The Strategic Success Podcast

In this episode, Courtney sits down with her student Colleen Gallagher for an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what 2025 actually looked like as a wholesaler experimenting with multiple Real Estate strategies.From wholesaling and creative finance to managing a highly intensive shared-housing property, Colleen breaks down where she made money, where she lost time, and which decisions she would absolutely rethink if given the chance. This conversation is less about chasing the next strategy and more about learning when to simplify, refocus, and protect your time, energy, and systems as an operator.If you are navigating shiny-object syndrome, trying to scale responsibly, or questioning whether a “cash-flow-heavy” strategy is really worth the management cost, this episode will hit close to home.In This Episode, We Cover:-Why wholesaling felt accessible but still required focus to stay profitable-What Colleen learned from running a management-intensive shared housing property-How chasing multiple strategies impacted her time, health, and overall returns-Lessons learned from a rent-to-own deal gone wrong and tightening application processes-The importance of systems, paperwork, and operational discipline in today’s market-Why simplifying her approach is central to her Real Estate focus in 2026-Letting go of “cheap deals” in favor of better neighborhoods and long-term appreciation-Creating boundaries between business growth and personal well-beingMaking money doesn’t always mean you’re moving in the right direction. Sometimes the most valuable lesson is learning which strategies are costing you more than they’re giving back.Connect With Colleen Gallagher:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/investingwithcolleen/ Website: investingwithcolleen.comConnect with Courtney Fricke: Website: www.CourtneyFricke.com (additional resources and workshops)Instagram: https://instagram.com/courtneyfrickeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCfZlfkGpNzcMuDh6NX7xVpQTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@courtney.frickeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/courtneyfricke19/X: https://x.com/courtneyfrickeSubscribe to the podcast and stay tuned for more real conversations about strategy, growth, and building a Real Estate business that works for your life, not against it.

Many buyers and investors across Louisiana are sitting on the sidelines right now. They’re waiting for interest rates to drop, headlines to improve, or for someone online to say it finally feels “safe” to buy again.In this episode of Louisiana Real Estate Talks, Courtney Fricke is joined by longtime business partner and investor Stephen Keighery (aka Aussie Steve) to make a clear, grounded case for why 2026 may quietly become one of the best buying windows Louisiana has seen in years.This conversation isn’t about hype or calling a boom. It’s about what’s actually happening on the ground in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and across the state and why disciplined dealmakers are already positioning themselves while others wait for certainty.In this episode, we cover:- Why Louisiana likely bottomed in 2025 and what stabilization really looks like in 2026- How investor confidence is returning before prices fully reflect it- The disconnect between consumer sentiment and investor opportunity and why that gap matters- Major economic development wins across Louisiana and how they impact Real Estate long-term- Why workforce housing and furnished rentals are one of the most overlooked opportunities heading into 2026- How insurance and utility costs are forcing better underwriting and more disciplined deals- Interest rate expectations and what gradual movement could unlock for transactions- Construction delays, labor shortages, and why problem-solving investors may benefit- The role of unknown policy shifts and incentives that could positively impact housing- Why 2026 rewards operators, not speculators, and long-game thinkers over short-term players2026 is not about waiting for everything to feel obvious. It’s about positioning early, underwriting conservatively, and solving real problems while the market is still uncomfortable.The investors who win won’t be chasing appreciation headlines. They’ll be buying right, operating well, and setting themselves up for the next phase of the cycle.Connect with the Hosts:Connect with Aussie Steve here:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCBFQ_43MCI9tJ8tB6m9q92g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenkeighery/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stephenkeighery LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenkeighery/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephen.keigheryX: https://x.com/stephenkeigheryBio Hub: https://homebuyerlouisiana.com/about-us/stephen-keighery/Connect with Courtney Fricke:Instagram: https://instagram.com/courtneyfrickeTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@courtney.fricke Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courtneyfricke19/X: https://x.com/courtneyfricke YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCfZlfkGpNzcMuDh6NX7xVpQ Website: www.CourtneyFricke.com for more resources.If you’re operating in Louisiana or considering investing here, make sure you’re subscribed. These Louisiana Real Estate Talks episodes are focused on real conditions, real data, and real-world dealmaking, not theory. More Louisiana-specific conversations coming next.

Real Estate meetups and REIAs are struggling and it’s not because people stopped wanting community.In this episode, Courtney breaks down the uncomfortable truth many meetup leaders don’t want to admit: attention has moved. Investors are discovering education, credibility, and leadership online long before they ever walk into a room. And if your meetup doesn’t have a strong online video presence, it’s not being ignored because it lacks value, it’s being ignored because people don’t know you exist.Drawing from over a decade as a full-time Real Estate investor, six years running a local meetup, and speaking at REIAs across the country, Courtney explains why YouTube University and TikTok didn’t kill meetups, they replaced access to information. The groups still thriving today aren’t fighting that shift. They’re using it.This episode unpacks why great speakers are drawing empty rooms, why monthly meetings can’t compete with daily content, and why visibility now matters more than ever. More importantly, Courtney lays out what the next generation of successful Real Estate communities will look like and how meetup leaders can adapt instead of burning out or shutting down.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:-Why your real competition isn’t another meetup — it’s YouTube and TikTok-How attention and discovery have fundamentally changed in Real Estate education-Why on-demand, free, and familiar content is winning-The real reasons meetup attendance is declining-Why video is no longer optional for community leaders-How successful meetups are using online content to fill rooms again-Practical ways to evolve your meetup without abandoning in-person communityWho This Episode Is For:-REIA and meetup leaders-Real Estate educators and speakers-Investors who want to build stronger local communities-Anyone frustrated by declining attendance and burnoutMeetups still matter. Community still matters. But the path to the room has changed. This episode is a clear-eyed look at what’s happening and what leaders need to do next.Want to take content seriously as a marketing channel? To find more info on Courtney's Known Deal Maker events - the Fundamentals workshop and the Known Deal Maker Masterminds, check out CourtneyFricke.com for more details, FAQ videos, and links to get your tickets. REIA Heads and Meetup Hosts get a $500 discount to attend the workshop and mastermind! Message me for more information. Follow @KnownDealMaker on IG for conversations about visibility, credibility, and building deal flow without chasing attention.

Land investing gets written off as boring until you see what’s actually possible when it’s done intentionally.In this episode, I’m joined by Chris Johnsen, a full-time land investor who generated roughly $750,000 in gross profit in 2025 despite a more competitive and demanding market. We break down what really worked, what stopped working, and why his strategy in 2026 looks very different than it did just a few years ago.Chris shares how subdivides outperformed traditional land flips, why narrowing his market focus became a competitive advantage, and how hiring his first full-time employee completely changed his capacity and results. We also get into why relationships, referrals, and MLS deals are now just as important as cold calling, and how land investors need to think longer-term if they want to stay profitable.As we look ahead to 2026, Chris walks through his plan to scale larger subdivides, convert land into cash-flowing mobile home packages, and build a portfolio that creates both income and tax efficiency. This conversation is especially relevant for investors who feel like the easy money days are over and want to adapt instead of burning out.In this episode, we cover:- What 2025 really looked like for land investors in a tougher market- Why subdividing land produced higher returns than standard flips- How demand matters more now than ever when choosing markets- The real ROI of hiring help and buying back your time- Why focusing on fewer counties increased deal quality- How Chris is using land to build long-term cash flow with mobile homes- What land investing strategies make the most sense going into 2026If you’re investing in land, thinking about land, or trying to figure out how to evolve your Real Estate business in a more competitive environment, this episode will give you a grounded look at what’s actually working right now.Want to watch Chris's previous episode on our podcast, check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81Yu0fpLHww&t=35s. Connect with Chris Johnsen here:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.johnsen.14His Phone Number: Nine85-640-7500 (use this respectfully, y'all) Connect with Courtney Fricke here: Instagram: https://instagram.com/courtneyfrickeTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@courtney.frickeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/courtneyfricke19/X: https://x.com/courtneyfrickeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@courtneyfrickeWebsite: https://www.CourtneyFricke.comSubscribe for more conversations with operators across the country breaking down real strategies, real numbers, and what it actually takes to adapt and grow in today’s Real Estate market.

Shaun Stephens, a seasoned landlord and buy-and-hold investor from Ohio, shares his transformative journey through 2025. He discusses why portfolio quality trumps sheer numbers, categorizing properties into A, B, and C grades to streamline operations. Shaun emphasizes the importance of lifestyle over cash flow, opting to sell low-quality assets and simplify management. He also reveals how he's leveraging AI to enhance property management and reduce costs, cautioning that 'AI or die' is becoming crucial for real estate success.

Many Real Estate investors feel hesitant about AI. It sounds complicated, risky, or like just another thing to add to an already full plate. In this episode, Courtney Fricke and Maria Giordano cut through the noise and explain why AI is not a trend, a gimmick, or a replacement for experience.Instead, they make a clear case for why AI is quickly becoming essential infrastructure for modern Real Estate businesses.This conversation is not about hype or tools for tools’ sake. It is two active Real Estate operators sharing how they are using AI every day to reduce overhead, improve decision-making, streamline operations, and compete more effectively in a rapidly changing market.By the end of this episode, you will understand why ignoring AI comes with a real cost and why learning to use it thoughtfully is no longer optional.In This Episode, We Cover:- Why so many Real Estate investors feel resistant to AI and why that hesitation is understandable- How AI allows investors to scale and create leverage without adding staff or overhead- Using AI as an operational sounding board, business coach, and decision-making assistant- How AI helps investors better understand markets, demographics, and seller pain points- Real examples of using AI for marketing, copy review, seller communication, and deal analysis- How AI can dramatically improve rehab planning, scopes of work, material lists, and cost accuracy- Why major companies are embracing AI and what that signals for small operators and solopreneurs- The long-term risk of ignoring AI as adoption accelerates across industries- Why AI levels the playing field for smaller Real Estate businessesAI does not replace experience, judgment, or relationships. It removes friction. Investors who learn to use AI as leverage gain clarity, efficiency, and adaptability without the burden of additional overhead.The real question is no longer whether AI works. It is what it costs your Real Estate business to ignore it.About the AI for REI PodcastAI for REI is an ongoing conversation between active Real Estate operators focused on practical, grounded applications of AI in Real Estate businesses. Some episodes will explore big-picture strategy like this one, while others will deep dive into specific use cases, workflows, and real-world examples.No hype. No theory. Just how AI is actually being used in Real Estate today.Connect With the HostsConnect with Maria Giordano:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mgiordano01Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialmariagiordano/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialmariagiordanoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCnAQoh8D6_m1wuEANBZBD-A Website: https://www.realestateprofitsystem.com/Connect with Courtney Fricke: Instagram: https://instagram.com/courtneyfrickeTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@courtney.fricke Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courtneyfricke19/X: https://x.com/courtneyfricke YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@courtneyfrickeWebsite: www.CourtneyFricke.com for more resources.If this episode helped clarify why AI matters for your Real Estate business, make sure you subscribe so you do not miss future AI for REI conversations. More practical insights and real-world use cases are coming.

If you are facing foreclosure, the most dangerous thing you can do is wait for permission to act.In this episode, Courtney walks through what she calls the “come to Jesus” conversation she has with homeowners and property owners facing foreclosure. This is the conversation that happens before any offer is ever discussed. The goal is clarity, not pressure.Courtney breaks down how foreclosure actually works, why time is not your friend, and what homeowners need to understand about timelines, rights, and decision-making so they can stop reacting and start choosing.This episode is also for Real Estate agents, investors, attorneys, and other professionals who work with distressed homeowners and want to show up better, with more humanity and more accuracy.In this episode, you will learn:-Why waiting makes foreclosure more expensive and limits your options-How foreclosure timelines really work and why they are not one size fits all-The difference between stopping foreclosure to stay versus stopping foreclosure to move on-Why cooperation matters and why no solution works without honest information-How emotion management is just as important as timeline management-What options homeowners may still have even late in the process-How Courtney leads with education before ever discussing an offerForeclosure is not just a financial problem. It is a timeline problem and an emotion problem. The earlier you understand where you are in the process, the more choices you still have. Waiting does not protect you. It costs you.Courtney shares how she approaches these conversations after more than a decade of stopping foreclosures by helping people understand reality first, then exploring solutions that fit their actual situation.If you or someone you know is facing foreclosure in South Louisiana, South Mississippi, or the greater Tampa Bay area, Courtney encourages reaching out early. Her goal is always to inform first so families can make decisions from clarity instead of fear.If you are in the Real Estate industry, this episode is a reminder that the best solutions start with honesty, patience, and humanity.Questions about foreclosure or working with distressed homeowners? Drop them in the comments. Courtney reads them and answers whenever she can.You can connect further with Courtney or see other resources she has liking upcoming workshops at CourtneyFricke.com. Subscribe for more conversations on Real Estate problem solving, creative solutions, and showing up as a helper when it matters most.

If you’ve ever lost a deal to someone with less experience than you, this episode isn’t about ego. It’s about adaptation.The Real Estate investors getting picked today aren’t always the most skilled operators. They’re the ones people recognize, remember, and trust because they show up consistently. Skill still matters. But visibility is how credibility is built now.In this episode, I break down why staying quiet is costing experienced investors real money and how being a “silent professional” has become a liability in today’s market. This isn’t about becoming an influencer or posting cringe content. It’s about taking responsibility for your reputation and making it clear who you are, what you do, and when someone should call you.If you’ve been in the business for years and referrals are inconsistent, this conversation will hit close to home.In this episode, we cover:- Why skill alone is no longer enough to win deals- How credibility is actually being formed today- The hidden cost of being a silent professional- Why experienced investors get overlooked without realizing it- How content functions as a real marketing channel, not a personality play- What it means to take responsibility for being knownIf you’re serious about increasing referrals, deal flow, and staying relevant, this episode is required listening.Want to take content seriously as a marketing channel? To find more info on Courtney's Known Deal Maker events - the Fundamentals workshop and the Known Deal Maker Masterminds, check out CourtneyFricke.com for more details, FAQ videos, and links to get your tickets. Follow @KnownDealMaker for conversations about visibility, credibility, and building deal flow without chasing attention.

Every investor lived through 2025 differently.For Rich Rice, 2025 marked a major shift. A new season of fatherhood, multiple moves, joint ventures that tested relationships, deals that went sideways, and a full restructuring of the Fire Center forced him to reassess how he spends his time, energy, and reputation.In this episode, Rich returns to the show for a candid year-in-review conversation. We unpack the lessons 2025 delivered the hard way, why reputation is an investor’s most valuable form of capital, and how clarity and simplification are shaping his strategy for 2026.This is an honest, operator-level discussion about leadership, delegation, partnerships, lending risk, community building, and what changes when your capacity becomes finite.What you’ll hear in this episode:- How becoming a father reset Rich’s “why” and changed how he approaches business- Why your name is serious capital and how investors unknowingly spend it cheaply- Lessons learned from joint ventures that didn’t go as planned- Why communication is non-negotiable when deals get difficult- The importance of having clear red lines with private lenders and partners- How complexity quietly becomes the enemy of growth- Why clarity acts as an engine for better decisions and results- What it takes to run and scale one of the largest Real Estate clubs in Southern California- Why Rich simplified the Fire Center brand and eliminated unnecessary sub-clubs- How delegation became essential instead of optional- Rich’s personal and business focus heading into 2026- Taking over the Masters of Real Estate Conference and what’s next for the eventResources and mentions:Fire Center – Rich’s Real Estate education community based in Riverside, CaliforniaMasters of Real Estate Conference updates: firecenterhq.com/legendsConnect with Rich:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firerichrice/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firerichrice Fire Center website: firecenterhq.comConnect with Courtney Fricke: Instagram: https://instagram.com/courtneyfrickeTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@courtney.fricke Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courtneyfricke19/X: https://x.com/courtneyfricke YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@courtneyfrickeWebsite: www.CourtneyFricke.com for more resources. This episode is for investors who understand that deals come and go, but reputation compounds. If you’re navigating partnerships, lending, leadership, or growth in a shifting market, this conversation offers perspective you can’t afford to ignore.Want to hear from operators across the country breaking down what 2025 really looked like, the lessons they learned, and what they’re focused on in 2026? Watch the full playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_t1CjX04xMsmrulLCdLRPqNYVLwLuKCKSubscribe for more conversations with experienced operators breaking down what actually works, what breaks, and what it costs when it does.

Most Real Estate deals don’t fall apart because of price. They fall apart because of complexity.In this episode, I break down the 10 real estate problems I solve frequently that most investors, buyers, and even professionals avoid because they’re messy, emotional, or legally complicated.These are the situations where sellers feel stuck, deals stall, and options feel limited.This video walks through three major categories of problems I specialize in across South Louisiana, South Mississippi, and the Greater Tampa Bay area.Ownership & Title Problems• One or more owners refusing to sell• Missing owners or unknown heirs• Private or hard money lenders stuck with defaults• Seller finance, bond for deed, or subject-to deals in defaultFinancial & Life Transition Problems• Homeowners facing foreclosure• Sellers who need more than the market can give them• Long-time landlords ready to exit but concerned about tax consequencesMarket & Marketability Problems• Hoarder houses and inherited problem properties• Homes the market keeps rejecting• Investor deals gone south including flips, BRRRRs, and partnershipsIf you’re a seller, this video will help you understand what options might exist when a traditional sale doesn’t work.If you’re an investor or industry professional, this video explains the types of situations I’m often called in to help resolve when deals get complicated. If you work these markets, DM me or email me. Let's connect if we haven't. I want to make sure you have my number so we can do deals together. If solving complex, real-world Real Estate problems interests you, this channel is for you. Subscribe to follow along as I share how solutions-based investing actually works.Connect further with Courtney at CourtneyFricke.com for more resources, ways to learn from her, and her social media channels for more content.