The Richer Geek

Mike Stohler
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What if you could be doing something smarter with your money that creates income now? If you're an IT or other high-income professional who's wanting to get ahead financially and enjoy greater freedom of choice… If you want a comfortable retirement and you know you'll have more choices if you can do more with your money now… If you've wondered who else in Tech is creating ways to make their money work for them, and you want actionable ideas with honest pros and cons and NO fluff… Welcome to the Richer Geek Podcast – where we're helping IT professionals find creative ways to build wealth and financial freedom. In this podcast, you'll hear from others who are already doing these things… and learn how you can, too.

  1. JAN 14

    Signing Off: Thank you for 7 Incredible Years

    Today's episode is different. This marks the final episode of The Richer Geek Podcast. After seven incredible years, Mike is signing off to focus fully on his growing business and new hotel investments in Spain. Thank you for listening, supporting, and being part of the journey. Mike remains active on LinkedIn and looks forward to staying connected there.   Resources from Mike and Nichole Check out our latest project here: Barcelona Hotel Fund LinkedIn  | Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide

    1 min

  2. JAN 7

    The IRS Is Watching: Is Your Crypto Audit-Ready?

    Happy New Year and welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast. Today, we are joined by Janna Scott, founder of DeFi Tax, to talk about one of the biggest risks crypto investors face today: inaccurate tax reporting. Janna explains why most crypto tax software is unreliable, how IRS audits really work, and what happens when reported numbers don't match blockchain data. She shares how her research exposed major gaps in the system and why both individuals and businesses need audit-ready crypto records. In this episode, we chat about… The Software Variance Problem: Janna tested 14 different crypto tax products and found that every single one gave a different outcome, with variances ranging from 30% to 120%. IRS Audit Pause: After meeting with Janna and reviewing her research, the IRS admitted their data collection methods were wrong and temporarily stopped crypto audits in 2023. The $146 Billion Tax Gap: The IRS has missed out on an estimated $146 billion in tax collection, leading to a new wave of audits with no statute of limitations if they consider the errors to be tax evasion. Risk of Data Manipulation: Many popular crypto products allow users to manually change transaction dates and fees, a feature that can immediately disqualify a report from being used in an official IRS audit. Exchange Terms of Service: One major exchange responded to Janna's findings by updating its terms of service to block class-action lawsuits and make users solely responsible for data errors. Key Takeaways: Most crypto tax software is not accurate or audit-safe Blockchain data must be pulled directly to ensure correct reporting The IRS can penalize taxpayers even if they tried to report correctly Crypto audits can go back years with interest and penalties compounding Audit defense matters just as much as tax calculation CPAs and accountants often cannot defend crypto audits without proper tools Preparing now can prevent massive financial damage later   Resources from Janna LinkedIn  | DeFi Tax Resources from Mike and Nichole Check out our latest project here: Barcelona Hotel Fund LinkedIn  | Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide

    26 min

  3. 12/31/2025

    Scaling Real Estate with Virtual Teams

    Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast. It's the last day of 2025, a perfect time to reflect on what worked, what didn't, and what needs to change. Today, we're joined by Pete Neubig, CEO of VPM Solutions, to talk about building virtual teams that actually support growth. If you're planning to hire your first virtual team or scale smarter in 2026, this episode is for you. In this episode, we chat about… Pete's journey from a 20-year employee to building and selling a property management company How virtual team members evolved from simple task roles to leadership positions The real cost difference between US-based hires and global remote talent When entrepreneurs should stop doing everything themselves and start hiring How VPM Solutions helps business owners hire, train, and manage remote teams The difference between direct hire remote workers and agency-managed VAs Why structure, KPIs, and clear job roles matter more than location Key Takeaways: You don't need to be "ready" to hire, stress and overload are already signs Remote team members can own full roles, not just small tasks Clear job descriptions and KPIs reduce hiring mistakes Virtual talent is often college-educated, bilingual, and career-focused Hiring globally allows you to scale faster without killing your cash flow Training and management are required even with great people The right systems help founders work on the business, not just in it   Resources from Pete LinkedIn  |  Email | vpmsolutions.com  Resources from Mike and Nichole Check out our latest project here: Barcelona Hotel Fund LinkedIn  | Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide

    33 min

  4. 12/24/2025

    Why Mindset Beats Strategy in Wealth Building

    Happy Holidays and welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast! Today, we are joined by Rod Khleif, a multifamily real estate investor, best-selling author, and host of a top 1% business podcast with over 20 million downloads. Rod shares his journey from growing up with very little, to losing $50M during the 2008 crash, and rebuilding a stronger, purpose-driven real estate business. This episode focuses on mindset, taking action despite fear, and why real estate continues to create opportunity during uncertain markets. If you tend to overanalyze or feel stuck waiting for the "right time," this conversation is for you. In this episode, we chat about… The real reason most first-time investors stay stuck in analysis paralysis Why mindset and psychology matter more than technical knowledge How fear, regret, and limiting beliefs stop people from taking action Why real estate is still full of opportunity during economic uncertainty The importance of partnerships between analytical and relationship-driven investors How gratitude and giving back became a core part of Rod's success Why surrounding yourself with the right peer group changes everything Key Takeaways: Fear regret more than failure. Most people don't fail because they tried—they fail because they never started. Mindset drives results. Success is mostly psychological, not technical. Play to your strengths. Partner, hire, or align for your weaknesses. Real estate is a team sport. There are many roles beyond finding deals. Economic shifts create opportunity. The best deals often appear when others hesitate. Gratitude changes everything. It strengthens resilience and fuels long-term success.   Resources from Rod LinkedIn  | rodslinks.com | The Lifetime CashFlow Through Real Estate Investing Podcast Resources from Mike and Nichole Check out our latest project here: Barcelona Hotel Fund LinkedIn  | Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide

    34 min

  5. 12/17/2025

    Building Wealth Through Community-Driven Real Estate

    Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast. Today we are joined by Fuquan Bilal, a seasoned real estate entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience building wealth through multifamily and luxury real estate investments. As the CEO and Founder of NNG Capital Fund, Fuquan shares how creative strategies, strong investor communication, and community impact drive long-term success. We talk about market cycles, investor trust, and what it really takes to raise capital the right way. This episode is packed with practical insights for investors and operators at every stage. In this episode, we chat about… Fuquan's journey into real estate and revitalizing underserved communities Lessons learned from the 2008 financial crisis and COVID market shifts Why mindset matters just as much as property renovations How to build trust with investors through consistent communication Understanding different investor goals: cash flow vs. long-term equity Scaling from early deals to raising over $50M in real estate capital Inside look at NNG Capital Fund's Opportunity and Mezz Funds Key Takeaways: Cash flow and proper leverage matter more than hype during market shifts Community impact creates stronger, more sustainable real estate returns Investor communication should be consistent, honest, and ongoing Your network plays a major role in capital raising and deal growth Different investors need different strategies, there's no one-size-fits-all Long-term success comes from relationships, not transactions   Resources from Fuquan LinkedIn  | NNG Capital Fund | NNG Capital Fund Podcast Resources from Mike and Nichole Check out our latest project here: Barcelona Hotel Fund LinkedIn  | Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide

    16 min

  6. 12/10/2025

    Traditional CPA vs. Strategic CPA: What Helps You Grow

    Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast. Today we are joined by Chris Hervochon, CPA, CVA, a numbers-driven advisor who helps growth-minded entrepreneurs make smarter financial decisions. Chris shares how good accounting goes far beyond tax season, why advisory-based CPAs can save you tens of thousands, and the real difference between bookkeeping, controllers, and fractional CFOs. He also breaks down how to prepare your business for a future sale and the hidden risks most founders never check. If you're ready to run your business like the asset it should be, this episode will help you get there. In this episode, we chat about… Chris shares how his career went from accounting to pro golf and eventually to running his own CPA firm. He explains why traditional CPAs focus on volume and often can't offer real advisory or proactive support. Breakdown of the differences between bookkeeping, controllers, and fractional CFOs. Discussion on how upcoming tax law changes may impact business owners in the next few months. Chris talks about what makes a business valuable and how owners can reduce risk to increase that value. Key Takeaways: A strategic CPA gives advice year-round, not just during tax season. Growing businesses need consistent check-ins, quarterly at minimum, monthly if possible. Your finance function should stay within 1–3% of your revenue to stay effective. Entity structure and tax planning are major sources of missed savings for entrepreneurs. Buyers pay for stable, low-risk cash flow, not a business that depends on the owner.   Resources from Chris LinkedIn  | Better Numbers Resources from Mike and Nichole Check out our latest project here: Barcelona Hotel Fund LinkedIn  | Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide

    29 min

  7. 12/03/2025

    The Rich Life: Real Estate, Freedom, and Finding Your Purpose

    Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast, today we are joined by Christina Suter, a seasoned real estate investor, advisor, and educator. Christina shares her journey, starting with inheriting a paid-off house at 17, and explains why she views real estate as a vehicle for location, time, and choice freedom, not just money. Tune in as she discusses her shift from appreciation plays in California to high cash flow strategies like room shares , and how her "Live A Rich Life" coaching helps people find meaning and purpose beyond just achieving financial independence. In this episode, we chat about… The "Why" for Investing: Christina's core motivation for investing is to be a mom, allowing her time freedom. Investing Start: She began investing at 17 when she inherited the family's paid-off $200,000 house in LA. Money vs. Purpose: Achieving financial freedom in her thirties left her unhappy; she realized money brings freedom, but a sense of purpose brings peace. Shift from California: Christina moved her focus out of high-appreciation California due to poor cash flow and difficult tenant's rights laws. High-Return Strategy: She shifted from Airbnb to room shares, a strategy that can generate over $5,000 a month, or double the income of a long-term rental, on a $300,000 investment. Key Takeaways: Money gives freedom, but mindset is what brings peace. If you don't choose your direction, life chooses it for you. Cash flow and appreciation serve different stages of your financial plan. Room shares can outperform long-term and mid-term rentals in the right markets. Your "why" must be deeper than money, the money comes from living your purpose.   Resources from Christina LinkedIn | christinasuter.com | Email  | Contact number: (310) 463-5942 Resources from Mike and Nichole Check out our latest project here: Barcelona Hotel Fund LinkedIn  | Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide

    25 min

  8. 11/26/2025

    Build Income With Airbnb Arbitrage

    Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast. Today, we are joined by Daanish Azim, who built a $60K/month Airbnb business without owning a single property. He lost everything in 2022, took a chance on one rental unit, and turned it into a small empire. Now he teaches others how to do the same through Airbnb arbitrage. In this episode, we chat about… What Airbnb arbitrage is and how it works Why getting property owners' permission matters How to check city rules and avoid issues with regulations Funding the business using 0% business credit cards What today's Airbnb market requires: staging, photos, pricing, and systems Why some people need coaching and others don't Key Takeaways: You don't need to own real estate to start an Airbnb business Local rules matter, always check city regulations and HOAs Most units need proper staging and pro-level photos to stand out You can fund furniture using 0% business credit cards instead of cash Owners want three things: rent on time, low stress, and legal use Many beginners fail not from lack of information but lack of guidance Focusing on one business for at least a year builds real results   Resources from Daanish Instagram | BNB Cashflow  Resources from Mike and Nichole Check out our latest project here: Barcelona Hotel Fund LinkedIn  | Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide

    18 min
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About

What if you could be doing something smarter with your money that creates income now? If you're an IT or other high-income professional who's wanting to get ahead financially and enjoy greater freedom of choice… If you want a comfortable retirement and you know you'll have more choices if you can do more with your money now… If you've wondered who else in Tech is creating ways to make their money work for them, and you want actionable ideas with honest pros and cons and NO fluff… Welcome to the Richer Geek Podcast – where we're helping IT professionals find creative ways to build wealth and financial freedom. In this podcast, you'll hear from others who are already doing these things… and learn how you can, too.

Information

  • Creator
    Mike Stohler
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The Richer Geek