Keywords
American Dream, entrepreneurship, real estate, Gaurav Gambhir, personal journey, hard work, immigrant experience, business success, Philadelphia, career transition, work-life balance, success, leadership, growth, entrepreneurship, hard work, property management, business strategy, personal development, immigrant experience

Summary
In this conversation, Brian Corcodilos interviews Gaurav Gambhir, a successful entrepreneur and real estate expert, who shares his journey from humble beginnings to building a thriving business in Philadelphia. Gaurav discusses the importance of hard work, the value of opportunities in America, and his personal experiences with entrepreneurship, including early ventures and the challenges he faced. The conversation also touches on the concept of the American Dream and whether it is still attainable today. In this conversation, Gaurav shares his journey of hard work, resilience, and the importance of taking risks in achieving success. He discusses the reality of work-life balance, emphasizing the dedication required to reach one’s goals. Gaurav reflects on his experiences as an immigrant, the challenges of leadership, and the strategies for growing his business in the property management sector. He highlights the significance of finding and retaining talent, as well as the vision for expanding his company nationally.

Takeaways
The American Dream is subjective and relative to individual experiences.
Gratitude for opportunities in America is essential for success.
Entrepreneurship often stems from necessity and adaptability.
Early failures can lead to valuable lessons and future success.
Hard work is recognized and rewarded in America more than in many other countries.
Timing and implementation are crucial for entrepreneurial success.
Building a supportive network is vital for business growth.
Education and continuous learning can open new career paths.
Taking risks is necessary for achieving significant goals.
The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with ups and downs, but perseverance is key. Work-life balance often requires sacrifices and hard work.
Success is driven by competition and personal ambition.
Extraordinary achievements require extraordinary efforts.
Hard work is a guarantee for future success.
Finding and keeping talent is crucial for business growth.
A strong company culture is essential for retention.
Expansion requires a capable hub to support new locations.
Networking and learning from others can lead to growth opportunities.
Taking risks is necessary for personal and professional development.
Every individual’s journey is unique and should not be compared.

Chapters
00:00 The American Dream: A Personal Perspective
02:21 Gaurav Gambhir: Journey from Humble Beginnings
05:34 From Computer Science to Real Estate
10:41 Entrepreneurial Spirit: Early Ventures and Lessons
16:35 Building a Brokerage: The Leap of Faith
21:25 The American Dream: Is It Alive or Dead?
23:23 The Reality of Work-Life Balance
27:05 The Drive for Success
30:57 Navigating Leadership and Growth
40:36 Vision for the Future

Keywords
entrepreneurship, marketing, events, networking, business growth, video production, drone technology, corporate marketing, River Palooza, Camelot Productions, drone integration, business growth, national expansion, social media strategy, work-life balance, networking, entrepreneurship, technology in business, content creation, future planning

Summary
In this engaging conversation, Brian Corcodilos interviews Jody Candido, a versatile entrepreneur with a rich background in marketing and event management. They explore Jody’s journey from his early days as a promoter in Philadelphia to becoming a managing partner at Mad River, where he created the iconic River Palooza event. The discussion transitions to Jody’s next venture, Advent, and ultimately to his current role at Camelot Productions, where he leverages innovative drone technology for corporate marketing. The conversation highlights the importance of networking, creativity, and adaptability in the entrepreneurial landscape. In this conversation, Brian Corcodilos discusses the evolution of Camelot Productions, focusing on the integration of drone technology into their services, the strategies for national expansion, and the importance of leveraging technology and social media for business growth. He shares insights on maintaining work-life balance as an entrepreneur, the significance of networking, and the preparation needed for future opportunities. The discussion also highlights the aspirations for Camelot Productions as they aim to build a strong team and continue creating impactful content.

Takeaways
Networking is crucial for business success.
Starting as a promoter laid the foundation for my career.
Mad River was a significant milestone in my journey.
River Palooza became a hallmark event in Philadelphia.
Learning from failures is essential for growth.
Camelot Productions focuses on innovative marketing solutions.
Drone technology offers a unique perspective in storytelling.
Corporate collaborations have expanded our reach.
Creating memorable experiences is key to event success.
Adapting to market changes is vital for sustainability. Drone technology is now integrated into almost all services offered.
The importance of being on-site to direct and produce content.
Networking is crucial for business growth and opportunities.
Social media presence can significantly boost visibility and engagement.
Work-life balance is achievable with the right support system.
Metrics and technology help monitor business performance effectively.
Building a strong team is essential for scaling the business.
Content creation is a key driver for attracting clients.
Preparation is vital for seizing future opportunities.
Having a supportive partner is critical for entrepreneurial success.

Chapters
00:00 The Journey Begins: Early Entrepreneurial Insights
02:47 From Promoter to Managing Partner: The Mad River Experience
06:03 Creating Memorable Events: The Birth of River Palooza
08:48 Transitioning to Advent: New Ventures and Challenges
12:03 Camelot Productions: A New Chapter in Marketing and Media
14:49 Innovative Storytelling: The Power of Drone Technology
18:11 Expanding Horizons: Corporate Collaborations and Future Directions
24:36 The Evolution of Drone Integration in Business
29:19 Expanding Nationally: Strategies and Logistics
32:40 Leveraging Technology for Business Growth
35:22 Building a Social Media Presence
37:06 Work-Life Balance as an Entrepreneur
41:41 Networking and Personal Growth
43:17 Preparing for Future Opportunities
45:10 Future Aspirations for Camelot Productions

Keywords
kindness, business, real estate, Jacob Cooper, MSC, Philadelphia, commercial real estate, work-from-home, hiring, company culture

Summary
In this conversation, Brian Corcodilos interviews Jacob Cooper, a managing director at MSC, discussing the importance of kindness in business, Jacob’s journey into real estate, and the challenges facing the commercial real estate market in Philadelphia. They explore the impact of work-from-home trends on retail, the need for a welcoming business environment, and the significance of company culture and hiring practices. Jacob shares insights on leveraging technology and balancing work with family life, while also outlining future plans for MSC.

Takeaways
Being true to yourself and kind to others is crucial.
Real estate is an intersection of various fields.
The importance of building relationships in business.
Developers need to consider market demand early on.
The commercial real estate market is facing oversupply issues.
Work-from-home trends are impacting retail negatively.
Philadelphia needs to attract more businesses.
Creating a welcoming environment for businesses is essential.
Hiring should focus on grit, tenacity, and passion.
Balancing work and family life is a challenge for entrepreneurs.

Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Kindness in Business
02:52 Jacob Cooper’s Journey into Real Estate
06:03 A Day in the Life of a Managing Director
10:19 Advising Developers: The Ground Floor Perspective
14:30 Challenges in the Commercial Real Estate Market
18:15 The Impact of Work-from-Home on Retail
19:39 Attracting Businesses to Philadelphia
24:14 Creating a Welcoming Business Environment
29:30 Building a Strong Company Culture at MSC
32:44 Hiring for Success: Traits to Look For
38:01 Leveraging Technology in Real Estate
42:48 Balancing Work and Family Life
45:42 Future Plans for MSC

Keywords
philanthropy, entrepreneurship, resilience, real estate, personal growth, overcoming adversity, life lessons, mentorship, business strategies, film industry, real estate, luxury condos, Feng Shui, philanthropy, resilience, personal growth, life coaching, community impact, American dream, design principles

Summary
In this conversation, Brian Corcodilos interviews Lenny Bazemore, a multifaceted individual who has overcome significant adversity to become a successful entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist. Lenny shares his journey from a challenging upbringing in Norristown to his achievements in real estate and the film industry. The discussion highlights the importance of giving back, resilience in the face of challenges, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Lenny’s success. In this engaging conversation, Brian Corcodilos shares his journey as a developer of luxury condos, the lessons learned in real estate, and the transformative impact of Feng Shui on his design philosophy. He emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community through philanthropy and discusses his resilience in overcoming personal trauma. Brian also expresses his desire to help others through life coaching, highlighting the significance of education and therapy in personal growth.

Takeaways
If you have substantial means, you should give back.
Values of honesty and integrity are essential in life.
Lenny’s book ‘Resilient’ focuses on overcoming adversity.
Growing up, Lenny didn’t realize he was poor.
Football dreams were derailed by a high school incident.
Lenny learned to be a man without a father figure.
Entrepreneurship started early with paper routes and snow contracts.
Real estate investing provided Lenny with financial control.
Conceptualizing businesses for his properties increased their value.
Living in LA has opened new opportunities in film and development. Brian’s current project is a $9 million luxury condo development.
The pandemic significantly impacted construction timelines.
Choosing the right real estate agent is crucial for success.
Feng Shui principles can enhance design and create positive energy.
Philanthropy is a responsibility that comes with success.
Brian’s personal story reflects resilience and the journey to success.
He aims to help others through life coaching and mentorship.
Education and therapy are essential for personal development.
Giving back to the community is a core value for Brian.
The importance of simplicity in design and life.

Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Giving Back
02:49 Lenny Bazemore: A Multifaceted Journey
06:13 Overcoming Adversity: Lenny’s Early Life
08:59 The Road to Redemption: Football Dreams and Setbacks
12:12 Entrepreneurial Spirit: From Paper Routes to Real Estate
15:05 Real Estate Ventures: Strategies and Successes
18:01 Transitioning to LA: New Opportunities in Film and Development
29:36 Building Luxury Condos: A Developer’s Journey
33:10 Lessons in Real Estate: The Importance of the Right Agent
36:05 Feng Shui and Design: A Transformative Experience
38:40 Giving Back: Philanthropy and Community Impact
50:40 Life After Trauma: Resilience and Future Aspirations

Summary
Kosta Fotiadis, entrepreneur and owner of Smoke Cigar Lounge, discusses his journey from working at Lockheed Martin to opening his own cigar shop and developing the Toro point of sale system. He shares how he became involved in the cigar industry and the importance of creating a community and social space for cigar enthusiasts. Kosta explains how Toro evolved from a basic POS system to a comprehensive technology platform that streamlines operations and improves efficiency for cigar shops. He also highlights the challenges and rewards of being a small business owner. Brian Corcodilos shares his journey of starting a cigar shop and developing a point-of-sale software for the cigar industry. He discusses the challenges he faced, such as the impact of COVID-19 on his business and the difficulties of navigating the cigar industry regulations. Brian also talks about his expansion into making his own cigars and his plans for the future, including buying a sailboat and traveling the world. He emphasizes the importance of learning the business before starting a venture and the value of buying back time through efficient systems and processes.

Keywords
Kosta Fotiadis, Smoke Cigar Lounge, Toro, point of sale system, cigar industry, community, social space, small business owner, cigar shop, point-of-sale software, COVID-19, regulations, cigar industry, making cigars, sailboat, travel, business lessons

Takeaways
Kosta Fotiadis transitioned from working at Lockheed Martin to opening Smoke Cigar Lounge and developing the Toro point of sale system.
Creating a community and social space for cigar enthusiasts was a driving force behind opening the cigar lounge.
Toro started as a basic POS system but evolved into a comprehensive technology platform that streamlines operations for cigar shops.
The system includes features such as employee clock-in, automated ordering, and personalized recommendations for customers.
Being a small business owner comes with challenges, but the rewards include freedom and the ability to create a unique experience for customers. Starting a business requires learning the industry and gaining experience before diving in.
Efficient systems and processes can help save time and improve business operations.
Adapting to challenges, such as the impact of COVID-19, is crucial for business survival.
Expanding into new ventures and vertical integration can lead to growth and success.
Having a clear vision and being willing to take risks are important for entrepreneurial success.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
06:27 Creating a Community and Social Space
31:22 The Challenges and Rewards of Being a Small Business Owner
41:24 Expanding Toro and Growing the Business
57:30 Saving Money and Building for the Future
01:04:22 Buying Time Back and Embracing Chaos

Summary
Alan Borovich, owner of Liberty Bell Management, shares his journey as an entrepreneur and the growth of his real estate business. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong team and hiring the right people. He discusses the challenges of starting out on his own, handling all aspects of the business, and gradually transitioning to hiring staff. He highlights the significance of having a clear vision and roadmap for the company and the importance of personal development for both himself and his team. He also talks about the value of one-on-one meetings with staff and providing opportunities for growth and education. Alan discusses the importance of open communication and feedback within a company. He shares his practice of delivering a quarterly plan to the entire organization, outlining goals and improvements. Alan emphasizes the need for effective use of technology in business operations and mentions the property management software Propertyware and the customizable CRM platform Podio. He also talks about the importance of mentorship and coaching in his personal and professional growth. Alan highlights the significance of having a clear vision and long-term perspective to overcome challenges and stay focused on the journey.

Keywords
entrepreneurship, real estate, team building, hiring, vision, personal development, one-on-one meetings, growth, open communication, feedback, quarterly plan, goals, improvements, technology, property management software, CRM, mentorship, coaching, vision, long-term perspective

Takeaways
Building a successful business requires hiring the right people and building a strong team.
Having a clear vision and roadmap for the company is crucial for success.
Personal development and continuous learning are important for both the entrepreneur and the team.
One-on-one meetings with staff can help solve issues, provide guidance, and foster growth.
Investing in education and providing opportunities for growth can help develop a talented and motivated team. Open communication and feedback are essential for effective leadership and decision-making.
Delivering a quarterly plan to the entire organization helps align goals and improve performance.
Utilizing technology, such as property management software and CRM platforms, can streamline operations and enhance productivity.
Mentorship and coaching play a crucial role in personal and professional growth.
Having a clear vision and long-term perspective helps overcome challenges and stay focused on the journey.

Sound Bites
“You can be a little vulnerable and say, guys, you know what, I’m not – We have a problem here. How do we fix this?”
“Why become an entrepreneur? Why start your own business? Like, where did that come from in your early days?”
“I always had this kind of inkling of, I want to be successful. I want to make a lot of money.”
“I don’t care about titles. I don’t care about hierarchy. We have flow of information time.”
“Having that open line of communication is very, very key.”
“I started doing the yearly vision prior for the last five years, but I really went into this quarterly plan.”

Chapters
00:00
Building a Strong Team: The Key to Success
09:21
Starting Out on Your Own: Challenges and Growth
14:43
Hiring the Right People: Building a Talented Team
21:43
Investing in Personal Development and Growth
22:12
One-on-One Meetings: Solving Issues and Fostering Growth
22:41
Open Communication and Feedback
23:59
Delivering a Quarterly Plan
29:40
Harnessing Technology for Streamlined Operations
34:21
The Impact of Mentorship and Coaching
39:32
Maintaining a Clear Vision and Long-Term Perspective

Update
Yieldeasy is now Finresi

Summary
Jeff Gophstein, co-founder and CEO of Finresi, shares his journey from entrepreneurship to founding a tech-enabled finance business. He discusses the challenges of raising venture capital, the impact of interest rates on the real estate market, and the evolution of Finresi’s business model. The conversation delves into the complexities of the startup world, the importance of talent acquisition, and the nuances of venture capital funding. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including problem-solving in business, the vision for Finresi, the alternative investment market, the challenges of opening up to non-accredited investors, the impact of interest rates, and the future of various industries. The conversation also delves into the effects of the pandemic on real estate, the uncertainty around interest rates, and the resilience required as a founder.

Keywords
entrepreneurship, real estate market, venture capital, tech-enabled finance, interest rates, talent acquisition, startup challenges, business problem-solving, Finresi vision, alternative investment market, non-accredited investors, interest rates, pandemic impact on real estate, founder resilience

Takeaways
Entrepreneurship is driven by a deep-seated desire to create and build something out of thin air.
Venture capital funding is not always necessary for every business, and the decision to seek VC involvement should be carefully considered.
The real estate market is heavily influenced by interest rates, impacting the viability of business models and investment opportunities.
Talent acquisition and team structure play a crucial role in the success and efficiency of a startup.
The startup journey is filled with unknowns and challenges, but it also offers unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth. The excitement of solving business problems and the fun of tackling new challenges.
The vision for Finresi and its potential to tap into the alternative investment market.
The challenges and considerations of opening up to non-accredited investors.
The impact of interest rates and the uncertainty surrounding their future direction.
The resilience and perseverance required as a founder in the face of challenges and setbacks.

Sound Bites
“Entrepreneurship is driven by a deep-seated desire to create and build something out of thin air.”
“The real estate market is heavily influenced by interest rates, impacting the viability of business models and investment opportunities.”
“Venture capital funding is not always necessary for every business, and the decision to seek VC involvement should be carefully considered.”
“I just love solving problems, right? So like if you’re constantly in a business where it’s like problem at the prime, you know, people think problems like, Oh my God, I can’t have it. No, there’s good problems.”
“The alternative investment market is projected to be like 25 trillion in the next 10 years. And I think that’s a matter of the fact that it’s never been so accessible.”
“I think for us, it also protects us because if a person is not accredited and they’re venturing into an alternative investment, you know, there’s a lot of paperwork affiliated, like you sign a subscription agreement with a PPM.”

Chapters
00:00 Navigating the Real Estate Market and Entrepreneurship
13:00 The Impact of Interest Rates on Business Models
25:49 Navigating Business Challenges and Problem-Solving
27:29 The Vision for Finresi and the Alternative Investment Market
32:04 Challenges and Considerations of Opening Up to Non-Accredited Investors
38:29 The Impact of Interest Rates and Uncertainty
48:58 Resilience and Perseverance as a Founder

Summary
Adrian Sam, a member of CBRE’s multifamily capital markets team, shares his career journey and why he chose to work in real estate. He started his career in TV video production but transitioned to the event business. However, he felt the need for real wealth building and decided to pursue a career in real estate. Adrian emphasizes the importance of building relationships and networking in the industry. He recommends joining professional organizations and attending events to connect with like-minded individuals. Adrian also discusses why he chose to work at CBRE, highlighting the company’s global reach and diverse culture. CBRE has the best data aggregation and interpretation capabilities in the industry, making them a valuable resource for accurate information and insights. They have acquired various technology companies to enhance their platform and provide comprehensive data on submarkets, pro formas, comps, and more. Their ability to provide accurate and valuable information sets them apart from competitors. Brian Corcodilos took a significant risk in changing careers and entering the real estate industry, but he has found success by constantly learning, seeking mentorship, and staying motivated. He emphasizes the importance of investing in real estate and finding mentors who can provide guidance in both business and life.

Keywords
Adrian Sam, CBRE, multifamily, real estate, career journey, networking, professional organizations, relationships, wealth building, culture, global reach, CBRE, data aggregation, interpretation, technology, acquisitions, accurate information, valuable insights, risk-taking, career change, real estate industry, learning, mentorship, motivation, investing in real estate

Takeaways
Adrian started his career in TV video production and later transitioned to the event business before entering the real estate industry.
He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and networking in the real estate industry.
Adrian recommends joining professional organizations and attending events to connect with like-minded individuals.
He chose to work at CBRE because of the company’s global reach and diverse culture. CBRE has the best data aggregation and interpretation capabilities in the industry, providing accurate and valuable information to clients.
Acquiring technology companies has allowed CBRE to enhance their platform and offer comprehensive data on various aspects of the real estate market.
Brian Corcodilos took a significant risk in changing careers and entering the real estate industry, but has found success through continuous learning and seeking mentorship.
Investing in real estate is crucial for long-term financial growth and stability.
Finding mentors who can provide guidance in both business and life is essential for personal and professional development.

Sound Bites
“I actually started my career off in TV video production.”
“Multifamily was a space that made sense to me.”
“You can’t just do it nine to five.”
“We have the best of the best across the board.”
“We’re tracking cell phone data to find traffic patterns and growth points.”
“Celebrate meetings and not listings.”

Chapters
00:00 Adrian’s career journey: From TV video production to real estate
09:18 The importance of building relationships and networking in real estate
11:20 Joining professional organizations and attending events for networking
22:06 The Power of Data Aggregation and Interpretation
23:26 Enhancing the Platform: Acquisitions and Technology Integration
25:19 Taking Risks and Finding Success in the Real Estate Industry
26:17 The Importance of Investing in Real Estate
43:01 The Value of Mentors in Business and Life

Summary

Ken Weinstein is an active entrepreneur and real estate developer in the Philadelphia area. He is the president of Philly Office Retail, which has renovated and restored over 300 vacant properties in the region. Ken also founded Jumpstart Germantown, a community development program that trains and mentors local residents in real estate development. The program has expanded to 15 cities and has graduated over 2,500 mentees. Ken shares his journey as an entrepreneur and discusses his experience in the restaurant industry. He emphasizes the importance of confidence and trust in building a successful team. In this conversation, Brian Corcodilos discusses the importance of mission-driven work and core values in retaining employees. He also talks about his involvement in the new mayor transition in Philadelphia and the goal of bringing 10,000 affordable housing units to the city. The conversation touches on the challenges of zoning and the need for increased density to address the affordable housing crisis. Corcodilos emphasizes the importance of mentorship and learning from mistakes in entrepreneurship. Keywords entrepreneur, real estate development, community development, Jumpstart Germantown, Philadelphia, vacant properties, restaurant industry, confidence, trust, mission-driven work, core values, employee retention, mayor transition, affordable housing, zoning, density, mentorship, entrepreneurship

Takeaways

-Ken Weinstein is an entrepreneur and real estate developer in Philadelphia. -He has renovated and restored over 300 vacant properties in the region.

-Ken founded Jumpstart Germantown, a community development program that trains and mentors local residents in real estate development.

-Jumpstart Germantown has expanded to 15 cities and has graduated over 2,500 mentees.

-Ken emphasizes the importance of confidence and trust in building a successful team. Mission-driven work and core values are important in retaining employees.

-Zoning and density play a crucial role in addressing the affordable housing crisis.

-Mentorship and learning from mistakes are essential in entrepreneurship.

-Involvement in local politics can have a positive impact on community development.

Sound Bites

“You’re an entrepreneur, you’re a real estate developer, but you’re also giving back in such a massive way.”

“I wasn’t helping anybody. I was encouraging them. I was feeling better about myself because I was saying yes to folks.”

“We charge $125, and then I surprise the students on the last day on graduation day. We give that money to a nonprofit.”

“What makes Philly office retail different and why we retain a lot of our employees and retain our best employees is because we’re mission driven.”

“I’m just curious, you know, in your experience, how do you think you create housing that’s more affordable? What’s your what’s your macro broad brushstroke to that? My macro is doing exactly what Jumpstart is doing by focusing on our middle neighborhoods, not our struggling neighborhoods and not our hot neighborhoods.”

“So to start with, I acknowledge that you cannot improve a neighborhood without some gentrification. Yep. OK. I’d agree with that. So any developer that comes in and says to you, yeah, I can renovate all the vacant houses in this neighborhood, and there will be no displacement, no gentrification, that’s a lie.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Ken Weinstein’s Background

01:24 From Entrepreneur to Real Estate Developer

15:25 The Birth of Jumpstart Germantown

23:40 Building a Successful Team

25:59 Mission-Driven Work and Employee Retention

30:07 Addressing the Affordable Housing Crisis

36:47 Gentrification and Neighborhood Improvement

39:35 Zoning and Density

45:12 The Challenges of Running a Restaurant

49:29 The Importance of Mentorship