In this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with longtime CG member Andrew Newlon out of Springfield, Missouri, for a deep conversation on what real scale actually looks like—especially in smaller Midwest markets. Andrew's journey is a masterclass in patience, focus, and learning the hard lessons that most entrepreneurs only understand after going through them.

We talk about Andrew's evolution from military service to real estate, the rise and fall of partnerships, nearly breaking the business by scaling too fast, and how rebuilding with intention completely changed his trajectory. From adopting a "better, not bigger" philosophy to becoming a true local authority through social media, Andrew shares how discipline, profitability, and purpose—not ego—are what create long-term success.

[0:00] – Andrew's market overview: Springfield, Missouri and a Midwest strategy

[3:00] – Building a business around wholesaling, flipping, and rentals

[4:45] – How market cycles forced shifts in exit strategies

[6:00] – Military background and early exposure to real estate

[7:30] – First deals: lease options, credit cards, and late-night rehabs

[9:00] – Lessons learned from early partnerships

[10:45] – Why most partnerships eventually break

[12:30] – The three non-negotiables for partnerships: purpose, values, goals

[14:15] – Why partnerships need a "prenup" from day one

[16:00] – Andrew's first exposure to Collective Genius

[18:00] – Walking into a room of operators far ahead—and staying anyway

[21:00] – The biggest early mistake: scaling too fast, too wide

[22:45] – Hiring too many people, expanding markets, and breaking the business

[25:00] – March 2020: running out of money as the world shut down

[26:30] – COVID as a second chance to rebuild the business

[29:00] – The shift to "better, not bigger"

[30:30] – Cutting expenses by 60% and rebuilding profit-first

[32:30] – Why lean teams outperform bloated org charts

[34:00] – Hiring generals, not specialists

[35:30] – Becoming a local authority through social media

[37:00] – Building trust, credibility, and brand awareness locally

[38:45] – How social media drives sellers, buyers, and private money

[41:00] – Why local presence still wins in real estate

[43:00] – Adding a retail arm once the wholesaling business stabilized

[45:30] – Creating more solutions for sellers without inflating overhead

[47:30] – Goals for 2026: responsible growth and family time

1. Better Beats Bigger – Profitability, focus, and sanity matter more than vanity metrics.
2. Partnerships Require Alignment – Purpose, values, and goals must stay aligned—or the partnership won't last.
3. Scale Responsibly – Growing revenue without growing expenses is the real definition of scale.
4. Local Authority Wins – Social media isn't about going viral; it's about building trust in your backyard.
5. One Thing at a Time – Sustainable growth comes from focus, not stacking shiny objects.

• ExploreCG.com – Learn more about the Collective Genius community

If Andrew's journey resonated with you, it's likely because you're at a crossroads between growth and discipline. Remember—real scale isn't about doing more; it's about doing the right things, better.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow, rate, review, and share the Collective Genius Podcast with someone who's building a business for the long haul.

In this CG Live episode from our Select and Elevate event in Dallas, I sit down with Jason Reynolds, a former pro baseball player turned real estate investor, who joined CG in January and has already tripled his business in under a year. This is a masterclass in action-taking—from construction bottlenecks to team building, Jason walks us through how the right conversations at the right time completely reshaped his company.

He shares how moving project management in-house saved him tens of thousands per deal, how mentoring from other members like Phil Jackson helped him fast-track solutions, and why transforming as a leader—not just a hustler—has been the key to scaling his business and his life. If you've ever felt stuck wearing too many hats or unsure how to build a team you can trust, this episode is your blueprint.

[0:00] – Jason joins CG in January and hits the ground running

[1:46] – Doubling the business? No—tripling it

[2:05] – Based in Allentown, PA—75% fix and flip, 25% wholesale

[3:52] – The first CG event and how it delivered immediate clarity

[4:14] – Struggles with GCs led to an in-house project management breakthrough

[5:00] – Saving $15K–$20K per project after implementing advice from other members

[5:35] – Shoutout to Phil Jackson for helping map out the hiring plan

[6:11] – Bigger team, better systems: the move from doer to leader

[7:12] – Weekly 1:1s, team goals, and building real buy-in

[8:28] – Why pouring into your people builds more than just profit

[9:06] – The "Roger Bannister" effect—seeing what's possible in this room

[9:45] – Fundraising session takeaways: not ready for a fund, but building for it

[10:13] – Investor updates and strengthening capital relationships

[11:27] – Day one CG insight: becoming less of a micromanager, more of a leader

[12:12] – Creating culture and consistency to drive long-term growth

[13:01] – The power of taking action and building high-value relationships

1. The Right Conversation Can Save You $20K: Jason's decision to bring project management in-house came directly from CG connections—and paid off immediately.
2. You Don't Build a Business Alone: Learning to lead and develop others is what took Jason from hustle to scale.
3. Be in the Room Where the Growth Happens: Real transformation happens when you learn from those already doing what you're trying to do.

• Explore CG Membership: https://www.explorecg.com

If Jason's journey inspired you—if you're done flying solo and ready to scale with the help of leaders who've been where you're going—rate, follow, and review the Collective Genius Podcast. And if you're ready to get in the room, head to https://www.explorecg.com and apply now.

In this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with Dustin Singer out of Pittsburgh for one of the most powerful conversations we've had on the show. Dustin's story is a real-time example of what happens when personal growth finally catches up to business ambition—and how everything changes when it does.

We unpack how Dustin doubled his revenue, doubled his team, and expanded into commercial real estate in a single year—not by working more hours, but by rebuilding himself as a leader. From losing 50 pounds and reclaiming his discipline to implementing simple KPIs, building the right team, and running his business like a pilot flies a plane, this episode is proof that business growth follows personal growth every time.

[0:00] – Dustin's background and diversified investing business in Pittsburgh

[2:45] – Why commercial real estate became his new focus

[4:00] – Doubling revenue and contract volume year over year

[5:30] – The turning point: prioritizing health and personal discipline

[7:00] – Losing 50 pounds and rebuilding energy, focus, and confidence

[9:00] – Why leadership starts with how you treat your body

[11:00] – The first 90 days: regaining momentum and decisiveness

[12:30] – Reinvesting energy into hiring and team growth

[14:00] – The first key hire: lead management

[15:30] – Building the right team instead of spending more on marketing

[17:15] – How physical discipline transferred into business discipline

[18:30] – Treating health like a business KPI

[20:00] – "Life is a sport": training for longevity, not just aesthetics

[21:30] – Creating vision, cadence, and accountability for the team

[23:30] – The 7 KPIs Dustin tracks to run the business

[25:00] – Daily huddles, weekly syncs, and monthly reviews

[27:00] – Why data—not stories—drives better decisions

[28:45] – Learning from CG and implementing one thing at a time

[31:00] – Expanding into commercial real estate with the right team in place

[33:00] – Buying a $3.2M commercial property

[35:00] – The pilot analogy: KPIs as flight instruments

[37:00] – How autopilot systems free you to think bigger

[38:45] – How to connect with Dustin

1. Personal Growth Precedes Business Growth – When Dustin rebuilt his health, everything else followed.
2. Energy Is a Leadership Tool – You can't lead people well if you're exhausted and undisciplined.
3. Hire People Before Spending More on Marketing – Team leverage unlocked real scale.
4. Simple KPIs Win – A small set of metrics tells you exactly where the business is breaking.
5. Run the Business Like a Plane – Systems, checklists, and instruments create safe, scalable growth.

• ExploreCG.com – Learn more about the Collective Genius community
• Connect with Dustin – https://www.facebook.com/dustin.singer.33

If Dustin's story resonated with you, it's probably because you know something needs to change—personally or professionally. Start with one thing, build discipline, and let the momentum compound.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow, rate, review, and share the Collective Genius Podcast with someone who's ready to grow, lead, and scale at the next level.

In this CG Live episode from our Select and Elevate event in Dallas, I sit down with Pittsburgh investor and longtime CG member Dustin Singer, who delivered one of the most vulnerable and impactful talks of the event. Dustin pulls back the curtain on how he turned a season of burnout, depression, and disconnection into a full-blown transformation—personally, physically, and professionally.

From losing 50 pounds to completely overhauling his leadership style, Dustin shares how a single CG presentation inspired him to get out of survival mode and start leading with intention. He also walks us through the "flight plan" framework he used to align his life and business, the mindset shifts that sparked team growth, and why scaling your people is more powerful than scaling your numbers.

[0:00] – Dustin reflects on presenting after a keynote—telling his own story calmly and confidently

[1:45] – Introducing his "flight plan" metaphor and what sparked his personal and business changes

[2:54] – Transformation numbers: 50 pounds lost, 12% body fat, major business turnaround

[3:22] – The CG moment that triggered it all: Jeremiah's health-focused talk in January

[4:14] – "I was lazy, unmotivated, undisciplined, lacking purpose"—Dustin's raw self-assessment

[4:36] – The realization that chasing deals was no longer enough to keep going

[5:17] – Leading himself first—then using that momentum to build up his team

[6:11] – When Dustin saw his team leading without him for the first time

[6:41] – Why the flight training model mirrors great business building

[7:30] – Plans, metrics, checklists, and emergency procedures—how flying and leading align

[8:19] – Leveraging CG resources to fix blind spots instead of flying solo

[9:08] – What Dustin's focusing on next: sustaining momentum in a tough market

[9:53] – Flipping in Pittsburgh: longer days on market, new underwriting strategies

[10:38] – "You don't build a business. You build people. And people build the business."

[11:46] – A real-life example of leadership: how his ops manager handled a crucial conversation

[12:30] – Final reflections on transformation, consistency, and paying it forward

1. Lead Yourself First: Personal transformation unlocks professional growth. Start with your own discipline and mindset.
2. Your Team Can Fly the Plane: When you develop leaders—not just employees—you build a business that runs without you.
3. Frameworks Matter: Dustin's "flight plan" shows how structure, metrics, and emergency processes help businesses navigate turbulence.

• Explore CG Membership: https://www.explorecg.com

If Dustin's story reminded you that it's never too late to turn things around—physically, mentally, or professionally—then take the next step. Rate, follow, and review the Collective Genius Podcast, and visit https://www.explorecg.com to get in the room with real leaders making real change.

In this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with Andrew Becker—a true systems thinker and serial entrepreneur—to unpack what it really takes to scale a real estate business without chaos. Andrew has built and scaled multiple companies by obsessing over one thing most investors avoid: documentation, data, and discipline.

We talk about why most real estate businesses struggle to grow past a certain point, how Andrew's background at the Pentagon shaped his obsession with process, and why playbooks—not hustle—are the real unlock to freedom. From PPC and probate to CRMs and operating systems, this episode is a masterclass in building businesses that don't rely on tribal knowledge living in your head.

[0:00] – Andrew's current ventures: Brighter PPC, Probate Engineers, Billions OS

[3:00] – Why probate is one of the most underrated lead sources in real estate

[4:45] – The origin of Brighter PPC and scaling high-quality inbound leads

[6:30] – Why most CRMs fail real estate operators

[8:00] – The early CG days: Google Sheets, Podio, and CRM PTSD

[10:30] – Why "done-for-you" systems outperform DIY tech stacks

[13:00] – Andrew's Pentagon background and learning systems at scale

[16:00] – Why SOPs and playbooks are the foundation of hiring

[18:45] – Building a culture where everything gets documented

[20:30] – Playbook libraries, checklists, and real-time updates

[22:30] – Baking processes directly into software to eliminate mistakes

[24:00] – Why most entrepreneurs shouldn't diversify too early

[27:00] – How data—not emotion—led Andrew from retail to wholesaling

[29:30] – Tracking lead sources and doubling down on what actually works

[32:15] – PPC in 2024+: quality over quantity

[34:30] – Why Brighter PPC only partners with operators who can convert

[36:30] – Probate as a never-ending, professional lead source

[39:30] – Becoming a specialist vs. a generalist in competitive markets

[42:30] – Team Lead Talks podcast and learning from operators nationwide

[45:30] – How to connect with Andrew

1. Systems Beat Hustle – You can't scale chaos; playbooks and SOPs create freedom.
2. Data Drives Decisions – Andrew didn't guess his way to wholesaling—he tracked everything.
3. Quality Leads Win – Fewer, higher-quality PPC leads outperform volume every time.
4. Specialists Get Paid – Probate rewards those who take the time to master the process.
5. Document Early – The best time to build playbooks was yesterday; the next best time is today.

• ExploreCG.com – Learn more about the Collective Genius community
• Brighter PPC – High-intent inbound leads for real estate operators
• Probate Engineers – Learn how to build a scalable probate lead engine
• Team Lead Talks Podcast – Conversations with real estate team leaders
• Connect with Andrew: Socials – @IAmAndrewBecker | Email – ab@joinbrilliance.com

If you're serious about scaling your real estate business without burning out, this episode is your reminder that systems—not shortcuts—create real leverage.

If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to follow, rate, review, and share the Collective Genius Podcast with someone who's ready to build a business that actually runs without them.

In this CG Live episode from our Select and Elevate event in Dallas, I sit down with Marcus Crigler—accountant, educator, and host of the Strength in Numbers podcast. Marcus works with some of the top-performing real estate entrepreneurs in the industry, giving him a unique lens on what truly drives long-term profitability in any market.

In this conversation, we break down his "Straight Line Wealth Formula," the pitfalls of skipping financial fundamentals, and why real estate investors must stop overcomplicating simple business truths. Whether you're early in your journey or hitting a ceiling, Marcus delivers clarity on how to create real financial peace—and why managing your economy matters more than trying to time the economy.

[0:00] – Marcus Crigler returns to CG Live to present again, this time in Dallas

[1:24] – The presentation that started it all—Marcus's "Ten Financial Principles"

[2:04] – Why the basics still matter in a changing market

[2:41] – What separates profit-makers from deal-chasers in real estate

[3:58] – The problem isn't business—it's people overcomplicating it

[5:03] – Respecting your dollar: how financial peace starts with discipline

[6:24] – Why stability should come before scaling

[7:20] – The dangers of expanding too soon, too fast

[8:34] – Introducing the "Straight Line Wealth Formula": Hustle, Secure, Expand, Exit

[9:55] – Why skipping the "secure" phase leads to chaos and burnout

[10:45] – How CG member Dustin Singer broke the hustle-expansion-hustle cycle

[11:44] – Marcus's new podcast: Strength in Numbers—focused on real investor data

[12:34] – Final thoughts: how focusing on net—not just gross—transforms your business

1. Net Beats Gross: Revenue is vanity, profit is sanity. Sustainable wealth comes from tracking and protecting what you keep.
2. Don't Skip the Secure Phase: Scaling before stabilizing leads to rework, stress, and regress. Get your financial foundation right first.
3. The Fastest Path Is a Straight Line: Hustle → Secure → Expand → Exit. Shortcutting the process delays your success.

• Podcast: Strength in Numbers

• Explore CG Membership: https://www.explorecg.com

If you're done chasing deals and ready to start building lasting wealth, this episode is your blueprint. Subscribe, rate, and review the Collective Genius Podcast—and if you want to learn from leaders like Marcus in person, apply at explorecg.com and join us at our next CG event.

In this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with Steve Richards for a deep, honest conversation that goes far beyond tactics, KPIs, and org charts. Steve has spent decades as an entrepreneur, coach, and leader, and today his mission is clear: helping business owners find alignment—personally and professionally—so they can build businesses that actually support the life they want.

We talk about why so many successful real estate investors still feel stuck, burned out, or unfulfilled, even with multimillion-dollar businesses. Steve breaks down the idea of alignment as the missing link between growth and peace, why your business is always a mirror of who you are, and how fixing the internal side of the equation accelerates everything else. If you've built the business but still feel like something's missing, this episode will hit home.

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:30] – Steve's background: from early tech consulting to real estate and coaching

[4:00] – Why most business owners were never taught how to run a small business

[6:45] – The real mission: helping entrepreneurs find alignment and their "way"

[9:15] – Business, health, relationships as mirrors of the owner

[12:30] – Why compartmentalizing life creates burnout and inconsistency

[15:00] – Common patterns: inconsistent results, constant pivots, self-sabotage

[18:20] – The danger of extremes: success in business at the cost of everything else

[19:45] – Satisfaction vs. contentment—and why you need both

[23:00] – Defining happiness for entrepreneurs who are always chasing "more"

[24:15] – The GPS framework: knowing exactly where you are and where you're going

[27:00] – Why misaligned goals create boredom, burnout, or sabotage

[29:30] – The power of an objective business and life audit

[32:00] – How long alignment really takes (and why mindset shifts can be instant)

[35:30] – "Be → Do → Have" and why most entrepreneurs get it backward

[37:45] – Tracking progress beyond money: marriage, health, fulfillment

[41:00] – Why CG creates the freedom to do the deeper personal work

[43:30] – Healing the business to unlock time, money, and clarity

[45:10] – How Team Architects helps owners truly exit the day-to-day

[46:15] – How to reach Steve directly and answer the nudge

1. Your Business Is a Mirror – If something feels broken externally, it usually starts internally with the owner.
2. Alignment Accelerates Growth – Working on yourself isn't a distraction from scale—it's the shortcut.
3. Satisfied vs. Content – Be unsatisfied looking forward (growth) but content looking backward (peace).
4. Clarity Beats Hustle – Knowing exactly where you are and where you're going eliminates wasted effort.
5. People Create Freedom – You can't scale—or exit—without the right team around you.

• ExploreCG.com – Learn more about the Collective Genius community
• TeamArchitects.com/CG – Connect directly with Steve Richards
• Team Architects – Recruiting, fractional HR, and team design for scaling businesses

If this conversation resonated with you, it's probably for a reason. I encourage you to follow that nudge—whether that's reaching out to Steve, taking a deeper look at your alignment, or committing to building a business that truly supports your life.

In this heartfelt and powerful live episode from CG Select and Elevate, I sit down with Jennie Hudspeth—coach, founder of REI Sales Tools, and a true leader in sales team development. From struggling to afford groceries to becoming a top-tier manager of massive sales teams, Jennie shares her transformational journey from the bottom to the top.

We discuss how she helps lead managers, acquisition reps, and sales managers evolve into the highest version of themselves through deep coaching, foundational belief work, and tactical training. You'll also hear how she approaches leadership from a place of humility, identity, and human triumph—and why her mission is more than just about KPIs. This is a must-listen for any investor or visionary who's ready to multiply their impact through better leadership.

[0:00] – Meet Jennie Hudspeth, founder of REI Sales Tools and CG first-time podcaster

[1:24] – What Jennie actually does—and why she calls it the "homeschool version" of sales training

[2:41] – The six-month curriculum: teaching belief, behavior, and the building blocks of sales success

[3:53] – Communication, engagement, and turning repeatable concepts into company culture

[4:39] – Most team members can't define investing—why that's a core issue

[5:03] – Are teams getting more prepared before they hire? Jennie's honest answer

[6:13] – Teaching her kids (and her clients) the two most important values: ownership and open-mindedness

[7:29] – Jennie's quick hitter topic: mindset and belief systems that drive conversion

[8:16] – Everyone's definition of success is different—know your own before you R&D

[8:58] – Leadership is about casting a foundation your team can build on

[11:12] – From unemployed to hired: Jennie's story of taking a lead manager job at $27K/year

[12:34] – "Your data is wrong"—how Jennie stood up to a CEO and earned her first leadership role

[13:34] – Growing from one market to eight and managing over 100 salespeople

[14:41] – Why leadership is teaching people to solve their own problems—not putting out fires

[16:08] – The "KG slap" and how this room humbles even the best

[17:22] – Everyone has imposter syndrome—even at the highest levels

[18:08] – Why Jennie wakes up excited to manage, mentor, and multiply leaders

[18:57] – How to work with Jennie and what to expect on a discovery call

[19:34] – The human side: photos of her kids, purpose beyond profit, and a mission to serve

1. Leadership Is Multiplication: True impact comes from building leaders—not just teams. Jennie's passion is helping sales managers become multipliers.
2. Your Data Is Your Power: Track your value. Measure your performance. Then own your seat at the table.
3. Define Success Before You Chase It: Your goals, your culture, and your team are unique. Build systems that reflect your version of success—not someone else's.

• Website: https://www.reisalestools.com
• Email: jennie@reisalestools.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/jenniehudspeth
• Explore CG Membership: https://www.explorecg.com

If Jennie's story moved you—and you're ready to lead with more clarity, humility, and power—rate, follow, and review the Collective Genius Podcast. Share this episode with your sales manager or team lead, and if you're ready to scale with people like Jennie in your corner, visit explorecg.com and apply to join us.