🍎 The Real Formula
Once I committed to tracking, the rest started falling into place:
Dialing in my diet — eating intentionally instead of accidentally.
Consistent exercise — nothing crazy, just showing up daily.
Momentum — when I saw progress, I wanted more progress.
Identity shift — I wasn’t “trying to lose weight” anymore…
I was becoming a healthier man — a stronger husband, father, athlete, and leader.
And over time…
85 pounds disappeared.
🔥 What Is the 4% Rule?
Alright, let’s kick it off super simple.
The 4% Rule says this:
If you withdraw 4% of your investment portfolio each year, adjusted for inflation, your money should last 30+ years.
That’s it.
Not fancy.
Not complicated.
Just gloriously simple.
So if you’ve got $1,000,000 invested, 4% means you can take out $40,000 a year.
If you’ve got $500,000, that’s $20,000 a year.
If you’ve got $2.5M, that’s $100K a year.
It gives you a target.
It gives you a plan.
It gives you hope—like a flashlight in the dark of financial overwhelm.
And more importantly… it gives you a path.
Blurb:
In a world where traditional retirement once meant waiting until your 60s to finally enjoy freedom, the FIRE movement—Financial Independence, Retire Early— has completely redefined the game. FIRE isn’t just about quitting work; it’s about reclaiming control of your time, energy, and purpose. By prioritizing intentional living, aggressive saving, smart investing, and mindful spending, FIRE empowers people to design a life centered on freedom rather than obligation. It challenges the old narrative that financial security must come after decades of grind, proving instead that independence is achievable far earlier—and that retirement is no longer an age, but a mindset.
Why Debt Freedom Is One of the Most Powerful Tools for Personal Growth
In a world where credit cards, car loans, and “buy now, pay later” options are everywhere, living debt-free can feel almost impossible—or even unnecessary. But the truth is, achieving freedom from personal debt can be one of the most empowering and life-changing financial goals you can reach.
When you’re burdened by debt, your income is already spoken for before you even earn it. Every paycheck is partly claimed by lenders, which limits your choices, adds stress, and can delay your dreams—whether that’s starting a business, buying a home, or simply enjoying life without financial worry.
Becoming debt-free, however, flips the script. Suddenly, your money is yours. Instead of paying interest, you can invest it. Instead of living paycheck to paycheck, you can save for your goals. Debt freedom creates a powerful sense of control—both financially and emotionally. It brings peace of mind, reduces anxiety, and builds confidence in your ability to manage your future.
Even more, being debt-free gives you flexibility. You can change careers, travel, or handle emergencies without fear of financial collapse. It’s not just about the numbers—it’s about reclaiming your time, choices, and independence.
In short, debt freedom isn’t just a financial milestone—it’s a mindset shift. It’s about building a life where you control your money, not the other way around.
The Power of Location Independence: Freedom in the Modern Age
In today’s digital world, location independence isn’t just a dream — it’s a movement reshaping how we live and work. The idea is simple yet revolutionary: being able to earn a living and build a fulfilling life without being tied to one place. Whether you’re freelancing from a beach café in Bali, running a business from a mountain cabin, or collaborating remotely with a global team, location independence offers freedom like never before.
The power of this lifestyle lies in choice. You choose where to live, when to work, and how to design your days. This flexibility can lead to greater creativity, better mental health, and stronger connections with people across cultures. It breaks down barriers — professional, geographic, and even personal — allowing you to focus on what truly matters: experiences, growth, and balance.
Technology has made it possible, but mindset makes it powerful. Location independence challenges old definitions of success and replaces them with freedom, purpose, and connection. It’s not about escaping the world — it’s about expanding it.
Dreams as Your Inner GPS
Your dreams—the goals and visions that light you up—are like a built-in GPS guiding you through life. They give you direction when you feel lost, motivation when the road gets rough, and purpose when choices feel unclear. When you tune in to what truly inspires you, your dreams become more than distant wishes—they become signposts, steering you step by step toward the life you’re meant to live.
In this episode of The Gentle Art of Crushing It, host Doug Clark explores why focus is the most underrated skill in real estate investing. Using the journey of Brandon Turner as a case study, Doug breaks down how intentional focus helped Brandon scale from small rental properties to building a multi-million-dollar portfolio and thriving businesses. Listeners will learn how clarity, discipline, and saying “no” to distractions can create momentum in their own investing journey. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned investor, this conversation will inspire you to sharpen your focus and crush your goals in real estate.
The Gentle Art of Crushing It – with Doug Clark & Guest Dan Haberkost
In 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-mistakes
26 questions to ask your GP - www.lplessons.co/p/26-questions-to-ask-your-gp
Do sunk costs matter in capital calls? - www.lplessons.co/p/do-sunk-costs-matter-in-capital-calls
RANDY SMITH
Connect 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 @randysmithinvestor
00:00 Intro
01:40 Current Market
03:29 Aleksey's Background
09:19 LP's in Investing
15:35 Due Diligence
18:10 Deal Structure
23:32 GPLP Match
28:26 Fundraising
30:40 Education and Resources
36:00 Bucket List
38:48 Outro
Summary
In 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.
Chapters
00:00 Multiplying Your Efforts
08:36 The Power of Partnerships
14:52 Building a Team for Success
18:27 outro
Keywords
real 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.
Chapters
00:00Introduction to Passive Investing and Market Volatility
02:57David Hrizak's Journey and Background
06:06The Structure and Focus of Streamline Companies
10:45Exploring Medical Office Investments
15:05Details on Current Fund and Investment Strategy
18:51Tax Advantages and Investor Education
20:44Track Record and Lessons from Past Experiences
22:07Navigating Financial Challenges in Real Estate
25:52Current Projects and Asset Management
27:38Impact of Tariffs and Material Costs
30:06Investment Opportunities for Passive Investors
32:37Educational Resources for New Investors
35:14Due Diligence in Real Estate Investing
37:01Personal Growth and Bucket List Adventures
38:22Investment Strategies in Emerging Markets
RANDY SMITH
Connect 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 @randysmithinvestor
Keywords
passive 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!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Gene Trowbridge
01:05 Current Market Insights for Passive Investors
03:51 Diverse Investment Opportunities Beyond Real Estate
05:53 Understanding Private Placements and Regulation D
09:09 The Evolution of Securities Regulation
14:56 Impact of Economic Crises on Investment Regulations
19:52 Future of Accredited Investor Definitions
21:44 Guidance for New Syndicators
22:22 Understanding Syndication and Securities
24:48 Control and Decision-Making in Partnerships
27:20 Investment Contracts and SEC Regulations
30:04 Key Questions for Passive Investors
33:27 The Importance of Relationships in Real Estate
37:17 Investing Strategies and Debt Funds
39:04 outro
RANDY SMITH
Connect 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 @randysmithinvestor
Keywords
syndication, private equity, accredited investors, real estate, securities regulation, Jobs Act, passive investing, market trends, due diligence, investment strategies
Summary
In 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/podcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewbreneman/
Chapters
00:00 Market Overview and Current Trends
05:09 Drew's Journey into Real Estate
11:24 Exploring the Sunbelt and Its Opportunities
16:04 Performance of Phoenix Assets and Future Outlook
21:39 Chicago Projects and Tax Abatement Opportunities
22:01 Chicago's Real Estate Appeal
24:04 Investment Strategies in Chicago
27:58 Understanding Cash Flow vs. Equity Multiples
31:49 Educational Resources for New Investors
35:26 Personal Insights and Future Aspirations
37:53 outro
RANDY SMITH
Connect 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 @randysmithinvestor
Keywords
real 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".
Chapters
00:00 Market Overview and Economic Impact
04:50 August Biniaz: Background and Journey in Real Estate
10:06 Navigating Cross-Border Investments: Canadian to US
14:27 International Investor Considerations and Strategies
17:25 Building the Right Team and the BTR Asset Class
21:02 The Rise of Build-to-Rent Communities
23:44 Investment Strategies in Build-to-Rent
25:36 Portfolio Insights and Market Trends
28:38 Education and Immersion in Passive Investing
31:35 Due Diligence in Alternative Investments
34:03 Personal Growth and Investment Philosophy
39:52 outro
RANDY SMITH
Connect 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 @randysmithinvestor
Keywords
real estate, passive investing, market trends, economic impact, cross-border investments, build-to-rent, investment strategies, August Biniaz, CPI Capital, multifamily investments
Summary
In 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.
Chapters
00:00 The Urgency of Life
03:22 Masterminds and Accountability
06:16 Holistic Life Planning
09:43 Inspired Hustle and Action
09:52 outro
Keywords
urgency, 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:
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
03:30 Current Market Overview and Its Impact on Passive Investing
06:25 Jeff's Journey into Real Estate
10:00 Balancing W2 Job and Real Estate Investing
12:43 Private Lending Experience and Strategies
15:52 Understanding Infinite Banking and Its Benefits
23:27 The Power of Strategic Investments
25:53 Leveraging Whole Life Insurance for Financial Growth
27:38 Rapid Growth in Multifamily Investments
31:09 The Art of Raising Capital
33:35 Educational Resources for Passive Investors
36:35 Due Diligence in Real Estate Investments
38:25 Bucket List Adventures and Investment Strategies
42:45 outro
CONNECT WITH OUR HOST
Connect 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 @randysmithinvestor
Keywords
real estate, passive investing, multifamily, private lending, infinite banking, market trends, capital raising, investment strategies, Jeff Ervick, Randy Smith
Summary
In 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 SMITH
Connect 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 @randysmithinvestor
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Michael Wagman and Market Insights
03:33 Michael's Journey: From College to Real Estate
07:04 The Transition to Sales and Entrepreneurship
09:58 Building a Real Estate Portfolio and Lessons Learned
12:46 Current Ventures and Future Plans
21:19 The Journey to Real Estate Success
29:00 Transitioning to Development Projects
37:24 Advice for New Investors and Resources
46:38 outro
Summary
In 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.
Keywords
real estate, multifamily, investment, capital raising, entrepreneurship, market trends, personal growth, sales experience, development projects, passive income
Summary
In this episode, Doug Clark emphasizes the dual importance of mindset and action in achieving personal goals. He argues that while action is necessary, a positive mindset is equally crucial for success. Doug encourages listeners to take immediate action towards their dreams, regardless of their current circumstances, and to nurture their minds with positive thoughts. He provides practical suggestions for taking action and emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself to overcome limitations and create a fulfilling life.
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Mindset and Action
03:19 Taking Action: Steps to Move Forward
05:49 outro
Keywords
mindset, action, personal development, self-belief, goal setting, motivation, life planning, overcoming limitations, positive thinking, self-improvement
Joe Rinderknecht is the founder of Upgrade Partners Capital (Fund of Funds) and Cowboy Capital (GP Sponsor), a real estate investment firm specializing in acquiring and operating value-add apartment buildings under 100 units. He focuses on deals within a four-hour drive of his home, ensuring hands-on management and strong market expertise. His latest acquisition, a 54-unit property built in 1998, has seen a $2.5 million value increase in just six months through strategic improvements and operational efficiencies.With nearly a decade of experience in commercial real estate, Joe has owned and invested in approximately 600 apartment units across Montana, Idaho, Utah, Texas, and Ohio. His background includes property management, constructions management, asset management for large portfolios, and capital raising for various deals.Joe earned his BS in Finance with a minor in Real Estate and Entrepreneurship from Utah State University in 2018. He also runs Tiny's Tribe, a 506(c) nonprofit dedicated to supporting families affected by life-changing accidents.When he's not working on real estate deals, Joe enjoys fishing, traveling, and enjoying the outdoors with his wife and three children.
Summary
In this episode, Randy Smith interviews Joe Rinderknecht, co-founder of Upgrade Partners Capital and Cowboy, discussing the current state of the multifamily real estate market, challenges faced by passive investors, and Joe's personal journey from ranching to real estate. Joe shares insights on building a multifamily portfolio, focusing on sub-100 unit investments, and strategic approaches to deal sourcing. He emphasizes the importance of construction management and personal connections in real estate transactions, while also providing educational resources for aspiring investors.
Chapters
00:00 Market Dynamics and Passive Investment Challenges
06:20 Joe Rinderknecht's Journey and Background
12:56 Real Estate Ventures and Lessons Learned
18:52 Navigating Construction Challenges and Fund Strategies
21:19 Exploring Fund Structures and Deal Flow
23:21 Market Focus and Asset Selection
26:54 Navigating Tertiary Markets and Local Resources
27:37 The Niche of Sub-100 Unit Properties
32:43 Educational Resources and Learning Opportunities
37:47 Due Diligence in Construction Management
40:48 Personal Growth and Investment Strategies
42:39 outro
RANDY SMITH
Connect 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 @randysmithinvestor
Keywords
real estate, passive investing, multifamily, market trends, investment strategies, construction management, deal sourcing, education, investment portfolio, financial growth
Summary
In this episode, Doug Clark discusses the importance of taking ownership of one's life and the concept of extreme ownership. He emphasizes that accepting responsibility is crucial for personal growth and achieving dreams. Doug shares inspiring stories of individuals who overcame adversity to achieve success, highlighting that many self-made millionaires started from humble beginnings. He encourages listeners to believe in their dreams and take actionable steps towards making them a reality.
Chapters
00:00 Taking Ownership of Your Life
04:36 The Power of Overcoming Adversity
10:44 Inspiration from Success Stories
12:33 outro
Keywords
ownership, responsibility, adversity, success, dreams, self-made millionaires, inspiration, motivation, personal growth, life goals
Takeaways
It's up to me to take ownership of my life.
Accepting responsibility allows for honest self-assessment.
Creating the life of our dreams requires taking risks.
Adversity can be overcome with determination and belief.
Many successful individuals started from poverty and achieved greatness.
Wealth creation opportunities are more accessible than ever.
Inspiration can be drawn from the stories of others.
Believing in oneself is the first step to success.
We deserve to live extraordinary lives, not settle for average.
Taking action is essential to turn dreams into reality.