Philly Construction & Building a Business from the Ground Up W/ Matt Smith

Philly Construction & Building a Business from the Ground Up W/ Matt Smith

In this episode of Broker’s Blueprint, Martino and Nick are joined by Matt Smith, founder of Valor Built—a veteran-owned construction company making waves in the Philadelphia region. From his time as a platoon leader in Iraq to launching a residential and commercial building company, Matt breaks down the mindset, systems, and setbacks that shaped his journey from soldier to successful general contractor. Whether you're a real estate investor, developer, or aspiring builder, this conversation dives deep into what it really takes to lead construction projects in a market like Philly. Key takeaways: How military discipline translates into business leadership Why communication is the biggest differentiator in construction Lessons from managing subcontractors, clients, and chaos The financial realities of being a small to mid-sized GC How to grow a lean, profitable construction business without losing your edge If you’re looking to partner with reliable builders, understand how construction timelines really work, or gain insight into running a service-first construction company—this one’s for you. 🎧 Tune in now and don’t forget to subscribe for weekly insights into Philly real estate, development, and the brokers shaping the market. ==== Powered by iFundCities — the lending platform built for real estate investors who move fast and think big. From fix-and-flips to long-term rentals, iFundCities offers flexible loan solutions, lightning-fast closings, and a transparent process you can count on. Ready to fund your next deal?  Learn more at iFundCities.com [https://ifundcities.com]. Make sure you subscribe the podcast here -   https://m.mtrbio.com/BrokersBlueprint   Visit our website to learn more about us - https://www.hunterscre.com/   Follow the show here - IG - https://instagram.com/hunters_creLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/hunterscommercial/FB - https://www.facebook.com/huntersphilly   Subscribe to our YouTube channel -   https://www.youtube.com/@HuntersCommercialRealEstate   Connect with Martino Picariello here -   Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/martino-picariello-4898aa172/ IG -https://www.instagram.com/p/DFstUCLxbRi/   Connect with Nicholas Giganti Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-giganti-9bb4058/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/nickgigantirealestate/

Questions Every Serious Investor Should Be Asking in 2025

In this solo episode, Martino breaks down the five most important questions he gets from seasoned investors looking to scale smarter—not just bigger. From calculating what actually makes a deal “good” to leveraging capital partners, mastering 1031 exchanges, and building systems that scale, this episode is a masterclass for anyone past their first deal and aiming for long-term success. Martino also shares real-world investor stories, including the mindset shift behind living below your means and how to consistently source off-market deals in a tight market.   Whether you're sitting on your first property or running a growing portfolio, this episode is packed with tactical advice and insider knowledge that will help you think more strategically, act with confidence, and build for the long haul.   🔑 Topics Covered:   The real way to evaluate deals (hint: it's not just cap rate)   Why capital recycling is the ultimate scale strategy   1031 exchanges: when to use them—and when to walk away   How to structure a JV deal that actually works   The three keys to finding off-market opportunities in 2025 ==== Powered by iFundCities — the lending platform built for real estate investors who move fast and think big. From fix-and-flips to long-term rentals, iFundCities offers flexible loan solutions, lightning-fast closings, and a transparent process you can count on. Ready to fund your next deal?  Learn more at iFundCities.com [https://ifundcities.com]. Make sure you subscribe the podcast here -   https://m.mtrbio.com/BrokersBlueprint   Visit our website to learn more about us - https://www.hunterscre.com/   Follow the show here - IG - https://instagram.com/hunters_creLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/hunterscommercial/FB - https://www.facebook.com/huntersphilly   Subscribe to our YouTube channel -   https://www.youtube.com/@HuntersCommercialRealEstate   Connect with Martino Picariello here -   Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/martino-picariello-4898aa172/ IG -https://www.instagram.com/p/DFstUCLxbRi/   Connect with Nicholas Giganti Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-giganti-9bb4058/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/nickgigantirealestate/

How Jesse Vandeboe Finds Profitable Deals in a Tight Market

This week on Broker’s Blueprint, Jesse Vandeboe joins the crew to break down how he’s consistently closing deals in one of the toughest real estate markets we’ve seen. From direct-to-seller prospecting to creative financing strategies, Jesse shares exactly how he sources off-market properties and spots value others miss.   You’ll hear why value-add multifamily is outperforming in 2025, how to build real seller relationships without wasting time, and what makes certain Philly neighborhoods worth betting on. Whether you’re trying to win more listings or lock in better investments, Jesse’s insight is pure gold for brokers and buyers alike.   📍 What you’ll learn: • Why sellers are finally open to creative financing • The cold call approach that still works today • How to underwrite properties like a true investor • What makes a unit layout un-rentable • The Philly pockets smart investors are targeting right now ==== Powered by iFundCities — the lending platform built for real estate investors who move fast and think big. From fix-and-flips to long-term rentals, iFundCities offers flexible loan solutions, lightning-fast closings, and a transparent process you can count on. Ready to fund your next deal?  Learn more at iFundCities.com [https://ifundcities.com]. Make sure you subscribe the podcast here -   https://m.mtrbio.com/BrokersBlueprint   Visit our website to learn more about us - https://www.hunterscre.com/   Follow the show here - IG - https://instagram.com/hunters_creLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/hunterscommercial/FB - https://www.facebook.com/huntersphilly   Subscribe to our YouTube channel -   https://www.youtube.com/@HuntersCommercialRealEstate   Connect with Martino Picariello here -   Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/martino-picariello-4898aa172/ IG -https://www.instagram.com/p/DFstUCLxbRi/   Connect with Nicholas Giganti Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-giganti-9bb4058/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/nickgigantirealestate/

Philly’s Hidden Gems: Neighborhoods and Underrated Spots You Need to Know

In this episode of Broker’s Blueprint, Martino Picariello and Chris Terrio dive into the under-the-radar neighborhoods, commercial corridors, and real estate pockets that are quietly shaping the future of Philadelphia.       From bachelor party stories in Charleston to overlooked corridors in Fishtown and Francisville, the guys explore what makes a neighborhood truly desirable—and why some Philly markets are still sitting on untapped potential.       Inside the episode:       The hidden commercial corridors that drive neighborhood value—and why areas like Ridge Avenue and Point Breeze Ave still struggle to attract anchor businesses.       The overlooked charm (and potential upside) of Bella Vista, Queen Village, and Packer Park for investors and families alike.       Why South Philly remains a powerhouse of accessibility, community, and walkability.       Real talk on zoning, development pain points, and why Philly’s tax structure keeps holding back national brands and commercial anchors.       Martino and Chris's personal takes on their favorite Philly streets, neighborhoods for first-timers, and how the upcoming World Cup will force Philly to level up—or fall behind.       Whether you’re a broker, investor, or just Philly-curious, this episode is packed with on-the-ground insights into the city’s next wave of opportunity—and the urban pain points that still need fixing.       🎧 Listen now to discover the hidden Philly most people overlook. ==== Powered by iFundCities — the lending platform built for real estate investors who move fast and think big. From fix-and-flips to long-term rentals, iFundCities offers flexible loan solutions, lightning-fast closings, and a transparent process you can count on. Ready to fund your next deal?  Learn more at iFundCities.com [https://ifundcities.com]. Make sure you subscribe the podcast here -   https://m.mtrbio.com/BrokersBlueprint   Visit our website to learn more about us - https://www.hunterscre.com/   Follow the show here - IG - https://instagram.com/hunters_creLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/hunterscommercial/FB - https://www.facebook.com/huntersphilly   Subscribe to our YouTube channel -   https://www.youtube.com/@HuntersCommercialRealEstate   Connect with Martino Picariello here -   Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/martino-picariello-4898aa172/ IG -https://www.instagram.com/p/DFstUCLxbRi/   Connect with Nicholas Giganti Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-giganti-9bb4058/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/nickgigantirealestate/

How Jim Roach Built Philly’s Fastest-Growing Brokerage W/ Jim Roach

This week on Broker’s Blueprint, Martino and Nick sit down with Jim Roach —co-founder of Rarity Real Estate, serial dealmaker, and leader of one of the fastest-growing teams in Philly. From cold-calling landowners in Point Breeze to leading a billion-dollar expansion platform, JR breaks down the power of relationships, mentorship, and relentless pursuit. Inside this episode: The "land to leverage" playbook JR used to build a pipeline of new construction deals—and how it became his real estate annuity. Why your network IS your net worth, and how to get in the right rooms with the right people (even if you’re starting at zero). The evolution from mentee to mentor, and how JR scaled his business by empowering others to win. How Rarity OS is rewriting the playbook for agents—giving them enterprise-level systems without the overhead. JR’s unfiltered take on interest rates, market shifts, and why your business should never rely on the market cycle to grow. This one is loaded with hard-earned lessons, actionable strategies, and behind-the-scenes stories from the trenches of Philly’s real estate grind. 🎧 Listen now for the blueprint on building relationships that scale your deals—and your career. ==== Powered by iFundCities — the lending platform built for real estate investors who move fast and think big. From fix-and-flips to long-term rentals, iFundCities offers flexible loan solutions, lightning-fast closings, and a transparent process you can count on. Ready to fund your next deal?  Learn more at iFundCities.com [https://ifundcities.com]. Make sure you subscribe the podcast here -   https://m.mtrbio.com/BrokersBlueprint   Visit our website to learn more about us - https://www.hunterscre.com/   Follow the show here - IG - https://instagram.com/hunters_creLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/hunterscommercial/FB - https://www.facebook.com/huntersphilly   Subscribe to our YouTube channel -   https://www.youtube.com/@HuntersCommercialRealEstate   Connect with Martino Picariello here -   Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/martino-picariello-4898aa172/ IG -https://www.instagram.com/p/DFstUCLxbRi/   Connect with Nicholas Giganti Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-giganti-9bb4058/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/nickgigantirealestate/