Purpose Built

Shelley Robinson

Purpose Built is a dialogue about identity, resilience, and the turning points that redefine us. Moving beyond polished bios and career milestones, this podcast explores the personal reckonings — the seasons of friction that strip life back to its foundation and reveal who we truly are. Through candid conversations and shared stories, we focus not on achievement, but on transformation.

  1. 5d ago

    17 - From Recording Artist to Business Leader: Tori Evans on Fear, Bravery, and Purpose

    Brave looks different when your life has already taught you how to read a room, rebuild a career, and survive the kind of moment that changes everything in seven seconds. Tori Evans https://www.linkedin.com/in/torievans901/ joins Shelley Robinson on Purpose Built to share her inspiring journey from New Orleans church stages to independent hip-hop artist and songwriter to multifamily leadership, construction estimating, and a mission to humanize business.In this episode;Tori Evans' early life and cultural influences from New OrleansThe importance of voice and individuality in personal developmentCareer pivots from music to real estate and constructionLessons learned from rejection, storytelling, and resilienceThe role of vulnerability and authenticity in leadershipThe impact of small decisions and compassion in lifeOvercoming imposter syndrome and fear of successThe importance of trust and human connection in businessTori Evans' efforts in community building and industry advocacyThe significance of purpose and gratitude in personal growthChapters00:00 Introduction and Tori's background01:53 Early influences from New Orleans culture03:59 Learning to read environments and connect with people05:57 Music as a voice and storytelling tool07:51 Career shifts and lessons from rejection10:07 Transition into real estate and property management11:53 Pivoting during COVID and exploring new opportunities14:01 Lessons from construction and asking questions16:00 Overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence18:01 Community involvement and industry impact19:52 Handling fear and embracing bravery22:12 Reflections on personal growth and purpose23:54 The influence of her mother and favorite books25:57 The importance of small decisions and living in the moment28:04 Creating impact beyond business roles29:51 The power of vulnerability and trust32:01 Final thoughts and key takeaways🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

  2. Aug 28

    16 - How Selling CDs Sparked a Real Estate Tech Career

    Prasan Kale https://www.linkedin.com/in/prasan-kale-07933b7/ shares his entrepreneurial journey from selling CDs to building innovative real estate technology. He and Shelley also get candid about culture, sacrifice, and why great teams are built through real problem-solving, not posters on the wall.In this conversation:Prasan Kale's early entrepreneurial ventures selling CDsTransition from automotive engineering to real estateDevelopment of Rise Buildings and its integrated tech stackThe role of AI and data structuring in real estateIndustry challenges like data silos and manual processesThe future of real estate technology and industry evolutionChapters00:00 Introduction and Prasan's background01:42 Early influences and entrepreneurial beginnings04:23 Transition into real estate and project management08:48 Innovations in building systems and Rise Buildings12:07 Impact of the global financial crisis on real estate13:11 Building systems and technology integration14:42 Outcome Labs and AI-driven data structuring19:57 The future of real estate technology and customer-centric solutions26:17 Reflections on success and industry evolution28:38 Lessons learned and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs35:10 Recommended books and industry insights🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

  3. Aug 21

    15 - The Power of Reinvention, Grit & Starting Again

    Larry Balaban https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-balaban-2708555/ joins Shelley to share his journey from early sales to serial entrepreneurship, highlighting lessons on pivoting, resilience, and leveraging technology like AI to innovate in the industry.In this episode:Larry's early sales experience and entrepreneurial spiritThe importance of pivoting and letting go of past venturesUsing AI to enhance inventory management and fulfillmentThe significance of patience and resilience in businessLessons learned from successes and failures in various industriesThe role of grit and determination in overcoming challengesThe impact of timing and risk-taking in entrepreneurshipThe importance of continuous evolution and learningChapters00:00 Introduction and Larry's background01:59 Early sales and entrepreneurial beginnings03:59 Realizing the non-linear path of success06:12 Pivoting from entertainment to industry innovation07:58 Letting go of ventures and recognizing when to move on10:08 The role of AI in inventory and fulfillment12:08 The importance of timing and risk in entrepreneurship14:07 Lessons from failures and setbacks15:51 The mindset of persistence and grit18:07 The power of naive optimism and beginner's mindset19:56 Continuous evolution and future aspirations22:00 The importance of intestinal fortitude and determination24:05 Reflections on success, failure, and patience26:05 Trusting the process and staying resilient28:00 Recommended books and influential stories30:05 Daily practices for health and focus31:51 Final thoughts and inspiring message🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

  4. Aug 14

    14 - There's No Easy Button: Building Purpose Through Reinvention

    Bob LaChance https://www.linkedin.com/in/boblachance/ joined Shelley Robinson on Purpose Built to share his journey from pro hockey to real estate and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of team, resilience, and continuous learning in building successful businesses. They discuss the value of leveraging AI, unlearning misconceptions, and creating a legacy beyond profits.In this episode:Journey from pro hockey to real estateImportance of team and culture in businessUnlearning misconceptions about hiring and skillsThe role of AI in future business strategiesResilience and handling business challengesThe significance of mentorship and continuous learningWhite space opportunities in real estate and beyondThe impact of purpose and passion on successChapters00:00 Introduction and guest background02:03 Journey from pro hockey to real estate03:58 The importance of team and culture07:00 Unlearning misconceptions in hiring10:01 The role of AI in business evolution13:01 Purpose and motivation in entrepreneurship14:59 Handling challenges and setbacks17:56 The value of continuous learning21:03 Evolving as a leader and person23:54 Legacy and mentorship26:00 Final advice and closing thoughts🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

  5. Jul 24

    13 - What Happens When Purpose Becomes Your Business Plan?

    Michael Rebelo https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-rebelo-045024299/, a 20-year old entrepreneur, inspires us with his journey from a young dreamer fascinated by nuclear energy to a successful real estate investor and entrepreneur. He shares key lessons he's learned along with way, from patience, leveraging social media, and redefining success to help others achieve financial freedom.In this episode:- Early influences and dreams of Michael Rebelo- The impact of 2008 financial crisis on his perspective- Transition from car photography to investing- The importance of patience and long-term thinking- Building a team and leveraging strengths- The role of social media in modern business- Changing mindset about success and failure- Lessons learned from market downturns and challengesChapters00:00 Introduction and guest background00:37 Michael's early dreams and influences02:05 From fascination with nuclear energy to entrepreneurship04:14 The impact of 2008 financial crisis on Michael07:09 Discovering multifamily syndications08:07 Why Michael wants to retire his mom10:04 Building a business to help others11:13 Lessons learned from early challenges12:52 The importance of team and role delegation14:45 Overcoming social media challenges15:41 Using age as an advantage17:01 Learning from market history and experience18:47 Evolving purpose and mission24:17 Patience as a key business virtue28:13 Work ethic and long-term vision32:53 Handling uncertainty and future challenges34:52 Closing remarks and future plans🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

  6. Jun 19

    12 - The Power of Flexibility: How Embracing Change Can Transform Your Career and Life

    Ryan Yetzer https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanyetzer/ shares his journey from construction management to building his own asset performance consultancy in multifamily.Ryan and host, Shelley Robinson https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleylrobinson/ tap into the core insight that flexibility and adaptability are crucial for success and fulfillment, especially during career pivots.In this episode:- How curiosity and creativity sparked Ryan’s move into sustainable development- The significance of taking risks and embracing uncertainty in career pivots- Personal insights on building a flexible and purpose-driven professional life- Strategies for managing rejection, feedback, and self-doubt in entrepreneurial pursuits- Balancing family life with entrepreneurial freedom and flexibility- The importance of continuous learning, asking questions, and critical thinking- Lessons learned about success, self-awareness, and resilience after leaving corporate rolesChapters00:00 Introduction to Ryan Yetzer02:43 From Construction to Sustainability06:56 Embracing Entrepreneurship and Consultancy11:21 Navigating the Ups and Downs of Business17:31 Personal Growth Through Professional Change22:39 Handling Rejection and Building Resilience28:35 Advice for the Next Generation🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

  7. May 29

    11 - The Curious Founder’s Guide to Staying Inspired in a Rapidly Changing World

    In this episode of Purpose Built with host Shelley Robinson https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleylrobinson/, George Matelich https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-matelich-7468a5a7/ discusses his evolution as a founder, the importance of curiosity, handling rejection, and the role of resilience in startup success. Tune in for authentic insights on embracing change, maintaining curiosity, and building a values-driven business.Key Topics:- Early influences and traits that prepared George for entrepreneurship- The pivotal conversation with his wife that inspired the leap- How to identify and respond to the right opportunity in startup building- The significance of a customer-focused approach over perfection- Lessons learned from pivoting and navigating uncertainty- The importance of humility, curiosity, and self-trust in leadership- Strategies for managing stress, rejection, and maintaining motivation- The role of continuous learning and upskilling amidst AI advancements- Notable books: Endurance by Alfred Lansing, The Obstacle Is the Way, and The Four Agreements- The value of mentorship and encouraging startup risk-takingTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and George’s early influences00:35 - The role of personal traits in entrepreneurial readiness01:06 - How a John Mayer quote shaped George’s mindset01:53 - The impact of a supportive partner in taking risk02:22 - The moment that pushed George to pursue his own business03:22 - How connecting with his co-founder sparked the startup journey03:51 - The original problem: site-level info retention in multifamily properties04:21 - Pivoting from initial ideas to a focused solution05:15 - Recognizing the importance of solving diligence transition processes06:25 - The aha moment: customer demand and market validation07:50 - Lessons from the “start over” moments and embracing uncertainty08:46 - Navigating seasons of change with humility and listening09:32 - How ego influences decision-making and growth10:28 - The importance of fulfilling commitments and self-discipline11:32 - The evolving definition of success and pride in meaningful work12:24 - Learning to trust oneself through difficult times12:54 - Embracing a beginner’s mindset and staying curious14:03 - How curiosity fuels product development and leadership16:05 - Approaching sales with curiosity and interest in others17:03 - Maintaining resilience through rejection and uncertainty18:02 - Daily routines for mental clarity and stress management19:37 - The ongoing desire to learn new skills and adapt21:30 - The impact of rapid technological change and AI on careers22:14 - The importance of resilience, curiosity, and upskilling23:41 - Reflecting on personal growth over five years24:26 - Lessons from reacting versus responding in leadership25:52 - Surprising insights from the founder journey27:08 - Aspiring to be a mentor and leave a positive legacy28:27 - Advice for new founders: embracing stress and volatility30:06 - Book recommendations: Endurance, The Obstacle Is the Way, The Four Agreements31:06 - The importance of risk-taking and self-encouragement32:24 - Final words: encouraging curiosity, resilience, and pursuit of growth🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

  8. May 22

    10 - The Power of Seeing Potential In Others: A Journey from Ohio to the Ocean

    In this episode of Purpose Built, Jamie Gorski https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiegorski/ shares her journey from a small-town Irish girl to a successful entrepreneur and ocean swimmer. Discover how mentorship, resilience, and purpose have shaped her career and life.Main Topics:- Jamie's early life and the importance of supportive families in overcoming adversity- The transformative power of mentorship in unexpected places- The parallels between swimming and leadership—pushing limits and finding purpose- Navigating career pivots and the significance of self-advocacy- Reimagining industry practices to prioritize people and purpose- The evolving definition of success beyond titles and pay- The impact of purpose-driven businesses and customer-first philosophies- Lessons learned from personal trauma and the importance of relationships- The joy of continuing to work and create in later stages of lifeTimestamps:00:35 - Introduction to Jamie Gorski and today's topic01:10 - Jamie's early life and childhood dreams01:45 - Growing up in Toledo, Ohio, and the importance of education funding02:11 - The significance of scholarships and breaking barriers02:33 - Personal reflections on hometown and aspirations02:58 - Family support systems and their role in personal growth03:56 - Navigating college as a first-generation student04:24 - Family's values around making opportunities happen05:08 - How mentorship came into Jamie’s life in college05:40 - Jim Montrello's influence and encouragement in swimming06:25 - How encouragement led Jamie to become a champion swimmer07:13 - The profound impact of being seen and supported08:21 - Connecting swimming principles to leadership and business09:24 - The challenges and euphoric rewards of ocean swimming10:19 - Adventures in Croatia and Greece, and lessons from open water swimming11:21 - The mental toughness gained from ocean swims11:49 - Applying water navigation principles to business strategies12:28 - Transitioning into entrepreneurial endeavors and consulting13:08 - Embracing continuous movement and learning14:01 - The importance of adapting industry practices around people14:49 - The industry’s need to re-focus on customer and employee experience15:19 - Supporting industry professionals through upskilling and reskilling16:00 - The mistake of layoffs without redeployment or support16:57 - The importance of valuing talent during organizational change17:24 - The cyclical nature of industry mistakes and improvements needed18:11 - The opportunity to lead change with certification and training19:17 - Customer-first approaches in construction and real estate20:34 - The value of taking risks and creating new opportunities21:07 - Insights from moving into new roles and the joys of hands-on work22:30 - How personal success has evolved beyond titles23:37 - Lessons from personal loss and family moments24:46 - The importance of relationships and personal fulfillment25:28 - Reflections on parenting and legacy26:03 - Retirement? Not for Jamie, as she finds purpose in ongoing impact27:23 - Balancing work, hobbies, and creative pursuits28:37 - Leaving a legacy: Helping others succeed and find happiness30:07 - Advice for young professionals: advocating for yourself32:37 - Gratitude and closing remarks🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!#multifamily #entrepreneurship #multifamilyleadership #PurposeBuilt #purposedriven

About

Purpose Built is a dialogue about identity, resilience, and the turning points that redefine us. Moving beyond polished bios and career milestones, this podcast explores the personal reckonings — the seasons of friction that strip life back to its foundation and reveal who we truly are. Through candid conversations and shared stories, we focus not on achievement, but on transformation.