Assisted Living Network Podcast

RAL Academy

Welcome to the Assisted Living Network, presented by RAL Academy, a podcast designed to help you discover how to successfully invest in the booming Residential Assisted Living market.If you're a real estate investor, you know how hard it is to find a profitable and fulfilling strategy in today's market. Methods of generating revenue that worked 10 years ago, don’t work today. Are you tired of low cash flow, high maintenance, and unhappy tenants? Do you wish you could make a difference in the world, not just a buck? Do you want your investments to build a legacy, not be a liability? Then you’ve come to the right place. If you have questions about investing in Residential Assisted Living, this is the podcast for you. Hosted by residential assisted living expert Isabelle Guarino, this podcast provides valuable information and analysis on the trends and opportunities in senior housing, with market insights to help you make informed decisions and gain a competitive edge in your business.This podcast is brought to you by RAL Academy, the nation's leading experts on residential assisted living. The RAL Academy has trained tens of thousands of investors and entrepreneurs on how to make the most of the lucrative investment opportunities in assisted living. We help entrepreneurs just like you learn how to turn residential homes into assisted living facilities for seniors, combining your passion for real estate with your compassion for people. This is not just a business, it's a mission. You'll learn how to build a business that generates substantial recurrent cash flow while providing a quality service for seniors that is in extremely high demand. With these short, easily digestible episodes, you'll learn everything you need to know about RAL – how to find, finance, and operate a successful RAL home, how to hire the best staff and market your home to potential residents, how to avoid the common pitfalls and mistakes investors make, and so much more. You'll also hear inspiring stories from other RAL investors, owners and operators who are making a difference in their communities and enjoying the rewards of their work. The Assisted Living Network is more than just a podcast, it's a movement... a community of like-minded investors who are passionate about creating wealth and serving others.  We're here to revolutionize the senior housing industry and empower you to achieve your financial and personal goals. We'll share with you real-life experiences, insights, and tips on how to succeed with assisted living. We'll also interview experts, influencers, and leaders in the field who will inspire and educate you. Doing good and doing well… that's what Residential Assisted Living is all about. It's a way of investing in real estate that also makes a positive impact on the lives of seniors who need care and support. It's a way of combining profit and purpose, creating a legacy of compassion and service. If you're an investor who wants to do more than just make money, if you're someone who cares about people and wants to leave this world better than you found it, if you're ready to take your investing to the next level and create a lasting legacy, then this podcast is for you. Don't miss this opportunity to do good and do well with assisted living.Assisted Living, Impact Investing, Profitability, Senior Housing, Residential Care Facilities, Long Term Care, Memory Care, Investing in Senior Living, Marketing Strategies for Assisted Living, Passive Investing, Cash Flow, Real Estate Trends, Legacy Investing.

  1. Can You Use a 2-Story Home for Assisted Living? Here’s the Truth.

    23H AGO

    Can You Use a 2-Story Home for Assisted Living? Here’s the Truth.

    Thinking about turning a multi-story house into a residential assisted living home? While single-story homes are often the go-to choice, you can absolutely make a multi-level property work with the right planning and safety equipment. In this episode, Isabelle from the Assisted Living Network breaks down exactly how to navigate the challenges of multi-level RAL properties to ensure your residents stay safe and your business stays profitable. Opening an RAL home in a two-story house requires a deep understanding of both state requirements and resident preferences. While many local residential zones might not strictly mandate an elevator, going above and beyond the bare minimum is what sets successful homes apart from the rest. We explore the critical differences between stairlifts and residential elevators, including the speed and safety advantages that elevators provide during emergency situations. You will also learn about the financial side of these upgrades. From the typical costs of installation to the specific companies like Stilts Lift and Acorn Stair Lifts, we provide a clear roadmap for your investment. We even share a cautionary tale of a homeowner who skipped the elevator and struggled with 23 empty tours before realizing how much seniors value safety and accessibility. Whether you are looking to increase your bed count or boost your property's resale value, this guide covers everything you need to know. Chapters 0:00 Intro to Multi-Level RAL Homes 1:35 Local Regulations and Zoning Rules 2:55 Elevator vs Stairlift Comparison 4:50 Recommended Companies and Pricing 6:45 Pros Cons and Resident Experience 8:30 Safety Benefits and Final Advice Key Topics Covered 🏠 Navigating zoning and residential requirements 🚀 Why elevators are preferred over chairlifts 💰 Budgeting for installation and maintenance 📈 Real-world stories of RAL success 🛡️ How accessibility impacts your bottom line If you are ready to take the next step in your RAL journey, make sure to check out our RAL Riches course for real estate agents and join us at our annual conference in Arizona. Like and share this video if you found it helpful and subscribe for more senior housing insights. #assistedliving #realestateinvesting #seniorhousing #ral #residentialassistedliving RESOURCES: 👉 JOIN US ON SKOOL!:  https://www.skool.com/ralacademy 👉 FREE BOOTCAMP:  https://youtube.ral101.com/bootcamp-free 👉 FREE BOOK:  Living Legacy by Isabelle Guarino https://youtube.ral101.com/livinglegacy 👉 FREE RAL RESOURCES:  https://youtube.ral101.com/get-started  👉 ISABELLE'S CALENDAR: Schedule a 1-on-1 Conversation with Isabelle or our team https://youtube.ral101.com/call  👉 WEBSITE:  https://youtube.ral101.com/website  WANT TO ATTEND A TRAINING? 👉 3 Day Fast Track:  https://youtube.ral101.com/3dft 👉 Home Study Course: https://youtube.ral101.com/HSC  🎓 Ready to turn your passion into profit? Join Isabelle Guarino’s private Skool community to learn how to launch, run, and grow your own residential assisted living business. Get access to exclusive trainings, expert Q&As, and a like-minded community all in one place. Start learning today! → https://www.skool.com/ralacademy/about  Subscribe Wherever You Enjoy Your Podcasts Apple Podcasts: https://impct.live/applepodcast Spotify Podcasts: https://impct.live/spotifypodcast More Listening Options: https://impct.live/alnetworkpodcast

    11 min
  2. 3 Hardest Parts of Owning an RAL Home (And How to Master Them)

    APR 3

    3 Hardest Parts of Owning an RAL Home (And How to Master Them)

    Thinking about starting a residential assisted living business but worried about the challenges? While owning an RAL home can secure your financial future, it is not always a walk in the park. In this video, Isabelle breaks down the three toughest hurdles you will face and the systems you need to master them. Running a business in the senior housing industry requires more than just a big heart. It takes grit, strategy, and a commitment to excellence. Isabelle discusses the reality of being an entrepreneur in this space, from managing high-turnover staff to navigating unannounced state inspections. You will learn why systems are the key to turning these difficult obstacles into easy breezy sailing. We dive deep into the three main pain points: staffing, regulations, and marketing. Isabelle shares her slow to hire and quick to fire philosophy and explains why a 90-day onboarding process is vital for building a strong culture. You will also discover how to prepare for state inspectors by using mock inspections and why your marketing efforts must never stop, even when your home is full. Chapters 0:00 Introduction to RAL Challenges 1:20 The 3 Hardest Parts of Owning an RAL 2:05 Mastering Staffing and Reducing Turnover 4:15 The Importance of Onboarding and Training 5:21 Join the 3-Day FastTrack Training 6:26 Navigating State Regulations and Inspections 8:11 Staying Consistent with RAL Marketing 10:01 Building Relationships with Local Influencers 11:00 Final Thoughts and Putting in the Work If you are ready to take the next step in your residential assisted living journey, click the link below to grab your tickets for our next 3-day FastTrack training in Phoenix, Arizona. Don't forget to like this video, share it with a fellow entrepreneur, and follow the Assisted Living Network for more tips on securing your financial future. #assistedliving #ral #seniorhousing #realestateinvesting #entrepreneurship 🎓 Ready to turn your passion into profit? Join Isabelle Guarino’s private Skool community to learn how to launch, run, and grow your own residential assisted living business. Get access to exclusive trainings, expert Q&As, and a like-minded community all in one place. Start learning today! → https://www.skool.com/ralacademy/about  Subscribe Wherever You Enjoy Your Podcasts Apple Podcasts: https://impct.live/applepodcast Spotify Podcasts: https://impct.live/spotifypodcast More Listening Options: https://impct.live/alnetworkpodcast

    13 min
  3. Teepa Snow: Early Warning Signs of Dementia You Shouldn't Ignore

    MAR 27

    Teepa Snow: Early Warning Signs of Dementia You Shouldn't Ignore

    Are you ready to navigate the massive shift in senior housing as millions of baby boomers enter the system? Join us for an enlightening conversation with the legendary Teepa Snow as we dive deep into the world of memory care and residential assisted living. In this episode, Teepa breaks down why the current assisted living model needs to evolve to meet the growing needs of those with brain changes. We explore the different types of dementia, from Alzheimers to Lewy Body, and discuss why early detection through cognitive baselines is vital for long term health. Teepa also shares practical lifestyle tips to support brain health, including the importance of hydration, quality sleep, and the MIND diet. We also tackle the hard truths about big box facilities versus smaller residential care homes. Teepa emphasizes the desperate need for specialized training and skill testing for caregivers, moving beyond simple video modules to ensure true quality of care. Whether you are an entrepreneur looking to start a care home or a family member seeking the best for a loved one, this episode is packed with expert guidance on providing dignity and support through every stage of brain change. Chapters 0:00 Intro and meeting Teepa Snow 2:15 The changing landscape of assisted living 4:30 Understanding different types of brain change 7:45 The importance of early diagnosis and baselines 10:15 Can we cure or slow down dementia 12:30 Lifestyle tips for brain health and hydration 15:00 Residential care vs big box facilities 17:45 The need for specialized training and skills 20:15 How to ask the right questions when touring homes 22:30 Common misconceptions about aggression 23:45 Advice for families and closing thoughts Learn more about our courses and join the community by clicking the links below. Subscribe for more expert interviews on the future of senior care and residential assisted living. #assistedliving #memorycare #teepasnow #dementia #seniorcare RESOURCES: 👉 JOIN US ON SKOOL!: https://www.skool.com/ralacademy 👉 3 Day Fast Track Training:  https://youtube.ral101.com/3dft 👉 ISABELLE'S CALENDAR: https://youtube.ral101.com/call  🎓 Ready to turn your passion into profit? Join Isabelle Guarino’s private Skool community to learn how to launch, run, and grow your own residential assisted living business. Get access to exclusive trainings, expert Q&As, and a like-minded community all in one place. Start learning today! → https://www.skool.com/ralacademy/about  Subscribe Wherever You Enjoy Your Podcasts Apple Podcasts: https://impct.live/applepodcast Spotify Podcasts: https://impct.live/spotifypodcast More Listening Options: https://impct.live/alnetworkpodcast

    26 min
  4. How to Profit from the Baby Boomer Housing Crisis | RAL Investing

    MAR 20

    How to Profit from the Baby Boomer Housing Crisis | RAL Investing

    Are you ready to tap into the massive opportunity within the senior housing market? Join Isabelle Guarino as she sits down with the founders of the RAL Room to discuss how military veterans are revolutionizing the residential assisted living space through virtual partnerships and savvy real estate strategies. Discover how you can make a significant impact on the lives of seniors while building a profitable and sustainable business. In this episode, Luke and Charlie from the RAL Room share their incredible origin story, starting from their military backgrounds to building a successful assisted living portfolio without ever meeting in person initially. They dive deep into the lease operator model, explaining how real estate investors can provide high quality housing for seniors without necessarily being the day to day care providers. You will learn the importance of finding the right partners, the nuances of remote property management, and why Arizona has become a hotspot for this asset class. The conversation also covers the psychological hurdles of raising capital. The guests explain how to shift your mindset from asking for money to offering a unique investment opportunity that provides both financial returns and social good. Whether you are a seasoned real estate investor or just starting out, this video provides a roadmap for navigating the silver tsunami and creating a legacy in the assisted living industry. Chapters 0:00 Intro and the Baby Boomer Housing Crisis 2:15 The RAL Room Origin Story and Military Bond 5:40 Building Trust and Virtual Partnerships 8:25 Understanding the Lease Operator Model 11:50 Managing Assisted Living Homes Remotely 14:10 The Growth of the RAL Room Community 17:30 Common Mistakes for New Investors 20:05 Overcoming Funding Hurdles and Raising Capital 23:15 How to Connect with the RAL Room If you are inspired to start your own journey in senior living, make sure to visit our website and check out the resources mentioned in this video. Do not forget to subscribe for more expert interviews and strategies on how to do good and do well in the assisted living space. #assistedliving #realestateinvesting #seniorhousing #ralroom #veteranentrepreneur 🎓 Ready to turn your passion into profit? Join Isabelle Guarino’s private Skool community to learn how to launch, run, and grow your own residential assisted living business. Get access to exclusive trainings, expert Q&As, and a like-minded community all in one place. Start learning today! → https://www.skool.com/ralacademy/about  Subscribe Wherever You Enjoy Your Podcasts Apple Podcasts: https://impct.live/applepodcast Spotify Podcasts: https://impct.live/spotifypodcast More Listening Options: https://impct.live/alnetworkpodcast

    25 min
  5. How to Build a Successful Residential Assisted Living Business With David Itman

    MAR 13

    How to Build a Successful Residential Assisted Living Business With David Itman

    Are you curious about what it takes to run a high-end assisted living home in a highly regulated state? Join Isabelle Guarino as she interviews David Itman, a successful residential assisted living owner who turned his background in caregiving and real estate into a thriving business. Learn how he navigates the complex world of senior housing while maintaining a heart-centered approach for his residents and staff. In this episode, David breaks down his seven-year journey operating Project Caring in Minnesota. He shares the importance of having a strong educational foundation, the reality of intense state surveys, and why he chooses to accept a mix of private pay and Medicaid waivers. You will discover why the residential model offers a superior care ratio compared to big-box facilities and how investing in your staff leads to long-term financial stability. David also discusses the unique challenges of the Minnesota market, including the requirement for clinical directors and the high cost of operations that trickles down to specialized care. Whether you are an aspiring investor or a healthcare professional, this conversation provides a roadmap for doing good while doing well in the senior housing industry. CHAPTERS 0:00 Welcome to the Assisted Living Network 2:15 David's Journey from Caregiving to Housing Studies 5:10 Merging Real Estate with Senior Care 7:45 What Makes a Care Home Truly Successful 10:30 Navigating High Regulations and Licensing in Minnesota 13:45 The Reality of State Surveys and Oversight 16:20 Understanding Medicaid Waivers and Private Pay 19:50 How to Talk About High Monthly Rates with Families 22:30 The Power of Staff Retention and Resident Love 25:10 Community Impact and the St. Croix Fishing Trips 27:13 Final Thoughts and Where to Find David If you want to learn how to start, own, and operate your own residential assisted living home, check out the link in our show notes to join our next 3-day FastTrack training in Phoenix! Make sure to like and subscribe for more success stories from the Assisted Living Network. #AssistedLiving #SeniorHousing #RealEstateInvesting #Caregiving #MinnesotaBusiness 🎓 Ready to turn your passion into profit? Join Isabelle Guarino’s private Skool community to learn how to launch, run, and grow your own residential assisted living business. Get access to exclusive trainings, expert Q&As, and a like-minded community all in one place. Start learning today! → https://www.skool.com/ralacademy/about  Subscribe Wherever You Enjoy Your Podcasts Apple Podcasts: https://impct.live/applepodcast Spotify Podcasts: https://impct.live/spotifypodcast More Listening Options: https://impct.live/alnetworkpodcast

    28 min
  6. How to Scale from 5 to 255 Assisted Living Beds with Serg Lupescu

    MAR 6

    How to Scale from 5 to 255 Assisted Living Beds with Serg Lupescu

    ARE YOU READY TO DISCOVER HOW ONE RESIDENTIAL ASSISTED LIVING HOME CAN SECURE YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE FOREVER? Join host Isabelle Guarino as she sits down with the King of Assisted Living YouTube, Serg Lupescu, to reveal the secrets of scaling from a single 5-bed home to a massive portfolio of 255 beds. Whether you are a nurse looking to escape the hospital or an investor seeking the next big opportunity, this episode is packed with actionable insights from someone who has lived through the highs and lows of the industry. In this deep dive, Serg shares his raw origin story of starting at just 22 years old and navigating the brutal learning curve of the senior housing industry. We discuss the transition from small residential homes to large-scale commercial facilities, the importance of raising capital through partnerships, and why building a strong team is the only way to achieve true freedom in this business. Serg also provides a look at the future of the market, including the shift toward adult daycare and new zoning opportunities. KEY TOPICS COVERED IN THIS VIDEO 🏠 How Serg scaled his business from 5 to 255 beds in eight years 💰 Creative financing and raising capital from investors 🏥 The pros and cons of residential vs large commercial facilities 📉 Overcoming vacancies and financial near-disasters 🌵 New 16-bed permit opportunities in the Arizona market 🤝 The power of mentorship and community support CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro and Welcoming Serg Lupescu 2:10 From Nursing School to a 5 Bed Home 4:55 Documenting the Journey on YouTube 7:15 Strategies for Funding and Raising Capital 9:40 Scaling to Large Commercial Facilities 13:05 Common Mistakes for New Operators 15:45 Resilience Through the Hardest Times 18:25 Why You Need a Support System 20:55 What Makes a Care Home Truly Successful 22:35 The Future of Assisted Living and Adult Daycare 23:39 Conclusion If you found value in this conversation, please LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to the Assisted Living Network for more expert interviews. Share your biggest takeaway in the comments below! To learn more about Serg, check out the Legion Assisted Living Academy and follow his journey on YouTube and Instagram. Do good and do well! 🎓 Ready to turn your passion into profit? Join Isabelle Guarino’s private Skool community to learn how to launch, run, and grow your own residential assisted living business. Get access to exclusive trainings, expert Q&As, and a like-minded community all in one place. Start learning today! → https://www.skool.com/ralacademy/about  Subscribe Wherever You Enjoy Your Podcasts Apple Podcasts: https://impct.live/applepodcast Spotify Podcasts: https://impct.live/spotifypodcast More Listening Options: https://impct.live/alnetworkpodcast

    25 min
  7. How to Build a 16-Bed Assisted Living Mansion with Brett Chotkevys

    FEB 27

    How to Build a 16-Bed Assisted Living Mansion with Brett Chotkevys

    Are you ready to turn the massive baby boomer housing crisis into your ultimate real estate investing opportunity? Join us live at the Assisted Living Conference as Isabelle sits down with Brett Chotkevys to reveal how to build multi-million dollar residential assisted living mansions from the ground up. Discover the exact blueprint for creating high-end senior housing neighborhoods that generate massive profits while providing top-tier care. 📈 In this episode of the Assisted Living Network podcast, we dive deep into the lucrative world of luxury private pay senior care. Brett shares his incredible journey from flipping houses to developing custom ten thousand square foot facilities. You will learn why building a sixteen bed mansion is the perfect sweet spot for maximizing net profit and achieving true time freedom. We also discuss insider secrets on finding affordable agricultural land and navigating city zoning laws to get your commercial projects approved.  💡 Plus Brett reveals the biggest operations mistakes new investors make and shares his proven strategies for hiring caregivers with heart. Find out how his team steals the best staff from big box facilities to create a winning culture and why promoting from within is the ultimate key to success. ⏳ CHAPTERS 0:00 The Baby Boomer Housing Crisis Opportunity 1:20 Brett Chotkevys Real Estate Origin Story 3:15 Navigating Zoning Laws and Agricultural Land 5:05 Why 16 Beds is the Magic Number for Profit 6:45 The Secret to Five-Star Care and Staffing 8:30 Biggest Mistakes New Operators Make 10:15 Hiring for Heart and Building a Winning Team 👇 If you found this video helpful, please hit the LIKE button and SUBSCRIBE to the Assisted Living Network for more real estate investing strategies. Leave a COMMENT below with your biggest takeaway and share this video with a fellow investor who needs to hear this. 🎓 Ready to turn your passion into profit? Join Isabelle Guarino’s private Skool community to learn how to launch, run, and grow your own residential assisted living business. Get access to exclusive trainings, expert Q&As, and a like-minded community all in one place. Start learning today! → https://www.skool.com/ralacademy/about  Subscribe Wherever You Enjoy Your Podcasts Apple Podcasts: https://impct.live/applepodcast Spotify Podcasts: https://impct.live/spotifypodcast More Listening Options: https://impct.live/alnetworkpodcast

    22 min
  8. From Burnout to Breakthrough: Building a Profitable Six Bed Care Home in Maine

    FEB 20

    From Burnout to Breakthrough: Building a Profitable Six Bed Care Home in Maine

    In this episode of the Assisted Living Network, host Isabelle Guarino sits down with Derek and Laurie Wood, owner-operators of a thriving six-bed residential care home in Maine. After leaving the government contracting world and leveraging Laurie’s 25 years of nursing experience, this husband and wife team acquired an existing home coming out of COVID, navigated complex state regulations, and transformed a burnout model into a fully occupied, cash-flowing business with a waiting list. They share how they: • Evaluated deals during the PPP bubble and avoided costly mistakes • Transitioned from an owner-led model to a scalable operation • Successfully operate a dual payer model with MaineCare paying up to $8,100 per resident • Maintain 100 percent occupancy through word of mouth and hospital referrals • Achieve a 20 percent margin on a six-bed home • Build strong staff loyalty in a competitive market • Balance marriage, careers, and business ownership If you have ever wondered whether a small six-bed home can truly work, this episode delivers real numbers, real strategy, and real inspiration. With 76 million baby boomers facing housing challenges, one residential assisted living home could change your financial future. Tune in to learn how Derek and Laurie are building not just one home, but a portfolio designed for long-term growth and impact. 🎓 Ready to turn your passion into profit? Join Isabelle Guarino’s private Skool community to learn how to launch, run, and grow your own residential assisted living business. Get access to exclusive trainings, expert Q&As, and a like-minded community all in one place. Start learning today! → https://www.skool.com/ralacademy/about  Subscribe Wherever You Enjoy Your Podcasts Apple Podcasts: https://impct.live/applepodcast Spotify Podcasts: https://impct.live/spotifypodcast More Listening Options: https://impct.live/alnetworkpodcast

    22 min
4.7
out of 5
49 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Assisted Living Network, presented by RAL Academy, a podcast designed to help you discover how to successfully invest in the booming Residential Assisted Living market.If you're a real estate investor, you know how hard it is to find a profitable and fulfilling strategy in today's market. Methods of generating revenue that worked 10 years ago, don’t work today. Are you tired of low cash flow, high maintenance, and unhappy tenants? Do you wish you could make a difference in the world, not just a buck? Do you want your investments to build a legacy, not be a liability? Then you’ve come to the right place. If you have questions about investing in Residential Assisted Living, this is the podcast for you. Hosted by residential assisted living expert Isabelle Guarino, this podcast provides valuable information and analysis on the trends and opportunities in senior housing, with market insights to help you make informed decisions and gain a competitive edge in your business.This podcast is brought to you by RAL Academy, the nation's leading experts on residential assisted living. The RAL Academy has trained tens of thousands of investors and entrepreneurs on how to make the most of the lucrative investment opportunities in assisted living. We help entrepreneurs just like you learn how to turn residential homes into assisted living facilities for seniors, combining your passion for real estate with your compassion for people. This is not just a business, it's a mission. You'll learn how to build a business that generates substantial recurrent cash flow while providing a quality service for seniors that is in extremely high demand. With these short, easily digestible episodes, you'll learn everything you need to know about RAL – how to find, finance, and operate a successful RAL home, how to hire the best staff and market your home to potential residents, how to avoid the common pitfalls and mistakes investors make, and so much more. You'll also hear inspiring stories from other RAL investors, owners and operators who are making a difference in their communities and enjoying the rewards of their work. The Assisted Living Network is more than just a podcast, it's a movement... a community of like-minded investors who are passionate about creating wealth and serving others.  We're here to revolutionize the senior housing industry and empower you to achieve your financial and personal goals. We'll share with you real-life experiences, insights, and tips on how to succeed with assisted living. We'll also interview experts, influencers, and leaders in the field who will inspire and educate you. Doing good and doing well… that's what Residential Assisted Living is all about. It's a way of investing in real estate that also makes a positive impact on the lives of seniors who need care and support. It's a way of combining profit and purpose, creating a legacy of compassion and service. If you're an investor who wants to do more than just make money, if you're someone who cares about people and wants to leave this world better than you found it, if you're ready to take your investing to the next level and create a lasting legacy, then this podcast is for you. Don't miss this opportunity to do good and do well with assisted living.Assisted Living, Impact Investing, Profitability, Senior Housing, Residential Care Facilities, Long Term Care, Memory Care, Investing in Senior Living, Marketing Strategies for Assisted Living, Passive Investing, Cash Flow, Real Estate Trends, Legacy Investing.

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