Jacob Vanderslice: The Discipline Behind Smart Real Estate Investing

Jacob Vanderslice: The Discipline Behind Smart Real Estate Investing

Jacob Vanderslice is a co-founder and Principal at VanWest Partners, a Denver-based real estate investment company specializing in the acquisition, development, and management of self-storage facilities. Under his fundraising leadership, VanWest has strategically deployed over $375 million in capital in value-add self-storage facilities across the United States.  In this episode, Leonard and Jacob Vanderslice discuss: * Why disciplined investing sometimes means saying no to nearly every deal in the market * How Van West evaluates self-storage opportunities through supply, rents, and downside risk * The difference between investing directly in real estate versus investing passively with an operator * What leverage, interest rates, and lower loan proceeds mean for today’s real estate returns * Why operator quality can matter as much as the asset itself in private equity investing Key Takeaways:  * In a difficult market, discipline is often defined by what you choose not to buy. Van West reviewed more than 900 acquisition opportunities, modeled about 250, and purchased just one. * Value-add investing often comes from relentless attention to operational details. Small savings on expenses, taxes, contracts, and inefficiencies can compound into meaningful increases in net operating income and asset value. * Passive real estate investing gives investors access to experienced operators, tax benefits, and income potential without the time, capital, and management burden of owning property directly. * In today’s market, higher interest rates, lower leverage, and reduced loan proceeds have changed return expectations. Investors and operators must adapt to a more conservative environment. * Strong underwriting begins with the downside. Great operators spend less time chasing the story for winning and more time understanding how a deal could go wrong and how to reduce that risk upfront.   “Leverage is a wonderful and terrifying thing. Leverage, when used appropriately, can really increase your deal returns, but when used inappropriately, it can exponentially increase your risk profile at the same time.” - Jacob Vanderslice Connect with Jacob Vanderslice: Website: https://www.vanwestpartners.com/ [https://www.vanwestpartners.com/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-vanderslice-02905b16b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-vanderslice-02905b16b/]  Connect with Leonard Raskin: Website: https://www.raskinglobal.com/ [https://www.raskinglobal.com/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardraskin/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardraskin/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaskinGlobal [https://www.facebook.com/RaskinGlobal]  Email: lraskin@raskinglobal.com [lraskin@raskinglobal.com] Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. [https://t.sidekickopen77.com/s1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lM8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XWPdSD1CW2zq9rs4Y8_jsTmtwR3JwfC-103?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-4fPf-FW3XWJt643Pr3GF4cQb1fmLXp1&si=8000000000242417&pi=a234d7d8-f11b-4fd4-feb6-16232278dc85]You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Arias WebsterBerry: From Survival to Scalable Success in Digital Marketing

Arias WebsterBerry is an experienced entrepreneur and digital marketing expert with over a decade of success building revenue-driven brands. As Founder and CEO of WebsterBerry Marketing, he has helped hundreds of clients grow through services like web design, sales funnels, social media, CRM, and branding. He also created Launch Ignition AI, a business accelerator that automates marketing systems, delivering up to 312% lead growth and a 5× revenue increase. In addition to launching ventures like Ignite Funnels and authoring Content Cannon, Arias is a certified Scrum Master and Master Sales Coach who has mentored over 400 professionals and contributed to more than $112 million in client revenue. His leadership extends into cultural initiatives, including producing the Hip Hop 101 Music & Art Festival, recognized by the Los Angeles City Council, and his global experiences inform his ability to build scalable, human-centered growth strategies that empower entrepreneurs to achieve meaningful results.  In this episode, Leonard and Arias WebsterBerry discuss: * How Arias turned adversity and instability into entrepreneurial drive * The real role of AI in modern business growth and automation * Why most entrepreneurs struggle to adopt new technology and how to overcome it * The biggest marketing mistakes business owners make today * How to build authority instead of chasing attention Key Takeaways:  * Entrepreneurship often begins as a necessity, but long-term success comes from systems, persistence, and continuous learning. * AI is not optional; it’s a competitive advantage for those willing to adopt it early and experiment through the learning curve. * Many business owners overcomplicate marketing; starting with a simple landing page and lead capture system can create immediate momentum. * Building a personal brand is no longer optional; people connect with people, not logos. * Perfection slows growth; authenticity and consistency build stronger trust with the audience than polished content.   “If I wanted stability and control over my future, I was going to have to build it myself.” - Arias WebsterBerry Connect with Arias WebsterBerry: Website: https://www.websterberrymarketing.com/ [https://www.websterberrymarketing.com/]  Ignite Funnels: https://www.ignitefunnels.com/ [https://www.ignitefunnels.com/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariasweb/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariasweb/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariasweb/ [https://www.instagram.com/ariasweb/]  Connect with Leonard Raskin: Website: https://www.raskinglobal.com/ [https://www.raskinglobal.com/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardraskin/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardraskin/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaskinGlobal [https://www.facebook.com/RaskinGlobal]  Email: lraskin@raskinglobal.com [lraskin@raskinglobal.com] Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. [https://t.sidekickopen77.com/s1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lM8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XWPdSD1CW2zq9rs4Y8_jsTmtwR3JwfC-103?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-4fPf-FW3XWJt643Pr3GF4cQb1fmLXp1&si=8000000000242417&pi=a234d7d8-f11b-4fd4-feb6-16232278dc85]You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Wendy Meadows: Navigating Divorce with Clarity, Mediation, and Resilience

Wendy S. Meadows is a seasoned family law attorney, former litigator, certified life Coach and mediator. She is also the author of the best-selling book, Sparkle & GRIT, a framework that helps high-achieving women break free from burnout and live on Purpose.  Today, Wendy helps women who’ve “checked all the boxes” but still feel stuck. She blends practical strategies with a compassionate mindset to help them reboot their habits, re-ignite their purpose, and build lives that actually fit. She also works closely with lawyers— especially those ready to go solo or restructure their practices—offering strategic coaching, systems consulting, and speaking engagements for law firms looking to prevent burnout, increase retention, and foster sustainable success.  In this episode, Leonard and Wendy Meadows discuss: * Mediation can often produce similar outcomes to litigation, but with less cost, stress, and time * The most common financial mistakes people make when dividing assets during divorce * Why financial advisors are essential in showing whether a divorce settlement is actually sustainable * How identity loss and emotional stress impact professionals during major life transitions * The warning signs of burnout and practical ways to recover from it Key Takeaways:  * Divorce is often the largest financial transaction a person will experience in their lifetime. Without careful planning and professional guidance, simple decisions about assets, retirement accounts, or housing can create long-term financial consequences. * Many couples believe they can save money by managing the divorce process themselves. In reality, DIY financial decisions, such as improperly liquidating retirement accounts, can trigger unnecessary taxes or penalties. * Mediation can help couples resolve disputes faster and with less cost and friction than traditional litigation, even when the final buckets of division may look similar. * Financial advisors play an essential role in helping divorcing clients understand long-term outcomes. Detailed projections and planning tools can reveal whether a settlement is truly sustainable for both parties. * Burnout is a normal part of high-pressure careers, but recognizing the warning signs early makes recovery easier. Simple practices like journaling, movement, and structured daily planning can restore clarity and momentum.   “I have a baseline belief that everyone will be okay and everyone has the tools to be okay.” - Wendy Meadows Connect with Wendy Meadows: Website: https://www.sparkleandgrit.com/ [https://www.sparkleandgrit.com/] & https://wendysmeadows.com/ [https://wendysmeadows.com/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-sare-meadows-ba80285/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-sare-meadows-ba80285/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072318214998 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072318214998]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendy_s_meadows/ [https://www.instagram.com/wendy_s_meadows/]  Grab Wendy’s free sparkle & GRIT Playbook: https://www.sparkleandgrit.com/playbook [https://www.sparkleandgrit.com/playbook]  Connect with Leonard Raskin: Website: https://www.raskinglobal.com/ [https://www.raskinglobal.com/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardraskin/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardraskin/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaskinGlobal [https://www.facebook.com/RaskinGlobal]  Email: lraskin@raskinglobal.com [lraskin@raskinglobal.com] Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. [https://t.sidekickopen77.com/s1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lM8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XWPdSD1CW2zq9rs4Y8_jsTmtwR3JwfC-103?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-4fPf-FW3XWJt643Pr3GF4cQb1fmLXp1&si=8000000000242417&pi=a234d7d8-f11b-4fd4-feb6-16232278dc85]You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Todd Langford: Conscious Calculations and the Truth Behind Financial Math

Todd Langford is the founder, CEO, and lead developer of Truth Concepts, a financial modeling and education platform used by thousands of advisors across the United States. For more than 30 years, Todd has been at the forefront of financial software development and professional training and is widely regarded as an industry expert in financial mathematics and modeling. He has trained thousands of financial professionals to use software and analytical tools more effectively in building strategies for their clients. Todd is also the author of the upcoming book Conscious Calculations, which explores the deeper mathematics behind financial decision-making and encourages advisors to think more intentionally about money, risk, and long-term stewardship.  In this episode, Leonard and Todd Langford discuss: * Why financial planning requires more than simply chasing higher rates of return * The importance of understanding the time value of money in financial decisions * How opportunity cost shapes long-term wealth outcomes * Why access to cash and liquidity can protect against financial shocks * The difference between “black swan” and “gray swan” events and how to prepare for them Key Takeaways:  * Financial math is essential, but it cannot be the only factor guiding decisions. Advisors must combine accurate calculations with real-world context, risk management, and a deep understanding of client goals. * Opportunity cost is one of the most overlooked forces in personal finance. Every dollar spent or redirected represents future compounded growth that may never materialize. * Liquidity provides flexibility during uncertain times. Having access to cash can allow individuals to weather downturns, avoid forced selling, and even capitalize on opportunities when markets decline. * Financial planning must consider both sides of the mountain. Advisors often focus on accumulation, but the real goal is sustainable income and cash flow during retirement. * Technology can calculate outcomes, but it cannot understand people. Advisors must interpret financial math through the lens of client goals, risk tolerance, and life circumstances.   “The ability to save is way more important than chasing a rate of return.” - Todd Langford Connect with Todd Langford: Website: http://www.truthconcepts.com [http://www.truthconcepts.com]   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truthconceptssoftware/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/truthconceptssoftware/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/todd.langford.58/ [https://www.facebook.com/todd.langford.58/]  Connect with Leonard Raskin: Website: https://www.raskinglobal.com/ [https://www.raskinglobal.com/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardraskin/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardraskin/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaskinGlobal [https://www.facebook.com/RaskinGlobal]  Email: lraskin@raskinglobal.com [lraskin@raskinglobal.com] Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. [https://t.sidekickopen77.com/s1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lM8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XWPdSD1CW2zq9rs4Y8_jsTmtwR3JwfC-103?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-4fPf-FW3XWJt643Pr3GF4cQb1fmLXp1&si=8000000000242417&pi=a234d7d8-f11b-4fd4-feb6-16232278dc85]You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Douglas Strouse: Resilient Leadership in the Face of Adversity

Dr. Douglas Strouse is a seasoned executive consultant, organizational psychologist, author, and leadership catalyst in the Mid-Atlantic business community. He is President of the CEO Club of Baltimore, a nonprofit forum where CEOs collaborate, exchange insights, and grow through peer advisory councils. As Managing Partner of Wexley Consulting, Doug brings decades of experience in leadership development, organizational change, performance management systems, executive coaching, and psychological assessment for companies ranging from small local firms to Fortune 500 organizations. He holds a Ph.D. in organizational management and psychology and is the co-author of The Secrets of Resilient Leadership and Stronger: Develop the Resilience You Need to Succeed. Doug has also authored more than 110 professional articles focused on helping leaders build resilience, culture, and high-performing teams.  In this episode, Leonard and Douglas Strouse discuss: * Why running a small business can be harder than leading a large corporation * The five core components of resilient leadership * The concept of “active optimism” and expecting success * How peer advisory councils help CEOs avoid isolation and make better decisions * How AI will reshape leadership and why leaders must learn to use it strategically Key Takeaways:  * Resilience is not about avoiding failure; it’s about getting back up repeatedly and learning from setbacks. Leaders who embrace failure grow stronger. * Organizational excellence requires clarity. If performance standards and responsibilities are not clearly defined, people cannot achieve excellence. * CEOs need community. Peer advisory groups provide perspective, accountability, and practical advice that can save companies significant time and money. * Mental health impacts every workplace. Leaders must recognize that personal and professional challenges are interconnected. * AI will not replace leaders, but leaders who understand how to leverage AI will outperform those who ignore it.   “Only through failure will you become a success.” - Douglas Strouse Connect with Douglas Strouse: Website: http://Ceoclubofbaltimore.com [http://ceoclubofbaltimore.com]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-a-strouse-ph-d-63a17a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-a-strouse-ph-d-63a17a/]  Email: doug@ceoclubofbaltimore.com [doug@ceoclubofbaltimore.com]  Phone: 410-218-9777 Connect with Leonard Raskin: Website: https://www.raskinglobal.com/ [https://www.raskinglobal.com/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardraskin/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardraskin/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaskinGlobal [https://www.facebook.com/RaskinGlobal]  Email: lraskin@raskinglobal.com [lraskin@raskinglobal.com] Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. [https://t.sidekickopen77.com/s1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lM8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XWPdSD1CW2zq9rs4Y8_jsTmtwR3JwfC-103?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-4fPf-FW3XWJt643Pr3GF4cQb1fmLXp1&si=8000000000242417&pi=a234d7d8-f11b-4fd4-feb6-16232278dc85]You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.