In this inspiring episode of The Deal Scout, host Susan Reilly sits down with Matthew Teifke, a real estate entrepreneur who went from witnessing his mother clean homes as a single parent to building a multi-million-dollar real estate investment company of his own.

Matthew opens up about his early life, where he watched his mom go from housekeeper to real estate investor, buying properties one at a time with sheer grit and savings. By the time Matthew was 16, his mother owned over a dozen rental properties, all self-financed and strategically acquired in Austin, Texas.

That early exposure lit a fire in Matthew, leading him to earn his real estate license at 18. Today, he leads Teifke Real Estate and co-founded TR3 Capital, a real estate investment firm focused on acquiring large multifamily properties across Texas. Currently, he and his team are closing two major apartment deals in San Antonio, totaling over 650 units and nearly $54 million in combined value.

Matthew shares practical lessons on capital raising, syndication, building an entrepreneurial brokerage, and structuring deals for the long term. He also dives into the importance of team dynamics, trusting your instincts, and the critical role patience plays in today’s shifting market.

From managing a real estate brokerage of over 100 agents to raising millions in private capital, Matthew’s journey is rich with actionable insights for aspiring investors, syndicators, and entrepreneurs alike. He also reflects on the importance of legacy, family, and passing on not just wealth but values to the next generation.

If you’re looking to learn how real estate deals get done—from the ground up—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, legal, or tax advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host, Susan Reilly, and any guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or organization.

Susan Reilly is a licensed real estate broker, but this podcast is not a substitute for professional advice. We strongly recommend that you consult with a qualified financial advisor, legal counsel, and tax professional before making any financial decisions or taking any actions based on the information provided in this podcast.

In this dynamic episode of The Deal Scout, host Susan Reilly welcomes longtime friend and powerhouse entrepreneur Alana Crumbley to discuss her unconventional path from interior design to business brokerage—and now, to selling wineries across the U.S. and abroad.

Alana shares how her early influences, including a strong work ethic instilled by her parents and mentorship from her father, a seasoned commercial broker, shaped her multifaceted career. She reflects on a pivotal moment—getting kicked out of college—and how it lit the fire that launched her into entrepreneurship. From there, Alana pivoted into commercial interior design, only to find the structure stifling. Her desire for creative freedom led her to real estate and, eventually, the niche world of business brokerage.

But Alana didn’t stop there. A serendipitous meeting with now-business partner Mandy turned into a strategic alliance, opening the door to a new venture: selling boutique wineries in emerging regions like Buffalo, New York and Connecticut. Together, they launched the Vino Advisory Team (VAT), a brokerage network now expanding into international wine markets. Alana explains why wineries are uniquely complex—and creatively satisfying—businesses to broker, combining hospitality, agriculture, and real estate.

Throughout the conversation, Alana speaks candidly about embracing technology and AI to streamline operations and fuel creativity. She also shares mentorship insights for aspiring business brokers, urging them to strip away inauthenticity, ask better questions, and build client trust through empathy and curiosity.

Whether you’re in real estate, business brokerage, or just love a good entrepreneurial journey, Alana’s story offers valuable lessons in resilience, reinvention, and designing a career on your own terms.

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Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, legal, or tax advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host, Susan Reilly, and any guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or organization.

Susan Reilly is a licensed real estate broker, but this podcast is not a substitute for professional advice. We strongly recommend that you consult with a qualified financial advisor, legal counsel, and tax professional before making any financial decisions or taking any actions based on the information provided in this podcast.

In this episode of The Deal Scout, host Susan Reilly sits down with Alice Chen, a powerhouse private equity fund manager with a deeply unconventional path to success. From growing up in Taiwan to launching and selling multiple successful businesses in Canada, Alice shares her incredible entrepreneurial evolution—including how her experiences in pre-med, law, and international trade led her to become a fund manager specializing in U.S. land development.

Alice opens up about the roots of her entrepreneurial drive, influenced by a high-achieving banker mother and a self-taught engineer father. She reveals how she built the discipline, analytical thinking, and risk tolerance required to lead a private equity fund, and why she and her team focus on land development—a misunderstood but high-growth niche within the real estate market.

Susan and Alice also dive into what makes a successful business partnership, what to look for in potential collaborators, and the importance of stress-testing relationships before committing. Alice shares a candid story of a failed partnership that taught her the critical importance of alignment in values, work styles, and long-term vision.

You’ll also hear a behind-the-scenes look at how her firm identifies land development opportunities, partners with major homebuilders like D.R. Horton, and deploys capital into large-scale entitlement and horizontal development projects across the U.S. Alice explains their highly disciplined, data-driven due diligence process and why contrarian thinking often wins in investing.

Whether you're an aspiring fund manager, a seasoned investor, or simply curious about how raw land turns into livable communities, this episode is packed with insight, strategy, and actionable wisdom.

Interested in investing in U.S. land development or connecting with Alice? Use the links in the show notes to get in touch.

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Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, legal, or tax advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host, Susan Reilly, and any guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or organization.

Susan Reilly is a licensed real estate broker, but this podcast is not a substitute for professional advice. We strongly recommend that you consult with a qualified financial advisor, legal counsel, and tax professional before making any financial decisions or taking any actions based on the information provided in this podcast.

In this episode of The Deal Scout, host Susan Reilly welcomes a longtime friend and seasoned real estate professional, Fred Beasley. With deep roots in Central Florida, Fred shares his journey from managing vending machines at 13 to becoming a highly respected commercial real estate broker and investor.

Fred brings decades of experience in both corporate and independent real estate investing, including tenures at CBRE, Trammell Crow Company, and boutique development firms. He unpacks the lessons he learned from his ambitious, business-savvy mother and how early exposure to sales and operations shaped his investment mindset.

Tune in for a deep dive into Central Florida's dynamic real estate landscape—specifically the growth corridor between Orlando and Tampa. Fred outlines the evolving nature of these two powerhouse metros and the explosive development happening in Polk County, their connective tissue. He explains why investors are betting big on the region, how limited land supply and rising rental rates are driving values sky-high, and why Polk County has become a strategic hotspot for both residential and industrial development.

Fred also opens up about the shift from hands-on ownership to limited partnership investing, the pressures facing independent investors, and why he believes small-bay industrial developments may still hold untapped potential. With real-world insights, regional forecasts, and tactical advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in Florida real estate, value-add strategies, or understanding the broader forces reshaping commercial markets today.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or curious about where Florida's booming real estate market is headed, this conversation offers actionable takeaways and an insider's perspective on building wealth through real estate in America's fastest-growing regions.

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Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, legal, or tax advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host, Susan Reilly, and any guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or organization.

Susan Reilly is a licensed real estate broker, but this podcast is not a substitute for professional advice. We strongly recommend that you consult with a qualified financial advisor, legal counsel, and tax professional before making any financial decisions or taking any actions based on the information provided in this podcast.

In this episode of The Deal Scout, host Susan Reilly sits down with Carl Gould, founder of 7 Stage Advisors, whose entrepreneurial journey started at just 18 years old with a landscaping business—and a broken leg. From humble beginnings to mentoring over 5,000 businesses worldwide, Carl’s story is packed with unexpected lessons, strategic pivots, and game-changing insights.

Carl shares the early moments that shaped his success, including a pivotal realization that simply showing up gave him a competitive edge. He dives into the importance of business planning, how most companies—even million-dollar enterprises—operate without one, and why differentiation is essential for long-term growth. With his signature guarantee model, Carl turned industry standards on their head and charged a 35% premium, out-hustling competitors with clean proposals, fast turnarounds, and relentless consistency.

Susan and Carl discuss the origin of his entrepreneurial drive, rooted in a family legacy of self-starters, including his mother’s pioneering efforts in network marketing. Carl also opens up about relationship missteps in business, the cyclical nature of professional networks, and how he ultimately built a consultancy designed not just to advise, but to execute side-by-side with clients.

Discover why most businesses grow in 18-month cycles, how 7 Stage Advisors embeds with clients to drive results, and what makes a company truly investable. Plus, Carl shares personal passions—from his love of live events and outdoor adventures to a family tradition of annual polar plunges.

If you're a dealmaker looking to invest in or grow a business—or simply want to learn from someone who has helped thousands do just that—this episode is a masterclass in strategic thinking, operational execution, and entrepreneurial grit.

Tune in to learn how showing up, asking the right questions, and having a clear plan can take your business to the next level.

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Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, legal, or tax advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host, Susan Reilly, and any guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or organization.

Susan Reilly is a licensed real estate broker, but this podcast is not a substitute for professional advice. We strongly recommend that you consult with a qualified financial advisor, legal counsel, and tax professional before making any financial decisions or taking any actions based on the information provided in this podcast.

In this episode of The Deal Scout, your host Susan Reilly sits down with Bryan Hancock, a born-and-raised Austin, Texas entrepreneur and investor, who shares valuable insights into one of the most overlooked but highly rewarding investment opportunities: oil and gas. Brian discusses how his upbringing, professional background in engineering and business, and decades of real estate experience have prepared him for success in this unique sector.

He explains why oil and gas investments—especially those involving fracking in areas like the Eagle Ford Shale—offer not only strong return potential but also significant tax advantages through Intangible Drilling Costs (IDCs). Brian also shares how he launched the Texas Freedom Fund to make these opportunities accessible to more investors, lowering the traditional entry point from $250,000 to $25,000.

Throughout the conversation, Brian offers advice for first-time oil and gas investors, discusses the real risks and returns in the sector, and explains why he believes global energy demand will only continue to grow. He also touches on personal milestones, including how life experiences like divorce have taught him humility and balance, and shares his passion for deal-making, family, and travel.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or new to alternative assets, this episode will open your eyes to opportunities you might have never considered—and show you how to take advantage of them.

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Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, legal, or tax advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host, Susan Reilly, and any guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or organization.

Susan Reilly is a licensed real estate broker, but this podcast is not a substitute for professional advice. We strongly recommend that you consult with a qualified financial advisor, legal counsel, and tax professional before making any financial decisions or taking any actions based on the information provided in this podcast.

In this episode of The Deal Scout, host Susan Reilly sits down with franchise industry veteran Don Schin, who brings over 25 years of experience and a passion for doing franchising the right way. Whether you’re thinking of buying into a franchise, launching your own, or scaling one with integrity, this episode is packed with real-world insights that matter.

Don has worn nearly every hat in the franchise world—franchisee, master franchisee, CEO, broker, and now consultant. But it was his role as a master franchisee that most shaped his philosophy: responsible growth, local empowerment, and building businesses that truly impact families and communities.

Don shares why undercapitalization is the #1 reason franchise brands stumble, and how many new franchisors get it wrong by focusing on speed over sustainability. He explains how the “plug and play” myth sets franchisees up for failure and why emerging brands often lack the systems, support, and profitability structure to survive.

From building matching systems that pair the right people with the right opportunities, to guiding new franchisors through the process of going to market, Don’s mission is clear: to raise the standard across the franchise industry and help people succeed long term. He even discusses his “Are You Franchiseable?” assessment and how his company operates as the “eHarmony of franchising.”

If you're entering a season of career change, thinking about launching a franchise, or looking to scale without imploding, Don shares the tools, mindset shifts, and battle-tested truths to help you build something that lasts.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What “doing franchising right” really looks like
• The two biggest reasons franchises fail
• How Don identifies red flags in emerging brands
• Why mindset and support are just as important as capital
• What a good franchise deal actually looks like
• How to avoid jumping into a business that’s a short-term trend

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Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, legal, or tax advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host, Susan Reilly, and any guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or organization.

Susan Reilly is a licensed real estate broker, but this podcast is not a substitute for professional advice. We strongly recommend that you consult with a qualified financial advisor, legal counsel, and tax professional before making any financial decisions or taking any actions based on the information provided in this podcast.

In this episode of The Deal Scout, host Susan Reilly sits down with Chris Miles, also known as the Anti-Financial Advisor, to uncover his unconventional path to financial freedom and the hard lessons learned along the way.

Once a traditional financial advisor, Chris realized that the advice he was giving—401(k)s, paying off mortgages early, saving aggressively—wasn’t working, not even for his own father. His wake-up call came when he saw firsthand that the “American Dream” retirement strategy wasn’t delivering results. This epiphany launched him into the world of entrepreneurship, real estate investing, and ultimately, financial independence at the age of 28.

But Chris’s story isn’t just a highlight reel. He also shares the devastating financial setback that cost him over a million dollars, and how it taught him critical lessons about liquidity, diversification, and business integrity. From that failure, he rebuilt his wealth with a new philosophy—focusing on cash flow over accumulation and creating passive income streams that allow entrepreneurs to become work-optional.

In this candid conversation, Chris also opens up about the emotional toll of financial and personal failures, including two divorces, and how leaning into relationships—not retreating from them—became a game-changer for his business and personal growth. His advice for entrepreneurs? Don’t grind yourself into the ground. Build freedom into your life now through smarter investments and meaningful relationships.

Whether you’re a business owner, investor, or aspiring dealmaker, this episode offers a blueprint for breaking free from the traditional financial mold—and building lasting wealth on your own terms.

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Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, legal, or tax advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host, Susan Reilly, and any guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or organization.

Susan Reilly is a licensed real estate broker, but this podcast is not a substitute for professional advice. We strongly recommend that you consult with a qualified financial advisor, legal counsel, and tax professional before making any financial decisions or taking any actions based on the information provided in this podcast.

On this episode of The Deal Scout, host Susan Reilly sits down with real estate investor and entrepreneur Keith, whose journey from a childhood on the Jersey Shore to becoming a sustainability-focused builder in Florida is filled with grit, reinvention, and strategic thinking.

Keith’s early exposure to real estate came from his parents, who flipped vacation rentals in the 1980s. That hands-on experience laid the foundation for his passion for real estate and entrepreneurship. After college, Keith worked as a sales engineer, but the pull of property investment led him to flip homes in Atlanta during the early 2000s. Then came the 2008 housing crash—and a pivotal moment in Keith’s career. Faced with financial risk on a million-dollar build near Atlanta’s Piedmont Park, Keith made a bold decision to finish the project and sell, ultimately escaping unscathed and even profiting.

Susan and Keith dig into how that defining moment shaped his investment philosophy—one rooted in risk analysis, market timing, and resilience. Keith shares the evolution of his strategy, including how he now builds using steel framing and magnesium oxide board—materials chosen initially for cost-efficiency but that have proven to be eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and fire-resistant. His projects now attract interest from funds focused on sustainability, even though that wasn’t his original intent.

He also breaks down his approach to sourcing deals: from networking with agents and finding off-market opportunities, to identifying overlooked MLS listings and creatively solving zoning and entitlement challenges. Keith’s team of trusted experts—contractors, engineers, former city officials, and even a former NFL player—enables him to tackle projects others won’t touch.

The episode closes on a personal note, highlighting Keith’s passion for fatherhood and how his 13-year-old son inspires and grounds him in his mission to build better, healthier homes.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or just entering the world of real estate, this episode is packed with valuable insights on market timing, building smart, and thinking beyond the blueprint.

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Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, legal, or tax advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host, Susan Reilly, and any guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or organization.

Susan Reilly is a licensed real estate broker, but this podcast is not a substitute for professional advice. We strongly recommend that you consult with a qualified financial advisor, legal counsel, and tax professional before making any financial decisions or taking any actions based on the information provided in this podcast.

In this episode of The Deal Scout, host Susan Reilly sits down with Rudy Rudolfo, business broker at True Forte Business Group. Rudy shares a compelling journey that begins with humble roots as the son of Cuban immigrants in Michigan and leads to an impactful career helping entrepreneurs buy and sell businesses in Florida.

Rudy’s path wasn’t linear—nor was it easy. He opens up about the missteps that cost him his first business, including a handshake deal gone wrong with a local pastor that left him fighting to keep his car lot afloat. Rather than let the experience break him, Rudy used it as fuel to learn the right way to do business. That painful lesson sparked a passion for helping others avoid the same mistakes.

With deep family ties to entrepreneurship, a personal understanding of immigrant challenges, and firsthand knowledge of the risks buyers face, Rudy brings a rare level of empathy and insight to his work as a business broker. He dives into how he turned his early setbacks into tools for supporting clients—from guiding buyers through the emotional and logistical hurdles of relocation, to helping distressed sellers stabilize their businesses and exit successfully.

Rudy also shares what makes a deal truly great, the emotional intelligence needed to read both buyers and sellers, and why mentorship is a critical part of his mission. With the help of his wife, Sharon, Rudy not only builds deals—he builds trust, community, and long-term success for everyone he works with.

If you’re a dealmaker, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about the human side of buying and selling businesses, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, resourcefulness, and relationship-building.

Reach out to connect with Rudy or to be a guest on the show to Susan

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Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, legal, or tax advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host, Susan Reilly, and any guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or organization.

Susan Reilly is a licensed real estate broker, but this podcast is not a substitute for professional advice. We strongly recommend that you consult with a qualified financial advisor, legal counsel, and tax professional before making any financial decisions or taking any actions based on the information provided in this podcast.