Raising Kids and Raising Capital: $5.5 Billion of Real Estate at 40-Years-Old | Don Wenner (Ep 156)

11 snips

Jun 17, 2025

Don Wenner, Founder of DLP Capital, shares his transformative journey from real estate agent to leading a billion-dollar firm. He discusses balancing work and family, introducing a 'family compass' to set meaningful goals. Don tackles the pressing housing affordability crisis with innovative community solutions. He emphasizes the importance of mental clarity, generosity, and faith in wealth. Through influential mentorship moments, he inspires continuous growth while highlighting the need for supportive communities.

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ANECDOTE

Gradual Transition to Investing

Don Wenner's transition from real estate agent to investor was gradual and driven by providing solutions to motivated sellers.
They expanded into construction and property management before launching their investment fund.

ADVICE

Raising First $250K Capital

To raise your first $250k for investing, get 80% financed through lenders if credit is decent.
Then raise the rest from friends or family who trust your credibility.

ADVICE

Bring Energy When Raising Capital

Bring high energy and confidence when raising capital; people bet on people with conviction.
Keep consistent communication and follow-ups even after facing rejection.

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Building an Elite Career

Don Wenner

Optional. A longer description of the book. Around 5 sentences long. If not available, return None.

Chase the Lion

Mark Batterson

'Chase the Lion' encourages readers to pursue audacious, God-sized dreams by identifying and overcoming their fears. Mark Batterson uses the biblical story of Benaiah chasing a lion into a pit on a snowy day to illustrate the principle of facing one's fears and pursuing extraordinary goals. The book blends biblical teachings with practical advice, urging individuals to discern their unique calling and step out in faith. Batterson emphasizes the importance of risk-taking and trusting in divine guidance to achieve seemingly impossible feats. He challenges readers to redefine their limitations and embrace the opportunities that lie beyond their comfort zones, ultimately living a life of purpose and impact.

Habits of the Household

Justin Whitmel Earley

A Million Little Miracles

Rediscover the God Who is Bigger Than Big, Closer Than Close, and Gooder Than Good

Mark Batterson

The 5 Levels of Leadership

John C. Maxwell

In this book, John C. Maxwell presents a framework for leadership development through five distinct levels: Position, Permission, Production, People Development, and Pinnacle. Each level builds on the previous one, requiring leaders to master different skills and behaviors. The book provides insights and practical advice on how to transition from one level to the next, emphasizing the importance of building relationships, achieving results, developing team members, and ultimately becoming a leader who inspires and develops other leaders.

Building an Elite Organization

Don Wenner

Building an Elite Organization provides actionable strategies for business owners seeking to scale their companies. The book focuses on implementing effective operational and business-building principles. It emphasizes a customized approach, encouraging readers to adapt the strategies to fit their unique business needs. Don Wenner shares his experiences and insights from building DLP Real Estate Capital. The book also highlights the importance of disciplined execution. It serves as a guide for creating a high-growth, high-profit business through strategic implementation and adaptation.

Great by choice

Uncertainty, Chaos, and Luck--Why Some Thrive Despite Them All

Morten Hansen

Jim Collins

This book explores why some companies succeed in highly uncertain and chaotic environments while others do not. Collins and Hansen conducted extensive research, studying companies that beat their industry indexes by at least ten times over fifteen years in turbulent conditions. They debunk several myths about successful leadership in turbulent times, highlighting key principles such as fanatic discipline, empirical creativity, and productive paranoia. The authors also examine the role of luck and how successful companies leverage it to their advantage. The book provides practical insights and strategies for building a great enterprise in unpredictable environments.

Halftime

Moving from Success to Significance

Bob Buford

In 'Halftime: Moving from Success to Significance,' Bob Buford addresses the midlife transition, urging readers to reflect, take stock, and plan for a more significant second half of their lives. The book is divided into three parts: The First Half, Halftime, and The Second Half. Buford shares personal insights, true-life examples, and practical questions to help readers shift from a quest for success to a quest for significance. He emphasizes the importance of using the skills and gifts acquired in the first half of life to serve in meaningful ways during the second half. The book includes reflection questions, new stories of individuals achieving significance, and specific assignments to guide readers in their transition[2][4][6].

From Success to Significance

Lloyd Reeb

This book explores the transition many experience after achieving significant success in their careers, prompting reflection on purpose and legacy. It guides readers to integrate faith and work, moving beyond material achievements to a life of greater meaning and impact. The book offers practical strategies and real-life examples to help individuals redefine success and pursue a life aligned with their spiritual calling. It emphasizes the importance of long-term vision and investing in eternal returns. The book encourages readers to find their unique calling and pursue it with passion and intentionality.

Purpose Driven Life

Rick Warren

In 'The Purpose Driven Life', Rick Warren guides readers through a personal 42-day spiritual journey to transform their understanding of life's purpose. The book addresses three fundamental questions: Why am I alive? Does my life matter? What on Earth am I here for? Warren emphasizes that real meaning and significance come from understanding and fulfilling God’s eternal purposes for each person. The book is divided into short chapters, each designed to be read as a daily devotional, and includes God's five purposes for life: to love God, to be part of His family, to become like Christ, to serve Him, and to tell others about Him[2][4][5].