The Purpose-Driven Investor

Robert Howell
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Investing

The Purpose-Driven Investor is the podcast where profit meets purpose in real estate. Hosted by Robert Howell, South Carolina–based real estate investor and founder of De-fine Real Estate, each episode explores how to build wealth through affordable housing, land-home packages, and impact-driven investing that helps families find stable homes. You’ll discover how to create sustainable returns through partnerships, private lending, and joint-venture opportunities that make a lasting difference. Whether you’re a lender, land seller, or investor seeking purpose-aligned deals—or you’re ready to learn the education and systems behind purpose-driven real estate—this show is your blueprint. Robert shares transparent insights, inspiring stories, and practical strategies for investing in housing projects that matter. Learn how to connect your capital with causes that build community, create legacy wealth, and deliver both impact and income.

  1. Sep 8

    From Construction to Innovation: Building the Future of Housing

    In episode 33 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Pat Crowley, a Phoenix-based home building and operations professional with decades of experience spanning flooring, construction, supply chain, technology, and home building. He shared that his experience eventually led him and his business partner to build a flooring contracting company and develop technology that helped automate the home builder options process. Tune in for an insightful conversation about the future of home building, affordable housing, real estate, operational efficiency, leadership, and purpose—and discover why challenging the way things have always been done may be the key to building a better future. TIMESTAMPS [00:01:35] Pat's journey from Shaw Industries to the home building industry. [00:03:34] Why the home buyer became the center of the business model. [00:04:41] Developing technology to automate home building options. [00:06:04] Expanding automation beyond flooring into other home options. [00:07:01] Why Pat believes this is an important time for home building. [00:07:54] Housing supply, affordability, and construction efficiency. [00:09:25] Manufactured housing vs. on-site construction. [00:11:04] The $489,000 Phoenix housing market and affordability challenges. [00:12:48] The real cost drivers behind housing affordability. [00:14:08] Using data and collaboration to improve construction efficiency. [00:15:41] Challenging convention and creating opportunities in home building. [00:16:00] Reducing supply-chain costs and unnecessary margin layers. [00:17:07] The importance of data and the goal of a $200,000 home. [00:18:16] Pat's purpose and the childhood home that shaped his mission. [00:20:38] Lessons from the past and the need to rethink traditional business models. [00:21:17] Why entrepreneurs must challenge convention every day. [00:22:02] AI, data, and the next major shift in business. [00:23:26] What golf teaches us about business and surrounding yourself with the best. [00:25:38] Pat's lightning round: advice, investment, books, and what's next. QUOTES "Challenge convention always. We have to challenge convention every day with every part of the business." – Pat Crowley"The ability to change this is quite simple." – Pat Crowley"When you are around the best, you can become the best you can be." – Pat Crowley  WEBSITE: Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/

  2. Jul 27

    How Networking and Mentorship Accelerate Real Estate Success

    In episode 32 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Saeed Zarshenas to discuss how he built a diverse real estate portfolio while maintaining a demanding full-time career in finance. Together, they challenge the common belief that financial freedom requires quitting your job and reveal how strategic investing, private lending, and intentional action can create long-term wealth.  Tune in to discover how intentional investing, consistent action, strategic partnerships, and disciplined goal-setting can help you build lasting wealth—without sacrificing the stability of your career.  TIMESTAMPS [00:00:44] Meet Saeed Zarshenas and his real estate investing journey. [00:03:31] Why private lending became a smarter path to financial freedom. [00:07:19] Using a full-time job as your greatest investing advantage. [00:10:42] Lessons learned from losing money on a first private loan. [00:13:33] Why land-home package lending is an emerging opportunity. [00:16:24] Scaling a lending portfolio through capital raising. [00:18:56] How private investors can participate in lending deals. [00:21:27] Building wealth through partnerships while keeping your W-2. [00:22:54] The value of networking events and mentorship. [00:24:14] Investing lessons from mobile home parks and Atomic Habits. [00:25:36] Journaling, accountability, and achieving long-term goals. [00:27:05] Small daily actions that lead to financial freedom. QUOTES "Your job isn't holding you back—it's funding your future freedom." – Robert Howell"Small things over time compound into big things." – Saeed Zarshenas"You have to be intentional. Show up, do the work, and the results will follow." – Saeed Zarshenas SOCIAL MEDIA: Saeed Zarshenas  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saeed.j.z/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saeed-zarshenas-cpa-4609bb63/    WEBSITE: Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/

  3. Jul 21

    How to Build Wealth Through Affordable Housing and Homeownership

    In episode 31 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Candius Welborn, a full-time professional, real estate investor, and affordable housing advocate who is on a mission to create generational wealth while helping more families achieve the dream of homeownership.  Tune in to discover how faith, consistency, and intentional action can help you build generational wealth, create opportunities for others, and make a lasting impact through purpose-driven investing.  TIMESTAMPS [00:00:03] Meet Candius Welborn. [00:01:42] Candius' journey into real estate while working full-time. [00:04:45] Her mission is to create affordable homeownership and generational wealth. [00:06:08] Staying the course through uncertainty and challenges. [00:06:56] Overcoming fears of funding, contractors, and getting started. [00:08:11] How faith, prayer, and planning shaped her success. [00:10:06] Defining success beyond money through family impact. [00:11:53] Common mistakes new real estate investors should avoid. [00:14:28] Balancing a full-time job while growing a real estate business. [00:15:54] Five-year goals and expanding affordable housing opportunities. [00:18:04] The power of consistency and valuable partnerships. [00:19:34] Connecting with Candius and final words of encouragement. QUOTES "Stay the course because eventually you'll see the light at the end of the tunnel." – Candius Welborn"Prayer and a lot of planning." – Candius Welborn"Real estate is more than just properties. It's about creating opportunities, building families' futures, and leaving a legacy." – Robert Howell SOCIAL MEDIA: Candius Welborn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candius.welborn  Email: cwellborn02@gmail.com or  Mobile: (864) 386 9036 WEBSITE: Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/

  4. Jul 13

    The Power of Community and Purpose in Real Estate Investing with Aaron Bihl

    In episode 30 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Aaron Bihl, founder of White Barn Home Buyers. With over 300 real estate transactions under his belt since 2019, Aaron shares his journey from the oil and gas industry to becoming a successful real estate investor specializing in off-market deals, mobile homes, and creative finance. Tune in as we explore the intersection of purpose and profit in the world of real estate investing. TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 - Welcome to the Purpose Driven Investor 00:00:35 - Meet Aaron from White Barn Home Buyers 00:01:21 - Transition from Oil and Gas to Real Estate 00:03:00 - The Journey into Real Estate 00:03:56 - Challenges as a Real Estate Agent 00:05:11 - Building the Acquisitions Machine 00:09:12 - The Internal Conflict of Growth 00:10:42 - Team Structure and Operations 00:22:13 - Lending Opportunities 00:30:58 - Cinnamon Roll Passion Project 00:33:04 - Best Investment Experience 00:36:29 - Favorite Book Recommendation 00:36:53 - Life-Changing Habit 00:37:44 - Advice for New Investors QUOTES "I just want people to somehow be in a better spot, having known me, interacted with me, whatever."  -Aaron Bihl"The cool thing about doing the land home stuff is I can plan projects out a little more than if I'm flipping." -Aaron Bihl"I think people try to do too much on their own when they don't know what they're doing." -Aaron Bihl SOCIAL MEDIA: Aaron Bihl LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-bihl-b15b261b6/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaron.bihl/?hl=en  WEBSITE: Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/

  5. Jun 29

    Fast, Flexible, Fair: How Turnus is Redefining Real Estate Lending

    In episode 29 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Tim Herriage, founder of Ternus, as he shares how he leverages relationships, mentorship, and powerful goal-setting to empower others—helping everyday investors become millionaires.   Tune in for actionable strategies, motivating stories, and practical advice you can implement today!  TIMESTAMPS [00:00:03] Meet Tim Herriage: From the Marine Corps to Real Estate Titan [00:02:45] Lessons Learned: The First Deal and Mentorship's Power [00:09:46] Suffering, Setbacks & Surrender: Keys to Transformation [00:17:19] Rekindling Purpose and the Power of the Right Team [00:25:41] What Makes Turnus Different: Culture, Values, and Team Growth [00:33:15] Market Opportunities & Taking Strategic Action [00:37:08] Rapid-Fire: Habits, Books & Advice for Future Millionaires [00:39:05] The Importance of Respect and Partnership [00:40:08] Connect With Tim Herriage & Closing Inspiration  QUOTES "You always have problems—they just come with more zeros and more commas." – Tim Herriage"It's one thing to give knowledge; it's another thing to uphold your word." – Tim Herriage"Money obviously matters, but we believe purpose lasts." – Robert Howell SOCIAL MEDIA: Tim Herriage LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timherriage/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timherriage/?hl=en  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herriage/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/timherriage  WEBSITE: Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/  Ternus: http://ternus.com/team/tim-herriage/

  6. Jun 22

    Cash Flow vs. Equity: The Smarter Real Estate Investment Strategy

    In episode 28 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Jamie Dietz, founder of Nextdoor Capital, as he shares his powerful transformation from house hacker in Los Angeles to building a thriving lending business and championing community-focused investing.  Tune in for proven frameworks to lead with vision, set meaningful goals, find the right mentors, and build a legacy rooted in skill over cash!  TIMESTAMPS [00:00:03] Introduction to the Purpose Driven Investor & Jamie Dietz’s background [00:01:09] A day in the life and new passions [00:02:54] Entry into real estate & early house hacking [00:03:48] Lessons from buy-and-hold strategies [00:06:06] Education through brokerage and hands-on learning [00:06:55] The 2008 crash: setbacks and transformation [00:09:22] Pivoting into cash flow-focused investing [00:11:51] Why keeping your W2 matters [00:14:38] Balancing full-time work with real estate growth [00:16:34] Building a private lending business [00:18:40] Common borrower mistakes and risk management [00:19:52] Purpose, mentorship, and building impact [00:21:52] Legacy: skills vs. cash [00:22:51] Why local market knowledge matters [00:25:40] Final words of wisdom for investors  QUOTES "You can get rich or wealthy buying five or six rental properties; you don’t have to have 100 units, which becomes a whole other set of problems." – Jamie Dietz"Your paycheck is your biggest asset. It makes banks trust you and gives you the backstop to grow your wealth." – Robert Howell"Figure out what you’re good at and focus on that. The rest you outsource and build a team—what it does is force you to buy better deals." – Jamie Dietz SOCIAL MEDIA: Jamie Dietz Email: directly@nextdoorcapitalmail.com Telephone Number: 412-337-0884 WEBSITE: Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/

  7. Jun 15

    The Power of Purpose: Building Community & Wealth Through Real Estate

    In episode 27 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Brian Wilfong, founder of  Vacay, as he shares the strategies that transitioned his business from a relentless grind to a freedom-focused enterprise, including how oversight roles and project coordinators can help you reclaim your time and energy.  Tune in to find out how you can build a thriving business and an extraordinary life—by design, not by default!  TIMESTAMPS [00:00:03] Introducing Brian Wilfong: Purpose, Profit, and Family [00:04:45] Taking Back Your Time: Building Real Freedom [00:10:33] Mentorship & Impact: Helping Others Get Started [00:14:10] Systems and Team Growth for Business Scalability [00:16:48] Purpose and Legacy: Instilling Values for Generations  QUOTES "Time is that asset that we all want more of, and it's going to go fast." – Brian Wilfong"I don't want to give my kids a big inheritance. I want to give them a system… the knowledge to go out and build their own freedom." – Brian Wilfong"Even a single meeting with somebody—what kind of impact can that have on their life?" – Robert Howell SOCIAL MEDIA: Brian Wilfong Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.wilfong.14/  WEBSITE: Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/  Vacay: https://yourvacayaway.weebly.com/contact-us.html

  8. Jun 8

    Building Confidence in Real Estate Sales: Travis Goodwin’s Secrets to Negotiation Success

    In episode 26 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Travis Goodwin, founder of TG Home Buyers, as he brings to life the power of mentorship, local leverage, and the mission-driven focus required to turn every challenge into opportunity—whether you’re managing auctions, building teams, or simply showing up when you least feel like it.  Tune in for practical strategies, real numbers, and a fresh perspective on what it really takes to succeed in today’s business and real estate markets!  TIMESTAMPS [00:00:03] Introduction & guest background [00:02:03] Transformation from humble beginnings [00:05:05] Discovering real estate & the power of mentorship [00:09:07] Small market investing secrets [00:15:07] Sales, negotiation, and closing with confidence [00:17:00] Digging deep: Leadership through better conversations [00:20:43] Relationship-building and team growth [00:21:50] Small Market REI: Creating impact through community [00:26:19] Finding & maintaining purpose-driven momentum [00:31:24] Defining legacy and generational impact [00:33:31] Biggest wins, mindset, and future excitement [00:35:21] Connect & take action QUOTES "Confidence comes with repetition. It’s the awkward conversations every single day that build you up." – Travis Goodwin"We don’t chase deals, we choose them—figure out if this is the right fit for us." – Travis Goodwin"Let’s not be so desperate for a deal that we overpay. Choose your deals, don’t chase them." – Robert Howell SOCIAL MEDIA: Travis Goodwin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tgoodwinwv/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallmarketrei/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Tgoodwinwv  WEBSITE: Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/

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About

The Purpose-Driven Investor is the podcast where profit meets purpose in real estate. Hosted by Robert Howell, South Carolina–based real estate investor and founder of De-fine Real Estate, each episode explores how to build wealth through affordable housing, land-home packages, and impact-driven investing that helps families find stable homes. You’ll discover how to create sustainable returns through partnerships, private lending, and joint-venture opportunities that make a lasting difference. Whether you’re a lender, land seller, or investor seeking purpose-aligned deals—or you’re ready to learn the education and systems behind purpose-driven real estate—this show is your blueprint. Robert shares transparent insights, inspiring stories, and practical strategies for investing in housing projects that matter. Learn how to connect your capital with causes that build community, create legacy wealth, and deliver both impact and income.

Information

  • Creator
    Robert Howell
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Purpose-Driven Investor
  • Show Website
    The Purpose-Driven Investor