In this episode of the CEO Pulse Podcast, we sit down with Jordan Samuel Fleming — Founder of Smartphone, one of the most widely used communication platforms in real estate investing and business operations.

Jordan breaks down how he built Smartphone from $0 to $10M+ in revenue, scaled a global team, and did it all without outside funding. We talk SaaS, REI tech, Podio, AI innovation, leadership, culture, scaling, and the truth about becoming a CEO who can step out of the day-to-day.

Whether you're a real estate investor, SaaS founder, operator, or entrepreneur, this one will hit hard.

Timestamps / Chapters:
00:00 – Intro
02:05 – Starting Smartphone: The Origin Story
06:32 – Bootstrapping a SaaS to $10M+
10:48 – Why Phone + Podio Changed REI Forever
15:21 – Leadership, Culture & CEO Evolution
22:45 – Crisis Mode: Near Shutdown Story
31:10 – Building Teams Who Rally, Not Run
38:50 – AI, Innovation & What’s Coming Next
46:03 – Advice for Founders & CEOs
58:12 – Closing Thoughts

Highlights:
• The truth about scaling SaaS without investors
• Why Smartphone became a real estate tech standard
• How to build culture people actually fight for
• The difference between managing and leading
• When to step away from the CEO seat
• Why complacency kills companies
• What’s coming next with AI + communication

About Jordan Fleming:
Jordan is the CEO and Founder of Smartphone, one of the most widely used communication platforms in real estate investing. He has decades of experience in technology, scaling teams, building systems, and leading organizational change at the highest level. Smartphone is deeply integrated with Podio and continues to innovate at the front edge of AI.

Connect with Jordan Fleming:
Website: https://www.smrtphone.io/
Instagram: IG: https://www.instagram.com/jsamuelfleming/

👉 If this resonated with you, LIKE, comment your biggest takeaway, and SUBSCRIBE for more episodes on entrepreneurship, energy, and growth.

#Smartphone #JordanFleming #CEOPulsePodcast #SaaSBusiness #RealEstateInvesting #REITech #PodioCRM #BusinessLeadership #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessGrowth #ScalingBusiness #Bootstrapped #StartupFounder #ArtificialIntelligence #RealEstateInvestors

Want to tap into your feminine energy and build a thriving business?

In this episode, Rafael sits down with Joanna Vasquez—entrepreneur, insurance agency owner, and powerhouse leader—to discuss how she’s harnessed her feminine power to scale her business and empower other women.

Joanna’s journey started with getting fired and led her to build a successful insurance agency. Now, she’s expanding into franchises and is here to share her strategies for balancing structure, intuition, and energy to grow a business that feels aligned and sustainable. 💥

If you’re a woman looking to step into your full power, this episode will give you practical insights on setting boundaries, healing self-worth, and creating a business that supports your vision.

Key Points Covered:

• How getting fired led to Joanna betting on herself and finding success.
• The importance of healing self-worth to attract the right clients and opportunities.
• How to combine masculine structure with feminine energy for balanced business growth.
• Energy management, daily rituals, and protecting your personal power.
• Joanna’s vision for empowering other women through her franchise model.
  

Timestamps / Chapters:
00:00 – Intro & Joanna’s journey from fired to thriving entrepreneur
05:20 – How healing self-worth shifted her business and life
10:10 – Balancing structure and intuition in business
14:30 – Creating healthy boundaries and protecting your energy
20:00 – Building a business that supports your personal life
25:30 – Joanna’s vision for a franchise model and empowering women
32:00 – Where to connect with Joanna and next steps.

Connect with Joanna:
Instagram: IG: https://www.instagram.com/thejoannav/

Website: https://bit.ly/4oYOHHu

👉 If this resonated with you, LIKE, comment your biggest takeaway, and SUBSCRIBE for more episodes on entrepreneurship, energy, and growth.

#FemininePower #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #EnergyManagement #SelfWorth #BusinessGrowth #JoannaVasquez #RafaelCortez

Want to build a lasting business with the right structure for healthy leverage?

In this episode, Rafael sits down with Aaron Chapman—author, top 1% mortgage loan originator, and real estate financing expert—to break down how you can set up your business for success from day one.

With over 25 years of experience, Aaron advises over 100 clients a month, helping them source and finance cash-flow positive investment properties. He ranked #7 in the nation in 2022, closing over 100 transactions per month, and now he’s here to share his best strategies for leveraging your business and real estate portfolio for long-term growth. 🚀

If you're just getting started or looking to improve your current strategy, this episode is packed with valuable insights on setting up LLCs, leveraging infinite banking, and using the right structure to protect your wealth and legacy.

Key Points Covered:

• Why structuring your business the right way from the start is crucial for long-term success.

• The power of leverage and how to use it effectively without overextending yourself.

• The importance of starting with the right legal and organizational structure, including LLCs and trusts.

• How to maximize returns with 30-year fixed loans and DSCR products.

• The role of infinite banking and whole life insurance in building a legacy.

• The best strategies for real estate investors looking to grow their portfolios while managing risk.
  

Timestamps / Chapters:

• 00:00 – Intro & Aaron’s background in finance and real estate.

• 03:30 – Why getting your structure right from the start is critical.

• 08:15 – The power of leverage and how to use it for growth.

• 12:45 – Setting up LLCs and trusts for long-term wealth preservation.

• 17:30 – Understanding DSCR loans and 30-year fixed products.

• 22:10 – The role of infinite banking and whole life insurance in real estate investing.

• 28:05 – How to structure your real estate portfolio for maximum efficiency.

• 35:20 – Real-life examples of using leverage to scale a real estate business.

• 42:50 – Aaron’s tips for new investors looking to build their portfolio.

• 50:00 – Where to connect with Aaron and next steps.
  

Connect with Aaron:

Website: https://aaronchapman.com/

Social Media Links:

Youtube: @AaronChapmanSGOC

Instagram: sgoc_aaron

Twitter: @AaronBChapman

TikTok: theredneckmortgagebroker

👉 If this helped, LIKE, comment your biggest takeaway, and SUBSCRIBE for weekly playbooks.

#RealEstateInvesting #BusinessStructure #Leverage #LegacyBuilding #WealthManagement #Entrepreneurship

CEO Pulse Mindset Monday Ep 88: How to Think BIG & the Magic of Possibilities with Justin Thorstad & Rafael Cortez

In this episode of Mindset Monday, Rafael Cortez and Justin Thorstad dive deep into the power of thinking big and embracing the limitless potential that lies within us. They explore how expanding your mindset can open doors to opportunities beyond what you could ever imagine.

Justin and Rafael share their personal experiences of thinking bigger, especially when faced with unexpected opportunities that were much larger than anticipated. The conversation emphasizes how shifting from limiting beliefs to expansive thinking is key to unlocking a world of possibilities.

You’ll discover how to:

• Break free from limiting beliefs and start thinking on a grander scale.

• Develop the habit of visualizing and committing to big opportunities.

• Overcome the fear of failure by embracing risk and focusing on the upside.

• Understand the importance of leaving room in your mind for the possibilities that lie ahead.

• Tap into the magic of life by intentionally aligning your thoughts with success.

• Recognize that thinking big isn’t about knowing the exact path — it’s about being open to where the journey takes you.
  

This episode will challenge your perception of what's possible and encourage you to step into your full potential as an entrepreneur and individual. If you’ve been holding yourself back or feeling uncertain about your next big move, this conversation will inspire you to break through and aim higher than you ever thought possible.

Timecode:

0:00 – Intro

2:00 – The Power of Thinking Big

6:00 – Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs

10:00 – Shifting Mindset: From Risk Aversion to Opportunity

14:00 – Embracing Bigger Opportunities Than You Imagined

18:30 – The Importance of Leaving Room for Possibilities

22:00 – Visualizing Success and Taking Action

28:00 – Overcoming Negative Thought Patterns

33:00 – How to Develop a Bigger Vision for Your Life

38:00 – Final Thoughts: The Magic of Thinking Big

Connect with Justin Thorstad:

📞 Cell: (602) 348-8534

📧 Email: Justin@libertasrealestate.com

🔗 Website: www.justinthorstad.com

📱 Instagram: @justinthorstad

Follow Rafael Cortez:

🌐 Website: www.ceopulse.com

📱 Instagram: @rafaelcortezceo

📘 Facebook: @rafaelcortezceo

CEO Pulse | The Real, The Raw & The Mind of Entrepreneurship.

Your backstage pass to the stories, strategies, and psychology of top-performing entrepreneurs. Subscribe, like, and share for more!

#ceopulse #mindsetmonday #entrepreneurship #businessmindset #thinkbig #possibilities #growth #success #leadership

From High School → High 6 Figures (in under a year!)

Rafael sits down with Joshua Douchee & Tyler Williams of Silverstone Capital (Chicago) to unpack how they went from a senior-year bathroom cold call to consistent deals and high 6 figures—fast.

We cover:
1️⃣ Scrappy start: JV’ing “dead leads” and early novations that worked in overlooked markets
2️⃣ Role clarity that unlocked scale: ops vs. relationships
3️⃣ Pipeline speed: being the “squeaky wheel” with title/agents to shorten cash conversion cycles
4️⃣ Hard lessons: setting boundaries on nightmare deals vs. doubling down on winners
5️⃣ Wins: a $63k+ spread and why bigger deals are often simpler.

Key takeaway: Solve ugly problems, finish the job, and run a disciplined cadence—conversations close, broadcasts don’t.

Timestamps / Chapters:
00:00 – Intro & who Joshua and Tyler are

02:00 – High school → high 6 figures: the origin story

05:00 – The “bathroom cold call” & first JV wins

09:00 – Novations 101: when and where they work

12:30 – Building buyer lists from real transactions

16:00 – Phone-first cadence (double dial → VM → text)

19:00 – Role clarity that unlocked scale (ops vs relationships)

22:30 – Systems: CRM, cadences, daily huddles

26:00 – Pipeline speed: “squeaky wheel” with title/agents

30:00 – Deal breakdown: the ~$63k spread (why it was simple)

34:00 – Quality control: walking from bad deals, doubling down on winners

38:00 – Hiring ahead of growth & avoiding mis-hires

42:00 – 2025 reality: spreads, soft costs, what’s working

46:00 – Action playbook: what to execute next 30 days

50:00 – Rapid-fire: tools, scripts, KPIs

58:00 – Resources, where to connect & wrap

Connect with Joshua Douchee & Tyler Williams:

Joshua Douchee IG: https://www.instagram.com/joshua.jmd.dochee/

Tyler Williams IG: https://www.instagram.com/tyler.williams_._/

👉 If this helped, LIKE, comment your biggest takeaway, and SUBSCRIBE for weekly playbooks.

#Wholesaling #RealEstateInvesting #Novations #Dispositions #Acquisitions #ColdCalling #RealEstatePodcast #EntrepreneurMindset #RafaelCortez #SilverstoneCapital #ChicagoREI #HighSchoolToSixFigures

𝗖𝗘𝗢 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝘀𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗘𝗽 𝟴𝟳: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗶-𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝗮𝗳𝗮𝗲𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝘇 & 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗱.

In this episode of Mindset Monday, we explore what it really means to be anti-fragile — to thrive through adversity, chaos, and uncertainty instead of breaking under it.
Rafael Cortez and Justin Thorstad break down the emotional intelligence behind the mindset of an anti-fragile entrepreneur — the kind of leader who doesn’t just survive challenges but grows stronger because of them. They discuss how self-awareness, discipline, and perspective help you face setbacks with resilience and use every obstacle as fuel for growth.
𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼:

- Develop emotional intelligence to navigate stress and burnout.
- Shift from being resilient to being anti-fragile — using pressure as power.
- Build self-regulation and awareness to stay grounded in chaos.
- Reframe adversity as a necessary part of your evolution.
- Find joy, curiosity, and purpose in the day-to-day grind of entrepreneurship.
- Recognize burnout as a signal of misalignment — not weakness.
- Stay unshakable by protecting your peace, focus, and energy.
This episode is a powerful reminder that success isn’t about avoiding pain — it’s about transforming it. The moment you stop resisting the chaos and start learning from it, you step into the mindset that makes you unstoppable.
Whether you’re building a business, leading a team, or just trying to level up in life — this conversation will challenge your thinking and redefine how you view failure, struggle, and growth.
𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗱𝗲:

0:00 – Intro
2:30 – Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Entrepreneurship
6:00 – The Truth About Burnout and Self-Awareness
10:15 – Resilience vs. Anti-Fragility
14:00 – How to Reframe Chaos as Opportunity
19:30 – Emotional Strength and the Courage to Act
25:00 – Discipline, Alignment, and Daily Awareness
30:00 – Finding Joy and Gratitude in Small Wins
35:00 – Staying Curious and Hungry as a Creator
40:00 – Final Thoughts: Becoming Unshakable
Connect with Justin Thorstad:
📞 Cell: (602) 348-8534
📧 Email: Justin@libertasrealestate.com
🔗 Website: www.justinthorstad.com
📱 Instagram: @justinthorstad
Follow Rafael Cortez:
🌐 Website: www.ceopulse.com
📱 Instagram: @rafaelcortezceo
📘 Facebook: @rafaelcortezceo
CEO Pulse | The Real, The Raw & The Mind of Entrepreneurship.
Your backstage pass to the stories, strategies, and psychology of top-performing entrepreneurs. Subscribe, like, and share for more!
#ceopulse #mindsetmonday #entrepreneurship #businessmindset #antifragile #emotionalintelligence #selfawareness #resilience #growth #leadership #success

CEO Pulse Mindset Monday Ep 86: The Power of Letting Go with Rafael Cortez & Justin Thorstad

In this episode of Mindset Monday, we explore the art of letting go and how it can transform your personal and professional life. Whether it's shedding old habits, beliefs, or even past successes, we dive deep into the importance of releasing what's no longer serving you in order to make space for growth and new opportunities.

Rafael Cortez and Justin Thorstad discuss how often we get stuck by holding onto the past—whether it's comfort, old perceptions, or even the success we’ve already achieved. They break down actionable strategies for letting go of the things that hold us back and how this simple yet powerful practice can elevate your mindset, relationships, and business.

This episode is packed with insights on how to move beyond your current limitations, tackle triggers that lead to bad habits, and consciously create a better version of yourself. If you’ve ever felt like you’re stuck in old patterns or struggling to let go of what’s no longer serving you, this episode will offer you the clarity and mindset shifts needed to break free.

Timecode:

0:00 - Intro.

1:30 - Why Letting Go is Crucial for Growth.

5:00 - Letting Go of Past Successes and Achievements.

9:45 - Identifying and Overcoming Old Habits and Beliefs.

2:00 - The Practice of Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness.

15:30 - How to Tackle the Triggers of Negative Habits.

18:20 - Building New Habits to Replace the Old.

22:00 - Letting Go of the Stories We Tell Ourselves.

26:30 - The Importance of Self-Love in the Process of Letting Go.

30:00 - Final Thoughts: Embracing Change with Love and Confidence.

Connect with Justin Thorstad:

📞 Cell: (602) 348-8534

📧 Email: Justin@libertasrealestate.com

🔗 Website: www.justinthorstad.com

📱 Instagram: @justinthorstad

Follow Me (Rafael Cortez):

🌐 Website: www.ceopulse.com

📱 Instagram: @rafaelcortezceo

📘 Facebook: @rafaelcortezceo

🎧 Listen now on your favorite platform:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/VM3_rPKtyPY

Subscribe now for more Mindset Monday episodes and transform your approach to success!

CEO Pulse | The Real, The Raw & The Mind of Entrepreneurship. Your backstage pass to the stories, strategies, and psychology of top-performing entrepreneurs. Subscribe, like, and share for more!

#ceopulse #entrepreneurship #mindset #business #success #growth #lettinggo

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗼 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱?

Rafael sits down with Daniel McClam—Owner of Hawks Real Estate & Co-Founder of InvestorBase—to break down a no-fluff dispo playbook: ranking the most-likely buyers, phone-first outreach that 2–3x’s contact rates, and the systems that keep your pipeline moving even when the market tightens.

Daniel scaled Hawks Real Estate to 10+ deals/month across 10 states with 12 institutional buyers, then co-founded InvestorBase, a platform that surfaces the most-likely buyers from a network of 10M+ nationwide.

We cover:

1️⃣ Why targeted call cadences beat mass blasts.

2️⃣ Building buyer lists from real transaction history (flippers/holders nearby).

3️⃣ The buy-box + phone combo and simple cadence (double dial → VM → text).

4️⃣ Hiring ahead of growth and avoiding costly mis-hires.

5️⃣ The ICE framework (Impact, Confidence, Effort/Cost) for product & ops decisions.

6️⃣ 2025 dispo reality: spreads, soft costs, and what’s actually working.

Key takeaway: Treat dispo like sales. Rank buyers, call the right ones, and run a disciplined cadence—broadcasts are noise; conversations close.

Timestamps / Chapters:

00:00 – Intro & Daniel’s background.

04:30 – Hawks → InvestorBase: solving the buyer-finding bottleneck.

10:45 – 10M+ buyers ≠ spray & pray: how to rank “most-likely” buyers.

16:20 – Call cadence that 2–3x’s contacts (double dial, VM, text).

22:10 – Prioritizing by real transaction history (who buys here).

29:05 – Hiring, org design, and avoiding bad hires.

36:40 – ICE framework for roadmap & operations.

44:15 – What’s working in dispo right now + action steps.

51:30 – Where to connect & next steps.

Connect with Daniel / InvestorBase:

Website: www.investorbase.com/freetrial/?ref=Pulse

IG: @danniwoo2

👉 If this helped, LIKE, COMMENT your biggest takeaway, and SUBSCRIBE for weekly playbooks on acquisitions, dispo, and scaling your RE business.

#Wholesaling #RealEstateInvesting #Dispositions #InvestorBase #DanielMcClam #RafaelCortez #HawksRealEstate #BuyerList #CashBuyers #OffMarketDeals