Abundant Journey Podcast

How Lee Nugent Built a Better Life. And How You Can, Too. | Ep. 59

In this episode of the Abundant Journey Podcast, your hosts, Nick James and Nick Aufenkamp, delve into the transformative world of real estate investment, entrepreneurial resilience, and lifestyle design with the dynamic Lee Nugent.
From humble beginnings on the rugged paths of rural America to establishing a formidable presence in the real estate market, Lee unfolds the blueprint of leveraging real estate for financial prosperity, personal freedom, and profound societal impact.
Show Notes:
Welcome and Introduction
Lee Nugent’s remarkable transition from country living to real estate mogul
The strategic importance of networking and connecting for growth in real estate
Embracing the shift from a survival mindset to mastering the art of wealth creation through property investment
Utilizing real estate as a vehicle for philanthropy and positive community transformation
The critical role of mentorship, education, and action in achieving real estate success
Balancing the demands of family life, personal values, and ambitious entrepreneurship
Introducing the "More Hands You Shake" philosophy for unparalleled success in real estate and beyond
Discussing the evolution into real estate fund management and the potential it unlocks for investors
Visionary goals: Lee's mission to combat food insecurity and his dream real estate ventures
Links:
Lee Nugent's Real Estate Wisdom Portal - REwithLee.com
Connect with Lee Nugent across social platforms - [YouTube/Instagram/LinkedIn/Facebook]
Embark on a journey that not only motivates but equips you with actionable insights for achieving financial independence and crafting a life of significance through real estate. Ensure to subscribe, rate, and review the Abundant Journey Podcast for more empowering narratives and strategies that ignite your passion for entrepreneurship and real estate innovation.
For additional resources and episodes, visit AbundantJourney.net.

Emily Cortright & Adam Roberts | Ep. 64

Summary
 
In this episode, Emily Cortright and Adam Roberts share their journey in real estate investing, starting from their corporate jobs to their transition into real estate. They discuss their shift from single-family flipping to multifamily investing and the reasons behind it. They also talk about their recent pivot to mortgage note investing and the benefits of this asset class. The importance of building relationships and leveraging networks is emphasized, as well as the significance of making informed decisions based on financial goals and criteria. In this conversation, Adam Roberts and Emily Cortright discuss their journey into note investing and share insights on finding inspiration, educating investors, long-term strategy, location flexibility, leveraging debt, understanding risk, embracing an abundance mindset, questioning expert advice, and the importance of the journey.
 
Takeaways
Real estate investing provides the opportunity to take control of your financial destiny and build wealth.
Transitioning from single-family to multifamily investing allows for scalability and the role of a business owner.
Mortgage note investing offers a cash flow-focused investment strategy with potential high returns.
Building relationships and leveraging networks are crucial for success in real estate investing.
Making informed decisions based on financial goals and criteria helps avoid analysis paralysis and shiny object syndrome. Find inspiration from others who are doing what you want to do in real estate investing.
Educate investors on note investing to shift their perspective and offer new opportunities.
Diversify your investment portfolio to mitigate risk and take advantage of different asset classes.
Note investing is accessible to beginners and offers a simple business model with low risk and high returns.
Note investing allows for location flexibility and can be done remotely.
Leverage debt and other people's money to invest in notes and increase returns.
Understand the risks and downsides of note investing, such as the lack of depreciation benefits.
Develop an abundance mindset to foster collaboration and growth in the real estate industry.
Question expert advice and consider your own experiences and goals.
Embrace the journey of entrepreneurship and focus on personal growth and learning.
Advice for younger entrepreneur selves: Surround yourself with the right people and embrace education and mentorship.
Chapters
 
00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:15 - Starting the Journey in Real Estate Investing
06:56 - Pivoting to Mortgage Note Investing
12:28 - The Shift in the Multifamily Landscape
13:13 - Entering the Mortgage Note Investing Market
21:25 - Choosing the Right Mentorship and Coaching Programs
25:43 - Making Decisions and Avoiding Distractions
27:47 - Finding Inspiration and Overcoming Fear
30:29 - Educating Investors on Note Investing
32:00 - Long-Term Strategy and Diversification
35:44 - Note Investing for Beginners
37:25 - Location Flexibility in Note Investing
41:05 - Leveraging Debt in Note Investing
43:17 - Understanding Risk in Note Investing
46:56 - The Downsides of Note Investing
48:21 - The Importance of an Abundance Mindset
50:28 - Questioning Expert Advice
51:18 - Embracing the Journey
52:48 - Advice for Younger Entrepreneur Selves
 
Website
 
A&E Investments: https://www.aeinvestments.com/
 

Dane Fitch's Incredible Journey from Educator to Investor | Ep. 63

Summary
 
The conversation covers the guest's journey from financial dependence to independence, including lessons learned from his parents, the importance of being defensive with wealth, and the challenges he faced in his teaching career. The guest also shares his experiences with saving money, buying a house, and investing in real estate. Dane Fitch shares his early real estate ventures, including buying houses on the market and learning lessons from each property. He then meets a mentor who introduces him to wholesaling and the concept of buying properties at sheriff's auctions. Dane experiences challenges and frustrations with flipping houses, but eventually finds success. He discusses the importance of saving money and managing cash flow in real estate investing. Dane also addresses misconceptions in the industry and shares his experience with transitioning to Airbnb rentals. He emphasizes the importance of sound financial principles and surviving market downturns. In this conversation, Dane Fitch shares his experiences and lessons learned in real estate investing. He discusses the importance of sound financial principles and the impact of poor execution on projects. Dane shares personal stories of losses and challenges, highlighting the need for resilience and problem-solving skills. He emphasizes the entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to navigate the ups and downs of the real estate industry. Dane also discusses his passion for creating wealth and financial freedom, as well as his desire to leave a legacy of strong relationships and generosity.
 
Takeaways
Financial independence can be achieved through saving and making responsible financial decisions.
Being defensive with wealth and planning for unexpected expenses is crucial.
Lessons learned from parents can shape one's financial mindset.
Investing in real estate can be a profitable way to generate additional income. Save money and have a solid financial foundation before getting into real estate investing.
Learning from a mentor can provide valuable guidance and insights.
Managing cash flow is crucial in real estate investing.
Be aware of misconceptions in the industry and focus on sound financial principles.
Transitioning to Airbnb rentals can provide high cash flow opportunities.
Catching waves in the market requires a combination of luck and smart financial decisions. Sound financial principles and execution are crucial in real estate investing.
Resilience and problem-solving skills are essential for overcoming challenges and losses.
The entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to navigate the ups and downs of the industry are key to success.
Creating wealth and financial freedom allows for a life of choice and the ability to help others.
Chapters
00:00 - Technical Difficulties
00:34 - Introduction and Background
03:00 - Fitness and Decision-Making
03:39 - Lessons from Parents
05:25 - Being Defensive with Wealth
06:09 - Financial Struggles and Mindset
07:32 - College and Career Choices
09:13 - Teaching Career and Financial Challenges
13:02 - Saving and Buying a House
23:34 - Early Real Estate Ventures
26:12 - Learning from a Mentor
27:34 - Transitioning to Flipping Houses
29:30 - Starting a Family and Moving to Oregon
31:22 - Flipping Houses and Quitting Teaching
33:39 - Lessons for New Investors
36:11 - Managing Cash Flow
38:38 - Misconceptions in Real Estate Investing
44:31 - Transitioning to Airbnb
50:04 - Catching Waves in the Market
53:46 - Lessons from Poor Execution
56:11 - Taking on Bigger Projects
59:05 - The Entrepreneurial Mindset
01:02:03 - Flexing the Stress Muscle
01:03:23 - Passion and Purpose
01:06:26 - The Why Behind It All
01:09:14 - The Five F's
01:14:13 - Legacy and Relationships
01:19:31 - Building Wealth Slow and Steady
 
Contact
 
Rhapsody Real Estate
Phone: 7146003581
 
Website
Legacy Lending: https://www.legacylendingus.com/
 
Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TWV61d6ipVo
 

Elaine Stageberg Left Psychiatry to Build a Billion Dollar Real Estate Portfolio and Make and Even Greater Impact | Ep. 62

Summary
Elaine Stageberg shares her journey from childhood poverty to building a successful real estate investment and property management company. She and her husband, Nick, have overcome their challenging backgrounds and used their experiences to fuel their drive for success. Elaine emphasizes the importance of leveraging pain into behavior change and making intentional choices to create a better life. She also discusses the emotional connection with money and the significance of providing a premium living experience for residents. Despite their busy schedules, Elaine and Nick have found a balance between work and family by building a strong team and creating a supportive home environment. Elaine discusses the growth and evolution of Black Swan Real Estate, highlighting the importance of bringing in a team and implementing vertical integration. She explains how vertical integration allows them to have control, consistency, and quality in their property management, maintenance, and other services. Elaine also shares their unique private equity model, where investors get their capital back before any fees or profits are taken. She emphasizes their focus on serving others and creating a wonderful experience for both residents and investors. Looking ahead, Elaine envisions expanding Black Swan's presence nationwide and continuing to grow while staying true to their values.
Takeaways
Vertical integration allows for control, consistency, and quality in property management and other services.
Black Swan's unique private equity model prioritizes returning capital to investors before taking fees or profits.
The company's focus on serving others and creating a wonderful experience sets them apart.
Black Swan aims to expand nationwide and grow while staying true to their values.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction of Elaine Stageberg
01:07 - Meeting and Building a Life Together
08:10 - Choosing a Career in Medicine
11:55 - Transforming Pain into Progress
20:05 - The Emotional Connection with Money
22:38 - Creating a Community-Focused Property Management Company
25:35 - Balancing Work and Family
31:29 - Bringing in a Team and Vertical Integration
36:39 - Expanding Services and Potential for Growth
40:33 - Investor-Centric Approach and Unique Private Equity 
 
Links
Black swan: https://blackswanteam.com/
Personal website: https://thestagebergs.com/
 
Socials
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackswanrealestatellc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackswanrealestateteam
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-swan-real-estate/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackSwanRealEstate
 
 

Liz Faircloth Is On a Mission to Empower Women Investors | Ep. 61

Summary
Liz Faircloth shares her journey from growing up in a middle-class family to becoming a successful real estate investor and co-founder of an investor community for women. She discusses the importance of selling and the lessons she learned from the book "Rich Dad Poor Dad."
Liz emphasizes the misconception of measuring success by the number of doors owned and highlights the need for focus and specialization in real estate investing. She also talks about the transition to motherhood and the mission of empowering women to achieve financial freedom.
In this conversation, Liz discusses the challenges faced by women in real estate investing, including caution and risk-taking, as well as the systemic limitations and discrimination that have historically affected women's access to financial opportunities. She emphasizes the importance of community and mentorship in overcoming these challenges and highlights the impact of InvestHER in providing resources and support for women in real estate. Liz also shares her personal goals for family, her favorite book 'Awaken the Giant Within,' and her dream of buying a business. She hopes to be remembered for her kindness and the positive impact she has made in the lives of others.
Takeaways
Success in real estate investing is not determined by the number of doors owned.
The ability to sell is crucial for success as an entrepreneur or business owner.
The four quadrants of business ownership (employee, self-employed, business owner, investor) can guide decision-making and growth.
Building a team and delegating tasks is essential for scaling a real estate business.
Women have the potential to control trillions of dollars in assets and should be empowered to become financially free.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction and Background
01:36 – Early Exposure to Real Estate
05:25 – Lessons from Rich Dad Poor Dad
08:13 – The Importance of Selling
09:18 – The Four Quadrants of Business Ownership
10:19 – Transitioning from Employee to Business Owner
11:03 – Building a Team and Delegating
13:33 – The Misconception of Number of Doors
21:58 – Transition to Building an Investor Community
28:23 – Transitioning to Motherhood and Focusing on the Investor Community
32:13 – Empowering Women to Become Financially Free
33:37 – Challenges Faced by Women in Real Estate Investing
36:19 – Systemic Limitations and Discrimination
38:16 – The Impact of Community
39:11 – Access and Speed in Real Estate Investing
42:24 – The Mentorship Program
47:36 – The Importance of Purpose and Impact
53:26 – Setting Goals for Family
56:01 – The Book 'Awaken the Giant Within'
57:26 – Goal of Buying a Business
58:34 – Being Remembered for Kindness and Impact
01:00:14 – InvestHER Conference and Community
 
LinksInvestHer: https://www.therealestateinvesther.com/Conference: https://investhercon.therealestateinvesther.com/Mentorship: https://mentorship.therealestateinvesther.com/
SocialsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-faircloth-36783/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealestateinvesther/?hl=en

Tyler Young on Finding Success By Getting Uncomfortable | Ep. 60

Join Nick James & Nick Aufenkamp as they connect with Tyler Young, Founder and CEO of VersiTech (Tonic POS & BOLD Integrated Payments).
 
The guys had a ton of fun diving into Tyler's story of how he got into entrepreneurship, the connections that led him into the world of Point of Sale systems, and the lessons he's learned as he's grown from a small business to running a company of over 100 employees serving over 10,000 customers. 
 
In this episode, Tyler reflects deeply on the 'Why' underneath all his entrepreneurial efforts. He speaks to finding balance for family and self amid the relentless demands of a growing business. And he provides fantastic insights on how to build a company culture where people are truly valued, celebrated, and pushed to reach their full potential.
 
This is a conversation you don't want to miss, and one you'll want to share with friends and co-workers for further discussion.
 
Be sure to connect with Tyler using the links below:
See how Tonic POS can serve your business at https://tonicpos.com/
Follow Tyler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-young-04046432/
Instagram: @tyleryo415
 
Connect with Abundant Journey:
AbundantJourney.net
On social @abundantjourneypodcast

Brian Tibbs Shares The H.A.CK.E.R Method to Financial Freedom | Ep. 58

In this episode of the Abundant Journey Podcast, your hosts, Nick James and Nick Aufenkamp, dive deep into the world of real estate investment, philanthropy, and life beyond the conventional 9-to-5 with real estate investor and former missionary, Brian Tibbs. From living on less than minimum wage to building a substantial real estate portfolio, Brian shares the secrets and strategies that anyone can use to achieve financial freedom and make a lasting impact on their community and the world.
Show Notes:
Welcome and Introduction
Brian Tibbs' unique path from mission work to real estate investing
The power of house hacking and smart investments
Navigating the transition from a non-profit mindset to a wealth-building strategy
Leveraging real estate for philanthropy and community impact
The importance of mentorship and continuous learning in real estate
Brian's approach to balancing family, faith, and entrepreneurship
Unpacking the "H.A.CK.E.R" method for financial freedom
The role of generosity in building a meaningful and wealthy life
Future goals and how to leave a legacy through real estate
Links:
"The Hacker Method" Book - https://www.amazon.com/HACKER-Method-Unexpected-Investors-Building-ebook/dp/B0CSTV7G7M
Brian Tibbs on Social Media - [Twitter/Instagram/YouTube]
The Unexpected Investor Community - https://theunexpectedinvestor.com/
Dive into an episode that not only inspires but also provides tangible steps towards financial independence and making a real difference. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Abundant Journey Podcast for more stories and strategies that inspire your entrepreneurial spirit and real estate journey.
For more, visit AbundantJourney.net

Beyond Wealth: Redefining Success with the Five F's of Abundance | Ep. 57

According to ChatGPT:In this enlightening episode of the Abundant Journey podcast, hosts Nick James and Nick Aufenkamp delve deep into the essence of abundance, challenging the conventional hustle culture and redefining success beyond financial achievements.
They introduce the "Five F's" of Abundant Journey—Fitness, Family, Faith, Finance, and Future—highlighting a holistic approach to living a fulfilled life. Through engaging conversations with entrepreneurs who play the game differently, they emphasize the importance of community, stewardship, and human flourishing.
This episode isn't just a reflection but a call to action for listeners to embrace an abundance mindset, prioritize meaningful relationships, and pursue a life of purpose and legacy.
Whether you're new to the podcast or a long-time listener, this episode offers fresh insights on building a life that's rich in more ways than one. Join the conversation and be part of a community that's redefining what it means to live abundantly.
Connect with Nick & Nick at:
hello@abundantjourney.net
abundantjourney.net
On social media:
@thenick_james
@nickaufenkamp

Whitney Elkins-Hutten Dives Deep on Building, Protecting, & Passing on Wealth | Ep. 56

Welcome back to the Abundant Journey Podcast! This week, we're thrilled to welcome back Whitney Elkins-Hutten, one of our top five most downloaded guests, for a wealth of insights you won't want to miss. Join your hosts, Nick Zalk and Nick Aufenkamp, as we laugh, learn, and unlock the secrets to building and protecting generational wealth with Whitney.
Hot off the press, Whitney shares details about her much-anticipated book, "Money for Tomorrow: How to Build and Protect Generational Wealth," a comprehensive guide that promises to be a game-changer for anyone looking to secure their financial future. From accidental real estate mogul to author, Whitney's journey is nothing short of inspiring. She reveals how a misstep with her first property led to a lifelong passion for real estate and wealth education, culminating in this pivotal book.
Whether you're just starting on your investment journey or you're a seasoned investor, Whitney's story and insights are incredibly relatable. She discusses the importance of understanding the game of wealth building, from the basic rules to advanced strategies, ensuring you're not just playing but winning.
From personal anecdotes to actionable advice, this episode is packed with golden nuggets (and a few laughs) on achieving financial freedom, the nuances of estate planning, and the critical aspects of wealth protection often overlooked by many.
If you've ever wondered about the right way to approach wealth building, safeguard your assets, or even pass on your legacy, Whitney's comprehensive take, combined with her firsthand experiences, offers an invaluable perspective.
Don't miss this episode's golden nugget round, where Whitney shares her dreams and goals, providing a personal touch that goes beyond finance, reminding us all why we embark on this abundant journey.
Tune in, get inspired, and discover how to make your wealth work for tomorrow. Because as Whitney puts it, it's never too early or too late to start building a financial fortress and passing on a legacy of abundance.
______________________
Pre-Order "Money for Tomorrow: How to Build & Protect Generational Wealth" by Whitney Elkins-Hutten: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/money-for-tomorrow
Connect with Whitney for personalized wealth consulting at https://ashwealth.com/

Toby Lucich Shares the Secrets to Success and Sustainability in Entrepreneurship | Ep. 55

Toby Lucich is a serial entrepreneur best known for his success as the cofounder of Return Leverage and work as the founder and COO of his newest company, Magic Button Labs. Toby is a change management expert and has consulted for some of the world's largest companies, including Nike and Starbucks. 
What we love best about Toby is his down-to-earth and approachable nature. Both us Nicks have been privileged to count Toby as a mentor and friend for the better part of the past two decades. He's been a consistent encouragement to us and we are beyond excited to get to share much of his wisdom and experience with you here!
In this episode, Toby shares about how he got into entrepreneurship, the life-long balance between time, energy, and money, and lessons he's learned about building successful companies in a sustainable way. 
There's a ton of gold to be had in this conversation, and some good laughs, too!
Enjoy, share with a friend, and leave us a review!
Also, be sure to connect with Toby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobylucich/
You can also find out more about Abundant Journey by visiting AbundantJourney.net