

Jake & Gino: Real Estate Investing & Multifamily
Jake & Gino
Real estate investing, multifamily, and apartment investing—where real estate meets real business ownership. Hosted by investor-entrepreneurs Jake Stenziano and Gino Barbaro, the show goes beyond buying apartments to teach you how to build a durable, well-run real estate business. Each episode blends deal analysis, market insights, leadership lessons, and hard-earned operating experience from owning and managing thousands of units. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling a portfolio, Jake & Gino deliver practical education, honest conversations, and proven frameworks to help you grow cash flow, build systems, and create long-term wealth—without losing sight of family, values, and purpose.
Also included under The Jake & Gino umbrella:
How To: From real estate underwriting and asset management to organizational structure and owner mindset, How To delivers clear frameworks and actionable guidance for investors who want to build and operate a real estate business with clarity, discipline, and control.
Also included under The Jake & Gino umbrella:
How To: From real estate underwriting and asset management to organizational structure and owner mindset, How To delivers clear frameworks and actionable guidance for investors who want to build and operate a real estate business with clarity, discipline, and control.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 4, 2026 • 17min
Are You Having Trouble Funding Your Real Estate Deals?
In this conversation, Gino Barbera discusses the challenges of raising capital in the current economic climate, emphasizing the importance of understanding the business, creating connections with investors, and addressing their pain points. He highlights the need for financial stewardship and the psychological aspects of investor relations, advocating for a genuine approach to building trust and excitement in capital raising efforts.Sound Bites:"Try to connect with that person first.""Understand how the brain works.""Seek first to understand that person."Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Capital Raising Challenges02:39 Understanding the Business Before Raising Capital05:11 The Importance of Connection in Capital Raising07:43 Identifying Client Pain Points10:25 Finding Impact Together13:10 Knowing Your Stuff and Understanding Psychology15:45 Wrapping Up: Long-Term Goals in Capital Raising
We're here to help create real estate entrepreneurs... About Jake & Gino: Jake & Gino are multifamily investors, operators, and owners who have created a vertically integrated real estate company. They control over $350M in assets under management. Connect with Jake & Gino here --> https://jakeandgino.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Feb 2, 2026 • 1h 1min
The Power of Personal Accountability with John Gafford
In this episode of the Jake and Gino podcast, Gino Barbaro interviews John Gafford, a luxury real estate entrepreneur and author of 'Escaping the Drift.' John Gafford is a luxury real estate entrepreneur, speaker, and host of Escaping The Drift, a top 20 business podcast with over 3 million downloads. A former Apprentice contestant and CEO of Simply Vegas, he empowers people to break free from mediocrity, take control of their lives, and lead with purpose. They discuss the importance of personal accountability, the concept of 'the drift' in life, and how to navigate challenges. John shares insights on parenting, problem-solving, and the qualities that lead to success in competitive environments. The conversation emphasizes the significance of building a strong company culture and the relentless execution of strategies to achieve business success. TakeawaysWrote the book to leave a legacy for his kids.Success often comes from taking control of your life.The drift represents a lack of direction in life.People need to take radical accountability for their actions.Parents should allow children to face challenges to build resilience.Problems should be viewed as solvable opportunities.Understanding the unwritten rules of life is crucial for success.Emotional intelligence plays a key role in negotiations.Successful individuals often think outside the box.Building a strong company culture is essential for success. Chapters00:00 Introduction to John Gafford and His Journey02:31 The Motivation Behind Writing 'Escaping the Drift'05:18 Understanding the Concept of 'The Drift'08:27 Shifting from Drifting to Swimming: Personal Accountability11:45 Radical Honesty and Accountability in Life15:07 The Importance of Allowing Struggles for Growth19:19 Empowering Children Through Problem Solving21:00 Understanding the Unwritten Rules of Life24:02 Lessons from The Apprentice: Risk Evaluation and Mindset30:43 The Art of Negotiation in Real Estate33:19 Listening to Clients: A Real Estate Story39:27 The Importance of Hard Work and Accountability44:11 Scaling a Business: Clarity and Execution51:19 Building a Strong Company Culture57:01 Living Your Own Book: Personal Growth and Accountability
We're here to help create real estate entrepreneurs... About Jake & Gino: Jake & Gino are multifamily investors, operators, and owners who have created a vertically integrated real estate company. They control over $350M in assets under management. Connect with Jake & Gino here --> https://jakeandgino.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 28, 2026 • 20min
3 Steps To Your Next Real Estate Deal
Takeaways:The three-step process includes buy, finance, operate, and exit.Understanding your exit strategy is crucial for real estate success.Be intentional with your buy right criteria to ensure value addition.Market analysis is essential for determining property value and potential.Operational efficiency can significantly impact the success of a real estate investment.Financing options vary and should align with your investment strategy.Building a business mindset is key to successful real estate investing.Utilizing data and market insights can enhance decision-making.Exit strategies can include selling, refinancing, or holding properties long-term.Every real estate deal should be evaluated through a strategic lens.
We're here to help create real estate entrepreneurs... About Jake & Gino: Jake & Gino are multifamily investors, operators, and owners who have created a vertically integrated real estate company. They control over $350M in assets under management. Connect with Jake & Gino here --> https://jakeandgino.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 26, 2026 • 55min
The Power of Mentorship in Business with Jeff Burningham
In this engaging conversation, Jake and Gino discuss the journey of entrepreneurship with Jeff Burningham, exploring personal stories, the role of mentorship, and the challenges of navigating politics as an entrepreneur. They delve into the impact of growth on community infrastructure, the aftermath of political campaigns, and the intersection of AI and human consciousness. The discussion also touches on education reform in the age of AI, the importance of finding joy and wisdom in a digital world, and the rituals that contribute to personal success and inner peace.Jeff Burningham is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist focused on building purpose-driven businesses. He is the founder of Envision Utah and the co-founder of Peak Ventures, supporting innovative startups while championing family values, community impact, and long-term legacy.WWW | IG | LN | STACK || FBTakeaways:Entrepreneurship often begins with personal experiences and inflection points.Mentorship plays a crucial role in shaping entrepreneurial journeys.Politics can be a challenging landscape for entrepreneurs, often requiring a desire to serve.Community growth must be managed proactively to address infrastructure challenges.Personal growth can emerge from political defeats and setbacks.AI presents both challenges and opportunities for human consciousness.Education systems must adapt to the realities of AI and technology.Finding joy comes from within, not from external sources.Meditation and nature can help individuals reconnect with themselves.The future of education will likely be disrupted by AI, making it more accessible. Insights:"It's about the right questions.""The beauty's in the mess.""We need to come back to ourselves."
We're here to help create real estate entrepreneurs... About Jake & Gino: Jake & Gino are multifamily investors, operators, and owners who have created a vertically integrated real estate company. They control over $350M in assets under management. Connect with Jake & Gino here --> https://jakeandgino.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 21, 2026 • 16min
3 Steps To Create Change in Your Business
In this episode, Gino Barbera shares his insights on the three essential steps to create meaningful change in both personal and professional life. He emphasizes the importance of perceiving the need for transformation, recognizing one's ability to change, and being ready to take action. Drawing from his own experiences, particularly during the Great Recession, Gino illustrates how he transitioned from being a 'pizza guy' to embracing a new mindset that allowed him to pursue real estate and personal growth. He encourages listeners to shift their perspective from merely wanting to change to actively transforming their lives by understanding their unique gifts and potential. Takeaways:Perceiving the need for change is the first step.You have the ability to change your circumstances.Being ready to change is crucial for transformation.Creating connections is essential for effective communication.You must stop being a victim and take responsibility for your life. Insights:"Don't think of the word change. Just think of the word transform.""I was the one who created those first circumstances.""Create the connection with that person."
We're here to help create real estate entrepreneurs... About Jake & Gino: Jake & Gino are multifamily investors, operators, and owners who have created a vertically integrated real estate company. They control over $350M in assets under management. Connect with Jake & Gino here --> https://jakeandgino.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 19, 2026 • 1h 2min
Building Resilient Teams in Business with Chris Hunsicker
In this engaging conversation, Chris Hunsicker shares his journey from a marriage and family therapist to a leadership consultant, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and building a strong company culture. He discusses the dynamics of leadership, the significance of feedback, and the necessity of developing psychological resilience and self-efficacy in employees. The conversation also touches on the parallels between family values and business culture, highlighting how strong family foundations can lead to successful business practices.Chris outlines five essential skills for success: psychological resilience, self-efficacy, grit, a servant's heart, and emotional stamina, urging leaders to cultivate these traits in their organizations for long-term growth and success.TakeawaysChris Hunsicker transitioned from therapy to leadership consulting after a significant career shift.The 'in spite of, because of' dynamic is crucial in understanding business success.Honesty in leadership can lead to better organizational outcomes.Self-regulation is key for effective leadership and personal relationships.Feedback is essential for growth, both personally and professionally.Building a strong company culture requires defining behaviors, not just values.Family values can significantly influence business culture and practices.Successful businesses are responsive to market realities and focus on problem-solving.Developing employee skills is vital for maintaining high-performing cultures.A servant's heart and emotional stamina are essential for effective leadership.
We're here to help create real estate entrepreneurs... About Jake & Gino: Jake & Gino are multifamily investors, operators, and owners who have created a vertically integrated real estate company. They control over $350M in assets under management. Connect with Jake & Gino here --> https://jakeandgino.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 14, 2026 • 14min
How To Negotiate Your Next Real Estate Deal
TakeawaysNegotiation starts with understanding and listening to the other party.Creating a connection is crucial for effective negotiation.Principled negotiation focuses on relationships, while positional negotiation focuses on winning.Understanding the seller's problems can lead to better deals.Preparation is key to successful negotiations.Seller financing can be a creative way to structure deals.Interest rates and terms are important in seller financing.Asking the right questions can uncover valuable information.Negotiation is about finding a win-win solution for both parties.
We're here to help create real estate entrepreneurs... About Jake & Gino: Jake & Gino are multifamily investors, operators, and owners who have created a vertically integrated real estate company. They control over $350M in assets under management. Connect with Jake & Gino here --> https://jakeandgino.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 12, 2026 • 58min
The Investor vs. Entrepreneur Mindset in Real Estate
In this engaging conversation, Paul Shannon discusses the nuances of being an investor versus an entrepreneur in the real estate space. He emphasizes the importance of asset agnosticism, multiple exit strategies, and the evolving role of limited partners in today's market. The discussion also touches on current market conditions, investor sentiment, and the significance of teamwork in multifamily investing. With a focus on long-term wealth building and strategic decision-making, the conversation provides valuable insights for both seasoned investors and newcomers alike.TakeawaysThere's a distinction between being a good investor and a good entrepreneur.Asset agnosticism allows for flexibility in investment strategies.Having multiple exit strategies is crucial for risk management.Day one cash flow is important to ensure stability in investments.Floating rate debt can be risky in volatile markets.Limited partners are becoming more educated and cautious.Investor sentiment is improving but still cautious after recent market challenges.Teamwork is essential in multifamily investing to cover various skill sets.Long-term wealth is built through patience and strategic investments.Current market conditions suggest a cautious approach to new acquisitions. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage02:11 Investor vs. Entrepreneur Mindset03:56 Asset Agnosticism in Real Estate06:49 Frameworks for Evaluating Deals12:15 Long-Term Financing Strategies15:43 Current Cash on Cash Returns20:16 The Limited Partner Perspective27:02 Shifting Sentiments Among LPs30:52 The Future of Syndication and LP Education33:18 Navigating Market Cycles and Investor Mindset34:56 The Importance of Partnerships in Investing36:13 Balancing Entrepreneurial Spirit with Investor Discipline38:08 Understanding Local Market Dynamics40:40 The Role of Interest Rates and Economic Indicators42:59 Operational Excellence in Multifamily Investments46:15 The Entrepreneur vs. Investor Mindset49:13 Personal Habits for Success52:39 Bold Predictions for the Multifamily Market
We're here to help create real estate entrepreneurs... About Jake & Gino: Jake & Gino are multifamily investors, operators, and owners who have created a vertically integrated real estate company. They control over $350M in assets under management. Connect with Jake & Gino here --> https://jakeandgino.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 7, 2026 • 0sec
How To Craft Your Business Vision
In this conversation, Gino shares insights on creating a vision for your business, emphasizing the importance of clarity, core values, and metrics. He reflects on his past experiences in the restaurant industry and how they shaped his approach to business today. Gino discusses the significance of establishing a strong company culture and the role of accountability in achieving growth. He also highlights the need for effective systems and metrics to track progress and ensure success in any business venture.TakeawaysCreating a vision is crucial for business success.Clarity is often more important than motivation.Core values serve as a guiding principle for decision-making.Establishing a strong company culture is essential for growth.Daily content production helps in building a brand.Systems should be simple and adaptable as the business grows.Metrics provide accountability and direction for business goals.Understanding your target audience is key to effective marketing.Regularly reviewing and updating your vision is important.A clear vision helps guide your business towards its goals.
We're here to help create real estate entrepreneurs... About Jake & Gino: Jake & Gino are multifamily investors, operators, and owners who have created a vertically integrated real estate company. They control over $350M in assets under management. Connect with Jake & Gino here --> https://jakeandgino.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 5, 2026 • 36min
Is the Real Estate Market Broken? Why 4.5% Returns Are the New Normal (And What to Do)
In this episode, Jake and Gino get real about the current state of the market, why underwriting deals has become a nightmare, and the crucial shift investors must make from "buy right" to "manage right" to survive this cycle. Learn how to implement a "cadence of accountability," control your expenses with a fine-toothed comb, and create immense value in your existing portfolio while you wait for the acquisition market to thaw.🔑 Key Takeaways:☑️ The 4.5% Reality Check: Achieving a 7% cash-on-cash return is now "moderately to very difficult" in most major metros, with realistic returns hovering around 4.5%-5%.☑️ The Underwriting Nightmare: With rents pulling back and sellers wanting premium pricing based on future growth that isn't happening, traditional underwriting models are broken.☑️ Beware the "Gain to Lease" Trap: Be honest with yourself—your "loss to lease" might actually be a "gain to lease" where your current rents are higher than what the market can support.☑️ Shift to "Manage Right": When you can't buy new deals, you must focus on optimizing your current portfolio. Implement a "cadence of accountability" with weekly L10 meetings, daily reports, and rigorous property walks.❓ Question for the Audience: Are you finding it difficult to underwrite deals in the current market, and what is your minimum acceptable cash-on-cash return right now? Let us know in the comments!
We're here to help create real estate entrepreneurs... About Jake & Gino: Jake & Gino are multifamily investors, operators, and owners who have created a vertically integrated real estate company. They control over $350M in assets under management. Connect with Jake & Gino here --> https://jakeandgino.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


