Skip the Lines Podcast, with Jonathan Mitchell

What’s Really Broken About San Diego Housing ~ Howard Blackson

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2347593/fan_mail/new] What happens when a city prioritizes housing growth without creating the jobs, transit, and infrastructure needed to support it? Howard Blackson is an urban designer, planner, and advocate for walkable communities who has spent decades shaping development projects across San Diego and the United States. In this conversation, Howard shares his journey from growing up in San Diego and playing football at the University of Texas to becoming a nationally recognized voice in urban planning, zoning reform, and community development. He discusses the mentors who shaped his thinking, including Sandy Goodkin, Mike Stepner, Andrés Duany, and Leon Krier. Howard explores the future of San Diego housing, zoning reform, transit-oriented development, downtown revitalization, Balboa Park, and the challenges of creating sustainable communities. Howard shares lessons from Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts, navigating the Great Recession, balancing career success with family life, and finding purpose through meaningful work. He offers an honest look at the tradeoffs of leadership, entrepreneurship, and stewardship while providing a vision for building stronger neighborhoods and better cities. If you enjoyed this conversation with Howard Blackson, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone interested in real estate, urban planning, housing, architecture, and the future of San Diego.   Chapters 00:00 - 06:34 Building a Career Through Mentorship 06:34 - 12:19 San Diego Lifestyle and Community 12:19 - 20:16 Katrina, Communication, and Leadership 20:16 - 30:00 Family, Tradeoffs, and Finding Purpose 30:00 - 40:00 Balboa Park, Business, and Resilience 40:00 - 01:06:24 Housing, Zoning, and San Diego's Future   Quotes "Where people spend time, they spend money." "I was fortunate to find my passion." "Everything comes with a tradeoff." "I do feel a sense of stewardship of San Diego, but nobody asked me."   Enjoyed the show?  Click here to SUBSCRIBE to the “Skip The Lines Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod]”   FULL VIDEOS are always uploaded on YouTube. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod [https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod]   📢 Connect with Steven Silverman!  https://friedmanrealestate.com [https://friedmanrealestate.com]  https://www.instagram.com/friedman_real_estate/ [https://www.instagram.com/friedman_real_estate/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenjsilverman/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenjsilverman/]   📢 Connect with me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ [https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ [https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3Bked5yNlFRoy58i2w48zNjg%3D%3D] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre [https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre]  Twitter (X): https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre [https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre] ADU PALS: https://adupals.com [https://adupals.com] Business Inquiries: jonathan@adupals.com [jonathan@adupals.com]   #SkipTheLines #HowardBlackson #SanDiego #UrbanPlanning #RealEstate #HousingCrisis #Architecture #NewUrbanism #Walkability #MixedUseDevelopment #AffordableHousing #ZoningReform #TransitOrientedDevelopment #BalboaPark #CommunityDevelopment #DowntownSanDiego #LandUsePlanning #HousingPolicy #CityPlanning #Development #SkipTheLinePodcast Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2347593/support] Enjoying the show? Keep the conversation going!  Skip The Lines Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQlFAYIZJ2w2CUzEtK49jelO9Khn40ZnN [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQlFAYIZJ2w2CUzEtK49jelO9Khn40ZnN]

$500M Commercial Real Estate Career Without Taking Crazy Risks ~ Steven Silverman

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2347593/fan_mail/new] What would change in your life and career if you stopped chasing the next dollar and started making decisions based on where you want to be 10 years from now? Steven Silverman is a nationally recognized commercial real estate broker, auction expert, and investment sales specialist who has facilitated more than $500 million in commercial real estate transactions across the United States. In this conversation, Steven shares his journey from entrepreneurial side hustles and consulting work to becoming one of the leading professionals in commercial real estate auctions and investment sales. Steven discusses the mindset, persistence, discipline, and long-term thinking that helped him build a successful career. He explains how auction sales evolved beyond distressed assets, why persistence and follow up are critical in brokerage, lessons learned from losing major deals, wealth building principles, calculated risk taking, mentorship, and how living below your means can create long term financial freedom. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone looking to build wealth, improve their sales skills, or grow a successful career in commercial real estate.   Chapters 00:00 Guest Introduction and Personal Life 02:36 From Entrepreneur to Commercial Real Estate Broker 08:39 Communication Skills, Confidence, and Career Success 15:05 Lessons from Failed Deals and Building Resilience 22:00 Commercial Real Estate Auctions and National Brokerage Strategy 29:00 Wealth Building, Risk Taking, Mentorship, and Life Advice   Quotes "Persistence and follow up in this business is everything." "You have to take a stance and roll with it." "Living below your means is probably the most important thing you can do." "Make the call and let them say no so you don't regret it later in life."   Enjoyed the show?  Click here to SUBSCRIBE to the “Skip The Lines Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod]”   FULL VIDEOS are always uploaded on YouTube. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod [https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod]   📢 Connect with Steven Silverman!  https://friedmanrealestate.com [https://friedmanrealestate.com]  https://www.instagram.com/friedman_real_estate/ [https://www.instagram.com/friedman_real_estate/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenjsilverman/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenjsilverman/]   📢 Connect with me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ [https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ [https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3Bked5yNlFRoy58i2w48zNjg%3D%3D] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre [https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre]  Twitter (X): https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre [https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre] ADU PALS: https://adupals.com [https://adupals.com] Business Inquiries: jonathan@adupals.com [jonathan@adupals.com]  #SkipTheLines #StevenSilverman #CommercialRealEstate #RealEstateInvesting #InvestmentSales #RealEstateBroker #CRE #AuctionBroker #BusinessSuccess #Entrepreneurship #SalesTips #Leadership #WealthBuilding #Mentorship #FinancialFreedom #Investing #CommercialProperty #RealEstatePodcast #SuccessMindset #BusinessGrowth #SkipTheLines Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2347593/support] Enjoying the show? Keep the conversation going!  Skip The Lines Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQlFAYIZJ2w2CUzEtK49jelO9Khn40ZnN [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQlFAYIZJ2w2CUzEtK49jelO9Khn40ZnN]

Sparking the ADU Revolution Across America

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2347593/fan_mail/new] What happens when keeping your word becomes your greatest business advantage? Kol Peterson is an ADU expert, housing advocate, educator, entrepreneur, and author who has spent more than a decade helping shape the accessory dwelling unit movement across the United States. He shares how his environmental planning background led him to champion ADUs as a practical solution for housing affordability, sustainability, aging in place, and wealth creation. In this conversation, Kol explains the policy reforms that transformed California into the largest ADU market in the world, discusses the biggest barriers still facing homeowners and developers, explores financing challenges, modular construction, tiny homes, RV housing, and reveals why states across the country are now adopting stronger housing policies. He also shares insights from his work with Casita Coalition, AARP, ADU Academy, and numerous initiatives helping drive housing innovation nationwide. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Skip the Lines, leave a review, and share this conversation with anyone interested in housing, real estate investing, ADUs, development, or creating more affordable housing opportunities in their community.   Chapters 00:00 How Kol Peterson Discovered ADUs and Helped Launch Portland's Early Movement 06:10 The Environmental Economic and Social Benefits That Make ADUs a Powerful Housing Solution 15:42 Casita Coalition Statewide Reform Efforts and the Policies That Unlocked ADU Growth 29:00 Financing Challenges Construction Costs and the Future of Modular ADU Development 40:07 ADU Academy Professional Education and the Growing National Housing Network 50:31 Tiny Homes RV Housing Statewide Zoning Reform and the Future of Housing Innovation   Quotes "ADUs are kind of a win win win win win thing. There's nothing quite like it out there." "My theory was just I'm going to lean into ADUs because I believe it is an important thing." "The biggest question today is how do we get better second position financing without touching the first mortgage." "States are now saying local jurisdictions you can no longer regulate housing because you're doing a poor job of it."   Enjoyed the show?  Click here to SUBSCRIBE to the “Skip The Lines Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod]”   FULL VIDEOS are always uploaded on YouTube. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod [https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod]   📢 Connect with Kol Peterson!  Website: https://accessorydwellingstrategies.com/ [https://accessorydwellingstrategies.com/]  Twitter: https://x.com/kolpeterson [https://x.com/kolpeterson]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kolpeterson/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kolpeterson/]   📢 Connect with me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ [https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ [https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3Bked5yNlFRoy58i2w48zNjg%3D%3D] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre [https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre]  Twitter (X): https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre [https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre] ADU PALS: https://adupals.com [https://adupals.com] Business Inquiries: jonathan@adupals.com [jonathan@adupals.com] #SkipTheLines #ADU #AccessoryDwellingUnit #HousingCrisis #AffordableHousing #RealEstate #HousingPolicy #UrbanPlanning #KolPeterson #SkipTheLinesPodcast #ADUAcademy #CasitaCoalition #TinyHomes #ModularHousing #MiddleHousing #HousingInnovation #PropertyInvestment #SustainableHousing #HousingDevelopment #RealEstateInvesting #BackyardHomes Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2347593/support] Enjoying the show? Keep the conversation going!  Skip The Lines Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQlFAYIZJ2w2CUzEtK49jelO9Khn40ZnN [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQlFAYIZJ2w2CUzEtK49jelO9Khn40ZnN]

Untold Opportunity in Aviation Finance ~ Eljona Shkreli

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2347593/fan_mail/new] What happens when keeping your word becomes your greatest business advantage? Eljona Shkreli is a capital raiser at Stratus Financial, an immigrant from Albania, a mother, wife, world traveler, and finance professional with deep experience in banking and alternative investments. In this episode, Eljona shares her journey from growing up in the mountains of Albania to rebuilding her career in the United States. She talks about starting over, earning an MBA, working in major banks, and learning that trust, listening, and authenticity are the true foundations of sales. She also explains how Stratus Financial helps fund commercial pilot training, why aviation lending is an overlooked opportunity, and how investors can receive predictable monthly returns while helping future pilots pursue their dreams. Subscribe, share this episode, and connect with Eljona if you want to learn more about alternative investments, aviation finance, and authentic relationship-based business.   Chapters 00:00 From Albania to America and Starting Over 04:16 Building Trust Through Authentic Relationships 08:32 From Wall Street Banking to Alternative Investments 13:10 Inside Stratus Financial and Aviation Lending 18:41 Why Investors Are Paying Attention to Private Credit 23:12 Networking Mindset and Skip the Line Advice   Quotes “I was raised with a lot of structure at home.” “If I give you my word or I promise that something will be done, it will get done.” “I never try to sell something that does not make sense to you and your family.” “Never miss being authentic.”   Enjoyed the show?  Click here to SUBSCRIBE to the “Skip The Lines Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod]”   FULL VIDEOS are always uploaded on YouTube. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod [https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod]   📢 Connect with Eljona Shkreli!  https://www.linkedin.com/in/eljona-shkreli-mba-8bb489177/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/eljona-shkreli-mba-8bb489177/] https://www.instagram.com/eljona.85/ [https://www.instagram.com/eljona.85/] https://stratus.finance/meet-the-team/ [https://stratus.finance/meet-the-team/]   📢 Connect with me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ [https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ [https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3Bked5yNlFRoy58i2w48zNjg%3D%3D] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre [https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre]  Twitter (X): https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre [https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre] ADU PALS: https://adupals.com [https://adupals.com] Business Inquiries: jonathan@adupals.com [jonathan@adupals.com] #SkipTheLines #EljonaShkreli #SkipTheLines #StratusFinancial #CapitalRaising #AlternativeInvestments #PrivateCredit #AviationFinance #PilotTraining #InvestorRelations #WomenInBusiness #ImmigrantSuccess #FinancePodcast #TrustBasedSelling #Networking #Entrepreneurship #WealthManagement #Mindset #Authenticity #PrivateLending #CommercialPilots Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2347593/support] Enjoying the show? Keep the conversation going!  Skip The Lines Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQlFAYIZJ2w2CUzEtK49jelO9Khn40ZnN [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQlFAYIZJ2w2CUzEtK49jelO9Khn40ZnN]

Building a 30 Million Dollar Construction ~ Brandon Holtzman

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2347593/fan_mail/new] What separates contractors who stay stuck from the ones who build multi million dollar companies? Brandon Holtzman is the founder of Holtzman Construction, a design build company operating in Arizona and Southern California generating over 30 million dollars annually. In this episode, Brandon shares his journey from knocking on doors with zero dollars to building one of the top construction brands in Arizona. He breaks down how systems, branding, marketing, and operational structure became the foundation of his growth. Brandon also dives into the realities of scaling a construction company, the pros and cons of employees versus subcontractors, why most contractors struggle with profitability, and how his proprietary software Free Builder AI helps contractors estimate jobs, manage operations, and avoid costly mistakes. This episode is packed with actionable insights for contractors, investors, and entrepreneurs looking to grow sustainably. Subscribe for more conversations with top entrepreneurs, builders, and investors who are redefining their industries.   Chapters 00:00 Early Hustle and Entrepreneurial Beginnings 06:50 Launching Holtzman Construction During the Recession 12:55 Scaling Operations Through Employees and Subcontractors 18:45 Building Systems and Developing Contractor Software 24:59 Marketing Strategies Branding and Company Culture 31:17 Contractor Growth Advice and Skip the Line Hacks   Quotes “You do not have a business unless you have a system.” “If you are not calling your leads back within five minutes you lost that lead.” “Everybody wants to go from zero to one hundred too quickly and that is where you fail.” “Start small learn your niche and understand the business before trying to scale.”   Enjoyed the show?  Click here to SUBSCRIBE to the “Skip The Lines Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod]”   FULL VIDEOS are always uploaded on YouTube. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod [https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod]   📢 Connect with Brandon Holtzman!  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-holtzman/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-holtzman/]   📢 Connect with me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ [https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ [https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3Bked5yNlFRoy58i2w48zNjg%3D%3D] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre [https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre]  Twitter (X): https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre [https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre] ADU PALS: https://adupals.com [https://adupals.com] Business Inquiries: jonathan@adupals.com [jonathan@adupals.com]   #SkipTheLines #Construction #GeneralContractor #RealEstate #Entrepreneur #BusinessGrowth #ConstructionBusiness #ContractorLife #HomeRemodel #DesignBuild #ArizonaBuilder #ConstructionManagement #Leadership #Marketing #Sales #BusinessSystems #FreeBuilderAI #HoltzmanConstruction #Investing #Startup #ScalingBusiness Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2347593/support] Enjoying the show? Keep the conversation going!  Skip The Lines Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQlFAYIZJ2w2CUzEtK49jelO9Khn40ZnN [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQlFAYIZJ2w2CUzEtK49jelO9Khn40ZnN]