Save to Zero

Episode 18: The Sweet Shift into Real Estate Investing with Aaron Hale What happens when life forces you to start again and you end up building a fudge business, buying rentals, lending to investors, and running some of the toughest races on earth? In this episode of Save to Zero, co-hosts Mike and Zach sit down with Aaron Hale, a former military cook, Army EOD technician, fudge maker, real estate investor, lender, speaker, and extreme endurance athlete. His story is powerful, funny, and full of the kind of perspective that makes you rethink what’s possible. Aaron shows how Extraordinary Delights started as “kitchen therapy” during one of the hardest seasons of his life. After losing his sight, hearing, and balance, cooking became a way to reconnect with joy, purpose, and other people. What started as homemade fudge for friends and neighbors soon became a real business. But Aaron didn’t stop there. Once the fudge business started making money, he and his family began asking a bigger question: What should we do with this income? That led him into real estate investing. Aaron talks honestly about underestimating the rehab budget, learning the hard way, and still making the deal work. From there, he moved into rentals, short-term rentals, BRRRR projects, and eventually private lending and more passive investment options. Partnership is a key to Aaron’s success. He shares how much of his life depends on finding the right people, whether he’s running, climbing mountains, kayaking, or investing in real estate. For him, building a team isn’t optional. You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Aaron moved from fudge making into real estate investment Why active income can be used to build passive income What beginner real estate education helped get him started Why his first BRRRR deal became a major learning experience How partnerships and trusted teams shape his investing strategy What private lending can look like in real estate Why passive returns usually come with trade-offs How Aaron thinks about risk, trust, and due diligence Quotes “Kitchen therapy turned into a business.” “You take the active money, and you do passive things with it.” “Blind or not, I still need a team.” “The more hands-off you get, the less return you’re going to get for yourself.” About Aaron Hale Aaron Hale is a former Army EOD technician who lost his vision and hearing after a catastrophic illness following combat deployments. Rather than retreat from life, he rebuilt it.  Aaron became the first deaf-blind athlete to complete the Badwater 135, the toughest foot race on earth, and most recently ran from the coast of Africa to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in a historic sea-to-summit expedition.  Today, he speaks to leaders and teams about resilience, adaptation, and performing when circumstances are far from ideal.  Find Aaron Hale and the Point of Impact Podcast Online Find Aaron Hale on Instagram | LinkedIn Find REI Capital Guys For Investors & the Fund – Learn how the Fund works and book a call For Borrowers & Deals – Get funding and support for your next investment

Episode 17: The Real Reason Your Marketing Isn’t Working with Charles Craggett You don’t lose deals because of bad marketing. You lose them because you’re too slow to respond. Attention spans are shorter, customers expect instant answers, and some businesses are still using older marketing models. Charles Craggett, digital marketing expert, joins Save to Zero hosts Zach and Mike to talk about what it really takes to stand out in a crowded space.  Charles looks at digital marketing from a practical angle, focused on getting you more leads. Truthfully, your leads don’t want to wait anymore. If someone fills in a form and doesn’t hear back quickly, they’re already talking to someone else. Charles breaks down how simple systems like instant text responses, fast follow-ups, and clear processes can massively improve your conversion rate. Our conversation also digs into visibility. It’s not enough to have a website and hope people find you. You need to show up where your customers are already looking, whether that’s Google, social media, local search, or even newer AI-driven search tools. Charles talks through why this creates momentum over time and why that kind of consistency leads to better results. We also chat about what happens after the sale, where referrals, reviews, and repeat business kick in. Charles shares how small changes, such as asking for referrals or staying in touch, can turn one job into many. Finally, Charles shares his thoughts on outsourcing, working with overseas contractors, and the importance of clear communication for good results. He also offers a practical view of AI, not as magic but as a tool that can help you learn faster, think more clearly, and build skills when used well. You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why instant gratification is changing buyer behavior Why visibility online matters more than ever How a faster follow-up can win more business What compound marketing looks like in real life Why referral marketing still works so well How digital marketing can support repeat business Why knowing your ideal client profile changes everything The best places to network and meet new clients What to know before hiring overseas contractors How to use AI to help you learn and solve problems faster Quotes “In business, you’re just a professional problem solver. So, that’s just another problem to solve.” “Being cheap is a race to the bottom.” “I think that we’re at a point where people just want you to get to the point.” About Charles Craggett Charles Craggett is the founder of Become The Authority, a marketing automation agency based in Cleveland, Ohio. He has a background in sales and marketing and now focuses on bringing a systems-based approach to marketing to local service businesses.  When Charles is not running his agency, he enjoys training in Mixed Martial Arts and spending time with his family. Find Charles Craggett on Facebook and Instagram Find REI Capital Guys For Investors & the Fund – Learn how the Fund works and book a call For Borrowers & Deals – Get funding and support for your next investment

Episode 16: Opportunities, Spec Homes, and Thinking Bigger with Caleb Harwell Most people see an opportunity and overthink it. Others take the shot and figure it out as they go. Save to Zero hosts Mike and Zach sit down with real estate investor Caleb Harwell to hear how he started his business with curiosity and connection. While working at a bank, he noticed investors making in a month what he was making in a year, and instead of ignoring it, he started asking questions. That simple move opened the door to everything that came next. Caleb shares how he went from buying single-family rentals to flipping houses, building new construction, and developing high-end spec homes in some of Atlanta’s most established neighborhoods. He talks openly about learning on the job, taking smart risks, and leaning on mentors, masterminds, and real-world experience to move faster. You’ll also hear the difference between working with outside builders and bringing more of the process in-house, why “who not how” matters when you want to grow, and how Caleb thinks about the future.  You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Caleb got into real estate Why asking questions can open big doors How masterminds help you grow faster The shift from rentals to luxury spec homes Why construction became the better play The value of focusing on “who,” not “how” How Caleb stays on top of design trends Why systems matter when you want to scale How Caleb thinks about long-term commercial investing What real freedom can look like as an entrepreneur  Quotes “If I see a shot and an opening, I’m going for it. At the end of the day, we’re all gonna die. Go for it.” “It’s not what I like. It’s what the market wants and what the market likes.” “I want experiences, I want moments, different cultures, different foods. That’s way cooler to me than a Ferrari or a Rolex.” “The ultimate success is being able to turn your phone off.” About Caleb Harwell Caleb Harwell is a real estate investor and developer. He started off in residential buy-and-hold rental properties and has grown into commercial investing and high-end spec home builds across Georgia. Caleb is a small-town guy with worldwide dreams and goals. Faith, family, and freedom. Find Caleb Harwell on Instagram Find REI Capital Guys For Investors & the Fund – Learn how the Fund works and book a call For Borrowers & Deals – Get funding and support for your next investment

Episode 15: How to Build a Business That Runs on Process, Not Panic, with Melanie Sloane Leaving a W-2 job can feel risky, but for our guest, it opened the door to greater freedom, bigger impact, and a whole new way of working. In this episode, Mike and Zach sit down with Melanie Sloane to chat about what it looked like to leave corporate life behind and build Iron Horse Consulting around the kind of work she does best. This conversation digs into the real difference between working in a job and owning a business. Melanie talks about the freedom that comes from controlling your own schedule, working in your zone of genius, and building a company around your strengths rather than someone else’s structure. She also shares why business ownership is not always the “safe” option people think it is, and why many owners need to rethink what security really means. We also get into the financial side of growth: Why smaller companies often underprice themselves, how poor processes hurt profitability, and why clear reporting matters if you want to grow or eventually sell your business. Melanie also shares how she uses AI as a solopreneur, where it helps, where it falls short, and why human judgment still matters. You’ll Learn in This Episode: What the transition from W2 employee to business owner really feels like How controlling your own schedule can change how you work How to lean into your zone of genius The best ways to use AI as a solopreneur Why engaged owners make better clients and better businesses The common gaps Melanie sees in growing companies Why pricing too low can hurt more than help What smaller businesses can improve profit Why processes create more predictable results What buyers look for if you want to sell your business one day Quotes “Being my own owner, I can choose when I work on the projects that I work on according to the energy, the mental energy, that I have.”  “If you plan to exit your business someday, then your business eventually will run without you needing to be in the day-to-day.” “If the owner isn’t engaged in the business, it doesn’t matter if they’re $500,000 or $50 million. They aren’t going to be a good fit.” “If you have processes in place and you have consistency, then you will have more predictable profits.” About Melanie Sloane With over 15 years of progressive financial leadership experience, Melanie Sloane brings a wealth of practical knowledge to business owners seeking clarity and growth in their operations.  Melanie began her career in veterinary practice management before pivoting to the trades sector, where she developed a passion for transforming complex financial data into actionable insights. After helping scale an HVAC company from $5M to $20M in revenue as Director of Administration and successfully navigating its acquisition by a private equity firm, Melanie launched Iron Horse Consulting to extend this expertise to other ambitious business owners.  Through Iron Horse Consulting, Melanie provides fractional CFO and comprehensive bookkeeping services to growing businesses nationwide. She specializes in budget creation, financial statement interpretation, cash flow planning, and the development of key performance metrics, helping owners build sustainable enterprises with clear exit strategies.  Her quality-of-earnings evaluation services support clients at both stages of the acquisition process. For investors, these evaluations are a crucial component of due diligence, identifying both opportunities and risks before significant capital is committed.  For business owners planning an exit in the coming years, she conducts pre-sale quality-of-earnings assessments that strengthen financial presentations, address potential buyer concerns proactively, and support the highest possible valuation during negotiations. This preparation can significantly increase a business's market value and streamline the eventual sale process.  Melanie holds dual Bachelor's degrees in Business Administration and Accounting, combining formal education with real-world application. Her approach balances strict adherence to essential financial principles with the flexibility needed to support each business's unique goals and challenges.  Melanie’s mission is straightforward: to enable business owners to focus on what they love without being hindered by financial confusion or administrative burdens. She takes particular satisfaction in helping owners understand the meaning of various aspects of financial reports, giving them a deeper grasp of how their business is performing and how potential changes may affect future outcomes.  Working remotely with clients across the United States, Melanie serves as a trusted financial partner for business owners and investors seeking both immediate operational improvements and strategic pathways to successful acquisitions or exits. Find Melanie Sloane Online or Text at 801-332-9698  Find REI Capital Guys For Investors & the Fund – Learn how the Fund works and book a call For Borrowers & Deals – Get funding and support for your next investment

Episode 14: Building a Business by Trusting Your Gut with Dana Staszkiewicz Jumping into a business you know nothing about, just trusting yourself to figure it out, sounds like a formidable risk. But that’s exactly what this episode’s guest, Dana Staszkiewicz, did when she joined her brother’s plumbing business. Co-hosts Zach and Mike sit down with Dana to chat about business growth, leadership, and what it really takes to scale without losing your values along the way. Dana shares how she joined her brother’s plumbing company right before the world changed in 2020, helped restructure the business during the pandemic, and played a major role in growing it from $12 million to $20 million in less than 36 months. It’s a great conversation about moving fast, learning on the fly, and building systems that actually support growth. We also dig into the people side of business. Dana talks openly about accountability, culture, leadership, and why so many businesses struggle to turn a profit, even when revenue looks strong. She also shares why she created the Audara Collective to support women business owners and why stepping away from the day-to-day is just as important as knowing when to push. You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Dana made the leap from advertising into a $12 million plumbing business with no trades background Why restructuring during uncertain times helped Dana’s company get tighter, stronger, and more prepared What can happen when you follow your intuition How Dana and her team grew Opus & Gold from $12 to $20 million in under 36 months The importance of maintaining company culture and family values when growing a company How accountability is one of the biggest missing pieces in so many growing businesses Why Dana started the Audara Collective to help women business owners become better leaders How mindset, physical health, and mental health help you become a stronger business owner Why taking time outside your business can help you think more clearly, lead better, and stay inspired Quotes “Sometimes you just have to make a leap.” “How do you get a little corporate but still be family owned and still have a beautiful culture. That was the balance.” “No one told me, either. Especially nowadays, there are so many avenues where you can find out information. I seek to learn. I’m a big podcast listener. And now with AI, we have so many answers at our fingertips. There’s really no excuse.” About Dana Staszkiewicz  Dana Staszkiewicz is the Co-Founder of The Opus & Golds Group, where she helps trades businesses reach their next level of success, whether that's preparing for sale, accelerating growth, or transitioning owners out of day-to-day operations. The group also partners with select companies through equity participation to ensure aligned long-term success.  As the former General Manager/COO of All Hours Plumbing, Heating, and Air, she drove the company's growth from $12M to $20M in under three years, leading to a successful sale in 2023. Her impact included leading the sale, overseeing a comprehensive rebranding, establishing leadership and management teams, and optimizing company processes.  With a diverse background spanning corporate retail management, product buying, and nearly a decade of leadership at advertising agencies, Dana brings unique expertise to the home service industry. As Director of Client Relations, she managed relationships with Fortune 50 companies before transitioning to her current roles.  While actively involved in the day-to-day operations of The Opus & Golds Group, Dana also owns and leads Audara Collective, a Fractional CEO company that mentors and empowers women to run their companies effectively.  She hosts The Trades Accelerator podcast, dedicated to helping people in trades grow and lead, whether they're already in charge or just getting started.  Beyond her professional pursuits, she is an avid traveler who enjoys exploring new places with her fiancé, cherishes time with her children and grandchildren, and remains dedicated to giving back to the community. Find Dana Staszkiewicz on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram Find REI Capital Guys For Investors & the Fund – Learn how the Fund works and book a call For Borrowers & Deals – Get funding and support for your next investment

Episode 13: Scaling Fast and Fixing Mistakes with Dwayne Zimmerman and Tristan (TJ) Weiler What happens when you go all-in on real estate… learn some hard lessons… and build a second business along the way? Let’s find out in this episode, where hosts Mike Seidl and Zach Richards chat with young entrepreneurs Dwayne Zimmerman and Tristan (TJ) Weiler, who scaled from zero to around seventy properties in just a few years. They also launched a lumber business on the side. Dwayne and TJ share what’s worked, what hasn’t, and the real-world moments that forced them to level up fast. From house fires to insurance claims to tightening up their buying strategy, this conversation is about learning by doing, even if that’s sometimes the hard way. We also get into how they structure their businesses, why masterminds have been a game-changer, and how they’re now thinking bigger with development projects and multiple business locations.  You’ll Learn in This Episode: The biggest things a real estate investor needs to be aware of before it's too late How Dwayne and Tristan scaled to ~70 properties in just a few years What happens when a flip goes wrong, and how to recover from it How to structure roles across admin, maintenance, and operations as you grow Why buying “everything” early on helped them learn what not to do How they’re transitioning from single-family deals into larger development projects The story behind their lumber business How to scale a second business without creating chaos The benefits of being in multiple mastermind groups How to approach expanding into multiple locations the smart way Quotes “We bought everything that came across the table… and that taught us what we don’t like.” “Most people pay for insurance and never think about it until something happens.” “We marked the lumber up 100% and were still cheaper than the big stores. That’s how I knew there was real money there.” About Dwayne Zimmerman and Tristan (TJ) Weiler Dwayne Zimmerman and Tristan (TJ) Weiler are entrepreneurs. They started in the construction industry as W2 earners. At ages 19 and 18, they bought their first house to flip. By age 23, they have amassed 70-plus houses and own a 2-million-dollar-a-year lumber business. Find Tristan (TJ) Weiler on Facebook Find Dwayne Zimmerman on Facebook Find REI Capital Guys For Investors & the Fund – Learn how the Fund works and book a call For Borrowers & Deals – Get funding and support for your next investment

Episode 12: The Truth About Rentals, Real Estate, and Freedom with Alex Pardo What happens when you realize the life you're building is not the life you actually want? That’s exactly the realization our guest, Alex Pardo, had when working his corporate job at General Electric. In this episode, he shares with Mike Seidl and Zach Richards how this pivotal moment pushed him to rethink everything and led him into real estate, entrepreneurship, and eventually self-storage. Alex opens up about the early moment that changed his path, why fulfillment matters more than a good salary, and what made him decide he couldn’t spend his life doing work that didn’t fit who he was. He also shares how travel, books, and a bold decision helped set everything in motion. Our conversation then digs into the real estate side of things. Alex talks honestly about why rental properties are not the passive income many people think they are, what investors need to understand about return on equity, and why relationship capital can be even more valuable than money itself.  Alex also explains how mentors, masterminds, and the right people in your corner can speed up your growth in a big way. This episode is a great listen for anyone who feels stuck in work that no longer fits, anyone building in real estate, or anyone who wants a better way to think about growth. Alex brings a lot of honesty to this one, and he gives a clear reminder that the right relationships can change anything. You’ll Learn in This Episode: The pivotal moment that made Alex change career paths Why doing work that fulfills you matters more than a paycheck alone Why rental property and property management are not as passive as people make them sound How to think about return on equity and why it matters for long-term investors What role a mentor can play when learning a new asset class The role of an equity partner  Why relationship capital is often the most valuable capital you can build What makes masterminds so powerful Quotes “When you don’t know what you want, ask yourself what you don’t want.” “Don’t throw away your life doing something that doesn’t fulfill you and that doesn’t tap into your God-given gifts and talents and your potential.” “Masterminds extend beyond business. You can find a mastermind for any area of your life that you want to grow in.” About Alex Pardo Alex Pardo is a self-storage owner, investor, and coach who helps real estate investors and W-2 professionals buy their first cash-flowing self-storage facility, often within 6 to 12 months, without needing prior experience or their own capital.  Before becoming an entrepreneur, Alex was selected for General Electric’s prestigious Financial Management Program. Shortly after, he packed a backpack and spent 3½ months traveling across Europe, visiting 23 countries and 51 cities, an early signal that freedom, not comfort, would shape his life.  Alex entered real estate in 2005, building a highly successful single-family wholesaling and flipping business in Miami. Over the next 15+ years, he closed more than 750 transactions and founded multiple high-level mastermind communities for entrepreneurs seeking better businesses and better lives.  In 2020, despite running a profitable operation, Alex made the difficult decision to walk away from houses and transition into self-storage, without prior storage experience and without using his own money. He navigated the financial, operational, and identity challenges of that shift and went on to own multiple facilities across Florida and Mississippi, totaling over 100,000 net rentable square feet.  Today, he continues to own and operate self-storage while actively structuring creative, relationship-driven deals.  Alex is the founder of Storage Wins, a coaching community and education platform designed to simplify self-storage investing and help everyday people move from confusion to confident action. His approach emphasizes clarity, relationships, creative deal structures, and what he calls relationship capital, the backbone of every deal he’s done. He is also the host of the Storage Wins Podcast (formerly The Flip Empire Show), with over 760 episodes, where he shares real conversations, real lessons, and real stories from investors who are building freedom without trading their lives for it.  Most importantly, Alex is a man of faith, a devoted husband to his wife Natalie, and a proud father to his two daughters, Arianna and Alessia. Family, faith, and alignment come first, and everything he builds flows from that foundation. Through his businesses, coaching, and content, Alex’s mission is simple: help others achieve real freedom, financially, relationally, and personally, while living fully with the people who matter most. Find Storage Wins Online Find Storage Wins on YouTube ㅣ Apple Podcasts ㅣ Spotify Find Alex Pardo on Instagram ㅣFacebook Find REI Capital Guys For Investors & the Fund – Learn how the Fund works and book a call For Borrowers & Deals – Get funding and support for your next investment

Episode 11: The Tax Playbook for Real Estate Investors with Larry Pendleton Taxes are one of the biggest levers in real estate, but also one of the most misunderstood. That’s why Save to Zero hosts Zach Richards and Mike Seidl sit down with CPA and real estate investor Larry Pendleton to learn how smart investors actually think about taxes, cash flow, and long-term wealth. Larry brings a rare mix to the table. He’s not only advising investors… he is one, which means everything he shares comes from real-world experience.  We dig into how Larry stays on top of constant changes in tax law, why masterminds and networking play a bigger role than most people realize, and how “real-world reconnaissance” helps him focus on what actually matters to clients. You’ll also hear a simple breakdown of depreciation and cost segregation (including Larry’s famous Big Mac analogy), and a clear explanation of what investors can and can’t do when it comes to using losses to offset income. On the investing side, we explore note investing, why Larry shifted focus in that direction, and the realities of managing properties versus just owning the paper. Towards the end of our conversation, we chatted about how to create more homeowners, what realistic expectations look like, and where opportunities still exist for long-term investors. You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why staying educated in real estate and tax strategy is non-negotiable How masterminds and networking events directly shape better decisions What “real-world reconnaissance” means The difference between owning property and owning the mortgage Why note investing can simplify your portfolio How difficult it is to find an outside loan servicer A simple way to understand depreciation using the Big Mac analogy What cost segregation is and how it accelerates tax savings The role of Form 8582 in tracking passive losses When real estate losses can offset your income What qualifies someone as an accredited investor When it makes sense to hire a fractional CFO  How investors can help create more accessible homeownership Quotes “For non-real estate income, you can’t just use real estate losses to offset it unless you meet very specific criteria. Your tax situation matters more than your investment.” “For a real estate investor, the second most important form on your tax return is Form 8582, because that’s what tracks your passive losses year after year.” “More millionaires have been made in real estate, but not all of them actually have cash flow. A lot of that wealth is tied up in equity.” “If trying to be the financial expert in your business is getting in the way of you growing your business… It’s time to bring in help.” About Larry Pendleton Larry Pendleton’s mission is to help people build cash flow and save on taxes. He is a CPA and tax strategist with over two decades of experience, specializing in tax strategies for investors.  Larry’s company, PC Financial Services, has helped thousands of investors across the US with tax planning, saving them hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes. In addition to tax consulting, PC Financial Services adds value through cost segregation studies, fractional CFO services, accredited investor validation, and tax preparation.  For over a decade, Larry has also been a real estate investor and active participant in various ventures across the US, including mortgage notes, multi- and single-family rentals, syndications, corporate housing, short-term rentals, new development, and flips.  Along with his current portfolio of notes, PC Financial Services educates investors on how to be the bank and invest as private lenders to build passive income secured by real estate. Larry serves on various nonprofit Boards that promote youth development and financial literacy. He also serves on the Planning Commission for the city of Norfolk, VA.  Finally, Larry is the best-selling author of The Leader's Playbook, is married to his wife, Whitney, and is the proud father of 2 sons, Larry III and Wesley. Find The Investor's CPS Online Find REI Capital Guys For Investors & the Fund – Learn how the Fund works and book a call For Borrowers & Deals – Get funding and support for your next investment

Episode 5: Multiple Income Streams in the AI Era with Matt Loop What if the next big “Google shift” is already happening… and most business owners don’t know it yet? Hosts Mike and Zach chat with bestselling author Matt Loop about ChatGPT, searches, and what smart entrepreneurs are doing right now to stay ahead. Matt breaks down why ChatGPT-style searches can convert better than traditional searches and how businesses can position themselves to show up first when buyers ask deeper, more specific questions. He also shares practical ways to use ChatGPT to speed up content, save time, and tighten up your marketing without losing the human touch. Then we switch gears into revenue. On the table are multiple revenue “pillars,” spotting real opportunities (not shiny distractions), and building secondary income streams without wrecking your primary business. We also dig into masterminds, higher-ticket rooms and higher-quality relationships, and strategic introductions that can change your whole game. You’ll Learn in This Episode: Who is already using ChatGPT as their go-to search tool What makes ChatGPT-driven search traffic convert differently than Google-driven search When it makes sense to build a second income stream Where ChatGPT can save you time Why a book still works as a powerful lead funnel and authority builder What “risk tolerance + cashflow goal + end goal” looks like in real-world decision making How to free up your time by delegating the right tasks Quotes “A physical book is a high-status positioning play that will open doors for you that would otherwise be closed.” “Masterminds are absolutely critical. You want to be in the room with people who are talking at a higher level and have way more experience than you.” “You don’t have to have money to make money. You just have to get into the right rooms and ask the right questions.” About Matthew Loop Dr. Matthew Loop is the best-selling author of Social Media Made Me Rich, an investor, NASDAQ/MIT speaker, and a highly sought-after social media profit strategist.  He helps business owners and health experts multiply their monthly income by leveraging powerful platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, ChatGPT, Google, and Instagram. Since the Myspace days in 2005, he's trained over 43,000 business owners in 25 countries. Millions have viewed his free business growth tutorials online.  Matthew’s public speaking events are attended annually by thousands of high-achieving and forward-thinking people. Over the years, he's shared the stage with celebrities like Dr. Oz, Suzanne Sommer, Sir Richard Branson, Michael Richards of Seinfeld, Evander Holyfield, Phil Heath (Mr. Olympia), and more. Find Matthew Loop on Facebook Find Matthew Loop on Instagram Find Matthew Loop on LinkedIn Find REI Capital Guys For Investors & the Fund – Learn how the Fund works and book a call For Borrowers & Deals – Get funding and support for your next investment

Episode 10: Real Estate, Property Management, and AI with Matt Hitchcock Building a real estate business that can scale is about way more than just owning one. That’s the meat of the conversation Save to Zero hosts Zach and Mike have with Matt Hitchcock of Common Wealth Collective. From house hacking and multifamily investing to in-house property management, systems, and AI, Matt shares how his team built a company that now manages around 1,000 rental units and roughly $150 million in assets. Matt walks through the lessons he learned early, why he and his partners chose to manage properties in-house, and how technology helped them stay lean, efficient, and competitive. He also shares how COVID-19 pushed them further into keyless entry, contactless showings, and AI tools that now support leasing, maintenance, renewals, and rent collection. If you’re interested in learning practical insight into real estate investing, property management, building systems, and using AI to grow without getting buried in the day-to-day, this episode is for you. You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Matt’s early experience in car rentals helped prepare him for real estate and property management Why he started with house hacking instead of jumping straight into large investments Why in-house property management was the right fit for Matt’s business How systems and technology helped his team scale When it makes more sense to use in-house maintenance support or outside contractors How COVID-19 changed the way Matt’s company handled showings and leasings What EliseAI can do for leasing, maintenance requests, renewals, and delinquencies How Matt thinks about day-to-day operations as the business grows Why Airbnb and hospitality are becoming a bigger part of the company’s growth plan Quotes “We found that when we started getting into it, we were like, well, why do we play so small?” “Leaning into technology from the start was really the biggest way that we wanted to be in-house self-managing.” “There’s got to be a better way.” About Matt Hitchcock Prior to co-founding Commonwealth Collective, LLC, Matthew was a successful independent real estate investor, having purchased and managed properties in the Massachusetts Merrimack Valley, an area and market he knows well.  Matthew deftly applies his professional skills in marketing and management, honed through years of sales and recruitment experience, to creatively market the company’s properties, secure and manage renters, and strengthen the company’s ever-growing social media presence. Find Common Wealth Collective Online Email Matt Hitchcock at [email protected] Find REI Capital Guys For Investors & the Fund – Learn how the Fund works and book a call For Borrowers & Deals – Get funding and support for your next investment

Episode 9: From Cleaning Company to Real Estate Deals with Steve Niemaszyk What do you do when you lose your job and decide that you never want to work for someone else ever again? Do what Steve did. In this episode of Save to Zero, hosts Zach and Mike sit down with Steve Niemaszyk to talk about how he built a cleaning business out of necessity, then used that foundation to move into real estate investing. Steve shares what it really looked like in the early days with long hours, cutting back at home, reinvesting every dollar, and figuring things out as he went. He talks openly about what it took to rebuild his income after losing his W-2 job, to create systems, to hire the right people, and to grow a business that could eventually run without him in the middle of everything. You’ll also learn how Steve made the jump into real estate, why being in the right rooms matters, and how his mindset around money changed over time. He also shares why he’s teaching his kids to understand cash flow early, build confidence around money, and surround themselves with people who are already doing what they want to do. You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why Steve chose the cleaning industry after being laid off from his finance job How long it took Steve to meet his previous W-2 income What it really took to build systems and SOPs for a growing corporate cleaning company How he structured sales bonuses to reward both performance and client retention What happened after he shifted from business owner to real estate investor How he balances two businesses without being buried in the day-to-day Why teaching young people about spending and saving early can change their future What being in the right rooms can do for your confidence, mindset, and results Quotes “When you own all of your decisions, it’s all on you.” “Once you have a grasp on how much you’re spending and how much you’re bringing in, if you can get that down at 18/19 years old, think of how easy the rest of your life is going to be.” “Literally, the sky is the limit. Whatever you want out of life, if you surround yourself with people who are doing those exact things, you will become one of those people.” About Steve Niemaszyk Steve Niemaszy is an entrepreneur and real estate investor who built a successful corporate cleaning business after being laid off from his financial career during the 2008 financial crisis. Through years of long hours, persistence, and building strong systems, he grew the company into a thriving operation that even expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, Steve balances running his cleaning business with investing in real estate, creating multiple streams of income, and a lifestyle focused on financial freedom. Call Steve Niemaszyk on 603-505-1487 Find Steve Niemaszyk on Instagram Find REI Capital Guys For Investors & the Fund – Learn how the Fund works and book a call For Borrowers & Deals – Get funding and support for your next investment

Episode 4: Lean Systems, BRRRR Deals, and Building Real Wealth with Hugh Carnahan What do a rice hat, American-flag overalls, and a decommissioned missile silo have in common? A lot more than you’d think. In this episode, Mike and Zach sit down with Hugh Carnahan to talk about how “lean” thinking can speed up wealth building, especially in real estate. Hugh breaks down lean manufacturing in plain English: find waste, cut delays, reduce mistakes, and move faster with fewer resources. Then he shows you how those same ideas apply to your money, your investing habits, and your real estate deals.  If you’ve ever felt like you’re “doing the right things” but still not getting ahead, this episode will stretch your brain in the best way. Hugh’s big message is to build systems, automate the basics, pay yourself first, and take action, even if it’s messy at the start. You’ll Learn in This Episode: Who lean thinking is for, and how to use it to win What lean manufacturing is, and what it looks like in real estate projects Why time is often the real budget killer When to spend more to finish faster Where automation fits in investing, so emotions don’t wreck your plan How the BRRRR method works  How cash flow protects your downside Why “pay yourself first” matters, and how to make it automatic What changes can drive massive growth over time through compounding Quotes “Money isn’t money. Money is money over time. So… a million dollars is not a million dollars to me. A million dollars is $7,500 a month.” “Try stuff. Fail fast, fail often. Take action and do it now.” “The shorter you can condense your working time, the value-added time, where there’s not something waiting, that right there is going to put you ahead of almost everyone else.” “Invest over time and let it grow.” About Hugh Carnahan From sitting in soul-crushing traffic to retiring as a millionaire in 15 months – that's the journey of a self-described hillbilly from Missouri who refused to accept the 40-year grind. After a solar panel salesman told Hugh Carnahan to skip the panels and buy real estate instead, he consumed 383 BiggerPockets episodes, liquidated his $220,000 stock portfolio, and made his move.  His first deal? Twenty-six crack houses in the dangerous part of town for $1.04 million – despite never owning a business before. Using lean manufacturing principles from his corporate career, he survived squatters, corrupt officials, and near-bankruptcy to scale from zero to 280 doors in just 22 months.  Today, he teaches business owners how to go from "overload to overlord" by combining operational excellence with real estate fundamentals. His worst-case scenario? Retiring on $3 million in index funds and $15,000 monthly cash flow. Find Hugh Carnahan On Facebook On Instagram Find REI Capital Guys For Investors & the Fund – Learn how the Fund works and book a call For Borrowers & Deals – Get funding and support for your next investment

Episode 6: LinkedIn, Masterminds, and Building a Business That Lasts with Anthony Simonie If you’ve only been treating LinkedIn like a digital resume, it’s time to rethink your approach. Save to Zero hosts Zach and Mike sit down with Anthony Simonie to break down why LinkedIn is still one of the best platforms to build trust, start real relationships, and create business opportunities. Anthony’s story is huge. He was adopted by his grandparents, thought he’d go into professional baseball, then went into medical sales before eventually building a multi-million-dollar business from a “dirty” side hustle. When a business partnership blew up in a brutal way, he didn’t let it define him. Instead, he used his existing marketing skills to rebuild. With no existing audience, Anthony tested LinkedIn with a new offer, no testimonials, and no name recognition. It ended up bringing him $60k in 30 days, and another $60k over the next 12 months.  We also chat with Anthony about masterminds: why some are a waste, why the right ones are priceless, and how investing in yourself keeps your business growing. You’ll Learn in This Episode: Who LinkedIn is for if you’re starting or restarting a business What makes LinkedIn different from other platforms When a side hustle is ready to become a real business Where business opportunities actually come from on LinkedIn Why high-level masterminds and mentors can shortcut years of trial and error Quotes “I don’t think all masterminds are created equal. Most of them, in my humble opinion, are full of ego. I want to be part of masterminds where people care about other human beings and want to collaborate in meaningful ways. Where you can bless each other instead of, ‘what can I take from you?’” “If you don’t continually invest in yourself, it’s my humble belief that you have a finite amount of time before you don’t have the advantage anymore. Your business will stop growing because you’ll stop growing as a person.” “At some point, I feel like your biggest competitive advantage is going to be the fact that you can show people you’re real.” “If you’re breathing and you’re here, you’re above ground, you’ve got an opportunity to make a change. You have to put some action into motion.” About Anthony Simonie Anthony Simonie is the Founder of Sherwood Marketing, also known as Found Money Partnerships, a growth company that helps entrepreneurs uncover hidden profits within their businesses without spending a dollar more on ads or complicated funnels. From his home in the Hill Country of Austin, Texas, Anthony built a mission-driven life around two pillars: family and freedom. He is a passionate advocate for adoption and foster care, having been adopted himself and later adopting his two children, Myles and Daisy. His story is living proof that purpose and profit can coexist beautifully. Professionally, Anthony created the LinkedIn Leverage Process, a proven system that helps professionals attract affluent, pre-sold prospects, raise capital, land strategic referrals, and convert overlooked contacts into loyal clients.  He’s helped countless business owners reclaim lost revenue, strengthen relationships, and build businesses that serve both their bank accounts and their lives. At his core, Anthony believes most entrepreneurs are sitting on a goldmine; they just need the right strategy and perspective to uncover it. When he’s not helping others grow their income and impact, you’ll find him on a mountain bike trail with his kids, mentoring young riders, or celebrating “Gotcha Day,” the anniversary of the moment his family became complete. Because for Anthony, the best returns in life are measured not in dollars, but in legacy. Find Anthony Simonie on LinkedIn Find Anthony Simonie on Facebook [email protected] Find REI Capital Guys For Investors & the Fund – Learn how the Fund works and book a call For Borrowers & Deals – Get funding and support for your next investment

Episode 1: Financial Freedom Starts with Skills, Not Sacrifice What if the “smart” money advice you’ve heard your whole life is keeping you stuck? Our focus with this episode is all about this show’s big idea: saving can only ever get you to zero, but earning can be unlimited. In this episode, co-host Mike Seidl interviews co-host Zach Richards, and they discuss the inspiration of the podcast. You’ll hear why Zach thinks coupon clipping and budgeting hacks are a puddle, not a plan. And he explains how investing in your skills, knowledge, and opportunities can open doors that savings alone never will. You’ll also get Zach’s background story. He grew up solidly middle class, learning the “be careful with money” mindset, and what changed when he started thinking like a business owner. They get into risk, why relying on a W2 can feel “safe” but isn’t always, and why wealthy people talk about money… without it being bragging. If you’ve ever felt like budgeting harder still isn’t getting you ahead, this episode is your sign. Stop trying to “save your way out” and start learning how to build. You’ll Learn in This Episode Who this podcast is for What “Save to Zero” really means Why knowledge is a personal advantage Why day trading isn’t the shortcut people think it is What wealthy people do differently A simple explanation of “house hacking” How Zach’s view of risk has changed What “sequence of returns risk” is What a self-directed IRA is The money myth Zach is tired of Rapid Fire Round: What’s the worst money advice ever received? “Just keep money in a savings account and get ahead.” What’s one book/podcast that changed how you think? Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter What’s your guilty pleasure purchase? A giant excavator for my land to create trails and fields. What do you do with $100,000 in passive income? Take a good chunk of it for a phone-free vacation with my wife, and reinvest the rest. What’s one thing you wish you knew at 21? If I actually sat down and focused, how much further ahead I’d be. I wasted a lot of time. What does financial freedom mean to you? “Time to do what I want, with who I want, where I want.” Quotes “If you spend your time focused on saving money, that’s where you will get your result. If you focus your time on making money, that’s where you’ll get your result.” “Saving money is a puddle… making money is the ocean because it’s unlimited.” “It’s worth it to invest in yourself and bet on yourself and learn new skills rather than focus on household budget and saving money.”   Find REI Capital Guys For Investors & the Fund – Learn how the Fund works and book a call For Borrowers & Deals – Get funding and support for your next investment

Episode 2: You Can’t Save Your Way to Wealth with Mike Seidl What if we told you that saving harder is keeping you stuck in a puddle while other people are playing in the ocean? If you’ve ever felt stuck clipping coupons and “being good” with money but never getting ahead, this one’s for you. In this episode of Save to Zero, Zach Richards sits down with Mike Seidl to discuss how he went from growing up with almost no money to building real wealth. Mike shares the moment he realised saving would only ever keep him in a puddle, not get him to the ocean. You’ll hear Mike’s story of growing up with a single mom working 80-100 hours a week and how that shaped his scarcity mindset. He talks about the shift that happened when he moved to New York, started meeting wealthy people, and realized they weren’t any different from him; they’d just chosen a different path. We also get into the snow-shovel moment that made him know he could never spend his life working for someone else. We dig into why “saving your way to wealth” doesn’t work, and why focusing on earning, investing, and relationships does. Mike breaks down his move from the stock market to private lending, what he’s learned about risk, and why he now aims to live on growth and never touch his principal.  We wrap up with what Save to Zero really means and who this show is really for. You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Mike’s mindset around money changed as he got older Why you need to spend time with wealthier people  How Mike’s attitude towards risk has changed over time How a personal investment strategy evolves Why most people are taught to save instead of earn Who some of the upcoming guests of Save to Zero are One controversial money opinion: you invest your way to retirement and generational wealth.  Rapid Fire Round:  What’s the worst money advice ever received? On Sunday morning, when the paper comes, you need to clip coupons. What’s one book/podcast that changed how you think? Atomic Habits by James Clear What’s your guilty pleasure purchase? I want to fly to Antarctica and spend the night at the South Pole. It’s not cheap.  What do you do with $100,000 in passive income? I book a vacation for Lois and me to any place she wants to go. We spend half the money on that, and I reinvest the other half What’s one thing you wish you knew at 25? That you don’t have to be perfect out of the gate. You learn as you go along. What does financial freedom mean to you? That I can do what I want, when I want, with who I want, and where I want. The four W’s are financial freedom to me. Quotes “I stopped thinking about working for somebody else. I knew relatives who’d started businesses and been successful. … I knew from a young age that I wanted to start a business. When I started working for other people, I knew that I had to start a business.” “Those guys are no different to me, and they have all this money. I’m doing something wrong.” “They’re not different; they just went down a different path.” Find REI Capital Guys For Investors & the Fund – Learn how the Fund works and book a call For Borrowers & Deals – Get funding and support for your next investment

Episode 7: There is No Perfect Time to Start a Business with Junior Anziani What if the thing holding you back in business is waiting for the “right time,” when there never really is a right time? Save to Zero hosts Mike and Zach sit down with Junior Anziani to talk about building a business, taking risks, and learning as you go. Junior shares how he went from working in corporate IT to building his own business serving small and medium-sized companies. He talks honestly about not having a perfect plan, about starting on nights and Fridays while working his W-2 job, and about why purpose matters more than comfort. They also get into what happens after you make the leap. Junior opens up about hiring, bad hires, building systems, working with his wife, and why growing a business means growing beyond yourself.  This is a great episode for you if you’re looking to create more freedom and purpose and get a clearer view of what business ownership really looks like. You’ll Learn in This Episode: What happens when you stop waiting for the perfect time to start Why purpose can matter more than a paycheck How Junior built his business while working a full-time job What small business owners really need from a trusted service provider Why clarity in your offer matters so much when you grow When to hire, and what can go wrong if you hire too fast What it looks like to work with your spouse and still protect family life Why the right books, mentors, and masterminds can change your path How your circle changes when you start thinking bigger The biggest mindset shift between being a business owner and being an employee What financial freedom means when you’re building for your family’s future Quotes “What I realized was that if you keep waiting for a number or you keep waiting for that perfect scenario… There is no perfect scenario.” “You find out quickly you can’t be everywhere at once. If you want to grow, you have to grow outside of yourself. You can’t be the center of everything.” “When you’re starting a business, you can’t think you’re going to just start a business, work less, and sit at home doing nothing. You’re actually going to work a lot more.” About Junior Anziani Junior Anziani is a seasoned technology professional with extensive experience in IT infrastructure, Cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Over the years, he has honed his expertise in managing complex projects, optimizing systems for efficiency, and leading cross-functional teams.  Junior is known for his ability to innovate and implement solutions that drive business growth. He has a strong background in working with cutting-edge technologies and is committed to staying ahead of industry trends. As a CEO, he is passionate about fostering innovation, empowering his team, and ensuring the company continues to lead and innovate within the industry. Find Junior on LinkedIn Find Anziani Technology Services OnlineFind Anziani Technology Services on Instagram    Find REI Capital Guys For Investors & the Fund – Learn how the Fund works and book a call For Borrowers & Deals – Get funding and support for your next investment

Episode 3: Relationship Capital Matters Most with Stephen Steric What if the fastest way to grow your business isn’t a new strategy, but a better room? That’s what we’re talking about with our guest, Stephen Steric, a Southern California contractor who’s built his success around one thing: relationships. And he’s not shy about what works. Stephen shares how he started a trucking company during COVID-19, learning the hard way what “uncomfortable growth” really feels like, and then made a clean pivot when the markets shifted. Along the way, he breaks down why the owner has to be the face of the business early on, because, as he says, “nobody sells it better than the person with the most skin in the game.” You’ll also hear why masterminds and proximity to high performers can change your mindset and income, why specializing beats trying to do everything, and how “saving money” can quietly steal your life if you’re not careful. From paying for TSA PreCheck to outsourcing laundry, Stephen makes the simple point that time is the real currency, and smart business owners protect it. You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why relationship capital is one of the biggest assets a business owner can build Who should be selling in the early days of a company (and why it’s usually the owner) What masterminds actually do to your mindset How to know when it’s time to pivot, even if you’ve already invested in the idea Why businesses do better when they specialize in one thing How “saving” can turn into stepping over dollars to pick up pennies Practical ways to buy back time Why action beats perfection Quotes “Nobody sells it better than the owner of the company. The owner of the company has the most skin in the game, and so, you, as the owner, the face of the company, are going to be creating relationships with whoever your customers are. Nobody’s going to do it better than you.” “When you specialize in everything, you don’t specialize in anything.” “I was stepping over dollars to pick up pennies.” “Proximity is power. Proximity of being around other people who are big thinkers, who are big action takers–not just idea people. … Take action. Literally pick up the phone and go get it.” “Don’t be scared. Just do it.” About Stephen Steric Stephen owns a construction company, has a real estate investment background, and extensive experience across multiple industries. He has a passion for helping people however he can, sharing knowledge with those around him, and helping them succeed. He enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters on the water in Ventura, CA.  Find Stephen on Facebook. Find REI Capital Guys For Investors & the Fund – Learn how the Fund works and book a call For Borrowers & Deals – Get funding and support for your next investment

Episode 8: Real Estate Growth, Mindset, and the Right Team with Bob Murray Most people spend their lives saving money, but the real opportunity comes when you learn how to make money work for you. Real estate investor Bob Murary joins Save to Zero hosts Mike and Zach to talk about building a growing property portfolio, creating systems that scale, and learning how to think bigger. Bob shares how he went from helping grow someone else’s business to building something for himself through real estate. He talks about buying his first properties, growing to more than 140 doors, and making the shift from real estate investor to building an in-house property management business. This episode is also about mindset. Bob opens up about being raised to save rather than invest, and how that way of thinking held him back at first. He shares the moment things started to change, why masterminds helped him grow faster, and how his wife's support has made a huge difference as he builds for the future. You’ll Learn in This Episode: What Bob learned from helping another company before building his own Why moving from real estate to property management changed the game How systems, SOPs, and the right team can help a business grow faster What levers Bob believes he needs to pull to hit bigger goals How masterminds can help you think bigger and move faster Where capital can come from when you want to grow your portfolio What financial freedom means to Bob, beyond just making more money Why chasing deals can become addictive if you’re not careful How Bob’s mindset shifted from extreme saver to investor Why the right spouse or partner can be one of your biggest advantages Quotes “Masterminds have taken me to a different level of thinking, a different level of what my capabilities are. I’m all for masterminds. I think they’re a huge thing.” “You’re always going to be chasing money if that’s your one goal.” “Don’t take advice from people who aren’t where you want to be.” About Bob Murray Bob Murray is a partner and founding member of KB4 Property Group LLC, a real estate investment firm based in New Hampshire.  With a strong passion for personal finance and wealth creation, Bob is dedicated to establishing a solid foundation in the real estate sector. Drawing from his extensive experience in sales management, leadership, and business operations, Bob has successfully elevated a company's value from $6 million to $75 million. Motivated by his entrepreneurial spirit, Bob decided to venture into the multifamily space, betting on his own skills and expertise.  Bob's fascination with real estate began in 2014 when he rented his first family home. Since then, he has been captivated by the endless possibilities and has fully immersed himself in the world of real estate investment. With a clear vision for the future, Bob sets ambitious goals to continuously expand his portfolio, aiming to increase the number of units tenfold each year. Find Bob Murray and KB4 Property Group on [email protected] Text Bob at 603-818-1793 Find REI Capital Guys For Investors & the Fund – Learn how the Fund works and book a call For Borrowers & Deals – Get funding and support for your next investment