The Breakthrough with Stephen Husted

Stephen Husted

Welcome to The Breakthrough with Stephen Husted, the show that takes you behind the scenes with successful entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and other movers and shakers in the business world. In each episode, we'll sit down with our guests to explore their personal and professional journeys, including the challenges they've faced, the breakthrough moments that propelled them to success, and the strategies and tactics they've used to get there. Get inspired by new ideas and strategies and get to know our guests on a deeper level.

  1. 6d ago

    EP 74: Flo Jacques Bought Her First Home at 22. Here's Her Plan to Retire by 40

    In this episode, I sit down with Flo Jacques to talk about her journey from educator to real estate investor, how she bought her first home at 22, and why taking action matters more than waiting for the perfect opportunity. Flo shares what she learned from appearing on the BiggerPockets podcast, the lessons she's gained from rehabs that went over budget, and why successful investors view mistakes as tuition rather than failure. We also dive into the Raleigh-Durham market, how newer investors are approaching today's opportunities, and why analysis paralysis is one of the biggest obstacles to building wealth. We break down one of Flo's recent investment projects, discuss creative financing strategies, and explore the importance of building a strong team that includes lenders, contractors, mentors, and advisors. Flo also shares how she teaches new investors to analyze deals, manage risk, and stay focused on long-term wealth creation rather than short-term market noise. Stephen and Flo talked about: 📌 Lessons learned from BiggerPockets and the investing community 📌 Why mistakes are simply tuition in real estate investing 📌 The current Raleigh-Durham real estate market 📌 How to overcome analysis paralysis 📌 Finding opportunities when other investors walk away 📌 Structuring creative financing and hard money loans 📌 Why lenders should be part of your investing team 📌 Teaching new investors how to analyze deals 📌 The importance of mentorship and networking 📌 Building long-term wealth through real estate investing Whether you're a first-time investor or already growing your portfolio, this episode offers practical insights on mindset, financing, and taking action when opportunities arise. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you subscribed, left a review, and shared it with someone interested in real estate investing, financial freedom, or building wealth through real estate. Find Flo‘s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/imflotherealtor/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flo-jacques/ Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠ Connect on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠ and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

    50 min

  2. May 28

    EP 73: Building a Private Lending Business with Keleisha Carter

    In this episode, I sit down with Keleisha to talk about entrepreneurship, private lending, mindset, and what it really takes to build a business from the ground up. Keleisha shares her story of leaving Jamaica, quitting her corporate marketing job, and moving to the United States with no guarantees, only $1,000 in savings, and a willingness to take a risk. We talk about the uncomfortable realities of growth, navigating uncertainty, and why entrepreneurship often feels lonely even when things look successful online. We also dive deep into private money lending, raising investor capital, structuring real estate deals, gap funding, and how Keleisha built a lending business by combining marketing, storytelling, and relationship building. She explains how managing investor expectations, setting boundaries, and creating systems became the foundation of her business. Stephen and Keleisha also talked about: 📌 Leaving comfort behind to pursue growth 📌 Why entrepreneurship requires uncomfortable decisions 📌 Building confidence through hard experiences 📌 How restaurant work helped prepare Keleisha for business 📌 Managing investor expectations and communication 📌 The mindset needed for real estate investing 📌 Raising private capital through storytelling and marketing 📌 Structuring private lending and gap funding deals 📌 Why systems and boundaries are critical in business 📌 The role AI and technology play in entrepreneurship today If you enjoyed this episode, I’d really appreciate it if you subscribed, left a review, and shared it with someone interested in entrepreneurship, private lending, real estate investing, or building a business from scratch. Find Keleisha‘s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/keleishacarter/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keleishacarter/ Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠ Connect on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠ and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

    1h 9m

  3. May 21

    EP 72: Sam Haack on Luxury Real Estate, Wealth, and Wyoming Living

    In this episode, we are joined by Sam Haack to discuss the unique real estate market in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and how lifestyle, wealth preservation, and a limited land supply continue to drive demand in one of the most exclusive mountain towns in the country. Sam shares his journey from living in a camper and rollerblading to a property management interview to eventually becoming a co-owner at Berkshire Hathaway in Jackson Hole. We also talk about the massive COVID real estate boom, why buyers from California, Texas, and New York moved into Wyoming, and how the market has evolved since then. Stephen and Sam also talked about: 📌 Why Jackson Hole continues to attract wealthy buyers 📌 The reality of housing affordability in mountain towns 📌 How the limited land supply impacts real estate prices 📌 House hacking and building wealth through real estate 📌 The importance of authenticity when working with luxury clients 📌 Why community and lifestyle matter more than status 📌 Workforce housing and the future of affordable housing 📌 Investing locally versus out-of-state investing 📌 Social media, Gen Z, and the comparison trap 📌 Why taking action and being uncomfortable leads to growth Toward the end of the episode, the conversation shifts into lifestyle, parenting, investing habits, and what makes Jackson Hole one of the most unique places to live, visit, and invest in. If you enjoyed this episode, I’d really appreciate it if you subscribed, left a review, and shared it with someone interested in real estate, investing, lifestyle-driven markets, or Jackson Hole living. Find Sam‘s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/samhrealestate/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-haack-898187211/ Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠ Connect on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠ and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

    55 min

  4. May 14

    EP 71: How Investors and Architects Work Together to Build Better Housing with Architect Peter Gray

    In this episode, Stephen Husted sits down with architect Peter Gray to break down what really happens behind the scenes of development projects, ADUs, DADUs, and middle housing in Seattle. Peter shares what investors often get wrong during the feasibility and permitting process, why building the right team matters more than maximizing square footage, and how communication between architects, contractors, engineers, and investors can make or break a project. Stephen also walks through one of their recent Seattle projects, including how they transformed a tight urban lot into a highly functional middle housing product with a two-car garage and covered outdoor living space. The conversation dives into zoning changes, Seattle’s evolving middle housing opportunities, common mistakes developers make, and how AI tools like ChatGPT are helping investors analyze deals and feasibility faster than ever before. Whether you're a beginner investor or already scaling development projects, this episode offers valuable insight into the systems, planning, and relationships needed to succeed in real estate development. Stephen and Peter talked about: 📌How to hire the right architect for a development project 📌 Seattle ADU and middle housing opportunities 📌 Why feasibility studies matter before buying property 📌 Common mistakes investors make in development 📌 The role of architects vs interior designer 📌 Building a reliable development team 📌 How AI and ChatGPT can help with feasibility analysis 📌 Managing permits, zoning, and city requirements 📌 Designing functional urban housing projects 📌 Why systems and organization are critical in development If you enjoyed this episode, I’d really appreciate it if you subscribed, left a review, and shared it with someone interested in real estate investing, ADUs, or development projects. Find Peter‘s LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-gray-11b541107/ Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠ Connect on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠ and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

    1h 5m

  5. Apr 30

    EP 70: How to Get Clients Using Content Creation in 2026 with Thomas Smith

    Most entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and business owners don’t fail because of the algorithm. They fail because fear, inconsistency, and waiting to feel ready stop them before momentum ever starts. In this episode, content strategist Thomas Smith breaks down how to grow online, attract clients, and use social media to create real business opportunities. If you’re a real estate investor, entrepreneur, realtor, business owner, or creator trying to grow online, this episode is packed with practical advice. Stephen sits down with content strategist Thomas Smith to discuss how social media is changing the game for real estate investing, entrepreneurship, and personal branding in 2026. They talk about why many real estate agents and investors struggle with content creation, how to overcome the fear of posting, and why your first 100 posts are about building confidence, not perfection. Thomas shares actionable strategies for growing on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, including how to create content that attracts qualified leads, build trust with potential clients, and stand out in crowded industries like real estate, investing, and business. They also dive into how tools like ChatGPT and AI are helping entrepreneurs create faster, improve marketing systems, and save time while scaling their business. Whether you’re trying to generate real estate leads, grow your investing brand, or build an online business, this conversation will give you a new perspective on content creation that actually drives results. - Why real estate investors and entrepreneurs need content in 2026 - How to grow on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube organically - Why most real estate agents fail at social media marketing - How to attract real estate leads using content - Why your first 100 posts matter more than perfection - How to build a personal brand in real estate and business - How ChatGPT helps entrepreneurs create faster - Why authenticity builds trust and closes clients - How to monetize content without sounding salesy - Why consistency beats chasing the algorithm Find Thomas‘ IG here: https://www.instagram.com/nofilterthomas/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomassmith31/ Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠ Connect on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠ and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

    57 min

  6. Apr 16

    EP 69: How She Built 12 Rental Units in Her 20s (Real Estate Story) with Rachel Morrow

    She went from studying for her real estate license in an Amazon warehouse break room… to owning 12 rental units by 24 and reaching financial independence through real estate. Starting in real estate can feel overwhelming, intimidating, and honestly… out of reach. In this episode, I sit down with Rachel Morrow, a real estate investor and agent who proves that you don’t need to have everything figured out to get started. From studying for her license while working at Amazon to building a portfolio of 12 units, Rachel shares what it actually looks like to learn through doing. We talk about the fear that stops most people from making their first move, the mistakes that cost her early on, and why real estate becomes simpler once you take action. Rachel also breaks down house hacking, tenant challenges, and how tools like ChatGPT are changing how investors analyze deals today. This is a real, honest conversation about starting before you feel ready, learning through experience, and building confidence along the way. Stephen and Rachel talked about: How Rachel went from zero experience to owning 12 rental units Why your first real estate deal feels harder than it actually is The biggest mistakes new investors make with tenants and property management How house hacking works and why it’s one of the best ways to start Why taking action teaches more than endless research How ChatGPT can help you analyze real estate deals faster The importance of building the right team in real estate Why comparing yourself to others will slow your growth If you’re thinking about getting into real estate but feel stuck or unsure where to start, this episode will shift your perspective. Make sure to subscribe for more real conversations with investors and entrepreneurs building real wealth. Find Rachel‘s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/rachdoesrealestate/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-morrow-88ab8b17b/ Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠ Connect on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠ and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

    58 min

  7. Apr 2

    EP 68: How They Built 26 Units Through BRRRR and Smart Partnership | Sam Farman

    Everyone wants the freedom that real estate can bring… but almost nobody talks about how long it actually takes to build. In this episode, Stephen sits down with Sam Farman, a New York-based real estate investor who, alongside his business partner Joe, has spent the last several years steadily building a rental portfolio that now includes 26 units. Their story didn’t start with a giant apartment building or a flashy first flip. It started with learning the fundamentals, buying smaller properties, using the BRRRR strategy, and figuring things out one deal at a time. Sam shares how they went from their first duplex to scaling into multifamily rentals, why having the right business partner matters more than most people realize, and how some of their biggest lessons came from things going wrong, not right. Stephen and Sam talked about: - How Sam and Joe got started in real estate investing through mortgages, property management, and self-education How they used the BRRRR strategy to grow from one duplex into multiple rental propertie- Why business partnerships can either accelerate your growth or create major problems The importance of being a strong real estate operator, not just a buyer What beginner investors need to know about cash flow, deal analysis, and conservative underwriting Why real estate investing is a long game, not a get-rich-quick strategy How to avoid analysis paralysis and learn through your first deal Why keeping your W2 job while investing can actually help you scale faster The mindset it takes to survive tenant issues, burst pipes, vacancies, and setbacks Why endurance, grit, and consistency matter more than hype in rental property investing This episode is especially valuable for anyone in that frustrating stage where you’re doing the research, trying to get started, or wondering why progress in real estate feels slower than expected. Because the truth is, real estate investing is less about overnight wins and more about staying in the game long enough to stack knowledge, cash flow, and momentum. If you’re trying to build a rental property portfolio, learn the BRRRR method, understand how to scale in real estate, or avoid beginner investor mistakes, this conversation will give you a much more realistic picture of what the journey actually looks like. Find Sam‘s LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-farman-02b53515b/ Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠Connect on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

    53 min

  8. Mar 19

    EP 67: Property Management vs Asset Management with Selali Kalevor

    The people who truly had financial freedom weren’t just saving or investing in stocks. They were building through real estate and business ownership. Most property managers collect rent and fix leaks. Selali does something different. A child of Ghanaian immigrants, finance grad, former wealth management analyst, and now a Seattle-based real estate broker and asset manager, Selali came to this conversation with a perspective you don't hear often. He doesn't manage properties. He manages outcomes.  In this episode, Selali Kalevo and Stephen get into what it really takes to build wealth through real estate, not just the strategy, but the mindset, the grit, and the willingness to impose yourself on the life you want. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why Selali calls himself an asset manager instead of a property manager, and what that difference actually means for landlords and tenants The two wealth patterns he spotted working in wealth management: business ownership and real estate, and why he chose real estate How doing 5,000 loan signings gave him a masterclass in real estate transactions before he ever made a deal of his own His 'highest and best use' approach to properties, including how he helped a landlord turn a 70-year-old duplex into a five-unit development opportunity The above, beside, and below accountability strategy he uses to stay on track with big goals Why grit is the one trait that requires no special background, no perfect score, and no lucky breaks to develop About Selali Selali Kalevor is a licensed Realtor, asset manager, and business owner based in Bellevue, Washington. He holds multiple professional designations including Licensed Realtor, former Mortgage Loan Originator, and Licensed Investment Advisor. He's part of Compass's top 1.5% brokerage team in Washington state by volume, founder of K & M Property Management, and is working toward a 200-door portfolio with a long-term plan that includes ground-up development and syndication. A child of Ghanaian immigrants, Selali's story is a direct product of the mindset he talks about on this episode. Find Selali‘s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/selali.kalevor/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selali-kalevor/ Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠ Connect on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠ and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

    57 min
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About

Welcome to The Breakthrough with Stephen Husted, the show that takes you behind the scenes with successful entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and other movers and shakers in the business world. In each episode, we'll sit down with our guests to explore their personal and professional journeys, including the challenges they've faced, the breakthrough moments that propelled them to success, and the strategies and tactics they've used to get there. Get inspired by new ideas and strategies and get to know our guests on a deeper level.

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