Skip the Lines Podcast, with Jonathan Mitchell

Jonathan Mitchell

I interview experts in their field.

  1. 3D AGO

    Ben Kogut Raised 115 Million Without Multifamily and Here’s Why It Worked

    Send a text If your next investment had to protect your principal first and chase returns second, what would you choose and why? Ben Kogut is the founder of Rooster Equity and a longtime triple net commercial real estate operator who has raised over 115 million from more than 300 investors. He joins host Jonathan Mitchell on Skip the Lines to share how he went from triple net brokerage to becoming a full-time capital raiser and sponsor, leaning heavily on mentorship, disciplined underwriting, and a simple principle of protecting investor capital first. Ben breaks down triple net investing in plain English, including how his team manages assets remotely with local property managers while keeping financial oversight in house. He also talks through market shifts, why some multifamily operators are under pressure, and how he evaluates tenants and locations with tools like Placer.  Subscribe to Skip the Lines and connect with Ben Kogut on LinkedIn to learn more about triple net investing and Rooster Equity opportunities!   Chapters 00:00 Rooster Equity origin 05:45 506C fund playbook 11:30 Triple net basics 17:40 Remote asset systems 23:50 Placer data underwriting 30:20 Texas childcare and lessons   Quotes: “Numbers never really intimidated me I just have always wanted to think big.” ~ Ben Kogut  “Return of capital is more important than return on capital.” ~ Ben Kogut  “It’s better to copy genius than create mediocrity.” ~ Ben Kogut  “Express gratitude in everything that you do in your life.” ~ Ben Kogut   Enjoyed the show?  Click here to SUBSCRIBE to the “Skip The Lines Podcast”   FULL VIDEOS are always uploaded on YouTube. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod   📢 Connect with Ben Kogut! Website: https://roosterequity.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benkogut  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benkogut/   📢 Connect with me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre  Twitter (X): https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre ADU PALS: https://adupals.com Business Inquiries: jonathan@adupals.com Support the show Enjoying the show? Keep the conversation going! Skip The Lines Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQlFAYIZJ2w2CUzEtK49jelO9Khn40ZnN

    36 min

  2. FEB 17

    He Bought a 10 Unit Building for 750000 Then Turned It Into 3 Million

    Send a text If housing insecurity does not care how someone voted, why do our solutions still get trapped in red versus blue arguments? John Laine is a longtime real estate operator and housing problem solver based in the Pacific Northwest who now leads the Starter Home Fund, a model built to expand affordable homeownership by partnering with mission driven nonprofits. John focuses on practical systems that turn existing underused housing stock into attainable starter homes for working families. In this episode, John breaks down how the fund acquires older nonprofit owned properties with heavy deferred maintenance at deep discounts, renovates and converts them into condos, and sells to buyers around 80 percent area median income while coordinating tenant rehousing through nonprofit partners. Subscribe to Skip the Lines and share this episode with one nonprofit leader and one real estate operator you trust!   Chapters 00:00 Welcome and why West Coast investing gets misunderstood 02:29 Urban growth boundaries and why ADUs and condo conversions thrive 07:13 Johns path to Portland and decades of deal experience 17:02 The Starter Home Fund model explained condo conversions for 80 percent AMI buyers 31:00 Scaling to 10,000 homeowners through operator partnerships across cities 50:15 How to reach John how the fund raises and why mentorship matters   Quotes: “I think that the housing affordability crisis is an American problem and not a red or blue state problem.” ~ John Laine Mentorship is, that’s the fastest way I know to skip the line.” ~ John Laine   Enjoyed the show?  Click here to SUBSCRIBE to the “Skip The Lines Podcast”   FULL VIDEOS are always uploaded on YouTube. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod   📢 Connect with John Laine! Website: https://starterhome.fund/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-condo-fund Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starterhomefund/  📢 Connect with me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre  Twitter (X): https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre ADU PALS: https://adupals. Support the show Enjoying the show? Keep the conversation going! Skip The Lines Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQlFAYIZJ2w2CUzEtK49jelO9Khn40ZnN

    1h 2m

  3. FEB 9

    Why Only 500 Out of 44,000 CPA Firms Scale ~ Inside the Top 1%

    Send a text What if the thing holding your career back… is your face? Eric Gallager, audit partner at one of the nation’s top 20 CPA firms, Withum. Eric shares his unconventional journey from working in a car parts store to becoming a key figure in one of the fastest-growing accounting firms in the U.S. His story is one of grit, humility, and evolution—from choosing accounting over auto mechanics to navigating mergers, building culture, and embracing AI in a rapidly shifting landscape. Gallager goes beyond balance sheets to discuss business philosophies, personal setbacks (including an unexpected confrontation about his “RBF”), and how human connection and humility remain central to success. If you’re an aspiring professional, entrepreneur, or anyone curious about scaling trust in the service economy, this is a must-listen. If Eric’s story inspired you, share this episode with a friend who needs to hear that it's never too late to pivot. Follow the podcast, leave a review, and reach out to Eric Gallager or Withum for professional CPA services.   Chapters 00:00 Intro and Industry Scope  03:12 Eric’s Unlikely Career Path  07:21 Climbing the CPA Ladder  13:12 Mergers and AI Disruption  20:01 Lessons in Humility and Growth  35:01 Business Strategy and Life Advice   Quotes: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” ~ Eric Gallager “If you’re good at trading horses, you’ll probably be great at selling cars.” ~ Eric Gallager   Enjoyed the show?  Click here to SUBSCRIBE to the “Skip The Lines Podcast”   FULL VIDEOS are always uploaded on YouTube. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod   📢 Connect with Eric Gallager! Website: https://www.withum.com/our-people/eric-gallagher/   📢 Connect with me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre  Twitter (X): https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre ADU PALS: https://adupals.com Business Inquiries: jonathan@adupals.com      #SkipTheLines #Entrepreneurship #CPA #AccountingLife #AuditPartner #AIinBusiness #LeadershipLessons #BusinessGrowth #CareerJourney #SkipTheLines #LifeMantras #FaithInBusiness #Withum Support the show Enjoying the show? Keep the conversation going! Skip The Lines Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQlFAYIZJ2w2CUzEtK49jelO9Khn40ZnN

    54 min

  4. FEB 2

    He Closed 84 Deals in One Year Without Buying Leads ~ How Mike Blair Built a Real Estate Empire From Scratch in San Diego

    Send a text Would you trade lives with your boss, and if not, why are you working to become them? Mike Blair, a San Diego native, seasoned real estate broker, and leader at LPT Realty. Known for his sharp communication, deep industry insight, and commitment to team development, Mike also runs one of the largest real estate meetups in the city. He brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial experience, having launched businesses in branding and apparel before entering the real estate world. Mike shares how he was recruited into real estate after years of managing teams and consulting on branding for celebrity and corporate clients. His leadership approach focuses on sharpening skillsets rather than spoon-feeding leads, setting a powerful standard in the real estate space. Follow Mike Blair on Instagram, join the “Margaritas and Mingle” networking event on the last Thursday of each month at Hideaway in San Diego, and if you’re an agent looking to scale without being spoon-fed — this is your guy.   Chapters 00:00 From South Bay to Broker: Mike's Early Journey  06:46 Real Estate Foundations and Keller Williams Years  14:31 Volume, Value, and Building a Scalable Team  21:13 Mindset, Mentorship, and the Power of Masterminds  28:51 Market Talk, Investments, and Flip Fails  38:21 Networking, Meetups, and Skip the Line Hacks   Quotes: “I don’t buy leads. I build entrepreneurs.” ~ Mike Blair “Are you doing this to get closer to your goal — or just to have more stuff?” ~ Mike Blair   Enjoyed the show?  Click here to SUBSCRIBE to the “Skip The Lines Podcast”   FULL VIDEOS are always uploaded on YouTube. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod   📢 Connect with Mike Williams! Website: https://mikeblairrealty.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeblairealty/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeblairrealty/    📢 Connect with me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre  Twitter (X): https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre ADU PALS: https://adupals.com Business Inquiries: jonathan@adupals.com Support the show Enjoying the show? Keep the conversation going! Skip The Lines Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQlFAYIZJ2w2CUzEtK49jelO9Khn40ZnN

    43 min

  5. JAN 26

    What Every Real Estate Agent Gets Wrong According to Mike Williams

    Send a text What if your greatest edge in real estate isn’t how well you can sell, but how well you understand debt? Mike Williams is a top producing real estate agent with Keller Williams, a former mortgage lender, and a lifelong San Diegan with decades of experience across lending, real estate, and even the golf industry. In this episode of the Lines Podcast, Mike opens up about his journey from growing up in a Marine family and living in Rome to breaking into lending and eventually becoming a full-time real estate agent. He explains why understanding financing is essential for every agent, how to adapt to changing markets, and how trust and consistency drive referrals and long-term success. Are you a real estate professional looking to level up your game? Chapters 00:00 Mike Williams Early Life and Military Upbringing  04:45 Getting Into Lending and Learning the Mortgage Industry  11:59 Golf, Sales, and Startup Experience  20:47 Transition Into Real Estate and Building a Career  32:50 Navigating Market Shifts and Working with Clients  47:00 San Diego Forecast, Referrals, and Long-Term Strategy Quotes: “If you can’t understand the debt side, you’re missing half the picture.” ~ Mike Williams “Sales is just solving problems, if you do it right, people come back.” ~ Mike Williams “Top of mind means being in their lives, even when they’re not buying or selling.” ~ Mike Williams “You’ll run out of money before you run out of time, be ready for the pain.” ~ Mike Williams   Enjoyed the show?  Click here to SUBSCRIBE to the “Skip The Lines Podcast”   FULL VIDEOS are always uploaded on YouTube. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod   📢 Connect with Mike Williams! Website: https://mikewilliamsre.com  LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/mikewilliamsre Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/MikeWilliamsFamily/    📢 Connect with me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre  Twitter (X): https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre ADU PALS: https://adupals.com Business Inquiries: jonathan@adupals.com Support the show Enjoying the show? Keep the conversation going! Skip The Lines Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQlFAYIZJ2w2CUzEtK49jelO9Khn40ZnN

    1h 22m

  6. JAN 19

    How Andrew Robles Turned -$16K into $3.9M in ONE YEAR

    Send a text What would you do if your business started in debt, but you saw a $4 million swing in just 12 months? Andrew Robles is the founder of Foundation Builders Corporation and a rising force in the construction world. In this episode, host Jonathan Mitchell dives into Andrew’s journey from a negative $16,000 tax return to generating $3.9 million in revenue in his first year of business. Andrew shares how growing up in the industry through his father and cutting his teeth in real estate sales gave him the skills to build a successful contracting company. He breaks down how he leverages social media, pricing integrity, and relationship-building to scale across Los Angeles and Florida.  Don’t forget to subscribe to Skip the Lines and leave a review if you’re serious about leveling up your business game!   Chapters 00:00 Starting a Construction Business During the Pandemic 10:58 Sales, Marketing, and the Power of Social Media 21:36 Breaking into the Florida Market 30:45 Pricing, Integrity, and Scaling the Right Way 42:18 Future of Construction, Tech, and Building Culture 54:03 Partnerships, Laws, Networking and Market Forecasts   Quotes: “I operate from abundance, I know when we finish one project, there’s five more right behind it.” ~ Andrew Robles “Your competition is not your enemy. Learn from them. Follow them. Compete with them.” ~ Andrew Robles  “Construction is not a spreadsheet game. It’s boots-on-the-ground. You need real people.” ~ Andrew Robles Enjoyed the show?  Click here to SUBSCRIBE to the “Skip The Lines Podcast”   FULL VIDEOS are always uploaded on YouTube. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod   📢 Connect with Andrew Robles! LinkedIn Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/foundational-builders-corporation/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewrobles/    📢 Connect with me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre  Twitter (X): https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre ADU PALS: https://adupals.com Business Inquiries: jonathan@adupals.com Support the show Enjoying the show? Keep the conversation going! Skip The Lines Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQlFAYIZJ2w2CUzEtK49jelO9Khn40ZnN

    1h 10m

  7. JAN 12

    The Top 1% Don’t Want You to Know ~ Rob Brown’s Secrets

    Send a text What if the biggest breakthrough for your business or mindset was hidden in an episode you missed? Rob Brown is a San Diego-based real estate powerhouse — broker, investor, developer, and founder of Fantastik Realty. With deep roots in the industry and a reputation for dominating coastal markets like Mission Beach and Pacific Beach, Rob has built a multi-million dollar portfolio by combining sharp market knowledge with strategic investment. He earned his finance degree from USC and a master's in real estate from USD, and he’s been making big waves in both residential and commercial real estate since buying his first property at 19. Rob breaks down how agents can level up from just collecting commissions to becoming long-term investors, the advantages of rep tax status, navigating ADU laws in San Diego. If you're a real estate agent still playing small, it’s time to level up.   Chapters 00:00 From Vegas Roots to San Diego Real Estate 06:46 Turning Commission into Capital: The Investor Mindset 13:06 Mastering the San Diego Market 19:46 Working with High-Net-Worth Clients 27:03 The Truth About ADUs and Development in California 34:31 Real Estate, Rapid Fire, and Rob’s Final Advice   Quotes: "If you're not living below your means and investing the difference, you're not building wealth." – Rob Brown "The wealthiest people in the world want rep status—real estate agents already have it." – Rob Brown   Enjoyed the show?  Click here to SUBSCRIBE to the “Skip The Lines Podcast”   FULL VIDEOS are always uploaded on YouTube. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod   📢 Connect with Rob Brown! Website: http://www.fantastikrealty.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbrownrealestate/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobBrownVegas/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robbrownvegas/   📢 Connect with me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre  Twitter (X): https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre ADU PALS: https://adupals.com Business Inquiries: Support the show Enjoying the show? Keep the conversation going! Skip The Lines Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQlFAYIZJ2w2CUzEtK49jelO9Khn40ZnN

    41 min

  8. JAN 4

    2025’s Greatest Hits: The Boldest Ideas, Wildest Moments & Game-Changing Advice

    Send a text What if the biggest breakthrough for your business or mindset was hidden in an episode you missed? As we kick off a brand new season of Skip the Lines Podcast, host Jonathan Mitchell takes us on a high-energy, insight-packed journey through 2025’s most impactful moments. This episode is a curated highlight reel—part reflection, part celebration—featuring unforgettable quotes, bold insights, and transformative strategies from the brilliant minds who joined the show last year. From real estate rebels flipping the ownership model, to creators scaling businesses with radical transparency, to startup founders navigating chaos with calm—this recap is a masterclass in ambition, resilience, and taking the shortcut to success. Whether you’re new to the pod or a loyal listener, this is the perfect launchpad into an even bigger year ahead. New episodes drop every week—don’t miss out! Subscribe, leave a review, and share this recap with someone ready to level up in 2026.   Chapters 00:00 Welcome and the biggest lessons from 2025  03:58 Real estate strategies and investing insights  11:37 Building a personal brand and content that connects  18:42 Startup grit team building and growth moments  25:59 Mindset habits health and performance tips  34:48 Audience favorites guest highlights and what’s coming in 2026   Quotes: “Rent where you want to live, own where the numbers make sense.” “Be curious. That’s the most underrated advantage in business and life.” “Success is boring consistency done over time.” “Don’t build for everyone, build for someone specific, and build well.”   Enjoyed the show?  Click here to SUBSCRIBE to the “Skip The Lines Podcast”   FULL VIDEOS are always uploaded on YouTube. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod   📢 Connect with me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre  Twitter (X): https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre ADU PALS: https://adupals.com Business Inquiries: jonathan@adupals.com   #SkipTheLines #2025Recap #PodcastHighlights #RealEstateTips #FounderLife #CreatorEconomy #StartupAdvice #MindsetMatters #YearInReview #GameChangers #LevelUp2026 #JonathanMitchell #PodcastGems #MicDropMoments #BigIdeas #LifeDesign #VisualLearning #Inve Support the show Enjoying the show? Keep the conversation going! Skip The Lines Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQlFAYIZJ2w2CUzEtK49jelO9Khn40ZnN

    41 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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I interview experts in their field.

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