Acquisitions Academy host Mike Abramowitz talks with Anthony Simonie, founder of Sherwood Marketing / Found Money Partnerships and co-founder of Pro Land Fund, about uncovering “found money” already sitting inside businesses, especially through underused email lists, LinkedIn connections, and existing warm relationships. Anthony explains why most entrepreneurs rush to cold ads instead of working their warm network, how to personalize outreach so it feels human in an AI-driven world, and why consistent, thoughtful follow-up beats one-and-done messages. They dig into using LinkedIn as a true relationship platform, the power of partnering with trusted advisors like CPAs to access off-market deals, and why building a strong network is the closest thing to a shortcut in M&A and capital raising. Anthony then breaks down why he created the Pro Land Fund as a simple, lower-risk, land-backed real estate cash flow play for accredited investors, how it fits into a broader wealth strategy, and the safeguards built into the fund. He closes by sharing his perspective on legacy, faith, parenting his two adopted kids, and why taking action now, not waiting for the perfect time, is the real key to building both wealth and impact.

Quotes:

1. "If you don't have the relationship, you have nothing."

2. "People are thinking about the end game way too early instead of how to just start the conversation the right way."

3. "You can do very, very well in business by treating people the right way."

Key Takeaways:

• Your existing network is a gold mine - email lists, LinkedIn connections, and phone contacts often hold more profit potential than new cold ad campaigns.

• Relationships beat automation - personalized, human outreach and genuine interest in others create far more deal flow than templated AI-driven pitches.

Episode Timeline

00:00 Welcome, guest intro, and Anthony’s “found money” philosophy

02:31 Why most businesses sit on a profit “gold mine”

04:56 Ads vs. warm outreach and the real ROI question

08:02 How to start authentic, human conversations in a noisy AI world

11:57 Getting and keeping attention: follow-up, humor, and long game relationships

18:22 Playing the relationship game, not the transactional game

19:16 Why LinkedIn is a relationship engine for M&A and deal flow

22:48 Partnering with CPAs and other trusted advisors for off-market deals

24:32 Why Anthony launched Pro Land Fund and how the model works

30:14 Portfolio fit, risk reduction, and cash flow from land

31:31 Time, action, and using the “Five Second Rule” to move now

34:25 Legacy, faith, family, and doing well by doing right

Conclusion

Building wealth through acquisitions, capital raising, and real estate ultimately comes down to one core principle Anthony Simonie reinforced throughout this conversation: relationships first, tactics second. By treating your email list, LinkedIn connections, and personal network as a true gold mine, and backing that up with consistent, authentic follow-up, you create a steady pipeline of warm opportunities and off-market deals. Layering in simple, de-risked vehicles like the Pro Land Fund allows you to turn that business cash flow into long-term, land-backed income, while never losing sight of what really matters: legacy, integrity, and the example you set for the people watching you, from your partners and investors to your kids and future generations.

If you’re serious about pulling more profit, deal flow, and long-term wealth out of the relationships you already have, let’s talk and map out a straightforward, relationship-driven plan that fits your goals.

Learn more and book a conversation with Anthony: link.cbrcapitalgroup.com (Acquisitions Academy booking widget)

Email: Asimonie33@gmail.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anthonysimonie