Groundbreakers

Domingo Valadez
  • 5.0 (4)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Groundbreakers

Introducing "Groundbreakers," a podcast that delves into the stories of early stage founders and real estate investors. Join us as we explore the journeys of these trailblazers, from their humble beginnings to their remarkable success. Each episode features in-depth interviews with entrepreneurs who have achieved great heights in their careers, sharing their insights, challenges, and the lessons they've learned along the way. From zero to one, discover the secrets behind their groundbreaking achievements in the world of business and real estate. Tune in to "Groundbreakers" and be inspired by the stories of those who have paved the way for success.

  1. From Interior Design to $40M in Multifamily—How Chelsea Garber Uses Design to Unlock Value

    1 DAY AGO

    From Interior Design to $40M in Multifamily—How Chelsea Garber Uses Design to Unlock Value

    Episode Summary In this episode of Groundbreakers, Chelsea Garber, CEO of Ascend Equity and ROI by Design, shares how she transitioned from a career in high-end interior design to managing a multifamily portfolio of over 430 units. Chelsea’s journey highlights the power of leveraging creativity, partnerships, and strategic design to scale in real estate investing. She discusses the lessons learned from flipping houses, the challenges of breaking into multifamily, and how design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a key driver of tenant retention, rent growth, and asset value. Key Points Discussed From Design to Investing: Chelsea spent 15 years in residential and commercial design before making the leap into real estate. Her early experiences flipping houses taught her the fundamentals of deal structuring, risk management, and value creation.Scaling with Partnerships: Chelsea didn’t try to do it alone. She built strong relationships with experienced operators, allowing her to scale into larger multifamily projects while bringing a unique skill set to the table.The Overlooked Value of Design in Multifamily: Most investors focus on financial modeling and market fundamentals, but Chelsea explains why intentional design choices can directly impact NOI, tenant retention, and exit valuations.Lessons from House Flipping: While house flipping can be a great way to start, it doesn’t always translate to success in multifamily. Chelsea shares what she learned from the transition and how she approaches risk differently now.Guest Information Name: Chelsea GarberRole: CEO at Ascend Equity & ROI by DesignLinkedIn: Chelsea GarberWebsite: ROI by Design Conclusion Chelsea’s story is a testament to the fact that real estate investing isn’t just about numbers—it’s about vision, creativity, and the right partnerships. Her ability to blend design thinking with investment strategy has set her apart in the industry. If you’re looking to scale in real estate, this episode offers valuable insights into the role of design, partnerships, and long-term thinking in building a successful investment portfolio.

    35 min
  2. From Corporate Sales to 1,000+ Units: Brooke Ceballos-Piñero’s Playbook for Multifamily & NNN Investing

    FEB 24

    From Corporate Sales to 1,000+ Units: Brooke Ceballos-Piñero’s Playbook for Multifamily & NNN Investing

    Episode Summary In this episode of Groundbreakers, Brooke Ceballos-Piñero, founder of 10X Business Consulting and an active real estate investor, shares how she left a successful corporate career to build a real estate portfolio spanning 1,000+ multifamily and Triple Net (NNN) units. Brooke breaks down the lessons she learned transitioning from corporate sales to full-time real estate investing, why she pivoted from multifamily to NNN retail properties for passive cash flow, and the importance of mentorship and partnerships in scaling quickly. Key Points Discussed: From Corporate to Real Estate – After 22 years in corporate sales & marketing, Brooke took the leap into real estate investing. She shares how she built momentum and gained credibility in a new industry.The Role of Mentorship & Masterminds – Brooke credits much of her success to getting in the right rooms with experienced investors who helped her avoid costly mistakes.Why She’s Investing in Triple Net Leases (NNN) – Brooke explains why she’s shifting more of her portfolio into NNN retail properties (think Starbucks, AutoZone, Walgreens) for truly passive, long-term cash flow.The Power of Strategic Partnerships – From passive investing to sponsorship, Brooke shares how she leverages partnerships to scale efficiently while mitigating risk.The Mindset of a Successful Operator – Brooke emphasizes why taking action is the #1 factor in getting results and how showing up consistently helped her close more deals. Guest Information: Name: Brooke Ceballos-PiñeroRole: CEO of Empower Capital & Coach at Multifamily MomentumLinkedIn: Brooke Ceballos-PiñeroWebsite: Empower Capital Conclusion: Brooke Ceballos-Piñero’s journey from corporate America to real estate investing at scale is a masterclass in taking action, leveraging mentorship, and pivoting into lower-risk, high-cash-flow investments like NNN leases. If you’re an investor considering diversifying into commercial real estate or making the leap into full-time investing, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

    42 min
  3. Flipped 100+ Homes—Then He Went Bigger: Todd Dexheimer’s Path to Syndication

    FEB 16

    Flipped 100+ Homes—Then He Went Bigger: Todd Dexheimer’s Path to Syndication

    Episode Summary In this episode of Groundbreakers, Todd Dexheimer, Co-Founder and Principal at Endurus Capital, shares his journey from being a high school teacher to completing over 100 real estate deals and scaling a multifamily and senior housing portfolio. Todd discusses the lessons he learned flipping houses, why he pivoted into larger commercial assets, and how he’s now focused on bringing property management and construction in-house to maximize efficiency. His story is one of persistence, adaptability, and long-term vision—showing that the best operators don’t just chase deals, they build lasting systems. Key Points Discussed From Teacher to Full-Time Investor: Todd started his real estate journey in 2008 while working as a teacher, flipping houses on the side before transitioning to multifamily syndications.Scaling Up with Multifamily: After flipping over 100 properties, Todd realized that long-term wealth was built through cash-flowing rentals, leading him to acquire his first 200+ unit apartment deal.The Power of In-House Operations: Todd breaks down why Endurus Capital is bringing property management and construction under one roof—and how vertical integration creates efficiency, lowers costs, and improves investor returns.Finding Deals in Today’s Market: With high interest rates and market uncertainty, Todd shares his approach to sourcing deals, negotiating with sellers, and structuring financing to minimize risk. Guest Information Name: Todd DexheimerRole: Founder & Principal at Endurus CapitalLinkedIn: Todd DexheimerWebsite: Endurus CapitalPodcast: Pillars of Wealth Creation Conclusion Todd’s journey proves that persistence and adaptability are key to long-term success in real estate. His approach to vertical integration, smart deal structuring, and capital raising provides valuable insights for investors looking to scale. Connect with Todd on LinkedIn or check out Pillars of Wealth Creation for more real estate investing insights.

    43 min
  4. Turning Legal Nightmares into Real Estate Gold: Rodrigo Camargo, Founder of Tantum

    FEB 11

    Turning Legal Nightmares into Real Estate Gold: Rodrigo Camargo, Founder of Tantum

    Episode Summary In this episode of Groundbreakers, Rodrigo Camargo, founder of Tantum, shares how he transforms distressed real estate into high-value investments. From navigating complex legal disputes to structuring creative financing, Rodrigo’s expertise lies in unlocking hidden opportunities where others see obstacles. With projects spanning Texas and Mexico, he’s redefining what’s possible in real estate development by combining legal strategy, marketing, and investment structuring into a seamless one-stop-shop model. Key Points Discussed Turning Legal Roadblocks into Investment Wins – Rodrigo has built a niche around solving title issues, zoning challenges, and ownership disputes to unlock significant property value.Investing Across Borders – With a deep understanding of both U.S. and Mexican markets, Rodrigo explains how nearshoring trends and economic shifts are driving investment opportunities in Texas and Baja California.The One-Stop-Shop Approach to Development – From underwriting and legal structuring to marketing and construction, Tantum streamlines the entire development process to maximize efficiency and investor returns.Why Some of the Best Deals Are the Most Complicated – Rodrigo shares real case studies of deals that looked too messy for traditional investors but turned into lucrative opportunities through smart structuring and patience. Guest Information Name: Rodrigo CamargoRole: Founder at TantumLinkedIn: Rodrigo CamargoWebsite: Tantum Conclusion Rodrigo Camargo’s expertise in solving complex real estate challenges proves that the best deals often require out-of-the-box thinking. Whether it’s clearing legal hurdles, structuring creative financing, or developing sustainable projects, his work at Tantum showcases the power of strategy in real estate. Connect with Rodrigo on LinkedIn to learn more about his latest projects and investment opportunities in high-growth markets.

    37 min
  5. Rolling Up Car Washes: How Adeola Oladimeji is Using Private Equity to Build a Cash Flow Empire

    FEB 4

    Rolling Up Car Washes: How Adeola Oladimeji is Using Private Equity to Build a Cash Flow Empire

    Episode Summary In this episode of Groundbreakers, Adeola Oladimeji, General Partner at Ascendi Capital, shares how he’s using private equity strategies to roll up car washes into a high-cash-flow empire. Starting in multifamily real estate, Ade saw a unique opportunity to consolidate fragmented, mom-and-pop car wash businesses and turn them into scalable, institutional-quality assets. Key Points Discussed From Multifamily to Car Washes: Why Ade shifted from traditional real estate investing to an overlooked niche with strong cash flow potential.The Private Equity Playbook: How he identifies acquisition targets, structures deals, and increases operational efficiency to maximize value.Financing the Rollup: The role of SBA loans, seller financing, and investor capital in scaling a portfolio of small businesses.Lessons from Real Estate Investing: How Ade applies underwriting discipline and value-add strategies from real estate to business acquisitions. Guest Information Name: Adeola OladimejiRoles: General Partner at Ascendi CapitalLinkedIn: Adeola OladimejiWebsite: Ascendi CapitalConclusion Adeola Oladimeji’s journey is a masterclass in spotting hidden opportunities and using private equity principles to scale cash-flowing businesses. His insights on rollups, financing, and operational efficiencies offer valuable lessons for investors looking beyond traditional real estate. Connect with Ade on LinkedIn to learn more about Ascendi Capital and his approach to building wealth through business acquisitions.

    43 min
  6. From Family Business to a $160M Real Estate Portfolio: Joseph Root’s Approach to Chicago Real Estate

    JAN 28

    From Family Business to a $160M Real Estate Portfolio: Joseph Root’s Approach to Chicago Real Estate

    Episode Summary In this episode of Groundbreakers, Joseph Root, Managing Partner at Root Realty and ESRE Partners, shares his evolution from managing a family business to building a $160M real estate portfolio. Joseph offers a deep dive into his strategy for identifying value in Chicago’s multifamily market, fostering community impact, and scaling sustainably in a competitive environment. Key Points Discussed From Family Business to Leading a Portfolio: Joseph talks about his transition from working in his family’s real estate business to taking the reins at Root Realty and growing the portfolio to $160M.Mastering Chicago’s Multifamily Market: Insights into why Joseph focuses on Chicago, the unique opportunities and challenges of the city, and how local expertise gives him a competitive edge.Scaling with Strategy: Joseph shares how his disciplined approach to underwriting and investment decisions has enabled steady growth and strong returns, even during market turbulence.Balancing Community and Returns: Root Realty’s philosophy of creating value for both investors and the communities they operate in, and why building trust with stakeholders is key to long-term success. Guest Information Name: Joseph RootRoles: Managing Partner at Root Realty and ESRE PartnersLinkedIn: Joseph RootWebsite: Root Realty & ESRE PartnersConclusion Joseph Root’s story is an inspiring example of combining legacy and innovation to build a thriving real estate business. His expertise in Chicago’s multifamily market, focus on disciplined investing, and commitment to community impact make this episode a must-listen for investors at any stage. Connect with Joseph on LinkedIn to learn more about Root Realty and his work with ESRE Partners.

    39 min
  7. 1,700 Multifamily Units and Counting: How Dr. Rajkumar Venkatramani is Helping Physicians Invest in Real Estate

    JAN 22

    1,700 Multifamily Units and Counting: How Dr. Rajkumar Venkatramani is Helping Physicians Invest in Real Estate

    Episode Summary In this episode of Groundbreakers, Dr. Rajkumar Venkatramani, founder of REIDOC Capital and a pediatric oncologist, shares his unique journey from medicine to real estate. Raj discusses how he transitioned from being a passive investor to actively helping physicians achieve financial freedom through syndications and automation. His dual expertise in healthcare and real estate highlights the importance of diversification, efficiency, and trust in building long-term wealth. Key Points Discussed From Passive to Active Investing: Raj’s journey began with passive real estate syndications as a way to diversify his investments beyond the stock market. In 2021, he transitioned into active syndication, pooling resources with other doctors and operators.Balancing Medicine and Real Estate: Raj shares how he manages his time as a leader in pediatric oncology while running a successful real estate business. His strategies include leveraging automation, delegating tasks, and focusing on high-value activities.Innovating Capital Raising: Raj talks about his CRM platform tailored for real estate syndicators, designed to automate lead nurturing, investor communication, and deal workflows—allowing syndicators to focus on building relationships.Lessons Learned in Multifamily: From mistakes in Class C properties to shifting focus to Class A and B assets, Raj discusses how market dynamics and investor preferences influenced his investment strategy. Guest Information Name: Dr. Rajkumar VenkatramaniRole: Founder at REIDOC CapitalLinkedIn: Rajkumar VenkatramaniWebsite: REIDOC CapitalReal estate AI summit Conclusion Dr. Rajkumar Venkatramani’s story is an inspiring example of how to balance a high-stakes career with a passion for building wealth through real estate. His focus on trust, efficiency, and automation has helped him create a business model that supports physicians in their journey toward financial freedom. Connect with Raj on LinkedIn to learn more about his work at REIDOC Capital and his innovative CRM solutions.

    30 min
  8. From Medicine to a $40M Multifamily Portfolio: Victor Leite, Founder of 25/8 Capital

    JAN 15

    From Medicine to a $40M Multifamily Portfolio: Victor Leite, Founder of 25/8 Capital

    Episode Summary In this episode of Groundbreakers, Victor Leite, co-founder of 25/8 Capital, shares his incredible journey from a career in medicine to creating a thriving real estate business. Victor’s story exemplifies the power of pivoting, perseverance, and building efficient systems to scale rapidly in the real estate space. Victor dives deep into how he leverages his unique background to approach real estate investing with precision and a focus on scalability. From developing a $40M portfolio to helping other investors build generational wealth through private equity, Victor’s insights are invaluable for anyone looking to grow in the industry. Key Points Discussed From Medicine to Real Estate: How Victor transitioned from being a physician to building a $40M real estate portfolio.The Role of Systems: Insights into how Victor uses systems and operational efficiency to drive scalability and success.Real Estate Private Equity: How 25/8 Capital supports investors in accessing high-yield opportunities while navigating market challenges.Building Generational Wealth: Victor’s approach to helping investors achieve long-term success through strategic partnerships and well-executed deals. Guest Information Name: Victor LeiteRole: Co-Founder at 25/8 CapitalLinkedIn: Victor LeiteWebsite: 25/8 Capital Conclusion Victor Leite’s story is a powerful example of how leveraging systems and strategic partnerships can lead to exponential growth in real estate investing. Whether you’re an aspiring investor or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you scale your portfolio and build generational wealth. Connect with Victor on LinkedIn or learn more about his work at 25/8 Capital.

    41 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Introducing "Groundbreakers," a podcast that delves into the stories of early stage founders and real estate investors. Join us as we explore the journeys of these trailblazers, from their humble beginnings to their remarkable success. Each episode features in-depth interviews with entrepreneurs who have achieved great heights in their careers, sharing their insights, challenges, and the lessons they've learned along the way. From zero to one, discover the secrets behind their groundbreaking achievements in the world of business and real estate. Tune in to "Groundbreakers" and be inspired by the stories of those who have paved the way for success.

Information

  • Creator
    Domingo Valadez
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean

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