In this powerful new episode of The Padernacht Podcast, host Steven Padernacht sits down with Luis Omar Figueroa, Founder & CEO of HGRN Capital and one of New York’s leading voices in real estate investing and private lending. A Bronx native with deep roots in community empowerment, Omar brings a sharp, straightforward perspective on how everyday people — especially first-generation buyers and aspiring investors — can build wealth in today’s changing market.

Together, Steve and Omar break down the real fundamentals of qualifying for financing in 2025, whether you're buying a home, flipping a property, or scaling an investment portfolio:

✔️ How credit truly impacts your ability to borrow
 ✔️ What lenders look for when evaluating income — W2, 1099, or self-employed
 ✔️ Why assets and proper financial planning matter long before you apply

Omar shares insider insights from years of working with investors, explaining what underwriters look for, how hard-money financing works, and the biggest mistakes buyers make when preparing for a loan. He also talks about his mission to bring financial education and opportunities to underserved communities throughout New York City.

They also dive into:

 🏠 How to prepare 6–12 months ahead for approval
 📉 How over-deducting on taxes hurts self-employed borrowers
 🚗 Why car loans destroy debt-to-income ratios — and what to avoid
 📊 Where interest rates may be heading in 2025
 📈 Why a 5% rate environment could unlock massive buyer demand
 💼 What lenders actually focus on during pre-approval
 🏦 How investor financing differs from consumer mortgages

Throughout the episode, Steve and Omar keep the conversation real, practical, and full of actionable advice — the type of information buyers and investors rarely get access to. They also take a moment to send love and strength to Christian Babcock, a key part of the podcast’s early journey, who is currently recovering.

🎧 Tune in and learn how to approach homebuying and investing with clarity, confidence, and the right strategy — no matter where you are on your real-estate journey.

🔗 Connect With Luis Omar Figueroa
🌐 Website: https://askluisomar.com/about
🏢 HGRN Capital: https://theorg.com/org/hgrn-capital
💼 Hard Money Lending: https://www.thehinhardmoney.com/

🎙️ Host: Steven Padernacht
 🎥 Produced by: Cai Vision Productions

Subscribe to The Padernacht Podcast: Brick by Brick for more inspiring stories of real people overcoming obstacles, breaking barriers, and uplifting their communities — one brick at a time.

In this inspiring and deeply personal episode of The Padernacht Podcast: Brick by Brick, host Steven Padernacht sits down with Judge Joaquin Orellana, the first male Ecuadorian judge in New York State. From growing up in the South Bronx projects to rising through the ranks of the criminal justice system, Judge Orellana’s journey is a story of grit, discipline, and unshakeable purpose.

Born to immigrant parents who taught him the value of hard work and sacrifice, Judge Orellana reflects on his early struggles, including financial hardship, cultural challenges, and balancing education with responsibility at home. With honesty and humility, he shares the moments that shaped him — from being a young man navigating a tough environment to becoming a respected prosecutor and, ultimately, a judge committed to fairness, compassion, and community impact.

They discuss:

⚖️ His path from public housing to the New York State bench
 🌎 The immigrant experience and staying connected to his Ecuadorian roots
 💪 How discipline, faith, and mentors changed the trajectory of his life
 🏙️ The importance of representation in the justice system
 👨‍👩‍👧 The legacy he wants to leave for his family and community
 🔥 Advice for young people growing up in underserved neighborhoods

This episode is a powerful reminder that your past doesn’t define your future — your choices, your character, and your purpose do. Judge Orellana’s story shows what’s possible when resilience meets opportunity.

🎧 Tune in for a conversation full of wisdom, encouragement, and the real-life blueprint of building success one brick at a time.

🎙️ Host: Steven Padernacht
 🎥 Produced by: Cai Vision Productions

Subscribe to The Padernacht Podcast: Brick by Brick for more inspiring stories of real people overcoming obstacles, breaking barriers, and uplifting their communities — one brick at a time.

In this powerful and uplifting episode of The Padernacht Podcast: Brick by Brick, host Steven Padernacht sits down with Brandon Gaydorus — a five-time author, speaker coach, and founder of Warm Heart Life — to explore what it truly means to build a life, a mission, and a legacy rooted in heart.

From struggling as a D-grade student and intern to being named one of the Top 50 Professionals in America, Brandon’s story is a testament to faith, perseverance, and the power of caring deeply for others. Through honesty and humor, he opens up about his turning points — the mentors who believed in him, the moments that broke him, and the calling that ultimately shaped his life’s purpose.

They discuss:

💡 How failure became the foundation of Brandon’s leadership journey
 🔥 The “Warm Heart” philosophy and how it changes the way we lead
 🙌 The mentors and relationships that shaped his success
 💭 The mindset that turns rejection into redirection
 💬 The importance of gratitude, empathy, and service in business
 🏗️ How to build a legacy that lasts beyond titles and trophies

This episode is a deep reminder that true success isn’t about climbing the ladder — it’s about lifting others as you rise.

🎧 Tune in for practical wisdom, heart-driven leadership lessons, and a renewed perspective on what it means to live and lead with purpose.

🔗 Connect with Brandon Godorus:
 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandongaydorus
 🌐 Website: www.warmheartlife.com

🎙️ Host: Steven Padernacht
 🎥 Produced by: Cai Vision Productions

Subscribe to The Padernacht Podcast: Brick by Brick for more inspiring conversations with real people building lives of impact, purpose, and legacy — one brick at a time.

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of the Padernacht Podcast: Brick by Brick, we sit down with Sean Degnan — a man of discipline, faith, and leadership — to explore the deeper side of growth, grit, and purpose. From years in the restaurant industry to becoming a voice for resilience and mindset mastery, Sean’s journey is one built on consistency, humility, and a relentless pursuit of becoming better every day.

Sean opens up about what it truly means to lead with service, the importance of intentional suffering, and how building strength — both mentally and spiritually — begins with small, daily wins. He shares lessons learned through challenges, the value of slowing down to stay aligned, and how faith continues to shape his vision for life, work, and fatherhood.

They discuss:

🔥 The role of discipline and structure in personal transformation
 💡 Why leadership begins with self-awareness and humility
 🧠 How struggle and discomfort refine character
 💪 The mindset behind building consistency and resilience
 🙏 The importance of faith and stillness in a chaotic world
 👨‍👩‍👧 The legacy of leading by example for the next generation
This episode goes beyond success — it’s a deep dive into the inner work of becoming your best self. It’s a reminder that strength isn’t built in moments of comfort but in the quiet, unseen grind of everyday commitment.

🎧 Tune in, take notes, and be inspired to build discipline, lead with heart, and walk in purpose — one brick at a time.

🔗 Connect with Sean Degnan:
 📸 Instagram: @sean.degnan
 💬 Connect & Learn More: Contact | Sean Degnan

🎥 Produced by: Cai Vision Productions
 🎙️ Host: Steven Padernacht

Subscribe to The Patternakt Podcast: Brick by Brick for more stories of real people building impact, character, and community — one brick at a time.

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of the Padernacht Podcast: Brick by Brick, we sit down with Jeanesca Martinez, a dedicated real estate professional changing lives one home at a time, and Luis Martinez, a public servant and liaison for the NYC Mayor’s Office. Together, they share their incredible journeys — from humble beginnings in the Bronx projects to careers built on service, purpose, and passion.
Jeanesca opens up about the emotional rewards of helping families achieve homeownership, the joy of seeing clients build generational wealth, and the challenges of balancing a busy real estate career while raising a family. Luis offers an inside look at his vital work in public safety, leading cross-agency initiatives like Community Link, a program improving neighborhoods across the Bronx through collaboration, action, and accountability.
They discuss:

 🏠 The emotional impact of helping families buy their first home
 🌆 How NYC agencies are working together to uplift communities
 💪 The power of facing fear and pursuing what truly fulfills you
 💰 Financial lessons they wish they learned earlier
 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The legacy they hope to leave for their children
 ❤️ Why family, faith, and purpose remain their guiding lights
This episode is more than a conversation — it’s a reminder that success isn’t just about personal gain; it’s about lifting others, serving your community, and leaving the world better than you found it.
🎧 Tune in, get inspired, and discover how love, purpose, and service can shape not just a career, but a legacy.

🔗 Connect with Jeanesca Martinez:

 📱 Call/Text: (845) 694-9067
 📸 Instagram: @withjeanescamartinez

🎥 Produced by: Cai Vision Productions
🎙️ Host: Steven Padernacht
 Subscribe to The Padernacht Podcast: Brick by Brick for more inspiring stories of real people creating impact and building a better future — one brick at a time.

In this extra special episode of the Padernacht Podcast, "Brick by Brick," host Steven Padernacht welcomes his friend and seasoned professional, Ozzy, the founder of Moving Elites (also known as @Mr.Elite or @MovingElites on Instagram).

Ozzy shares his unique journey of becoming both a licensed real estate agent and the owner of a premium moving company. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in:

Entrepreneurship and Growth: How Ozzy started Moving Elites less than two years ago and rapidly grew it to handle multiple jobs a day, including new commercial moves.

The Power of Synergy: Learning how he integrated his real estate knowledge with his moving company to create the ultimate one-stop shop experience for clients.

Business Mindset: Ozzy's philosophy of putting people first, committing to challenges ("say yes and figure it out later"), and maintaining a focus on being an affordable, trustworthy mover—your neighborhood Spider-Man of moving!

Life Balance: The struggles of balancing a fast-growing business with being a dedicated father to his 6-year-old son and maintaining strong relationships with his partner, Fancy.

Connect with Ozzy & Moving Elites:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/movingelites/
Website: https://www.movingelites.com/

Connect with Steven Padernacht & The Podcast:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StevenPadernacht
IG: https://www.instagram.com/steve_pad

Welcome back to The Padernacht Podcast: Brick by Brick! In this episode, Steven Padernacht sits down with Paige Castiello — better known as The Real Estate Paige — a licensed agent serving both New York and Connecticut with Keller Williams.

Paige isn’t just selling homes — she’s building trust, educating her clients, and redefining what success in real estate looks like. From her Bronx upbringing to her journey into the Scarsdale Keller Williams office, Paige shares her story of resilience, family, and the power of authentic connections.

You’ll hear about:

✅ Growing up in the Bronx & the lessons that shaped her
✅ How family, faith, and sports built her team-player mentality
✅ The challenges she faced (including sports injuries) and how they fueled her drive
✅ Why building relationships matters more than transactions in real estate
✅ Her take on the culture at Keller Williams and the importance of mentorship

If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, real estate professional, or simply someone who loves stories of grit and growth, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real conversations with people building their legacies — brick by brick.

What does it really take to grow in business and in life?

In Episode 22 of The Padernacht Podcast: Brick by Brick, host Steven Padernacht goes solo for an honest Q&A session. Drawing from questions submitted on Instagram, Steven shares his journey, lessons, and mindset shifts that have shaped his career and life as a third-generation Bronx native and entrepreneur.

From building a real estate portfolio without starting capital, to the challenges entrepreneurs face daily, to why he wakes up at 4AM every morning — Steven keeps it real with stories of resilience, faith, and legacy.

This is more than just business talk. It’s about building brick by brick — whether in real estate, relationships, or personal growth.

🔑 Key Topics Covered:

Why Steven partnered with Keller Williams Realty
How to build a real estate portfolio from scratch
The daily struggles entrepreneurs face & how to push through
The power of resilience, faith, and routines
Advice for young people starting out in real estate

💥 If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or someone chasing growth — this episode is for you.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly conversations on growth, legacy, and entrepreneurship.

#Entrepreneurship #RealEstate #StevenPadernacht #Podcast #BrickByBrick

Faith, Resilience & Relationships with Eddie Huezo | Ep. 21

How do you live your faith beyond the walls of a church?

In Episode 21 of The Padernacht Podcast: Brick by Brick, host Steven Padernacht sits down with Eddie Huezo — a coach, speaker, and faith-driven entrepreneur — to explore what it means to serve people as one of the highest forms of serving God.

Born and raised in the Bronx, Eddie shares his powerful journey of overcoming the loss of his father, growing up with a teenage mom who chose life against all odds, and discovering his voice through basketball. From the courts of Kingsbridge to college basketball, to inspiring others through coaching and speaking, Eddie’s mission is clear: create connection, lead with purpose, and inspire others to do the same.

This conversation dives deep into faith, resilience, leadership, and the importance of building authentic relationships — both in business and in life.

🔑 What You’ll Learn:

• How to live your faith authentically in every area of life
• The power of relationships in personal and professional growth
• Lessons from sports that shape leadership and communication
• Overcoming adversity with purpose and gratitude
  
  

🎧 Subscribe and follow for more conversations that build you — brick by brick.

#EddieHuezo #StevenPadernacht #Faith #Resilience #Leadership #Podcast #BronxStories #BrickByBrick

Breakthrough Stories with Karoline Rodriguez | From Fashion Ambassadorship to Bronx Real Estate

Her story is one of courage, transformation, and following your calling. You don’t want to miss this conversation!

Dive into the inspiring journey of Karoline Rodriguez in Breakthrough Stories: From Fashion Ambassadorship to Bronx Real Estate. 🚀 Listen now for a raw, heartfelt conversation about courage, transformation, and the power of following your calling. You don’t want to miss this!

Tune in via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and more.