High-yield and low-maintenance: This is your ultimate goal as an accounting firm member, regardless of where you are in your career journey. Brought to you by Upstream Academy, The Upstream Leader Podcast is your source for insights and education on becoming a high performing firm leader. Join host Jeremy Clopton for interviews with insightful, engaging and entertaining experts, who share knowledge and expertise on firm best practices, processes, technology and more! With a focus on culture, ...
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🎙️🏠 Welcome to our podcast, where we are dedicated to helping you develop the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in acquisition management. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out, our goal is to provide you with valuable insights and practical tips that will propel you towards becoming the best you can be in the world of off-market property acquisitions. In each episode, we will take a deep dive into various aspects of acquiring off-market properties. We wil ...
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Unconventional Real Estate: How Chris Peregoy Made His First Wholesale Deal at Auction
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27:43What if your first real estate deal wasn’t local, wasn’t traditional, and wasn’t even fully funded, yet still profitable? That’s exactly what happened to Chris Peregoy, and in this episode of the REI Freedom Podcast, he shares the surprising moves that helped him pull it off. Host Jeremy Beland welcomes Chris, a first-time real estate investor and …
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Mastering Commercial Real Estate Financing: Expert Strategies from Jacob Clopton for Off-Market Deals and Passive Wealth Building
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23:31Want to break into commercial real estate but unsure how to fund your first deal? Curious about how top investors find off-market opportunities before anyone else? In this powerful episode of the REI Freedom Podcast, host Jeremy Beland sits down with Jacob Clopton, founder of Clopton Capital, to unlock the secrets of commercial real estate financin…
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Self-Reflection’s Deep Role in Productivity
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44:04On Episode 92 of The Upstream Leader, Jeremy Clopton interviews Blake Stratton, the founder of True Productive. They discuss the importance of mindset reflection for improving productivity, going further than traditional time management tactics to really take stock of what’s going on with you mentally and psychologically in order to re-write the “s…
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How Ian Lobas Built a Thriving International Airbnb Business in the Caribbean
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37:22What if your next business move could let you live in paradise? What if your personal growth was the key to your entrepreneurial success? In this episode of the REI Freedom Podcast, host Jeremy Beland is joined by Ian Lobas, real estate investor, coach, and international short-term rental entrepreneur, who walks us through how he turned a vision in…
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How Do You Turn Limiting Beliefs into Real Estate Success?
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28:29Are You Missing Out on Wealth-Building Opportunities? Ever wondered what’s truly holding you back from your first or next real estate deal? What if the biggest cost in your investing journey isn’t losing money, but missing out on opportunities altogether? Could taking one bold step forward set you free to live and work on your own terms? Meet This …
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On Episode 91 of The Upstream Leader, Jeremy Clopton is joined by Dr. David Burkus, author of Best Team Ever and several other books on business success, to discuss building high-functioning teams in the accounting industry. Noting that it’s important to move beyond technical proficiency to focus on team dynamics, David and Jeremy go into detail on…
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Flipping, Rentals, and a 75-Acre Development—Here’s How Shalynn “Shae” Spitz Does It
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35:26What does it take to turn $25,000 of debt into a thriving real estate business? In this episode of REI Freedom, host Jeremy Beland sits down with Shalynn “Shae” Spitz, a powerhouse real estate investor and agent from Nebraska whose journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From being a case manager for mentally ill adults to managing over 70 real …
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Why Is Self-Storage the Best-Kept Secret in Real Estate Investing?
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32:02What does it take to achieve financial freedom through real estate? In this episode of REI Freedom, we explore the inspiring journey of Alex Pardo, a former corporate professional who found his path to financial independence through self-storage investing. From closing a short sale that netted $44,000 to building a semi-passive income portfolio wit…
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Creating a Culture of Learning and Action
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38:09Jeremy Clopton visits with Monika Turek, Learning & Development Manager at HoganTaylor, on Episode 90 of The Upstream Leader. Centering their discussion on maximizing your and colleagues’ potential by fostering a culture of learning and moving beyond the traditional CPE mindset, Monika tells Jeremy about her personal journey to leadership, her will…
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Is Creative Financing the Key to Financial Freedom in Real Estate?
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23:34Have you ever wondered if there’s a better way to build your real estate portfolio without relying on banks, big down payments, or perfect credit? In this week’s episode of the REI Freedom Podcast, host Jeremy Beland sits down with Chris Prefontaine, a real estate veteran with over 34 years of experience, to answer that exact question. Chris shares…
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Can Cold Calling Really Outperform Direct Mail in Lead Generation?
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42:08Have you ever wondered how some real estate investors seem to effortlessly generate leads while others struggle? What if the secret to unlocking a steady stream of off-market leads is not only possible but also surprisingly affordable? Join host Jeremy Beland as he looks into the transformative journey of Nicholas Nick, the founder of Lead Mining P…
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Jeremy is joined by Jana Cinnamon, COO and partner at Abdo Solutions, to discuss the intersection of hospitality and accounting on Episode 89 of The Upstream Leader. They explore how infusing hospitality into client interactions can transform the profession and improve both client and employee experiences. Jana shares insights about their firm’s in…
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From Flipping to Freedom: How 1031 Exchanges and DSTs Can Transform Your Investment Strategy
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26:18Are you curious about how to build wealth through real estate while minimizing tax burdens? Many investors are exploring the powerful strategies of 1031 exchanges and Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) to achieve financial freedom. In this episode of the REI Freedom Podcast, host Jeremy Beland sits down with Ben Carmona, a seasoned expert in real est…
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How Did Michael Ketchen Go from High School Administrator to $100M+ in Real Estate Deals?
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33:33In this episode of REI Freedom, host Jeremy Beland sits down with Michael Ketchen, founder of Commonwealth Collective LLC, who transitioned from a career in high school administration to becoming a successful real estate investor. With over $100 million in property investments across eight states and a proven track record of completing more than 25…
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Consistency Over Intensity: Keys to Sustainable Leadership
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31:21On this solo Episode 88 of The Upstream Leader Podcast, host Jeremy Clopton shares insights from recent meetings with managing partners of accounting firms across the U.S. and Canada. Jeremy focuses on three major themes: the importance of consistency over intensity in both client and employee experiences, the need to change assumptions about peopl…
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How Can You Achieve Financial Freedom Through Land Investing? - Brent Bowers
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34:27Have you ever considered land investing as a path to financial freedom? Could this overlooked niche be your key to success in real estate? In this episode of the REI Freedom Podcast, host Jeremy Beland welcomes Brent Bowers, a seasoned investor, coach, and owner of The Landsharks. Brent’s journey from an eight-year career in the Army to becoming a …
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Can This One Real Estate Strategy Change Your Life? John Luka Explains!
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31:46What does it take to achieve financial freedom through real estate? In this episode of REI Freedom, we look into the remarkable journey of John Luka, a thriving real estate entrepreneur who turned challenges into opportunities. From emigrating from Uganda to building a successful investment business in Maine, John’s story is a testament to resilien…
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Exploring Alternative Ownership: The Alliance Model
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27:17Jeremy Clopton delves into a hot topic—alternative ownership models in the accounting profession—with Steve Shein, co-founder of Franklin Alliance, on Episode 87 of The Upstream Leader. They explore the alliance model, an alternative to the more traditional PE and M&A routes. Steve’s company specifically supports boutique accounting firms under $10…
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How did a canceled deal lead to a $62,000 payday for Dylan Saxon?
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36:53Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a life of struggle into a thriving real estate career? What if a single canceled deal could lead to a $62,000 payday? In this episode of the REI Freedom Podcast, we look into the inspiring journey of Dylan Saxon, a dynamic real estate investor from Rochester, New York, who has closed an astounding 150 de…
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From Cleaning Business to Real Estate Mogul: Robert McKinney McGee's Journey and Tips
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24:01Is real estate investing really the key to financial freedom? And how do you make the leap from running a small business to building a real estate empire? In this episode of the REI Freedom Podcast, we sit down with Robert McKinney McGee, a seasoned real estate investor from Chicago with nine years of hands-on experience. Robert's journey is anythi…
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Mastering Emotional Intelligence and Energy Levels
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35:45Jeremy Clopton returns for Episode 86 of The Upstream Leader, engaging in a thought-provoking conversation with professional coach, speaker and educator, Andrew Donofrio. They discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, focusing on managing emotions and energy levels, especially during demanding periods like tax season. Andrew d…
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Persistency Creates Deals: How Wendell Butler Thrives in Tough Markets?
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38:00Are you ready to take the leap into real estate investing but feel overwhelmed by the challenges? Do you wonder how some investors thrive in tough markets while others hesitate? In this episode of the REI Freedom Podcast, we look into the inspiring journey of Wendell Butler, a full-time real estate investor who turned challenges into opportunities.…
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What Makes Childs Realty Group Stand Out in a Competitive Market?
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28:48
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28:48Looking for inspiration and actionable advice in the real estate world? This episode of the REI Freedom Podcast is a must-listen! Jeremy sits down with Dan and Drew Childs of Childs Realty Group to uncover their journey from engineers to successful real estate agents and investors. About Dan and Drew Childs Dan and Drew Childs, founders of Childs R…
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Host Heath Alloway talks effective communication with Ben Decker on Episode 85 of The Upstream Leader. The Chairman and Co-CEO of Decker Communications, Ben focuses on the pivotal role communication plays in leadership. Sharing insights on becoming a better leader through humble confidence, the impact of early communication habits, and the critical…
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What Are Grant's Proven Strategies for Finding Off-Market Deals?
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25:36Are you ready to break free from the 9-to-5 grind and achieve financial independence through real estate? In this episode of the REI Freedom Podcast, we dive into the inspiring journey of Grant Franke, a self-made entrepreneur who transformed his life by building a $10 million real estate portfolio from scratch. About Grant Francke Grant Francke is…
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Transforming Uninterested Leads into Successful Deals
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15:24Ever wondered how to turn seemingly uninterested leads into potential deals? In this episode, Dan reveals the secrets to uncovering hidden motivations in cold leads and setting the right expectations for different types of prospects. Key Take Aways Probing Questions: Ask questions like, "Why are you calling me instead of a realtor?" to uncover thei…
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Life Beyond Labels: Focus on What Matters
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36:07On Episode 84 of The Upstream Leader, Jeremy Clopton sits down with Kelsey O’Connor, a former Division I athlete and graduate of NC State, to discuss her view of “Life Beyond Labels.” Exploring how individuals, particularly high achievers in the accounting profession, can separate their identity from their accomplishments and focus on their qualiti…
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Mastering Follow Ups:How to Keep Your Leads Engaged Without Sounding Salesy
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10:58Have you ever struggled with keeping your follow-ups fresh and engaging? Tired of sounding like a broken record? Or maybe you've hit a wall with price negotiations and need a new approach? In this exclusive behind-the-scenes episode, real estate coach Dan Toback shares invaluable insights that will revolutionize the way you handle follow-ups and ne…
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Evolving from a Landlord and Flipper to a Fund Manager
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34:31Have you ever felt trapped in the corporate grind, wondering if there’s a better way to achieve financial freedom? What if you could transform your life with just a small investment and a bold leap of faith? In this episode of the REI Freedom Podcast, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Lee Nugent, a full-time real estate investor who turned…
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Change is the Constant: The Reality Facing Accounting Today
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42:07Dan Hood, Editor-in-Chief at Accounting Today, joins Jeremy Clopton for Episode 83 of The Upstream Leader to kick off 2025 with a slew of predictions. Discussing key themes such as the accelerating pace of change, technological advancements, and the impacts of private equity, Dan shares insights on the importance of technology investments, the evol…
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Faith, Finance, and Real Estate: Guide to Building Long-Term Wealth with Dexter B. Jenkins
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29:47What if you could combine faith, financial literacy, and real estate to create a life of freedom? How do successful investors navigate the challenges and triumphs of the real estate market? In this episode of the REI Freedom Podcast, host Jeremy Beland sits down with Pastor Dexter B. Jenkins, a senior pastor, real estate investor, and financial lit…
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Lead Like a Pro: Joe Rosen’s Blueprint for Real Estate Excellence
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36:57Welcome to the REI Freedom Podcast!In this episode, host Jeremy Beland chats with Joe Rosen, a top-performing realtor from Port St. Lucie, Florida. With over 11 years in the real estate game and leading a team of 50-60 agents across seven states, Joe brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Before his real estate success, he spent …
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It’s time to close out 2024 and look ahead to 2025 on Episode 82 of The Upstream Leader featuring both Jeremy Clopton and Heath Alloway. Reflecting on key trends, they emphasize some major positives in the profession, including firms’ increased focus on intentionality and being proactive with their business development plans. Comprised primarily of…
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From Wholesaling to Short-Term Rentals: Brian Biernat's Success Story
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36:38In this episode of the REI Freedom Podcast, Jeremy Beland sits down with Brian Biernat, a seasoned real estate investor from Jackson, Mississippi. Brian shares his inspiring journey from being a telecom executive to diving into the world of real estate investing, motivated by life-changing events in 2016. He discusses the challenges he faced during…
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How Garrett Loring Became a Real Estate Investor at 22
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19:06Have you ever wondered what it takes to break free from the traditional 9-to-5 grind and build a successful career in real estate? What if you could turn your life around after facing significant challenges? This week on REI Freedom, Jeremy looks into the inspiring journey of Garrett Loring, a 22-year-old entrepreneur from Boston who transformed hi…
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Navigating Loss: Grief and Bereavement in the Workplace
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40:34On Episode 81 of The Upstream Leader, host Heath Alloway welcomes return guest Karen Scott, co-founder of Lost & Found Grief Center. Karen is joined by Melanie Blair, Assistant Executive Director, and the discussion centers around supporting grieving employees. Exploring the impact of grief on productivity, the importance of flexible workplace poli…
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Flipping the Script: How Mike DeCandia Turned $17K into $204K in Real Estate Profits
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29:47Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a modest $17,000 profit into a staggering $204,000 in just one flip? In this episode, Jeremy Sits down with Mike DeCandia a power plant engineer turned real estate investor, who, alongside his wife Katelynn , launched Mike DeCandia Property Investments in January 2023. Mike's journey is a testament to th…
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Turning Homes Into Income: Charlie Waitt’s House Hacking and STR Strategy
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29:58In this episode of the REI Freedom Podcast, Jeremy sits down with Charlie Waitt, a New Hampshire-based real estate investor who has mastered the art of house hacking and short-term rentals (STRs). Charlie’s inspiring journey began with a simple house hack: renting out an in-law unit as a long-term rental. However, he soon discovered the immense pot…
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Building a Powerful Network and a Collaborative Future
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47:17Heath Alloway hosts an insightful Episode 80 of The Upstream Leader featuring Caitlin Gibbs, Matt Skinner, and Trevor Brown. This landmark episode, the first ever with three guests, is an exploration of the evolving landscape of the accounting profession, with the panel touching on leadership development and networking, mentoring, challenges within…
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Creative Acquisition Strategies: Joey Long's Journey to Real Estate Success
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34:20At just 27 years old, Joey Long has mastered the art of creative acquisitions in real estate, turning obstacles into opportunities. After dropping out of college at 21 due to a medical issue, Joey used unconventional strategies like garage sales and seller financing to build a thriving portfolio—all starting with no money. In this episode, Joey sha…
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The Power of Failing Forward: Embracing Failure with the Right Mindset
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37:59In this week’s episode, we’re diving into one of the most crucial elements of success: learning how to fail forward. I’m joined by my coach and mentor, Steve Richards, who has built multiple successful real estate businesses and believes that failure is an essential part of any entrepreneur’s journey. We discuss why the right mindset makes all the …
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Stop Complaining and Start Teaching: Cultivate Professionalism
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39:55Jeremy Clopton engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Sarah Krom, Managing Partner at SKC & Co., on Episode 79 of The Upstream Leader. They discuss the challenges the profession seems to be encountering in needing to teach skills around professionalism, with Sarah sharing her firm’s solution: to formally teach “behavioral competencies” alon…
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Self-Directed Retirement Investing with Kaaren Hall
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29:44In this week's episode of REI Freedom, host Jeremy Bieland dives into the world of self-directed IRAs with expert guest Kaaren Hall, Founder and CEO of uDirect IRA Services, LLC. Kaaren brings decades of experience in real estate and financial services, offering invaluable insights for investors looking to leverage alternative assets to build their…
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Building Wealth Passively: Jeremy Dyer’s Guide to Real Estate Syndications
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31:19In this episode, we’re diving into the world of passive real estate investing with Jeremy Dyer, founder of Starting Point Capital. Jeremy shares his journey from active property flipping to a well-diversified portfolio of passive investments in syndications. For anyone curious about growing wealth in real estate without the daily hustle, this episo…
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Navigate Change and Spur Growth: The Path Forward
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41:25Allan Koltin joins Jeremy Clopton on Episode 78 of The Upstream Leader to discuss the evolving landscape of the accounting profession. Allan’s expertise is wide-reaching, built over more than 40 years within accounting as a practitioner, consultant, and thought leader. Covering M&A, private equity, ESOPs and more, Allan underscores recent industry …
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From Restaurant to Real Estate: Enis Shehu’s Path to Success
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35:08In this inspiring episode of REI Freedom, host Jeremy sits down with Enis Shehu, co-founder of Whiteacre Properties, licensed General Contractor, and creator of the Boston Real Estate Connection Meetup. Enis shares his incredible journey from running a family-owned restaurant to building a successful real estate investment business in the Greater B…
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Win More Deals with Seller Financing: Wyatt Reed Shares His Strategy
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34:15In this episode of REI Freedom, we’re diving deep into the world of seller financing with special guest Wyatt Reed. Wyatt shares his journey into real estate and how mastering seller financing has transformed his business. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, Wyatt’s insights on seller financing are invaluable for anyone looking…
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“Maybe” takes a back seat and stays where it belongs, as Jeremy Clopton hosts Kathy Klang, leader of the Success Management Division at Cummings Keegan on Episode 77 of The Upstream Leader. Kathy emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals to become decisive leaders without overanalyzing, advocating for a shift from committee-based manageme…
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First Deal, First Win: Josh’s Journey to His First Deal
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38:33In this episode, Jeremy interviews Josh Biernat, a full-time working dad who went from zero experience to closing his first real estate wholesale deal in just 90 days. Josh shares his journey, including the mistakes he made, the lessons he learned, and how he was able to generate $10,000 on his first deal. Whether you’re new to real estate or an ex…
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Starting Small: How to Invest in Notes with Limited Capital with Eddie Speed
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25:32Join us on this episode of REI Freedom as we welcome Eddie Speed, a seasoned expert in real estate investing. With over 40 years of experience, Eddie specializes in buying notes, a unique investment strategy that offers less hassle than traditional property management. He shares valuable insights into how to enter the world of note investing, the a…
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