You have to Create an Identity Outside of Your Income – Brian Adams

What does it take to leap from government work into the world of private equity and commercial real estate?  In this episode, we sit down with Brian Adams to discuss his journey to becoming a full-time entrepreneur in private equity and commercial real estate. After realizing how much money was spent on deporting people from his courtroom daily, Brian talks about his epiphany and how it sparked his desire to look for more exposure in private equity and investing. He shares what it was like to have an investor make a million-dollar commitment to their fund and how they went through due diligence to secure the investment.  Tune into this episode for an inspiring story to help you navigate your path toward success! [00:00 - 16:36] From Government Job to Pursuing the American Dream Brian Adams left a career in the DA's office and started his firm, Excelsior Capital, with hundreds of millions of dollars in assets under management He had a moment of clarity when he realized that he was processing hundreds of people a day, costing taxpayers between 75 to 100 thousand dollars per deportation Family capital, social capital, relationship capital, and human capital enabled taking a risk on a venture in partnerships How Brian realized it was a real business when they raised more money than expected for a small acquisition [16:37 - 24:33] Navigating the Founder's Exit Paradox Brian found a partner through Rotary and built a successful company together This partner had the complimentary skillset, finance background, real estate experience, and work ethic Every time there is surplus capital, it is put back into the company to grow it Exiting deals can be an exit with seven to nine figures distributed among partners Founder's exit paradox - questions about purpose and identity, not from loss but from achievement [24:34 - 39:32] A Conversation on Mental Health and Authenticity The 'Cocktail Question Test': if you respond to 'What do you do?' with your job, you have failed the test Having all the 'toys' and following the rules doesn't bring happiness  People are attracted to those who share something they don't traditionally discuss [39:33 - 41:02] Closing Segment Final words Quotes: "If you don't have a safe harbor, that's why a lot of guys end up–in a very dark and dangerous place." – Brian Adams "You must have some identity separate from the money or your job. You have to. Because I think if you assign your identity to the job or the money, then you're acquiescent control over your life." – Brian Adams "A system that is not based on meritocracy is very frustrating." – Brian Adams Connect with Brian! Website: https://www.excelsiorgp.com  LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who wants to explode their business growth by sharing this episode or click here to listen to our previous episodes. Dreamcatchers is an inclusive organization that targets people's interest in being more instead of a certain demographic. We have people from all walks of life at many different ages. Find out more at www.dreamsshouldbereal.com. Find out more about Jerome at www.d3v3loping.com or www.myersmethods.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices