Travis Makes Money

Andrew Reichert is the CEO and founder of Birgo Capital, a Pittsburgh-based private equity real estate firm with $330M+ in assets under management and 3,600+ multifamily units. Having raised over $125M from investors, he oversees a team of 100+, is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and podcast host. Andrew embodies the first-generation entrepreneur scaling from small “no money down” deals to leading nine-figure institutional real estate investments.

On this episode we talk about:

Andrew’s beginnings: working restaurant jobs in high school, reading Rich Dad Poor Dad, and buying his first duplex straight out of college—with literally no money, no experience, and no credit

Creative real estate deals before the Great Financial Crisis: stacking first and second mortgages for $20K in cash at closing, and holding through 2008 due to conservative numbers

Growing from “house hacking” to 20 units while working at PNC Bank—then going all in on real estate entrepreneurship

The start of Birgo Capital: launching the first $10M fund (ultimately oversubscribed at $17M) by innovating deal structure and aligning incentives with investors

How he raised capital early: putting his own money in every deal, personally guaranteeing debt, and refusing management fees so all profit came from performance and carried interest

Evolving capital structures as the company grew, with bigger investors seeking more traditional private equity fee models

The “alignment of incentives” philosophy: why reputation, stewardship, and risk-sharing drive trust and investor confidence

Mindset: expecting big outcomes, focusing on stewardship, and building toward $1B in assets under management

Advice for new investors—how the right deal structure, total transparency, and performance alignment become powerful capital-raising tools

Top 3 Takeaways

Alignment of Incentives Raises Capital: Early success in raising millions comes from putting your own money on the line, personally guaranteeing loans, and only getting paid after your investors get paid—a structure that’s impossible to say no to.

From Small Deals to Big Funds: Anyone can start with “no money down”—but scaling to “big money raised” requires obsession with stewardship, track record, and structuring win-win deals for both small and large investors.

Growth Is a Mindset: Expecting and planning for outsize results is key—set big goals, focus on serving your people and your capital, and build with humility and discipline.

Notable Quotes

“Our first deal? No money, no experience, no credit—but I walked away from closing with a $20,000 check.”

“We wouldn’t make a dime unless the investment performed. Investors got paid first, then we participated in the upside. It made the decision a no-brainer for backers.”

“Larger investors want the fees and structure they’re used to. But trust still comes down to alignment and stewardship.”

“I always expected this to get big—our goal is $1B by 2030. For me, it’s about serving more investors and stewarding more assets.”

Connect with Andrew Reichert:

Company: Birgo Capital (birgo.com)

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John Joseph is one of Las Vegas’s top real estate sales executives and instructors, renowned for his leadership, productivity, and high standards. As a former branch manager, he led his office to the nation’s #1 spot and, as a vice president, inspired over 2,000 agents to reach their potential. Now an author, John’s new book, 365 Days of Real Estate Wisdom, delivers actionable strategies for both new and seasoned agents. With decades in the field, John brings hard-won insights into sales, discipline, and professional growth.

On this episode we talk about:

John’s path from the corporate world to real estate and how a “golden parachute” pushed him into a career based on effort and results

The challenges and opportunities facing real estate agents today, including market disruptions and commission changes

How professionalism and consistent service bridge the gap between agents and consumers in a fragmented industry

What separates the top 5% of agents from the rest—and why consistency and mindset trump raw talent

The numbers game: how sales, discipline, and relentless lead generation create outsized results

The importance of coaching, systemization, and following a proven process for new agents

Overcoming distractions in the modern sales world and focusing on high-leverage activities

The story behind 365 Days of Real Estate Wisdom—how John’s daily mindset messages helped take a team from 180th to #1 in the nation

Top 3 Takeaways

Discipline Drives Success: Consistent daily actions—like contacting new leads and aggressive follow-up—are far more important than luck or natural talent.

Sales is a Mindset Game: 90% of sales success comes from attitude, discipline, and the willingness to keep going, especially when it’s hard.

Professionalism Bridges the Gap: In a fragmented industry, the agents who treat their work as a business earn more trust, more clients, and ultimately more money.

Notable Quotes

“In real estate, you get paid commensurate to your effort. Consistency—showing up every day—is what makes the difference.”

“Sales is 90% mindset, 5% skills, and 5% dumb luck.”

“If you can generate just one lead a day, that’s five a week—and real financial freedom is within reach, no matter your starting point.”

Connect with John Joseph:

Website: iSuccessTraining.com

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Sean Tepper is the founder and CEO of Tikr, a software platform empowering everyday people to confidently invest in individual stocks. Before launching Tikr,, Sean mastered a system for generating consistent 15–50% annual returns in the stock market—with some years surpassing 100%. Today, Tikr, serves over 12,000 customers in more than 50 countries, combining technology, smart design, and a value investor’s discipline to help regular investors outperform the S&P.

On this episode we talk about:

Top 3 Takeaways

Notable Quotes

Connect with Sean Tepper:

• • Website & App: ⁠https://www.tikr.com/⁠ (search for TKR on iOS, Android, or web)
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📉 Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

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Yousef Benhamida is an American inventor, entrepreneur, and investor who built a multi-million dollar business, Humboldt’s Secret Supplies, from his apartment without a degree or external investors. After losing everything, Yousef rebuilt himself through a disciplined mindset and masculine self-leadership. He now dedicates himself to helping men overcome common challenges such as breakups, burnout, and self-doubt with a no-nonsense approach to growth, fitness, life, and business. His book, $1 Million Hot Girls in a Ferrari, shares raw truths about success and attraction.

On this episode we talk about:

Yousef’s first entrepreneurial activities starting in middle school, including buying and selling items on eBay from a young age

How early hustles and lessons shaped his entrepreneurial mindset despite coming from a family with limited financial means

The brutal realities of entrepreneurship: long years of struggle, dealing with difficult people, and the persistence needed to succeed

Developing resilience, pain tolerance, and a mindset that embraces risk and uncertainty as keys to long-term success

Insights from The Hard Thing About Hard Things and how sharing the entrepreneurial struggle helped Yousef keep going

The mission and evolution of Humboldt’s Secret Supplies: creating and manufacturing efficient products for the agriculture space and other industries

The value of relationships and competence over appearances in building trust with high-level business partners

Yousef’s philosophy on managing money: continuously reinvesting, staying hungry, and avoiding complacency

Practical advice for those looking to go from a stable salary to entrepreneurship, emphasizing hard work, saving, and creating scalable businesses

The importance of investing time and effort to build your own brand and business

Fun rapid-fire insights including his love of tennis, admiration for his late father, and preferred methods of consuming information

Top 3 Takeaways

Resilience is Essential: Success requires enduring setbacks, maintaining pain tolerance, and staying willing to push through uncertainty and failure.

Competence Builds Trust: Real competence and knowledge will always open doors and command respect far more than superficial status symbols.

Reinvest to Grow: Continuous reinvestment of earned income fuels growth, sustaining hunger and momentum needed to build wealth.

Notable Quotes

“Entrepreneurship starts with looking up at the ceiling late at night, trying to figure things out because you can’t sleep.”

“The struggle is guaranteed, but success is not.”

“If you’re not constantly broke, you lose a little bit of that hunger.”

“Money only solves your money problems, but it’s easier to solve the rest of your problems if you got some money in the bank.”

Connect with Yousef Benhamida:

Book: https://www.amazon.com/ONE-MILLION-DOLLARS-GIRLS-FERRARI/dp/B0DBFXRBT7

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Walli Miller is a first-generation millionaire, financial coach, and early retiree who left her 9-to-5 before age 40. After a career in public service, Walli reached financial independence and now helps high-achieving, primarily first-generation women build wealth, create financial freedom, and design a life they love. Through her private coaching business, Walli empowers others to rewrite their money stories and achieve what once felt impossible.

On this episode we talk about:

Walli’s first job in New York City through the Summer Youth Program and what it taught her about work and money

Her transition from public service to financial independence, reaching millionaire status, and retiring early—all on a government salary

The generational impact of money mindsets, and why credit, wealth, and financial habits are “hereditary”

The “aha!” moment that changed Walli’s relationship with money and launched her journey to wealth

How she used tax-advantaged accounts, intentional saving, and mindset shifts to build seven figures in her stock portfolio

The importance of automating savings, increasing investments gradually, and eliminating mindless spending

The difference between math and mindset: why 80% of financial success is mental and emotional

Her path from unpaid coaching to a thriving coaching business—helping others, especially women and people of color, break cycles and become work-optional

The FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, and what it looks like to be “work optional”

Top 3 Takeaways

Financial independence is possible without a massive salary—strategic saving, investing, and automation can build real wealth.

Money stories and mindsets inherited from childhood play a huge role in our financial behaviors; changing the narrative is key to breaking cycles.

Achieving “work optional” status isn’t about deprivation—it’s about intentionality, paying your future self first, and living aligned with your values.

Notable Quotes

“I thought wealth was for somebody in a velvet robe, not for federal employees earning $100,000.”

“I realized after years of coaching that about 15% is numbers and 85% is mindset and relationships.”

“Paying your future self first—before you spend on anything else—is the most powerful habit for building freedom.”

Connect with Walli Miller:

Website: financiallythriving.com

https://www.instagram.com/financially_thriving/?hl=en

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🎁 Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis

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Dr. Erin Nance is a board-certified surgeon, multimedia powerhouse, and serial entrepreneur working at the evolving intersection of medicine, media, and technology. Running a thriving hand surgery private practice in New York City, she’s also the founder of Fuel Better Health (the first health-focused social media platform), host of The Medical Detectives podcast (top 0.5% globally), and a top 1% TikTok creator. With a six-figure book deal and television projects in development, Dr. Nance is reshaping how trusted health information is shared and accessed—while challenging the status quo for doctors, patients, and entrepreneurs alike.

On this episode we talk about:

Dr. Nance’s path from family of doctors to launching a solo hand surgery practice in New York City when her initial job offer was rescinded

The surprising decline of entrepreneurial doctors: from most physicians owning their practice to 70% now being hospital or private-equity employed

The hurdles of starting a practice as a new surgeon—upfront costs, lack of business loans, long payment cycles, and the reality of malpractice insurance

Why so few doctors choose entrepreneurship today, and the cost-prohibitive system facing new graduates with high student debt

The shift in healthcare economics—the managed care trade-off, insurance company dominance, and a 30%+ drop in physician reimbursements in 25 years

How out-of-network and direct-pay models put ownership and care control back in the hands of doctors (and patients), and what it takes to build a brand patients will come to on their own

The persistent crisis of medical access, transparency, and patient navigation in the insurance/healthcare system

Dr. Nance’s drive to create platforms (like Fuel Better Health) and high-impact media to combat health misinformation and connect patients with credible resources and each other

Her viral content journey—why millions of people seek out authentic, expert medical stories online, and the urgent threat of unvetted health advice

Top 3 Takeaways

Entrepreneurship in Medicine is Scarce—but Needed: The modern healthcare landscape makes it nearly impossible for most young doctors to start their own practice, but those who do gain freedom, direct patient impact, and unique influence.

Insurance Has Severely Undermined Physician Autonomy: Managed care and fee setting mean less pay for physicians, rushed care for patients, and increasingly complex financial/conflict barriers for all.

Credible Health Content & Communities are Critical: The future of health information is expert-driven digital platforms—empowering patients with trustworthy resources and community, not algorithmic misinformation.

Notable Quotes

“I was only one out of 750 orthopedic surgeons to start their own practice straight out of fellowship.”

“Now, 70% of all physicians are employed by either a hospital system or a private equity group.”

“For physicians over the past 25 years, reimbursement for the same procedure has decreased by 30%.”

“Medical misinformation is probably the most dangerous public health threat we’re facing as a society.”

Connect with Dr. Erin Nance:

TikTok: @littlemisdiagnosed

Practice: NanceMD.com

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James Turk is an executive coach, keynote speaker, and CEO of The Turk Group—a boutique learning and development firm with over 25 years of experience. James designs and delivers leadership, sales, change management, and strategic planning programs for some of the world’s biggest brands, including Spotify, Squarespace, Goldman Sachs, and Equinox. His approach blends a strong foundation in service, life-long learning, and real-world business experience to help leaders become the kind of people others truly want to follow.

On this episode we talk about:

How James made his first dollar (and learned his first ethical lesson!) selling his sister’s belongings—and then launched a legitimate lawn care business as a teenager

The value of learning to hustle early, earning the “extras” in life through work and responsibility

The importance of thoughtful spending—knowing when to invest and when to enjoy spending for its own sake

Why James self-published his book, The Giving Game: Becoming the Leader That Others Want to Follow, and the lessons learned creating a quality product

How being of service and adding value shaped his coaching and leadership development philosophy

The unique art-meets-business history that shaped James’ style, from running a Chicago gallery to acting and performance

His advice to parents and entrepreneurs about instilling hustle, grit, and sound financial values

Building a referral-based business with high-profile clients and why relationships and service are more powerful than marketing budgets

The power of events, comped workshops, and "connector" strategy to maintain long-term business relationships

How B2C and B2B strategies can reinforce each other, and why giving to your network always pays dividends over time

James’ book and free resources for new leaders navigating their first 45 days

Top 3 Takeaways

Service Drives Success: Approach business and leadership as a “giving game,” not just a guessing game—when you focus on adding value, relationships and opportunities follow.

Relationships > Marketing: Doing high-quality work and maintaining great relationships opens doors (and doors within doors). Consistently show up, serve, and keep your word.

Be a Connector, Build Community: Hosting events, sharing knowledge, and connecting others multiplies your value and helps you stay top of mind in your network.

Notable Quotes

“The show is about making more money, but it’s also about building real relationships and adding value—that’s the real long game.”

“Make yourself easy to work with, keep your quality high, and focus on service; good things will follow.”

“Every interaction is an opportunity to build your network and your reputation as someone who gives, not just takes.”

Connect with James Turk:

Website: theturkgroup.com

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Stephen Scoggins is a serial entrepreneur, author, coach, and host of the Build podcast. Having once started his business while sleeping in his car, Stephen built his construction company from the ground up and successfully exited in late 2023, selling at just under nine figures. Now, he invests in other entrepreneurs, mentors high-performing founders, and speaks across stages nationwide, sharing practical wisdom on scaling, exits, and personal transformation.

On this episode we talk about:

How Stephen went from homelessness to building and selling a near nine-figure company

The lessons learned from exiting a business: why you should always build as if you plan to sell—even if you never do

What buyers really want: systems, predictable cash flow, culture, and efficient operations

The importance of restructuring, optimizing, and “going back through with a fine-tooth comb” before an exit

Stephen’s new focus on family office investing, real estate, equity stakes, and founder mentorship

Why a year-long entrepreneur “test period” is Stephen’s preferred way to find investible founders

The five hidden enemies of entrepreneurs—impatience, arrogance, ignorance, fear, and insecurity—and how conquering them changes the game

How to discern between arrogance and confidence, and how confidence comes from consistency, not credentials

Tips on hiring for executive roles, including how to vet candidates even if they’re smarter or more credentialed than you

The value of coaching and mentorship at every stage—even after an exit

Practical steps for employees and early-stage entrepreneurs to identify their superpowers, solve real problems, and launch a business with little capital

Top 3 Takeaways

Build to Sell, Even If You Don’t: Always design your business with predictable systems, clear financials, and a scalable team—whether or not you ever plan to exit.

Self-Awareness is the Real Secret: The most dangerous enemies in business are internal—impatience, fear, arrogance, ignorance, and insecurity. Master yourself to master your business.

Mentorship Multiplies Success and Saves Pain: Investing in coaches and mentors is the cheapest and most powerful way to accelerate growth and avoid costly mistakes.

Notable Quotes

“If you’ll focus on building as if you’re going to sell, you’ll end up with the kind of company buyers—and you—actually want.”

“Arrogance is self-seeking. Humble confidence comes from serving others and showing up with consistency.”

“Most of my painful lessons, including losing over a million dollars to embezzlement, could have been avoided by listening to my mentors sooner.”

Connect with Stephen Scoggins:

Website: stephenscoggins.com

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Kirsten Graham is a virtual assistant (VA) and outsourcing expert who helps business owners reclaim their time, boost productivity, and scale smart—primarily through leveraging overseas talent. With a background in real estate, mortgages, and entrepreneurship, Kirsten is passionate about teaching entrepreneurs and professionals how to delegate low-value tasks, streamline their operations, and focus on high-impact activities. As co-founder of Six Figure Business Coaching, she helps her clients move from invisibility to visibility through video marketing, podcast guesting, and skilled virtual support.

On this episode we talk about:

Kirsten’s first dollar earned through babysitting and her early journey into entrepreneurship

Moving from real estate and mortgage to running a business that connects clients with remote talent worldwide

Why hiring VAs for $6–$8 an hour can transform a business’s profitability and owner’s freedom

The importance of hiring for very specific tasks rather than seeking a “unicorn” VA who does everything

How treating remote team members with respect, paid time off, and long-term opportunities leads to retention and success

The step-by-step model her company uses: interviewing, hiring, vetting, and training VAs for real estate, coaches, and service businesses

Business models in the VA/outsource space: agency-style vs. direct-hire, margin differences, scalability, and how to choose a right-fit path

The power of niching down (e.g., offering HighLevel-trained VAs or bookkeeping-specific VAs) and how to grow from a narrow offer

Integrating AI: how today’s VAs must be AI-fluent and how business owners can multiply efficiency by combining VAs and automation

Why “boring” service businesses—like bookkeeping, HVAC, plumbing—are among the most reliable, profitable, and least likely to be automated by AI

Buying, not just starting, a business: opportunities in acquiring already-running companies and upgrading them through outsourcing and systems

Top 3 Takeaways

Outsource for Freedom and Profit: Move all $6–$8/hour tasks off your plate; focus on what grows your business, not what just keeps it running.

Niche, Train, and Systematize: Specialize your offer (e.g., marketing VAs, bookkeeping VAs, software-specific VAs) and use robust SOPs and ongoing training for client satisfaction and scale.

Combine Talent, AI, and Acquisition: The biggest wins come from integrating skilled remote talent with AI-powered automations—whether you’re starting from scratch or buying a business to modernize.

Notable Quotes

“If you’re doing a $6 an hour task, you’re doing it wrong. You should have someone else doing those tasks for you.”

“It’s easier to hire someone and keep them for years than to constantly replace people. Treat your VAs well—they’re your team.”

“Boring, unsexy businesses—like HVAC, bookkeeping, auto repair—are not going to be replaced by AI anytime soon, but they’re always going to be profitable and needed.”

Connect with Kirsten Graham:

Website: sixfigurebusinesscoaching.com

🚀 Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency.

🚀 Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform.

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Gilad Uziely is the co-founder and CEO of Sequence, the all-in-one money OS automating cash flow for small businesses and consumers. Launched in 2024, Sequence has already moved over $750 million, hit 1.5 million in ARR, grown 600% YOY, and raised $15 million from top VCs. Gilad is a serial fintech builder with deep experience in launching data-driven tech companies, and now helps thousands master their money through smart automation. Based in Tel Aviv, Gilad’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to grit, risk-taking, and building tools that truly empower others.

On this episode we talk about:

Gilad’s first business: the classic lemonade stand outside his childhood home in Israel

The rise of Tel Aviv’s tech scene and why it’s become a global startup powerhouse

Fundraising in Israel’s VC-rich environment and the challenge of selling new ideas to investors

Lessons learned from earlier ventures—including raising capital for boutique hotels in Italy and navigating the risks of unconventional startups

The importance of choosing the right venture partners, understanding cap tables, and protecting yourself as a founder

Sequence’s core mission: Making it effortless to automate your cash flow, savings, investing, and financial goals with customizable rules and smart triggers

How to build intentional financial habits, protect your downside, and use automation to free up mental energy

The psychology of money: why separating funds, paying your future self first, and “working like you’re broke” are game-changing

Sequence users’ creative approaches to saving—whether for starting a business, IVF, travel, or building a true safety net

Advice for entrepreneurs: balancing business growth with personal finance, risk tolerance, and taking deliberate steps toward freedom

Top 3 Takeaways

Automate to Win: Setting up simple, intentional automation for your money removes human error, builds better habits, and gives you the peace of mind needed to take bigger risks and grow your business.

Intentional Planning Beats Random Spending: Building financial “maps” (like saving automatically for trips, investments, or your next business) ensures you live life now while planning for the future.

Connect, Ask, and Learn: Don’t wait for perfection—reach out to experienced founders for help with cap tables or decisions, and always dig your well before you’re thirsty (network before you need it).

Notable Quotes

“Automation can really change the trajectory of your life. We think of Sequence as a fitness app that goes to the gym for you.”

“Be intentional. Even if your plan is simple, it’s 90% of the work—just start, automate it, and tweak as you go.”

“If you don’t give your money a job, it’ll find a job somewhere else for you.”

Connect with Gilad Uziely & Sequence:

Website: use.getsequence.io/travischappell

Discount code: TRAVIS25

Email: [email protected] (offering free support for founders and those struggling with cap table issues)

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