The Do More Podcast

Jon Farling
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Jan 26, 2026 • 42min

From Pharma to Property: Christine Valdez on Unlocking Real Estate Success

Christine Valdez joins Jon to share her extensive experience in both the pharmaceutical industry and real estate investing. With over 30 years as a regional sales director, Christine has built a diverse portfolio that includes single-family homes in California and Texas, along with multifamily investments and digital marketing ventures.We dive deep into the challenges and strategies of navigating real estate—especially in landlord-unfriendly markets like California—and how she balances a demanding career with her passion for investing. Christine emphasizes the importance of focusing on what you know and love in real estate, avoiding the pitfalls of jumping between asset classes without true mastery. She also shares valuable insights on leadership, personal development, and the importance of giving back, offering a wealth of knowledge for anyone looking to thrive both professionally and personally.
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Jan 19, 2026 • 18min

6 Things that have changed in storage in the past 5 years

Jon dives into six significant changes in the self-storage industry that have emerged since 2021. One of the main points he emphasizes is how the landscape for buying storage facilities has become increasingly challenging; deals that once promised to double in value within a year are now harder to find. He discusses the shift from a focus on rapid value increases to a more cash-flow-oriented approach, highlighting the importance of long-term stability in investments. Jon also reflects on how underwriting now includes a variety of fees that were not considered before, and he stresses the necessity of adapting to current market realities, such as occupancy rates and customer service expectations. Overall, this episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to navigate the evolving world of self-storage investments.
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Jan 12, 2026 • 16min

4 Things I learned from my most recent Storage closing

Closing on a property is never as easy as it looks, and in this episode, Jon dives straight into that reality. He shares his firsthand experience navigating a closing that was far from smooth—made even more stressful by the timing right before Christmas. Jon breaks down the hard truths that surfaced along the way, including why closings are rarely clean and just how critical strong relationships with your team can be. He also highlights key lessons learned, like the value of having a dependable attorney and the importance of persistence when obstacles arise. If you’re in the real estate game, this episode offers insights that could save you time, stress, and a few headaches down the road.
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Jan 5, 2026 • 21min

Are you ALL in?

Jon dives into the idea of going all in on your goals and staying committed for the long haul. He shares his perspective on New Year’s resolutions, noting how they often lose momentum just weeks into the year. Instead, Jon emphasizes the power of setting long-term goals—thinking one, five, or even ten years ahead. Drawing from his own journey in self-storage and real estate investing, he highlights how focus and commitment to a single niche can create momentum over time. As Jon has experienced through his recent deals, when you fully dedicate yourself, opportunities begin to flow more naturally. This conversation explores what it truly means to be all in and how that mindset can reshape the path to long-term success.
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Dec 29, 2025 • 16min

Big Announcement

Navigating the self-storage industry can be daunting, but Jon's latest podcast episode sheds light on some exciting developments within the Storage Rebellion community. As the new leader of the Insiders group, Jon discusses his journey and the inspiration behind stepping into this role. Attending a Storage Rebellion insiders event in Nashville reignited his passion for the community and highlighted the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in achieving success. He shares past experiences with the group and how those connections have propelled their growth as an investor.
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Dec 22, 2025 • 39min

Andrew Freeman of KO Storage - Scaling to over 100 Self Storage Facilities

Learn more about the importance of long-term planning and strategic vision in growing a successful storage business.We’re talking about the world of self-storage with Andrew Freeman, co-founder of KO Storage. Andrew’s journey from e-commerce to self-storage is pretty remarkable, showcasing how he identified an opportunity in a market ripe for innovation and consolidation.We talk about how he turned a struggling 90-unit facility into a thriving operation by rolling up his sleeves and tackling every aspect of the business, which ultimately laid the groundwork for their current success.Andrew also shares insights on the importance of adapting management strategies to different market dynamics and how technology is reshaping the industry. Stick around as we unpack the lessons learned along the way and explore the future of self-storage in an ever-evolving landscape.Takeaways:Andrew shares his journey from e-commerce to self-storage, highlighting the unique opportunities in the industry.The importance of hands-on experience is emphasized, as Andrew details how he personally managed operations during early growth.Andrew discusses the significance of technology in modern self-storage management, noting the shift to automation and remote systems.We highlight the evolving landscape of self-storage and the trend of consolidation among operators in the market.Freeman explains how he transitioned from being directly involved in acquisitions to empowering his team to take over that role.Thanks for following, subscribing and listening to this episode of The Do More podcast hosted by Jon Farling. To learn more or ask questions, go to l4investing.com.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/The Do More Podcast
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Dec 15, 2025 • 41min

Navigating Business During a Recession: Lessons from Ian Noble

Ian Noble shares his journey from working in his family's dry cleaning business to becoming a successful entrepreneur and real estate investor. He discusses how he took over the business during a recession and navigated challenges like COVID-19, ultimately leading to a successful exit. Ian emphasizes the importance of hard work and adapting to changing market conditions, highlighting how his experience in dry cleaning laid the groundwork for his venture into real estate. He talks about the dynamics of mobile home parks and syndications, explaining how these investments can be a smart strategy for building wealth and providing affordable housing. Free Passive Investing in Real Estate Cheat Sheet: https://go.runsteadyinvestments.com/do-more-podcastJoin My Passive Investor Mailing List: runsteadyinvestments.com/investor-clubLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/iannoble1/Instagram: @ian_investsTakeaways: Ian Noble shares his journey from a family-run dry cleaning business to real estate investing, emphasizing the importance of hard work and learning every position. He discusses the impact of the 2008 recession on career decisions, illustrating how networking opened doors and shaped his entrepreneurial path. Noble highlights the benefits of mobile home parks as an investment strategy, focusing on their supply cap and stability in affordable housing markets. A significant lesson from his experience is the importance of vetting investment partners thoroughly to ensure alignment of values and objectives. He stresses the emotional challenges entrepreneurs face during transitions, especially after selling a business and finding a new purpose in life. Noble's approach to syndications showcases how he combines personal experience with due diligence to guide others in real estate investments.Thanks for following, subscribing and listening to this episode of The Do More podcast hosted by Jon Farling. To learn more or ask questions, go to l4investing.com.The Do More Podcast https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/
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Dec 8, 2025 • 33min

The Secrets of Short Term Rentals with Madeline Raiford-Holland

Madeleine Raiford-Holland is shaking things up in the world of short-term rentals, and she’s here to share her journey with us. After stepping away from a demanding corporate role as a COO, she went into the short-term rental market. She saw incredible success, quickly scaling to manage 20 properties while spending less than an hour a week on the business. We’ll explore how she leverages automation and smart systems to create a hands-off operation, making it easier for others to step into this lucrative space. Madeleine also discusses the financial and tax advantages of short-term rentals, including the “short-term rental tax loophole” that can significantly benefit high-income earners. Join us as we unpack her insights, strategies, and tips for those looking to break into the short-term rental game.Takeaways: Madeleine Raiford-Holland transitioned from being a COO to managing short term rentals to create a legacy for her family. She emphasizes the importance of automation and processes in running a short term rental business effectively and efficiently. Investing in short term rentals can yield significant cash flow and tax benefits if managed properly. Choosing the right market for short term rentals can lead to higher occupancy rates, even in less popular locations like Athens, Georgia. The short term rental tax loophole allows owners to offset active income, making it a strategic investment for high earners. By focusing on self-management and using technology, hosts can retain more profit and streamline operations in the short term rental space. Links referenced in this episode:L4Investing.commadeleineraifordholland.cominstagram.com/madeleineraifordhollandThe Do More Podcast https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/
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Dec 1, 2025 • 45min

From Night Shift to Self Storage: Mike Perkins's Journey to Freedom

On the brink of leaving his nine-to-five job, we learn about Mike Perkin's inspiring journey from law enforcement to self-storage entrepreneurship. Mike shares how he transitioned from a stressful career in police work to seeking freedom through business ownership. After years of hard work and persistence, including nearly two years of cold calling before landing his first deal, he’s now managing two self-storage facilities, one in Georgia and another in Missouri. What stands out is Mike's approach to education and action; he emphasizes that taking immediate steps is key to success, as he learned from our previous conversations. We wrap up with a discussion about the importance of maintaining balance in life while pursuing passion, as Mike reflects on his health journey along the way.Takeaways: Mike Perkins shares his journey from law enforcement to the self-storage industry, highlighting the pivotal decision to leave his stressful job for a more balanced life. He explains how he became obsessed with learning about self-storage, dedicating countless hours to education while working a full-time night shift job. The importance of persistence is emphasized, as Mike reveals it took nearly two years of cold calling before he closed his first deal in the self-storage market. Mike discusses the significance of relationships in finding deals, showcasing how networking and communication can open doors in the competitive business landscape. The episode explores the mental challenges faced during the entrepreneurial journey, particularly the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and resilience amid setbacks. Mike highlights the necessity of taking action after education, stating that true learning occurs when one applies knowledge and engages actively in the business. Thanks for following, subscribing and listening to this episode of The Do More podcast hosted by Jon Farling. To learn more or ask questions, go to l4investing.com.The Do More Podcast https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/
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Nov 24, 2025 • 38min

Michael Redd II - Getting started as a young Entrepreneur

Michael Redd II joins us to share his journey as the son of NBA Hall of Famer Michael Redd and his passion for aviation. You'll learn how he discovered his path away from basketball and into aircraft brokerage, establishing his own company, Essor Jet Sales.Michael talks about the insights he gained while shadowing industry professionals and how he leveraged those experiences to start his own business at a young age. He emphasizes the importance of asking for opportunities and the power of networking, which helped him connect with key players in the aviation field. As he looks ahead, Michael shares his ambitious vision for growing his brokerage into one of the leading firms in the industry, blending traditional sales strategies with innovative technology.Takeaways: Michael Redd II shares his journey from basketball to aircraft brokerage, emphasizing the importance of following one's passion. Growing up as the son of an NBA Hall of Famer, Michael discusses the unique pressures and expectations placed on him. Michael explains how he decided to step away from basketball to pursue an aviation career, highlighting his love for the industry. He emphasizes the role of networking and mentorship in his career development, showcasing how he reached out to industry professionals for guidance. The conversation touches on the challenges of navigating relationships and expectations in light of his father's fame. Michael expresses confidence in building his own aircraft brokerage, aiming to leverage technology to innovate in the aviation sales space. Thanks for following, subscribing and listening to this episode of The Do More podcast hosted by Jon Farling. To learn more or ask questions, go to l4investing.com.The Do More Podcast

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