The Dream Huge Podcast

JEREMY LESSARIS - Empowering Small Businesses with Verifee

In this episode of the Dream Huge podcast, Pete interviews Jeremy Lessaris, a serial entrepreneur who has built and sold multiple tech companies. Jeremy shares his journey in entrepreneurship, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges small businesses face in managing finances. He introduces his company, Verifee, which helps businesses reduce costs by negotiating better rates with vendors. The conversation highlights the complexities of credit card processing fees, the hidden costs of cash, and the need for transparency in financial services. Jeremy emphasizes the importance of cost reduction for small businesses and encourages listeners to take control of their financial management.
 
Takeaways
Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with ups and downs.
Mentorship can help navigate the challenges of starting a business.
Small businesses need to be vigilant about their finances.
Credit card processing fees can significantly impact profits.
Cost reduction should be a priority for all businesses.
Transparency in financial services is crucial for small business owners.
Negotiating with vendors can lead to significant savings.
Understanding the cost of cash is essential for financial management.
The financial landscape is complicated, making it hard for small businesses to thrive.
Taking a proactive approach to expenses can lead to better financial health.
 

KEVIN DAVIS - RAPPER, STRATTON OAKMONT, INVESTMENT DOJO

In this episode of the Dream Huge Podcast, host Pete Peterson and co-host John Pavlansky welcome Kevin Davis, the founder of Investment Dojo. Kevin shares his unique journey from being a successful rapper to becoming a top stockbroker and financial coach. He emphasizes the importance of investing over saving, discusses his experiences in the stock market, and provides insights into his app that gamifies stock education. The conversation also touches on the significance of long-term investing, the lessons learned from financial losses, and practical tips for cold calling. Kevin's story is one of resilience, transformation, and a commitment to financial education.
 
Takeaways
You cannot save your way into wealth; investing is essential.
Financial education is crucial for retirement planning.
Long-term investing is more effective than short-term trading.
Failures are necessary for success; learn from them.
Building relationships is key in sales and investing.
Understanding the data is vital for making informed investment decisions.
Cold calling success relies on preparation and confidence.
Investing in stocks can yield better returns than real estate in the long run.
The importance of emotional intelligence in sales cannot be overstated.
Creating a supportive community enhances learning and growth.
 
 

Stewart Heath - The CPA's Edge in Real Estate Investing

In this episode of the Dream Huge podcast, Pete interviews Stewart Heath, a seasoned CPA and entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience. Stewart shares his journey from traditional accounting to commercial real estate, emphasizing the importance of financial knowledge in entrepreneurship. He discusses his investment strategies, focusing on stabilized properties that generate cash flow from day one. Stewart also provides insights into navigating the commercial real estate market, the significance of understanding local dynamics, and offers advice for investors considering commercial properties. The conversation concludes with thoughts on future trends in real estate and the potential for innovative solutions to urban challenges.
 
Takeaways
Stewart Heath has over 35 years of entrepreneurial experience.
Being a CPA provides a significant advantage in real estate investing.
Successful entrepreneurs must understand their company's financials.
Investing in stabilized properties is less risky than value-add projects.
Cash flow from day one is crucial for investment deals.
The suburban office market is showing positive trends post-COVID.
Investors should avoid commercial properties that are not optimally occupied.
Hold times for investments are typically estimated at five years.
Innovative zoning changes could address housing shortages in urban areas.
Real estate investing is a collaborative effort, requiring teamwork. 
 
 

John Bianchi - The Future of Airbnb: Trends and Opportunities

In this episode of the Dream Huge podcast, Pete and JP is joined by real estate expert JB to discuss the intricacies of investing in Airbnb properties. JB, known as the Airbnb Data Guy, shares his expertise in identifying high cash flow opportunities across various markets. The conversation delves into the importance of market research, understanding client needs, and the financial considerations involved in Airbnb investments. JB also recounts his journey from being a financial advisor to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the Airbnb space, emphasizing the significance of aligning incentives and building trust with clients. The episode concludes with insights on future growth strategies and the potential of the Airbnb market.
 
Takeaways
The importance of market research in identifying profitable Airbnb properties.
High cash flow opportunities can be found in various markets.
Investors often seek expert guidance to navigate the Airbnb landscape.
Understanding client needs is crucial for successful investments.
Aligning incentives builds trust between clients and service providers.
Rental arbitrage can be a viable entry point into the Airbnb market.
Financial preparedness is essential for successful Airbnb investments.
The Airbnb market is constantly evolving, requiring adaptability.
Building a strong team enhances the chances of success in real estate.
Continuous learning and sharing knowledge is vital in the real estate industry.
 

Chris and Holly Troupe - From Dream to Reality: The Boot Life® Story

In this episode of the Dream Huge podcast, hosts Pete Peterson, Chris, and Holly Troupe discuss the journey of founding The Boot Life®, a successful retail business specializing in quality footwear. They share insights on overcoming challenges, the importance of financial literacy, and the value of mentorship in achieving business success. The conversation emphasizes the significance of sales and marketing, building relationships, and personal branding in the retail industry. Chris and Holly also reflect on their early days in business and how they navigated the complexities of starting from scratch. The episode concludes with advice on how to connect with The Boot Life® and the importance of showing up for oneself in the entrepreneurial journey.
 
Takeaways
Celebrating 10 years in business is a significant achievement.
Financial literacy is crucial for entrepreneurial success.
Mentorship can provide invaluable guidance and shortcuts to success.
Sales and marketing are essential components of any business.
Building relationships is key to making sales and growing a business.
Personal branding helps distinguish you in a competitive market.
Promoting your business is necessary for growth and visibility.
Starting a business requires a solid plan and action.
Relationships with suppliers and landlords can make or break a business.
Being willing to ask for help and guidance is important. 
 

Darcy Marler - Investing in Real Estate That Makes You Happy

Darcy Marler, the world's number one residential property development educator, shares his journey from being a flipper and landlord to becoming a developer. He emphasizes the benefits of ground-up construction and the importance of focusing on new properties rather than renovating old ones. Darcy discusses the process of building from start to finish, including finding the right land, obtaining permits, and working with a team. He also highlights the various strategies and financing options available in the development world. Darcy encourages investors to explore different avenues in real estate and find what makes them happy.
Takeaways
Consider the benefits of ground-up construction and focus on new properties rather than renovating old ones.
Find the right land and understand the local market demand for certain types of properties.
Build a team of professionals to handle the permitting, construction, and other aspects of the development process.
Explore different strategies and financing options in the development world.
Invest in real estate in a way that makes you happy and aligns with your goals.
 
 

Daniel Asbury - Passive Real Estate Investing

Daniel Asbury, the managing partner and co-founder of Keystone Capital Group, shares his journey from being a freight broker to entering the investment fund space. He talks about the hustle and repetition required in sales and how he applied those skills to raising capital. Keystone Capital is a single and multifamily development company in Richland County, Ohio, and they are actively raising funds. They offer an 8% preferred return and a 60/40 split in favor of the investors on the back end. Daniel emphasizes the importance of passive real estate investing and encourages others to join the industry.
 
Takeaways
Daniel Asbury transitioned from being a freight broker to entering the investment fund space.
The sales skills he acquired as a freight broker, such as hustle and repetition, helped him in raising capital.
Keystone Capital is a single and multifamily development company in Richland County, Ohio, actively raising funds.
They offer an 8% preferred return and a 60/40 split in favor of the investors on the back end.
Daniel emphasizes the importance of passive real estate investing and encourages others to join the industry.
Keystone-Capital
 

Ali Horriyat - Creating Positive Change

Ali Horriyat, from the Compassiviste Foundation, shares his vision of creating positive change in the world by tackling global issues such as inequality, discrimination, poverty, and climate change. The foundation operates through various interconnected programs, including publishing, art, film, and podcasts, with the goal of generating income to fund these initiatives. Ali emphasizes the importance of having an exit strategy and making tangible progress in solving problems rather than relying on continuous funding. He encourages individuals to recognize their significance and the power of collective action in creating change.
Takeaways
The Compassive East Foundation aims to address global issues such as inequality, discrimination, poverty, and climate change through interconnected programs.
The foundation generates income from various initiatives, including publishing, art, film, and podcasts, to fund its projects.
Ali Horriyat emphasizes the importance of having an exit strategy and making tangible progress in solving problems rather than relying on continuous funding.
He encourages individuals to recognize their significance and the power of collective action in creating positive change.