In this episode, Brian Green interviews TJ Burns, who shares his journey from growing up in Long Island to studying engineering at MIT and eventually working at Amazon. TJ discusses his experiences at MIT, the challenges he faced while working at Blink, and the lessons learned from his startup life. He also talks about his transition into real estate, the importance of mentorship, and how he built his investment portfolio. Finally, TJ introduces Zendra Lending, a new venture aimed at providing funding for fix-and-flip projects, emphasizing the importance of customer obsession and seamless service.

Takeaways

• TJ faced multiple rejections before landing a job at Amazon.
• Mistakes are essential for growth and learning in business.
• Personal growth is crucial for job satisfaction.
• Building relationships is key in real estate investing.
• Investing in real estate requires patience and education.
• Choosing the right investment group is vital for success.
• Zendra Lending aims to simplify the lending process for borrowers.
• Customer obsession is a core principle in business.
• Ownership and accountability are important in leadership.
• Networking and adding value can open doors in business.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to TJ Burns and His Journey

02:44 Life at MIT: Engineering and Athletics

05:24 Career Path: From MIT to Amazon

10:24 Lessons from Startup Life at Blink

16:12 Navigating Mistakes and Leadership

21:38 Transitioning to Real Estate: The Why and How

26:35 Investing in Real Estate: Early Experiences

32:00 Building Zendra Lending: A New Venture

37:16 Zendra Lending: Business Model and Investor Appeal

In this episode, Brian Green interviews Sargis Ivanov, a CPA who shares his unique journey into the accounting profession, the growth of his family's transportation business, and his passion for real estate. Sargis discusses the challenges facing the CPA profession, the importance of mentorship, and the strategies he employs to help clients reduce their tax burdens through real estate investments. He explains key tax strategies such as the Augusta Rule, cost segregation, and 1031 exchanges, emphasizing the importance of proactive financial planning and regular consultations with a CPA.

Takeaways

• Sargis Ivanov emphasizes the importance of mentorship in his career.
• The CPA profession is facing challenges with a declining interest from younger generations.
• Real estate investment offers numerous tax benefits that can be leveraged.
• Building a clientele requires diverse marketing strategies, especially in a virtual environment.
• Understanding tax strategies is crucial for maximizing real estate investments.
• Regular consultations with a CPA can prevent costly financial mistakes.
• The Augusta Rule allows for tax deductions without reporting rental income.
• Cost segregation studies can significantly enhance tax deductions for property owners.
• 1031 exchanges provide a powerful way to defer taxes on real estate sales.
• Sargis believes in the importance of educating clients about their financial options.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sargis Ivanov, CPA

03:34 The Growth of FCT Transport

06:05 Sargis's Unique Path to Accounting

08:01 Challenges Facing the CPA Profession

10:18 Starting a CPA Firm: Excitement and Challenges

12:20 Building a Clientele in a Virtual World

14:46 Niche Focus: Real Estate Accounting

17:11 Strategies for Real Estate Investment

19:33 Understanding Real Estate Professional Status

22:21 Leveraging Depreciation and Tax Strategies

26:30 Cost Segregation Explained

32:02 The Augusta Rule: A Tax Strategy

34:18 Utilizing 1031 Exchanges for Growth

37:26 Planning for Future Tax Implications

39:05 The Importance of Regular CPA Consultations

42:01 Final Thoughts on Real Estate Strategies

Summary

In this inspiring conversation, Ben Kjar shares his journey of overcoming adversity as someone born with Crozon syndrome. He discusses the pivotal role of his mother in instilling confidence and resilience, the importance of supportive relationships, and the impact of mentors in his life. Ben emphasizes the significance of accountability and planning in achieving goals, and he highlights the influence of his wife, La Cole, in his journey. The conversation culminates in a discussion about the purpose behind his film 'Stand Out', which aims to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness and overcome challenges.

Takeaways

• Ben's journey with Crozon syndrome shaped his perspective on life.
• His mother's encouragement to 'stand out' was pivotal in his development.
• Inner peace and genuine confidence are essential for fulfillment.
• Cuddling vs. coddling: tough love is necessary for growth.
• Surrounding yourself with supportive people is crucial for success.
• Accountability and planning are key to achieving goals.
• Sharing dreams with others can lead to greater accountability.
• Relationships are more important than material possessions.
• La Cole's support has been instrumental in Ben's journey.
• The film 'Stand Out' aims to inspire and change narratives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ben Kjar and His Journey

02:45 The Power of Standing Out

07:18 Lessons from Family and Parenting

13:51 The Role of Coaches and Mentors

19:58 Accountability and Planning for Success

25:13 Setting Goals and Taking Action

33:08 The Impact of Relationships

41:21 Creating a Legacy Through Film

46:08 Gratitude and Life's True Value