Find A Way with Matt Lavinder Matt Lavinder

A leadership consultant, coach, and parent to six, Jim Powell discusses the art of leadership, communication, and building trust.

Matt Yelton, 4-time national championship college soccer coach, discusses his perspective on youth sports, the growth of the game, and coaching. 

About the Guest:
In this episode, we are joined by Derik Young, a seasoned professional within the real estate investment financing space. Currently affiliated with Vontiv, a financial technology startup, Derik works as a lending advisor, helping hundreds of investors monthly navigate the complexities of real estate lending. Hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with an educational background in Ohio, Derik brings a wealth of experience from different regions in the U.S., including the East Coast, Midwest, and the West Coast where he now resides in Southern California.
Episode Summary:
In an engaging conversation covering the dynamic world of real estate financing, host Matt Lavinder welcomes Derik Young to discuss the nuances of real estate investment lending and the critical role lenders like Vontiv play in the real estate ecosystem.
Derik offers an insightful look into how Vontiv operates not just as a lender, but as a key partner for investors looking to grow and stabilize their portfolios. He sheds light on the various financial products and services, such as short-term value-add loans and long-term debt service coverage ratio loans, crafted specifically to meet investors' unique needs. The episode dives into the qualities and strategies that make a successful real estate investor and discusses how financial technology companies like Vontiv are revolutionizing the way investors finance their projects.
Key Takeaways:
Derik Young's background and his transition from insurance to real estate investment lending highlight the diversity and multi-regional expertise in the real estate industry.Vontive profiles as a tech-forward startup focusing on solving the fragmented nature of investment real estate lending, aiming to become a reliable financial partner for investors.Discussion on how different loan products are designed to cater to various investor strategies and the importance of understanding the math and risks involved in property renovation.The importance of qualities such as proactivity, problem-solving, and resilience in successful real estate investing is emphasized.Challenges in scaling real estate investment operations and the necessity of forming strategic partnerships to create competitive advantages and handle larger projects.Notable Quotes:
"We're trying to play the long game and be a long term partner with them [investors].” – Derik Young"Real estate is unique because you can use other people's money to fund it." – Matt Lavinder"Problems come up, you can't complain about them… let's figure out how to get them done together." – Derik Young"You can't do anything big by yourself." – Matt Lavinder"Good teachers, tend to have a deep empathy because they can see it from a student's perspective, which is really valuable for teaching." – Matt LavinderDon't miss out on the full breadth of insights and experiences shared in this episode. Tune in to the podcast to understand the fascinating world of real estate investment lending with Derik Young and stay updated for more invaluable discussions about the real estate market and investment strategies.

About the Guest:
Erica Vasquez hails from the windy and vibrant city of Chicago. She brings with her a wealth of experience from her background in the corporate supply chain and customer service sectors. Having held various positions in account management, sourcing, and demand planning, Erica has transitioned her career path toward real estate investment. Following a successful stint in the corporate world, she has recently embarked on a journey in house flipping. Her competitive nature, shaped in part by a lifelong passion for volleyball and influenced by her family environment, has seamlessly transitioned into her new professional endeavor.
Episode Summary:
In this insightful episode, we delve into the story of Erica Vasquez, a driven individual whose career trajectory has taken an exciting turn from corporate stability to the enterprising world of real estate investment. Listeners get a front-row seat to Erica's journey, witnessing her transformation from a job that offered financial comfort but lacked fulfillment, to her newfound passion in flipping houses. This episode not only captures Erica's personal growth but also offers valuable lessons in risk-taking, adaptability, and the pursuit of one's passions.
The conversation begins by exploring Erica's roots in Chicago, touching on the changing dynamics of the city and her passion for volleyball. The discussion then shifts to her transition from a corporate career to pursuing her dream in real estate investment, revealing the learning curves and victories encountered along the way. Key themes of this episode include adapting to change, leveraging personal strengths, and the importance of tenacity and self-belief in achieving success.
Key Takeaways:
Erica Vasquez has successfully shifted her career from the corporate world to real estate investment, driven by a strong desire for independence and fulfillment.Effective communication and alignment of vision and incentives are crucial when collaborating with contractors in house flipping.Staging a house can dramatically transform its appeal, leading to quicker sales and higher offers.Trusting one's instincts and conducting thorough research are pivotal in choosing the right partners and navigating new career paths.Leaning on a support team and network can fill in knowledge gaps and amplify chances for success in a new venture.Notable Quotes:
"It's on me, but I trust myself to be able to make it work.""The social part of it [work] was just kind of drove a final nail into the coffin, you would say.""Knowing that I'm not familiar with the construction part of it, to me, that was the biggest, scariest, most important first step.""It's a perfect fit. So that was probably the most transformative, exciting, the very finishing touch on it [the first flip]."Resources:
No explicit resources, social media handles, company websites, articles, books, or URLs were mentioned in the transcript.
Tune in to the full episode for a real-world perspective on taking risks and pursuing one's professional passion. Discover more about Erica Vasquez's experiences and gain insights that could inspire your own career journey. Stay tuned for more episodes that promise to enlighten and motivate.

About the Guest:
Alex is a seasoned professional hailing from Harlem, New York, with an extensive background spanning various industries, including sales, finance, and real estate. With a strong emphasis on the value of communication, he has navigated his career with ambition and a knack for networking, allowing him to never have to formally apply for a job. His journey has taken him from the fast-paced life of New York to the more controlled environment of Florida, where he's currently engaging in real estate investment focused on house flipping and pursuing generational wealth. Alex's drive for more has led him to create an ecosystem within his business, aiming to scale operations and enjoy the work he is so passionate about.
Episode Summary:
In this revealing conversation with Alex, listeners are taken on a journey through the trials and triumphs of an individual who has made his mark by relentlessly pursuing "more" throughout his life. From growing up in Harlem and observing the bustling pulse of New York City to seeking new vastness in Florida's real estate market, Alex's story is one of relentless ambition and the unwavering, entrepreneurial spirit.
Alex discusses his transition from finance to the thrilling world of real estate investment. Drawing upon his experiences and the challenges faced when navigating unfamiliar territory, he shares his strategy for overcoming obstacles and managing growth. In particular, Alex delves into the immediate and long-term aspects of scaling his business, from managing a single property to looking after multiple projects successfully.
Key Takeaways:
Strong communication skills are critical for personal and professional success, especially in industries that require networking and relationship building.Transitioning to a new industry can be challenging; however, personal growth often accelerates when stepping out of one's comfort zone.Building the right team and fostering trust are central to managing and scaling business operations effectively.Real estate investment provides a pathway to generational wealth if approached with the right mindset and work ethic.The concept of an "ecosystem" in business is essential for understanding the dynamic, organic nature of a company as it grows and evolves.Notable Quotes:
"The best thing you could do is learn how to communicate.""You have to become comfortable with being uncomfortable.""Money's a weird thing. It's a tool. It can create certain things for happiness, but that's, you know, there's people with a lot of money that are not happy."For more information visit findawaypod.com
Thank you for listening!
Produced by Mitch McGarry with Maypop Media LLC

About the Guests:
Ryan Lentz and Katy Lentz, a remarkable duo with an inspiring story, are individuals with a background in the corporate sphere who have transitioned into entrepreneurship. Ryan, previously immersed in the real estate domain, brings experience from a manufacturing background and a rich history in team sports. Katy, with a degree in chemical engineering, has an impressive portfolio that includes working as a process engineer for a consulting firm, focusing on projects such as drug and pharmaceutical manufacturing and bourbon distillation facilities. Together they have ventured into starting a new business, leveraging their process-oriented minds and creative problem-solving skills to make a significant impact in their new endeavor.
Episode Summary:
In this engaging episode, listeners are invited to delve into the lives of Ryan and Katy Lentz. They share their captivating journey from managing successful corporate careers while raising five children to bravely stepping into the world of entrepreneurial ventures. The conversation uncovers the multitudes of challenges and decisions they faced while transitioning, highlighting the supportive dynamic that makes them a profound team.
Ryan and Katy Lentz reveal how their professional experiences have shaped their approach to starting their new business. Katy's process engineering mindset is particularly intriguing as she recounts projects like automating bourbon distillation processes. The episode sheds light on their ability to adapt and apply corporate principles to their entrepreneurial objectives. Their story is rich with insight on balancing the demands of a business with family life while staying true to their vision and values.
Key Takeaways:
Ryan and Katy Lentz have taken their extensive corporate experience into their entrepreneurial journey, showcasing adaptability and a strong team dynamic.The importance of trust within a partnership is evident through their shared belief in their abilities and each other, a cornerstone of their transition.Structured time management, such as their daily and weekly meetings, plays a crucial role in their ability to juggle business with their personal commitments effectively.Handling adversity and learning from initial setbacks with contractors has been a significant growth experience for them, refining their project management skills.The couple advocates for following one's instincts when considering a career change, emphasizing the power of self-belief and the influence individuals have on their future.Notable Quotes:
"You have the power to make the change. You just have to believe in yourself to do that.""It's easy to take that leap of faith if you have the trust in your spouse.""We're paying you to manage this. You've got to have those conversations with these guys. If I need to get involved, it's going to be a different conversation.""We have the ability to take a big situation for most people and turn it into a simpler choice, whether it's right, do it, or not to do it.""We do not remove roadblocks from [our kids] whatsoever. They have to suffer through it, figure it out."For more information visit findawaypod.com
Thank you for listening!
Produced by Mitch McGarry with Maypop Media LLC