The Hunt for Incredible

In this episode, Gideon discusses the five fatal mistakes to avoid when buying your first hotel. He emphasizes the importance of cash flow from day one, the risks of seasonal and rural markets, the necessity of proper property management, and the value of teamwork in commercial real estate. By avoiding these common pitfalls, first-time investors can position themselves for success and achieve asymmetric returns on their investments.

Takeaways

Always seek properties that cash flow from day one.

Avoid investing in seasonal markets to reduce risk.

Rural or weak markets can lead to poor cash flow and appreciation.

Don't undervalue property management in your financial planning.

Commercial real estate requires a strong team to succeed.

Mitigate risks by partnering with experienced investors.

Plan renovations during off-peak seasons for better cash flow.

Select markets with consistent demand for better stability.

Avoid compromising on market quality when searching for properties.

Align incentives with partners to ensure mutual success.

This episode dives into the best and worst advice Brian Luebben and Gideon Spencer have ever received. Buckle up! This one's packed with gems.

Chapters

00:00 The Best Advice: An Introduction

07:09 The Process of Becoming: Identity and Growth

13:18 Success and Family: Building a Life That Matters

19:27 The 60-Year Rule: Long-Term Decision Making

25:25 Living Your Dash: The Story of Your Life

28:31 Rich vs. Wealthy: The True Measure of Success

38:36 The Impact of Self-Interest on Self-Esteem

38:56 Leveling Up Relationships and Life

40:26 Pursuing Interesting Goals

41:08 The Importance of Momentum in Mentorship

42:30 Energy and Vision: Keys to Connection

43:09 The Law of Big Pies

45:22 Creating Value Through Relationships

50:11 The Million Dollar Dinner Strategy

52:26 The Value of Being a Bridge

54:38 The Power of Giving Without Expectation

57:04 Giving While Alive: The Joy of Philanthropy

01:00:00 The Shift from Self to Others

01:05:11 Finding Peace in Success

01:13:59 Success Through Subtraction

01:19:40 The Balance of Goals and Enjoyment

01:22:32 Aligning Actions with Intentions

01:25:51 Building in Public and Embracing Failure

01:28:26 The Importance of Community and Accelerated Learning

01:31:30 Redefining Financial Freedom

01:34:34 The Power of Questions and Mindset

01:37:33 Embracing Pain and Growth

01:40:32 Risk in Business vs. Employment

01:43:45 The Journey of Life and Learning

01:46:37 Responding to Life's Challenges

01:49:40 Surrendering to the Journey

01:52:43 The Parables of Life's Lessons

01:59:31 Podcast Outro.mp4

While most travel markets dropped revenue by 10% last year, the market Gideon's hotel is in actually increased in revenue by 5%.

In this tactical deep-dive, Gideon reveals his 7-point framework for identifying bulletproof travel markets that deliver consistent cash flow even during economic chaos:

• The 45-minute rule that transforms risky investments into regional goldmines
• Why "young couples with pets" became his secret weapon for premium pricing and targeted marketing
• The hidden data sources (beyond CoStar) that reveal a market's 30-year track record
• How supply constraints create an unbreachable moat around your investment
• The exit strategy mistake that traps investors in unsellable properties

"The harder a property is to buy, the easier it is to sell. The easier a property is to buy, the harder it is to sell."

What if the "middle of nowhere" properties everyone else avoids are actually goldmines waiting to be discovered? Sarah Glidewell cracked the code on lake house investments in overlooked Michigan markets, turning a $90,000 down payment into $105,000 in annual net profit - after all expenses paid - for a staggering 117% cash-on-cash return. Seamingly unreasonable numbers.

In this raw conversation, Sarah reveals:

• The counterintuitive "hands behind your back" business philosophy that scaled her business while working less
• Why she deliberately targets markets where locals say "nobody will ever come here" (and how she proves them spectacularly wrong)
• The brutal lesson from getting completely robbed during COVID that transformed her approach to team building
• Her 5-day mentorship launch strategy that generated $500K in year one without any prepared content

"We run our business as if we don't have arms, as if our hands are tied behind our back. We can use our voice and that's it—we have to find the person to actually do the task."

- Sarah Glidewell

Ready to discover why the most profitable real estate deals might be hiding in the places everyone else refuses to look?

What if the mindset blocking your real estate success isn't market conditions or financing—but simply how you perceive challenges? When Cory Jacobson's investment property literally burned to the ground, he discovered a perspective shift that catapulted him from 8 to 80 units in record time.

In this raw, high-energy conversation with Gideon Spencer, Cory reveals:

• The counterintuitive mindset shift that transformed a devastating property fire into his greatest investment opportunity
• Why collaborating at the top beats competing at the bottom (and how their "brute force" approach evolved into strategic partnerships)
• The psychological brick walls most investors face that crumble with a single touch

"It's not a big problem. It's just your biggest problem to date. You're not on that wavelength yet." - Cory Jacobson

Listen now to discover why the difference between owning 4 units versus 80 isn't technical skill—it's who you surround yourself with and the self-limiting beliefs you're finally willing to abandon.

Connect with Cory:

Instagram: @WealthJuiceOfficial

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Real Estate Journey

01:55 Overcoming Challenges in Real Estate

04:47 Mindset and Problem-Solving

07:48 The Importance of Community and Mentorship

10:41 Analysis Paralysis and Taking Action

12:51 Identifying Self-Limiting Beliefs

16:12 Collaboration vs Competition in Real Estate

19:25 Building a Community for Growth

20:19 Building a Community Through Authenticity

22:34 Scaling Through Collaboration and Mentorship

25:00 The Power of Organic Growth in Marketing

28:04 Authenticity in Content Creation

30:52 Creating Value Through Community Engagement

36:20 Trusting Yourself for Success

38:24 Podcast Outro.mp4

Summary

In this conversation, Nathan St Cyr discusses his recent real estate investment, focusing on the purchase of a property for $800,000 and the projected net operating income (NOI). He elaborates on the unique challenges and opportunities presented by converting a hostel into a more traditional property, highlighting the valuation aspects and the strategic decisions involved in such investments.

Takeaways

• We bought it for 800,000 and budget is 800,000.
• Hostels have shared bathrooms, affecting their market fit.
• There’s very little not valued on the purchase side.
• Purchasing a hotel presents unique challenges.
• Understanding NOI is crucial for investment success.
• Converting properties can unlock hidden value.
• Market conditions can influence property valuations.
• Strategic planning is essential in real estate investments.
• Investors should assess property potential thoroughly.
• The real estate market is dynamic and requires adaptability.

Chapters

00:00 Financial Insights and Revenue Models

02:43 Podcast Intro.mp4

02:54 Introduction to Nathan St. Cyr and His Ventures

05:01 Understanding the Hostel Model

07:11 Creating Memorable Experiences in Hostels

11:05 Selecting and Supporting Guides for Activities

13:23 The Importance of Passion Over Experience

18:17 Building a Company on Human Capital

20:26 Achieving Number One Hostel Status

23:46 Financial Insights and Revenue Models

29:10 Opportunities in Property Conversion

32:03 Investor Returns and Growth Strategy

33:26 Characteristics of a Successful Hostel Prototype

35:25 Urban Centers vs. Natural Attractions

38:56 Future Growth Plans and Expansion Strategy

40:47 Navigating the Competitive Landscape

43:53 The Power of Partnerships in Business

49:45 Building Strategic Partnerships

52:47 Vision for a $400 Million Portfolio

55:47 Lessons from the Mongolian Empire

58:49 The Journey from Zero to One

01:01:41 The Power of Action and Regret

01:03:44 Promoting the Hotel Investor Playbook

In this conversation, Reilly Brennan shares his remarkable journey of scaling a real estate portfolio from $3 million to $330 million in just three years. He discusses the strategies employed, the importance of building strong relationships with investors, and the dynamics of assembling a diverse and effective team. The conversation also highlights the significance of continuous improvement and the application of innovative practices in real estate management. In this conversation, Gideon and Reilly Brennan explore the significance of incremental improvements in business, particularly in the context of real estate and hospitality. They discuss the application of lessons learned from previous ventures to new projects, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer needs and creating value.

*Reilly mentioned raising $30M in 90 min in the episode but later mentioned it was $11M in 90 min - still absolutely insane, but he wanted to be sure we corrected it.*

Takeaways

• Reilly scaled a real estate portfolio from $3M to $330M in three years.

• Building strong relationships with investors is crucial for capital raising.

• The importance of understanding investors' personal goals and needs.

• A diverse team with varied skill sets enhances operational efficiency.

• Continuous improvement through small, incremental changes can lead to significant results.

• Location is a critical factor in real estate investment success.

• Effective property management can significantly increase profit margins.

• Utilizing systems for repetitive tasks streamlines operations.

• Engaging investors through transparency builds trust and enthusiasm.

• The right team dynamics can accelerate growth and innovation. They started doing special physical therapy for muscle recovery.

• They painted the inside of all their vans and office spaces white.

• They were obsessive about the 1% rather than the big gains.

• If you can't find something that gives you a 10% improvement, look for 10 things that will give you a 1% improvement.

• We bought a small nine unit boutique hotel on Lake Superior.

• We're doing just under a million dollar renovation on a 22 unit hotel.

• Identifying a niche is crucial for attracting guests.

• We want to lead with revenue and see what sticks.

• The power of asking for opportunities is immense.

• It's important to align incentives with team members.

Sound Bites

• "$11 million in 90 minutes!"

• "We want to be the best in everything we do."

• "How do we make a 10% improvement?"

• "Obsessive about the 1% rather than the 10%"

• "We bought a small nine unit boutique hotel"

• "Building for outdoor enthusiasts is key"

• "We want to lead with revenue"

• "What are the things that I'm not good at?"

• "I'd rather own a big pie with rock stars"

Chapters

00:00

Scaling Real Estate: A Journey from $3M to $330M

10:22

Investor Relationships: Building Trust and Capital

20:56

Team Dynamics: The Importance of Diverse Skill Sets

25:47

Continuous Improvement: The 1% Rule in Real Estate

26:34

The Power of 1% Improvements

28:16

Applying Lessons to New Ventures

30:50

Innovative Hotel Concepts for Outdoor Enthusiasts

34:47

Transforming Spaces with Purpose

35:01

Leaning into Opportunities

41:03

The Importance of Asking for Opportunities

48:45

Questions for Success in Real Estate

Keywords: real estate, family office, investment strategies, capital raising, team building, property management, investor relations, continuous improvement, scaling portfolios, market analysis, 1% improvements, hotel renovation, outdoor enthusiasts, business strategy, real estate investment, community impact, asking for opportunities, scaling portfolio, innovative concepts, market needs

Follow Reilly on his channels:

IG: @the.brennan.buzz

Follow The Hunt for Incredible podcast on our channels:

YT: @huntforincredible

FB: @huntforincredible

In this conversation, Gideon interviews Brandon Hien, who transitioned from a lucrative sales career to lead marketing for a top-rated hostel chain. They discuss Brandon's innovative marketing strategies, the importance of community in hostels, and the role of social media in attracting guests. Brandon shares insights on influencer marketing, the guest journey, and the challenges of content creation. The conversation emphasizes the need for storytelling in marketing and the mindset required for entrepreneurial success.

Takeaways

• Brandon Hien transitioned from a high-paying sales job to marketing for hostels.

• Social media is crucial for attracting younger travelers to hostels.

• Community and culture are key elements in the hostel experience.

• Direct bookings are prioritized to avoid OTA commissions.

• Influencer marketing can yield better returns with smaller influencers.

• Content that tells a story engages audiences more effectively.

• Engagement with staff is vital for creating authentic content.

• Balancing different types of content can enhance engagement.

• Success in entrepreneurship requires a strong 'why' and resilience.

• Understanding the guest journey is essential for effective marketing.

Sound Bites

• "I quit my job making a quarter million dollars."

• "We're on track to build a $400 million company."

• "Instagram and TikTok are their search engines."

• "Community is one of our biggest core values."

• "Smaller influencers yield a better return."

• "It's hard to track the guest journey."

• "Success is a matter of your pain tolerance."

  
  

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Brandon Hien and His Journey

03:01

Marketing Strategies for Hostels

06:05

Building Community and Culture in Hostels

09:01

Influencer Marketing Insights

12:00

Understanding Guest Journey and Booking Process

14:56

Content Creation and Engagement Strategies

18:01

The Importance of Storytelling in Marketing

20:53

Engagement with Staff and Content Planning

23:51

Balancing Content Types for Engagement

26:59

The Mindset of a Successful Entrepreneur

29:47

Final Thoughts and Future Directions

Keywords: Brandon Hien, marketing, hostels, influencer marketing, social media, community building, guest journey, content creation, entrepreneurship, storytelling

Follow Brandon on his channels:

IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@brandon__hien

Follow The Hunt for Incredible podcast on our channels:

YT: @huntforincredible

FB: @huntforincredible

It’s all here on The Hunt for Incredible!

In this episode, Dr. Alex Schloe discusses the burgeoning opportunities in the assisted living sector, driven by the aging baby boomer population. He shares insights on raising capital for assisted living investments, the various investment opportunities available, and the importance of personalized care for seniors. The conversation also touches on the risks involved in managing assisted living facilities, the significance of zoning and permitting, and the necessity of building a brand for successful capital raising. Dr. Schloe emphasizes the purpose behind these investments and encourages listeners to consider the type of care they would want for their loved ones.

Takeaways

• The assisted living sector is poised for growth due to the aging baby boomer population.

• Raising capital can be achieved through networking and building a brand.

• Residential assisted living offers a unique investment opportunity with high demand.

• The return profiles in assisted living can vary based on management and operational involvement.

• Managing risks in assisted living requires careful vetting of operators and communication.

• Zoning and permitting are critical factors in establishing assisted living homes.

• Building a community and network is essential for success in raising capital.

• Sharing your journey publicly can help build trust and attract investors.

• The purpose behind investing in assisted living should focus on providing quality care for seniors.

• Asking the right questions can guide individuals in making impactful decisions in assisted living.

  
  

Sound Bites

• "We raised over a million dollars in seven days."

• "You can reach financial freedom from one home."

• "The risk is still there, but it's manageable."

• "You need to have a brand to raise capital."

• "Building in public is a force multiplier."

• "We need more personalized care for seniors."

• "Let's start a $200 million fund for seniors."

  
  

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Assisted Living Opportunities

03:04

The Silver Tsunami: Baby Boomers and Care Needs

05:48

Raising Capital for Assisted Living Investments

09:05

Exploring Investment Opportunities in Assisted Living

11:48

Understanding the Return Profiles in Assisted Living

15:07

Managing Risks in Assisted Living Operations

17:56

Zoning and Permitting for Assisted Living Homes

20:53

Building a Brand for Capital Raising

24:10

The Importance of Community and Networking

26:46

Purpose Behind Assisted Living Investments

29:57

Questions for Success in Assisted Living

Keywords: assisted living, baby boomers, real estate investing, healthcare, capital raising, investment opportunities, community building, purpose-driven investing, residential care, senior living

Follow Alex on his channels:

IG: ⁠@aschloe3

Follow The Hunt for Incredible podcast on our channels:

YT: @huntforincredible

FB: @huntforincredible

It’s all here on The Hunt for Incredible!

In this engaging conversation, Gideon and Sujay Mehta explore the intricacies of real estate investment, focusing on hotel management and acquisition strategies. Sujay shares his journey of managing 15 hotels and emphasizes the importance of mindset, purpose, and the role of money as a tool for achieving greater goals. They discuss aggressive bidding strategies, the significance of building relationships in negotiations, and the metrics that guide investment decisions. The dialogue also highlights the importance of communication and trust in investor relations, advocating for a humanized approach to capital raising and maintaining long-term relationships with investors. They discuss the contrasting worlds of boutique and branded hotels, discussing the unique characteristics, trade-offs, and market dynamics of each. They explore the growing trend towards experiential stays, the importance of values and purpose in business, and the significance of daily self-reflection for personal and professional growth.

Takeaways

• Money is just an instrument for carrying out purpose.

• Being aggressive in acquisitions can lead to better opportunities.

• Understanding your buy box is crucial for investment success.

• Cash on cash return is a key metric for evaluating deals.

• Building relationships with investors is essential for long-term success.

• Communication and transparency foster trust with investors.

• Negotiation is about understanding what both parties want.

• The importance of being human in business interactions.

• Investors appreciate consistent communication and updates.

• Long-term relationships with investors can lead to future opportunities.

• The hospitality industry is seeing a shift towards unique, experiential stays.

• Boutique hotels offer flexibility and personalization that branded hotels do not.

• Branded hotels provide automatic marketing and consistency in guest expectations.

• The first impression of a hotel is often its online presence.

• Younger generations are willing to pay more for unique experiences.

• Corporate travelers prioritize safety and consistency over unique experiences.

• Values and purpose in business are crucial for long-term success.

• Daily self-reflection is essential for personal growth and improvement.

• Intentions behind actions matter more than the actions themselves.

• Financial independence can empower individuals to support meaningful causes.

  
  

Sound Bites

• "Money is just an instrument."

• "You gotta dive in."

• "What do we both actually care about?"

• "You have to know what you want."

• "Cash on cash is huge.”

• "It's about being human, humanize yourself."

• "You can make it your own."

• "The day you give up is the day you fail."

• "You only lose when you quit."

  
  

Chapters

Introduction and Connection

Acquisition Strategies and Management Insights

Aggressive Bidding and Market Dynamics

Negotiation Tactics and Building Relationships

Defining the Buy Box and Investment Criteria

Key Metrics for Evaluating Deals

Investor Relations and Capital Raising

The Importance of Communication and Trust

Building Long-Term Relationships with Investors

Exploring Unique Stays vs. Branded Hotels

The Shift Towards Experiential Stays

Purpose and Values in Business

Daily Reflections for Success

Keywords: real estate, hotel management, investment strategies, negotiation, investor relations, cash flow, acquisition, market dynamics, multifamily, capital raising, boutique hotels, branded hotels, experiential stays, hospitality industry, hotel marketing, unique accommodations, scaling wealth, business values, daily improvement, hotel ownership

Follow Sujay Mehta on his channels:

IG: @sujmehta

Follow The Hunt for Incredible podcast on our channels:

YT: @huntforincredible

FB: @huntforincredible

It’s all here on The Hunt for Incredible!