Episode 32: Building Empire One Brick at a Time with Joe Fredick

Forged In Fire

Joe Frederick's real estate journey began with a teenage epiphany in a New Jersey beach house. "This is not the family type that I come from," he recalls thinking at 16, discovering the owner built wealth through real estate. That moment sparked a decade-long path from finance student to savvy entrepreneur.
Frederick's tactical approach to building wealth started with house hacking at 22, purchasing a duplex and renting the larger unit while living in the smaller one. Despite being younger than his tenants, he positioned himself as "just the property manager," a clever strategy that established authority while concealing his inexperience. He expanded by systematically purchasing properties with 5% down conventional loans, living in each for a year before moving to the next—until marriage put an end to his nomadic investment strategy.
The conversation takes a powerful turn when Frederick reveals his struggle with authenticity during his private equity career. "I faked every single day of being there," he admits, describing how he felt out of place among Ivy League graduates. A brutally honest call from a LinkedIn connection became his watershed moment: "I will never answer a freaking call from you again... you are inauthentic." Instead of becoming defensive, Frederick embraced this feedback, dropped his façade, and transformed his approach to business relationships.
Now co-founder of Capital Companion, Frederick has built a versatile investment company that handles fix-and-flips, buy-and-holds, and strategic partnerships—including innovative arrangements with retired NFL players who provide capital. His company is expanding into wholesaling and planning a hedge fund, demonstrating the power of authentic networking and complementary partnerships.
For entrepreneurs struggling with work-life balance, Frederick offers a simple yet powerful practice: putting his phone down at home while keeping it on loud. "I want to be tested," he explains, training himself to remain present with family despite notifications. His advice to ask family members about their day creates meaningful connections that sustain him through entrepreneurial challenges.
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Chapters

1. Finding Purpose in Real Estate (00:00:00)

2. House Hacking at 22 (00:05:08)

3. From Private Equity to Entrepreneurship (00:08:59)

4. The Call That Changed Everything (00:15:38)

5. Strategic Business Expansion (00:21:54)

6. Lightning Round Q&A (00:32:33)

7. Balancing Work and Family Life (00:39:12)