
The Ground Game Podcast
Welcome to The Ground Game Podcast, where land investing meets real talk! Join your hosts, Justin and Clay, both 7-figure land investors and seasoned entrepreneurs, as they dive deep into the world of land investing, team building, and personal growth.
Latest episodes

Jul 15, 2025 • 45min
Episode 42: Lessons from 5280 MASTERMIND, KPI Clarity & Scaling With A-Players
🎙️ Welcome Back to The Ground Game Podcast! 🎙️In this episode, hosts Clay Hepler and Justin Piché share their insights from the recent 5280 Mastermind event in Denver, Colorado, focusing on the evolving landscape of land investing and the strategies needed to thrive in a competitive market.Key HighlightsPersonal Updates: Clay and Justin kick off the episode with some light-hearted banter, reflecting on their experiences at the mastermind event. They discuss their recent successes, including securing 14 properties under contract and the excitement of navigating larger developments.Scaling Challenges: The hosts delve into the challenges land investors face, including cash flow management and the importance of understanding financials. They emphasize the need for clear KPIs and accountability to drive business growth and avoid common pitfalls.Vendor Management: Clay and Justin discuss the complexities of managing contractors and stakeholders, sharing insights on effective vendor relationships. They highlight the importance of planning for contingencies, drawing from personal experiences at the event.Pipeline Overload: The conversation shifts to the chaos of managing multiple deals simultaneously. Clay shares his experience of locking up 30 contracts in just two weeks and the strategies he implemented to streamline operations, including the use of checklists.Founder Burnout: Listeners will gain valuable insights into recognizing and overcoming founder burnout. Clay and Justin share their strategies for maintaining balance while driving business growth, emphasizing the importance of prioritization and self-reflection.Tech and Data Management: The episode wraps up with a discussion on the significance of tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) and leveraging technology to streamline operations. Clay and Justin encourage listeners to utilize data for informed decision-making, sharing their experiences with various CRM systems and the importance of a cohesive tech stack.Learn about Justin’s 1:1 Coaching Apply for private coaching with clay Submit Your Deal for funding The Ground Game Podcast Website Youtube Facebook TikTok Justin's Socials: X/Twitter YouTube Instagram Facebook Clay's Socials: ...

Jul 8, 2025 • 52min
Episode 41: 7 Brutal Roadblocks to Scaling Your Land Business
Two hosts dissect the challenges of scaling a land investing business, revealing seven critical roadblocks. They share personal anecdotes about cash flow management and the need for reliable funding partners. Vendor management tips highlight the complexities of juggling contractors. The chaos of managing numerous contracts is tackled with strategies for pipeline overload. Insights on navigating title work delays emphasize efficiency. The effects of burnout and the importance of expert support are also explored, providing a comprehensive guide for entrepreneurs.

Jul 1, 2025 • 53min
Episode 40: 5 Predictions for the Land Game in 2025 and Beyond
The hosts dive into the changing landscape of land investing, tackling strategies for 2024 and beyond. Personal anecdotes add humor, especially a quirky wedding cake tale. They emphasize the importance of innovative marketing and hiring the right team to gain a competitive edge. Legal insights shed light on recent rulings affecting investment practices. With predictions on market shifts and the need to adapt, the conversation underscores the balance between ambition and operational efficiency in this evolving industry.

Jun 25, 2025 • 40min
Episode 39: 6 Hard Questions Every Land Investor Must Answer
Hosts Clay and Justin share entertaining travel stories while gearing up for a mastermind event. They emphasize family milestones amidst the hustle of entrepreneurship. The discussion reveals six crucial questions every land investor should confront, touching on effective marketing strategies like cold calling and key performance indicators. Insights on training and community support highlight the balance needed for profitability, while personal experiences of triumphs and failures provide valuable lessons for aspiring investors.

Jun 17, 2025 • 51min
Episode 38: From Submarine Officer to Land CEO, The Justin Piché Story
🎙️ Welcome Back to The Ground Game Podcast! 🎙️In this episode, hosts Clay Hepler and Justin Piché dive into Episode 38: From Submarine Officer to Land CEO, The Justin Piché Story. Justin shares his incredible journey from serving as a submarine officer in the Navy to becoming a successful CEO in the land investing space, highlighting the lessons learned and the values that guide his business.Key HighlightsPersonal Updates: Clay and Justin kick off the episode with some light-hearted banter, discussing the chaos of summer with kids out of school and the excitement surrounding Justin's recent business milestones. They reflect on the balance between family life and the demands of entrepreneurship.Transitioning Careers: The hosts delve into Justin's unique transition from military service to real estate. He shares insights on how his experiences in the Navy shaped his leadership style and prepared him for the challenges of running a land investing business.Faith and Values: Justin discusses the role of faith in his life and how it influences his business decisions. He emphasizes the importance of integrity and ethical practices in real estate, providing a foundation for long-term success.Strategic Financial Planning: The episode highlights the significance of strategic financial planning in land investing. Clay and Justin share their approaches to managing cash flow and ensuring that profits are effectively allocated to support growth.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Clay and Justin address the critical KPIs that every land investor should track to ensure profitability. They discuss how focusing on the right metrics can help maintain momentum and drive business success, especially in a competitive market.Leadership and Team Empowerment: The hosts discuss the importance of strong leadership skills and empowering team members to tackle core problems. They emphasize how effective leadership can foster a collaborative environment that drives business growth.Creating Value: Justin shares his passion for creating value in real estate, explaining how thoughtful land development can lead to economic growth and community improvement. He encourages listeners to think creatively about their investments.Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled withLearn about Justin’s 1:1 Coaching Apply for private coaching with clay Submit Your Deal for funding The Ground Game Podcast Website Youtube Facebook TikTok Justin's Socials: X/Twitter YouTube Instagram Facebook Clay's Socials: ...

Jun 10, 2025 • 1h 12min
Episode 37: Profit First, Freedom Second; A Wealth Plan for Land Investors
The hosts discuss the chaotic summer of juggling home renovations while managing finances. They highlight strategies for mastering profit allocation, stressing the importance of paying yourself first. Key performance indicators are examined as essential metrics for land investors. Listeners are urged to diversify income streams for financial freedom and avoid common investment mistakes by understanding their unique profiles. They reflect on how parenthood shifts values towards family security and long-term wealth strategies.

Jun 3, 2025 • 52min
Episode 36: Landmines & KPIs, How to Stay Profitable in a Tough Land Market
Hosts share light-hearted banter and personal milestones, setting a relatable tone. They dive into the land investing landscape, highlighting common pitfalls and the art of due diligence. Key performance indicators are discussed, showcasing how tracking the right metrics can ensure profitability. Strategic thinking emerges as essential for navigating challenges, with insights on flexible funding strategies. The importance of niche selection and understanding local regulations is emphasized, preparing investors for success in a competitive market.

May 27, 2025 • 38min
Episode 35: Deep Dive Listener Q&A: Dispositions, Funding, and Crushing Inertia
🎙️ Welcome Back to The Ground Game Podcast! 🎙️In this episode, hosts Clay Hepler and Justin Piche dive into a Deep Dive Listener Q&A focused on dispositions, funding, and overcoming inertia 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 HighlightsPersonal Updates: Clay and Justin kick off the episode with some light-hearted banter, sharing their recent experiences and the fun dynamics of their group chat. They discuss their upcoming travel plans and the joys of family time at the lake.Understanding Dispositions: The hosts delve into the dispositions process, explaining how to validate and sell properties quickly. They share their strategies for working with brokers and the importance of owner financing in expanding the buyer pool.Overcoming Inertia: Clay and Justin address the challenges of managing resources and maintaining momentum in your business. They discuss how to keep morale high and the significance of clarity in overcoming feelings of stagnation.The Importance of Strategic Thinking: The episode emphasizes the need for strategic thinking in land investing. Clay and Justin discuss how to prioritize initiatives and allocate resources effectively to drive business growth.Flexibility in Funding: They explore the necessity of having diverse funding strategies, especially when capital is tight. The hosts share insights on raising capital and the importance of building trust with investors.Building a Consistent Business: Clay and Justin stress the need to focus on consistency and volume rather than one-off deals. They highlight 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 team members to tackle core problems. They emphasize how effective leadership can foster a positive work environment and reduce turnover.This episode is packed with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and actionable insights that can help you navigate the complexities of real estate investing and avoid common pitfalls. Tune in and don’t forget to rate, rLearn about Justin’s 1:1 Coaching Apply for private coaching with clay Submit Your Deal for funding The Ground Game Podcast Website Youtube Facebook TikTok Justin's Socials: X/Twitter YouTube Instagram Facebook Clay's Socials: ...

May 20, 2025 • 43min
Episode 34: Why You’re Going to Go Out of Business
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.

May 14, 2025 • 44min
Episode 33: Forged by Fire, Clay Hepler’s No-Excuse Journey to 7 Figures in Land
Join two hosts as they delve into a remarkable journey of land investing, marked by initial setbacks and the need for resilience. Clay shares how family responsibilities intertwined with his entrepreneurial pursuits, navigating the tightrope of work-life balance. They discuss strategic hiring and the importance of seeking potential over cost. From sending out thousands of mailers to securing deals, Clay's story highlights the power of mindset shifts and embracing adversity as a catalyst for growth.