The Gentle Art of Crushing It!

The Gentle Art of Crushing It – with Doug Clark & Guest Dan HaberkostIn this inspiring episode of The Gentle Art of Crushing It, host Doug Clark sits down with real estate investor and entrepreneur Dan Haberkost to share some HUGE success tips you won’t want to miss. From mindset shifts to actionable strategies, Dan dives into what it really takes to build momentum, stay focused, and crush your goals—gently, but powerfully. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your journey to the next level, this conversation is packed with insight and motivation.

Aleksey Chernobelskiy advises limited partners (“LPs”) on existing and future investments. He’s also the founder of www.gplpmatch.com, a platform which allows LPs to see deals that match their specific investment criteria right in their inbox immediately after a GP submission. Aleksey writes weekly to 8,000 investors at www.LPlessons.co to explain how to properly vet and think about LP investments in the grand scheme of their portfolios. Aleksey also helps General Partners on matters relating to LPs, such as capital calls or feedback on investment decks. Prior to advising LPs, Aleksey ran STORE Capital’s $10 billion commercial real estate portfolio and oversaw the firm’s underwriting team. Aleksey graduated from University of Arizona with a quadruple major – Finance, Mathematics, Economics, and Accounting.Recommended articles:Top 15 syndication mistakes - www.lplessons.co/p/top-15-syndication-mistakes26 questions to ask your GP -  www.lplessons.co/p/26-questions-to-ask-your-gpDo sunk costs matter in capital calls? - www.lplessons.co/p/do-sunk-costs-matter-in-capital-callsRANDY SMITHConnect with our host, Randy Smith, for more educational content or to discuss investment opportunities in the real estate syndication space at www.impactequity.net, https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallsmith or on Instagram at @randysmithinvestor00:00 Intro01:40 Current Market03:29 Aleksey's Background09:19 LP's in Investing15:35 Due Diligence18:10 Deal Structure23:32 GPLP Match28:26 Fundraising30:40 Education and Resources36:00 Bucket List38:48 Outro

SummaryIn this episode of The Gentle Art of Crushing It, Doug Clark discusses the concept of multiplying efforts through strategic partnerships in real estate and business. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, setting criteria for choosing partners, and the benefits of working with others to achieve greater success. Doug shares personal experiences and insights on how partnerships can lead to personal growth, accountability, and faster business expansion.Chapters00:00 Multiplying Your Efforts08:36 The Power of Partnerships14:52 Building a Team for Success18:27 outro Keywordsreal estate, partnerships, personal development, investing, business growth, team building, accountability, abundance mindset, solopreneur, asset management

David Hrizak is the co-founder and CEO of The Streamline Companies, a vertically integrated real estate investment firm specializing in medical office and Class B office buildings. With nearly 30 years in commercial real estate, David has done it all—from brokerage and development to construction and investing.After retiring at 49, David quickly realized his purpose wasn’t in stepping away—it was in coming back. He returned to the industry not for the money, but for the mission: to help others build lasting wealth and create meaningful legacies through real estate.David leads with grit, patience, and integrity. Raised by a tough grandmother in Chicago, he learned early on the value of discipline and loyalty. Today, he brings that same no-nonsense, heart-first mentality into every conversation, investment, and mentorship relationship.He also serves as Board Chairman for Oakwood Creative Care, a nonprofit serving individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia—a cause close to his heart.Chapters00:00Introduction to Passive Investing and Market Volatility02:57David Hrizak's Journey and Background06:06The Structure and Focus of Streamline Companies10:45Exploring Medical Office Investments15:05Details on Current Fund and Investment Strategy18:51Tax Advantages and Investor Education20:44Track Record and Lessons from Past Experiences22:07Navigating Financial Challenges in Real Estate25:52Current Projects and Asset Management27:38Impact of Tariffs and Material Costs30:06Investment Opportunities for Passive Investors32:37Educational Resources for New Investors35:14Due Diligence in Real Estate Investing37:01Personal Growth and Bucket List Adventures38:22Investment Strategies in Emerging MarketsRANDY SMITHConnect with our host, Randy Smith, for more educational content or to discuss investment opportunities in the real estate syndication space at www.impactequity.net, https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallsmith or on Instagram at @randysmithinvestorKeywordspassive investing, real estate, medical office, market volatility, investment opportunities, Streamline Companies, David Hrizak, financial education, wealth creation, community banks

Gene has been in the commercial and investment real estate business continuously since 1972 and in the legal profession since 1996.Awarded the CCIM designation in 1977, Gene continues to serve as a member of the CCIM faculty and achieved Senior Emeritus Instructor status, upon 40 years of teaching. In 2002, he was selected as the Robert L. Ward Instructor of the Year in the Institute. In 2005, Gene was awarded the Victor L. Lyon Distinguished Service Award for his many years of outstanding contribution to the Institute’s education program.He is a member of the California Bar. The founding partner of Trowbridge Nieh LLP, Gene’s law practice concentrates on the syndication of commercial and investment real estate, through both debt and equity. As a former syndicator, who for ten years raised investor capital; he served as the sponsor of sixteen investment groups, by raising equity from investors, through registered representatives in the broker dealer community, once sending out 1,676 K1s in a single year.He was responsible for the organization of those investment groups; the acquisition, management, and disposition of the real estate; and communications with the investors.Because of his hands-on syndication experience, Gene can communicate with his clients on both the technical and practical aspects of state and federal securities laws. Between Gene’s individual syndication background and the firm’s legal practice, the partners in the firm have written offerings of more than $5 Billion in monies raised. The median offering size is $2. 5 million. His practice writes offerings under Rule 506(b) and 506(c) of Regulation D, Regulation CF, and Regulation A+.He has trained and mentored three different law partners, in syndication and crowdfunding, since 2008. He has delivered more than 250 live seminars on group ownership, exchanges, and taxation audiences across the country; his articles have been published in various real estate media outlets and he is a highly sought-after speaker on the topic of real estate group ownership.He authored his first book It’s A Whole New Business in 2005. The Fourth Edition was released in 2021 and is available now at tnllp.com and Amazon.He and Kay have been married for 50 years and have two daughters, Amy, and Emily. He enjoys music, travel and has run 37 half marathons since turning 60!Chapters00:00 Introduction to Gene Trowbridge01:05 Current Market Insights for Passive Investors03:51 Diverse Investment Opportunities Beyond Real Estate05:53 Understanding Private Placements and Regulation D09:09 The Evolution of Securities Regulation14:56 Impact of Economic Crises on Investment Regulations19:52 Future of Accredited Investor Definitions21:44 Guidance for New Syndicators22:22 Understanding Syndication and Securities24:48 Control and Decision-Making in Partnerships27:20 Investment Contracts and SEC Regulations30:04 Key Questions for Passive Investors33:27 The Importance of Relationships in Real Estate37:17 Investing Strategies and Debt Funds39:04 outroRANDY SMITHConnect with our host, Randy Smith, for more educational content or to discuss investment opportunities in the real estate syndication space at www.impactequity.net, https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallsmith or on Instagram at @randysmithinvestorKeywordssyndication, private equity, accredited investors, real estate, securities regulation, Jobs Act, passive investing, market trends, due diligence, investment strategiesSummaryIn this conversation, Randy Smith and Gene Trowbridge discuss the current state of the syndication market, the evolution of securities regulation, and the importance of due diligence for passive investors. Gene shares insights on the role of accredited investors, the impact of the Jobs Act, and key considerations for new syndicators. The discussion emphasizes the significance of relationships in the investment space and provides practical advice for both syndicators and passive investors.

In this episode of the Gentle Art of Crushing It podcast, host Randy Smith interviews Drew Breneman, founder of Brennan, who has achieved significant success in real estate investment with a focus on multifamily properties. Drew shares insights on the current state of the real estate market, particularly contrasting the performance of the Sunbelt and Midwest regions. He discusses his early investments, the challenges faced in Phoenix, and the opportunities available in Chicago, including tax abatement strategies. The conversation emphasizes the importance of cash flow in investments and provides valuable resources for new passive investors.Drew's Bio-Started an internet business in high school. He saved all the money from it and acquired his first rental property at age 19 back in 2005.-Founder of Breneman Capital-Breneman Capital specializes in multifamily investing with a data-driven approach. The firm only invests in the best markets and submarkets within those markets. -Invested in a variety of geographies and asset classes: Multifamily in Madison, WI (2005-2007). Then industrial, office, and retail in Minneapolis St. Paul (2008-2012). Multifamily and mixed-use in Chicago (2013-today) before focusing on only multifamily in select submarkets in the Midwest (Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison).-Acquired $250MM+ of investment property as key/sole GP.-24%+ average realized IRR on investments sold-14 deals have executed full cash-out refinances of all our initial equity-Host of the Breneman Blueprint podcast-Started out with a duplex and have worked my way up to $30MM+ deals.  All self-made starting from scratch - my parents are public school teachers, so didn't start with any capital of theirs or connections.Breneman Capital: https://www.breneman.com/Podcast: https://www.breneman.com/podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewbreneman/Chapters00:00 Market Overview and Current Trends05:09 Drew's Journey into Real Estate11:24 Exploring the Sunbelt and Its Opportunities16:04 Performance of Phoenix Assets and Future Outlook21:39 Chicago Projects and Tax Abatement Opportunities22:01 Chicago's Real Estate Appeal24:04 Investment Strategies in Chicago27:58 Understanding Cash Flow vs. Equity Multiples31:49 Educational Resources for New Investors35:26 Personal Insights and Future Aspirations37:53 outro RANDY SMITHConnect with our host, Randy Smith, for more educational content or to discuss investment opportunities in the real estate syndication space at www.impactequity.net, https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallsmith or on Instagram at @randysmithinvestorKeywordsreal estate, multifamily, investment strategies, passive investing, market analysis, tax abatement, cash flow, Chicago, Phoenix, Drew Breneman

August Biniaz is the Co-founder and Chief Investment Officer of CPI Capital. CPI Capital is a Real Estate Private Equity firm with its mandate to acquire Multifamily assets, utilizing the value-add business model while partnering with passive investors as Limited Partners. August was instrumental in the closing of over $208 million of multifamily assets since inception.August is the host of Real Estate Investing Demystified PodCast. He educates real estate investors through his Podcast, YouTube shows, Webinars, and his weekly newsletter "Real Estate Weekly".Chapters00:00 Market Overview and Economic Impact04:50 August Biniaz: Background and Journey in Real Estate10:06 Navigating Cross-Border Investments: Canadian to US14:27 International Investor Considerations and Strategies17:25 Building the Right Team and the BTR Asset Class21:02 The Rise of Build-to-Rent Communities23:44 Investment Strategies in Build-to-Rent25:36 Portfolio Insights and Market Trends28:38 Education and Immersion in Passive Investing31:35 Due Diligence in Alternative Investments34:03 Personal Growth and Investment Philosophy39:52 outro RANDY SMITHConnect with our host, Randy Smith, for more educational content or to discuss investment opportunities in the real estate syndication space at www.impactequity.net, https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallsmith or on Instagram at @randysmithinvestorKeywordsreal estate, passive investing, market trends, economic impact, cross-border investments, build-to-rent, investment strategies, August Biniaz, CPI Capital, multifamily investments

SummaryIn this episode, Doug Clark emphasizes the urgency of pursuing dreams and goals, encouraging listeners to take immediate action rather than postponing their aspirations. He discusses the importance of having accountability partners and masterminds to help maintain focus and motivation. Doug also highlights the need for holistic life planning, considering various aspects of life such as health, family, and personal fulfillment. He concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to embrace inspired hustle and make their dreams a reality.Chapters00:00 The Urgency of Life03:22 Masterminds and Accountability06:16 Holistic Life Planning09:43 Inspired Hustle and Action09:52 outro Keywordsurgency, goals, dreams, masterminds, accountability, holistic planning, inspired hustle, life planning, legacy, self-improvement

Jeff is an accomplished real estate operator and Investors Relations Maverick. He has successfully deployed over $40M of equity into a $160M portfolio of assets under management and development, which consists of multifamily, luxury SFHs, ground-up development, and light/flex industrial properties.  Jeff’s LP and GP portfolio comprises over 2000 doors under management and development.Jeff is a devoted family man who treasures quality moments with his amazing wife and business partner, Kim, and their three wonderful kids. Outside of running his businesses, his hobbies include boating, golfing, sharing his love for vintage cars and motorcycles, and inspiring young athletes as a coach for youth Travel Baseball.For LinkedIn (Resume), Facebook, X, YouTube, and to schedule a meeting with me, please visit:https://linktr.ee/jeff_ervickChapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest03:30 Current Market Overview and Its Impact on Passive Investing06:25 Jeff's Journey into Real Estate10:00 Balancing W2 Job and Real Estate Investing12:43 Private Lending Experience and Strategies15:52 Understanding Infinite Banking and Its Benefits23:27 The Power of Strategic Investments25:53 Leveraging Whole Life Insurance for Financial Growth27:38 Rapid Growth in Multifamily Investments31:09 The Art of Raising Capital33:35 Educational Resources for Passive Investors36:35 Due Diligence in Real Estate Investments38:25 Bucket List Adventures and Investment Strategies42:45 outro CONNECT WITH OUR HOSTConnect with our host, Randy Smith, for more educational content or to discuss investment opportunities in the real estate syndication space at www.impactequity.net, https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallsmith or on Instagram at @randysmithinvestorKeywordsreal estate, passive investing, multifamily, private lending, infinite banking, market trends, capital raising, investment strategies, Jeff Ervick, Randy SmithSummaryIn this episode of the Gentle Art of Crushing It podcast, host Randy Smith interviews Jeff Ervick, co-founder of Valorous Capital. They discuss the current state of the real estate market, Jeff's journey into real estate investing, and the balance between W2 employment and real estate. Jeff shares insights on private lending, infinite banking, and how he scaled his multifamily portfolio to over 2,000 doors in just two years. The conversation also touches on the challenges of raising capital and the importance of building trust with investors. Jeff provides valuable resources for new investors and emphasizes the need for continuous education in the passive investing space.

Michael Wagman is the Managing Partner and Co-Founder at Nimble Capital Group, a boutique private-equity firm investing in multifamily real estate acquisitions and developments. He also mentors students on how to raise more capital and transform their lives. He is the host of Beyond the Deal, a podcast about mindset, success, and overcoming challenge in life and business. When he's not focusing on real estate Michael is an active music producer in the Dubstep genre, releasing his music on Spotify.RANDY SMITHConnect with our host, Randy Smith, for more educational content or to discuss investment opportunities in the real estate syndication space at www.impactequity.net, https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallsmith or on Instagram at @randysmithinvestorChapters00:00 Introduction to Michael Wagman and Market Insights03:33 Michael's Journey: From College to Real Estate07:04 The Transition to Sales and Entrepreneurship09:58 Building a Real Estate Portfolio and Lessons Learned12:46 Current Ventures and Future Plans21:19 The Journey to Real Estate Success29:00 Transitioning to Development Projects37:24 Advice for New Investors and Resources46:38 outro SummaryIn this episode of the Gentle Art of Crushing It podcast, host Randy Smith interviews Michael Wagman, co-founder of Nimble Capital. They discuss Michael's journey from being a digital nomad to building a successful real estate portfolio focused on multifamily development. Michael shares insights on the current market cycle, his experiences in sales, and the importance of systems in business. He also talks about his future plans in real estate development and offers advice for new investors.Keywordsreal estate, multifamily, investment, capital raising, entrepreneurship, market trends, personal growth, sales experience, development projects, passive income