Abundant Journey Podcast

Travis Watts: Making Pivots and Keeping Perspective in Unpredictable Times | Ep. 75

Summary
In this episode, Travis Watts, Director of Investor Development at Ashcroft Capital, discusses his journey in real estate investing and the opportunities in the current market. He shares his experience transitioning from single-family homes to passive investing in multifamily syndications. Travis emphasizes the importance of education and taking action, as well as the need to stay informed and avoid getting caught up in market noise. He also discusses the value of dollar-cost averaging and the potential benefits of investing in multifamily properties. In this conversation, Travis Watts shares valuable insights on how to effectively read books and the benefits of investing in syndications. He emphasizes the importance of researching books before reading them, skipping irrelevant chapters, and taking notes to retain key information. Travis also discusses the advantages of investing in syndications, such as the hands-off nature of limited partnership investments and the benefits of vertical integration. He highlights the value of diversification and cash flow in long-term investment strategies. Travis provides practical advice for new investors and encourages them to take action and educate themselves.
 
Takeaways
Transitioning from single-family homes to passive investing in multifamily syndications can provide scalability and diversification for investors.
Staying informed and avoiding market noise is crucial for making sound investment decisions.
Dollar-cost averaging and buying the dip can be effective strategies in a changing market.
The current market presents opportunities for investing in multifamily properties, with discounted pricing and a shortage of housing supply.
Education and taking action are key to success in real estate investing. Research books before reading them to ensure they are valuable and relevant to your interests.
Skip irrelevant chapters and focus on the most valuable sections of a book.
Take notes while reading to retain key information and make future reference easier.
Investing in syndications offers a hands-off approach and allows for diversification.
Vertical integration in syndications provides greater control and efficiency in managing properties.
Diversification and cash flow are important in long-term investment strategies.
Take action and educate yourself to make informed investment decisions.
 
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Catching Up with Travis Watts
08:06 - Travis's Journey in Real Estate Investing
17:39 - Opportunities in the Current Multifamily Market
24:09 - Navigating Market Cycles and Risk
29:56 - Transitioning from Single-Family Homes to Passive Investing
35:03 - The Psychology of Investing and Taking Action
38:36 - Finding Balance in Self-Education and Taking Action
41:35 - Optimizing Your Book Reading Experience
45:53 - The Benefits of Investing in Syndications
52:57 - The Power of Vertical Integration in Real Estate
56:30 - The Importance of Diversification and Cash Flow
01:04:02 - Taking Action and Educating Yourself for Investment Success
 
Connect with Travis Watts:
 
Website: https://ashcroftcapital.com/
 
Connect with Abundant Journey:Website: AbundantJourney.netNewsletter: https://abundantjourney.beehiiv.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abundantjourneypodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@abundantjourney

Ethan Foulkes: Contrarian Wisdom for Launching a Successful Business | Ep. 74

Summary
In this episode of the Abundant Journey podcast, host Nick Zalk interviews Ethan Foulkes, a business owner and entrepreneur. Ethan shares his journey of being drawn into other people's ventures before finally committing to his own entrepreneurial path. He and his business partner, Toby Lucich, founded Magic Button Labs, a venture studio that helps experts simplify and package their knowledge into scalable businesses. They have created a product called ScaleKits, which simplifies business operations and organization. Ethan emphasizes the importance of being a generalist and connecting dots across different fields, rather than specializing in one area. He also discusses the challenges of marketing and sales and the need to focus on customer acquisition and communication. In this conversation, Ethan Foulkes, Co-founder of Magic Button Labs, discusses the importance of focusing on solving problems for customers and delivering value. He shares the concept of the 1-4-14 framework, which emphasizes the importance of getting one customer, then four customers, and finally 14 customers to achieve product-market fit. Ethan also highlights the misconception of overbuilding and the need to focus on the minimum viable product (MVP) and customer feedback. He emphasizes the value of building authentic relationships with customers and the importance of an abundance mindset in business.
 
Takeaways
Being a generalist and connecting dots across different fields can be more valuable than specializing in one area.
The foundation of business operations and organization remains the same, but the level of customization and specialization needed varies depending on the size and maturity of the company.
Many companies struggle with the lack of a middle management layer that provides oversight and visibility between sales/marketing and operations.
Simplifying and packaging expertise can help smaller companies access the knowledge and skills they need without the high cost of hiring experts.
Entrepreneurs should prioritize marketing and sales to ensure customer acquisition and avoid overbuilding before understanding the market's needs. Focus on solving problems for customers and delivering value.
Use the 1-4-14 framework to achieve product-market fit: get one customer, then four customers, and finally 14 customers.
Avoid overbuilding and prioritize the minimum viable product (MVP) based on customer feedback.
Build authentic relationships with customers and prioritize their satisfaction.
Embrace an abundance mindset in business and focus on collaboration and community.
 
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Canadian Hat Shoutout
01:29 - Guest Introduction: Ethan Foulkes and His Entrepreneurial Journey
02:39 - The Mission of Magic Button Labs: Simplifying Expertise
03:40 - Introducing ScaleKits: Simplifying Business Operations and Organization
06:18 - The Value of Being a Generalist and Connecting Dots Across Different Fields
09:20 - The Challenges of Marketing and Sales in Building a Business
32:50 - Introduction
34:14 - The 1-4-14 Framework for Product-Market Fit
38:21 - Avoiding Overbuilding and Prioritizing MVP
41:34 - Building Authentic Relationships with Customers
47:21 - Embracing an Abundance Mindset in Business
58:03 - Conclusion
 
Connect with Ethan Foulkes:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethanfoulkes/Connect with Abundant Journey:Website: AbundantJourney.netNewsletter: https://abundantjourney.beehiiv.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abundantjourneypodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@abundantjourney

Taking Action and Learning from Failures: Ryan Garchar's Entrepreneurial Journey | Ep. 73

SummaryRyan Garchar shares his journey of entrepreneurship and multiple business ventures, including running an epoxy floor business, managing a web development and marketing company, and working full-time in cybersecurity. He discusses the importance of taking action and making decisions, even without full understanding, and learning from failures along the way. Ryan's motivation comes from a personal experience with his mother's health issues, which has driven him to be better and help others. He emphasizes the value of education but also the need to take action and learn through experience. Ryan's passion for his work and constant improvement fuels his addiction to finding new ways to excel in his businesses. Ryan Garchar shares his journey as an entrepreneur and the impact of positivity and gratitude on his success. He emphasizes the importance of having a supportive network and surrounding yourself with the right people. Ryan also discusses the misconceptions about entrepreneurship and the challenges and rewards of running a business. He shares his perspective on success and the importance of defining what it means to you. Ryan highlights acts of generosity and abundance that have inspired him, and he expresses his goals for personal growth and travel. Ultimately, he hopes to be remembered as a selfless and honest individual who made a positive impact on his family and friends.Takeaways
- Take action and make decisions, even if you don't fully understand or know what you're doing. Learn from failures and figure out how to make things work.- Personal experiences and challenges can be powerful motivators for growth and success.- Education is important, but it's equally important to take action and learn through experience.- Passion and constant improvement drive success and fulfillment in business ventures. Positivity and gratitude are essential for success as an entrepreneur.- Surrounding yourself with a supportive network is crucial.- There are misconceptions about entrepreneurship, and it's important to understand the challenges and rewards.- Success should be defined on an individual level, beyond financial achievements.- Acts of generosity and abundance can have a profound impact on others.- Personal growth and travel are important goals to pursue.- Being remembered for selflessness, honesty, and making a positive impact on loved ones is a meaningful aspiration.Chapters00:00 - Introduction and Setting the Stage01:19 - Ryan Garchar's Introduction and Current Ventures05:26 - Choosing a Different Path and Defying Traditional Career Expectations07:02 - Lessons from the Country Club and Defining Success08:27 - The Importance of Taking Action and Making Decisions09:26 - Lessons from Successful People and the Power of Quick Decision-Making12:58 - Finding Purpose and Drive in Challenging Times16:16 - Reflecting on the Past and Looking to the Future21:42 - The Addiction to Constant Improvement and Passion for the Work23:37 - The Power of Positivity and Gratitude25:58 - Surrounding Yourself with the Right People28:28 - Dispelling Misconceptions about Entrepreneurship32:34 - Defining Success Beyond Financial Achievements34:46 - The Impact of Generosity and Abundance38:48 - Goals for Personal Growth and Travel41:07 - Leaving a Legacy of Selflessness and Making a Positive Impact
 
Connect with Ryan Garchar:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ryanresin/
Website- https://ryanresin.com/
 

How Green Beret Edwin Epperson III Became a Successful Fund Manager | Ep. 72

Summary
Edwin Epperson III shares his journey from the military to becoming a fund manager in real estate. He emphasizes the importance of education, specifically understanding the capital stack and the different markets and asset classes within real estate. He also discusses the mindset required for success, including being comfortable with being uncomfortable and surrounding yourself with mentors and a supportive network. Edwin Epperson III shares his insights on the importance of patience and being wise in decision-making as an entrepreneur. He emphasizes the need for continuous education, surrounding oneself with mentors, and taking action even when you're not 100% ready. Edwin also discusses his real estate fund and the importance of understanding the difference between debt and equity investments. He warns about the risks of investing in syndications and the need for proper education and due diligence. Finally, Edwin shares his goals of being remembered for his generosity and his desire to push forward the gospel.
 
Takeaways- Education is crucial in real estate investing, particularly understanding the capital stack and the different markets and asset classes.- Being comfortable with being uncomfortable is essential for success as an entrepreneur.- Surrounding yourself with mentors and a supportive network is crucial for guidance and accountability.- Grit and determination are necessary qualities for overcoming challenges and achieving goals. Patience and wisdom are crucial in decision-making as an entrepreneur.- Continuous education and surrounding yourself with mentors are essential for success.- Taking action, even when you're not 100% ready, is important for growth.- Understanding the difference between debt and equity investments is crucial in real estate.- Investing in syndications carries risks, and proper education and due diligence are necessary.- Being remembered for generosity and pushing forward the gospel is a meaningful goal.Chapters00:00 - Introduction and Background02:41 - Understanding Funds in Real Estate05:05 - The Importance of Education in Real Estate Investing08:11 - Edwin's Journey from the Military to Real Estate33:46 - The Power of Mentors and a Supportive Network39:53 - The Importance of Patience and Wise Decision-Making53:02 - Understanding the Difference Between Debt and Equity Investments57:35 - The Risks of Investing in Syndications01:13:28 - The Goal of Generosity and Pushing Forward the Gospel
 
Connect with Edwin Epperson:Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwineppersoniii/Website: https://www.bluebayfund.com/
 
 

The Habits and Mindset of the Rich & Successful with Bronson Hill | Ep. 71

Summary
In this conversation, Nick James and Nick Aufenkamp interview Bronson Hill, a real estate investor and author. They discuss Bronson's journey from being a youth pastor to getting into medical device sales and eventually pursuing real estate. Bronson shares his insights on achieving financial freedom and the importance of mindset, continuous learning, and surrounding yourself with the right people. He also talks about the analogy of money and Legos, where money is a tool to build the life you want. Bronson emphasizes the need to make proactive decisions, focus on one thing, and be open to opportunities in different asset classes. Bronson Hill discusses the importance of increasing cash flow and achieving financial freedom through real estate investing. He emphasizes the need to clarify goals and understand the risks associated with different investment opportunities. Hill also shares his experience of writing a book and the benefits it has brought to his life and career. He highlights the value of an abundant mindset, challenges the notion that all debt is bad, and encourages a focus on the journey rather than just the destination. Hill concludes by discussing his excitement for multifamily and self-storage investments, as well as opportunities in e-commerce and buying businesses.
 
Takeaways
Achieving financial freedom involves having the time to do the things you want to do.
Mindset is crucial in building wealth, and it's important to feel worthy of financial success.
Continuous learning is key to personal and financial growth, and reading is a valuable habit for gaining knowledge.
Surrounding yourself with the right people who have a different financial situation can positively impact your own financial journey.
Real estate is a great asset class to start with due to its understandability and potential for cash flow, appreciation, and tax benefits.
Being a generalist and having a multidisciplinary approach can lead to more opportunities and problem-solving abilities. Increasing cash flow is key to achieving financial freedom
Clarify your goals and understand the risks associated with different investment opportunities
Writing a book can provide authority and open up new opportunities
An abundant mindset allows for collaboration and celebration of others' success
Not all debt is bad, and it can be used strategically to create wealth
Focus on the journey and celebrate how far you've come
Multifamily, self-storage, e-commerce, and buying businesses are exciting investment opportunities
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Reconnecting with Bronson Hill
04:00 - Money and Legos: Building Wealth and Financial Freedom
08:36 - The Power of Mindset and Continuous Learning
13:50 - Surrounding Yourself with the Right People
28:58 - Achieving Financial Freedom through Cash Flow
31:26 - Clarifying Goals and Understanding Risks in Real Estate Investing
34:48 - The Benefits of Writing a Book
41:28 - Debunking the Myth of All Debt Being Bad
43:39 - Embracing the Journey and Celebrating Progress
49:23 - Exciting Investment Opportunities in Multifamily, Self-Storage, E-commerce, and Buying Businesses
 
Connect Further
Text 'Inflation' to 33777 for your free Inflation Report from Bronson Equity
Connect with Bronson on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/bronsonhill/
Follow Bronson on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bronsondavidhill/
Learn more about opportunities with Bronson Equity at https://bronsonequity.com/home-bronson-equity/
Purchase "Fire Yourself" on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Yourself-Replace-Working-Passive/dp/B0CLY8H4VX/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

REPLAY: Profits with a Purpose featuring Joel Andersen | Ep. 12

This week we sit down with Joel Andersen, President of Andersen Construction.Joel offers amazing insight into building a billion-dollar business, putting people first, and radical generosity.He shares fantastic stories about his formative childhood years and the experiences that have shaped him as a leader and entrepreneur. You can learn more about Andersen Construction and the Andersen Foundation at www.andersen-const.com

Kristi Kandel Is Here to Make You a Local Real Estate Developer | Ep. 70

Summary
In this episode, Kristi Kandel shares her entrepreneurial journey and her new endeavor in real estate development. She discusses the importance of having clarity and getting feedback from others to refine your ideas. Kristi emphasizes that anyone can get started in real estate development, especially in smaller communities where there are fewer barriers to entry. She also highlights the advantages of being a local developer, such as having community support and building relationships with strategic partners. Kristi encourages networking with local officials and taking on low-hanging fruit projects to gain experience. Finally, she explains why she is building a community of developers to provide support, education, and networking opportunities. Kristi discusses her passion for taking action and the intellectual conversations that come with real estate development. She also shares her vision of fixing polarized communities from the inside out and creating grassroots movements. Kristi encourages women to challenge their fears and jump into real estate development, highlighting the opportunities and flexibility it offers. She emphasizes the importance of self-love and resilience in the journey of personal and professional growth. Kristi dispels myths about government red tape and fees in real estate development and emphasizes the need for the right team and community support.
 
Takeaways
Getting feedback from others and refining your ideas is crucial for clarity and success.
Anyone can get started in real estate development, especially in smaller communities with fewer barriers to entry.
Being a local developer has advantages such as community support and building relationships with strategic partners.
Networking with local officials and taking on low-hanging fruit projects can help gain experience.
Building a community of developers provides support, education, and networking opportunities. Taking action and moving forward is key in real estate development.
Real estate development can be a way to fix polarized communities and create grassroots movements.
Women should challenge their fears and jump into real estate development, as it offers opportunities and flexibility.
Self-love and resilience are important in personal and professional growth.
Government red tape and fees in real estate development are often misunderstood.
Building the right team and having community support are crucial in real estate development.
 
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Catching Up with Kristi Kandel
06:16 - Kristi's New Endeavor: The Freedom House Hacker Movement
11:29 - Process of Gaining Clarity and Feedback
15:12 - Benefits and Opportunities in Real Estate Development
23:35 - Building a Community of Developers
29:23 - Taking Action and Intellectual Conversations
32:10 - Empowering Women in Real Estate Development
34:10 - Dispelling Myths about Government Red Tape and Fees
37:43 - Building the Right Team and Community Support
 
Coupon Code: LREDMAY50!
 
Links:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-kandel-4b650a12/
Website - https://idconsulting.us/    
                 https://kristikandel.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kristikandel/
 
 

Learning from the Best: Mark Wadlington’s Journey to Success | Ep. 69

Summary
 
Mark Wadlington shares his journey from college to missionary work to becoming an evangelist and eventually starting his own accounting firm. He emphasizes the importance of taking risks and following your passion, even if it means leaving a secure job. Mark also discusses the 80-20 principle and the value of focusing on quality over quantity in business. His experience working in his family's restaurant taught him valuable lessons in customer service and managing people. Overall, Mark's story highlights the importance of being open to new opportunities and embracing the entrepreneurial spirit. Mark Wadlington shares his journey of starting his own firm and facing financial challenges. He emphasizes the importance of hard work, resourcefulness, and collaboration in overcoming obstacles. Mark also discusses the significance of purpose and fulfillment in defining success, as well as the role of generosity in using success as a tool to benefit others. In this conversation, Mark Wadlington shares his insights on entrepreneurship, success, and living an abundant life. He emphasizes the importance of pursuing meaning over money and making life count. Mark also discusses the value of having conversations and building relationships, as well as the need to be selective in applying effort and following one's passion. He shares personal stories and experiences that highlight the power of curiosity, communication, and mentorship. Overall, Mark's advice encourages listeners to approach life with an abundance mindset and to focus on what truly matters.
 
Takeaways
Take risks and follow your passion, even if it means leaving a secure job
Focus on quality over quantity in business
Embrace the entrepreneurial spirit and be open to new opportunities
Learn from the mistakes of others to gain a better footing in your own journey Hard work and resourcefulness are essential in overcoming challenges
Success is defined by purpose and fulfillment, not just money
Collaboration and relationships are key to success
Generosity is an important aspect of success, using it as a tool to benefit others Pursue meaning over money and make life count
Be selective in applying effort and follow your passion
Have conversations and build relationships
Embrace curiosity and continuous learning
Communicate effectively and ask questions
Seek mentorship and be of value to others
Approach life with an abundance mindset
 
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Background
02:26 - Transitioning from Evangelist to CPA
04:20 - Disappointment in the Public Accounting Firm
08:37 - Building a Boutique Accounting Firm
09:32 - Venturing into Real Estate
10:56 - Scaling Back and Focusing on Value
13:40 - Learning from the Mistakes of Others
19:34 - Taking Risks and Following Your Passion
20:30 - The 80-20 Principle: Quality Over Quantity
21:24 - Embracing the Entrepreneurial Spirit
25:13 - The Power of Trusting Relationships
29:22 - Grit and Effort as Keys to Success
35:36 - Embracing Collaboration and Letting Go of Independence
40:29 - Defining Success: Purpose and Fulfillment
44:07 - Using Success as a Tool for Generosity
50:50 - Discerning Between Cliche and Principle
50:54 - Pursuing Meaning Over Money
51:44 - The Selective Application of Effort
53:07 - The Power of Conversations and Relationships
54:01 - Embracing Curiosity and Continuous Learning
54:46 - Effective Communication and Asking Questions
56:13 - The Value of Mentorship and Being of Value
01:03:09 - Living with an Abundance Mindset
 
Link:
 
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwadlington/

Growth Insights from Entrepreneur Dave Sorensen | Ep. 68

Summary
In this conversation, Nick and Nick interview Dave Sorensen, an entrepreneur and investor. Dave shares his journey in starting and running a construction company, as well as his experiences with other ventures. He emphasizes the importance of specializing in a specific aspect of the business to increase profitability and reduce stress. Dave also discusses the value of learning from mentors and making good business decisions. He shares his perspective on risk tolerance and the willingness to start over if necessary. In this conversation, Dave shares his perspective on risk and entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the importance of relying on God's blessing and wisdom in business ventures. He also discusses the need to hedge against risk by having a reserve fund and carefully managing expenses. Dave highlights the sacrifices and challenges that come with being an entrepreneur, including the impact on family life. He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to carefully consider their calling and motivation before starting a business. Dave also shares his insights on recognizing opportunities and the importance of kindness and humility in business.
Takeaways
Specializing in a specific aspect of the business can increase profitability and reduce stress.
Learning from mentors and seeking advice from successful entrepreneurs is valuable.
Making good business decisions requires focusing on the big picture and profitability.
Risk tolerance is important in entrepreneurship, and being willing to start over can lead to new opportunities. Rely on God's blessing and wisdom in business ventures.
Hedge against risk by having a reserve fund and managing expenses.
Consider your calling and motivation before starting a business.
Recognize opportunities and be willing to adapt and seize them.
Practice kindness and humility in business interactions.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Weather Update
01:48 - Dave's Current Ventures and Day-to-Day Life
03:15 - The Importance of Specialization in Business
05:08 - Learning from Mentors and Making Good Business Decisions
09:46 - Risk Tolerance and the Willingness to Start Over
39:10 - Hedging Against Risk
43:49 - The Sacrifices and Challenges of Being an Entrepreneur
51:09 - Recognizing and Seizing Opportunities
59:10 - The Importance of Kindness and Humility
 
 

Why We're Anti-Hustle-Culture | Ep. 67

Summary
 
In this episode, the hosts discuss the topic of hustle culture and its impact on success. They explore the definition of hustle culture and its emphasis on grinding and sacrificing to achieve goals. They question whether success can be achieved without following the hustle culture mentality and highlight the importance of balance in life. The hosts share their own definition of success, which includes family, faith, finances, fitness, and the future. They also discuss the concept of being a journey person versus a destination person and the value of enjoying the journey rather than solely focusing on the end goal. The hosts mention several guests from previous episodes who exemplify a balanced approach to success, such as Dave Ederer and Jeff Riccola. They emphasize the need for mentors and role models who prioritize relationships and a well-rounded life. The hosts conclude by encouraging listeners to give themselves grace, take breaks, and remember that success is a marathon, not a sprint.
 
Takeaways
Hustle culture emphasizes grinding and sacrificing to achieve goals, but it's important to question whether success can be achieved without following this mentality.
Success should be defined individually and include a balance of family, faith, finances, fitness, and the future.
Being a journey person, focusing on enjoying the journey rather than solely pursuing the end goal, can lead to a more fulfilling and well-rounded life.
Mentors and role models who prioritize relationships and a balanced life can provide an alternative perspective to hustle culture.
It's important to give yourself grace, take breaks, and remember that success is a marathon, not a sprint.
 
Chapters
 
00:00 - Introduction and Purpose of the Episode
02:17 - Defining Hustle Culture
06:36 - Questioning the Hustle Culture Mentality
10:16 - Journey vs. Destination
13:41 - The Importance of Balance
23:39 - Guests Who Exemplify a Balanced Approach
26:12 - Practical Tips for Balancing Work and Life
30:10 - The Preciousness of Time and Giving Yourself Grace
32:18 - Conclusion and Call to Action
 
Connect with Abundant Journey:Website: AbundantJourney.netOn social: @abundantjourneypodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/abundantjourneypodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@abundantjourney