Distressed to Success: Conversations with Community Transformation Leaders

From Accidental Entrepreneur to Land Development Expert: Brandon Cobb of HBG Capital

In this episode of Distressed to Success, Brian speaks with Brandon Cobb, founder of the Land Development Accelerator and HBG Capital. Brandon opens up about his “accidental entrepreneur” journey, from medical device sales to flipping and wholesaling houses, and ultimately discovering the massive value in land entitlement and development. He shares how being unexpectedly laid off taught him that no one will safeguard your financial future better than yourself, which led him through a series of trial-and-error ventures before landing on real estate. Over a decade, Brandon went from losing $40,000 on a new-construction flip to closing 187 transactions and partnering with national builders who ultimately helped him scale into large-lot communities. Next, Brandon walks us through the three phases of land development: entitlement (turning raw land into approved housing communities), horizontal development (installing roads, utilities, stormwater systems), and vertical construction (selling lots to builders). He explains why securing an end-buyer first and structuring deals so you don’t close on land until approvals are in hand is critical, and points out common pitfalls, like over-densifying a site or designing without a target product in mind, that can cost hundreds of thousands. Through his Land Development Accelerator mastermind, Brandon and his team coach new developers on everything from securing preliminary plat approvals to raising private capital for entitlement work without tying up all their cash. Finally, we dive into HBG Capital, Brandon’s boutique investment firm that has raised over $15 million in equity to acquire, entitle, and develop land for major homebuilders. He outlines how accredited investors can join their waitlist at hbgcapital.net/waitlist for a hands-off play in this niche real-estate strategy. Before signing off, Brandon shares his two favorite books, The Surrender Experiment and The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer, and a heads-up about the emerging “Cloudbot” AI tool that’s poised to redefine how we automate online tasks. Whether you’re looking to embark on your first land-entitlement project or seeking passive, high-return real estate investments, this episode is packed with practical advice and resources to get you started. Timestamps 1. Brandon’s entrepreneurial journey from medical device sales to real estate investor – 01:12 2. Early real estate mistakes and scaling into land development – 04:04 3. Creation of the Land Development Accelerator and value of mastermind communities – 06:48 4. Common pitfalls in land development (lot design, density, buying before approvals) – 09:53 5. Breakdown of the three phases of land entitlement and development – 14:50 Connect with Brandon! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hbgcapital/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hbgcapital/] Website: https://www.hbgcapital.net/ [https://www.hbgcapital.net/] Book The Surrender Experiment: https://www.amazon.com/Surrender-Experiment-Journey-Lifes-Perfection/dp/080414110X [https://www.amazon.com/Surrender-Experiment-Journey-Lifes-Perfection/dp/080414110X]Book The Untethered Soul: https://www.amazon.com/Untethered-Soul-Journey-Beyond-Yourself/dp/1572245379 [https://www.amazon.com/Untethered-Soul-Journey-Beyond-Yourself/dp/1572245379] Get in touch with Brian! Last Best Partners' Website: https://www.lastbestpartners.com/ [https://www.lastbestpartners.com/]Brian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-seidensticker-90117021 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-seidensticker-90117021]Podcast LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/distressed-to-success-podcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/distressed-to-success-podcast] Subscribe to follow the show!

How to Build Wealth With Multifamily Investments with Aaron Fragnito from People’s Capital Group

In this episode of Distressed to Success, Brian speaks with Aaron Fragnito, co-founder of People’s Capital Group.  Aaron takes us back to 2009, fresh out of Rowan University, into the worst job market of a generation, and explains how a ski-instructor stint in Colorado, a copy of Rich Dad Poor Dad, and a real estate license in New Jersey set him on a path from cleaning rental cars to closing his first six-family deal in Newark.  Over the past 13 years, Aaron and his partner Seth Martinez have completed more than 280 transactions, raised capital from 113 private investors (with an 83% reinvestment rate), and built an in-house property management arm, all while helping transform blighted neighborhoods in North Jersey. Brian and Aaron then dig into the “secret sauce” behind People’s Capital Group’s success: forging deep, off-market relationships with lenders, receivership firms, and brokers to uncover distressed and under-the-radar Class A properties at steep discounts to replacement cost.  Aaron lays out the buy-renovate-refinance-repeat model he first discovered on that Newark project, explains why most of the upside still lives in Class C-to-B repositioning, and shows how today’s market offers rare Class A opportunities when you know whom to call and when to whisper. He also shares the nuts-and-bolts of attending local summits, following up in person, and proving you can close, because nothing cements your reputation faster than putting money in someone’s pocket. To wrap up, Aaron offers actionable advice for every real estate entrepreneur: pick one market and one asset class, stay the course, resist shiny-object syndrome, and lean on coaches or mentors to shorten your learning curve.  He recalls the early pivots, from short sales to fix-and-flips to syndications, and how each taught him the importance of infrastructure, focus, and relationships. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale up, this conversation delivers proven strategies for turning distressed assets into profitable, community-uplifting investments. Timestamps 1. Aaron Fragnito’s Real Estate Journey & Early Beginnings – 01:06  2. Launching People’s Capital Group & Buy-Renovate-Refinance Model – 03:11  3. Specializing in Class C→B Repositioning & Emerging Class A Opportunities – 05:05  4. Secret Sauce: Off-Market Deals via Broker & Lender Relationships – 08:11  5. Advice for New Investors: Networking, Consistency & Mentorship – 10:16 Get in Touch with Aaron! Website: https://www.peoplescapitalgroup.com/ [https://www.peoplescapitalgroup.com/]LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-fragnito-620b93173/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-fragnito-620b93173/]Book a call: https://calendly.com/peoplescapitalgroup/linkedin [https://calendly.com/peoplescapitalgroup/linkedin]Rich Dad Poor Dad: https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Middle/dp/1612680194 [https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Middle/dp/1612680194] https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Middle/dp/1612680194Get in touch with Brian!  Last Best Partners' Website: https://www.lastbestpartners.com/ [https://www.lastbestpartners.com/]Brian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-seidensticker-90117021 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-seidensticker-90117021]Podcast LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/distressed-to-success-podcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/distressed-to-success-podcast] Subscribe to follow the show!

Henry Yoshida from Retired.com Explains How to Invest Your IRA Beyond Stocks and Bonds

In this episode of Distressed to Success, Brian speaks with Henry Yoshida, CEO and co-founder of Rocket Dollar and Digital Trust. They kick off by breaking down how self-directed IRAs work, rolling over old 401(k) or IRA funds to unlock private and alternative investments like real estate, small businesses or opportunity-zone projects and why the standard retirement custodians don’t offer that flexibility.  Henry explains the nuts and bolts of Rocket Dollar’s platform paired with Digital Trust’s custody services, and how this combo lets everyday investors deploy capital into communities they care about while preserving their tax benefits.  Brian and Henry then trace his journey from a decade at Merrill Lynch, through launching a mid-market 401(k) consulting practice, founding Honest Dollar (later sold to Goldman Sachs), to the 2018 birth of Rocket Dollar and its eventual merger with Digital Trust. Along the way they share inspiring stories, such as a Harvard Business School alum who funded rental housing back in her hometown of San Antonio, and a circle of friends who saved their favorite college bar from closure, all by redirecting their retirement savings.  These real-world examples underscore how tapping just a fraction of the $46 trillion in U.S. retirement assets can fuel local revitalization. Wrapping up, Henry offers a few nuggets of wisdom, “you succeed by your systems, not by lofty expectations,” and even reveals his favorite kitchen gadget, the Ninja Creami, for guilt-free protein “ice cream.”  If you’re curious how a self-directed IRA could power your next community investment, visit rocketdollar.com for a no-pressure chat with their U.S.-based team. Timestamps 1. Overview of Rocket Dollar & Digital Trust platform – 01:20 2. How to roll over old 401(k)s into a self-directed IRA (and find forgotten plans) – 02:48 3. Henry’s entrepreneurial journey: Merrill Lynch → consulting shop → Honest Dollar → Rocket Dollar – 04:39 4. Real-world examples of using self-directed IRAs for community real estate & small businesses – 11:18 5. Key success insight: “You fail to the level of your systems” + life-balance advice – 21:57 Get in touch with Henry Website: https://bit.ly/4atczNJ [https://bit.ly/4atczNJ] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ppoteet/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ppoteet/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitfinancehenry/ [https://www.instagram.com/fitfinancehenry/] Phone Number: 1-855-ROCKET-D or 1-855-762-5383 Get in touch with Brian Last Best Partners' Website: https://www.lastbestpartners.com/ [https://www.lastbestpartners.com/] Brian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-seidensticker-90117021 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-seidensticker-90117021] Podcast LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/distressed-to-success-podcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/distressed-to-success-podcast] Book Crucial Conversations: https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Talking-Stakes-Second/dp/0071771328 [https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Talking-Stakes-Second/dp/0071771328] Subscribe to follow the show!

Discovering Hidden Multifamily Gems with Paul Poteet of Surge Investment Group

In this episode of Distressed to Success, Brian speaks with Paul Poteet, founder of Surge Capital Group. Brian and Paul trace Paul’s journey from a business-management major fresh out of college to becoming a multifamily developer carving out a unique niche in tertiary markets.  Rather than chasing high-profile zip codes, Paul explains his “zoning-first” strategy, targeting commercial zones that allow multifamily by right, snapping up overlooked parcels in places like Ogden, Utah, and secondary metros across the South, and then taking projects from land acquisition through entitlement, construction, lease-up, and sale over a 1–3-year cycle.  Along the way, Paul shares hard-earned lessons on growth and efficiency: how doing fewer, high-quality deals and preserving cash reserves can safeguard a young business; why the mantra “hire slow, fire fast” is vital; and how standardizing building designs has become Surge Capital Group’s secret sauce for maximizing profits. He also opens up about personal growth, shifting his focus from purely financial goals to family, relationships, and the power of visualizing success before it happens.  Timestamps 1. Guest Background & Career Path – 01:11  2. Surge Investment Group’s Full-Cycle Multifamily Model (Land Sourcing to Sale) – 03:37  3. Zoning-Based Approach & Ogden, Utah Case Study – 07:11  4. Criteria for Selecting Secondary Markets (Zoning + Growth) – 10:23  5. Key Lessons Learned (Challenges & Success Nuggets) – 14:36 Get in touch with Paul Website: http://surgeredev.com [http://surgeredev.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ppoteet/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ppoteet/] Contact info: Paul@surgeredev.com Get in touch with Brian Last Best Partners' Website: https://www.lastbestpartners.com/ [https://www.lastbestpartners.com/] Brian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-seidensticker-90117021 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-seidensticker-90117021] Podcast LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/distressed-to-success-podcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/distressed-to-success-podcast] Book Crucial Conversations: https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Talking-Stakes-Second/dp/0071771328 [https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Talking-Stakes-Second/dp/0071771328] Subscribe to follow the show!

Jill Ferrari of Schenk & Bruetsch: Building Equity, Inclusion & Sustainability

In this episode of Distressed to Success, Brian speaks with Jill Ferrari, partner at Schenken Bruch and co-founder of Renovare Development. With more than three decades in the brownfield redevelopment industry, Jill walks us through her unusual journey, from environmental health consultant to real estate dealmaker, authoring creative financing solutions, and teaching real estate fundamentals at the University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture and Engineering. Along the way, she co-founded a Detroit nonprofit that supports emerging female developers and even launched a new podcast called Breaking Ceilings, Breaking Ground to spotlight women in commercial real estate from Vancouver to Mexico City. Brian and Jill dive deep into the nuts and bolts of revitalizing contaminated or underutilized properties, describing how Michigan’s progressive toolbox of tax-increment financing, tax abatements, state and federal grants, Brownfield Redevelopment Authorities, EGLE programs, and EPA site-assessment funds can make seemingly impossible projects viable. Jill illustrates the process with vivid case studies, from the haunted tunnels and asbestos-laden soils of the Northville Psychiatric Hospital site turned thriving medical and retail campus to a 40-year-vacant infill parcel in Ypsilanti transformed into income-qualified housing. She also shares her hands-on approach to scouting opportunity sites, forging local partnerships, navigating public perception, and tailoring the financing stack so every project “pencils.” Alongside these technical insights, Jill offers candid career advice, reminding listeners to brace for the “euphoria of success and the gut-wrenching lows” that define a real estate entrepreneur’s path, and to embrace failures as part of the ride. She closes with a personal “carve-out” inspired by her love for the cult sci-fi series Firefly, reflecting on how passionate, engaged communities, whether built around a TV show or a revitalized neighborhood, are at the heart of every transformative project. Timestamps 1. Jill Ferrari’s career journey and current roles – 00:59 2. Launching the Breaking Ceilings, Breaking Ground podcast – 02:55 3. Brownfield redevelopment overview and key challenges – 08:18 4. Major incentives and financial tools for Brownfield projects – 11:30 5. Advice on navigating the highs and lows of real‐estate development – 35:17 Connect with Jill! - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-ferrari-6729891/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-ferrari-6729891/] - Website: https://www.sbdetroit.com/ [https://www.sbdetroit.com/] Get in touch with Brian! - Last Best Partners' Website: https://www.lastbestpartners.com/ [https://www.lastbestpartners.com/] - Brian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-seidensticker-90117021 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-seidensticker-90117021] - Podcast LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/distressed-to-success-podcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/distressed-to-success-podcast] - Book 10x Is Easier Than 2x – Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy: https://www.amazon.com/10x-Easier-Than-World-- Class-Entrepreneurs/dp/140196995X [https://www.amazon.com/10x-Easier-Than-World--%20Class-Entrepreneurs/dp/140196995X] Subscribe to follow the show!