The Builder Nation Podcast

Most real estate agents are playing the same game and losing. Joseph Silva isn't.With a background in investment banking and business banking, Joseph ditched the traditional buy-sell agent model and built CCG Real Estate Advisors around one core idea: lead with value, not with sales. On this episode of Builder Nation, Brian and Joseph get into what it actually means to serve real estate investors at a high level, from portfolio analysis and return on equity to 1031 exchanges, triple net leases, DSTs, and tenant-in-common structures.They also get into the ADU development space and don't hold back. Joseph breaks down exactly why so many developers are getting burned right now - aggressive pro formas, mismatched comps, no parking, and only one exit strategy - and what separates the ones who survive from the ones who don't.If you're an investor trying to figure out what to do with a portfolio you've been sitting on for 20 years, or a developer trying to understand how buyers are actually going to underwrite your asset, this episode is worth your time.The episode discusses: Differentiating yourself as a real estate professionalConsultative sales, return on equity as a portfolio metric1031 exchanges, passive investing optionsADU development mistakesMultifamily underwritingThe importance of conservative assumptionsWhy multifamily is Joseph's top asset class for the next decade.Thinking about building an ADU or need a team to manage your project properly? Visit: https://hkdevelopmentgroup.com/#form Follow Joseph SilvaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeofjsilva/ Company Website: https://ccgrea.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsilvarealty/ Follow The Builder Brian:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuilderbrian/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankoons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_builderbrian

This episode of The Builder Nation Podcast is a live Q&A from the ADU Investor Summit with Brian Koons, Andrew Greer, and keynote speaker Thach Nguyen - focused on operator‑level ADU investing strategy. In this conversation, Brian, Andrew, and Thach pull the audience into the weeds on what actually makes an ADU or small‑multifamily project succeed - from how you decide whether to keep or rent, to designing the right unit mix, finishes, and site plan for the business plan instead of your ego. They unpack painful real‑world stories about utilities (water, sewer, power) blowing up budgets and timelines, and walk through the feasibility checks that every investor should do before going under contract. You’ll also hear candid lessons on hiring experienced ADU architects and GCs, setting proper reserves, avoiding emotional offers, and why one great deal you buy with discipline can beat a year of chasing “cheap” construction and thin‑margin flips.You'll hear:How to decide “keep vs. rent” and design the entire project backward from that decision (bedroom count, circulation, exterior, and finishes)The utility traps that kill ADU deals - flow tests, undersized water lines, sewer capacity, and the true cost of opening streets and upgrading infrastructureWhy the lowest‑bid architect or contractor often costs the most, especially on dense infill and tight ADU sitesA simple framework for reserves on your first ADU: down payment, 12–18 months of payments, plus real contingencyHow to eliminate emotional deal‑making, stick to your underwriting standard, and avoid six‑figure lessonsWhy you “can’t make it to the top solo,” and how Thach structures his A‑team to de‑risk every projectLike, subscribe, and drop your biggest ADU question in the comments so we can hit it in a future episode.Thinking about building an ADU or need a team to manage your project properly? Visit: https://hkdevelopmentgroup.com/#form Follow Thach NguyenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thachnguyen/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thachnguyenre Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThachNguyen Follow Andrew GreerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/realtyentrepreneur/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-t-greer-17a17417/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndrewThomasGreer1 Follow The Builder Brian:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuilderbrian/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankoons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_builderbrian

Brandon LaCascio has been in real estate since 2005 - right before the market collapsed. Instead of folding, he came out swinging. Now he's a broker, developer, and builder with over 120 units in his portfolio and decades of hard-earned experience that most people in this industry will never have.In this episode, Brandon breaks down one of the most underrated ideas in business right now: money follows attention. It sounds simple, but most people in real estate are still grinding in silence — heads down, skipping events, avoiding the camera — thinking that's the path to success. Brandon did the same thing for 15 years. Then the light bulb went off.After discovering how guys like Grant Cardone completely transformed their businesses by leaning into content and visibility, Brandon stopped saying no to everything and started showing up. Podcasts, LinkedIn, events, networking - and the results spoke for themselves. Deals came in from people he'd known for two decades who suddenly said "I never knew you did that." New doors opened that cold calling never could have unlocked.We get into:How surviving the 2008 crash shaped the way Brandon thinks about risk, resilience, and building through uncertaintyWhy Grant Cardone's content pivot at 50 years old completely changed Brandon's approach to growing his businessThe real reason people who've known you for 20 years still don't know what you do — and how to fix itWhat actually happens to your deal flow, your network, and your opportunities when you stop hiding and start showing upWhy in 2025, staying invisible is one of the biggest mistakes you can make in real estateIf you're a real estate investor, broker, or builder still betting that the grind alone is enough - this one's for you. Brandon isn't just talking theory. He's living proof that when you combine the work ethic with the visibility, everything changes.Thinking about building an ADU or need a team to manage your project properly? Visit: https://hkdevelopmentgroup.com/#form Follow Brandon LocascioInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrlocascio/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-j-locascio/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_HYk4zYxRLkVdyxdnkRtkA Follow The Builder Brian:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuilderbrian/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankoons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_builderbrian

In this episode of the Builder Nation Podcast, Brian Koons sits down with Marine Corps veteran, powerlifter, and AI operator Christian Johnson to unpack how small businesses can actually use AI to make more money - without becoming “tech companies” or hiring a team of engineers. They break down the idea of building a “digital twin” of you and your business, centralizing communication, and using automation to free up your time so you can do more of the high-value work only you can do.Christian walks through how to start from zero: recording and storing Google Meet calls, phone calls, and texts in a central knowledge base, then using that data to automatically create tasks, SOPs, and follow-ups so you’re not living in your inbox or Slack all day. You’ll hear real examples of taking a single sales call and turning it into CRM updates, task assignments, contracts, and follow-up sequences - without you lifting a finger after you hang up.They also zoom out and tackle the big question: how AI is likely to reshape the middle class and the ultra-wealthy over the next decade. Christian shares why small, scrappy operators are in a “Goldilocks zone” right now - small enough to move fast, but big enough to benefit massively from deeply integrating AI into their operations - and what happens to the businesses that ignore this shift.You’ll hear:How to build a digital twin of yourself and your business Why the first step is logging communication, not buying more softwareHow to connect tools like ClickUp, Gmail, your CRM, and AI models with APIsHow to remove busywork so you can spend more time on sales, strategy, and relationshipsWhy the next decade will reward owners who integrate AI deeply, and punish those who don’tIf you’re an entrepreneur, agency owner, real estate operator, or small business leader, AI could 10x your capacity. You need to understand how to make that happen before you're left behind. Thinking about building an ADU or need a team to manage your project properly? Visit: thebuildernation.com/partner Follow Christian JohnsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohyesinvest/Christian’s Company: https://oodahost.com/ Follow The Builder Brian:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuilderbrian/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankoons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_builderbrian

In this episode of The Builder Nation Podcast, I sit down with developer Andrew Slocum, who has over 700 units in plan check across some of the most highly regulated and fire-impacted markets in Los Angeles County. We break down what is actually happening on the ground after the Altadena and LA fires, how timelines have shifted, and what cities are doing right (and wrong) when it comes to rebuilding and adding desperately needed housing.You’ll hear Andrew’s real-time experience working directly with LA County’s fire-rebuild “one stop shop” team, how planning corrections dropped from 18–24 months to as fast as six weeks, and why leadership and interdepartmental communication are the real bottlenecks—not just “red tape.” We also dig into the human side of the housing crisis: homeowners turned renters overnight, insurance-funded bidding wars, and how former NIMBYs changed their tune when they suddenly had nowhere to live.Later in the episode, Andrew and I dive into development strategy at scale, including: buying a dilapidated duplex and entitling it to 51 units under LA’s Executive Directive 1 (100% affordable streamlining), navigating new fire requirements, and structuring deals with equity partners who want to deploy capital into mission-driven affordable housing. If you’re a builder, developer, or investor trying to figure out how to add units in California’s toughest markets, this episode is a must listen.Thinking about building an ADU or need a team to manage your project properly? Visit: thebuildernation.com/partner Follow Andrew SlocumLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aslocum/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewrslocum/Andrew’s Company: https://www.greendev.co/ Follow The Builder Brian:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuilderbrian/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankoons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_builderbrian

In this episode of The Builder Nation Podcast, Brian Koons sits down with John Lallande to break down how to build a predictable sales engine, improve CRM systems, and scale a business with stronger processes and better execution. John shares practical strategies from his experience in coaching and wholesaling, including how to identify high-income-producing activities, train sales teams, and create a more efficient operation.They also dive into CRM best practices, lead qualification, objection handling, sales psychology, and how to frame conversations so you can close more deals without being pushy. John explains why simplifying your systems, automating the right tasks, and focusing on the most likely opportunities can make a massive difference in revenue and growth.If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, salesperson, wholesaler, or real estate professional looking to improve sales, operations, and business systems, this conversation is packed with actionable insight. Learn how to avoid common mistakes, build a stronger sales culture, and create a business that can grow without becoming chaotic.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to build a predictable sales process.CRM systems and automation best practices.How to identify high-leverage, revenue-driving activities.How to handle objections and frame sales conversations.Why culture, training, and systems matter as your business grows.Follow Jon LallandeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonlallande22/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JonLallande/videos Jon’s Company: https://www.easywithhomely.com/ Follow The Builder BrianInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuilderbrian/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankoons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_builderbrian

A burned-out doctor, buried in 60–100 hour weeks and a brutal tax bill, quietly decides he’s done trading his time for a title. Instead of doubling down on medicine and building a traditional practice, he starts buying “boring” car washes — and ends up with a portfolio that out-earns his physician salary while giving him back his time, his energy, and his presence at home.​In this episode, Brian sits down with “The Car Wash Doc” to unpack that journey: how a high-earning hospitalist went from feeling stuck and exhausted to using bonus depreciation, SBA loans, and ugly, underperforming car washes to create real freedom. You’ll hear how he found his first deal online, flew out to what looked like a glorified crack den, almost walked away in the parking lot, and then turned that same property into a 50 cash-on-cash machine and roughly a million dollars in new equity in under three years.​They dig into the mindset shift - seeing medicine as a stepping stone instead of an identity - and the gritty operator work that followed: kicking out the drug traffic, repainting, upgrading lighting and cameras, installing new equipment, and obsessing over “Does this lot feel safe and clean at night?” so customers actually want to come back every week. Along the way, he discovers that car washes aren’t just cash businesses; they’re subscription businesses, data businesses, and brand businesses, and he layers on memberships, software, and pricing tweaks to turn scattered locations into a real system.​If you’ve looked at your “good career” and wondered why it doesn’t feel as good as it looks on paper, this episode gives you a vivid, practical picture of how to pivot without blowing up your life — using boring businesses, smart tax strategy, and relentless focus on customer experience to buy back the one thing you can’t make more of: time.​Follow Jay JohalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaysingh14/ Bigger Pockets: https://www.biggerpockets.com/users/doctorjay Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karanjodh.johal Follow The Builder Brian:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuilderbrian/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankoons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_builderbrian 

From pouring concrete in NorCal to leading 1,500+ projects in San Diego, this episode dives into how a project coordinator became a senior project manager and is now building a true design‑build/development career in one of the toughest markets in the country.​We break down the gap between designers, builders, and developers - why most projects fail on feasibility, vision, and execution, and how treating the developer as the “puppet master” (like escrow) creates the highest and best use for every property. You’ll hear real stories from the field: underwriting ADUs and rentals, avoiding costly change orders, choosing finishes that actually make sense for tenants and buyers, and what it really means to deliver a product that feels like “home” instead of another gray-and-white flip.​We also get into the mindset side: waking up at 5:30 a.m., hitting the gym, grinding through punch lists, learning from failures on site, and stacking small, boring, consistent habits over years to build a long-term career in real estate development and construction. If you’re an investor, builder, or aspiring developer who wants to understand how to think 10 steps ahead on design, permits, and construction (while still loving the work) this episode is for you.​Thinking about building an ADU or need a team to manage your project properly? Visit: thebuildernation.com/partner Follow Carlos ManzoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialcarlosmanzo/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-manzo-54143b252/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlos.manzo.54540/ Follow The Builder Brian:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuilderbrian/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankoons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_builderbrian

In this episode, we’re on the ground in Lake Havasu with developer and investor Ryan, touring one of the most ambitious commercial and lifestyle projects in the region — from luxury “man caves” and private storage suites to a massive new fitness and co-working complex designed for high-net-worth investors and creators.Ryan shares how he’s turned Lake Havasu into a luxury investment hub where successful entrepreneurs 1031-exchange out of Airbnbs and into real assets. We get a look behind the scenes at “Millionaires Row,” his boat collection, a 40,000 sq. ft. gym concept, and the investor strategy that raised over $1.6M in a day.The conversation goes beyond construction — touching on relationships with contractors, scaling with the right subs, structuring SPVs for capital raises, and building community for a new class of lifestyle investors.If you’re into development, high-performance investing, or just want to hear how vision, hustle, and execution come together to create generational wealth, this is one you’ll want to watch all the way through.Topics covered:Building “man cave” real estate for millionaires• Raising private capital and structuring investor dealsTurning gym concepts into revenue-generating assetsEntrepreneurial mindset and scaling through relationshipsLife on the lake: boats, off-roading, and business balanceThinking about building an ADU or need a team to manage your project properly? Visit: thebuildernation.com/partner Follow Ryan GarlandInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryangarland_paradyme/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanjgarland • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDPTBeSyVWHkV25ub-UgvUw Follow The Builder Brian:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuilderbrian/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankoons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_builderbrian

Small multifamily isn’t just a starter strategy - it’s one of the most powerful tools for building long-term freedom through real estate.​In this episode of the Builder Nation Podcast, I sit down with San Diego small multifamily specialist Twana Rasoul to unpack why 2-4 unit properties are so underrated and how regular people can use them to build serious wealth. We break down the fundamentals of house hacking, from using FHA and VA loans to get into duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes with low or even zero money down, to living in one unit while the others cover most (or all) of your housing costs. Twana walks through real numbers from his own journey, including turning a modest condo into multiple small multifamily buildings through a combination of 1031 exchanges and cash-out refinances, and explains how to decide between refinancing and selling based on equity, goals, and stage of life.​You’ll also hear how high-income earners and first-time investors alike can use value-add strategies, ADU additions, and repeat house hacks to stack units, grow cash flow, and harness the snowball effect over a five-year window. Twana and I dig into the emotional side of investing as well: Overcoming analysis paralysis, managing risk and leverage (including Twana’s early days of maxed-out credit cards), and why genuine obsession with your niche is often the real separator between average and top 1% performers. The episode closes with Twana’s take on why he prefers small multifamily over traditional retirement vehicles like 401(k)s, and why aligning with an obsessed expert can shortcut years off your learning curve.If you’ve ever wondered how people quietly go from one property to 10 units in a decade, while still working a W2 job, this is the playbook they’re using, step by step.Thinking about building an ADU or need a team to manage your project properly? Visit: thebuildernation.com/partner Follow Twana RasoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/twanarasoulrealty/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/twana-rasoul/ Website: https://www.twanarasoulrealty.com/ Follow The Builder Brian:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuilderbrian/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankoons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_builderbrian 

Turning a single-family home into a mini apartment building with ADUs might be one of the most misunderstood and controversial strategies in California real estate, and in this episode we break it all the way down with Steph Sells ADUs, Stephanie Gutierrez. We’ve collectively talked to thousands of homeowners about ADU feasibility, design, disasters, permitting, and everything in between, so this conversation is focused on what actually works in the real world, not just in a spreadsheet.We dig into whether homeowners should be able to turn single-family lots into small apartment buildings, when high-density ADU projects make sense for a neighborhood, and why you can’t build a real, permitted ADU for 50k anymore. We talk about realistic all-in costs, why “cheap and fast” almost always backfires, and the real risks of unpermitted work - from red tags and insurance issues to liability if something goes wrong inside the unit. We also get into how tenants are getting savvier about what’s legal, and how a short-term savings on permits can turn into a long-term legal and financial mess.From there, we zoom out and look at how new California laws such as AB 1033, SB 9, SB 1123, SB 1211, and SB 79 are changing the game for investors and small-scale developers. Steph breaks down “bill stacking” and micro-development in plain language, showing how combining multiple state bills can dramatically increase the number of units you can build on a single-family lot when you understand the code and zoning. We also talk about designing ADUs for long-term use, layouts, amenities, parking, and exit strategies, so a unit works not just as a rental today but as part of a larger wealth-building plan.Finally, Steph explains why most homeowners should not try to manage an ADU project completely on their own and what roles they unknowingly sign up for when they do: designer, architect, GC, project manager, property manager, and more. She shares how to educate yourself with resources like the HCD handbook so you can speak the language, properly vet designers and builders, and choose partners based on competence instead of just price. If you’re serious about using ADUs as a real wealth-building tool - not a DIY science experiment—this episode will save you money, headaches, and years of trial and error. Follow Stephanie GutierrezInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephsellsadus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-gutierrez-realtor-7b77831aa/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanie562/ Follow The Builder Brian:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuilderbrian/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankoons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_builderbrian

This episode of The Builder Nation Podcast features San Diego investor, broker, builder, and operator Alexio Barbaro, aka “Cashflow Alexio”, who owns and manages over 70 units, has built multiple ground‑up ADU projects, and recently launched Bridgepoint Realty, a multifamily-focused brokerage with nine agents in San Diego. Alexio breaks down how real brokers actually find off‑market “diamonds in the rough,” why he shifted his focus from cash flow to aggressive equity growth, and how he’s using value‑add and construction financing to chase triple‑digit returns on San Diego ADU and multifamily deals.​You’ll hear how he juggles three “full‑time jobs” (brokerage, 70‑unit management, and project management) while raising two kids, the systems he’s built with assistants, bookkeepers, and property management software, and the real numbers behind hiring help that 3x’d his income in a year. He shares wild management stories from rough neighborhoods, costly lessons from garage-to-ADU conversions (floods, drainage, fire, trash, and sprinklers), and a candid look at new fire and code requirements that are reshaping San Diego ADU underwriting.​The conversation then zooms out into lifestyle design: Alexio’s plan to build a 20M net worth by 2028, detach from day‑to‑day operations, and move his family to the European Alps while running his San Diego portfolio remotely. You’ll get practical insights on leverage (people, AI, and systems) intentional travel with kids, homeschooling, and why regular nature trips are his non‑negotiable reset to avoid burnout as he designs a life that mixes serious wealth building with serious adventure.Thinking about building an ADU or need a team to manage your project properly? Visit: thebuildernation.com/partner Follow Alexio:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cashflowalexio/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexiobarbara/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CashFlowAlexio Follow The Builder Brian:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuilderbrian/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankoons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_builderbrian 

In this episode of The Builder Nation Podcast, Brian sits down with high-performance mindset coach Adam Avenus, a man on a mission to help entrepreneurs, salespeople, and operators break through invisible ceilings.You’ve probably heard it before: “Mindset is everything.” But what if that’s not just a motivational quote… what if it’s the operating system running every result in your business and life? Adam breaks down the psychology of why some people hit financial freedom in a year while others spin their wheels for decades.From subconscious identity shifts to emotional conditioning, this conversation dives deep into why working harder often backfires - and how thinking differently (and feeling differently) is the true unlock. Expect raw insights, practical rewiring strategies, and powerful stories that reveal why success starts long before your to-do list.If you’ve ever felt stuck despite doing “all the right things,” this episode will feel uncomfortably familiar — and refreshingly eye-opening.Thinking about building an ADU or need a team to manage your project properly? Visit: thebuildernation.com/partner Follow Adam AvenusInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamavenus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-avenus-a6860a154/ Website: https://www.livealigned.app/ Follow The Builder Brian:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuilderbrian/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankoons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_builderbrian

This episode is a raw, unfiltered look at what it actually takes for you to build a business and a life that feels aligned, not just impressive on paper. It dives into the tension between who you are and what you do, and what happens when the business you built no longer fits the person you are becoming.​In this episode, I talk with Ruben about money, risk, and identity, and you get to sit in on an honest conversation about the deals that did not work out, the pivots that hurt, and the internal battles that never show up on social media. Instead of glamorizing the grind, we question the usual success narratives and expose the gap between what you say you want - freedom, flexibility, impact - and what you are truly willing to sacrifice to get there.​You hear Ruben open up about ego, self-worth, and the danger of tying your entire identity to your role, title, or revenue. If you are a high-achiever who looks successful from the outside but feels misaligned or stuck on the inside, the way he breaks down separating who you are from what you earn will hit close to home.​If you are an entrepreneur, an operator, or someone standing at a crossroads - thinking about selling, pivoting, or reinventing yourself - this episode will feel like a conversation you have been needing with a brutally honest friend who has actually lived through the highs and lows. You walk away with a more honest understanding of what success really costs, a clearer sense of what enough looks like for you, and permission to redesign your path on your own terms without blowing up your entire life to do it.Thinking about building an ADU or need a team to manage your project properly? Visit: thebuildernation.com/partner Follow Rubén BañuelosInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubenbanuelos_sd/tagged/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubenbanuelosrealtor/ Consultation with him: https://calendly.com/rbanuelos Follow The Builder Brian:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuilderbrian/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankoons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_builderbrian

Step into the story of a 25-year-old San Diego agent who refused to cold call, knock doors, or live on the traditional real estate hamster wheel—and still built a thriving business powered almost entirely by social media. In this episode, Jared Harmon shares how he turned simple home tour videos into a magnetic brand that attracts first-time buyers, DINKs, and locals who already feel like they know him before they ever reach out.​You’ll hear how he:Uses hyper-local content to dominate metro San Diego and become the trusted go-to for neighborhoods like North Park, South Park, and Bankers Hill.​Turns “comment interested” into a full conversion funnel that moves followers from DMs to phone calls, showings, and accepted offers—without spending a dollar on paid ads.​Delivers white-glove service with obsessive communication, lightning-fast responsiveness, and deep market knowledge that wins referrals from lenders, clients, and other agents.​Jared also opens up about:Why dropping the polished “sales persona” and leaning into raw, authentic content suddenly unlocked way more trust and better clients.​The long, unorthodox three-year grind of posting before anything really popped—and what happened when one “imperfect” home tour unexpectedly hit 2 million views.​How social media lets him quietly “train” his audience, expand their buy box, and position himself as the solution long before they’re ready to transact.​His vision for scaling: building a team around his brand, leveraging showing partners, and becoming the local name for both buyers and listings in San Diego.​If you’re an agent tired of cold calling, an investor who relies on great agents, or an entrepreneur obsessed with leverage, this conversation will challenge how you think about attention, trust, and building a durable local brand in 2026 and beyond—while still leaving plenty of game that you’ll only catch by listening all the way through.Thinking about building an ADU or need a team to manage your project properly? Visit: thebuildernation.com/partner Follow Jared Harman:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaredharman.sd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredharmansd/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jaredharmansd Follow The Builder Brian:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuilderbrian/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankoons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_builderbrian

TThis episode of The Builder Nation Podcast follows the journey of Adit Shah: Navy veteran turned real estate developer. He discusses how he scaled from small residential deals into syndicated hotel acquisitions. He shares hard lessons learned when those hotels went south, and then how he rebuilt both his business and his reputation around radical transparency and investor-first integrity. Along the way, he breaks down how to responsibly raise capital with experienced operators, how to deeply vet partners, and why every deal should have “one neck to choke” when things go wrong.​The conversation then shifts to rebuilding trust after losses, including personally paying back investors even when legal documents did not require it, and using public vulnerability about failures as a long-term trust-building strategy. Adit also shares how serving others through free coaching, consistently asking “how can I help?”, and staying humble has made him a sought-after voice in high-level communities like Action Academy and Military to Millionaire, illustrating the concept of “return on proximity.”​The episode closes with a deeper discussion on what freedom really means after years living abroad, why money is only useful to the point it enables choice and impact, and how the guest now defines success as building a fully vertically integrated housing company in San Diego while living a life of service. Listen, and you'll walk away with a framework to find your own intersection of unfair advantage, community need, and personal “why” so you can build businesses that both drive your economic engine and leave you feeling genuinely fulfilled.Thinking about building an ADU or need a team to manage your project properly? Visit: thebuildernation.com/partner Follow Adit ShahInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/housebender/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adit-shah-197623167/ Website: https://www.housebender.com/ Follow The Builder Brian:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuilderbrian/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankoons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_builderbrian

Most small businesses bleed cash on marketing they don’t understand, yet some quietly scale almost entirely through word of mouth and a dialed-in reputation. In this episode, Billy Perez unpacks how he grew to managing 50+ Airbnb doors in just 18 months, layered in other income streams like vending machines, and became “the Airbnb guy” in his market without relying on paid ads. From showing up obsessively at real estate meetups to engineering memorable guest experiences, he breaks down the mindset and systems that turn casual conversations into a constant flow of owners asking to work with him.​You’ll hear how he:Turned handshakes, open houses, and being “annoyingly obsessed” with his business into a referral engine that replaces traditional marketing.​Built a management company owners actually rave about—with clear accounting, pro-level photos, tight ops, and amenities like hot tubs, speakeasies, and murals that guests can’t stop posting about.​Evolved from taking almost any property that would cash-flow into carefully choosing higher-quality clients, cutting problem owners, and designing a portfolio that supports both margins and sanity.​Uses an operations manager, software, and AI guest messaging to step out of the weeds, while still delivering five-star stays at scale.​Billy also dives into:His leap from full-time Spanish teacher to multi-business operator, the eight months he lost money after hiringWhy most people are actually better off as employees, the dangers of being a hyper-anxious “type A” founderOwner red flags vs. green flags, why retired or overly involved hosts often create the biggest headachesHow he’s thinking about regulation risk, diversifying beyond STRs, and building toward a 250+ unit, eight-figure operation where his primary job is sales, relationships, and brand.​If you’re running short-term rentals, building a service business, or just tired of being “the business” instead of owning one, this episode pulls back the curtain on what sustainable, word-of-mouth growth actually looks like—while still leaving plenty of the playbook between the lines for those who listen all the way through.Thinking about building an ADU or need a team to manage your project properly? Visit: thebuildernation.com/partner Follow Billy Perez:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billy.elevate Website: https://www.elevatemgmt.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billy-perez-5b12921b1/ Follow The Builder Brian:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuilderbrian/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankoons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_builderbrian 

This episode of Builder Nation features Dillon Freeman, one of the top mortgage lenders in the country, who built a $400k+ per year business entirely from organic LinkedIn—no ads, no agents, just systems, consistency, and content that actually drives deals. Dillon breaks down how he went from market commentary during the banking crisis to becoming a go-to lender, the content “pillars” he uses to post daily for years, and the specific tactics he leverages to turn likes and comments into real, qualified borrowers on autopilot.​You’ll learn how to overcome the fear of posting, why LinkedIn is a “storybook” not a highlight reel, how to use comments, DMs, Calendly, and simple tools to create an inbound pipeline, and why controversy, storytelling, and authenticity outperform “just closed” posts every time. Dillon also pulls back the curtain on his daily schedule as a high-earning lender, husband, and dad—how he protects family time, structures deep work, thinks about systems and hiring, and why his ultimate goal is using lending and content to buy real estate, reduce taxes, and stop trading time for money.​If you’re a high-performing professional or investor who wants to use LinkedIn to generate deal flow, scale income, and still win at home, this conversation gives you the exact mindset, frameworks, and plays Dillon uses in real life—so you can start building your own “Builder Nation” with the same 24 hours.Thinking about building an ADU or need a team to manage your project properly? Visit: thebuildernation.com/partner Follow Dillon FreemanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dillondoesloans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dillondoesloans/ Follow The Builder Brian:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuilderbrian/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankoons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_builderbrian 

In this episode of The Builder Nation Podcast, Brian sits down with Alex Inabnet, founder of Inabnet Companies and a developer running five vertically integrated divisions across San Diego, Austin, and Tampa.Alex shares how he went from nearly jumping off a downtown San Diego high-rise at 25 to building a multi-market development empire that includes construction, property management, and a private equity fund.He breaks down his contrarian approach to the current market downturn—doubling down on acquisitions while others pull back, raising capital in uncertain times through radical transparency, and why the first six months in a new market should be spent building face-to-face relationships at gyms, churches, and community events rather than behind a computer.Alex also opens up about choosing the right partners (and why all money isn't good money), structuring incentives across vertically integrated companies, and the critical importance of vulnerability when you're struggling instead of taking flight.What's covered:• Why downturns are the time to acquire and build• Raising capital in tough markets through transparency and investor updates• The six-month strategy for entering new real estate markets• Face-to-face relationship building vs. virtual networking• Vertical integration across development, GC, and property management• Choosing partners: experience vs. capital-only partners• Structuring LP vs. GP roles and managing investor expectations• Incentivizing construction teams with milestone-based bonuses• The moment Alex nearly ended his life and what it taught him about vulnerabilityThinking about building an ADU or need a team to manage your project properly? Visit: thebuildernation.com/partnerFollow Alex:• LinkedIn: https:

In this episode of The Builder Nation Podcast, Brandon breaks down how he went from a 25-year-old making over $200,000 a year in Fortune 100 tech sales to walking away and rebuilding his life around freedom, travel, and hospitality ownership. He shares how he navigated multiple career pivots, got into hostels and hotels on Maui, and now runs marketing and capital raising for a growing hotel investment company while deliberately earning less in the short term to build a life he actually wants.​You’ll hear how Brandon thinks about the “high-income trap,” why masterminds and communities matter more than books, and how to use social media and storytelling to raise money and fill hospitality properties. He also unpacks AI’s impact on copywriting, when to quit a high-paying job, and how to document your journey without overthinking it.What's covered:• Why the "high-income trap" keeps people stuck​• 8-person startups vs 400-person companies​• How hostels outperform hotels financially​• AI's role in copywriting and efficiency​• Why masterminds beat books for high performers​• Building and leaving a wholesaling business​• Overcoming fear of posting content​• Raising private capital through investor walkthroughsThinking about building an ADU or need a team to manage your project properly? Visit: ⁠thebuildernation.com/partner⁠ Follow Brandon:• Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/brandon__hien/⁠• Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@brandon_hien⁠• LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-hien/⁠ Follow The Builder Brian:• Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thebuilderbrian/?hl=en⁠• LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankoons/⁠• YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@the_builderbrian⁠

Less than 15% of eligible veterans ever use their VA loan—but James DeLeon used his to buy a fourplex with $0 down and turned it into a 25+ property portfolio in one of America's toughest markets.In this episode, James breaks down exactly how he escaped the "military matrix" that keeps service members trapped in financial mediocrity. From his first house hack to mastering the BRRRR strategy in San Diego, he reveals:Why the military intentionally fails to teach veterans about wealth buildingHow he negotiated a $780K listing down to $600K on the MLS (and still made it work as a BRRRR)The exact systems that let him scale from one fourplex to 25+ properties with vertical integrationHow to build a construction team without a GC license (and when you actually need one)The partnership principles that make or break real estate businessesWhy discipline from the Marine Corps matters less than the mental game nobody talks aboutJames doesn't sugarcoat it—he shares the deals that went sideways, the $25K in earnest money that almost got lost on Cesar Chavez Day, and why he still battles imposter syndrome despite crushing it by every metric.If you're a veteran sitting on your VA loan benefit, an investor wondering how to make BRRRRs work in expensive markets, or anyone trying to scale without losing quality, this episode is your playbook.Thinking about building an ADU or need a team to manage your project properly? Visit: thebuildernation.com/partner Follow James DeleonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamess.deleon/ Follow The Builder Brian:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuilderbrian/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankoons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the_builderbrian

In this episode of The Builder Nation Podcast, Brian sits down with Ryan O’Connell, founder of How to ADU and one of the most respected ADU policy experts in California.Everyone says ADUs are the solution to the housing crisis.California has over 7 million ADU-eligible properties.So why do so many projects never make it to permit — let alone construction?This conversation breaks down the real reasons ADU projects stall, fail, or never start at all — and what homeowners and developers actually need to focus on heading into 2026 and beyond.We cover:• Why most people never start an ADU project• Why many projects die before permitting• The difference between what you can build vs. what you should build• How bad teams quietly kill good ADU projects• Why “A-to-Z” ADU firms are often a red flag• The real role of the developer in ADU success• Bonus ADUs, AB 1033 condo-ization, JADUs, and policy myths• When adding units actually destroys property value• How ADUs evolve into broader density strategies• What winning with ADUs looks like over the next decadeThis episode is essential listening for homeowners, builders, and investors who want to approach ADUs strategically — not emotionally or blindly.Thinking about building an ADU or need a team to manage your project properly?Visit: thebuildernation.com/partnerFollow Ryan O’Connell:YouTube & TikTok: How to ADUInstagram: @RyanOHousingNew episodes every week.Welcome to Builder Nation.

In this episode of The Builder Nation Podcast, Brian sits down with Eric Nelson — a multifamily investor and operator managing more than 1,000 units across multiple markets… while living in Spain with his family.Most investors struggle to manage a single rental. Eric built a system-driven organization, hired strategically, and created a remote command center that lets him run a nationwide portfolio without sacrificing family, lifestyle, or travel.We break down:• How he manages 1,000 units from overseas• The hire that changed everything• The bottlenecks that kill most operators early• The truth about underwriting, asset management, and scaling• How to build a team that lets you buy back your time• Why generosity and communication drive long-term success• Moving to Spain with kids — and running a real estate empire abroadWhether you’re an aspiring operator, an active investor, or someone who wants to build a life by design (not by default), this episode gives you the blueprint.Want to invest in real estate development or need a team to manage your project?Visit: TheBuildernation.com/partnerConnect with Eric:• Deals: https://wildoakcapital.com• Coaching: https://ericnelsoncoaching.comNew episodes every week.Welcome to Builder Nation.

California is full of high-income earners sitting on a ton of home equity… and most of them have no idea how to turn it into real, lasting wealth.Today I’m sitting down with Michael Chiodo — “The Real Estate MC” — a top-producing mortgage strategist and investor who’s closed over $600M in loans, built a highly leveraged lending business, and uses ADUs, short-term rentals, and tax strategies to turn W-2 and commission income into freedom.We get into exactly how lending really works for 1–4 unit properties with ADUs, why going over 4 units changes the entire financing game, and how to use seconds, HELOCs, and short-term rental loopholes to supercharge your wealth without blowing up your lifestyle.Michael also breaks down:How he built his lending empire by shadowing a mentor at 5:30 AMWhy he walked away from a construction company, content studio, and other “shiny” businessesHow he trained a long-term assistant and built SOPs so his business runs clean without him micromanagingIf you’re a high-income earner, operator, or aspiring developer who wants to actually use lending and ADUs as a tax-advantaged wealth engine, this episode is going to click.📣 Call-To-Action Block (End of Description)Connect with Michael “The Real Estate MC” ChiodoInstagram: @therealestatemcWebsite: therealestatemc.com (or whatever the exact URL is – drop it here)👉 DM him for lending strategy, ADU financing options, and roadmap conversations.Connect with Brian / Builder NationInstagram: @thebuilderbrianInvest with Us or Have us Build Your ADU: thebuildernation.com/partner

California needs 3.5 million more homes — and the biggest opportunity isn’t in skyscrapers, megaprojects, or SB10 towers.It’s in middle housing and microdevelopment… the small, repeatable infill projects that will redefine our neighborhoods for the next 20 years.In today’s episode, I sit down with Jared Jones, co-founder of Middle Housing Partners, and one of the clearest thinkers in California’s housing revolution. Jared took the leap from flipping houses to building a fully integrated development operation delivering hundreds of ADUs and middle-housing units — and he believes we are entering the most transformative wealth cycle in the history of California real estate.We talk about why small developers have an advantage over institutional builders, how middle housing creates equity faster than any traditional multifamily strategy, and what it actually takes to scale production without losing your mind. Jared also breaks down the economics behind their 749 sq ft 3-bed/2-bath ADU — a product most people think is insane… until they see the math.If you’re interested in ADUs, microdevelopment, or building generational wealth through real estate, this is a mandatory listen.🔍 In This Episode, We Cover:The Housing Crisis (2:43–4:21)Why California is 3.5M units shortThe opportunity for small developers to reshape neighborhoodsWhy “single-family zoning is dead” and no one’s preparedThe Microdevelopment AdvantageHow small developers can create the same equity as apartments in 12 monthsWhy big builders won’t touch middle housing (“Lennar is NOT my competition”)How repeatable 2–5 unit infill can outperform 200-unit complexesDesigning ADUs That Actually Cash FlowWhy you should NEVER take rental or product advice from architects or designers who don’t buildHow Middle Housing Partners engineered their 749 sq ft 3-bed/2-bath ADUAvoiding impact fees by staying under 750 sq ftDelivering a $150K build cost unit that’s worth $375K–$425KCreating “missing middle” family housing with real yards and real livabilityScaling Through Vertical IntegrationWhy their team “fucks up all the time” — and why that’s normalThe identity shift from “we get lucky” → “we’re damn good at this”The Purpose Behind Middle HousingRedesigning the neuroplasticity of citiesInstitutional Capital Is ComingWhy institutional money will pour into small developersConnect with Jared JonesInstagram: @middlehousingpartnersMiddle Housing Partners: https://middlehousingpartners.comConnect with Brian / Builder NationInstagram: @thebuilderbrianInvest with Us or Build ADUs: thebuildernation.com/partner

What if your single-family house was actually a Swiss Army knife of income streams?In this episode, I sit down with Alvin Uy — a Los Angeles–based entrepreneur, product developer, and first-generation immigrant who built a $60M real estate portfolio and became a self-made decamillionaire. Before real estate, Alvin was a product guy: he co-created Soapbox, a children’s bath product that landed him on Shark Tank, where he and his partner famously walked away from a $1M buyout offer.Alvin breaks down how his product-development brain completely changed the way he looks at real estate: not as “units,” but as products that solve real problems. We get into SB9 in Los Angeles, why he stopped chasing unit count and started chasing bedroom count, and how he’s using co-living, student housing, and assisted living to squeeze massive value out of regular single-family lots. He also shares his GRIT framework (Growth, Resources, Influence, Time) and why buy & hold in California has been his true “cheat code.”If you’re in a high-cost market and think “nothing cash flows,” this one will completely reframe how you look at deals.In this episode, we cover:Alvin’s Shark Tank story and why he turned down a $1M buyoutHow Soapbox went from a Kickstarter idea to Nordstrom orders and Disney licensingThe biggest lesson from product development: start with the end user and the exit, not the featureWhy he stopped chasing unit counts and started chasing bedroom countsHow he’s using SB9 in Los Angeles to turn a single-family lot into 5 units (triplex + 2 ADUs)The wild appraisal gap: why adding one 2-bed ADU turned a 4-unit into a 5-unit worth ~$700K moreStudent housing & co-living: rent-by-the-room as an answer to affordability and cash flowThe basics of assisted living as a non-medical, high-margin business stacked on top of real estateAlvin’s Swiss Army House model – designing one structure that can work as:co-living / rent-by-the-roomstudent housingshort-term or mid-term rentalassisted living / transitional housing / sober livingWhy appreciation in California has been his “hockey stick,” and how he structures deals to never sellThe GRIT system: Growth, Resources, Influence, Time — and why he chases these instead of “money”How a college dropout used Rich Dad Poor Dad and 20+ years of iteration to build a $60M portfolioConnect with Alvin📸 Instagram: @alvinizedConnect with Brian / The Builder Nation📸 Instagram: @thebuilderbrian🎧 The Builder Nation Podcast🌐 Learn more about ADUs, Investing Options, and Development: thebuildernation.com/partner

What if you didn’t have to fully replace your W-2 income before quitting your job?In this episode, I sit down with Miller McSwain — a former nuclear rocket scientist who walked away from a six-figure W-2 after realizing that just 7 properties and 51 rooms could create enough momentum to leave his job and build a co-living empire in Colorado Springs.Miller breaks down how he engineered his co-living model to produce over $10,000/month in cashflow, why he was willing to let his income temporarily drop to almost zero, and how he used partners, VAs, and automation to do it without burning out. We also dive into his BiggerPockets book, Co-Living Cash Flow, and how he’s now building software (Co-Living Pro) to solve the exact problems he faced scaling his own portfolio.If you’ve ever wondered how to:Quit your job before fully replacing your incomeManage dozens of tenants without hating your lifeUse co-living to turn “meh” deals into cashflow machines— this episode is going to hit hard.In this episode, we cover:How Miller went from rocket scientist to co-living operatorWhy he quit his six-figure W-2 before fully replacing his incomeHow 7 properties / 51 rooms now generate over $10K/month in cashflowThe exact filters he uses to find great co-living properties (square footage, parking, location, tenant demographic)Turning 3-bed houses into 8-bedroom co-living monstersThe garage conversion unlock: turning break-even deals into $16K+/year positive cashflowHow he self-manages 51 rooms using cleaners, handymen, cameras, and systemsHiring VAs the right way (what he did wrong the first time and how he fixed it)Why you should define the role and build the SOPs before you hireHow Miller uses Zapier, Gmail filters, and simple automations to eliminate constant tenant messagingBoundaries: batching notifications, shutting it down when his wife gets home, and avoiding burnoutWhy networking (not spreadsheets) was the #1 habit that changed his life, landed him internships, deals, and his BiggerPockets bookConnect with Miller📖 Grab his book, Co-Living Cash Flow: co-living book.com📸 Follow Miller on Instagram: @millermcswainConnect with Brian / The Builder Nation📸 Instagram: @thebuilderbrian🎧 The Builder Nation Podcast🌐 Learn more about ADUs, development, and Builder Nation: hkdevelopmentgroup.com

Welcome - to The Builder Nation Podcast In this first episode, Brian Koons shares the story behind the show, the mission driving Builder Nation, and how high-performers use mindset, systems, and leverage to build intentional lives with the same 24 hours we all get.If you’ve ever considered investing in real estate development, building ADUs, or you need a trusted team to manage your project, reach out at Subscribe and let’s keep building together.