The Leadway Wealth Builders Podcast

leadwaywealthbuilders
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  • Entrepreneurship
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Follow along as I document my journey in real estate and business while also bringing on high level investors who share how they've built wealth through business and real estate.

  1. Aug 12

    #224: The Real Math Behind Luxury Development: What Most Investors Never Account For - Michelle Stevenson

    She did 30 fix and flips, figured out the model was broken, and pivoted to building 7,000 square foot luxury homes from the ground up in Dallas. Now she's scaling to 15 simultaneous developments. In this episode, Chris sits down with Michelle Stevenson — a luxury real estate developer based in San Diego building in Dallas, Texas. Michelle started in real estate sales, completed approximately 30 fix and flip projects, and made the pivot most investors never make — ground-up luxury development in one of the fastest growing markets in the country. She's currently managing two active luxury builds in neighborhoods like Preston Hollow, University Park, and Highland Park, each around 7,000 square feet with features like saunas, media rooms, pools, and outdoor kitchens — and she's targeting 15 simultaneous developments through strategic partnerships. In this episode you'll learn: Why Michelle left San Diego development for Dallas — better timelines, lower construction costs, and explosive population growth How she analyzes ground-up development vs fix and flip — and why the numbers look completely different The real math behind a luxury build: $730K land, $1.3M construction, $250K in closing costs, and what the actual profit margin looks like after everything Why newer developers consistently underestimate true project costs — and the mistakes that kill margins The hidden risks in fix and flip that most investors never account for What luxury buyers actually want: multi-generational living spaces, saunas, workout rooms, and family-first layouts Her unique perspective as a woman builder designing homes for how families actually live Her mentorship platform — The Real Estate Connection — launching September 1st for women entering real estate investment and development Her long-term vision: 15 simultaneous developments and eventually health and wellness resort development This is what real estate looks like when you stop doing small deals and start thinking like a developer. 🔗 Connect with Michelle Stevenson: Instagram: @millionairemichelle_ The Real Estate Connection: millionairemichelle.co/rec 🎙️ Follow Chris: Instagram: @chris.reichenbach Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.reichenbach.2025/ #RealEstateDevelopment #LuxuryRealEstate #LeadwayPodcast #RealEstatePodcast #WealthBuilding #GroundUpDevelopment #DallasRealEstate #WomenInRealEstate #RealEstateInvesting #FinancialFreedom #Entrepreneurship #EscapeThe9to5 #LuxuryHomes #RealEstateDeveloper #BuildingWealth #FixAndFlip #RealEstateMentorship #TheRealEstateConnection #NewConstruction #RealEstateStrategy

    #224: The Real Math Behind Luxury Development: What Most Investors Never Account For - Michelle Stevenson

  2. Aug 5

    #223: Why Multifamily Collapsed & Building AI Property Management - Tim Bratz

    He started investing during the 2007 market collapse, scaled to 5,000 rental units, and is now building the property management software he wished existed the entire time. In this episode, Chris sits down with Tim Bratz — a multifamily real estate investor who built one of the largest apartment portfolios in the country, peaking at over 5,000 doors before strategically reducing to a focused 3,000-unit portfolio. Tim has seen every market cycle, survived the turbulence of 2021–2024, and is now channeling 17 years of operational experience into Smart Management — an AI-powered property management software built by an operator, for operators. In this episode you'll learn: How Tim started investing during the 2007 market collapse and found opportunity where others saw disaster His transition from single-family to multifamily and how he acquired thousands of units in 2017–2020 Why a $10 million apartment building from 2021 is worth $7.5 million today — and the four factors driving that decline How rising property taxes, insurance, utilities, and labor costs are crushing NOI even when rents stay flat Why poor property management has caused more value destruction than any external market factor The expense reduction strategies he uses — including property tax appeals and water bill reductions through valve installations Why the current housing shortage of 4 million units sets up rental real estate for a strong next five years How Smart Management combines CRM, workflow, and AI-powered property management into one integrated platform Why he's staying in his lane and holding long term while others are selling at fire-sale prices This is one of the most experienced multifamily minds in the country — and he's not sugarcoating what the market looks like right now. 🔗 Connect with Tim Bratz: Instagram: @timbratz Podcast: imrichpodcast.com Smart Management Software: smartmanagement.com 🎙️ Follow Chris: Instagram: @chris.reichenbach   #MultifamilyInvesting #RealEstateInvesting #LeadwayPodcast #RealEstatePodcast #WealthBuilding #ApartmentInvesting #PropertyManagement #SmartManagement #RealEstateStrategy #PassiveIncome #FinancialFreedom #Entrepreneurship #EscapeThe9to5 #RealEstateInvestor #BuildingWealth #TimBratz #PropTech #AIRealEstate #RealEstateTips #LongTermInvesting

    #223: Why Multifamily Collapsed & Building AI Property Management - Tim Bratz

  3. Jul 29

    #222: From Flipping to Sober Living: Finding Underrated Niches in Real Estate - Jared Galde

    What if your real estate portfolio could generate strong cash flow AND directly impact people's lives? In this episode, Chris sits down with Jared Galde — a faith-driven real estate investor who started in 2012 as an agent working with flippers, discovered sober living properties in 2019, and built a portfolio spanning 36 properties across 17 states before pivoting to focus exclusively on Phoenix where he currently has 25 units under construction. Jared's story is one of the most compelling combinations of mission and business model to ever come through the Leadway Podcast. In this episode you'll learn: How Jared went from wholesaling and flipping to building one of the most unique real estate portfolios in the country Why he got into sober living in 2019 — and the faith-driven mission behind it How Oxford House's master lease model works — and how a single lease generated $6,000 per month on a 5-year term The different licensing levels for sober living facilities and what they mean for landlords How he scaled from one property to 36 properties across 17 states The near-failure moment where he used his primary residence as collateral to close 6 properties simultaneously How he built and then closed a property management company managing 130 houses across 51 zip codes His new turnkey model — providing fully operational sober living properties to operators Why he's now 100% focused on Phoenix with 25 units under construction This is real estate with a purpose — and the numbers to back it up. 🔗 Connect with Jared Galde: Instagram: @jaredgalde Website: StewardHousing.com 🎙️ Follow Chris: Instagram: @chris.reichenbach TikTok: @chris.reichenbach #SoberLiving #RealEstateInvesting #LeadwayPodcast #RealEstatePodcast #WealthBuilding #RecoveryHousing #MissionDrivenBusiness #RealEstateStrategy #PassiveIncome #FaithAndBusiness #Entrepreneurship #EscapeThe9to5 #PhoenixRealEstate #AffordableHousing #RealEstateInvestor #BuildingWealth #GroupHomes #PropertyManagement #StewardHousing #RealEstateTips

    #222: From Flipping to Sober Living: Finding Underrated Niches in Real Estate - Jared Galde

  4. Jul 15

    #221: You Don't Own a Business — You Have a Job: Why Most Businesses Stall - Mark Evans

    He bought his first business at 18. Thirty years later he's running multiple companies, acquiring businesses with $1M+ EBITDA, and developing a longevity company — all without being involved in day-to-day operations. In this episode, Chris sits down with Mark Evans DM — a 30-year entrepreneur who started with a seamless gutter company at 18, discovered real estate, and never stopped building. Mark has owned construction companies, residential and commercial real estate, and multiple business ventures since 1996. Today his focus is on acquiring established businesses, solving big problems, and creating strategic partnerships that run without him. This is one of the most seasoned entrepreneurial perspectives to ever sit down on the Leadway Podcast. In this episode you'll learn: How Mark went from buying a gutter company at 18 to 30 years of entrepreneurship across multiple industries Why real estate is a business — not a job — and what the difference actually looks like His business acquisition criteria: $1M+ EBITDA, 15–20 employees, 10+ years of operation Why the $1–3 million revenue range is the hardest phase of any business — and how to get through it How traveling the world while running businesses forced him to learn delegation and trust Why he focuses on the $10 million path within 24 months when acquiring a business What most people get wrong about buying businesses with SBA loans Why learning business fundamentals matters more than learning real estate His current focus: Telegenix.com a longevity and wellness company If you're trying to build something that runs without you — this is the blueprint. 🔗 Connect with Mark Evans DM: Instagram: @markevansdm 🎙️ Follow Chris: Instagram: @chris.reichenbach TikTok: @chris.reichenbach #Entrepreneurship #BusinessAcquisition #LeadwayPodcast #RealEstatePodcast #WealthBuilding #MarkEvansDM #BusinessGrowth #RealEstateInvesting #FinancialFreedom #EscapeThe9to5 #Delegation #BusinessStrategy #ScalingUp #PassiveIncome #RealEstateInvestor #BuildingWealth #SBALoans #BusinessMindset #Telogenics #LongevityWellness

    #221: You Don't Own a Business — You Have a Job: Why Most Businesses Stall - Mark Evans

  5. Jul 8

    #220: Stop Flipping, Start Building: Why New Construction Is the Ultimate Real Estate Scale Play - Josh Swart

    Seven years ago he was mopping gym floors. Today he owns a real estate portfolio, runs 60 active projects, and builds his own inventory from the ground up. In this episode, Chris sits down with Josh Swart — a Concord, NC-based real estate investor and developer who did his first flip in 2017, quit his janitor job in 2019, and has been building ever since. Josh figured out what most investors never do — that the fastest way to scale a real estate portfolio is to control the construction yourself. Now he's doing fix and flips, new builds for his own portfolio, and new builds for other investors, all while keeping properties long term through a build-to-rent model that generates cash flow without ever having to sell. In this episode you'll learn: How Josh went from his first flip in 2017 to 60 active real estate projects today Why he made the shift from fix and flip to new construction — and why it changed everything How controlling your own construction unlocks a level of real estate scaling most investors never reach The build-to-rent model he uses to keep cash flowing without liquidating his portfolio How he rode the 2020–2021 wave strategically and positioned himself for long-term growth How he's using AI as a tool in his real estate business without letting it replace his judgment What the Charlotte metro market looks like right now from someone actively building in it This is what a real estate business looks like when you stop waiting for the perfect deal and start building your own. 🔗 Connect with Josh Swart: Instagram: @joshswart YouTube: Josh Swart 🎙️ Follow Chris: Instagram: @chris.reichenbach TikTok: @chris.reichenbach #RealEstateInvesting #NewConstruction #LeadwayPodcast #RealEstatePodcast #WealthBuilding #FixAndFlip #BuildToRent #RealEstateStrategy #FinancialFreedom #Entrepreneurship #EscapeThe9to5 #CharlotteRealEstate #RealEstateDeveloper #RealEstateInvestor #BuildingWealth #ConcordNC #ScalingUp #AIinBusiness #AffordableHousing #RealEstateTips

    #220: Stop Flipping, Start Building: Why New Construction Is the Ultimate Real Estate Scale Play - Josh Swart

  6. Jul 3

    #219: Stop Chasing Volume — He Walked Away From 60 Deals a Year - Frank McGovern

    600 residential deals. $96,000 largest check. Then he walked away and started over. In this episode, Chris sits down with Frank McGovern — a Philadelphia-based wholesaler who started in 2010 with 100 bandit signs, built a 7-person operation doing 60 deals a year, and then shut it all down in 2020 to chase commercial real estate and AI-powered lead generation. Frank has done it the hard way, the right way, and the expensive way — and he's here to tell you exactly what he learned from all three. In this episode you'll learn: How Frank hit $60,000 in his first 90–120 days of wholesaling starting from zero Why he shifted from 60 deals a year at $5,000 per deal to fewer deals at $22,000–$23,000 per deal Why managing employees killed his profitability — and what he did about it How he completed 600+ residential transactions before pivoting to commercial real estate How he now runs lean with virtual assistants and AI voice agents that answer calls, qualify leads, and book appointments 24/7 Why he's targeting 18–24 commercial deals annually and splitting between wholesale and acquisitions His advice for new wholesalers: stop following generic advice and find a local mentor Frank's story is a masterclass in knowing when to scale, when to cut, and when to completely reinvent. 🔗 Connect with Frank McGovern: Instagram: @phuckitfrank 🎙️ Follow Chris: Instagram: @chris.reichenbach TikTok: @chris.reichenbach

    #219: Stop Chasing Volume — He Walked Away From 60 Deals a Year - Frank McGovern

  7. Jun 24

    #218: The Leverage Trap: Why Most Investors Get Crushed - Doron Levi

    He arrived in the country at 19 with no real estate experience — and built a $230-unit deal that 1031'd from $8 million into $16 million in value. In this episode, Chris sits down with Doron Levi, a real estate developer and investor who has spent the last 20 years building everything from a 25-unit apartment conversion to a luxury home community of 6,000 square foot homes. Doron treats real estate like a real business — financials, HR, operations, sales and marketing — and his philosophy on risk management, leverage, and patience is a masterclass for anyone trying to scale beyond their first few deals. In this episode you'll learn: How Doron converted an industrial warehouse into a 25-unit apartment building with zero fix-and-flip experience The zoning loophole he used to convert a senior living facility into a hotel after Airbnb was banned in Philadelphia Why over-leveraging and poor risk management are the real reasons investors get crushed in market downturns His "Return on Time" (ROT) framework — and why it matters more than ROI How he used W-2 income early on to build bankability before scaling into larger deals The 230-unit acquisition that went from an $8 million purchase to a projected $16 million in value Why he's cautious about AI in underwriting and development — and where human judgment still wins His current projects: a resort stabilization with two restaurants, and a luxury home development If you're trying to scale past your first few deals, this episode is the blueprint. 🔗 Connect with Doron Levi: Instagram: @doronlevirei 🎙️ Follow Chris: Instagram: @chris.reichenbach TikTok: @chris.reichenbach #RealEstateInvesting #RealEstateDevelopment #LeadwayPodcast #RealEstatePodcast #WealthBuilding #Multifamily #CommercialRealEstate #RiskManagement #RealEstateStrategy #1031Exchange #LuxuryRealEstate #RealEstateInvestor #FinancialFreedom #Entrepreneurship #EscapeThe9to5 #RealEstateDeveloper #PropertyInvesting #BuildingWealth #RealEstateTips #PhiladelphiaRealEstate

    #218: The Leverage Trap: Why Most Investors Get Crushed - Doron Levi

  8. Jun 10

    #217: Don't Buy A Rental! *UNTIL* You Listen To This - Adam Balsinger

    What if everything social media told you about buying rentals is wrong? In this episode, Chris sits down with Adam Balsinger — a real estate investor with 12 years of experience across syndication, fix and flip, wholesaling, and now co-living. Adam has built a multimillion dollar portfolio and has seen every market cycle, every strategy, and every mistake first-time investors make. This episode is a reality check for anyone who thinks buying a rental property is the fast track to financial freedom. In this episode you'll learn: Why buying rentals isn't what it used to be — and what the numbers actually look like today The biggest mistakes first-time investors make when purchasing their first rental property Why active income should be your primary focus before you ever buy a rental How social media is selling a version of real estate investing that doesn't reflect reality Why real estate is significantly harder today than it was 10 years ago What co-living is, why Adam is going all in on it in Philadelphia, and why he's more excited about it than anything else he's done How 12 years of doing everything in real estate led Adam to his most profitable strategy yet This is the episode to send to anyone who thinks they're one rental property away from quitting their job. 🔗 Connect with Adam Balsinger: Instagram: @theadambalsinger Facebook: Adam Balsinger Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18MJWoNjhq/ 🎙️ Follow Chris: Instagram: @chris.reichenbach TikTok: @chris.reichenbach #RealEstateInvesting #CoLiving #LeadwayPodcast #RealEstatePodcast #WealthBuilding #FinancialFreedom #RentalProperties #RealEstateTruths #FixAndFlip #Wholesaling #Syndication #RealEstateStrategy #ActiveIncome #PassiveIncome #Entrepreneurship #EscapeThe9to5 #RealEstateMistakes #PhiladelphiaRealEstate #RealEstateInvestor #BuildingWealth

    #217: Don't Buy A Rental! *UNTIL* You Listen To This - Adam Balsinger
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Follow along as I document my journey in real estate and business while also bringing on high level investors who share how they've built wealth through business and real estate.

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