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!

In this live episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I chat with Andrew Newlon from Springfield, Missouri—seven-year CG veteran, real estate investor, and now a local influencer. Andrew shares how he went from avoiding social media to becoming a consistent, visible authority in his market by documenting property walkthroughs, contractor updates, and lessons learned.

We dive into the practical, replicable way he's built credibility, attracted leads, hired talent, and strengthened relationships—without ever aiming to be a social media "star." This episode is packed with insight for any investor who's hesitant to put themselves out there but wants to increase deal flow, trust, and visibility right where they live.

[0:00] – Introducing Andrew Newlon and his seven-year journey in CG

[1:11] – From flips and short-term rentals to becoming a Springfield real estate face

[2:04] – How CG inspired Andrew to build a local brand using social media

[2:44] – Why his strategy isn't about going viral—but becoming the local go-to

[3:30] – Influences like Eric Brewer and Santini Lancioni that helped shape his approach

[4:43] – Andrew's social media tips for building local credibility: property walkthroughs, consistency, and relevance

[6:04] – Why being authentic matters more than being flashy—and how he stays true to himself

[7:01] – Real-world benefits: sellers vetting him online, contractors reaching out, new hires from a single post

[8:15] – How to go from 0 to 1 with just a smartphone, a $45 mic, and a Fiverr VA

[9:44] – What's next: continuing consistency, with a possible product or local podcast on the horizon

[11:05] – Takeaway from Brian Driscoll's session: seeing the seller's journey through their own eyes

[11:41] – Plans to launch a retail listing division to help sellers they can't buy from

[13:15] – New relationships, deeper CG connections, and how he's applying shared wisdom to his own business

[13:36] – Where to follow Andrew: Facebook (Andrew Newlon) and Instagram (@newlonandrew)

[14:05] – Closing thoughts and an invitation to join the CG community

1. You Don't Need to Be Famous—Just Consistent: Building local authority with social media is about being seen regularly, not being seen by everyone.
2. Authenticity Attracts Trust: Andrew's dry humor and low-key style resonate because they reflect who he really is. You don't have to act like someone else to make an impact.
3. Start Simple, Start Now: All you need is a smartphone, a mic, and a vacant house to begin building credibility online—no fancy setup required.

• Facebook: facebook.com/andrew.newlon

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newlon_andrew/

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

If you've been putting off building your presence because you're not "that kind of person," Andrew's story proves you don't have to be. Just start. If you found this episode helpful, rate, follow, and review the Collective Genius Podcast. Share it with another local investor who needs the nudge to show up and stand out. And if you're ready to be in a room like this, visit https://www.explorecg.com to apply.

In this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I'm joined by Josh Culler, founder of Culler Media, to dive deep into the real value of content marketing and how real estate investors can leverage it to establish trust, attract capital, and stand out in a saturated space. Josh shares practical advice on creating compelling content—even if you're not a natural in front of the camera—and why documenting your journey is far more powerful than trying to be an "influencer."

We cover everything from content creation for raising private capital to the importance of personal branding in building long-term business relationships. Josh also breaks down how to think about content strategy, the best platforms to focus on, and what kind of content resonates with high-net-worth individuals looking to invest. If you've ever struggled with putting yourself out there or aren't sure where to start with content marketing, this episode is packed with value.

TIMELINE SUMMARY

[0:00] – Introduction

[2:45] – Josh's origin story: how his background in media led to creating content for real estate investors

[6:20] – Why raising private capital starts with building trust through content

[10:03] – The difference between influence and value-driven storytelling

[12:42] – Why short-form content isn't enough—and how to add depth with longer videos and podcasts

[17:10] – The best platforms to publish and distribute your content effectively

[21:30] – How to attract high-net-worth individuals with genuine, educational content

[25:48] – Don't try to be a guru—why documenting your process is more powerful

[29:15] – Tactical tips for batching, filming, and repurposing content across platforms

[34:02] – The types of content that build long-term trust with your investor audience

[38:50] – Common mistakes investors make when trying to build a personal brand

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Trust First, Capital Follows – People invest in people. Use content to build trust before asking for money.
2. Document, Don't Perform – You don't need to be a guru. Show your journey and results instead.
3. Think Long-Term – The content you create today compounds over time—play the long game.
4. Repurpose Wisely – One video can be sliced into 10+ pieces across platforms. Work smart.
5. Be Human – Authenticity beats polish every time, especially when talking to high-net-worth investors.

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Learn more about Culler Media: cullermedia.com

• Follow Josh Culler on Instagram: @joshkculler

• Collective Genius Podcast Website: ExploreCG.com

CLOSING REMARK

Thanks again for listening to the Collective Genius Podcast. If this episode helped you rethink your content strategy, do us a favor—rate the show, follow us for more, and leave a review. Sharing it with a fellow investor goes a long way in helping us grow this community of high-performing professionals. Catch you in the next one!

In this live episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with Joe Cipollini—co-founder of Ramp Academy, longtime CG Elevate facilitator, and sales systems expert. Recorded live at our Q3 CG CEO and Premier event in Dallas, Joe brings the energy, humility, and hard-earned wisdom that's helped shape over 400 real estate businesses across the country.

We talk about the power of building foundational systems early, why the Elevate tier is where the real impact begins, and how Joe's passion for culture, coaching, and execution is transforming teams at every level. He also recaps his dynamic 90-minute lead management session featuring operators from across the country, sharing 15 small moves that create big results. If you're serious about scaling your real estate business with real systems and real leadership, this episode is a must-listen.

[0:00] - Introduction

[0:26] - Joe reflects on his journey in CG and the origin of the "JoeMont" nickname with Benmont.

[1:43] - From golden horses to coaching hundreds—Joe shares how his roles at CG and Ramp Academy evolved.

[3:01] - Inside the CG Elevate group: how Joe and Benmont help early-stage investors build scalable foundations.

[4:56] - Why doubling your deal flow requires intentional systems, not accidental growth.

[6:05] - Elevate as a two-day MBA: how structured curriculum + community drives real results.

[7:14] - Bridging the gap: why Elevate members benefit from learning directly from Select and Premier-level leaders.

[10:23] - Joe's biggest core value—impact—and how it shapes his work with the CG community.

[11:06] - Takeaways from Damon West's keynote: control, culture, and how mindset drives scale.

[13:19] - "Real estate is a commodity—culture is the secret sauce." Joe breaks down how great teams win.

[15:08] - Behind the scenes of Joe's lead management session: 15 small changes that move the needle.

[17:26] - Tactical tips from top operators across the U.S.—and why 5 of 15 could change your business.

[19:16] - Ramp Academy's origin story: how Joe turned internal sales coaching into a thriving business.

[21:18] - Diagnostic deep dives, executive coaching, and the future of Ramp Academy.

[22:47] - Want to grow with leaders like Joe? Visit https://www.explorecg.com and apply to find your room.

1. Small Adjustments Drive Big Results: You don't need a massive overhaul—just 5 of 15 small changes could transform your lead management.
2. Culture Isn't Optional—It's the Edge: Building a team that rallies around a mission is how you scale beyond yourself.
3. The Best Time to Build Systems Is Early: Don't wait until you're overwhelmed—start building the right way in your Elevate stage.

• Ramp Academy: https://www.ramparei.com
• Explore CG Membership: https://www.explorecg.com
• Damon West - Keynote Speaker: https://damonwest.org

If Joe's energy, insights, and emphasis on culture resonated with you, make sure to rate, follow, and review the Collective Genius Podcast. Share this episode with a fellow operator who's ready to do the small things that lead to massive change. Want to be in a room where implementation trumps inspiration? Apply now at https://www.explorecg.com.

In this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with Chad Young, the founder of Savvy Homes, to unpack how he built a $30 million business without raising outside money. Chad shares how he went from being a solo operator doing a handful of deals to leading a vertically integrated company with flipping, rentals, and a thriving brokerage—all while staying profitable and principle-driven.

We dive deep into the strategic moves, mindset shifts, and operational pivots that helped Chad scale sustainably. He opens up about his hiring philosophy, how he empowers leaders inside his org, and the systems that keep everything aligned as the company grows. This conversation is packed with tangible advice for anyone looking to scale big while staying true to their values.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction

[2:30] - Chad's journey from a few deals a year to building Savvy Homes

[6:20] - Why he chose not to raise outside capital—and what it forced him to master

[9:40] - How he diversified into flipping, rentals, and brokerage while staying focused

[13:00] - The inflection point that took him from operator to leader

[17:10] - His hiring strategy and how he builds leaders, not just employees

[20:45] - How to scale operations without losing profitability

[24:30] - The systems and rhythms that keep his teams aligned

[28:00] - Why culture is the real moat in today's real estate market

[32:10] - Advice for investors who want to scale without chasing shiny objects

[35:50] - What's next for Chad and the long-term vision for Savvy Homes

5 Key Takeaways

1. You Don't Need Outside Money to Scale Big – Discipline and cash flow can fuel massive growth.
2. Diversification Works—If It's Aligned – Every vertical in Chad's business feeds the others strategically.
3. Leaders Build Leaders – Empowering others creates compounding impact inside your company.
4. Systems Beat Hustle – Consistent execution comes from aligned teams and clear processes.
5. Stay Rooted in Vision – Chad's growth hasn't come at the expense of his principles—and that's the secret.

Links & Resources

• ExploreCG.com – Learn more about the Collective Genius community

• Recommended framework: EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System)

If Chad's story challenged the way you think about growth or inspired you to build more intentionally, follow, rate, and review the Collective Genius Podcast. And share it with someone who's ready to scale with clarity, not just speed.

In this live episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with Dean Rogers—former NFL player turned high-level real estate investor—during our Q3 Premier and CEO event in Dallas. Dean shares his journey from walking away from football due to concussions to building a thriving real estate business in Central California, all while raising five kids and running a community for other investors called Deal Champs.

We talk about his first impressions of CG, the value of hallway conversations, and the surprising insights he's already picked up from fellow members. Dean offers a candid look at how staying open-minded and collaborative, even in his first CG event, has already generated real value—from tactical lead generation tweaks to making new JV relationships. If you're an operator looking to grow through community, this episode proves the power of being in the right room.

[0:00] - Dean's first time at CG: impressions, excitement, and the impact of showing up in the right room.

[1:14] - From NFL to real estate: how concussions ended Dean's football career—and led him to entrepreneurship.

[1:53] - Running multiple businesses, raising five kids, and still finding time to grow through connection.

[3:22] - Why the hallway conversations at CG can be more powerful than the presentations.

[4:11] - How Dean approaches events with an open mind—and how every part of the business got a boost from this one.

[6:20] - The importance of attending with a business partner and debriefing your notes together post-event.

[7:07] - A key piece of advice from CG: force-rank your takeaways and implement the one with the most impact first.

[9:00] - A simple lead gen strategy from another member that Dean's team will be implementing immediately.

[10:34] - Customer service follow-up calls that bring leads "back from the dead."

[13:04] - Dean's unexpected connection with Dylan—a fellow Californian and past JV partner—and how relationships deepen in the room.

[15:41] - Why every investor needs to regularly step outside their own bubble and get around others who share, grow, and support.

1. Be Open to Learning at Every Level: Even seasoned investors can find gold in the basics if they approach events with curiosity and humility.
2. Don't Let Your Notes Die on the Shelf: Block time post-event to sort, prioritize, and assign implementation of ideas—before the energy fades.
3. Real Growth Happens in the Hallway: The most transformational conversations often happen between sessions. Show up, engage, and stay open.

• Dean Rogers on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deanrogersrealestate
• Dean Rogers' Website: https://www.deanrogers.com
• Deal Champs Community: https://www.thedealchamps.com
• Explore Collective Genius Membership: https://www.explorecg.com

If Dean's story inspired you to lean into learning and community, don't forget to rate, follow, and review the Collective Genius Podcast. Share this episode with an investor friend who needs to hear that it's never too late to level up. Want to be in the room where growth happens? Head over to explorecg.com and apply today.