Hire Smarter, Grow Stronger: Jeffrey Tesch on Leadership and Company

Jeffrey Tesch, CEO of RCN Capital, joins Nate Zielinski and Suzanne Andresen to discuss his path into real estate investing and the principles that shaped RCN Capital's growth. Jeffrey explains why the company focused on profitability from the beginning, how empowering employees has helped create a strong company culture, and why hiring people smarter than yourself can strengthen an organization. He also reflects on launching RCN during the aftermath of the financial crisis, adapting through COVID, the expansion of private lending, developing employee-led core values, and the importance of industry collaboration. Jeffrey also shares how family and time away from work help him recharge. Key Talking Points of the Episode [00:00:00] Jeffrey Tesch's introduction to real estate investing through a college course[00:02:10] Moving from Subway ownership into investment properties[00:03:25] Growing RCN Capital around profitability instead of rushing to scale[00:05:11] Defining company culture through employee empowerment and career growth[00:06:53] Balancing company growth with opportunities for existing employees[00:07:40] How RCN Capital adapted from fix-and-flip lending into rental financing[00:09:09] Launching RCN Capital during the aftermath of the financial crisis despite industry skepticism[00:10:55] Why celebrating collective company wins and employee contributions matters[00:12:50] Measuring trade show participation through specific goals, KPIs, and ROI[00:13:31] Funding RCN Capital's early loans with owner equity and the evolution of private lending capital[00:14:34] How RCN Capital handled COVID by retaining and repurposing its team[00:15:53] Jeffrey's leadership philosophy of hiring people smarter than yourself and empowering them[00:17:22] Learning from industry peers and the value of sharing best practices[00:19:08] Collaboration through the National Private Lenders Association[00:20:15] Creating RCN Capital's core values through a bottom-up, employee-led process[00:21:59] Using speaking engagements and industry events as opportunities to learn and contribute[00:23:53] Continuing to seek feedback after speaking engagements[00:25:44] How family time helps Jeffrey recharge outside of work[00:26:42] The rescue farm at RCN Capital's office and its role as a positive break for employees Quotables "Culture has always been about empowering the employee to be the best version of themselves." — Jeffrey Tesch [00:05:11]"The mantra amongst the managers is always hire somebody smarter than yourself." — Jeffrey Tesch [00:16:02]"By giving freely of yourself to others, that rising tide really does lift all ships." — Jeffrey Tesch [00:18:26] Links RCN Capitalhttps://www.rcncapital.com/podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/[email protected] INKhttps://rei-ink.com/