The Breakthrough with Stephen Husted

Stephen Husted

Welcome to The Breakthrough with Stephen Husted, the show that takes you behind the scenes with successful entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and other movers and shakers in the business world. In each episode, we'll sit down with our guests to explore their personal and professional journeys, including the challenges they've faced, the breakthrough moments that propelled them to success, and the strategies and tactics they've used to get there. Get inspired by new ideas and strategies and get to know our guests on a deeper level.

  1. 2 days ago

    EP 77 - How to Turn One House Into Multiple Streams of Income | Edmond Bondoc

    In this episode, I sit down with Edmond Bondoc to discuss how he transformed a single-family property into a multi-unit investment through ADU development and strategic planning. Edmond shares the full story of finding the property, financing the project, navigating Seattle's permitting process, and preparing the units for long-term cash flow. We also discuss the opportunities available to investors in Seattle, the realities of development, and why having the right team can dramatically impact the success of a project. Edmond breaks down condoization, construction financing, and the lessons he's learned from building while simultaneously growing his family and planning for the future. Finding off-market development opportunities Turning one property into three income-producing units Building attached and detached ADUs Seattle's permitting and development challenges Common mistakes investors make during development Financing construction projects creatively Condoization and property separation strategies Why having the right architect and builder matters The importance of community and mentorship Building long-term financial freedom through real estate Why imperfect action beats perfect planning Creating wealth while planning for family and future goals If you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you subscribed, left a review, and shared it with someone interested in real estate investing, ADUs, development, or financial freedom. Find Edmond‘s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/edmondfromedmonds/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/edmondbondoc Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠Connect on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠ Stephen and Edmond talked about:

    56 min

  2. 17 Jun

    EP 76: From $90K in Student loan Debt to Financial Freedom | Craig Curelop

    In this episode, I sit down with Craig Curelop to discuss how house hacking became the foundation of his journey to financial freedom, why he left Silicon Valley for Denver, and how real estate changed the trajectory of his life. Craig shares his path from working as an underwriter in Silicon Valley to joining BiggerPockets, writing The House Hacking Strategy, and becoming one of the most recognized voices in the house hacking space. Along the way, he reveals how he paid down debt, built rental income, became financially free, and grew a real estate business helping others achieve similar results. We also discuss why young people have a massive advantage when it comes to investing, the sacrifices required to build long-term wealth, and how real estate agents can use investing to create income beyond commissions. Craig explains why many people overcomplicate getting started and why action often matters more than perfection. Craig's journey from Silicon Valley to BiggerPockets Why house hacking became his path to financial freedom Turning $90,000 of student debt into opportunity The sacrifices young investors should consider making Writing The House Hacking Strategy Becoming financially free through rental properties Building a real estate business from the ground up Why real estate agents should become investors Long-term wealth versus short-term commissions Why getting started matters more than timing the market The conversation also covers entrepreneurship, public speaking, content creation, coaching, co-living investments, and why some of the best opportunities come from doing things others are unwilling to do. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you subscribed, left a review, and shared it with someone interested in house hacking, financial freedom, real estate investing, or building wealth through real estate. Find Craigs‘s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/craigcurelop/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-curelop-a6457242/ Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠Connect on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA Stephen and Craig talked about:

    55 min

  3. 12 Jun

    EP 75: The Truth About House Flipping After 2,000 Deals | Sam Primm

    In this episode, I sit down with Sam Primm to talk about the realities of scaling a real estate business, managing rapid growth, and what happens when success comes faster than expected. Sam shares how he built multiple companies, flipped thousands of properties, acquired millions of dollars in real estate, and scaled aggressively during the post-COVID boom. But he also opens up about the challenges that came with that growth, including operational issues, underperforming investments, and the lessons learned from building the plane while flying it. We discuss why many entrepreneurs constantly push for more, the hidden dangers of chasing growth without the right systems, and how today's market is forcing investors to simplify, become more efficient, and focus on what they do best. Sam also shares insights from running a property management company, education business, renovation company, and real estate investment operation all at the same time. - Why entrepreneurs are driven to keep growing - The challenges of scaling too fast - Lessons learned from buying millions in real estate - Why some investments look great on paper but fail in reality - Building systems and teams that can operate without you - The current state of the real estate market - What 2008 taught Stephen about today's market - Why new investors should start during difficult market conditions - The dangers of chasing too many investment strategies - How failure can accelerate success The conversation also dives into delayed gratification, social media's impact on entrepreneurship, the importance of helping others, and why some of the toughest seasons often create the biggest opportunities for growth. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you subscribed, left a review, and shared it with someone interested in real estate investing, entrepreneurship, business growth, or building long-term wealth. Find Sam‘s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/SAMFASTERFREEDOM/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samprimm/ Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠

    48 min

  4. 4 Jun

    EP 74: Flo Jacques Bought Her First Home at 22. Here's Her Plan to Retire by 40

    In this episode, I sit down with Flo Jacques to talk about her journey from educator to real estate investor, how she bought her first home at 22, and why taking action matters more than waiting for the perfect opportunity. Flo shares what she learned from appearing on the BiggerPockets podcast, the lessons she's gained from rehabs that went over budget, and why successful investors view mistakes as tuition rather than failure. We also dive into the Raleigh-Durham market, how newer investors are approaching today's opportunities, and why analysis paralysis is one of the biggest obstacles to building wealth. We break down one of Flo's recent investment projects, discuss creative financing strategies, and explore the importance of building a strong team that includes lenders, contractors, mentors, and advisors. Flo also shares how she teaches new investors to analyze deals, manage risk, and stay focused on long-term wealth creation rather than short-term market noise. Stephen and Flo talked about: 📌 Lessons learned from BiggerPockets and the investing community 📌 Why mistakes are simply tuition in real estate investing 📌 The current Raleigh-Durham real estate market 📌 How to overcome analysis paralysis 📌 Finding opportunities when other investors walk away 📌 Structuring creative financing and hard money loans 📌 Why lenders should be part of your investing team 📌 Teaching new investors how to analyze deals 📌 The importance of mentorship and networking 📌 Building long-term wealth through real estate investing Whether you're a first-time investor or already growing your portfolio, this episode offers practical insights on mindset, financing, and taking action when opportunities arise. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you subscribed, left a review, and shared it with someone interested in real estate investing, financial freedom, or building wealth through real estate. Find Flo‘s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/imflotherealtor/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flo-jacques/ Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠ Connect on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠ and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

    50 min

  5. 28 May

    EP 73: Building a Private Lending Business with Keleisha Carter

    In this episode, I sit down with Keleisha to talk about entrepreneurship, private lending, mindset, and what it really takes to build a business from the ground up. Keleisha shares her story of leaving Jamaica, quitting her corporate marketing job, and moving to the United States with no guarantees, only $1,000 in savings, and a willingness to take a risk. We talk about the uncomfortable realities of growth, navigating uncertainty, and why entrepreneurship often feels lonely even when things look successful online. We also dive deep into private money lending, raising investor capital, structuring real estate deals, gap funding, and how Keleisha built a lending business by combining marketing, storytelling, and relationship building. She explains how managing investor expectations, setting boundaries, and creating systems became the foundation of her business. Stephen and Keleisha also talked about: 📌 Leaving comfort behind to pursue growth 📌 Why entrepreneurship requires uncomfortable decisions 📌 Building confidence through hard experiences 📌 How restaurant work helped prepare Keleisha for business 📌 Managing investor expectations and communication 📌 The mindset needed for real estate investing 📌 Raising private capital through storytelling and marketing 📌 Structuring private lending and gap funding deals 📌 Why systems and boundaries are critical in business 📌 The role AI and technology play in entrepreneurship today If you enjoyed this episode, I’d really appreciate it if you subscribed, left a review, and shared it with someone interested in entrepreneurship, private lending, real estate investing, or building a business from scratch. Find Keleisha‘s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/keleishacarter/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keleishacarter/ Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠ Connect on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠ and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

    1hr 9min

  6. 21 May

    EP 72: Sam Haack on Luxury Real Estate, Wealth, and Wyoming Living

    In this episode, we are joined by Sam Haack to discuss the unique real estate market in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and how lifestyle, wealth preservation, and a limited land supply continue to drive demand in one of the most exclusive mountain towns in the country. Sam shares his journey from living in a camper and rollerblading to a property management interview to eventually becoming a co-owner at Berkshire Hathaway in Jackson Hole. We also talk about the massive COVID real estate boom, why buyers from California, Texas, and New York moved into Wyoming, and how the market has evolved since then. Stephen and Sam also talked about: 📌 Why Jackson Hole continues to attract wealthy buyers 📌 The reality of housing affordability in mountain towns 📌 How the limited land supply impacts real estate prices 📌 House hacking and building wealth through real estate 📌 The importance of authenticity when working with luxury clients 📌 Why community and lifestyle matter more than status 📌 Workforce housing and the future of affordable housing 📌 Investing locally versus out-of-state investing 📌 Social media, Gen Z, and the comparison trap 📌 Why taking action and being uncomfortable leads to growth Toward the end of the episode, the conversation shifts into lifestyle, parenting, investing habits, and what makes Jackson Hole one of the most unique places to live, visit, and invest in. If you enjoyed this episode, I’d really appreciate it if you subscribed, left a review, and shared it with someone interested in real estate, investing, lifestyle-driven markets, or Jackson Hole living. Find Sam‘s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/samhrealestate/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-haack-898187211/ Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠ Connect on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠ and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

    55 min

  7. 14 May

    EP 71: How Investors and Architects Work Together to Build Better Housing with Architect Peter Gray

    In this episode, Stephen Husted sits down with architect Peter Gray to break down what really happens behind the scenes of development projects, ADUs, DADUs, and middle housing in Seattle. Peter shares what investors often get wrong during the feasibility and permitting process, why building the right team matters more than maximizing square footage, and how communication between architects, contractors, engineers, and investors can make or break a project. Stephen also walks through one of their recent Seattle projects, including how they transformed a tight urban lot into a highly functional middle housing product with a two-car garage and covered outdoor living space. The conversation dives into zoning changes, Seattle’s evolving middle housing opportunities, common mistakes developers make, and how AI tools like ChatGPT are helping investors analyze deals and feasibility faster than ever before. Whether you're a beginner investor or already scaling development projects, this episode offers valuable insight into the systems, planning, and relationships needed to succeed in real estate development. Stephen and Peter talked about: 📌How to hire the right architect for a development project 📌 Seattle ADU and middle housing opportunities 📌 Why feasibility studies matter before buying property 📌 Common mistakes investors make in development 📌 The role of architects vs interior designer 📌 Building a reliable development team 📌 How AI and ChatGPT can help with feasibility analysis 📌 Managing permits, zoning, and city requirements 📌 Designing functional urban housing projects 📌 Why systems and organization are critical in development If you enjoyed this episode, I’d really appreciate it if you subscribed, left a review, and shared it with someone interested in real estate investing, ADUs, or development projects. Find Peter‘s LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-gray-11b541107/ Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠ Connect on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠ and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

    1hr 5min

  8. 30 Apr

    EP 70: How to Get Clients Using Content Creation in 2026 with Thomas Smith

    Most entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and business owners don’t fail because of the algorithm. They fail because fear, inconsistency, and waiting to feel ready stop them before momentum ever starts. In this episode, content strategist Thomas Smith breaks down how to grow online, attract clients, and use social media to create real business opportunities. If you’re a real estate investor, entrepreneur, realtor, business owner, or creator trying to grow online, this episode is packed with practical advice. Stephen sits down with content strategist Thomas Smith to discuss how social media is changing the game for real estate investing, entrepreneurship, and personal branding in 2026. They talk about why many real estate agents and investors struggle with content creation, how to overcome the fear of posting, and why your first 100 posts are about building confidence, not perfection. Thomas shares actionable strategies for growing on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, including how to create content that attracts qualified leads, build trust with potential clients, and stand out in crowded industries like real estate, investing, and business. They also dive into how tools like ChatGPT and AI are helping entrepreneurs create faster, improve marketing systems, and save time while scaling their business. Whether you’re trying to generate real estate leads, grow your investing brand, or build an online business, this conversation will give you a new perspective on content creation that actually drives results. - Why real estate investors and entrepreneurs need content in 2026 - How to grow on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube organically - Why most real estate agents fail at social media marketing - How to attract real estate leads using content - Why your first 100 posts matter more than perfection - How to build a personal brand in real estate and business - How ChatGPT helps entrepreneurs create faster - Why authenticity builds trust and closes clients - How to monetize content without sounding salesy - Why consistency beats chasing the algorithm Find Thomas‘ IG here: https://www.instagram.com/nofilterthomas/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomassmith31/ Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠ Connect on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠ and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

    57 min
See All (77)

About

Welcome to The Breakthrough with Stephen Husted, the show that takes you behind the scenes with successful entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and other movers and shakers in the business world. In each episode, we'll sit down with our guests to explore their personal and professional journeys, including the challenges they've faced, the breakthrough moments that propelled them to success, and the strategies and tactics they've used to get there. Get inspired by new ideas and strategies and get to know our guests on a deeper level.

Information