-tier members. Catch you in the next one!

In this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with Mike Zlotnik—veteran real estate fund manager, CEO of TF Management Group, and host of the Big Mike Fund Podcast. Mike brings over 24 years of investing experience and pulls back the curtain on what’s actually working in today’s high-rate, high-uncertainty environment. Whether you’re syndicating, operating, or deploying capital, this conversation is loaded with critical insights for navigating a tighter lending and investing landscape.

We cover everything from the real risks in the current market cycle to how Mike is underwriting deals differently in 2025. He shares why funds are still thriving, how he’s adjusting preferred returns and deal structures, and what operators need to do right now to stay investable. If you raise capital, run deals, or want to understand where sophisticated investors are putting their money next—this one’s required listening.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction

[1:40] - Mike’s background and the rise of TF Management’s diversified real estate funds

[5:15] - Why market corrections are healthy—and how to position yourself in one

[9:20] - The three must-have traits for a fundable operator in today’s environment

[13:00] - Deal structures that still work in a high-rate market (and which ones don’t)

[16:40] - Adjusting preferred returns: what investors expect in this new cycle

[19:50] - Why capital raising is harder—but also more selective and strategic

[24:30] - The biggest underwriting mistake operators are making right now

[29:10] - Mike’s prediction on how long the current cycle will last

[34:00] - When to pivot, hold, or wait—and what Mike’s funds are doing with dry powder

[38:00] - Building investor trust through transparency and active communication

[41:10] - What separates elite capital allocators from average ones

[45:20] - Advice to operators looking to survive and scale through the next 18 months

5 Key Takeaways

1. Correction ≠ Crisis – Mike sees the current market cycle as a necessary correction, not a crash. Smart operators adjust, adapt, and capitalize.

2. Fundability Is the New KPI – Track record alone isn’t enough. Investors want communication, transparency, and real-time responsiveness from operators.

3. Preferred Returns Are Evolving – Adjusting expectations and structures around prefs is key to keeping both operators and LPs happy.

4. Underwrite for Pain, Not Perfection – Overly optimistic underwriting is one of the biggest risks right now. Conservative assumptions win.

5. Capital Goes to the Calm – In uncertain times, investors flock to leaders who communicate clearly, stay steady, and make data-driven decisions.

Links & Resources

• Big Mike Fund Podcast: https://bigmikefund.com/

• TF Management Group: https://tempofunding.com/

• ExploreCG.com

If this episode helped you see the capital landscape more clearly, share it with your team or investor partners. And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the Collective Genius Podcast—we’re here to help you scale smart, even in stormy markets.

In this episode of the CG Live Podcast, I’m joined by Tim McGarvey, a real estate investor based in Napa, California, who virtually operates a thriving wholesaling and flipping business in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. Recorded live at our Q2 CG event in Clearwater Beach, Tim shares how his remote team succeeds across the country, the intentional culture that fuels their growth, and how they’ve carved a marketing advantage in a highly competitive space.

We dig into his presentation on direct mail strategy—an often overlooked channel that, when executed well, can generate serious inbound deal flow. Tim shares practical ways to localize your message, build trust through branding, and cut through the noise. Whether you’re sending your first batch of mail or optimizing an existing campaign, this is one you don’t want to miss.

[0:00] - Introduction

[1:06] - Where Tim lives, operates, and how his team runs a multi-state virtual wholesaling business

[2:08] - How a property management connection in NC sparked their investment focus

[3:02] - The challenge of building culture virtually—and how they’ve intentionally solved it

[5:44] - Scaling from Select to Premier level in CG and what that journey looked like

[6:35] - Key lessons from Tim’s CG presentation on direct mail marketing

[7:21] - Why standing out with localized branding is now essential in direct mail

[8:27] - Actionable steps to localize and brand your mail more effectively

[11:07] - Biggest takeaways from this CG event: leadership development and AI

[13:42] - Why the right team is crucial to scale—and where to find the talent

[14:03] - How they’re preparing to integrate AI into their marketing and systems

1. Brand your mail like your website – Use your logo, local lingo, and property images to build recognition and trust.

2. Virtual culture takes work – A remote team can thrive if you’re intentional about communication, camaraderie, and clarity.

3. Leadership is leverage – Investing in second-tier leaders creates time and capacity for real growth.

• Learn more about Collective Genius: explorecg.com

If you found this episode helpful, follow, rate, and share the CG Podcast. Want to scale your real estate business with proven insights and community? Apply now at explorecg.com.

In this energizing episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with Marcus Crigler—CEO of ProudHouse and CG member turned team lead—to unpack the hard-earned lessons behind building a business that doesn’t break you. Marcus gets candid about the early chaos of solopreneurship, the emotional toll of poor systems, and the turning point that helped him shift from hustling operator to confident CEO.

We dive into the mindset, systems, and leadership transformations that helped Marcus scale a team of 16 and close deals consistently without sacrificing his peace of mind. If you’re feeling stuck in the trenches or overwhelmed by the day-to-day grind, this episode offers a real-world guide to reclaiming control and building a business that serves you—not the other way around.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction

[2:00] - Marcus’ journey: from doing it all himself to running a structured 16-person team

[6:00] - The emotional and financial toll of disorganization in business

[10:40] - The exact moment he decided to stop playing small and start building a real business

[13:20] - “Hope is not a strategy”: what forced Marcus to finally build systems

[18:30] - What changed when he embraced a CEO mindset and started empowering others

[23:00] - How clear roles and accountability transformed team performance

[26:40] - Marcus’ personal rituals for staying calm and focused under pressure

[30:00] - Tips for leading when you’re still growing—and making space for failure

[34:20] - What he’s doing now to stay out of the way so his team can win

5 Key Takeaways

1. You Can’t Scale in Chaos – Growth without structure leads to burnout. Systems and clarity create sustainable momentum.

2. Hire the Right People, Then Get Out of the Way – Empowered teams perform best when they have ownership and space to lead.

3. Shift From Doer to Leader – Embracing your role as CEO means letting go of the “I’ll do it” mentality and building systems that outlast you.

4. Structure Creates Freedom – When your business runs on clear roles and expectations, you gain time, peace, and growth.

5. Take Care of the Operator – Personal routines, emotional stability, and mental clarity are just as crucial as marketing and sales.

Links & Resources

• ProudHouse – Marcus Crigler’s real estate company

• ExploreCG.com – Join the Collective Genius community

If this episode helped you think differently about leadership or business structure, be sure to follow, rate, and share the Collective Genius Podcast. Build smart. Lead strong. Grow well.

In this episode of the CG Live Podcast, I sit down with Joseph Back—an unstoppable force in the real estate investment space who’s scaled from a modest 65 deals a year to nearly 450 across multiple states. Recorded live at our Q2 CG Premiere and CEO meetings in Clearwater Beach, Florida, this conversation is packed with actionable insights on scaling strategically, avoiding common pitfalls, and building a brand with integrity.

Joseph opens up about the real lessons learned while expanding into new markets, what “quality over quantity” truly looks like in real estate wholesaling, and how a single mindset shift at his first CG meeting reframed his view on what was possible. If you’re operating in a smaller market or wrestling with scaling without sacrificing profit, this episode is your playbook.

[0:00] - Introduction

[1:19] - The markets Joseph has expanded into—and how his wholesaling model operates

[1:43] - How Collective Genius helped Joseph break mental barriers around deal volume

[2:45] - His first “test market” beyond Alabama and the lessons learned from going too fast

[5:20] - The critical mistake of scaling before proving profitability

[6:07] - What Joseph’s “quality over quantity” pivot looks like in practice

[8:11] - Why inbound leads and brand-building outperform outbound marketing

[10:14] - The personal evolution from “moneymaking scheme” to purpose-driven brand

[12:08] - Joseph’s formula for extracting real value from CG events

[14:34] - His biggest takeaway from the event: never getting bored with the basics

1. Expand strategically, not reactively – Be present when launching new markets and adopt a phased approach to hiring and marketing.

2. Shift focus from deal volume to deal quality – Higher volume doesn’t always mean higher profit. Optimize for better margins and lower fallout rates.

3. Simplicity scales – Mastering the fundamentals and executing them consistently will outperform chasing every new idea.

• Learn more about Collective Genius: explorecg.com

If you got value from this episode, be sure to follow, rate, and share the CG Podcast. And if you’re ready to surround yourself with other high-level real estate investors who can help you scale, apply to join us at explorecg.com