Groundbreakers

Domingo Valadez

Groundbreakers is where real estate investors and operators share how they started, scaled, and built freedom through real estate. Hosted by Domingo Valadez, these conversations go beyond the numbers to uncover the decisions, setbacks, and mindset shifts that shaped their journeys. Whether you’re chasing your first deal or your next big leap, these stories will inspire you to take action and create your own path.

  1. Rebuilding America: Disaster Housing, Modular Innovation, and the Future of Real Estate

    -2 ДН.

    Rebuilding America: Disaster Housing, Modular Innovation, and the Future of Real Estate

    Episode Summary In this episode of Groundbreakers, we’re joined by RJ Fishman, Chief Strategy Officer at Artanis Capital, a firm operating at the intersection of real estate, government infrastructure, and housing resilience. What started as a focus on manufactured and modular housing evolved into something much bigger. After the LA fires and Hurricane Helene, Artanis began building a privatized, asset-based alternative to FEMA’s traditional disaster housing model. Their goal? Turn emergency housing from a recurring expense into a scalable, redeployable real estate asset. RJ breaks down how modular steel-frame construction, public-private partnerships, and a “Beyond FEMA” vision could reshape how America responds to disasters and tackles affordability. Key Topics Discussed The difference between manufactured, modular, and stick-built housingWhy FEMA’s current housing model creates long-term liabilitiesHow redeployable steel-frame homes can reduce disaster housing costsThe concept of “emergency communities” built in 120 daysIndustry-driven housing for nuclear, AI, and manufacturing projectsWhy public-private partnerships may define the next decade of real estate Why This Matters for GPs and Investors RJ challenges the traditional mindset around real estate as a static asset. Instead, he frames housing as infrastructure that can be built, redeployed, and integrated into larger economic and disaster recovery systems. If you’re a sponsor thinking about modular construction, workforce housing, public-private deals, or simply how to position your firm in a changing regulatory and political landscape, this episode will expand how you think about opportunity. Guest Information Name: RJ FishmanCompany: Artanis CapitalWebsite: artaniscap.com Conclusion This conversation goes far beyond one deal or one asset class. It is about rethinking housing as a long-term system problem and asking whether private operators can build faster, cheaper, and more sustainably than the legacy model. If you care about the future of housing, infrastructure, or large-scale real estate innovation, this one is worth a listen.

    42 мин.
  2. The Modular Development Playbook with Greg Guido & DJ Van Keuren of Evergreen Property Partners

    4 ФЕВР.

    The Modular Development Playbook with Greg Guido & DJ Van Keuren of Evergreen Property Partners

    Episode Summary In this episode of Groundbreakers, we’re joined by Greg Guido and DJ Van Keuren, Co Managing Members of Evergreen Property Partners, for a deep, operator level conversation on development, execution risk, and why modular housing has become the foundation of their strategy. Greg and DJ break down why traditional multifamily development often fails after the raise, not in underwriting, and how Evergreen flipped the model by controlling construction, timelines, and costs through modular manufacturing. Instead of relying on cap rate compression or optimistic assumptions, they focus on building durable workforce housing with real margins of safety. This episode is especially relevant for sponsors raising capital today and investors evaluating development risk in an uncertain market. Key Points Discussed Why most development risk lives in execution, not the pro formaHow Evergreen builds to a 10 cap instead of buying at a 5The real advantages and constraints of modular constructionWhy speed, control, and repeatability matter more than upside storiesHow owning the manufacturing process changes investor outcomesWhat LPs are prioritizing when evaluating ground up deals today Guest Information Names: Greg Guido and DJ Van KeurenTitles: Co-Managing MembersCompany: Evergreen Property PartnersLinkedIn: Greg Guido, DJ Van Keuren Conclusion Greg and DJ offer a rare inside look at what it takes to scale development responsibly. Their approach reframes modular housing from a niche concept into a powerful tool for risk management, capital efficiency, and long term value creation. Whether you are a GP building ground up deals or an investor assessing construction risk, this episode delivers practical insights you can apply immediately.

    46 мин.
  3. Building Faster and Smarter with Modular Housing with Greg Talcott of Rastegar Capital

    29 ЯНВ.

    Building Faster and Smarter with Modular Housing with Greg Talcott of Rastegar Capital

    Episode Summary In this episode of Groundbreakers, we’re joined by Greg Talcott, Managing Director at Rastegar Capital, for a deep dive into development risk, execution, and why modular housing has become a core part of their strategy. Greg breaks down how Rastegar thinks about development differently. Not as a speculative bet, but as an engineering problem. We talk through why traditional ground-up projects fail, where most GPs underestimate risk, and how modular construction can compress timelines, reduce cost overruns, and create more predictable outcomes for investors. This conversation is especially relevant for sponsors raising capital in today’s environment, where LPs care less about flashy narratives and more about certainty, control, and clean execution. Key Points Discussed Why most development deals break during execution, not underwritingHow modular construction reduces labor, weather, and timeline riskThe tradeoffs and real constraints of modular housingHow shorter build cycles change capital efficiency and investor confidenceWhat LPs actually want to hear when evaluating development deals today Guest Information Name: Greg TalcottTitle: Managing DirectorCompany: Rastegar CapitalLinkedIn: Greg Talcott Conclusion Greg’s perspective reframes modular housing from a niche concept into a practical risk management tool. If you are a GP navigating development in a volatile market or an investor evaluating construction risk, this episode offers a clear, grounded framework for thinking about execution and predictability.

    36 мин.
  4. Why Most Real Estate Developments Fail Before They’re Built with Chris Lawrence CEO of OFL Group

    21 ЯНВ.

    Why Most Real Estate Developments Fail Before They’re Built with Chris Lawrence CEO of OFL Group

    Episode Summary In this episode of Groundbreakers, we’re joined by Chris Lawrence, CEO of OFL Group, a real estate development company reshaping urban environments through data-driven, human-centered design. Chris is a registered architect turned developer who has spent over a decade revitalizing downtown districts through mixed-use, multifamily, retail, and hospitality projects. Rather than chasing speculative returns, his approach starts with deep market research, conservative underwriting, and designing places people actually want to live in. Chris walks us through how he transitioned from architecture into development, why he spent a full year on data analysis before breaking ground on his first major project, and how that discipline helped him lease luxury units in markets with no direct comps. Key Points DiscussedFrom Architect to Developer: How Chris made the leap from designing buildings to leading nearly $200M in development projects.Data Over Gut Instinct: Why he believes confidence comes from research, not hype, and how data shaped every major decision early on.Design as a Financial Lever: How thoughtful design choices directly impact rents, lease-up speed, and long-term asset value.Pessimistic Underwriting Wins: Why conservative assumptions protect investors and create upside instead of disappointment.Working With Cities: How long-term trust with municipalities unlocked incentives and a landmark RFP opportunity.Raising Capital for Ground-Up Deals: What it really takes to earn investor trust when developing from scratch in today’s market. Guest InformationName: Chris LawrenceCompany: OFL GroupRole: CEOConnect: LinkedIn ConclusionChris’s story is a masterclass in patience, discipline, and building real estate that lasts. Whether you are a syndicator exploring development, raising capital for complex projects, or refining your underwriting philosophy, this episode offers practical insights you can apply immediately.

    48 мин.
  5. How Jinil Patel Raised Millions Without a Big Brand

    14 ЯНВ.

    How Jinil Patel Raised Millions Without a Big Brand

    Episode Summary In this episode of Groundbreakers, we sit down with Jinil Patel, Founder of Rising Capital, to unpack one of the most aggressive real estate scaling stories we’ve featured on the show. With just one single-family rental under his belt, Jinil took a leap most investors only talk about and acquired a 48-unit apartment complex as a solo GP. From there, he didn’t slow down. Within months, he closed a second deal, then locked up a 260-unit acquisition with over $3M of built-in equity. Jinil shares what it really takes to raise seven figures from friends, family, and extended networks, why capital raising is a pure numbers game, and the hard lessons he learned doing his first deals without partners while balancing family, a newborn, and operating franchise businesses. Key Points DiscussedMaking the Jump to Multifamily: Why Jinil stopped chasing single-family scale and committed fully to apartments, even before he felt ready.Raising $1.2M Without a Big Brand: How he spoke with 100–150 investors, had multiple conversations per person, and stayed motivated through rejection.Trial by Fire as a Solo GP: The stress, mistakes, and lessons from taking down a 48-unit deal alone and why he will never do that again.Speed Through Systems: What changed between his first deal that took nine months to close and his second that closed in 90 days.Conservative Underwriting Wins Trust: Why Jinil targets realistic returns, avoids overpromising, and prioritizes downside protection over flashy projections.Work Ethic Over Balance: His honest take on work-life balance, late-night investor calls, and what success really requires early on. Guest InformationName: Jinil PatelCompany: Rising CapitalRole: FounderConnect: LinkedIn ConclusionJinil’s journey is a real-world example of what happens when preparation meets relentless execution. If you’re a syndicator trying to raise your first million, debating whether to go bigger, or navigating the stress of early deals, this episode is packed with lessons you can apply immediately.

    32 мин.
  6. How Real Estate GPs Are Actually Using AI with Jake Heller

    6 ЯНВ.

    How Real Estate GPs Are Actually Using AI with Jake Heller

    Episode Summary In this episode of Groundbreakers, we’re joined by Jake Heller, Co-Founder of AI for CRE Collective. Jake is a third-generation real estate operator who works at the intersection of development, underwriting, and applied artificial intelligence. While most conversations around AI in commercial real estate focus on hype, Jake brings the discussion back to reality. This episode breaks down how top operators are actually using AI today to save time, improve decision making, and scale operations without rebuilding their entire tech stack. Rather than chasing shiny tools, Jake explains why the biggest gains come from automating the unglamorous but essential workflows that every GP deals with. Key Points DiscussedAI vs Execution: Why most CRE professionals experiment with AI but never fully implement it.High ROI Use Cases: The specific workflows where AI delivers immediate value, including underwriting, deal screening, and admin work.Avoiding the Hype Trap: Why flashy agents and custom tools are rarely the best place to start.Operator First Mindset: How experienced GPs think about AI as leverage, not replacement.Getting Started Simply: Practical steps for sponsors who feel overwhelmed by the pace of AI innovation. Guest InformationName: Jake HellerTitle: Co-FounderWebsite: AI for CRE CollectiveLinkedIn: Jake Heller Conclusion Jake’s perspective cuts through the noise around AI in commercial real estate. The edge right now is not access to tools, it is execution. For any GP looking to reclaim time, improve consistency, and scale intelligently, this episode offers a grounded and actionable roadmap.

    36 мин.
  7. Why Brand Is the New Bottleneck in Capital Raising

    30.12.2025

    Why Brand Is the New Bottleneck in Capital Raising

    Episode Summary In this episode of Groundbreakers, we’re joined by Anthony Carlton, Founder and CEO of CRE Digital. Anthony works with real estate sponsors across multifamily, industrial, and commercial assets who are trying to raise capital beyond friends and family but keep running into the same problem. No one knows who they are. Anthony shares how he went from finance and private equity into building a growth and branding firm focused exclusively on commercial real estate. Along the way, he saw a clear pattern. Strong operators with solid deals were losing attention and capital to sponsors who simply understood distribution better. This conversation breaks down why brand and trust have become the true bottlenecks in modern capital raising, especially in a market where LPs have more options and more skepticism than ever. Key Points Discussed When to Build a Brand: Why most GPs wait too long to start building visibility and trust.Brand vs Marketing: The difference between posting content and actually earning LP confidence.LinkedIn as a Trust Engine: Why LinkedIn has become the primary platform for long term investor relationships.Capital Is the Constraint: Why deals are no longer the limiting factor for most sponsors.Common Mistakes: The shortcuts sponsors take that quietly damage credibility.What Actually Converts LPs: How consistent, thoughtful content compounds trust over time. Guest InformationName: Anthony CarltonCompany: CRE DigitalWebsite: credigital.coLinkedIn: Anthony Carlton ConclusionAnthony’s perspective reframes how sponsors should think about growth. In a crowded market, capital flows to operators LPs already trust. Brand is no longer optional. It is infrastructure. This episode is a must listen for any syndicator looking to scale capital raising in a durable way.

    43 мин.
  8. How Hayato Hori Is Building Multifamily in Supply Constrained Markets

    17.12.2025

    How Hayato Hori Is Building Multifamily in Supply Constrained Markets

    Episode SummaryIn this episode of Groundbreakers, we’re joined by Hayato Hori, Managing Partner of Red Brick Equity. Hayato’s journey into real estate began in college, where he bought his first rental property from his roommate. What started as a single $70K rental quickly turned into a deeper realization about scale, compounding, and the long term power of multifamily investing. Before launching Red Brick Equity, Hayato built a high volume wholesaling business, sourcing and selling hundreds of off market single family and multifamily deals to both retail investors and large institutions. That experience gave him a rare inside look at how institutional capital underwrites deals, how markets behave when conditions change, and why transaction heavy businesses eventually hit a ceiling. Today, Hayato focuses on acquiring older, no elevator multifamily buildings in Chicago and other Midwest markets where supply is constrained and affordability remains critical. His strategy prioritizes conservative underwriting, strong reserves, and predictable cash flow over chasing growth driven hype. Key Points DiscussedStarting in College: How Hayato’s first rental property shaped his conviction in real estate as a long term wealth vehicle.Inside Institutional Buying: What he learned selling deals to large funds and how that changed his investing philosophy.Why Multifamily Scales Better: The operational and financial advantages of multifamily versus single family portfolios.Market Selection Matters: Why oversupply has hurt parts of the Sunbelt and why Chicago remains resilient.From Churn to Compounding: The moment Hayato realized wholesaling generated income but not durable wealth.Conservative Underwriting: Why strong reserves and realistic assumptions matter more than aggressive projections.Raising Capital with Trust: How transparency and education help first time fund managers earn investor confidence. Guest InformationName: Hayato HoriTitle: Managing PartnerCompany: Red Brick EquityWebsite: redbrickequity.com ConclusionHayato’s story highlights the power of disciplined investing in overlooked markets. By focusing on fundamentals instead of hype, he is building a multifamily platform designed for durability, affordability, and long term compounding. This episode offers practical insight for syndicators raising capital and thinking critically about where to deploy it next.

    35 мин.

Оценки и отзывы

5
из 5
Оценок: 5

Об этом подкасте

Groundbreakers is where real estate investors and operators share how they started, scaled, and built freedom through real estate. Hosted by Domingo Valadez, these conversations go beyond the numbers to uncover the decisions, setbacks, and mindset shifts that shaped their journeys. Whether you’re chasing your first deal or your next big leap, these stories will inspire you to take action and create your own path.