In this high-impact episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with Jason Lewis—real estate investor, founder of Creation Utah, and the data mind behind Investor Machine. Jason pulls back the curtain on how he went from working for free in a one-desk office to building two powerhouse companies: a high-volume real estate operation and a done-for-you direct mail service that helps investors close deals across the country.

We dig deep into why direct mail is far from dead, even in a digital-first world. Jason shares the data-backed strategies he uses to get 4–6x returns consistently—including the secret to list stacking, the creative that actually performs, and how frequency and timing play a bigger role than most investors realize. If your marketing results have dipped or you're struggling to scale your acquisition machine, this episode is the blueprint you've been looking for.

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Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction

[1:40] - Jason's journey: From free intern to running a 150-flip-a-year operation

[6:00] - Founding Creation Utah and discovering a scalable marketing system

[10:30] - The origin of Investor Machine and scaling it from a few friends to 50+ staff

[16:00] - Why direct mail still works (and may work even better today)

[19:00] - The list algorithm: How AI and data science fuel smarter targeting

[25:30] - Texting and cold calling fading? Where those sellers are going now

[30:10] - Top-performing lists and why they vary by region

[34:00] - Why "ugly" mailers work better—and what tested pieces to avoid

[42:00] - Motivation-based customization and how it boosts response rates

[47:00] - Most common mistakes in budget, frequency, and expectations

[51:00] - Direct mail ROI takes time: why most investors quit too early

[54:00] - Jason's 90-day sequence and mailing frequency blueprint

[58:00] - The must-track metrics to know if your mail campaign is working

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5 Key Takeaways

1. Direct Mail Is Not Dead—Just Misused – With the right data, creative, and cadence, direct mail consistently delivers high ROI. Most investors just don't stick with it long enough.

2. Custom Targeting Wins – Jason's success lies in using AI to find who sells to investors—not just who's motivated—and creating "lookalike" seller profiles.

3. Data Beats Design – Fancy postcards underperform. Simple, clear, even "ugly" designs consistently outperform polished branding.

4. Frequency Matters More Than You Think – Many sellers respond months after the first touch. Jason mails top lists every 30 days and keeps going until the house is sold.

5. Know Your Numbers – From cost per lead to cost per close, tracking every step of your campaign helps optimize performance and avoid wasted spend.

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If this episode gave you clarity or sparked a new idea, do us a favor—rate, follow, and share the Collective Genius Podcast. Let's keep scaling smarter, together.

In this final live episode from our CG Select and Elevate event in Dallas, I sit down with Travis Copeland from Columbus, Ohio—real estate investor, construction lead, and trusted community builder. Travis shares how the Columbus market has thrived through a culture of collaboration over competition, and how that mindset has transformed both his network and his business.

We also dive into Travis's evolution from wholesaling to flipping, the real challenges of bringing project management in-house, and how he's documenting and systemizing every step of the rehab process for better efficiency and profit. If you're considering taking control of your construction, building systems from scratch, or just want to hear how to level up through community, this episode delivers.

[0:00] – Why Columbus investors win through collaboration, not competition

[1:29] – The value of sharing deals instead of bidding each other up

[3:01] – Travis's business model shift from wholesaling to flipping

[3:39] – How a "dream GC" helped early success—and why it wasn't sustainable

[4:05] – The transition to in-house project management (and what Travis learned)

[5:24] – Documenting every step of a flip: checklists, materials, and avoiding site visits

[6:42] – Using CompanyCam and Home Depot text approvals to streamline jobs

[7:29] – Elevating design to reduce days on market—ditching the basic flips

[9:16] – Creative listing strategies: social media, flyers, and 100% staging

[10:45] – The value of affordable price points and better quality in Midwest flips

[11:07] – Why Travis still seeks growth—even when he's the one on stage

[11:41] – A powerful reminder about self-accountability from Dustin's presentation

[12:52] – Identity, intention, and finding clarity as a business leader

[13:09] – Still learning: what Travis hopes to gain from AI and PM-focused sessions

[14:00] – Giving credit: how everything Travis presented came from CG members

[14:56] – Where to follow Travis online for more flips and fire-damage rehabs

1. Document Before You Delegate: Travis built repeatable systems for project management before hiring—ensuring a smoother handoff and better results.
2. Design Differentiates: In a slowing market, thoughtful finishes and design upgrades help listings stand out and sell faster.
3. Leverage the Room: Everything Travis implemented came from CG peers—proof that shared wisdom accelerates success.

• Follow Travis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trav_cope

• Explore CG Membership: https://www.explorecg.com

If Travis's story inspired you to take control of your systems, elevate your design game, or lean harder into your peer network, then rate, follow, and review the Collective Genius Podcast. And if you're ready to learn from investors like Travis in person, visit https://www.explorecg.com and apply to join us.

In this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with CG member Brian Ferguson, who shares his journey from building a thriving real estate investment business to discovering the freedom and financial control of being a private lender. Brian opens up about his decision to sell off most of his active real estate portfolio and transition into lending full-time—while still growing his wealth and simplifying his life.

We explore what it really takes to make that shift, how to structure lending relationships with strong operators, and why some seasoned investors are choosing a more passive but profitable lane. If you've ever wondered whether there's life after flipping or rentals, this episode is a must-listen. Brian brings years of hard-won insight and a refreshing perspective on what freedom can look like in this business.

TIMELINE SUMMARY

[0:00] – Introduction

[3:10] – Brian shares his transition from active investor to full-time private lender

[5:42] – How lending gave him back his time while keeping him in the game

[9:03] – The criteria Brian uses to evaluate operators and structure lending deals

[12:30] – How long-standing relationships inside CG influence lending decisions

[16:40] – The value of lending against cash-flowing assets versus speculative plays

[20:11] – Why betting on people is more important than betting on deals

[24:56] – The surprising benefits of simplifying his real estate business

[28:33] – Advice for investors considering a shift toward private lending

[32:15] – What Brian looks for in operators beyond just numbers

[36:08] – Why the right operator can make or break your lending experience

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Freedom Can Be Passive – Moving from active deals to lending can restore your time while maintaining income.
2. People Over Property – A good operator is more valuable than a great deal on paper.
3. Relationships Matter – Long-term trust, especially in communities like CG, is key to successful private lending.
4. Simplify to Scale – Reducing operational complexity can lead to more clarity, freedom, and fulfillment.
5. Due Diligence is Non-Negotiable – Vet operators thoroughly and structure deals that protect your capital.

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Collective Genius Podcast Website: ExploreCG.com

CLOSING REMARK

Thanks for tuning into another episode of the Collective Genius Podcast. If you enjoyed this conversation with Brian Ferguson and it gave you a new perspective on private lending or simplifying your business, be sure to rate the show, follow us, and leave a review. And if you know another investor who needs to hear this, go ahead and share it with them. We'll catch you in the next one!