The Brian Green Show

Brian Green

Formerly known as The GM Show, this is a show about life, business, real estate, entrepreneurship, parenting, and finances.  I interview people that inspire me.  I'm Brian Green. I'm a family man and I love business, ultra-running, and hobby farming.

  1. Bill Douglas: The Link Between Health, Happiness, and Revenue

    FEB 12

    Bill Douglas: The Link Between Health, Happiness, and Revenue

    Summary In this episode of The Brian Green Show, host Brian Green welcomes Bill Douglas, a seasoned entrepreneur and resilience expert from Denver, Colorado. Bill shares his inspiring journey of overcoming significant health challenges, including a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and a life-threatening skiing accident. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, health, and positivity in both personal and professional life. Bill discusses how his struggles led him to prioritize fitness and mental well-being, which ultimately transformed his business and personal relationships. He highlights the critical connection between physical health and business success, illustrating how a positive mindset can lead to improved performance and fulfillment in life.Throughout the conversation, Bill provides valuable insights into the patterns he observes among executives and entrepreneurs, particularly the tendency to tie their self-worth to their business success. He advocates for a holistic approach to well-being, encouraging listeners to focus on their health, relationships, and personal happiness. Bill's story serves as a powerful reminder that true success is not just about financial achievements but also about the quality of life and the experiences we create with loved ones.Takeaways "Happiness equals reality minus expectations.""Food can be a poison or it can be a fuel.""Positivity attracts positivity.""You are the average of your five closest friends.""More time is not better; focus on being better.""I'd rather do than have.""Accountability breeds accountability.""Celebrate the wins, don't just sweep them under the rug.""If you focus on the mud, you'll see the mud.""You can do it; nobody here is any more special than the next person."

    55 min
  2. TJ Burns: MIT Engineer Who Turned Amazon Experience into Real Estate Wealth

    JAN 30

    TJ Burns: MIT Engineer Who Turned Amazon Experience into Real Estate Wealth

    In this episode, Brian Green interviews TJ Burns, who shares his journey from growing up in Long Island to studying engineering at MIT and eventually working at Amazon. TJ discusses his experiences at MIT, the challenges he faced while working at Blink, and the lessons learned from his startup life. He also talks about his transition into real estate, the importance of mentorship, and how he built his investment portfolio. Finally, TJ introduces Zendra Lending, a new venture aimed at providing funding for fix-and-flip projects, emphasizing the importance of customer obsession and seamless service. Takeaways TJ faced multiple rejections before landing a job at Amazon.Mistakes are essential for growth and learning in business.Personal growth is crucial for job satisfaction.Building relationships is key in real estate investing.Investing in real estate requires patience and education.Choosing the right investment group is vital for success.Zendra Lending aims to simplify the lending process for borrowers.Customer obsession is a core principle in business.Ownership and accountability are important in leadership.Networking and adding value can open doors in business.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to TJ Burns and His Journey 02:44 Life at MIT: Engineering and Athletics 05:24 Career Path: From MIT to Amazon 10:24 Lessons from Startup Life at Blink 16:12 Navigating Mistakes and Leadership 21:38 Transitioning to Real Estate: The Why and How 26:35 Investing in Real Estate: Early Experiences 32:00 Building Zendra Lending: A New Venture 37:16 Zendra Lending: Business Model and Investor Appeal

    42 min
  3. Sargis Ivanov: Learn from a CPA the different ways real estate can build wealth and help with taxes.

    JAN 22

    Sargis Ivanov: Learn from a CPA the different ways real estate can build wealth and help with taxes.

    In this episode, Brian Green interviews Sargis Ivanov, a CPA who shares his unique journey into the accounting profession, the growth of his family's transportation business, and his passion for real estate. Sargis discusses the challenges facing the CPA profession, the importance of mentorship, and the strategies he employs to help clients reduce their tax burdens through real estate investments. He explains key tax strategies such as the Augusta Rule, cost segregation, and 1031 exchanges, emphasizing the importance of proactive financial planning and regular consultations with a CPA. Takeaways Sargis Ivanov emphasizes the importance of mentorship in his career.The CPA profession is facing challenges with a declining interest from younger generations.Real estate investment offers numerous tax benefits that can be leveraged.Building a clientele requires diverse marketing strategies, especially in a virtual environment.Understanding tax strategies is crucial for maximizing real estate investments.Regular consultations with a CPA can prevent costly financial mistakes.The Augusta Rule allows for tax deductions without reporting rental income.Cost segregation studies can significantly enhance tax deductions for property owners.1031 exchanges provide a powerful way to defer taxes on real estate sales.Sargis believes in the importance of educating clients about their financial options.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sargis Ivanov, CPA 03:34 The Growth of FCT Transport 06:05 Sargis's Unique Path to Accounting 08:01 Challenges Facing the CPA Profession 10:18 Starting a CPA Firm: Excitement and Challenges 12:20 Building a Clientele in a Virtual World 14:46 Niche Focus: Real Estate Accounting 17:11 Strategies for Real Estate Investment 19:33 Understanding Real Estate Professional Status 22:21 Leveraging Depreciation and Tax Strategies 26:30 Cost Segregation Explained 32:02 The Augusta Rule: A Tax Strategy 34:18 Utilizing 1031 Exchanges for Growth 37:26 Planning for Future Tax Implications 39:05 The Importance of Regular CPA Consultations 42:01 Final Thoughts on Real Estate Strategies

    45 min
  4. Ben Kjar: Standing Out, Disobeying Average, and Turning Crouzon Syndrome Into a Championship Mindset

    JAN 13

    Ben Kjar: Standing Out, Disobeying Average, and Turning Crouzon Syndrome Into a Championship Mindset

    Summary In this inspiring conversation, Ben Kjar shares his journey of overcoming adversity as someone born with Crozon syndrome. He discusses the pivotal role of his mother in instilling confidence and resilience, the importance of supportive relationships, and the impact of mentors in his life. Ben emphasizes the significance of accountability and planning in achieving goals, and he highlights the influence of his wife, La Cole, in his journey. The conversation culminates in a discussion about the purpose behind his film 'Stand Out', which aims to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness and overcome challenges. Takeaways Ben's journey with Crozon syndrome shaped his perspective on life.His mother's encouragement to 'stand out' was pivotal in his development.Inner peace and genuine confidence are essential for fulfillment.Cuddling vs. coddling: tough love is necessary for growth.Surrounding yourself with supportive people is crucial for success.Accountability and planning are key to achieving goals.Sharing dreams with others can lead to greater accountability.Relationships are more important than material possessions.La Cole's support has been instrumental in Ben's journey.The film 'Stand Out' aims to inspire and change narratives. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ben Kjar and His Journey 02:45 The Power of Standing Out 07:18 Lessons from Family and Parenting 13:51 The Role of Coaches and Mentors 19:58 Accountability and Planning for Success 25:13 Setting Goals and Taking Action 33:08 The Impact of Relationships 41:21 Creating a Legacy Through Film 46:08 Gratitude and Life's True Value

    50 min
  5. Jeremy Barker: From Bankruptcy & Living in a Truck to Building a $60M Business

    JAN 7

    Jeremy Barker: From Bankruptcy & Living in a Truck to Building a $60M Business

    In this conversation, Jeremy Barker shares his incredible journey from being a firefighter to becoming a successful entrepreneur with his company, Murphy Door. He discusses the challenges he faced, including losing $20 million and living in a truck, and how he overcame fear and setbacks to build a thriving business. Jeremy emphasizes the importance of resilience, investing in oneself, and the value of patience in entrepreneurship. He also highlights the significance of believing in others and fostering a supportive environment for growth. Takeaways Jeremy Barker transitioned from a firefighter to a successful entrepreneur.He faced significant setbacks, including losing $20 million and living in a truck.Overcoming fear is crucial for resilience and success.Living in a truck for a year helped him reflect and grow.He emphasizes the importance of investing every nickel back into the business.Patience is key; leaving profits in the business can lead to greater success.He believes in cheering others on and helping them succeed.Success should not be measured by material possessions but by achievements.Understanding financial literacy is essential for entrepreneurs.Building a business is about serving the world, not just personal gain.Chapters 00:00 From Firefighter to Entrepreneur: The Journey Begins 12:00 Overcoming Fear: The Entrepreneurial Mindset 24:03 Living in a Truck: A Year of Reflection and Growth 29:11 Transitioning to Construction: A New Chapter 40:48 Negotiating Your Worth: The Value of Experience 41:39 Balancing Contractor Relationships and Delays 43:54 Navigating Bankruptcy and Resilience 48:55 From Firefighting to Entrepreneurship 51:59 The Journey of Product Development 55:47 Financial Discipline and Business Growth 01:00:35 The Importance of Patience and Long-Term Vision 01:05:42 Encouragement and Personal Growth

    1h 6m
  6. Andrew K. Smith: From 3x Tech Exits to Building Savory Fund - Fueled by Family

    12/11/2025

    Andrew K. Smith: From 3x Tech Exits to Building Savory Fund - Fueled by Family

    In this engaging conversation, Andrew K Smith shares his journey from tech entrepreneur to successful restaurateur, emphasizing the importance of family, resilience, and empathy in business. He discusses the challenges of scaling a business, the misconceptions surrounding the restaurant industry, and the significance of mentorship for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Andrew's insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring business owners and highlight the need for a supportive partnership in both personal and professional life. Takeaways Andrew emphasizes the importance of family in entrepreneurship.Success is often built on hard work and overcoming failures.Navigating dark times requires a shift in perspective.Involvement in family business creates stronger bonds.The restaurant industry can be profitable despite common misconceptions.Scaling a business often leads to breaking systems and processes.Founders play a crucial role in the success of a brand.Empathy and humility are key traits for effective leadership.Investing in brands requires careful evaluation of founders and market trends.Mentorship is vital for the next generation of entrepreneurs.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Andrew Smith's Journey 02:40 The Evolution of an Entrepreneur 11:10 Sales Strategies and Building Relationships 14:57 Balancing Family and Entrepreneurship 21:07 Transitioning to the Restaurant Industry 28:46 Overcoming Challenges and Building a Legacy 29:35 Navigating Dark Times in Entrepreneurship 33:03 The Importance of Humility and Empathy 36:25 Scaling Challenges and Growth Pains 40:16 Raising Capital and Building a Legacy 44:46 Evaluating Brands and Market Trends 49:09 Gratitude and Mentorship in Life

    51 min
5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Formerly known as The GM Show, this is a show about life, business, real estate, entrepreneurship, parenting, and finances.  I interview people that inspire me.  I'm Brian Green. I'm a family man and I love business, ultra-running, and hobby farming.