Save to Zero

Zach Richards, Mike Seidl

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

    -6 j

    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

    48 min
  2. Why Smart Operators Build Around Seasonality with Skyler Garman Ep 19

    23 juin

    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

    44 min
  3. The Sweet Shift into Real Estate Investing with Aaron Hale Ep 18

    16 juin

    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

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

    9 juin

    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

    46 min
  5. Opportunities, Spec Homes, and Thinking Bigger with Caleb Harwell Ep. 16

    2 juin

    Opportunities, Spec Homes, and Thinking Bigger with Caleb Harwell Ep. 16

    Episode 16: Opportunities, Spec Homes, and Thinking Bigger with Caleb Harwell Most people see an opportunity and overthink it. Others take the shot and figure it out as they go. Save to Zero hosts Mike and Zach sit down with real estate investor Caleb Harwell to hear how he started his business with curiosity and connection. While working at a bank, he noticed investors making in a month what he was making in a year, and instead of ignoring it, he started asking questions. That simple move opened the door to everything that came next. Caleb shares how he went from buying single-family rentals to flipping houses, building new construction, and developing high-end spec homes in some of Atlanta’s most established neighborhoods. He talks openly about learning on the job, taking smart risks, and leaning on mentors, masterminds, and real-world experience to move faster. You’ll also hear the difference between working with outside builders and bringing more of the process in-house, why “who not how” matters when you want to grow, and how Caleb thinks about the future.  You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Caleb got into real estate Why asking questions can open big doors How masterminds help you grow faster The shift from rentals to luxury spec homes Why construction became the better play The value of focusing on “who,” not “how” How Caleb stays on top of design trends Why systems matter when you want to scale How Caleb thinks about long-term commercial investing What real freedom can look like as an entrepreneur  Quotes “If I see a shot and an opening, I’m going for it. At the end of the day, we’re all gonna die. Go for it.” “It’s not what I like. It’s what the market wants and what the market likes.” “I want experiences, I want moments, different cultures, different foods. That’s way cooler to me than a Ferrari or a Rolex.” “The ultimate success is being able to turn your phone off.” About Caleb Harwell Caleb Harwell is a real estate investor and developer. He started off in residential buy-and-hold rental properties and has grown into commercial investing and high-end spec home builds across Georgia. Caleb is a small-town guy with worldwide dreams and goals. Faith, family, and freedom. Find Caleb Harwell 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

    45 min
  6. How to Build a Business That Runs on Process, Not Panic, with Melanie Sloane Ep. 15

    26 mai

    How to Build a Business That Runs on Process, Not Panic, with Melanie Sloane Ep. 15

    Episode 15: How to Build a Business That Runs on Process, Not Panic, with Melanie Sloane Leaving a W-2 job can feel risky, but for our guest, it opened the door to greater freedom, bigger impact, and a whole new way of working. In this episode, Mike and Zach sit down with Melanie Sloane to chat about what it looked like to leave corporate life behind and build Iron Horse Consulting around the kind of work she does best. This conversation digs into the real difference between working in a job and owning a business. Melanie talks about the freedom that comes from controlling your own schedule, working in your zone of genius, and building a company around your strengths rather than someone else’s structure. She also shares why business ownership is not always the “safe” option people think it is, and why many owners need to rethink what security really means. We also get into the financial side of growth: Why smaller companies often underprice themselves, how poor processes hurt profitability, and why clear reporting matters if you want to grow or eventually sell your business. Melanie also shares how she uses AI as a solopreneur, where it helps, where it falls short, and why human judgment still matters. You’ll Learn in This Episode: What the transition from W2 employee to business owner really feels like How controlling your own schedule can change how you work How to lean into your zone of genius The best ways to use AI as a solopreneur Why engaged owners make better clients and better businesses The common gaps Melanie sees in growing companies Why pricing too low can hurt more than help What smaller businesses can improve profit Why processes create more predictable results What buyers look for if you want to sell your business one day Quotes “Being my own owner, I can choose when I work on the projects that I work on according to the energy, the mental energy, that I have.”  “If you plan to exit your business someday, then your business eventually will run without you needing to be in the day-to-day.” “If the owner isn’t engaged in the business, it doesn’t matter if they’re $500,000 or $50 million. They aren’t going to be a good fit.” “If you have processes in place and you have consistency, then you will have more predictable profits.” About Melanie Sloane With over 15 years of progressive financial leadership experience, Melanie Sloane brings a wealth of practical knowledge to business owners seeking clarity and growth in their operations.  Melanie began her career in veterinary practice management before pivoting to the trades sector, where she developed a passion for transforming complex financial data into actionable insights. After helping scale an HVAC company from $5M to $20M in revenue as Director of Administration and successfully navigating its acquisition by a private equity firm, Melanie launched Iron Horse Consulting to extend this expertise to other ambitious business owners.  Through Iron Horse Consulting, Melanie provides fractional CFO and comprehensive bookkeeping services to growing businesses nationwide. She specializes in budget creation, financial statement interpretation, cash flow planning, and the development of key performance metrics, helping owners build sustainable enterprises with clear exit strategies.  Her quality-of-earnings evaluation services support clients at both stages of the acquisition process. For investors, these evaluations are a crucial component of due diligence, identifying both opportunities and risks before significant capital is committed.  For business owners planning an exit in the coming years, she conducts pre-sale quality-of-earnings assessments that strengthen financial presentations, address potential buyer concerns proactively, and support the highest possible valuation during negotiations. This preparation can significantly increase a business's market value and streamline the eventual sale process.  Melanie holds dual Bachelor's degrees in Business Administration and Accounting, combining formal education with real-world application. Her approach balances strict adherence to essential financial principles with the flexibility needed to support each business's unique goals and challenges.  Melanie’s mission is straightforward: to enable business owners to focus on what they love without being hindered by financial confusion or administrative burdens. She takes particular satisfaction in helping owners understand the meaning of various aspects of financial reports, giving them a deeper grasp of how their business is performing and how potential changes may affect future outcomes.  Working remotely with clients across the United States, Melanie serves as a trusted financial partner for business owners and investors seeking both immediate operational improvements and strategic pathways to successful acquisitions or exits. Find Melanie Sloane Online or Text at 801-332-9698  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

    45 min
  7. Building a Business by Trusting Your Gut with Dana Staszkiewicz Ep 14

    19 mai

    Building a Business by Trusting Your Gut with Dana Staszkiewicz Ep 14

    Episode 14: Building a Business by Trusting Your Gut with Dana Staszkiewicz Jumping into a business you know nothing about, just trusting yourself to figure it out, sounds like a formidable risk. But that’s exactly what this episode’s guest, Dana Staszkiewicz, did when she joined her brother’s plumbing business. Co-hosts Zach and Mike sit down with Dana to chat about business growth, leadership, and what it really takes to scale without losing your values along the way. Dana shares how she joined her brother’s plumbing company right before the world changed in 2020, helped restructure the business during the pandemic, and played a major role in growing it from $12 million to $20 million in less than 36 months. It’s a great conversation about moving fast, learning on the fly, and building systems that actually support growth. We also dig into the people side of business. Dana talks openly about accountability, culture, leadership, and why so many businesses struggle to turn a profit, even when revenue looks strong. She also shares why she created the Audara Collective to support women business owners and why stepping away from the day-to-day is just as important as knowing when to push. You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Dana made the leap from advertising into a $12 million plumbing business with no trades background Why restructuring during uncertain times helped Dana’s company get tighter, stronger, and more prepared What can happen when you follow your intuition How Dana and her team grew Opus & Gold from $12 to $20 million in under 36 months The importance of maintaining company culture and family values when growing a company How accountability is one of the biggest missing pieces in so many growing businesses Why Dana started the Audara Collective to help women business owners become better leaders How mindset, physical health, and mental health help you become a stronger business owner Why taking time outside your business can help you think more clearly, lead better, and stay inspired Quotes “Sometimes you just have to make a leap.” “How do you get a little corporate but still be family owned and still have a beautiful culture. That was the balance.” “No one told me, either. Especially nowadays, there are so many avenues where you can find out information. I seek to learn. I’m a big podcast listener. And now with AI, we have so many answers at our fingertips. There’s really no excuse.” About Dana Staszkiewicz  Dana Staszkiewicz is the Co-Founder of The Opus & Golds Group, where she helps trades businesses reach their next level of success, whether that's preparing for sale, accelerating growth, or transitioning owners out of day-to-day operations. The group also partners with select companies through equity participation to ensure aligned long-term success.  As the former General Manager/COO of All Hours Plumbing, Heating, and Air, she drove the company's growth from $12M to $20M in under three years, leading to a successful sale in 2023. Her impact included leading the sale, overseeing a comprehensive rebranding, establishing leadership and management teams, and optimizing company processes.  With a diverse background spanning corporate retail management, product buying, and nearly a decade of leadership at advertising agencies, Dana brings unique expertise to the home service industry. As Director of Client Relations, she managed relationships with Fortune 50 companies before transitioning to her current roles.  While actively involved in the day-to-day operations of The Opus & Golds Group, Dana also owns and leads Audara Collective, a Fractional CEO company that mentors and empowers women to run their companies effectively.  She hosts The Trades Accelerator podcast, dedicated to helping people in trades grow and lead, whether they're already in charge or just getting started.  Beyond her professional pursuits, she is an avid traveler who enjoys exploring new places with her fiancé, cherishes time with her children and grandchildren, and remains dedicated to giving back to the community. Find Dana Staszkiewicz on Facebook | LinkedIn | 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

    45 min
  8. Scaling Fast and Fixing Mistakes with Dwayne Zimmerman and Tristan (TJ) Weiler Ep. 13

    12 mai

    Scaling Fast and Fixing Mistakes with Dwayne Zimmerman and Tristan (TJ) Weiler Ep. 13

    Episode 13: Scaling Fast and Fixing Mistakes with Dwayne Zimmerman and Tristan (TJ) Weiler What happens when you go all-in on real estate… learn some hard lessons… and build a second business along the way? Let’s find out in this episode, where hosts Mike Seidl and Zach Richards chat with young entrepreneurs Dwayne Zimmerman and Tristan (TJ) Weiler, who scaled from zero to around seventy properties in just a few years. They also launched a lumber business on the side. Dwayne and TJ share what’s worked, what hasn’t, and the real-world moments that forced them to level up fast. From house fires to insurance claims to tightening up their buying strategy, this conversation is about learning by doing, even if that’s sometimes the hard way. We also get into how they structure their businesses, why masterminds have been a game-changer, and how they’re now thinking bigger with development projects and multiple business locations.  You’ll Learn in This Episode: The biggest things a real estate investor needs to be aware of before it's too late How Dwayne and Tristan scaled to ~70 properties in just a few years What happens when a flip goes wrong, and how to recover from it How to structure roles across admin, maintenance, and operations as you grow Why buying “everything” early on helped them learn what not to do How they’re transitioning from single-family deals into larger development projects The story behind their lumber business How to scale a second business without creating chaos The benefits of being in multiple mastermind groups How to approach expanding into multiple locations the smart way Quotes “We bought everything that came across the table… and that taught us what we don’t like.” “Most people pay for insurance and never think about it until something happens.” “We marked the lumber up 100% and were still cheaper than the big stores. That’s how I knew there was real money there.” About Dwayne Zimmerman and Tristan (TJ) Weiler Dwayne Zimmerman and Tristan (TJ) Weiler are entrepreneurs. They started in the construction industry as W2 earners. At ages 19 and 18, they bought their first house to flip. By age 23, they have amassed 70-plus houses and own a 2-million-dollar-a-year lumber business. Find Tristan (TJ) Weiler on Facebook Find Dwayne Zimmerman 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

    44 min

À propos

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.

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