The Elevate and Execute Podcast

Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston, David Ounanian

In this motivational and down-to-earth episode, the Elevate and Execute crew unpacks The Comfort Paradox—the idea that comfort is often the biggest obstacle to true happiness, growth, and success.

They dive deep into what “comfort” really means to most people—steady paychecks, predictable schedules, and the illusion of security—and contrast it with the discomfort, uncertainty, and freedom that come from entrepreneurship. From giving up corporate salaries to taking massive risks in real estate and business, the guys share their personal stories of breaking free from the comfort trap and why true fulfillment often comes from controlled chaos.

Whether you’re stuck in a stable but unfulfilling job or already running your own business, this conversation will push you to rethink what comfort is costing you.

• Why the “comfortable life” isn’t always the happy one
• How the illusion of security keeps people from chasing their dreams
• What it really looks like to transition from employee to entrepreneur
• Why early entrepreneurship means working more for less (and why that’s okay)
• The importance of partnerships, delegation, and building trust with your team
• How slow, intentional growth creates lasting success
• Lessons learned from near-mistakes and great advice that saved their business
• Why failing forward is the real key to freedom

If this episode challenged your definition of comfort, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s ready to take the leap from comfort to courage.

Follow Elevate and Execute for weekly episodes on real estate, entrepreneurship, and personal growth—where comfort ends and real success begins.

Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston, David Ounanian

In this candid and high-energy episode of Elevate and Execute, the guys tackle one of the most common questions in real estate and business alike: “Should I wait?” From clients waiting for the “perfect” interest rate to entrepreneurs waiting for the “right” time to start, they break down why hesitation often costs more than taking action.

The conversation moves through real-world stories from recent transactions, buyer psychology in today’s market, and the myth of “timing it right.” They share how interest rates, inflation, and affordability are shaping decisions—and why mindset and long-term vision still matter more than market conditions.

As always, the hosts blend humor, personal experience, and straight talk about what it really takes to move forward when everyone else is waiting.

• Why waiting for the perfect market often leads to missed opportunities
• How interest rates and inflation affect affordability—and what to focus on instead
• Real-life examples of clients who won (or lost) by waiting too long
• The emotional and financial cost of inaction
• How to make smart moves in uncertain times
• Why taking imperfect action beats perfect timing every time

If this episode challenged your mindset or gave you that push to finally take action, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s been sitting on the sidelines.

Follow Elevate and Execute for weekly insights on business, mindset, and real estate success—because action always wins.

Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston, David Ounanian

In this wide-ranging episode, the hosts kick off 2025 with bold conversation—covering the political landscape, money, and the mindsets shaping a new year. They discuss the impact of new leadership in the White House, the idea of eliminating income tax, and how tariffs and American-made goods could reshape the economy.

The conversation then shifts into real estate insights for 2025—interest-rate stability, inventory challenges, and why Missouri remains one of the most consistent, balanced markets in the U.S. Finally, the team pivots to health and self-discipline as David shares his powerful story of losing 20+ pounds through fasting, habit changes, and redefining what “healthy” really means.

This episode blends finance, freedom, and focus—offering perspective on both personal and economic renewal.

• Why tariffs and tax reform could change how America earns and spends
• The real estate market outlook for 2025: rates, inventory, and buyer behavior
• How refinancing can help —or hurt— long-term wealth building
• Why St. Louis remains a steady investment market for out-of-state buyers
• How “subject-to” deals and creative financing are reshaping investing (plus the risks to watch)
• David’s personal journey with fasting and discipline for mental and physical clarity
• Practical tips for sustainable health and performance as a busy professional

If this conversation gave you new energy for your business, your finances, or your health, hit subscribe and leave a review.

Follow Elevate and Execute for weekly conversations on real estate, business, mindset, and building a life you actually want to live.

Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston, David Ounanian

Guest: Lindsay Whitaker

In this inspiring episode, the Elevate and Execute crew sits down with Lindsay Whitaker, a St. Louis real estate investor and property management expert who scaled from humble beginnings to owning and operating over 700 rental units.

Lindsay shares how she started in pizza delivery and insurance sales before jumping into her first real estate deal—and the systems, mindset, and people that helped her grow a massive portfolio. The conversation dives deep into scaling operations, creative finance, the challenges of property management, and how she built a self-managing business using tools like AppFolio and a strong internal team.

It’s a masterclass in growth, grit, and building freedom through real estate.

• How Lindsay went from her first rental to 700+ doors in under a decade
• The importance of building systems before scaling
• Why she transitioned from self-managing to a hybrid management model
• Creative finance and deal structures that fueled her expansion
• How to lead, hire, and build culture inside a real estate company
• The biggest mindset shifts needed to go from small investor to business owner
• Favorite tech and tools for managing large portfolios efficiently
• Lessons learned from mistakes—and why you shouldn’t fear failure

If Lindsay’s story motivated you to think bigger and build smarter, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another investor or entrepreneur ready to scale.

For more insights, follow Elevate and Execute on YouTube, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston, David Ounanian

The guys open with real-world safety practices when showing properties (including why some agents carry and how to announce yourself when entering a vacant home). They shift into a rapid-fire discussion of common “lies” they see in real estate—market-crash headlines, “fixed” payments with escrow, and misconceptions around taxes and wealth building—before finishing with how the new contracts/commission rules actually work post-MLS display changes (and how buyer-agent compensation is being handled inside offers now).

• Practical safety protocols for showings (announcing, clearing rooms, utilities off, flashlights; why non-lethal “rubber bullet” guns can escalate danger).
• Missouri carry context for realtors and why “always carry or don’t carry” matters.
• Why “fixed payment” isn’t really fixed when you escrow taxes/insurance, and how reserves/self-escrow can help.
• A candid take on how much tax people actually pay when you add everything up.
• Owning vs. renting, and smarter starts (multifamily/house-hack, live-for-less strategies).
• New contracts: what changed on the MLS, who can still pay what, and how buyer-agent comp is getting written into offers.

Episode: Fall Market Predictions, Refinancing Risks, and the Future of Homeownership

Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston, David Ounanian

Episode Summary:

In this candid and timely episode of Elevate and Execute, the crew breaks down what’s happening in the Saint Louis market as summer winds down and fall approaches. With rates dipping below 6%, inventory still tight, and big questions looming over national housing policies, the guys share their perspective on what buyers, sellers, and investors need to prepare for in the months ahead.

They also dive deep into refinancing pitfalls, the real cost of 30-year amortized loans, and the alarming proposals to tax unrealized gains on real estate. Add in a discussion on $25,000 first-time homebuyer grants, California’s controversial housing policies, and the risks of overregulating Airbnb and short-term rentals, and this episode covers both the market realities and political forces shaping the future of homeownership.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why falling interest rates may push housing prices back up
• The long-term dangers of refinancing into a new 30-year loan
• Warren Buffett’s take on why 30-year fixed mortgages are powerful
• How many homes in America are really paid off (and why it matters)
• The potential impact of unrealized gain taxes on everyday homeowners
• Why $25K first-time buyer grants don’t solve the real problem
• The risks of investing in Airbnb/Vrbo properties in changing regulatory climates
• Why stable markets like Saint Louis attract long-term investors

Notable Quotes:

⚠️ Content Note:

This episode contains political discussion and strong opinions about current housing policies.

Subscribe & Review:

If this episode gave you something to think about, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone interested in real estate, investing, or policy. The future of homeownership is changing fast—don’t get left behind.

Episode: Should Young People Buy a House?

Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston, David Ounanian

Episode Summary:

In this thoughtful episode, the Elevate and Execute crew tackles a big question for Gen Z and Millennials: Should young people buy a house—or rent? From first-hand stories of kids buying too much too soon, to smart strategies like house hacking, multifamily investments, and live-in flips, the guys cover what every 20-something needs to know before diving into homeownership.

They discuss the emotional, financial, and strategic sides of buying young, including hidden costs, mortgage myths, and why renting isn’t always a bad thing. Whether you're a young buyer, a parent, or a real estate pro advising new clients—this one is full of useful advice.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why buying too much house too soon can wreck your finances and relationships
• How amortized loans really work—and why 3% down may not be a good idea
• Renting vs. owning: when does it actually make sense to rent?
• What lenders don’t include in their pre-approval calculations
• Why gross income ≠ affordability
• Smart starter strategies: live-in flips, house hacks, and buying multifamily
• How to move every year and build a real estate portfolio with little money down
• Why surrounding yourself with the right people is key to avoiding renovation regrets

Notable Quotes:

Subscribe & Review:

Know someone in their 20s thinking about buying their first house? Share this episode with them. And don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and help us keep the conversation going. Smart real estate starts with smart decisions—and they don’t teach this stuff in school.

Episode: rom Mattresses to Jet Skis: Our Worst Business Ideas Ever

Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston, David Ounanian

Episode Summary:

In this hilarious episode, the guys reflect on some of their biggest business fails—from sinking jet skis to a short-lived mattress empire and a car flipping business that barely made it out of the lot. If you’ve ever failed forward or learned the hard way, this one’s for you.

David shares his current "project": a $7,000 salvage-title WaveRunner with a hidden hole in the bottom. Kyle and Brian dig into their past life as auto dealers, revealing the chaos, losses, and hard-won lessons of buying lemons at auctions. And just wait until you hear the story about the Chicago mattress home show.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why failure is often the best (and most expensive) teacher
• How auction flips can go very wrong—fast
• What not to do when starting a mattress business
• The importance of inspecting everything—cars, jet skis, and businesses
• How to recover after a failed venture (and laugh about it later)
• Why jumping into business without a plan almost guarantees chaos

Notable Quotes:

⚠️ Content Note:

Some language and themes in this episode may not be suitable for kids.

Subscribe & Review:

If you’ve ever failed in business (or just want to laugh at someone else’s), hit that subscribe button, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur. Because sometimes the best stories come from the worst ideas.

Episode: Are Single-Family Rentals Still Worth It?

Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston, David Ounanian

Episode Summary:

In this brutally honest episode, the Elevate and Execute crew tackles one of the most popular (and misunderstood) wealth-building strategies out there—buying single-family rental homes. Are they still a good investment in today’s market?

The guys break down the numbers behind single-family rentals, expose the real costs and risks, and explain why $200–$300 per month cash flow might not be the win you think it is. From maintenance expenses and vacancies to insurance failures and Molotov cocktails (yes, really), this one covers what you actually need to know before diving into real estate investing.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why $200/month cash flow might be a mirage
• What new investors forget to calculate (like turnover costs and emergency repairs)
• Why not having reserves is the biggest mistake in real estate
• What happens when your rental property burns down and you forgot insurance
• The differences between 1–5 doors vs. 100+ units
• The risks of buying based on appreciation instead of cash flow
• How investors are pivoting toward private lending and hard money
• Why long-term wealth requires patience, strategy, and a stomach for setbacks

Notable Quotes:

Subscribe & Review:

Thinking of buying your first rental—or your tenth? This is the episode to listen to before you do. Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this one with an investor friend. Don’t let Instagram fool you—real estate takes real work.

Episode: Why You Shouldn’t Get Your Real Estate License

Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston, David Ounanian

Episode Summary:

Following up on their last episode (“Should You Get Your Real Estate License?”), the guys flip the coin and get brutally honest about all the reasons not to. From hidden fees and time sacrifices to liability issues and wild scheduling demands, this episode is a real talk breakdown of the overlooked downsides of being a licensed agent.

Whether you're a full-time investor considering getting your license or just someone thinking about a real estate side hustle, you’ll walk away with a much clearer view of what you’re really signing up for.

What You’ll Learn:

• How licensing obligations can legally prevent you from closing off-market deals
• Why agents are held to a higher ethical (and legal) standard—and how that can cost you
• All the hidden costs: dues, memberships, MLS access, broker fees, and more
• Why most new agents don’t make money for 6+ months
• How working nights, weekends, and holidays is the norm—not the exception
• The financial trap of not saving for taxes as a 1099 contractor
• The emotional stress of working nonstop with no guaranteed income
• What really happens when mistakes hit the closing table

Notable Quotes:

⚠️ Content Note:

This episode contains explicit language and a candid discussion of financial and emotional stress in real estate.

Subscribe & Review:

If this episode opened your eyes or gave you a reality check, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone thinking about getting their license. Real estate is a powerful career—but only if you know what you’re walking into.