Built Off Ambition

Michael

5.0 (1)
Entrepreneurship
Updated Weekly

Built Off Ambition is for the ones who refuse to play it safe. Real conversations with entrepreneurs, builders, and visionaries who took the risk, bet on themselves, pushed through failure, and turned bold ideas into real success. If you’ve ever dreamed bigger, wanted more, or wondered what’s possible when you go all in—this is for you

4d ago

She Lost Her Job, Then Went ALL IN | Kayla of Fifth Gear Coffee

What happens when losing your job becomes the push you needed to chase your dream? On this episode of Built Off Ambition, Michael sits down with Kayla, founder of Fifth Gear Coffee, a Cleveland-based mobile coffee business. After 17 years in the coffee industry, Kayla knew she wanted something more. What started with a $20-style folding table, an espresso machine, and a small pop-up event turned into a growing business built on passion, relationships, and word of mouth. But the journey wasn't easy. As a single mom, Kayla struggled to balance motherhood, a demanding full-time job, and building something of her own. When she unexpectedly lost her job, she faced a decision: find another paycheck or go all in on herself. We talk about taking that leap, starting small, dealing with fear, building genuine customer connections, and surrounding yourself with people who want to see you win. Sometimes the opportunity you've been waiting for comes disguised as a setback. Built Off Ambition — For the ones who bet on themselves.
Oct 14

No Soft Answers

What happens when you put two successful real estate entrepreneurs in the same room and let them speak their minds?On this episode of Built Off Ambition, Michael sits down with Stas, CEO of Mane Capital, and Adam, a veteran real estate investor and wholesaler, for a raw, unfiltered conversation about what it actually takes to become successful.We're talking repetition, consistency, discipline, building powerful relationships, knowing your worth, and learning to stop giving a damn what other people think.From making money and building businesses to handling criticism, raising families, and surrounding yourself with winners, these two share the mindset and lessons that helped them build their success.No sugarcoating. No motivational b******t. Just real conversations with two guys who've put in the work.Built Off Ambition — For the ones who bet on themselves.
Oct 7

From W-2 to a Million-Dollar Real Estate Portfolio

Thomas spent years working hard, learning from mistakes, and building financial discipline before jumping into real estate. While still working full-time as a corrections officer, he bought his first investment property in 2024 and grew his portfolio to over $1 million in market value by 2026. We talk real estate, DSCR loans, work ethic, ignoring outside opinions, and why keeping your W-2 can actually be a superpower.
Sep 30

From Selling Shoes & Teaching in Taiwan to Building a Community-First Real Estate Team in Cleveland

In this episode, Mike Roberts (founder & team leader of On the Block Group at Keller Williams Living) shares his full journey — from West Akron kid and Ohio State grad to living in California and Taiwan, selling shoes at Nordstrom, teaching English abroad, and eventually building a relationship-driven real estate brand in Shaker Heights.Mike gets real about:Starting with zero sales in San Diego during the recessionThe Young Team years and the mentors who changed everythingWhy he left a high-volume investor business to become “the neighborhood guy”Launching On the Block, creative content that actually stands out, and community events that feel personalManaging stress, fibromyalgia, family, and the constant hustlePractical advice for new agents: find the right mentor, stay humble, and put in the workWhether you’re in real estate, building a business, or just love a good origin story, this conversation is full of honesty, humor, and practical takeaways.
Sep 22

She Bet on Herself, Became a CEO & Built a Beauty Empire

Sarah Herbst didn't set out to build an empire. She discovered sugaring, saw an opportunity others overlooked, and took the leap.From struggling to learn the craft, becoming a single mom, opening her first rough-around-the-edges location, and eventually building Sugar Bar into a luxury brand with 14,000+ clients, two locations, SugarCon, and a massive social media following — Sarah's story is about betting on yourself when you don't have everything figured out. Now its all paid off.Built Off Ambition — For the ones who bet on themselves.
Sep 17

She Never Planned to Be an Entrepreneur — Then Everything Changed

From the music industry and managing The Bangles to homelessness, motherhood, recovery, and eventually building a successful executive car service—her entrepreneurial journey was anything but planned. She shares how unexpected opportunities, faith, and the willingness to start over led her to build a business model unlike anyone else in her market. Sometimes the biggest opportunities come from the places you never expected.
Sep 2

What It Really Takes to Build a Real Estate Team

Zach Rohrbough shares the story of how he went from dropping out of college and bouncing between jobs to becoming a successful real estate agent and building the Black Tide Group from the ground up. He opens up about failure, self-doubt, betting on yourself, the influence of his kids, and why building a business is about more than money—it’s about developing people, creating a family, and refusing to stay down when you fall.
Aug 26

Building Wealth Through Off-Market Real Estate (Part 1)

Adam shared his journey in real estate, emphasizing the significance of off-market deals. Unlike traditional listings, off-market properties often present hidden opportunities. Adam's company, Great Lakes Real Estate Investments, specializes in connecting directly with property owners, helping them navigate challenging situations. "We deal directly with people who own properties... we don't ever go through like the MLS or use a realtor to find a deal," he explained.

Built Off Ambition is for the ones who refuse to play it safe. Real conversations with entrepreneurs, builders, and visionaries who took the risk, bet on themselves, pushed through failure, and turned bold ideas into real success. If you’ve ever dreamed bigger, wanted more, or wondered what’s possible when you go all in—this is for you

Creator

Michael
Years Active

2026
Episodes

18
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Michael
Show Website

Built Off Ambition