Episode 34: Why You’re Going to Go Out of Business

May 20, 2025

Hosts discuss critical factors that can lead to business failure, particularly in real estate and land investing. They share personal setbacks, emphasizing the value of learning from mistakes. Identifying bottlenecks in operations is highlighted as a key to success, while strategic hiring is explored to enhance business growth. The importance of flexibility in navigating changing markets is stressed, alongside the need for long-term sustainability through disciplined strategic planning. Leadership transitions and building a repeatable business model are key takeaways.

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ANECDOTE

Clay's Rezoning Challenge

Clay Hepler recounted a tough development meeting where his rezoning request was rejected by a county protective of agricultural land.\n- He likened the challenge to transitioning from a horse-drawn buggy to a car, highlighting local resistance to change.

ANECDOTE

Justin's Development Deal Setbacks

Justin Piche shared how multiple development deals he invested in either fell through or became too costly in due diligence.\n- He stressed preferring smaller, simpler lot splits over complex major developments to reduce risk.

ADVICE

Use After-Action Reviews

Conduct an after-action review after important calls by asking: what went well, what didn’t, and how you contributed.\n- This reflection greatly improves sales performance and helps learn from failures.

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🎙️ Welcome Back to The Ground Game Podcast! 🎙️

In this episode, hosts Clay Hepler and Justin Piche discuss the critical factors that can lead to business failure in the real estate and land investing sectors. They share personal experiences and insights on navigating challenges, emphasizing the importance of strategic thinking and resilience.

Key Highlights

Personal Updates:
Clay shares his recent experience at a development meeting that didn’t go well, highlighting the difficulties of navigating local zoning regulations. Justin reflects on his own challenges with deals that didn’t pan out, underscoring the importance of learning from setbacks.

Understanding Bottlenecks:
The hosts delve into the significance of identifying and addressing bottlenecks in business operations. Clay recounts his struggles with unsuccessful mail campaigns, illustrating the need to focus on core issues to drive meaningful results.

The Power of Strategic Thinking:
Clay and Justin emphasize the importance of strategic thinking in land investing. They discuss how Clay shifted his focus from flipping houses to land, detailing the mindset changes that contributed to his success.

Hiring for Success:
They explore the common mistake of hiring based solely on cost rather than potential impact. Clay shares his experience of hiring skilled team members, stressing the value of investing in talent that can drive business growth.

Flexibility in Business:
The episode covers the importance of having flexibility in your business model. Justin discusses how relying solely on double closes can create challenges during market fluctuations, emphasizing the need for diverse transaction strategies.

Building a Consistent Business:
Clay and Justin stress the need to build a business focused on consistency and volume rather than one-off deals. They share insights on how perseverance and strategic decisions can create a sustainable operation.

Leadership and Team Empowerment:
The hosts discuss the importance of strong leadership skills and empowering employees to solve core problems. They highlight how effective leadership can reduce turnover and foster a positive work environment.

This episode is packed with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and actionable insights that can help you avoid common pitfalls in

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