The Purpose-Driven Investor

Robert Howell
  • 5.0 (4)
  • INVESTING

The Purpose-Driven Investor is the podcast where profit meets purpose in real estate. Hosted by Robert Howell, South Carolina–based real estate investor and founder of De-fine Real Estate, each episode explores how to build wealth through affordable housing, land-home packages, and impact-driven investing that helps families find stable homes. You’ll discover how to create sustainable returns through partnerships, private lending, and joint-venture opportunities that make a lasting difference. Whether you’re a lender, land seller, or investor seeking purpose-aligned deals—or you’re ready to learn the education and systems behind purpose-driven real estate—this show is your blueprint. Robert shares transparent insights, inspiring stories, and practical strategies for investing in housing projects that matter. Learn how to connect your capital with causes that build community, create legacy wealth, and deliver both impact and income.

  1. 7H AGO

    From Paper Routes to Property Deals: Brian's Journey in Real Estate

    In episode 19 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Brian Ostrowiak, the founder of Bird Dog Group, who shares valuable insights on building and leading a successful real estate team, emphasizing the importance of purpose-driven investing and its impact on communities. Tune in to discover insights on team leadership and the impact of community-driven investing. TIMESTAMPS [00:02:03] Origin story of a real estate investor. [00:05:32] Young people and real estate. [00:07:19] Accessible wealth in real estate. [00:12:33] Bird Dog Group meaning. [00:15:10] Real estate as a wealth vehicle. [00:20:35] Team growth and quality control. [00:22:22] Leadership and team dynamics. [00:25:33] Work-life balance and efficiency. [00:30:25] Redefining success beyond real estate. [00:34:18] Importance of consistency in content. [00:37:07] Agent-investor relationship dynamics. [00:42:31] Purpose-driven investing in real estate. [00:44:09] Consistency in real estate success. [00:47:22] Purpose-driven investing for families. QUOTES "To us, to the rest of the team and me, real estate's not just a place you live. It's this vehicle for wealth and success and opportunity." -Brian Ostrowiak"My purpose is to get up every day and preach that and help." -Brian Ostrowiak"Don't deny the truth that's in front of you. Solve the problems that are in front of you." -Brian Ostrowiak SOCIAL MEDIA: Brian Ostrowiak TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@birddoggroup  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birddoggroup/?hl=en  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085624401064  WEBSITE: Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/

    48 min

  2. MAR 16

    Mindset Shifts for Success: Lessons from a Real Estate Entrepreneur

    In episode 18 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Jaben Makings, founder of Onnix Investments, as he shares his unique journey from a small town in Nebraska to building a thriving wholesaling business in Arizona. Tune in for valuable lessons and practical advice tailored for investors looking to grow with intention and focus. TIMESTAMPS [00:01:19] Scaling and team building. [00:06:19] Early success in wholesaling. [00:09:17] Overcoming business challenges. [00:11:24] Value proposition for real estate agents. [00:15:18] Hiring for drive and accountability. [00:20:13] Advice to younger self. [00:21:47] Chasing comfort in success. [00:25:35] Purpose-driven investing. QUOTES "Burnout doesn't always come from too much work. Sometimes it comes from a lack of structure." -Jaben Makings"To be successful in business, I'm going to have to deal with a lot of discomfort and a lot of pain." -Jaben Makings"We want to be the tool in their tool belt." -Jaben Makings SOCIAL MEDIA Jaben Makings LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaben-makings Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaben_makings/ WEBSITE Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/  Onnix Investments: https://onnixinvestments.com/

    27 min

  3. MAR 9

    Building Wealth with Meaning: Wayne's Approach to Impact-Driven Land Investments

    In episode 17 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Wayne Seminoff, the founder of Junk Land Into Gold, as he shares his journey from being an accidental investor to mastering the art of turning junk land into profitable opportunities. Tune in to discover how purpose and profit can connect through innovative investing strategies. TIMESTAMPS [00:01:57] Accidental entry into real estate. [00:07:41] Mistakes leading to success. [00:10:16] Junk land isn't really junk. [00:12:20] Real estate investment strategies. [00:18:14] The thrill of the search. [00:23:13] Future of land value. [00:25:20] Don't wanters in real estate. QUOTES "One of the biggest things I teach is mistake your way to success." -Wayne Seminoff"It's like when you're hunting for gold, you get the gold fever. Except the land is actually worth more than gold." -Wayne Seminoff"Don't give up. Just don't give up and fail your way to success or mistake your way to success." -Wayne Seminoff ========================== WATCHED THE VIDEO? Use code FUN Save 50% instantly. JOIN NOW: https://www.junklandintogold.com/live-webinar  ========================== SOCIAL MEDIA: Wayne Seminoff Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_askwayne/  WEBSITE: Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/  Wayne Seminoff: http://wayneseminoff.com/

    29 min

  4. MAR 2

    The Great Migration: Capitalizing on Cashflow Markets in Real Estate

    In episode 16 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Umaer Haq, the founder of Hands-On Homes, as he shares his inspiring journey from a competitive fighter to a successful real estate investor focused on affordable housing, mobile home parks, and impact-driven strategies. Tune in to discover how purpose and profit intersect in real estate investing. TIMESTAMPS [00:02:10] Origin of real estate journey. [00:06:30] Mobile home parks and impact. [00:10:33] Mindset shaped by combat sports. [00:11:44] Youth sports and competition. [00:17:21] Treating people right in business. [00:20:51] Mobile home parks as investments. [00:27:20] Wealth that matters. [00:27:41] Defining true wealth in life. [00:32:03] Importance of changing environment. [00:36:03] Purpose-driven investing. QUOTES "Through frustration comes growth." -Umaer Haq"Wealth to me is what I'm feeling in the moment, like when I'm holding my wife and my daughter, like that's real wealth to me." -Umaer Haq"Our lives are a direct reflection of the expectations of our peer group." -Umaer Haq SOCIAL MEDIA: Umaer Haq Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/umaer_haq/?hl=en  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/umaer.haq/  WEBSITE: Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/

    36 min

  5. FEB 23

    Building Wealth with Integrity: Chris Maddox's Journey in Real Estate Investing

    In episode 15 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Chris Maddox, founder of M51 and a seasoned real estate investor based in Greenville, South Carolina, as he shares valuable insights on how to build wealth without losing yourself in the process, the significance of time freedom, and the impact of giving back to the community Tune in to discover how purpose and profit can intersect in real estate and entrepreneurship. TIMESTAAMPS [00:01:57] Time freedom in real estate. [00:05:22] Transitioning from hairstylist to investor. [00:08:09] Purpose behind investing for family. [00:11:30] Listening to stressed sellers. [00:14:23] Creative financing in real estate. [00:20:27] Time freedom and the evolution of success. [00:22:38] Giving back to the community. [00:26:06] Creative strategies for investing. QUOTES "I think talking less, listening more, you know, asking questions, hearing what, what's the struggle, like what's, you know, what's the pain point, what's going on and not, you know, not overpowering the conversation." -Chris Maddox"Your network is your net worth." -Chris Maddox"I just feel like integrity is like the most important thing." -Chris Maddox SOCIAL MEDIA: Chris Maddox Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m51rei/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.maddox.505/  Email: maddoxinvestmentproperty@gmail.com  WEBSITE: Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/

    28 min

  6. FEB 16

    Discipline, Transparency & Relationships: Keys to Successful Real Estate Funding

    In episode 14 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Carter Groomes from Renevo Financial, shares lessons on resilience, discipline, and building long-term relationships — both on the field and in real estate. Tune in for an engaging, honest discussion that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at private lending and the people who make real estate deals happen. TIMESTAMPS [00:00:52] Carter’s football & Clemson experience [05:00] Discipline, delayed gratification & leadership lessons [06:34] Applying college lessons to business [09:35] How Carter got into private lending [14:07] Misconceptions about lenders [16:01] About Renovo Financial & lending philosophy [18:30] What makes a deal an easy yes [19:48] Common deal pitfalls & how to avoid them [21:12] Why South Carolina is Carter’s focus [25:08] Mistakes investors make today [28:03] Overleveraging in the builder market QUOTES "Preparation is everything — know your deal better than your lender." –Carter Groomes"Face-to-face relationships and local expertise create trust and opportunity." –Carter Groomes SOCIAL MEDIA: Carter Groomes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carter-groomes-21983a173/   Instagram: http://instagram.com/cartergroomes/  WEBSITE: Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/  Renevo Financial: https://renovofinancial.com/

    39 min

  7. FEB 9

    Building Wealth with Purpose: Tim Woodbridge's Journey in Mobile Home Park Investing

    In episode 13 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Tim Woodbridge, founder of WCG Investments, as he shares his inspiring journey from a nursing career to becoming a successful mobile home park investor, highlighting the importance of aligning business with values. Tune in for an engaging, honest discussion that highlights the people behind the deals in real estate investing. TIMESTAMPS [00:02:19] Transition from nursing to investing. [00:06:34] Affordable housing impact goal. [00:10:14] Investment decisions and values. [00:14:26] Investor fundamentals versus speculation. [00:20:20] Honesty in leadership communication. [00:21:16] Building relationships through investment. QUOTES "Because when we invest with purpose, everyone wins." -Robert Howell"I want to create a nice impact where there's all this affordable housing need, and we can supply that to people." -Tim Woodridge SOCIAL MEDIA: Tim Woodbridge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timwoodbridge/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim.woodbridge/?hl=en  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tim.woodbridge.54/  WEBSITE: Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/

    23 min

  8. FEB 2

    Transforming Real Estate: How Purpose-Driven Investing Creates Lasting Impact

    In episode 11 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Gary Wilson from the Global Investor Agent team, who shares his unique journey into real estate, from his childhood fascination with architecture to becoming a successful investor and educator. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on how to connect profit with purpose in your investment journey. TIMESTAMPS [00:02:00] Gary's journey into real estate. [00:04:47] House hacking origins. [00:08:18] Global investor agent team benefits. [00:11:11] Investor education differences. [00:14:10] Inflation and property market dynamics. [00:19:10] Building trust with investors. [00:21:48] Patience through experience in investing. [00:25:03] Best decision in business. [00:28:29] Daily habits for success. [00:32:54] Purpose-driven investing. QUOTES "You want to learn small, learn on a small scale, and grow big after that." -Gary Wilson"Live with honor, work with honor, treat other people with honor, right? I can't emphasize that enough." -Gary Wilson SOCIAL MEDIA Gary Wilson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thegarywilson/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/real.estate.with.gary.wilson/  WEBSITE Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/  The Global Investor Agent: http://globalinvestoragent.com/

    33 min
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5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The Purpose-Driven Investor is the podcast where profit meets purpose in real estate. Hosted by Robert Howell, South Carolina–based real estate investor and founder of De-fine Real Estate, each episode explores how to build wealth through affordable housing, land-home packages, and impact-driven investing that helps families find stable homes. You’ll discover how to create sustainable returns through partnerships, private lending, and joint-venture opportunities that make a lasting difference. Whether you’re a lender, land seller, or investor seeking purpose-aligned deals—or you’re ready to learn the education and systems behind purpose-driven real estate—this show is your blueprint. Robert shares transparent insights, inspiring stories, and practical strategies for investing in housing projects that matter. Learn how to connect your capital with causes that build community, create legacy wealth, and deliver both impact and income.

Information

  • Creator
    Robert Howell
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Purpose-Driven Investor
  • Show Website
    The Purpose-Driven Investor