Welcome back to The Richer Geek Podcast! Today’s guest is Stephen Petasky, CEO and Founder of The Luxus Group. For the past 17 years, Steve and his team have helped deliver over 20,000 luxury vacations across North and Central America, the Caribbean, and Tuscany.

Steve shares how The Luxus Group creates a high-end, consistent travel experience and works with global luxury brands to deliver real value.Whether you're a real estate investor, a vacation rental owner, or just love traveling in style, this episode gives you real insights into the future of luxury travel and hospitality.

In this episode, we chat about…

• How It Started: The personal story that led to building a luxury vacation rental business, before Airbnb.

• Solving Inconsistency: How The Luxus Group delivers hotel-level standards in vacation homes.

• Syndication Strategy: Using early investments to buy high-end properties and offer better experiences.

• Luxury Tiers Explained: What “accessible luxury” vs. “ultra-luxury” means in today’s rental market.

• Regulations Impact: How short-term rental laws in places like Las Vegas and Maui affect property owners.

• Professional Management Wins: Why expert property management leads to higher income and fewer headaches.

Key Takeaways

• Demand for Certainty: There's a strong need for consistent, hotel-like experiences in vacation rentals. Luxus Group tackles the inconsistency found in major platforms by enforcing strict brand standards, from linens to kitchen amenities, boosting customer loyalty and repeat bookings.

• Professional Management Benefits: Self-managing rentals can lead to pitfalls in a changing market. In contrast, expert property management by Luxus Group uses revenue optimization strategies and thorough property care to protect assets and can generate 10-40% or even up to 50-60% higher revenue.

• Regulations Create Opportunity: Increasing short-term rental rules in places like Las Vegas and Maui reduce overall supply. For legally compliant properties, this shift can drive higher revenues and property values, emphasizing the importance of adhering to local regulations.

Resources from Stephen

LinkedIn | The Luxus Group

Resources from Mike and Nichole

Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide

Looking to turn your career experience into real estate success? In this episode of The Richer Geek Podcast, Casey Gregersen shares how he went from working in the oil fields to building wealth through real estate. How did Casey make the leap from a corporate job to owning fitness studios and launching Bighorn Capital Fund? You’ll learn why he chose Wyoming as his market, how his engineering background gives him an edge, and how passive investing can help you reach financial freedom. Curious how you can get started too? Tune in and find out!

In this episode, we’re discussing…

• From Petroleum Engineer to Real Estate Mogul: Casey recounts his fascinating career shift from working on oil rigs for Shell Oil Company to building a thriving real estate investment business.

• The "Why" Behind the Move: Discover the pivotal moment that inspired Casey to prioritize family and pursue financial freedom through real estate, even while maintaining a successful career in oil and gas.

• An Engineer's Edge in Real Estate: Learn how Casey's background in engineering, with its emphasis on mathematics, underwriting, and process-oriented thinking (SOPs), has been a significant asset in his real estate ventures.

• Why Wyoming? Casey reveals the strategic advantages of investing in the Wyoming real estate market, including lower competition and a unique market dynamic that offers consistent stability and cash flow.

• Untapped Potential in the Cowboy State: Explore the specific types of real estate opportunities Casey is pursuing in Wyoming, from single-family homes to value-add multifamily properties, and how he leverages local insights with modern investment strategies.

• Bighorn Capital Fund: Get an inside look at Casey's Bighorn Capital Fund, designed for accredited investors seeking passive income and wealth building through strategic real estate investments, offering both debt and equity opportunities.

• Helping Others Achieve Financial Freedom: Casey shares his passion for empowering other professionals, particularly those in demanding W-2 jobs, to achieve their passive income goals by partnering with his fund.

Resources from Casey

LinkedIn | Website | Big Horn Capital Fund

Resources from Mike and Nichole

Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide

Welcome to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast! It's June already, can you believe we're almost halfway through the year? If you're feeling that mid-year slump, perhaps even dreaming of building a life you don't need a vacation from, then get ready to be inspired and gain ideas from this conversation. We're joined by Jeremy Beland, a real estate investor and co-founder of REI Freedom. At 40, Jeremy boldly sold his townhouse, downsized, and used the equity to begin his wholesaling journey, ultimately achieving 450+ off-market acquisitions and $10 million in gross profits.

Now, managing multi-million dollar businesses (NH Home Buyers, Coastal Florida Home Buyers) and running the REI Freedom Coaching Program, Jeremy is passionately dedicated to helping others achieve financial freedom. Tune in to learn how Jeremy built multi-million dollar businesses and helps others escape the W-2 grind.

In this episode, we're discussing...

• From Rock Bottom to Riches: Hear Jeremy's raw and inspiring story of rebuilding from financial ruin after the 2009-2010 recession, driven by an intense motivation to escape poverty forever.

• The Audacious Start: Learn exactly how Jeremy leveraged just $17,000 in home equity at age 40 to kickstart his real estate journey, quickly turning it into significant profits and building foundational success.

• Action Over Perfection: Understand why taking massive and imperfect action is the fastest path to achieving your real estate goals, even when you don't have all the answers.

• Mentorship is Your Midas Touch: Discover why Jeremy, despite his immense success, continually invests hundreds of thousands of dollars in expert coaches and mentors. This insight is key to his 450+ off-market transactions and $10 million in gross profits.

• Designing a Life of Freedom: Explore the core philosophy behind building a real estate business that grants you time freedom and the ability to work from anywhere in the world, breaking free from the traditional W-2 handcuffs.

• REI Freedom: Your Coaching for Lifestyle Investing: Get an inside look at Jeremy's specialized coaching program, designed to teach you sales acquisition strategies and convert leads into profitable deals, all while focusing on a balanced, free lifestyle.

• Navigating the Nuances of Off-Market Deals: Gain practical insights into the complexities of working with distressed sellers and properties, emphasizing problem-solving and providing true value beyond just the transaction.

• Leveraging Private Lending for Accelerated Growth: Learn how high-net-worth individuals can partner with experienced real estate investors like Jeremy for strong, consistent returns on their capital, offering a dynamic alternative to traditional investments.

Resources from Jeremy

LinkedIn | REI Freedom

Resources from Mike and Nichole

Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide | Franchise With Bob

Welcome back to The Richer Geek Podcast! Today, we’re switching things up with a powerful conversation on redefining wealth and lifestyle. Our guest is Bri Conn, Chief Experience Officer at Childfree Wealth®, a life and financial planning firm dedicated to helping childfree and permanently childless people design a life they love. Bri shares her journey into this unique space, the principles behind their approach, and how the FILE (Financial Independence, Live Early) philosophy encourages living fully, now, not just in retirement. It’s time to rethink what financial freedom really means.

In this episode, we’re discussing…

• Why Child-Free Financial Planning Is Different: Traditional money strategies often don’t reflect the goals of those without children, like the desire for experiences over inheritance.

• Start With Life, Then Build the Finances Around It: Discover how leading with your ideal lifestyle can shape a more purpose-driven financial plan.

• Understanding the FILE Philosophy: Financial Independence, Live Early promotes reducing work-related stress now to make room for joy and freedom long before retirement age.

• You May Need Less Than You Think: Learn why many child-free individuals overestimate retirement needs based on outdated assumptions.

• Early Planning = More Freedom: The earlier you start, the sooner you can travel, give, create, or pursue passion projects without financial stress.

• Spending & Giving With Intention: Bri offers a practical strategy, matching your fun spending with charitable giving to overcome guilt and create impact.

• Being a Supportive Ally: Understand how to support child-free individuals without making assumptions about their lives or finances.

• Tools & Resources for Child-Free Living: From financial checkups to lifestyle design coaching, explore what’s available to help you build a life you love.
  

Resources from Bri

LinkedIn | Childfree Wealth® | The Childfree Guide to Life and Money by Dr. Jay Zigmont

Resources from Mike and Nichole

Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide | Franchise With Bob

Want to learn how to make big money in real estate? Join us as Christian Osgood shares his simple steps to buying over 300 rental properties in just three years. Find out how he retired his wife and built his dream home. Get easy tips on seller financing, fixing tough properties, and what mistakes to avoid. Tune in for clear, actionable advice on growing your own real estate business!

In this episode, we're discussing...

• Fast Growth: Christian quickly moved from small duplexes to bigger multifamily deals, realizing this was essential to reach financial freedom quickly after a personal event.

• Turning Bad Deals Good: He bought a very troubled 38-unit property with many problems, but transformed it, turning a negative cash flow into a high-value asset and becoming a "paper millionaire."

• Strong Resolve: He showed incredible commitment, even considering living on-site, to fix his challenging property, showing how important belief and dedication are.

• Smart Seller Financing: Christian found that getting seller financing is easier when you have trust and good relationships within the real estate world, not just by asking for deals.

• Networking Power: He emphasized how important it is to meet and learn from experienced investors, which helps find good deals and gain valuable knowledge.

• Learning from Errors: He openly shared a big mistake of getting into hospitality (a resort) too soon, highlighting how different it is from multifamily and the importance of checking all costs, especially payroll.

• Stay Focused: A key lesson was that losing focus and jumping into new business types, even with creative financing, can severely hurt your cash flow and growth.

Resources from Christian

LinkedIn | Multifamily Strategy

Resources from Mike and Nichole

Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide | Franchise With Bob

Ever wondered how a Super Bowl champion pivots from the gridiron to the world of finance and venture capital? Join us as we dive deep with former New Orleans Saints superstar Marques Colston, co-founder of Champion Venture Capital. Discover the secrets behind his unlikely transition, the mistakes athletes and everyday individuals make in wealth management, and his how-to guide for building a lasting legacy. Marques shares his unique perspective on identifying game-changing opportunities in sports tech, real estate, and beyond, and reveals how CVP is democratizing access to this traditionally exclusive asset class for everyone. Don't miss this inspiring episode packed with insights on strategic diversification and the future of fan engagement—you can't afford to stay on the sidelines!

In this episode, we’re discussing…

• Early Financial Literacy is Crucial: Even during a successful athletic career, planning for the future and seeking sound financial advice is paramount for a smooth transition.

• Transferable Skills Drive New Ventures: The discipline, work ethic, and ability to connect with people honed in professional sports can be powerful assets in the business world.

• Strategic Investing Bridges Passions and Profits: Aligning investment strategies with personal interests, like sports, can create a deeper understanding and connection to opportunities.

• Democratizing Access to Exclusive Markets: Champion Venture Capital aims to break down barriers, allowing both accredited and non-accredited investors to participate in the lucrative sports investment ecosystem.

• Value-Driven Partnerships are Key to Success: Beyond capital, a strong team with operational expertise and genuine engagement with portfolio companies drives significant growth.

• The Future of Fan Engagement is Immersive: Expect groundbreaking technologies like VR/AR and enhanced data analytics to revolutionize how fans experience sports.

Resources from Marques Colston

LinkedIn | Instagram | Champion Venture Capital

Resources from Mike and Nichole

Gateway Private Equity Group |Nic's guide | Franchise With Bob

Feeling stuck, burned out, or like you’ve hit a ceiling in your career or business? You’re not alone, and more importantly, you don’t have to stay there.

Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast. Today, we are joined by Ryan Crittenden, Ph.D., of XL Coaching to explore the importance of coaching for both entrepreneurs and professionals. With a Ph.D. and years of experience in strengths-based leadership coaching, Ryan explains why going it alone can lead to stagnation, and how expert guidance can help you move forward with clarity and purpose.

In this episode, we're discussing...

• Coaching, whether for individuals or teams, offers significant benefits for personal and professional growth.

• Understanding your strengths (and weaknesses) is crucial for effective leadership and building well-rounded teams. Tools like the CliftonStrengths assessment and the Six Types of Working Genius can aid in this process.

• Entrepreneurs often struggle with the mindset of doing everything themselves, but recognizing and delegating tasks based on strengths leads to greater efficiency and passion.

• Burnout can stem from various factors, including company culture. Prioritizing well-being, engaging strengths at work, and maintaining healthy relationships are essential. Sometimes, a change in environment might be necessary.

• Team workshops, when intentionally designed to build a common language around strengths and foster interaction, can be powerful tools for team cohesion and understanding individual contributions.

• Investing in coaching is not an expense but an investment in oneself and the growth of a business or career.
  

Resources from Ryan

LinkedIn | XL Coaching | Email

Resources from Mike and Nichole

Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide | Franchise With Bob

Think pre-IPO investments are just for billionaires? Think again.

Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast! Today’s guest is Mike Ivancie, CMO at UpMarket, an alternative investment platform that’s opening the door for accredited investors to access private market opportunities once reserved for the ultra-wealthy.

Since 2019, UpMarket has helped individuals invest over $150 million into assets like pre-IPO shares in SpaceX, Neuralink, Stripe, and OpenAI, as well as hedge funds, private equity, and real estate. Mike’s mission is to break down barriers and grow the platform to over $1 billion in transactions. Before joining UpMarket, he led growth at CNote, an impact investment platform, where he helped raise over $100 million for underserved communities

In this episode, we’re discussing…

• Democratizing Alternative Investments: Upmarket provides accredited investors access to private market opportunities, including pre-IPO companies, private equity, and private debt.

• Accessing Pre-IPO Giants: Learn how you can potentially invest in high-growth companies like OpenAI, SpaceX, and Anthropic before they go public.

• Understanding the Investment Process: Mike explains the mechanics of investing through UpMarket, from minimum investment amounts to the process of potential liquidity events like IPOs.

• Weighing the Pros and Cons: Gain insights into the potential benefits (high growth potential) and risks (illiquidity, higher fees) associated with pre-IPO and alternative investments.

• The AI Investment Landscape: Explore the current skepticism and future potential of AI investments, including the significant energy demands and potential industry shifts.

• Impact Investing Explained: Understand the definition and real-world utility of impact investing, considering the trade-offs between financial returns and social good.

• The Intertwined Future of AI and Energy: Discover the staggering projected energy consumption of AI data centers and the potential role of nuclear energy in meeting these demands.

• Getting Started with UpMarket: Learn how to explore investment opportunities and educational resources on the UpMarket website (upmarket.co) and connect with Mike Ivancie directly.

Resources from Mike Ivancie

LinkedIn | UpMarket | Email

Resources from Mike and Nichole

Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide | Franchise With Bob