In this engaging conversation, Brian Green interviews brothers Marcus and Ryan Smoot, who own and operate Watchman Properties and Man Cave Storage. A Top 100 storage facility owner in the US. They share their journey into the industry, starting during the Great Recession, and discuss the challenges and opportunities they faced. The Smoots emphasize the importance of partnership, shared values, and customer service in their business model. They also touch on the significance of continuous learning and the foundational role of faith and family in their lives and work.

00:00 Introduction to the Journey

00:56 Early Experiences in Storage Management

06:34 Navigating the Great Recession

09:42 Building Confidence and Taking Risks

12:18 Raising Capital and Building Trust

20:42 Overcoming Burnout and Challenges

22:45 Maintaining Focus Amid Opportunities

26:01 The Grind: Hard Work and Travel in Business

28:07 Building Strong Partnerships: Family and Business

30:21 Shared Values: The Foundation of Success

33:38 Training and Motivating Teams for Success

36:5 Leadership Lessons from Experience

42:34 Faith and Family: The Core of Motivation

46:24 Connecting with the Community and Future Goals

In this episode, Brian Green and Henry Metcalf interview David Decker, a seasoned professional in the self-storage industry. David shares his journey from being mentored early in his career to becoming a successful leader and angel investor. He emphasizes the importance of humility, curiosity, and hard work, and discusses how he instills these values in his children. David also reflects on the lessons learned from his career, the significance of cultural exposure through family moves, and the impact of investing in people and ideas. He concludes with thoughts on legacy and the importance of making a positive impact on others.

Takeaways

• David's journey highlights the importance of mentorship in career development.
• Humility and curiosity are essential traits for success.
• Investing in people and ideas can lead to mutual benefits.
• Cultural exposure through family moves can shape perspectives.
• Learning from all levels of employees is crucial for growth.
• Instilling a strong work ethic in children is a priority for David.
• Taking risks and being open to new experiences is vital for personal growth.
• The importance of accountability in business and investments.
• Trusting oneself and being vocal about aspirations can attract opportunities.
• Legacy is about the impact one has on others and the community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to David Decker

01:03 The Importance of Mentorship

04:19 Lessons from Early Career Experiences

05:55 Journey into Self-Storage Industry

09:08 Values that Drive Career Success 

13:25 Instilling Work Ethic in Children

16:21 Navigating Family Moves and Cultural Exposure

19:36 Learning from All Levels of Employees

22:49 Insights on Angel Investing

26:30 Evaluating Business Ideas and People

29:01 The Importance of Accountability

31:38 Advice to Young Entrepreneurs

34:44 Legacy and Impact on Others

Josh Green, a seasoned real estate professional with nearly 20 years of experience. Josh shares his journey from property management to multifamily appraisal and consulting, and ultimately to real estate development. He discusses the importance of education, mentorship, and gaining practical experience in the industry. Josh expresses his passion for townhomes and multifamily properties, highlighting their demand and the flexibility they offer in development. The conversation also touches on the role of family in balancing work and personal life, the significance of networking, and the value of helping others in the real estate community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

05:06 Navigating Real Estate Education

09:50 The Multifamily Market and Townhome Development

15:00 Market Analysis and Research Insights

19:55 The Importance of Patience and Career Evolution

29:23 Reevaluating Career Fulfillment

30:45 Reflecting on Achievements and Growth

31:59 Building Community Through Events

35:19 Balancing Family and Professional Life

43:17 The Importance of Mentorship

47:44 Differentiating in the Real Estate Market

We interview Rand Sargent, who shares his journey from the tech industry to becoming a successful industrial real estate broker. 

• Highlights the role of mentorship, relationships, and work ethic in his success
• Offers advice for new brokers navigating industrial real estate
• Breaks down the key differences between residential and commercial deals
• Emphasizes the emotional side of real estate and the power of client connection
• Reflects on values-driven success: effort, integrity, and family first
• Talks golf, photography, and his bucket-list approach to both business and life

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Background

03:05 - Transition to Real Estate

06:33 - Building Relationships in Real Estate

09:31 - Golf and Work Ethic

12:53 - Exploring Industrial Real Estate

17:03 - Identifying Ideal Clients

20:07 - Qualifying Clients and Readiness

23:21 - Advice for New Brokers

26:12 - Commercial vs. Residential Real Estate

27:06 - Commercial Real Estate Insights

30:20 - Aspirations and Legacy in Real Estate

33:44 - Values Beyond Real Estate

36:16 - The Passion for Golf and Photography

41:23 - Future Goals and Bucket List in Golf

In this conversation, Parker Vassar shares his journey from a mission in Bulgaria to becoming a successful salesperson and real estate investor. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the role of family in his success, and the strategies he employed to build his real estate portfolio. Parker emphasizes the significance of personal development and the mindset required for success, as well as the lessons learned from his stepfather, Darl. He also highlights the importance of management in real estate and his vision for the future.

Takeaways: 

• Parker transitioned from trading time for money to trading value for money in sales.
• The mindset of a successful salesperson involves control over their outcomes.
• Having a bigger vision can lead to greater success in sales and investments.
• Delaying gratification is key to scaling in real estate investments.
• House hacking is a powerful strategy for young investors.
• Parker's focus for the future is on building a successful business.
• Personal development is crucial for achieving financial success.
• The importance of mentorship in shaping one's career path.
• Parker's stepfather instilled a strong work ethic and optimism in him.
• Gratitude for current achievements is essential while striving for more.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Parker Vassar

03:00 The Journey into Sales

05:51 Embracing a Bigger Vision

09:01 The Real Estate Mentor

12:09 The Role of Family in Success

15:12 Strategies for Real Estate Investment

19:08 Current Portfolio and Future Goals

24:16 Navigating Property Management Challenges

27:21 The Importance of Personal Development

30:46 Vision for the Future: Goals and Aspirations

36:46 Lessons from Darl: Work Ethic and Optimism

Summary: 

In this conversation, Zane Schartz shares his journey from being a hockey player to a successful real estate entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of faith, integrity, and transparency in business. He discusses the lessons learned from sports that apply to the business world, his approach to real estate investing, and how he leverages LinkedIn for growth. Zane's vision for Freedom Commercial Real Estate is rooted in helping investors achieve financial freedom while maintaining a strong commitment to his Christian values.

Takeways: 

• Zane's upbringing in a Christian household shaped his faith and values.
• His transition from hockey to real estate was driven by a desire for stability and growth.
• Zane emphasizes the importance of learning from failures in both sports and business.
• He believes in the power of transparency and communication with investors.
• Zane's approach to real estate focuses on high-quality tenants and prime locations.
• He leverages his track record to gain trust and access to off-market deals.
• Zane's commitment to his faith influences his business practices and company culture.
• He actively uses LinkedIn to connect with investors and share knowledge.
• Zane's long-term vision includes creating a nonprofit to fund missionaries.
• He stresses the importance of building relationships with brokers for deal flow.

In this episode of the GM Show, hosts Brian Green and Henry Metcalf interview Tanner Eldredge, a successful insurance broker. Tanner shares his journey into the insurance industry, discussing the importance of starting young, building relationships, and the value of mentorship. He emphasizes the significance of company culture and the long-term commitment required to succeed in the insurance business. Tanner also provides insights into managing client relationships and the strategies that have helped him win significant clients in the real estate sector.

Takeaways: 

• Tanner started his career in insurance at a young age to gain a competitive edge.
• Building relationships is crucial in the insurance industry.
• Tanner emphasizes the importance of mentorship in career development.
• He believes in giving value before asking for business.
• A strong company culture is key to retaining top talent.
• Tanner's approach to client relationships is long-term and authentic.
• He advises aspiring insurance professionals to be fully committed to their careers.
• Understanding the direction of the company is vital for job security.
• Tanner enjoys the autonomy and resources available at Lockton.
• Success in insurance requires patience and dedication.

In this inaugural episode of the podcast, hosts Brian Green and Henry Metcalf welcome Alex Bearnson, a successful entrepreneur who shares his journey from the recycling industry to real estate development. Alex discusses the challenges he faced during his transition, the lessons learned from his experiences, and how ultra running helped him cope with difficult times. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships in real estate, creating community-centric developments, and finding a balance between work and family life. Alex also offers valuable advice for aspiring real estate developers, highlighting the significance of mentorship and creative approaches to starting in the industry.

Takeaways

• Alex Bearnson has a diverse background in recycling and real estate development.
• He emphasizes the importance of building relationships with city officials for successful developments.
• Ultra running has played a significant role in his personal growth and coping mechanisms.
• Alex learned valuable lessons about leveraging oneself in business after facing challenges.
• He believes in creating community-centric developments that benefit residents.
• Finding a balance between work and family is crucial for personal fulfillment.
• Alex encourages aspiring developers to seek mentorship and be creative in their approaches.
• He stresses that you don't need a lot of money to start in real estate.
• The journey of transitioning careers can lead to significant personal growth.
• Alex's experiences highlight the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.

00:00
Introduction to the GM Show

02:50
Introducing Alex Berenson: A Journey Through Challenges and Success

02:58
Introduction and Background

04:32
Vision and Purpose: Changing the World

06:47
Journey into Recycling: From Trash to Treasure

11:23
Transitioning from Recycling to Real Estate

18:10
Lessons Learned: Resilience and Reinvention

24:11
Finding Solace in Ultra Running

29:53
Family, Balance, and Real Estate Development

32:24
Building Communities: The Development Process

41:17
Advice for Aspiring Developers