The Purpose-Driven Investor

Robert Howell
  • 5.0 (5)
  • 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. 1d ago

    The Importance of Clean Financials for Real Estate and Service Businesses

    In episode 25 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Benjamin Chisholm, founder of Beacon Accounting Solutions, as he explains how a legacy of leadership and mentorship in his entrepreneurial family paved the way for bold goal-setting, team building, and fast-paced implementation—resulting in a business that more than doubled within its first year, adding both talent and clients at an inspiring rate.  Tune in for a masterclass on leadership, vision, and real action—and walk away with tools to accelerate your journey toward lasting business and personal fulfillment!  TIMESTAMPS [00:00:03] Introducing the purpose-driven investor and today’s guest, Ben [00:01:48] Ben's entrepreneurial family roots and the leap into accounting [00:09:59] Launching Beacon Accounting Solutions—focusing on real estate and service businesses [00:15:05] Common business owner mistakes and the importance of clean financials [00:19:10] Ben's real estate investing journey and success numbers [00:24:05] Financial habits that drive long-term business growth [00:27:09] The cost of disorganization and unnecessary business stress [00:30:26] Defining purpose, impact, and legacy [00:34:58] Rapid-fire lessons on advice, entrepreneurship, and daily habits [00:36:43] How to connect with Ben and Beacon Accounting Solutions  QUOTES "The business owners who realize early on what to outsource and focus on what they do best always grow faster." – Benjamin Chisholm"Sometimes the numbers tell the story—if you’re not tracking it, you can’t make strategic decisions or scale." – Benjamin Chisholm"I love my clients. It’s a cool feeling to help someone solve a business problem and then see them make more money—and the impact that has on their family." – Benjamin Chisholm SOCIAL MEDIA: Benjamin Chisholm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-chisholm-cpa-4508aa160/  WEBSITE: Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/  Beacon Accountings: https://beaconaccountings.com/about/

    38 min

  2. May 25

    Partnering with Builders & Investors: Appliance Solutions for Real Estate Success

    In episode 24 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Chad Stanfield from Jeff Lynch Appliances, shares his powerful journey from the depths of addiction, jail, and prison to becoming one of the top salespeople at his company, a dedicated husband, and a mentor for others on the path to redemption.  Tune in for actionable insights on team growth, maximizing client value, and how to lead a life of meaning and influence, both in business and beyond.   TIMESTAMPS [00:00:03] Introduction: Meet Chad – From Addiction to Redemption [00:02:43] Overcoming Trauma: The Hunting Accident That Changed Everything [00:07:09] The Spiral into Addiction: Pills, Fentanyl, and Heroin [00:09:49] Prison, Faith, and Rebuilding: Discovering Purpose in Recovery [00:13:09] Miracle Hill: The Power of Accountability and Mentorship [00:17:11] Career Growth: From Warehouse to Top Sales at Jeff Lynch [00:23:38] Working with Builders & Investors: Delivering Measurable Value [00:26:53] Redefining Success: Joy, Purpose, and True Leadership [00:34:34] Advice for Those Struggling: The Power of Surrender and Community  QUOTES "The biggest thing would be surrender—surrender to Jesus. Talk about it with someone you look up to. The biggest thing is genuinely surrender and repent." – Chad Stanfield"A man needs to hear another man tell him that he’s proud of him." – Chad Stanfield"Success is not based on anything that I can obtain or that I can get. Success is based on joy. And I genuinely believe that comes from the Lord and you can't get it from anywhere else." – Chad Stanfield SOCIAL MEDIA: Chad Stanfield LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-stanfield-a01a34235/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chadstanfield90/  WEBSITE: Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/

    37 min

  3. May 11

    Consistency and Capital: Kelly Garrett on Success in Real Estate Investing

    In episode 23 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Kelli Garrett, the CEO and founding partner of PickFund and RehabWallet, as she shares her insights on building a purpose-driven company, the significance of relationships in business, and the value of consistency in achieving success. Tune in to discover how Kelly's mission-driven approach is making an impact in the world of real estate and affordable housing. TIMESTAMPS [00:02:39] Sports and business parallels. [00:04:58] Sports and entrepreneurship connection. [00:09:40] Female empowerment in male-dominated fields. [00:13:39] First real estate deal story. [00:18:37] Money and empowerment for women. [00:20:22] Private lending and partnerships. [00:25:21] Startup challenges in entrepreneurship. [00:30:51] Accredited investor requirements. [00:34:06] Personal motivations and purpose. [00:37:34] Life's purpose and journey. [00:42:36] The best deal ever done. [00:47:25] Belief in something bigger. [00:49:11] Consistency in real estate success. QUOTES "I don't think anybody has the best plan of action. You're just kind of living life and figuring things out as we go." -Kelly Garrett"This life that we're in is just a journey, and why hurry it? For what? I mean, the finish line, there is no finish line." -Kelly Garrett"Show up every day, and you'll be successful." -Robert Howell SOCIAL MEDIA Kelly Garrett LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelli-garrett/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelli.garrett2/  WEBSITE Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/  Rehab Wallet: https://www.rehabwallet.com/who-we-are/

    52 min

  4. May 4

    Transforming Challenges into Opportunities: Chris Arnold's Path to Purpose-Driven Real Estate Investing

    In episode 22 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Chris Arnold, the founder of Cornerstone Upstate, as he discusses the challenges he faced, including the sudden loss of his wife and how it shaped his purpose-driven approach to business and life. Tune in for insights on building businesses, scaling real estate, and leveraging technology in today's dynamic market. TIMESTAMPS [00:01:47] Entrepreneurial journey beginnings. [00:06:06] Life changes and unexpected challenges. [00:10:16] Real estate investment journey. [00:12:23] Real estate as a legacy. [00:16:43] Creating great experiences for renters. [00:20:23] Teaching legacy through landscaping. [00:25:37] Off-market real estate deals. [00:30:00] AI's impact on real estate. [00:34:29] Legacy beyond monetary success. [00:37:07] Faith-driven business practices. [00:39:56] Abundance mindset in business. [00:44:21] Abundance in business relationships. [00:48:40] Building community through investment. QUOTES "My faith guides every decision that we make as a company." -Chris Arnold"If your purpose ends with, how much money can I make? How many doors? If your purpose is a number, you're never going to reach it." -Chris Arnold"If you want to create a great experience for your tenants or your buyers, then you need to be hands-on." -Chris Arnold SOCIAL MEDIA Chris Arnold Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_fedro/  WEBSITE: Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/

    50 min

  5. Apr 6

    Why Mobile Homes Became a Purpose-Driven Investing Strategy

    In episode 21 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Joh Fedro, founder of Mobile Home Investing, as he shares how a restless search for more led him from dead-end jobs and a first glimpse at real estate investing into mobile homes. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on how, from dead-end jobs to mobile home cash flow, mobile homes became a purpose-driven investing strategy.  TIMESTAMPS [00:00:09] Robert Howell introduces purpose-driven investing. [00:03:17] Finding real estate through a borrowed book. [00:04:24] First mobile home deal in a park. [00:05:23] So nervous, he threw up roadside. [00:06:31] Mobile homes as a cash flow game. [00:07:28] Real estate clubs hand over leads. [00:09:03] Looking for the right seller. [00:10:30] Asking directly opens new opportunities. [00:12:19] How the business model makes money. [00:17:57] Going away from mobiles led to losses. [00:21:26] Buying undervalued homes from hardship. [00:29:40] Teaching through YouTube and partnership. QUOTES "That first huge paycheck was a feeling like, I did this. I created something from nothing, and I actually helped people." -John Fedro"If I died, I feel like I would be in heaven. I feel like I've really been able to help a lot of people." -John Fedro SOCIAL MEDIA: John  Fedro YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgRZElVN1-Mj3HQdqBzYrTQ   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_fedro/  WEBSITE: Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/  Mobile Home Investing: https://mobilehomeinvesting.net/about-john-fedro/

    36 min

  6. Mar 30

    Building a Scalable Business Model in Manufactured Housing

    In episode 20 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews North Carolina’s rising star in land home deals, Sean Ade, as he shares his remarkable journey from a flooded duplex nightmare to leading a booming operation dedicated to bringing affordable housing to those who need it most.  Tune in and get inspired to lead, implement, and take action toward your real estate and business goals! TIMESTAMPS [00:00:03] Intro & the Purpose-Driven Investor Vision [00:01:06] Sean Ade’s Real Estate Origin Story [00:06:01] Why Mobile Homes: Mentorship & Market Opportunity [00:09:44] Team Structure & Leveraging Partnerships [00:13:53] Deal Timelines, Process, and Profit Breakdown [00:14:27] Scaling Up: Year-Over-Year Growth [00:15:00] Common Pitfalls & Financing Hurdles [00:17:20] Purpose, Mindset, and Making an Impact [00:19:15] Overcoming Obstacles & Staying Motivated [00:21:15] Best Advice, Biggest Mistakes, and Game Changers [00:23:24] How to Connect with Sean QUOTES "It was very easy just to decide, maybe real estate's not for me... but it worked out really well in the back end." – Sean Ade"Let's just do as many as we can until the systems start to break. Let's figure out where our issues are." – Sean Ade"I like partnering with others... I do all the backend stuff, and let my GCs kind of run the projects for me." – Sean Ade SOCIAL MEDIA Sean Ade LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanade/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanade/  WEBSITE: Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/

    25 min

  7. Mar 23

    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

  8. 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
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5
out of 5
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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
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Purpose-Driven Investor
  • Show Website
    The Purpose-Driven Investor

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