CEO Pulse Podcast

Rafael Cortez
  • 5.0 (13)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Welcome to the CEO Pulse Podcast where you'll find the real, the raw and the mind of entrepreneurship. This is your backstage access to first-hand business experience, strategies & exclusive performance tools from successful entrepreneurs, CEO's and Game Changers. Subscribe, like & share today to join a new breed of hungry entrepreneurs just like us at www.ceopulse.com.

  1. JAN 29

    Deals, Millions & The Power of Community with Rafael, Stratton & Dean

    In this powerful episode of the CEO Pulse Podcast, I'm joined by two incredible entrepreneurs, Stratton Brown and Dean Rogers, who are making waves in the real estate investing and wholesaling space. 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗻, a former NFL player, shares his journey from the football field to entrepreneurship, revealing the lessons he learned while navigating massive setbacks and triumphs in his new career. 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗻, a seasoned real estate investor, offers valuable insights into building a thriving business and creating a community that empowers others to succeed. Together, they are changing lives through "𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀," a movement dedicated to helping people achieve financial freedom through real estate. 𝗪𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼: - Stratton’s transition from NFL athlete to successful real estate mogul. - Dean’s evolution from struggling entrepreneur to real estate investor with a thriving business. - The power of mentorship and community in entrepreneurship. - The behind-the-scenes of their growing "Deal Champs" community and live events. - Overcoming adversity and how both entrepreneurs turned their failures into major successes. - How personal growth and mindset are critical to achieving long-term entrepreneurial success. 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀: 00:00 – Introduction to Stratton Brown & Dean Rogers 03:45 – Stratton’s NFL career and transition to real estate investing 08:30 – Dean’s entrepreneurial journey and real estate success 14:00 – The value of mentorship and building a supportive community 19:15 – Building and growing Deal Champs: A movement for real estate entrepreneurs 25:00 – Dean’s story of scaling his real estate business 30:45 – The role of personal growth in entrepreneurship 37:00 – Key lessons from Stratton and Dean’s entrepreneurial experiences 45:00 – Wrap up and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs 🎧 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗡𝗢𝗪: Youtube: https://youtu.be/sPIwUGGJKwg 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: - Follow Stratton Brown on social: Instagram: @strattdaddyy - Follow Dean Rogers on social: Instagram: @deanrogersrealestate 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆: - Website for Deal Champs: dealchamps.com/apply 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗡𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁: - Text: 801-860-8035 🔥 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more raw, real, and actionable conversations with top entrepreneurs. Hit the bell 🔔 so you never miss an episode of the CEO Pulse Podcast. #StrattonBrown #DeanRogers #RealEstateInvesting #Wholesaling #DealChamps #Entrepreneurship #FinancialFreedom #BusinessMindset #PersonalGrowth #Community #NFLToBusiness

    1 hr

  2. JAN 16

    🎙 Redneckonomics: Unconventional Success with Aaron Chapman & Eric J. Chapman | Rafael Cortez

    In this inspiring episode of the CEO Pulse Podcast, I’m joined by the one and only Aaron Chapman. He’s been ranked in the top 1% of mortgage loan originators nationwide, closing over 100 transactions per month, with his impressive achievement of ranking #7 out of 1 million+ loan originators in 2022. 💼🔥 But that’s not all! Aaron is also the author of Redneckonomics — a powerful mindset-driven book that teaches you how to turn adversity into opportunity, overcome life’s challenges, and build success on your own terms. This book is a deep dive into the power of perspective, resilience, and personal growth. Joining Aaron is his brother, Eric J. Chapman, who brought Redneckonomics to life through his incredible illustrations. Eric’s creative vision and artistic talent helped transform the book into not just a guide to success, but a visual masterpiece. His artwork elevates the message and makes this book a truly immersive experience. We dive deep into: The journey that led Aaron to become one of the most respected figures in the finance and real estate space 🏡 His new book, Redneckonomics — a mindset-driven guide that teaches you how to turn adversity into opportunity 💡 The power of perspective in business and life, and how taking a beating can propel you to new heights 💪 The art of authentic storytelling and how it connects with people on a deeper level 📖 Lessons learned from 25+ years of helping clients source and finance cash-flow positive properties 💰 ⏳ Time Stamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Aaron Chapman & Redneckonomics 03:15 – Aaron shares his background in real estate and finance 09:30 – Dive into the lessons behind Redneckonomics 14:45 – How adversity became Aaron’s fuel for success 21:00 – Eric J. Chapman talks about his illustrations and creative process 28:15 – The power of perspective and how it shapes your journey 35:00 – Tips for applying Aaron’s mindset to your own life 42:00 – Wrap up and resources mentioned in the episode With powerful insights on entrepreneurship, mindset, and the importance of embracing life’s challenges, Aaron’s story is a must-hear for anyone looking to transform their business and personal life. 🔗 Resources mentioned in this episode: 📘 Redneckonomics - Get your copy here:- https://quitjerkingoff.com/ 💼 Follow Aaron J. Chapman on social: Instagram: @sgoc_aaron Website: https://aaronchapman.com/ 🎨 Follow Eric J. Chapman: Instagram: @ericjchapmanart Website: https://www.ejc-art.com/ ✅ Ready to learn how to turn your setbacks into your biggest breakthroughs? Dive into Aaron’s new book and unlock the strategies that will help you achieve unconventional success. https://quitjerkingoff.com/ 🔥 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more real, raw, and actionable conversations with top entrepreneurs. Hit the bell 🔔 so you never miss an episode of the CEO Pulse Podcast. #AaronChapman #EricJChapman #Redneckonomics #Illustration #UnconventionalSuccess #RealEstate #Finance #Entrepreneurship #InvestmentProperties #BusinessMindset #CEO #MindsetMatters

    54 min

  3. JAN 5

    Faith Based Entrepreneurship with Sandy Moll & Rafael Cortez

    In this episode of the CEO Pulse Podcast, we sit down with Sandy J Moll, a seasoned entrepreneur and coach with over 30 years of experience. Sandy, along with her husband Dave, has built multiple successful businesses, including in real estate and lending, always with purpose and integrity.Sandy shares her faith-driven approach to entrepreneurship, how her values have shaped the success of her seven companies, and introduces the concept of the "10-hour CEO." She discusses balancing work and life with grace while embracing faith, overcoming setbacks, and leading with purpose.If you're an entrepreneur seeking to integrate purpose and values into your business, this episode is for you.🔑 Key Takeaways:- How faith guides Sandy's business decisions- The power of working with purpose and prioritizing values- Why silence and time with God are essential for entrepreneurial success- The secrets behind growing businesses through referrals, not marketing- Practical insights on creating systems that bring simplicity and efficiency to your workTimestamps:00:00 – Intro02:00 – The Beginning of Sandy's Entrepreneurial Journey08:00 – Overcoming Financial Setbacks and Trusting God’s Plan15:30 – The "10-Hour CEO" and the Art of Prioritizing Time21:00 – Faith in Business: How God Directs Sandy's Steps29:45 – Surrendering Control and Finding Peace in Business38:30 – Building Businesses on Referral Alone: The Power of Serving Others45:00 – Sandy's Advice for Entrepreneurs: Patience and Living in LoveAbout Sandy J Moll:Sandy Moll is a seasoned entrepreneur, business consultant, and coach. With over 30 years of experience in business, personal development, and nonprofit work, Sandy has empowered countless professionals and led transformational initiatives. Her specialties include strategic networking, empowering professionals, and creating environments that foster success through service.Connect with Sandy:- LinkedIn: Sandy J Moll- Facebook: Sandy J Moll- Instagram: @sandy_j_moll👉 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, comment your biggest takeaway, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations with industry leaders.#Entrepreneurship #FaithInBusiness #CEO #Leadership #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessGrowth #RealEstateInvesting #BusinessConsulting #SandyMoll #CEOPulsePodcast

    53 min

  4. 12/22/2025

    From Bootstrapped to $10M SaaS: How smrtPhone Transformed Real Estate Tech with Jordan Samuel Fleming & Rafael Cortez.

    In this episode of the CEO Pulse Podcast, we sit down with Jordan Samuel Fleming — Co-Founder & Chairman of smrtPhone, one of the most widely used communication platforms in real estate investing and business operations.Jordan Fleming breaks down how he built smrtPhone from $0 to $10M+ in revenue, scaled a global team, and did it all without outside funding. We talk SaaS, REI tech, Podio, AI innovation, leadership, culture, scaling, and the truth about becoming a CEO who can step out of the day-to-day.Whether you're a real estate investor, SaaS founder, operator, or entrepreneur, this one will hit hard.Timestamps / Chapters:00:00 – Intro 02:05 – Starting smrtPhone: The Origin Story 06:32 – Bootstrapping a SaaS to $10M+ 10:48 – Why Phone + Podio Changed REI Forever 15:21 – Leadership, Culture & CEO Evolution 22:45 – Crisis Mode: Near Shutdown Story 31:10 – Building Teams Who Rally, Not Run 38:50 – AI, Innovation & What’s Coming Next 46:03 – Advice for Founders & CEOs 58:12 – Closing ThoughtsHighlights:• The truth about scaling SaaS without investors • Why smrtPhone became a real estate tech standard • How to build culture people actually fight for • The difference between managing and leading • When to step away from the CEO seat • Why complacency kills companies • What’s coming next with AI + communicationAbout Jordan Samuel Fleming:Jordan is the Co-Founder & Chairman of smrtPhone, one of the most widely used communication platforms in real estate investing. He has decades of experience in technology, scaling teams, building systems, and leading organizational change at the highest level. smrtPhone is deeply integrated with Podio and continues to innovate at the front edge of AI.Connect with Jordan Fleming:Website: https://www.smrtphone.io/Instagram: IG: https://www.instagram.com/jsamuelfleming/Listen to the full episode:Youtube: https://youtu.be/jFoU3EP6_XIBuzzSprout: http://bit.ly/49anaMVSpotify: https://bit.ly/4qld6Y6Apple Podcast: https://bit.ly/4s5eWhL👉 If this resonated with you, LIKE, comment your biggest takeaway, and SUBSCRIBE for more episodes on entrepreneurship, energy, and growth.#smrtPhone #JordanFleming #CEOPulsePodcast #SaaSBusiness #RealEstateInvesting #REITech #PodioCRM #BusinessLeadership #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessGrowth #ScalingBusiness #Bootstrapped #StartupFounder #ArtificialIntelligence #RealEstateInvestors

    1h 24m

  5. 11/19/2025

    Tapping Into Your Feminine Power Through Entrepreneurship with Joanna Vasquez & Rafael Cortez.

    Want to tap into your feminine energy and build a thriving business? In this episode, Rafael sits down with Joanna Vasquez—entrepreneur, insurance agency owner, and powerhouse leader—to discuss how she’s harnessed her feminine power to scale her business and empower other women. Joanna’s journey started with getting fired and led her to build a successful insurance agency. Now, she’s expanding into franchises and is here to share her strategies for balancing structure, intuition, and energy to grow a business that feels aligned and sustainable. 💥 If you’re a woman looking to step into your full power, this episode will give you practical insights on setting boundaries, healing self-worth, and creating a business that supports your vision. Key Points Covered: How getting fired led to Joanna betting on herself and finding success.The importance of healing self-worth to attract the right clients and opportunities.How to combine masculine structure with feminine energy for balanced business growth.Energy management, daily rituals, and protecting your personal power.Joanna’s vision for empowering other women through her franchise model.Timestamps / Chapters: 00:00 – Intro & Joanna’s journey from fired to thriving entrepreneur 05:20 – How healing self-worth shifted her business and life 10:10 – Balancing structure and intuition in business 14:30 – Creating healthy boundaries and protecting your energy 20:00 – Building a business that supports your personal life 25:30 – Joanna’s vision for a franchise model and empowering women 32:00 – Where to connect with Joanna and next steps. Connect with Joanna: Instagram: IG: https://www.instagram.com/thejoannav/ Website: https://bit.ly/4oYOHHu 👉 If this resonated with you, LIKE, comment your biggest takeaway, and SUBSCRIBE for more episodes on entrepreneurship, energy, and growth. #FemininePower #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #EnergyManagement #SelfWorth #BusinessGrowth #JoannaVasquez #RafaelCortez

    38 min

  6. 11/12/2025

    How to Structure Your Business for Healthy Leverage with Aaron Chapman & Rafael Cortez.

    Want to build a lasting business with the right structure for healthy leverage? In this episode, Rafael sits down with Aaron Chapman—author, top 1% mortgage loan originator, and real estate financing expert—to break down how you can set up your business for success from day one. With over 25 years of experience, Aaron advises over 100 clients a month, helping them source and finance cash-flow positive investment properties. He ranked #7 in the nation in 2022, closing over 100 transactions per month, and now he’s here to share his best strategies for leveraging your business and real estate portfolio for long-term growth. 🚀 If you're just getting started or looking to improve your current strategy, this episode is packed with valuable insights on setting up LLCs, leveraging infinite banking, and using the right structure to protect your wealth and legacy. Key Points Covered: Why structuring your business the right way from the start is crucial for long-term success. The power of leverage and how to use it effectively without overextending yourself. The importance of starting with the right legal and organizational structure, including LLCs and trusts. How to maximize returns with 30-year fixed loans and DSCR products. The role of infinite banking and whole life insurance in building a legacy. The best strategies for real estate investors looking to grow their portfolios while managing risk. Timestamps / Chapters: 00:00 – Intro & Aaron’s background in finance and real estate. 03:30 – Why getting your structure right from the start is critical. 08:15 – The power of leverage and how to use it for growth. 12:45 – Setting up LLCs and trusts for long-term wealth preservation. 17:30 – Understanding DSCR loans and 30-year fixed products. 22:10 – The role of infinite banking and whole life insurance in real estate investing. 28:05 – How to structure your real estate portfolio for maximum efficiency. 35:20 – Real-life examples of using leverage to scale a real estate business. 42:50 – Aaron’s tips for new investors looking to build their portfolio. 50:00 – Where to connect with Aaron and next steps. Connect with Aaron: Website: https://aaronchapman.com/ Social Media Links: Youtube: @AaronChapmanSGOC Instagram: sgoc_aaron Twitter: @AaronBChapman TikTok: theredneckmortgagebroker   👉 If this helped, LIKE, comment your biggest takeaway, and SUBSCRIBE for weekly playbooks. #RealEstateInvesting #BusinessStructure #Leverage #LegacyBuilding #WealthManagement #Entrepreneurship

    49 min

  7. 11/07/2025

    How to Think BIG & the Magic of Possibilities with Justin Thorstad & Rafael Cortez

    CEO Pulse Mindset Monday Ep 88: How to Think BIG & the Magic of Possibilities with Justin Thorstad & Rafael Cortez In this episode of Mindset Monday, Rafael Cortez and Justin Thorstad dive deep into the power of thinking big and embracing the limitless potential that lies within us. They explore how expanding your mindset can open doors to opportunities beyond what you could ever imagine. Justin and Rafael share their personal experiences of thinking bigger, especially when faced with unexpected opportunities that were much larger than anticipated. The conversation emphasizes how shifting from limiting beliefs to expansive thinking is key to unlocking a world of possibilities. You’ll discover how to: Break free from limiting beliefs and start thinking on a grander scale. Develop the habit of visualizing and committing to big opportunities. Overcome the fear of failure by embracing risk and focusing on the upside. Understand the importance of leaving room in your mind for the possibilities that lie ahead. Tap into the magic of life by intentionally aligning your thoughts with success. Recognize that thinking big isn’t about knowing the exact path — it’s about being open to where the journey takes you. This episode will challenge your perception of what's possible and encourage you to step into your full potential as an entrepreneur and individual. If you’ve been holding yourself back or feeling uncertain about your next big move, this conversation will inspire you to break through and aim higher than you ever thought possible. Timecode: 0:00 – Intro 2:00 – The Power of Thinking Big 6:00 – Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs 10:00 – Shifting Mindset: From Risk Aversion to Opportunity 14:00 – Embracing Bigger Opportunities Than You Imagined 18:30 – The Importance of Leaving Room for Possibilities 22:00 – Visualizing Success and Taking Action 28:00 – Overcoming Negative Thought Patterns 33:00 – How to Develop a Bigger Vision for Your Life 38:00 – Final Thoughts: The Magic of Thinking Big Connect with Justin Thorstad: 📞 Cell: (602) 348-8534 📧 Email: Justin@libertasrealestate.com 🔗 Website: www.justinthorstad.com 📱 Instagram: @justinthorstad Follow Rafael Cortez: 🌐 Website: www.ceopulse.com 📱 Instagram: @rafaelcortezceo 📘 Facebook: @rafaelcortezceo CEO Pulse | The Real, The Raw & The Mind of Entrepreneurship. Your backstage pass to the stories, strategies, and psychology of top-performing entrepreneurs. Subscribe, like, and share for more! #ceopulse #mindsetmonday #entrepreneurship #businessmindset #thinkbig #possibilities #growth #success #leadership

    33 min

  8. 10/28/2025

    From High school to High 6 Figures in under a year with Joshua | Tyler & Rafael Cortez.

    From High School → High 6 Figures (in under a year!) Rafael sits down with Joshua Douchee & Tyler Williams of Silverstone Capital (Chicago) to unpack how they went from a senior-year bathroom cold call to consistent deals and high 6 figures—fast. We cover: 1️⃣ Scrappy start: JV’ing “dead leads” and early novations that worked in overlooked markets 2️⃣ Role clarity that unlocked scale: ops vs. relationships 3️⃣ Pipeline speed: being the “squeaky wheel” with title/agents to shorten cash conversion cycles 4️⃣ Hard lessons: setting boundaries on nightmare deals vs. doubling down on winners 5️⃣ Wins: a $63k+ spread and why bigger deals are often simpler. Key takeaway: Solve ugly problems, finish the job, and run a disciplined cadence—conversations close, broadcasts don’t. Timestamps / Chapters:00:00 – Intro & who Joshua and Tyler are 02:00 – High school → high 6 figures: the origin story 05:00 – The “bathroom cold call” & first JV wins 09:00 – Novations 101: when and where they work 12:30 – Building buyer lists from real transactions 16:00 – Phone-first cadence (double dial → VM → text) 19:00 – Role clarity that unlocked scale (ops vs relationships) 22:30 – Systems: CRM, cadences, daily huddles 26:00 – Pipeline speed: “squeaky wheel” with title/agents 30:00 – Deal breakdown: the ~$63k spread (why it was simple) 34:00 – Quality control: walking from bad deals, doubling down on winners 38:00 – Hiring ahead of growth & avoiding mis-hires 42:00 – 2025 reality: spreads, soft costs, what’s working 46:00 – Action playbook: what to execute next 30 days 50:00 – Rapid-fire: tools, scripts, KPIs 58:00 – Resources, where to connect & wrap Connect with Joshua Douchee & Tyler Williams: Joshua Douchee IG: https://www.instagram.com/joshua.jmd.dochee/ Tyler Williams IG: https://www.instagram.com/tyler.williams_._/  👉 If this helped, LIKE, comment your biggest takeaway, and SUBSCRIBE for weekly playbooks. #Wholesaling #RealEstateInvesting #Novations #Dispositions #Acquisitions #ColdCalling #RealEstatePodcast #EntrepreneurMindset #RafaelCortez #SilverstoneCapital #ChicagoREI #HighSchoolToSixFigures

    1h 2m
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5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Welcome to the CEO Pulse Podcast where you'll find the real, the raw and the mind of entrepreneurship. This is your backstage access to first-hand business experience, strategies & exclusive performance tools from successful entrepreneurs, CEO's and Game Changers. Subscribe, like & share today to join a new breed of hungry entrepreneurs just like us at www.ceopulse.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Rafael Cortez
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    125
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Rafael Cortez
  • Show Website
    CEO Pulse Podcast

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