Day One Dollar Zero

176: From the Marine Corps to Building Million-Dollar Homes: Austin Hancock’s Story Dec 19, 2024

In this episode, Will Grimes and Eli Schmidt sit down with Austin Hancock, a Marine Corps veteran turned successful real estate investor and performance coach. Austin takes us on his journey from a rebellious youth in Oklahoma to finding discipline in the Marines, and later channeling those lessons into entrepreneurship. He shares raw, unfiltered stories of challenges, triumphs, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career in building luxury homes and transitioning into real estate coaching. This episode is packed with lessons on resilience, leadership, and the power of taking risks to build a better future.

Join us as we explore the trials of transitioning from military to civilian life, the realities of navigating the high-stakes world of custom home building, and how Austin’s no-nonsense approach to self-improvement and business strategy led him to success. Whether you're a veteran, an entrepreneur, or just looking for inspiration, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

[5:15] - The pivotal role of mentorship in sparking Austin's entrepreneurial journey.
[12:34] - Overcoming the stigma of failure and embracing risk in real estate investment.
[22:11] - The importance of leveraging military discipline and leadership skills in business.
[35:45] - Austin’s insights on using social media as a tool for growth and networking.
[48:22] - Navigating the complexities of luxury home building and client expectations.
[55:18] - Lessons learned from the pain of financial missteps and how it fueled a pivot toward coaching.
[1:08:50] - Why continuous learning and adaptability are essential for long-term success.
[1:15:33] - The power of community and support systems in personal and professional growth.
[1:28:47] - Practical advice for veterans transitioning to civilian careers.
[1:35:22] - The importance of maintaining humility and being a lifelong student.

Chapter Time Stamps:

[0:00] - Introduction and banter about podcast changes.
[3:45] - Austin’s early life in Oklahoma and his rebellious teenage years.
[15:22] - Finding discipline in the Marine Corps: Austin’s transformation.
[28:30] - Starting out in construction and lessons from his first entrepreneurial endeavors.
[42:00] - The challenges of luxury home building and managing client relationships.
[58:15] - Overcoming financial hardship and learning the importance of pivoting in business.
[1:10:20] - Transitioning into real estate coaching and mentoring others.
[1:25:10] - How Austin uses his story to inspire and guide others in business.
[1:38:50] - Closing reflections on leadership, resilience, and ongoing growth.

175: How to Negotiate College Tuition and Save Big: A Conversation with Kelly O'Connor Dec 09, 2024

Ever wondered if college tuition is negotiable? In this episode of Day One Dollar Zero, we sit down with Kelly O'Connor, founder of College Money Academy, to unravel the complexities of financing a college education. Kelly shares groundbreaking strategies to help families reduce the cost of college, avoid massive debt, and maximize opportunities for their children. From understanding financial aid packages to negotiating tuition rates, this episode is packed with invaluable insights for parents and students alike. Whether you're gearing up for college applications or planning ahead for the future, this is a must-listen!

Timeline

[3:45] - Meet Kelly O’Connor: Background and journey into entrepreneurship.
[15:20] - The pivotal moment: Discovering that college tuition is negotiable.
[22:35] - How financial aid packages really work—and why they’re often lowballed.
[30:50] - The importance of packaging your student for success: Clubs, grades, and leadership.
[42:15] - Breaking down FAFSA and the strategies to reduce your Expected Family Contribution.
[55:00] - How College Money Academy helps families save thousands on tuition.
[1:05:10] - Marketing, webinars, and reaching parents nationwide with the right tools.

Key Takeaways

College Costs Are Negotiable: Parents should never settle for the initial financial aid offer. There’s almost always more money on the table.
Start Early: Begin preparing as early as freshman year by focusing on community service, leadership roles, and extracurriculars.
Understand FAFSA: Learn how your income and assets impact your financial aid eligibility—and why repositioning assets isn’t always the solution.
Package Your Student: A well-rounded profile with strong academics, leadership, and community involvement can make a huge difference in reducing costs.
Get Expert Help: Navigating the college funding process can be overwhelming. Experts like Kelly O’Connor and College Money Academy can guide you through every step.

College Money Academy: collegemoneyacademy.com

174: Lessons from Navy SEAL and French Foreign Legionnaire - Taylor Cavanaugh Nov 18, 2024

In this episode of Day Dollar Zero, Will Grimes and Eli Schmidt sit down with Taylor Cavanaugh, whose life sounds like it's straight from a movie. From serving as a Navy SEAL to joining the French Foreign Legion, Taylor’s journey is filled with incredible highs and humbling lows. The conversation covers everything from the realities of military life to the challenges of starting over after leaving it all behind.

Taylor opens up about the lessons he’s learned along the way, including why mastering the fundamentals is crucial, how to build resilience in the face of adversity, and the power of living with intention. He also shares how he transitioned from elite military units to becoming a performance coach, helping others build structure and self-discipline in their lives. It’s an honest, unfiltered look at grit, growth, and the mindset needed to overcome life’s toughest challenges. This is one episode you won’t want to skip.

Chapters

[4:20] - Taylor's introduction and the journey from Navy SEALs to the French Foreign Legion.
[12:35] - The camaraderie and culture differences between military units and civilian life.
[20:15] - Facing rock-bottom moments and the pivotal decision to rebuild from nothing.
[32:50] - Insights into the French Foreign Legion’s structure and purpose.
[45:30] - Transitioning from military life to civilian entrepreneurship and coaching.
[1:02:10] - The importance of mastering fundamentals and fostering deliberate habits.
[1:15:45] - Taylor’s coaching philosophy: building structure and fostering self-discipline.
[1:30:20] - The power of resilience and perspective in overcoming adversity.

Website: https://www.taylorcavanaugh.com Instagram: @tcavofficial YouTube: @tcavofficial

173: Real Estate Growth Strategies: Leveraging YouTube, Coaching, Leadership w/ Sam Caudle Nov 11, 2024

In this episode, Will Grimes and Eli Schmidt are joined by Sam Caudle, a successful agent on their Legit Agents team and host of a YouTube channel based in Tampa, Florida. Sam shares his journey of moving to Florida, building his real estate career from scratch, and establishing a strong YouTube presence to generate leads. The conversation dives into the lessons learned about leadership, mentorship, and business strategies, including the importance of timing and managing team dynamics. Sam opens up about coaching experiences, leveraging YouTube for business growth, and navigating partnerships and transitions. Tune in for insights on balancing ambition, leadership, and building sustainable success in real estate and beyond.

Chapter Highlights:

[1:15] – Introduction and recap of Sam’s background: moving to Florida and starting fresh in real estate and YouTube.
[7:30] – Implementing the "Living In" YouTube concept and its transformative impact on Sam’s business.
[14:20] – Discussing leadership challenges: navigating team dynamics and making tough decisions when transitioning team members.
[22:45] – Key insights into managing partnerships and identifying when to adjust strategies for growth.
[35:00] – The role of effective coaching and how personalized approaches have shaped Sam’s development and success.
[42:00] – Leveraging momentum and knowing when to reinvest in yourself and your business for exponential growth.
[52:00] – The importance of maintaining authenticity, managing trust in partnerships, and avoiding complacency.

Key Takeaways:

Adapting Leadership Styles: Leadership requires recognizing when to mentor closely and when to let team members take initiative to develop their skills.
Strategic Growth: Successfully scaling a business involves a balance between proactive delegation and maintaining quality.
Coaching for Personalization: Effective coaching respects individual pacing while encouraging consistent progress and accountability.
Sustainable YouTube Success: Building a profitable YouTube channel involves initial investment, continuous content quality, and strategic leverage.
Navigating Transitions: Handling team departures and transitions thoughtfully can preserve business integrity and set clear expectations.
Avoiding Complacency: Even in successful periods, reinvesting in your skills and business can mitigate potential downturns.

172: Make Credit Cool Again w/ Dylan Shively Nov 04, 2024

Episode Summary

In this episode, hosts Will Grimes and Eli Schmidt dive into the world of credit repair with industry expert Dylan Shively. Known for his no-nonsense approach to fixing credit issues, Dylan shares insights into common credit mistakes, misconceptions about credit scores, and the impact of a good credit profile on financial freedom. The conversation explores the practical side of credit repair, touching on actionable steps for building credit, understanding credit utilization, and how to navigate credit reports effectively.

Throughout the episode, Dylan demystifies the credit industry, offering advice on how to recover from financial setbacks and avoid common pitfalls. This episode is packed with valuable tips for anyone looking to improve their financial standing and gain control over their credit score.

[1:15] - Shoutout to recent podcast guests and reflections on past episodes
[5:30] - Introduction to Dylan Shively and his journey into credit repair
[12:45] - Debunking common credit myths and misconceptions
[19:20] - Essential tips for building and maintaining good credit
[27:50] - The impact of credit utilization on your score and how to manage it
[34:30] - How to identify and dispute errors on your credit report
[42:15] - Rebuilding credit after financial hardships
[48:40] - Final tips from Dylan on financial literacy and sustainable credit practices

Links:

IG https://www.instagram.com/creditcoach.dylan

Credit Repair: https://www.jameswarrengroupinc.com/

171: How to Build an Award Winning Real Estate Business with Tina Hare Oct 29, 2024

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Day One Dollar Zero, we sit down with Tina Hare, a powerhouse in the real estate world with five time #1 agent in the world championships under her belt. Tina shares her journey from her first “Day One, Dollar Zero” moment in real estate to building an impressive 25% market share in her community. We dive deep into her philosophy of building lasting relationships, the essential pivots she made during market downturns, and her commitment to community engagement. Tune in as we explore what it takes to establish a legacy in real estate, maintain resilience through industry challenges, and cultivate trust in a world driven by personal connections.

[3:15] - The importance of authenticity and community engagement in Tina's career.
[9:45] - Tina’s first steps into real estate and her journey from corporate life.
[18:20] - How Tina balances family, career, and the real estate grind.
[26:45] - Building trust in real estate: what clients really value.
[35:30] - Navigating tough markets and why investing in your business pays off.
[43:10] - The importance of creating a business that serves clients through a supportive team.
[52:40] - Legacy, mentorship, and the real impact of relationships in real estate.

170: Say No to Grow: The Power of Boundaries in Business Oct 21, 2024

In this episode, Will and Eli dive into a conversation about the upcoming "Bulletproof Your Business" event, and touch on strategies for creating a sustainable, resilient real estate business. The hosts also reflect on the importance of clear communication and setting boundaries in business, all while maintaining an entertaining back-and-forth about life, guns, and personal growth.

Chapter Outline:

Introduction and Casual Banter (0:00 - 4:00)
- Light-hearted exchange about hoodies and concealed weapons.
- Discussing their experiences with Staccato firearms.
Tactical Gear and its Impact (4:01 - 12:00)
- Conversation on the functionality and experience of carrying tactical firearms.
- The balance between practicality and performance when it comes to firearms.
Upcoming 'Bulletproof Your Business' Event (12:01 - 24:00)
- Overview of the event happening on October 23rd in Cherry Creek, Denver.
- Discussion on speakers like Tina Hare and the importance of building a bulletproof real estate business.
- Insight into different business strategies and lead generation methods.
Entrepreneurial Mindset & Communication Challenges (24:01 - 45:00)
- Reflecting on the value of setting boundaries and saying "no" in business.
- The importance of efficient communication and not allowing miscommunications to fester.
Personal Growth & Real Estate Strategies (45:01 - 1:10:00)
- The importance of developing multiple business lanes for sustainability.
- Lessons learned from past business collaborations and growth phases.
Final Thoughts and Event Preparations (1:10:01 - End)
- Wrapping up the conversation with event details.
- Encouraging listeners to attend and benefit from networking and learning opportunities.

169: The Marine Corps Guide to Building Business Leaders w/ Staff Sergeant Nichols Oct 14, 2024

In this episode, Will Grimes and special guest Staff Sergeant Michael Nichols, a former Marine Corps Drill Instructor and current Director of Military Operations at F45, dive into powerful stories of leadership, discipline, and transition from military to civilian life. The discussion explores the evolution of leadership, the unique challenges veterans face when leaving the military, and how to continue excelling in new environments. Whether you're a veteran, business leader, or someone passionate about personal growth, this episode provides valuable insights on grit, overcoming obstacles, and fostering leadership in yourself and others.

1:11 - 3:30: Michael's military background, insights on leadership from the Marine Corps.
3:31 - 6:00: Stories from boot camp: humor and hard lessons.
6:01 - 10:00: Transitioning from military to civilian life, F45, and supporting veterans.
10:01 - 12:30: Drill instructor intensity and building Marines for combat.
12:31 - 15:50: The importance of structure and discipline in leadership.
15:51 - 20:00: Boot camp humor: breaking down leadership lessons through funny anecdotes.
20:01 - 25:00: Michael's experiences at F45, focusing on functional training and helping veterans transition.
25:01 - 30:00: Developing leadership skills beyond the military: Empowering and mentoring people in the civilian world.
30:01 - 35:00: The three essentials for veterans transitioning out of the military: VA disability, finding a job, and building a community.
35:01 - 40:00: Reflecting on leadership philosophies and their applications in civilian roles.
40:01 - End: Wrapping up: Final thoughts on leadership, discipline, and empowering others.

168: Eric Kulbe’s Playbook for Success: Lessons from Pro Sports and Business Oct 07, 2024

In this episode, Will and Eli sit down with Eric Kulbe, a well-established professional in the mortgage and real estate. Eric opens up about his journey from playing professional baseball to becoming a successful lender, while constantly seeking ways to better himself, both personally and professionally.

The conversation covers Eric’s unique approach to balancing personal growth and career success, touching on his experience with the 75 Hard program and his three-day method for managing time. We'll also explore how Eric defines success beyond financial gain, and how his disciplined routines and focus on results help him maintain balance in all aspects of life.

Chapters