The Brian Green Show

Brian Green

Formerly known as The GM Show, this is a show about life, business, real estate, entrepreneurship, parenting, and finances.  I interview people that inspire me.  I'm Brian Green. I'm a family man and I love business, ultra-running, and hobby farming.

  1. TJ Burns: MIT Engineer Who Turned Amazon Experience into Real Estate Wealth

    JAN 30

    TJ Burns: MIT Engineer Who Turned Amazon Experience into Real Estate Wealth

    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

    42 min
  2. Sargis Ivanov: Learn from a CPA the different ways real estate can build wealth and help with taxes.

    JAN 22

    Sargis Ivanov: Learn from a CPA the different ways real estate can build wealth and help with taxes.

    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

    45 min
  3. Ben Kjar: Standing Out, Disobeying Average, and Turning Crouzon Syndrome Into a Championship Mindset

    JAN 13

    Ben Kjar: Standing Out, Disobeying Average, and Turning Crouzon Syndrome Into a Championship Mindset

    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

    50 min
  4. Jeremy Barker: From Bankruptcy & Living in a Truck to Building a $60M Business

    JAN 7

    Jeremy Barker: From Bankruptcy & Living in a Truck to Building a $60M Business

    In this conversation, Jeremy Barker shares his incredible journey from being a firefighter to becoming a successful entrepreneur with his company, Murphy Door. He discusses the challenges he faced, including losing $20 million and living in a truck, and how he overcame fear and setbacks to build a thriving business. Jeremy emphasizes the importance of resilience, investing in oneself, and the value of patience in entrepreneurship. He also highlights the significance of believing in others and fostering a supportive environment for growth. Takeaways Jeremy Barker transitioned from a firefighter to a successful entrepreneur.He faced significant setbacks, including losing $20 million and living in a truck.Overcoming fear is crucial for resilience and success.Living in a truck for a year helped him reflect and grow.He emphasizes the importance of investing every nickel back into the business.Patience is key; leaving profits in the business can lead to greater success.He believes in cheering others on and helping them succeed.Success should not be measured by material possessions but by achievements.Understanding financial literacy is essential for entrepreneurs.Building a business is about serving the world, not just personal gain.Chapters 00:00 From Firefighter to Entrepreneur: The Journey Begins 12:00 Overcoming Fear: The Entrepreneurial Mindset 24:03 Living in a Truck: A Year of Reflection and Growth 29:11 Transitioning to Construction: A New Chapter 40:48 Negotiating Your Worth: The Value of Experience 41:39 Balancing Contractor Relationships and Delays 43:54 Navigating Bankruptcy and Resilience 48:55 From Firefighting to Entrepreneurship 51:59 The Journey of Product Development 55:47 Financial Discipline and Business Growth 01:00:35 The Importance of Patience and Long-Term Vision 01:05:42 Encouragement and Personal Growth

    1h 6m
  5. Andrew K. Smith: From 3x Tech Exits to Building Savory Fund - Fueled by Family

    12/11/2025

    Andrew K. Smith: From 3x Tech Exits to Building Savory Fund - Fueled by Family

    In this engaging conversation, Andrew K Smith shares his journey from tech entrepreneur to successful restaurateur, emphasizing the importance of family, resilience, and empathy in business. He discusses the challenges of scaling a business, the misconceptions surrounding the restaurant industry, and the significance of mentorship for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Andrew's insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring business owners and highlight the need for a supportive partnership in both personal and professional life. Takeaways Andrew emphasizes the importance of family in entrepreneurship.Success is often built on hard work and overcoming failures.Navigating dark times requires a shift in perspective.Involvement in family business creates stronger bonds.The restaurant industry can be profitable despite common misconceptions.Scaling a business often leads to breaking systems and processes.Founders play a crucial role in the success of a brand.Empathy and humility are key traits for effective leadership.Investing in brands requires careful evaluation of founders and market trends.Mentorship is vital for the next generation of entrepreneurs.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Andrew Smith's Journey 02:40 The Evolution of an Entrepreneur 11:10 Sales Strategies and Building Relationships 14:57 Balancing Family and Entrepreneurship 21:07 Transitioning to the Restaurant Industry 28:46 Overcoming Challenges and Building a Legacy 29:35 Navigating Dark Times in Entrepreneurship 33:03 The Importance of Humility and Empathy 36:25 Scaling Challenges and Growth Pains 40:16 Raising Capital and Building a Legacy 44:46 Evaluating Brands and Market Trends 49:09 Gratitude and Mentorship in Life

    51 min
  6. 11/25/2025

    Richard Wilson: From Selling Textbooks to Founding Family Office Club - The Power of Grit, Focus, and Creating Your Own Luck

    In this podcast episode, Richard Wilson shares his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of creating one's own luck through hard work and cold calling. He discusses the significance of family offices in wealth management and the value of building genuine relationships by adding value first. Richard also highlights the role of social media in growing his business and the importance of maintaining a strong family dynamic while pursuing entrepreneurial goals. He concludes with insights on the necessity of grit and focus in today's fast-paced world. Takeaways:  Creating your own luck is essential for success.Cold calling can lead to unexpected opportunities.Adding value first builds trust in relationships.Family offices are a unique niche in wealth management.Grit and focus are crucial in today's society.Social media can amplify your reach and influence.Daily mindset practices can enhance productivity.Investing in family values is key to raising successful children.Being present as a parent requires intentionality.The support of a spouse is invaluable in entrepreneurship.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Richard Wilson and His Journey 05:59 Creating Your Own Luck: The Power of Cold Calling 12:16 Understanding Family Offices and Adding Value First 20:26 The Thrill of Capital Raising and Building Relationships 23:17 Niche Focus: The Family Office Space and Future Goals 29:41 The Power of Authenticity in Thought Leadership 32:15 Documenting Your Journey: The Key to Success 36:41 Daily Frameworks for Achieving Goals 38:46 Family Values: A Cheat Sheet for Life 42:47 Defending Family Values in a Changing World 45:30 Being Present: Balancing Work and Family Life 50:07 The Role of a Supportive Partner in Entrepreneurship

    53 min
  7. 11/11/2025

    Kenji Asakura and Letizia Alto: From Hospitals to Financial Freedom - The Semi-Retired MD Story

    Leti and Kenji share their inspiring journey from being physicians to successful real estate investors. They discuss the challenges they faced, the importance of mindset, and how they built a community to help others achieve financial freedom through real estate. Their story emphasizes the significance of education, mentorship, and the power of niching down in business. They also touch on balancing family life with their entrepreneurial pursuits and the legacy they hope to leave for their children. Key Takeaways:  Leite and Kenji started investing in real estate to achieve financial freedom.They faced challenges in their early investment journey but remained committed to their goals.Mindset and purpose are crucial for overcoming obstacles in real estate investing.Education and mentorship played a significant role in their success.They emphasize the importance of niching down in business to serve a specific audience.Balancing family life with work and personal growth is essential for their happiness.They believe in the power of community and helping others achieve their goals.Investing in oneself is the best investment one can make.They encourage others to take massive action towards their goals.Their ultimate goal is to help others live lives they love. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Leite and Kenji's Journey 02:52 The Decision to Invest in Real Estate 05:37 Overcoming Challenges and Mindset Shifts 08:22 The Importance of Purpose and Goals 11:32 Real Estate vs. Other Investment Options 14:18 Building Wealth Through Real Estate 17:25 Navigating the Real Estate Market 20:00 Education and Mentorship in Real Estate 22:47 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Investors 28:48 Investing in Personal Growth 33:07 Balancing Life and Learning 37:13 Taking Massive Action 42:00 Building a Business from Scratch 47:12 The Power of Niching Down 48:41 Embracing Fear and New Challenges 53:55 Legacy and Contribution

    56 min
5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Formerly known as The GM Show, this is a show about life, business, real estate, entrepreneurship, parenting, and finances.  I interview people that inspire me.  I'm Brian Green. I'm a family man and I love business, ultra-running, and hobby farming.

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