The Color of Money | Transformative Conversations for Wealth Building 98. From Oil Rigs to Investing: How Michael Merideth Scaled with Purpose
What does it take to grow from a Craigslist rental to a $100 million real estate portfolio—and still stay true to your values?
In this episode, we sit down with Michael Merideth, co-founder and CEO of VPG Enterprises in New Orleans. A former petroleum engineer and minor league baseball player, Michael’s journey into real estate began with a bold leap—and a belief that his community deserved better. With fraternity brothers turned co-founders, he bootstrapped VPG from envelope-stuffing side hustle to one of the nation’s fastest-growing real estate firms.
We explore the mechanics behind that rise: creative financing, vertical integration, and building trust in a historically insular market. Michael shares the power of partnerships, how to spot a real opportunity, and what it means to do deals that make a difference. He also opens up about today’s headwinds facing Black-owned businesses, and how he's evolving while staying rooted in mission.
Whether you're building your first fourplex or scaling to institutional capital, this episode is a masterclass in grit, vision, and legacy.
Resources:
- Learn more at The Color of Money
- VPG Enterprises: vpgenterprise.com
- Read: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
- Become a real estate agent HERE
Connect with Our Hosts
Emerick Peace:
- Instagram: @theemerickpeace
- Facebook: facebook.com/emerickpeace
Daniel Dixon:
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- Facebook: facebook.com/realdanieldixon
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- YouTube: @dixongroupcompanies
Julia Lashay:
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- Facebook: facebook.com/growwithjulia
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/julialashay/
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Bo Menkiti
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This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.