Behind The Mask” brings Ryan Garland and Joe Roman into a candid breakdown of what it takes to operate at pace in private equity. Ryan outlines the operator mindset: answer the phone after five, stay mission-driven, protect the downside, and lead with compassion without compromising accountability. He opens up about divorce, blended family dynamics, and the pressure of capital markets, using hard-won lessons to separate givers from takers in teams. Expect a practical look at hiring (why résumés often mislead), building loyalty, navigating California employment law realities, and keeping culture strong when the world feels like it’s burning—rates, real estate, politics, crypto. Ryan explains why forgiveness is a performance tool, how faith and hope reduce leadership drag, and why selfless love creates peace at home (the fuel that sustains high performance at work). From father-son legacy to “blank canvas” resets after hitting bottom, this episode is a masterclass in turning setbacks into clarity, discipline, and repeatable results. Leaders, investors, and operators will leave with a human playbook for transparency, integrity, and execution—the real differentiators in real estate and private equity.

Paradyme

Colin’s story is a testament to how a single right-place, right-time moment can change the trajectory of a life. What began as a chance introduction to Paradyme’s founder and chairman, Ryan Garland, at one event opened doors that allowed him to pursue his childhood dreams. That encounter sparked a chain of opportunities that took Colin from modest roots to the center of offshore racing’s elite.

Colin shares his remarkable journey from a Midwestern kid on pontoon boats to crew chief of a championship offshore racing team, revealing how chance encounters and relentless hard work created life-changing opportunities:

• Growing up on Fox River in Chicago with modest pontoon boats while dreaming of speedboats
• Moving to Lake Havasu after selling his house during the pandemic housing boom
• Building a successful boat detailing and concierge business for wealthy clients
• Meeting Ryan Garland, which led to introductions that changed the course of his life
• Connecting with racing team owner JR at an event in Miami through that chance chain of introductions
• Transitioning from occasional helper to full-time crew chief of Motlik Racing (#40)
• Managing the logistics of professional offshore racing with costs exceeding $50,000 per event
• Setting a world record for outboard catamaran speed (later broken) with White Boy Rick's sponsorship
• Working alongside notable figures from boating history including Gus Falcone from Cocaine Cowboys
• Balancing race team responsibilities with maintaining relationships with original clients
• Finding fulfillment in living his childhood dream while continuing to push for excellence

Paradyme

Dennis shares his journey from working in a concrete family business to becoming a quality control expert and eventually a successful contractor. Through decades of experience, he's mastered the unique challenges of desert construction and brings invaluable expertise to development projects.

• Growing up in a concrete family provided Dennis with early exposure to construction work and a strong work ethic
• Arizona's extreme heat presents unique challenges for concrete work, often requiring 1:30 AM pours to maintain quality
• Quality control background gave Dennis scientific understanding of materials and engineering principles
• The majority of construction risk lies in horizontal work rather than vertical construction
• Labor availability remains an ongoing challenge in Lake Havasu's seasonal economy
• Paradyme Storage represents a new standard in storage units with insulation, air conditioning, and high-end finishes
• Large units are selling faster than smaller units, showing market demand for premium storage options
• The Family Office Society building transformed from a Port-A-John storage facility to a premium office space
• The Gym and Barn Caves development will create a resort-like experience with luxury amenities
• Quality construction protects not just the brand but also the end user from future problems

Paradyme