How to Effectively Mitigate Business Risk with Mark Baker

How to Effectively Mitigate Business Risk with Mark Baker

In this episode of The Hunt for Success, host Sam McGough connects with Mark Baker, President and Owner of ACRE Development Corporation. Recording from Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada, Mark shares his transition from a second-generation operator in the high-volume retail gasoline and convenience sector to a successful commercial real estate land developer. The conversation focuses on the strategic shift from daily business operations to the long-term, high-stakes process of ground-up commercial development, drawing parallels between the deep preparation required for real estate and the patience of the outdoor lifestyle. KEY TAKEAWAYS * Quantifying and Mitigating Risk: True entrepreneurs aren't recklessly risk-tolerant; instead, they immerse themselves in their niche, utilizing knowledge and experience to reduce vague risks to a highly finite, quantified number. * The Power of Execution over Capital: Success in real estate development relies on three factors: capital, knowledge, and the ability to execute. If a developer possesses the knowledge and execution strategy, the necessary capital can always be sourced from outside investors. * The "Hunt" of Development: There is a distinct psychological difference between business operation and business development. While daily operations can invite complacency, the complex 18-to-24-month horizon of land development—securing tenants, analyzing traffic patterns, and legal forecasting—mirrors the thrill and patience of a long-term hunt. * The Future of the Trades: Despite the rise of AI data collection in market analysis, human intuition, local physical site assessment, and hands-on skilled trades (like plumbing and HVAC) remain fully insulated from automation. EPISODE TIMELINE * 00:00 – Defining and Quantifying Risk in Commercial Real Estate * 01:10 – Meet Mark Baker: President of ACRE Development Corporation * 02:00 – Legacy in the Gas Station Business: Rebuilding from the Ground Up * 03:15 – The Pivot to Land Development and Second-Gen Commercial Real Estate * 04:10 – Identifying Market Criteria and International Brand Partnerships * 05:40 – Tax Incentives: Comparing the US IRS Code to Canadian Structures * 06:50 – Mitigating Risk by Staying in Your Lane and Avoiding "Flipping" * 08:15 – The Three Pillars of Real Estate: Capital, Knowledge, and Execution * 09:40 – An Overview of Prince Edward Island’s World-Class Bluefin Tuna & Shellfish Fisheries * 11:20 – The Parallel Between the Prep-Work of Development and the Outdoor Hunt * 13:40 – Navigating the Complexities of 100-Page Commercial Leases * 15:00 – Scalability Decisions: When to Expand Operations vs. When to Exit and Pivot * 16:45 – Time Management Benefits: Shifting from High-Volume Staffing to Lean Operations * 18:15 – The Longevity and Bright Future of Hands-On Blue-Collar Trades * 19:30 – AI in Real Estate: Accelerating Data Analytics vs. Irreplaceable Physical Site Intuition * 21:30 – Local Angling: The Emergence of Striped Bass and Atlantic Salmon on PEI ABOUT THE GUEST Mark Baker is a Canadian entrepreneur and the President and Owner of ACRE Development Corporation based in Prince Edward Island. After a successful decade running and leasing a high-volume regional retail gasoline operation and coffee franchise, Mark transitioned his focus entirely to commercial land development, securing premium locations for national and international corporate brands. > Connect with the Show: For more episodes, resources, and insights on building wealth and designing freedom, visit thehuntforsuccess.com [https://www.thehuntforsuccess.com].

Marketing for Chiropractors: Build It, Scale It, Sell It with Dr. Kendall Price

Dr. Kendall Price went from chiropractic school to 200 patient visits a week in just 90 days, not by accident, but by applying "boots-on-the-ground" marketing systems before he even opened his doors. Now, as founder of Elevate Marketing, he helps chiropractors build consistent patient acquisition through repeatable, scalable systems. In this episode of Hunt for Success, Dr. Sam McGough sits down with Dr. Price to break down how understanding numbers like lifetime value and patient acquisition cost changes every business decision — how process and people create businesses that can actually be sold — and how a move to central Illinois, a bird dog, and a bow opened up a second life built around family, faith, and the outdoors. What You'll Learn: – How Dr. Price launched to 200 visits/week in 90 days using repeatable marketing – Why knowing your patient LTV changes how you spend, hire, and grow – How systems and people create a business you can eventually sell – What it looks like to walk away at the right time — and why he has no regrets – How hunting, faith, and family keep his mind sharp and his business focused 01:27 Learning Marketing In School 02:25 Scaling A Practice Fast 03:53 Systems, People, and LTV 06:30 Mentors, Numbers, and Delegation 10:20 Selling Practice & Buying Out Partner 13:30 Move To Illinois & Outdoors Life 14:23 How He Started Hunting 15:21 Bird Dog and Bowhunting 17:22 Canada Fishing Trips 21:06 Kids, Family, and Outdoors Lessons 24:24 Farm Work as Therapy 25:43 Faithful Tree Stand Routine 27:06 Food Plots & Big Bucks 28:30 Trophy Standards Debate 32:34 Business Numbers Non-Negotiables 37:06 Pricing & Value Communication 38:04 Bow Setup & Gear Talk 39:00 First Big Splurge — The Boat 41:48 Land Ownership & Family Hunts 42:54 Brotherhood, Mastermind & Tribe 47:26 Systems Create Freedom About the Guest Dr. Kendall Price is a former chiropractor and founder of Elevate Marketing, where he helps chiropractors scale their businesses through effective marketing systems and operational strategy. Known for his strong focus on processes, leadership, and long-term business growth, Kendall also shares his passion for hunting, fishing, and family life throughout the episode.  Guest Resources: Elevate Marketing: https://goelevatemarketing.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkendallprice/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drkendallprice/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-price-5681b189/

The People-First System That Keeps Clients Coming Back with Will Bamber

On the Hunt for Success podcast, the host interviews Will Bamber of WNUI Safaris in New Zealand, discussing the property’s multi-generation history (including earlier AU Trading roots and WNUI Safaris emerging in the early 1980s) and the family-run culture led by Will’s father Paul. Will shares his multifaceted life: professional racing (including Lamborghini Super Trofeo and other North American series), time living and racing in Asia, and software development focused on ERP/CRM automation for the safari business.  They emphasize that people and relationships drive repeat bookings, and describe using technology and AI to streamline proposals, invoicing, accounting, and data insights while keeping a lean team. They also cover trade-show marketing, continuous lodge improvements (new cabin, upgrades, potential jacuzzi area), work-life balance for staff, and New Zealand possum control and possum wool. 00:53 Ranch Name History 02:07 Racing Career Path 02:56 Racing Meets Hunting 03:27 Work You Love 05:13 Guides and Giving Back 07:34 Why Clients Return 10:17 Culture and Systems 11:10 People First Growth 13:27 Red Carpet Service 14:49 Software for Outfitters 18:26 AI and Automation 21:49 Competition and Networking 24:12 Booth Hospitality Strategy 25:46 Trade Show Networking Mindset 26:55 Client Relationships Like Family 27:47 Races And Friend Trips 28:47 Guide Work Life Balance 30:44 Team Culture And Care 33:23 Lodge Upgrades And Amenities 34:30 Feedback Driven Improvements 35:48 Racing Confidence And Balance 38:40 Possums And Trade Show Curiosity 42:05 Overwhelmed At The Expo Will Bamber is part of the family leadership team behind Wanganui Safaris, a premier New Zealand hunting lodge with a multi-generational legacy led by the Bamber family. Beyond the safari business, Will brings a unique blend of expertise in professional motorsports, business systems, and software automation, helping modernize operations through ERP, CRM, AI, and workflow automation while maintaining a strong people-first culture. He is also an accomplished race car driver who has competed in Lamborghini Super Trofeo and other North American racing series. Guest Resource: Wanganui Safaris Website: https://www.wsafaris.com/ Will Bamber Website: https://www.willbamber.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willbamber/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willbambermotorsport/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willbamber/

W2 Employee to 100-Pool Construction Empire with Ryan Seekatz

Dr. Sam McGough interviews Ryan Seekatz, an Alaska native and entrepreneur who transitioned from years of W2 work on Alaska’s North Slope oil fields to running businesses, then pursuing business acquisitions that led him to buy a Florida pool construction company. Ryan describes the toll of long hitches away from family, the moment he decided to quit, and how he spent years searching for the right acquisition before launching a successful renovation branch while building about 100 pools per year in affluent East Coast Florida communities. The conversation also covers Ryan’s early hunting and fishing memories in Fairbanks, the challenges of big-game processing in Alaska, Sam’s perspective on sustained “grinding,” purpose, and creating family experiences, plus a discussion of private aviation and Ryan’s emphasis that mentorship has been a key driver of his progress. 01:08 Ryan Background 01:49 Pool Business Growth 02:31 Leaving W2 Life 05:51 Oil Rig Breaking Point 07:24 Alaska Hunting Roots 08:55 Florida Transition Grind 10:54 Work Life Discipline 14:45 Defining Success Freedom 17:41 Family Memories Hunting 18:35 Caribou Moose Plans 19:07 New Zealand Hunt Costs 19:36 Why New Zealand Is Easy 20:46 Red Stag Surprise 21:32 Lazy Hunter Confession 22:50 Alaska Moose Reality 24:11 Caribou Processing Tips 26:44 Planning Alaska Together 27:32 Private Planes For Hunts 28:32 Timeshares And Tax Plays 32:46 Mentorship And Entrepreneurship About the Guest: Ryan Seekatz is an Alaska native, entrepreneur, and business owner who transitioned from years of W2 work on Alaska’s North Slope oil fields into entrepreneurship through business acquisitions. After leaving the demanding oilfield lifestyle, Ryan spent years searching for the right opportunity before acquiring a Florida-based pool construction company, where he now oversees a thriving business building and renovating pools across affluent East Coast communities. In this episode, he shares his journey from corporate grind to freedom, along with insights on mentorship, family, hunting roots in Alaska, and building a purpose-driven life. Guest Resources: Website: https://www.sfcpools.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-seekatz-0a3791292/

The Land & Farm Niche: How Hunting Built an 800-Deal Real Estate with Lynn Jared

On the Hunt for Success podcast, host Sam interviews Cookeville, Tennessee, real estate broker and avid hunter Lynn Jared, who runs a brokerage founded in 2022 that grew from about 500 transactions in its first year to over 800 in 2025 and is currently pacing 57% ahead year over year, despite broader market concerns. Lynn attributes the growth to a strong culture, daily morning huddles, hands-on training, tiered team leaders, and feedback-driven problem-solving to reduce fall-throughs from contract to close. He discusses common early-agent mistakes, especially underestimating the time and cash needed to survive the first few years, and explains how a profitable lead-gen team helps new agents. Lynn connects business and hunting through relationships, shares land-and-farm expertise tied to hunting, recounts his two-year turkey grand slam highlight in South Dakota near Mount Rushmore, and closes with advice to “get out there,” follow the golden rule, and take new hunters afield. 00:42 Cookeville Real Estate Growth 01:57 Growing Up Hunting 03:00 Culture and Training Strategy 04:51 Morning Huddles and Deal Follow Through 07:09 New Agent Mistakes and Money Reality 09:36 Lead Gen Team Turnaround 11:44 Mentors and Car Business Lessons 14:14 Why Land and Farm Real Estate 16:12 Turkey Grand Slam Best Hunt 19:32 World Slam and Mexico Safety Talk 21:11 Marriage Tradeoffs and Hobby Balance 23:38 Purpose After Retirement and Dad Story 25:49 Farm Clients Hunting Success Stories 27:30 Letting Friends Hunt Your Property 28:22 Gear Talk And Bows 28:42 Why Bowhunting Wins 29:37 Matthews Lift Setup 30:34 Bowhunting Turkeys Challenge 31:20 Turkey Hunting Lessons 32:20 First Gobbler Breakthrough 34:36 Surprise Bird Stories 36:50 Run And Gun Strategy 40:47 Hardest Eastern Birds 44:35 Wild Turkey On The Table 45:53 Business And Hunting Parallels 49:21 Finding Trusted Mentors About the Guest: Lynn Jared is a Cookeville, Tennessee, real estate broker and passionate hunter who founded a fast-growing brokerage in 2022. Known for his strong leadership, hands-on agent training, and expertise in land and farm real estate, Lynn shares how culture, mentorship, and discipline have driven his team’s success. In this episode, he also connects the lessons of business and hunting through relationships, resilience, and personal growth. Guest Resources: Website: https://www.letsgoreco.com/lynn-jared Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynn.jared/