The Ground Game Podcast

Justin Piche and Clay Hepler
undefined
Dec 9, 2025 • 30min

Episode 61: The 7 biggest mistakes Land investors mande in 2025

🎙️ Welcome to The Ground Game Podcast! 🎙️Join Clay and Justin in this special Thanksgiving episode, where the aroma of turkey and the buzz of family festivities set the stage for a crucial conversation about the biggest blunders land investors are making in 2025. This isn’t just theory; these are real insights drawn from their own experiences, coaching clients, and industry observations.In this episode, they dive into:Mistake #1: Marketing Without a Game Plan Discover why scattershot mailers and blind outreach are falling flat. Learn how strategic market analysis, A/B testing, and feedback loops can transform your marketing efforts.Mistake #2: Neglecting Lead Management Clay reveals the importance of discipline in lead management—slow responses and lack of follow-up can cost you deals. Find out how to implement effective systems and KPIs to stay ahead.Mistake #3: Relying on Outdated Comps Are you using 2023-2024 comps in today’s market? This mistake could be eating into your profits. Tune in to understand how to adjust your comping strategy for 2025.Mistake #4: Limited Tools in Your Arsenal Wholesaling alone won’t cut it anymore. Explore the necessity of creative deal structures, entitlements, and value-add strategies to thrive in today’s landscape.Mistake #5: Underperforming Sales Unlock the secret skill that can double your close rates without doubling your marketing budget.Mistake #6: Misguided Focus on Lead Channels Learn why beginners often chase too many leads while seasoned operators may rely too heavily on just one. Both approaches can hinder your success.Mistake #7: Treating Your Land Business Like a Hobby Inconsistency, lack of systems, and fear of failure can stall your growth. Discover how to shift your mindset and treat your land investing as a serious business.As they navigate these common pitfalls, Clay and Justin also share personal anecdotes about family traditions, nutrition bets, and the mental discipline that fuels both fitness and business success.If you’re ready to elevate your land investing game in 2025, this episode is your essential guide to avoiding the traps that hold others back. Tune in and get ready to take action!Abacus.AI Stride Land Insights Smarter contact Terra data consulting SolidSkip Learn about Justin’s 1:1 Coaching Apply for private coaching with clay The Ground Game Podcast Website Youtube Facebook TikTok Justin's Socials: X/Twitter YouTube ...
undefined
Dec 2, 2025 • 53min

Episode 60: What would we do if we were starting a business in 2026

Dive into the future of land investing as hosts explore the shift in strategy that led to a major departmental overhaul. Discover key market insights highlighting changes in Southeast markets and the importance of skill over team size. Learn about a tactical 90-day blueprint for achieving significant revenues and the value of data-driven decision-making. They share essential tech tools for investors and emphasize mastering lead channels like texting. Finally, explore creative offer structuring to close more deals in this evolving landscape.
undefined
Nov 21, 2025 • 53min

Episode 59: You’re One Relationship Away From Changing Your Business

🎙️ Welcome to The Ground Game Podcast! 🎙️Join hosts Clay Hepler and Justin Piché in this episode as they uncover a vital truth in land investing: you’re always just one relationship away from transforming your business.In this episode, you’ll discover:The Power of Relationships: How strategic partnerships can unlock new opportunities and drive growth.Real Success Stories: Insights from the partners and mentors who helped elevate their business to multi-million-dollar deals.Unlocking Bigger Opportunities: The impact of a single development partner on larger projects and vision.Building a High-Functioning Team: The importance of hiring the right people to streamline operations.Attracting Trust and Capital: Why integrity and a proven track record draw in wealthy investors.The Myth of Going It Alone: Why no land investor can scale without collaboration.Tune in for actionable insights that will inspire you to rethink your approach to land investing. Remember, in both land and business, you’re always just one relationship away from changing everything! Abacus.AI Stride Land Insights Smarter contact Terra data consulting SolidSkip Learn about Justin’s 1:1 Coaching Apply for private coaching with clay The Ground Game Podcast Website Youtube Facebook TikTok Justin's Socials: X/Twitter YouTube ...
undefined
Nov 11, 2025 • 43min

Espiode 58: Fewer Mistakes = Bigger Profits: The Real Key to Winning in Land

🎙️ Welcome to The Ground Game Podcast! 🎙️Join hosts Clay Hepler and Justin Piché in this exciting episode of The Ground Game Podcast, your ultimate guide to mastering the art of land investing, team building, and land development. If you're interested in a raw, transparent look into what it takes to build a seven-figure land investment business, this podcast is for you! In this episode, Clay and Justin dive deep into:The Overlooked Truth in Business: Clay and Justin break down a fundamental yet often overlooked truth in business: you don’t need to do more things right — you just need to do fewer things wrong. They discuss how this mindset can lead to greater success in land investing.Avoiding Costly Mistakes: The hosts explore strategies for avoiding bad buys and poor hires, emphasizing the importance of discipline in your investment decisions. They share insights on how to resist the temptation to overbuild or complicate your projects.Staying Sharp During the Holiday Slowdown: As the year comes to a close, Clay and Justin discuss how top operators use the holiday slowdown to tune up their systems and strategies. They highlight the importance of preparing your team for a strong start to 2026.The In-House Dispositions Debate: The episode tackles a hot topic in the land investing community: Is having an in-house dispositions team worth it? Clay and Justin weigh the pros and cons, discussing when brokers might outperform in-house teams and why.Focus on Profitability: Clay and Justin emphasize the significance of focusing on profitability rather than busywork. They share how elite operators think about net profit and the impact of maintaining a streamlined approach to business.Winning by Doing Less: The episode wraps up with a powerful message on how to win by doing less — but doing it right. Clay and Justin provide actionable takeaways that will help you refine your approach to land investing and build a sustainable business.Tune in for a no-fluff conversation on focus, profitability, and building a land business that lasts!Abacus.AI Stride Land Insights Smarter contact Terra data consulting SolidSkip Learn about Justin’s 1:1 Coaching Apply for private coaching with clay The Ground Game Podcast Website Youtube Facebook TikTok Justin's Socials: X/Twitter YouTube ...
undefined
Oct 31, 2025 • 45min

Episode 57: The Perfect Land Business: Profit Without Prison (Part 1)

Dive into the fascinating world of land investing! Learn why net profit trumps revenue for true business health. Discover the core team roles essential for success and how to navigate market challenges creatively. Hear about the pitfalls of scaling and the importance of having a lean operation to avoid burnout. Get practical insights on effective lead channels and hiring strategies to optimize your business without the stress. Embrace a balanced approach to build a thriving investment venture!
undefined
Oct 28, 2025 • 42min

Episode 56: Due diligence For Land flipping

🎙️ Welcome to The Ground Game Podcast! 🎙️Join hosts Clay Hepler and Justin Piche in this exciting episode of The Ground Game Podcast, your ultimate guide to mastering the art of land investing, team building, and land development. If you're interested in a raw, transparent look into what it takes to build a seven-figure land investment business, this podcast is for you! In this episode, Clay and Justin dive deep into:The Overlooked Profitability of Due Diligence: Clay and Justin explore one of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of land investing: due diligence. They discuss how thorough property evaluation can significantly impact your bottom line and protect your investments.Essential Due Diligence Checklist: The hosts break down the essential due diligence checklist for both flips and developments. They cover key elements such as slope reports, soil tests, zoning regulations, and hidden CC&Rs, ensuring you know exactly what to look for before making a purchase.Spotting Red Flags: Clay and Justin share their insights on how to identify red flags that could derail a deal. They emphasize the importance of thorough inspections and understanding local regulations to avoid costly mistakes that can eat into your margins.Common Mistakes New Investors Make: The hosts discuss the most frequent pitfalls that new land investors encounter during the due diligence process. They provide actionable advice on how to avoid these mistakes, helping you navigate the complexities of land investing with confidence.Real-World Examples of Deals Gone Sideways: Clay and Justin recount real-world stories of deals that went sideways due to inadequate due diligence. They share what went wrong, how they managed to salvage the situation, and the valuable lessons learned from these experiences.Persistence in Closing Deals: Clay shares a dramatic story of a deal that almost fell through due to a seller's erratic behavior, illustrating the importance of not giving up when there’s a significant opportunity on the line. Justin adds his perspective on the emotional rollercoaster of navigating complex deals and the lessons learned along the way.Building a Sustainable Business: The episode wraps up with a discussion on the importance of creating a business that supports your lifestyle, not the otAbacus.AI Stride Land Insights Smarter contact Terra data consulting SolidSkip Learn about Justin’s 1:1 Coaching Apply for private coaching with clay The Ground Game Podcast Website Youtube Facebook TikTok Justin's Socials: X/Twitter YouTube ...
undefined
Oct 21, 2025 • 47min

Episode 55: Adapt or Die: Building the Optimal Land Business in a Changing Market

The hosts delve into current market cooling trends, stressing the necessity of lean operations and adaptive team structures. They share success stories about building effective acquisition teams and the significance of professionalizing business practices. A humorous personal accountability challenge between hosts sparks conversation on self-discipline. Strategies for direct mail, like A/B testing and personalization, are discussed to boost outreach. Lastly, they explore smaller developments, the appeal of mobile home lots, and the realism of project execution.
undefined
Oct 9, 2025 • 46min

Episode 54: Land Investing Stories: When Real Deals Get Messy (and Profitable)

Dive into the messy world of land investing as the hosts share real-life stories of challenges and triumphs. From firing an underperforming transaction coordinator to navigating disputes in Florida subdivisions, they highlight the importance of accountability and communication. Experience the drama of a deal nearly derailed by a seller's erratic behavior, showcasing persistence that led to profit. Learn about scaling operations, securing financing, and building strong team dynamics—all while keeping humor intact!
undefined
Oct 1, 2025 • 44min

Episode 53: How to Build Credibility in a Skeptical Market

In this lively discussion, hosts tackle the challenges posed by inexperienced investors on industry reputation. They emphasize the critical role of transparency and effective communication in building credibility. The conversation also covers the importance of personal branding, quality website design, and the power of testimonials to enhance trust. Listeners learn practical strategies like automated follow-ups and transparency in transactions to stand out in a skeptical market. They even touch on how common mistakes can frustrate buyers and sellers alike.
undefined
Sep 25, 2025 • 57min

Episode 52: Lessons from Year One – Land Deals, Business Growth & Market Moves

The hosts reflect on their experiences at the Land Scaling Summit, sharing personal updates and insights. They discuss the decline of investors in the land business and the necessity of adapting to market changes, including a shift towards SMS marketing. Improving team communication becomes a focal point, as does the journey of refining marketing strategies. There’s a candid conversation about leadership growth, hiring challenges, and balancing personal and professional life. They conclude with ambitious plans for the year ahead.

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app