Save to Zero

Zach Richards, Mike Seidl
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Save to Zero is a podcast about earning more instead of just saving more. Hosted by Zach Richards and Mike Seidl, entrepreneurs and founders of REI Capital Guys, helping others achieve true passive income through private lending, you will learn how to invest in yourself, build real income streams, and stop wasting time chasing small savings. Hear from investors, entrepreneurs, and operators on how they created value, scaled their networks, and built real wealth.

  1. 10h ago

    How to Turn Your Business Into a Transferable Asset with Paul Cronin_Ep 24

    Episode 24: How to Turn Your Business Into a Transferable Asset with Paul Cronin Most business owners think they’re building an asset, but might actually just be building a job for themselves. What’s the difference between a business that survives and one that thrives? It comes down to common patterns that hold businesses back and simple principles that create lasting value. In this episode, Zach and Mike sit down with Paul Cronin, a coach who works with companies ranging from a few million to hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. We explore why corporate success doesn’t always translate into entrepreneurial success, how great leaders learn to coach people at every level, and why being “coachable” may be the single most important trait a business owner can have. We also dig into an often overlooked topic: transferability. If your company depends entirely on you, do you really own a business, or does the business own you? You’ll learn how buyers evaluate risk, why some companies bring higher valuations than others, and how understanding the four capitals can dramatically improve both business performance and long-term wealth creation. We also chat about the biggest mistakes founders make when preparing for a future exit, the importance of building systems that work without the owner, and why waiting until you’re ready to sell is often far too late. You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why some corporate professionals struggle when they become business owners Lessons learned from working with companies of vastly different sizes The importance of being a coachable leader How great coaches adapt to different personalities and businesses Why every business owner should understand transferability What makes a company attractive to buyers The four capitals that drive long-term business value How risk impacts business valuation and sale price Why owner dependence destroys value Why it’s important to have an exit strategy long before you need one The number one cause of business failure Three practical areas every owner should evaluate today Quotes “Don’t tell me what you’re saying yes to, tell me what you’ve said no to that probably was a better idea.” “Your job as the owner is to create a highly transferable asset.” “The number one reason companies struggle is not having the right people in the right seats.” “If nobody wants what you have, it has no value.” About Paul Cronin Paul Cronin helps owners of $7M-$150M companies escape the Founder's Trap, unlocking 3 to 8 times their enterprise value. Stop chasing EBITDA at the expense of engineered transferability, optionality, and your freedom.  Find Paul Cronin on LinkedIn Email Paul Cronin: paul.cronin@cornerstone3inc.com Find REI Capital Guys For Investors & the Fund – Learn how the Fund works and book a call For Borrowers & Deals – Get funding and support for your next investment

    How to Turn Your Business Into a Transferable Asset with Paul Cronin_Ep 24

  2. Jul 21

    The Hidden Challenges of Sudden Wealth with Joseph D. Warren Ep 23

    Episode 23: The Hidden Challenges of Sudden Wealth with Joseph D. Warren Most people spend their lives trying to make more money, but what happens when a large amount arrives all at once? Whether it’s selling a business, receiving an inheritance, cashing out company stock, or another major financial windfall, a sudden wealth event can create opportunities and mistakes that impact the rest of your life. In this episode, Zach and Mike sit down with Joseph D. Warren, a financial planner specializing in helping people navigate these life-changing moments. He explains why the biggest threat isn’t usually the money itself, but the emotional decisions people make after they receive it. We discuss why creating rules before major financial events happen can help you avoid costly mistakes and why having a strategy in place before the money arrives is often more important than what you do afterward. You’ll also hear why successful investors build a team around them instead of trying to become experts in everything.  Our conversation also dives into business ownership, the importance of tracking how you spend your time, and why your business should support your life rather than consume it. You’ll also hear practical tips about naming savings accounts, preparing for future investment opportunities, maintaining proper asset allocation, and why diversification still matters.  You’ll Learn in This Episode: What qualifies as a sudden wealth event Why emotions drive so many money decisions Common mistakes people make after receiving a financial windfall The importance of creating financial rules ahead of time Why you need to have a tax strategy, not just preparation How to coordinate advisors so everyone works towards the same goals How to balance personal and business finances Why tracking your time is just as important as tracking your money The role of diversification and asset allocation How naming savings accounts can improve financial habits Building liquidity for future opportunities The value of delegation and trusted advisors Why radical transparency builds trust Creating a business based on reputation and results brokercheck.com Quotes “The biggest financial mistakes happen when emotions take over.” “You want the plan in place before the money arrives, not after.” “Your business should support your life, not become your life.” “Ethics are the number one thing that you have.” About Joseph D. Warren Joseph D. Warren is the co-founder of Financial Planning HQ, LLC, a boutique firm providing truly comprehensive financial strategies for a limited number of clients.  He serves fast-growing business owners with meaningful real estate holdings as their Financial CEO. Joseph coordinates tax, legal, lending, and cash flow so you can focus on your business and the things that matter more than money.  In his free time, when he's not helping clients, you can find Joseph at the gym lifting weights, reading Sci-Fi, or spending time with his wife and two kids (a toddler and newborn).  Find Joseph D. Warren on YouTube | LinkedIn | TikTok | Instagram Call Joseph D. Warren on 210-444-2128  Find REI Capital Guys For Investors & the Fund – Learn how the Fund works and book a call For Borrowers & Deals – Get funding and support for your next investment

    The Hidden Challenges of Sudden Wealth with Joseph D. Warren Ep 23

  3. Jul 14

    The Profit First System That Changes Everything with Ron Saharyan Ep 22

    Episode 22: The Profit First System That Changes Everything with Ron Saharyan Most business owners work harder than ever, grow older, add customers, and still wonder where all the money went. Sound familiar? What if you turned the tables and considered a different option: What if profit wasn’t an afterthought? In this episode, co-hosts Zach and Mike sit down with Ron Saharyan, co-founder of the Profit First movement. For decades, entrepreneurs have been taught that profit is whatever remains after expenses. The problem is that there is rarely anything left over. Our conversation explores a cash flow system that helps business owners pay themselves first, create clarity around their finances, and make better money decisions. Business finances don’t need to be complicated. Instead of drowning in reports, dashboards, and financial jargon, the focus is on creating a system that makes money visible and purposeful. The Profit First method works across industries and at any stage of your business development.  Ron is generously donating ten copies of his book, Profit First, to the first ten people who email us at EMAIL ADDRESS NEEDED. You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why the traditional profit formula fails business owners The simple shift behind the Profit First method How to create clarity around your cash flow Why paying yourself first changes everything How to gamify your finances and track progress Industries that can benefit from Profit First What happens when you implement the system from day one Preparing a business for growth, acquisition, and sale Lessons from real estate investing and private equity How to create a better company culture by being purposeful with your money Quotes “Profit isn’t what’s left over. Profit should come first.”  “By living everything that we’ve taught and do teach, I know it works.” “Get good at trying to get good.” “If you can’t run your own business well, why would you buy someone else’s?” About Ron Saharyan  Ron Saharyan is the co- founder of Profit First Professionals. Since starting Profit First Professionals in 2014 from the basement of Mike’s house, Ron has implemented, certified, and taught Profit First to hundreds of accounting, bookkeeping, and coaching firms around the globe.  Ron is an expert in sales processes/systems, hiring, scaling, and operations. Ron is also known as “Obie Ron” throughout Profit First Professionals for his business acumen.  Ron is an avid sports memorabilia collector and car enthusiast. He is married with a daughter living in New Jersey, USA. Ron is also an investor and real estate developer.  Find Ron Saharyan on Facebook Find REI Capital Guys For Investors & the Fund – Learn how the Fund works and book a call For Borrowers & Deals – Get funding and support for your next investment

    The Profit First System That Changes Everything with Ron Saharyan Ep 22

  4. Jul 7

    Building Businesses, Masterminds, and Meaningful Conversations with Jocelyn Greenky Ep 21

    Episode 21: Building Businesses, Masterminds, and Meaningful Conversations with Jocelyn Greenky Something shifted in this conversation almost immediately. What started as a business interview quickly turned into a masterclass on relationships, resilience, and how real success is built over decades, not months. Save to Zero co-hosts Mike and Zach sit down with entrepreneur, educator, and family business coach Joceyln Greenky to talk about everything from masterminds and AI disruption to communication styles, relationship capital, and knowing when to stay focused versus chasing the next shiny object.  Jocelyn shares how growing up around a Mennonite farm shaped her work ethic, why she went back to school in her 50s, and what she’s learned from more than four decades in business. This episode dives into entrepreneurship, family business dynamics, emotional intelligence, and why the strongest business advantage might actually be your ability to connect with people. From corporate leadership to teaching students, building businesses, and advising family-run companies, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and honest insight. You’ll Learn in This Episode: What a “Family Business Whisperer” actually does The difference between macro and micro thinking Why relationship capital matters in business How AI may reshape family business The value of small group masterminds Why emotional intelligence matters at work What makes family businesses complicated How to tell a great idea from a distraction Why being “all-in” changes everything Quotes “Relationship capital is everything. You never know which conversation is going to change your life.”  “With AI and the displacement of so many crucial jobs, I think we’re going to see more family businesses emerge.”  “Interesting ideas come when your back is against the wall, and you’re faced with what to do.” “You’re not alone in business. The problems you’re facing? Someone else has already faced them, too.” About Joceyln Greenky Jocelyn Greenky, MBA, is a no-nonsense business fixer, keynote speaker, and author with 40+ years of experience transforming companies and business reputations. From Fortune 500 giants to family-run firms, she’s helped leaders cut through chaos, build credibility, and drive real results with an all-in mentality.  She’s the author of The Big Sister’s Guide to the World of Work (Simon & Schuster) and a trusted expert featured on CNBC, CNN, and in The New York Times and Forbes. Jocelyn has held C-suite roles across media, tech, and lifestyle brands—ELLE, Rolling Stone, Car and Driver, Men’s Journal, HBO, Material Bank—and served as an adjunct professor at Mercy University and Queen’s College.  Grounded, funny, and fearless, Jocelyn brings clarity to complexity—and a serious edge to leadership. She lives in Greenwich, CT, with her husband, three dogs, and a never-empty dinner table full of family.  Find Jocelyn Greenky on her Website Find Jocelyn Greenky on LinkedIn and Instagram info@siderroad.com Find REI Capital Guys For Investors & the Fund – Learn how the Fund works and book a call For Borrowers & Deals – Get funding and support for your next investment

    Building Businesses, Masterminds, and Meaningful Conversations with Jocelyn Greenky Ep 21

  5. Jun 30

    Real Estate, Resilience, and Learning What Enough Means with Nick Aalerud Ep 20

    Episode 20: Real Estate, Resilience, and Learning What Enough Means with Nick Aalerud When the goal is no longer to do more deals, buy more units, or chase the next big number, what does success actually mean? Zach and Mike dig into what it really looks like to step back, reset, and ask that bigger question with their guest, Nick Aalerud. Nick has spent years in real estate, from single-family flips to multifamily and boutique hotels, then coaching, and now so much more. But after building businesses, scaling teams, surviving bad deals, navigating public personal challenges, and facing serious health scares, Nick is taking a very different approach. Instead of chasing 100+ deals a year, he’s choosing fewer than 10 intentional ones that excite him and fit the life he actually wants to live. Our conversation covers the highs, lows, and hard resets of Nick’s journey. He shares how a late-night infomercial pulled him out of banking and into real estate, his first real win, and how he slowly built systems, checklists, and a more careful way of doing business. This episode goes deeper than real estate deals. Nick opens up about the impact of divorce, business strain, staff issues, betrayal inside his company, and the moment he realized he could no longer just outwork every problem. That shift pushed him into a season of reflection, healing, and redefining what fulfillment really means. You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why Nick is choosing fewer, more intentional clients How his first real estate investments went wrong Why breaking even became a huge win How real estate helped him leave the corporate world Why he shifted from flips to rentals, multifamily, and boutique hotels How divorce impacted Nick’s businesses What happens when your identity is tied to work Quotes “Money follows excitement.” “I didn’t know what enough was, so I kept going.” “I wasn’t getting any happier. I wasn’t feeling really fulfilled at all.” “I’m still here. So, if I’m still here, I’m still safe.” About Nick Aalerud A former banker turned real estate investor, Nick Aalerud has 20 years of experience in both UP and DOWN markets – across all strategies and asset classes.  Having run an 8-figure, multi-state wholesale, fix-and-flip, and rental operation in which the team did 100+ deals a year across seven states, Nick built a team and opened other company verticals in real estate brokerage (40+ agents), property management, short-sale negotiations, and an investment servicing division.  Nick helped begin and grow numerous networking groups regionally (Black Diamond REI Insiders & REI Unleashed) to over 1500 members, fostering a sense of community and teaching others the right way to help people and make money in the business.  His firms have syndicated, bought, and sold over $100M in real estate and currently manage $20M in assets across RV Parks, Multifamily Portfolios, Boutique Hotels, and Self Storage portfolios across the East Coast, with strategic partnerships.  Having been through his own short sales, a foreclosure, crawling back from $500K in bad debt, losing hundreds of thousands in rehab lessons, having built a large 8-figure organization with 40+ people across 7 states, undergoing a full burnout, burning everything to the ground… and two divorces, which left him homeless and even in the hospital… He’s learned what ultimately is the key to success – and it’s the pursuit of FREEDOM, in all its forms.  Now a best-selling author, speaker, and transformational guide, he helps people reach a higher standard in their own lives through multiple modalities, pushing them to see what's possible if they just let go of the b******t stories they’ve had since birth.  Along the same lines, Nick’s passionate about overlaying a LIFE element to all those entrepreneurs who have taken a ton of courses or guru strategies, and can’t seem to take action or can’t seem to get consistent on their own success, especially for those who don’t yet feel fulfilled in their own lives.  Nick’s a leader in the REI Collab Community which fosters a go-giver group of folks who are holding each other accountable using specific frameworks for reaching financial freedom in 5 years or less using real estate as the tool, and is the founder of Life Unlimited Community, which guides burnt out or stale entrepreneurs back to abundance and passion in their lives, while showing them how to HAVE IT ALL in their finances, in their relationships, and in their LIFE by challenging the very fabric of who they were, and who they can be.  Nick is the host of the Journey to Freedom podcast, where he shares stories of other business owners and community members who overcame their challenges and found their paths to freedom. His mission is to profoundly IMPACT as many people as he can through his business ventures, coaching communities, charity and service work, and his efforts to be the best Dad, husband, creator, leader, mindset rebuilder, and transformational guide he can be.  Find Nick Aalerud on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | X Find REI Capital Guys For Investors & the Fund – Learn how the Fund works and book a call For Borrowers & Deals – Get funding and support for your next investment

    Real Estate, Resilience, and Learning What Enough Means with Nick Aalerud Ep 20

  6. Jun 23

    Why Smart Operators Build Around Seasonality with Skyler Garman Ep 19

    Episode 19: Why Smart Operators Build Around Seasonality with Skyler Garman Would you buy an asphalt business with almost no experience? That’s what our guest did, and after he learned the trade from the ground up, he started investing in real estate. We talk about the messy, smart, and very real process of building a seasonal business that doesn’t stay seasonal for long.  Skyler Garman joins Save to Zero hosts Mike and Zach to share how he went from knowing absolutely nothing about asphalt to running ProSeal PA, a growing business based in Pennsylvania. He talks about why he chose an industry he believed was stable, how he learned the trade by doing the work, and how the company slowly grew from sealcoating to patching, paving, commercial work, and beyond. Asphalt in the Northeast comes with a short window for work, but Skyler quickly realized that taking six months off sounded better in theory than in practice. Instead of laying people off and hoping they would come back, he started using real estate projects to keep skilled crews busy in the slower months. We dig into how Skyler structures his team, including remote sales leadership, daily huddles, outside reps, crew leads, and admin support. He shares how he finds talent in a tough labor market, why he uses recruiting partners, and why his team’s recruitment strategy often focuses on winning over the contractor’s wife first. Plus, we talk about the value of referral marketing, repeat business, commercial clients, and why answering the phone still has a competitive advantage. You’ll also learn about AI and automation in the asphalt and real estate space. You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Skyler got into asphalt Why seasonal businesses need strong systems How real estate helps him retain crews Why referrals matter in commercial work How Skyler finds and keeps contractors  Why culture is a recruiting tool How AI helps with faster quotes Why commercial work can be more efficient How he thinks about growth and autonomy Quotes “Velocity is everything to me. I’d rather keep money moving.” “People don’t need it done right this minute. They just want to be answered, communicated with, and put on a schedule.” “My mantra right now is: how do we get more and do less?” About Skyler Garman Skylar Garman is the owner of ProSeal PA and an avid real estate investor based in Pennsylvania. After starting his career in retail sales and sports nutrition, Skyler moved into the asphalt industry with no prior experience, drawn by the stability, demand, and opportunity in a market filled with poor operators. Today, he runs a growing asphalt and maintenance company serving residential, commercial, and municipal clients, while also using real estate to keep his crews active during the off-season. Find Skyler Garman on Instagram Find REI Capital Guys For Investors & the Fund – Learn how the Fund works and book a call For Borrowers & Deals – Get funding and support for your next investment

    Why Smart Operators Build Around Seasonality with Skyler Garman Ep 19

  7. Jun 16

    The Sweet Shift into Real Estate Investing with Aaron Hale Ep 18

    Episode 18: The Sweet Shift into Real Estate Investing with Aaron Hale What happens when life forces you to start again and you end up building a fudge business, buying rentals, lending to investors, and running some of the toughest races on earth? In this episode of Save to Zero, co-hosts Mike and Zach sit down with Aaron Hale, a former military cook, Army EOD technician, fudge maker, real estate investor, lender, speaker, and extreme endurance athlete. His story is powerful, funny, and full of the kind of perspective that makes you rethink what’s possible. Aaron shows how Extraordinary Delights started as “kitchen therapy” during one of the hardest seasons of his life. After losing his sight, hearing, and balance, cooking became a way to reconnect with joy, purpose, and other people. What started as homemade fudge for friends and neighbors soon became a real business. But Aaron didn’t stop there. Once the fudge business started making money, he and his family began asking a bigger question: What should we do with this income? That led him into real estate investing. Aaron talks honestly about underestimating the rehab budget, learning the hard way, and still making the deal work. From there, he moved into rentals, short-term rentals, BRRRR projects, and eventually private lending and more passive investment options. Partnership is a key to Aaron’s success. He shares how much of his life depends on finding the right people, whether he’s running, climbing mountains, kayaking, or investing in real estate. For him, building a team isn’t optional. You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Aaron moved from fudge making into real estate investment Why active income can be used to build passive income What beginner real estate education helped get him started Why his first BRRRR deal became a major learning experience How partnerships and trusted teams shape his investing strategy What private lending can look like in real estate Why passive returns usually come with trade-offs How Aaron thinks about risk, trust, and due diligence Quotes “Kitchen therapy turned into a business.” “You take the active money, and you do passive things with it.” “Blind or not, I still need a team.” “The more hands-off you get, the less return you’re going to get for yourself.” About Aaron Hale Aaron Hale is a former Army EOD technician who lost his vision and hearing after a catastrophic illness following combat deployments. Rather than retreat from life, he rebuilt it.  Aaron became the first deaf-blind athlete to complete the Badwater 135, the toughest foot race on earth, and most recently ran from the coast of Africa to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in a historic sea-to-summit expedition.  Today, he speaks to leaders and teams about resilience, adaptation, and performing when circumstances are far from ideal.  Find Aaron Hale and the Point of Impact Podcast Online Find Aaron Hale on Instagram | LinkedIn Find REI Capital Guys For Investors & the Fund – Learn how the Fund works and book a call For Borrowers & Deals – Get funding and support for your next investment

    The Sweet Shift into Real Estate Investing with Aaron Hale Ep 18

  8. Jun 9

    The Real Reason Your Marketing Isn’t Working with Charles Craggett Ep. 17

    Episode 17: The Real Reason Your Marketing Isn’t Working with Charles Craggett You don’t lose deals because of bad marketing. You lose them because you’re too slow to respond. Attention spans are shorter, customers expect instant answers, and some businesses are still using older marketing models. Charles Craggett, digital marketing expert, joins Save to Zero hosts Zach and Mike to talk about what it really takes to stand out in a crowded space.  Charles looks at digital marketing from a practical angle, focused on getting you more leads. Truthfully, your leads don’t want to wait anymore. If someone fills in a form and doesn’t hear back quickly, they’re already talking to someone else. Charles breaks down how simple systems like instant text responses, fast follow-ups, and clear processes can massively improve your conversion rate. Our conversation also digs into visibility. It’s not enough to have a website and hope people find you. You need to show up where your customers are already looking, whether that’s Google, social media, local search, or even newer AI-driven search tools. Charles talks through why this creates momentum over time and why that kind of consistency leads to better results. We also chat about what happens after the sale, where referrals, reviews, and repeat business kick in. Charles shares how small changes, such as asking for referrals or staying in touch, can turn one job into many. Finally, Charles shares his thoughts on outsourcing, working with overseas contractors, and the importance of clear communication for good results. He also offers a practical view of AI, not as magic but as a tool that can help you learn faster, think more clearly, and build skills when used well. You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why instant gratification is changing buyer behavior Why visibility online matters more than ever How a faster follow-up can win more business What compound marketing looks like in real life Why referral marketing still works so well How digital marketing can support repeat business Why knowing your ideal client profile changes everything The best places to network and meet new clients What to know before hiring overseas contractors How to use AI to help you learn and solve problems faster Quotes “In business, you’re just a professional problem solver. So, that’s just another problem to solve.” “Being cheap is a race to the bottom.” “I think that we’re at a point where people just want you to get to the point.” About Charles Craggett Charles Craggett is the founder of Become The Authority, a marketing automation agency based in Cleveland, Ohio. He has a background in sales and marketing and now focuses on bringing a systems-based approach to marketing to local service businesses.  When Charles is not running his agency, he enjoys training in Mixed Martial Arts and spending time with his family. Find Charles Craggett on Facebook and Instagram Find REI Capital Guys For Investors & the Fund – Learn how the Fund works and book a call For Borrowers & Deals – Get funding and support for your next investment

    The Real Reason Your Marketing Isn’t Working with Charles Craggett Ep. 17
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About

Save to Zero is a podcast about earning more instead of just saving more. Hosted by Zach Richards and Mike Seidl, entrepreneurs and founders of REI Capital Guys, helping others achieve true passive income through private lending, you will learn how to invest in yourself, build real income streams, and stop wasting time chasing small savings. Hear from investors, entrepreneurs, and operators on how they created value, scaled their networks, and built real wealth.

Information

  • Creator
    Zach Richards, Mike Seidl
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 REI Capital Guys. All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    Save to Zero

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