In this episode of the Collective Genius Live podcast, I sit down with the ever-insightful Benmont Locker—COO-turned-educator and leadership force behind Ramp Academy and CG Elevate. Recorded live at our Select and Elevate event in Sarasota, this conversation dives deep into the core disciplines that truly move the needle in real estate investing. If you’re struggling to grow consistently or falling for shiny objects, this one’s for you.

Ben shares how building a business based on solid systems, data-driven decision-making, and foundational sales metrics can radically transform deal flow and profitability. We also chat about how Ramp Academy emerged to bridge the critical gaps between marketing and sales, the importance of staying in your lane, and what “scale” should actually mean for serious investors. Whether you’re stuck at a plateau or just launching your full-time investing journey, there’s gold here.

Episode Timeline Highlights

[0:00] - Ben’s rise from COO at Integrity First Homebuyers to educator and leader

[2:18] - Why data-driven strategy matters more than intuition in operations

[3:15] - How Ben built confidence and leadership through process and analytics

[4:29] - The true meaning of scale and why consistency may be more valuable

[5:06] - The “dolphin” model of revenue and the fix through systems

[7:43] - Inside the Elevate room: the curriculum, structure, and mission

[8:43] - The 6 core metrics every investor should master

[9:40] - Why doubling deal flow changes everything—and how Elevate helps

[10:35] - Avoiding shiny object syndrome: the crypto mistake that cost $200K

[12:37] - The foundational path to success in real estate investing

[13:02] - What inspired the creation of Ramp Academy

[14:55] - Why collaboration between sales and marketing is essential

[17:04] - Building a business intentionally with marketing as the foundation

[18:41] - A proven framework for effective, modern real estate marketing

[21:31] - How legislation and market shifts impact investor strategy

[22:17] - The mistake of forcing deals and the discipline of passing on bad ones

[23:10] - Why Elevate is the right community for growth-minded investors

5 Key Takeaways

1. Scale Isn’t the Goal—Clarity Is: Understanding what you’re scaling toward is more important than chasing growth for growth’s sake.

2. Master the Metrics: Gross leads, qualified leads, appointments, contracts, and revenue—track these relentlessly for sustainable success.

3. Consistency Beats Complexity: Foundational systems and repeatable processes drive real business longevity.

4. Stay in Your Lane: Chasing the next big trend (like crypto) without mastery of your core business can set you back dramatically.

5. Marketing and Sales Must Sync: Misalignment between marketing and sales creates chaos; collaboration delivers conversions.

Links & Resources

• Learn more about Ramp Academy: https://rampreia.com

• Connect with Benmont Locker on Instagram or Facebook

• Apply to join the CG community: https://thecollectivegenius.com

If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to rate, follow, and review the podcast. Share it with a fellow investor ready to grow with focus, foundation, and the right community behind them.

In this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with Santini Lanicioni—a Hall of Fame college basketball player turned top-tier real estate investor. Santini shares how the values he learned on the court—discipline, competitiveness, and focus—translated into building one of the most dominant investing operations in Southern New Jersey. His journey from humble beginnings to orchestrating 400–500 deals annually is both inspiring and instructive.

We dive deep into Santini’s transition from athletics to sales, and eventually to real estate entrepreneurship. He unpacks the pivotal role of staying hyper-local in his market, the lessons learned through COVID-era adjustments, and how surrounding himself with the right team and community elevated his business. Whether you’re scaling up or just starting out, this episode offers a roadmap for turning adversity into opportunity and passion into profit.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction

[1:13] - Meet Santini Lanicioni: athlete, investor, and local market specialist

[4:16] - Scaling from 160 rentals to 500 annual deals through hyper-focus

[7:06] - “Take what the defense gives you”: sports mindset in business

[12:01] - Overcoming a tough childhood and discovering basketball as a lifeline

[18:13] - The power of extracurricular activities for youth development

[22:07] - From disliking school to graduating with pride

[24:35] - Sales career lessons that laid the foundation for entrepreneurship

[29:01] - Falling in love with real estate through rental properties

[33:04] - COVID challenges: stuck capital, halted refis, and a major pivot

[39:01] - Building a sales team, bringing in an operator, and scaling smart

[42:15] - How joining CG changed the game for Santini’s business

[44:01] - What didn’t work: PPC and CRM pitfalls

[45:33] - The importance of staying active and focused in your business

[49:19] - Building a brand and a presence to recruit high-level talent

[52:31] - Why social media and networking are key to hiring success

[54:43] - The power of community, team culture, and leading by example

5 Key Takeaways

1. Hyper-Local Wins: Santini’s success came from narrowing his focus to just a few counties in Southern New Jersey—proving you can scale big by going deep, not wide.

2. Athlete Mindset Translates: Traits like resilience, discipline, and competitiveness developed through sports are directly transferable to entrepreneurship.

3. Sales is a Superpower: Mastering sales was the gateway that gave Santini the confidence and financial base to leap into real estate.

4. Right People, Right Seats: Hiring a strong operator and giving up control over what didn’t energize him allowed Santini to scale efficiently.

5. Don’t Chase, Focus: Whether it’s avoiding shiny objects in masterminds or resisting nationwide marketing, focus remains Santini’s greatest asset.

Links & Resources

• Learn more about Collective Genius: www.thecggpodcast.com

• Connect with Santini Lanicioni on social media

Closing Remarks

Thanks for tuning in! If this episode brought you value, please follow, rate, and review the Collective Genius Podcast. Don’t forget to share it with another investor who could use some real talk and real strategy!

In this episode of the Collective Genius LIVE podcast, I sit down with Ian Ross from Vivid Selling (formerly known as Objection Proof Sales), a dynamic sales trainer deeply rooted in the real estate investing space. Live from our CG Select & Elevate event in Sarasota, Ian brings the energy and wisdom, diving into the nuances of sales psychology, effective lead management, and the transformative power of trust in persuasion.

We cover everything from the top hiring mistake most investors make when bringing on a lead manager to Ian’s compelling concept of “persuasion without charisma.” If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to scale your sales team or get past the same objections over and over, this conversation is your playbook. Plus, Ian shares vulnerable and inspiring reflections on personal growth and the importance of community among high-achieving entrepreneurs.

3 Key Takeaways

• Sales resistance isn’t always about you – Understand the difference between credibility resistance and internal fear to better guide your prospects toward action.

• Lead managers aren’t junior sales reps – Hiring with clarity on role fit is crucial; treat lead managers as their own distinct position rather than a stepping stone to acquisitions.

• Celebrate the process, not just the wins – Sustained performance and growth come from focusing on daily actions, not just outcomes.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction

[1:37] - Ian introduces his background in sales training and partnership with Steve Trang

[2:46] - Overview of Ian’s sales training work with real estate investors in the Collective Genius community

[4:43] - The #1 mistake people make when hiring a lead manager

[7:07] - Breakdown of Ian’s new talk: “Persuasion Without Charisma”

[8:07] - The two types of resistance in sales: credibility vs. internal fear

[10:22] - Ian’s powerful technique for helping prospects overcome their own objections

[13:04] - The difference between trust and likability in sales

[16:22] - Coaching salespeople to celebrate process over outcomes

[19:14] - Ian shares a deeply personal takeaway on community and connection from the event

Links & Resources

• Follow Ian Ross on Instagram: @vividselling

• Learn more about the Collective Genius community: www.thecollectivegenius.com

• Listen to more episodes: www.thecgpodcast.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, follow, and share the podcast. We’d also love to hear your thoughts in a review—your feedback means the world and helps us keep delivering the content you love.

In this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with my good friend Corey Reyment from Green Bay, Wisconsin. Corey isn't just a successful real estate investor; he's a true entrepreneur with a compelling journey of grit, growth, and grit. From cold-calling the Packers' head strength coach to accidentally stumbling into the world of real estate after realizing his original career path wasn't the right fit, Corey shares how he and his wife built a thriving business that balances both active income and long-term wealth through rental properties.

We talk about the real, unglamorous side of transitioning from a 9-to-5 to full-time real estate investing, including early missteps, $5K wholesale wins that felt like a million bucks, and painting shutters in Wisconsin winters. Corey's story is filled with laughs, lessons, and a whole lot of wisdom for any entrepreneur wondering when to leap. Tune in to learn how his Maverick personality and strong sales background helped catapult his business and life forward.

Episode Timeline:

[0:00] - Introduction
[2:22] - Corey shares his background, starting with kinesiology and strength coaching aspirations.
[6:18] - Realization that the career path wasn't the right fit and pivoting to sales.
[14:11] - Early entrepreneurial ventures in fitness training and network marketing.
[22:09] - The Rich Dad, Poor Dad spark that led to real estate investing.
[26:16] - The thrill and chaos of their first deals—wholesaling, BRRRR strategy, and rent-to-own.
[30:30] - Corey explains when he knew it was time to go full-time into real estate.
[35:46] - A $5K wholesale deal becomes the confidence booster that changes everything.
[37:11] - Lessons from flipping houses and managing winter renovations in Wisconsin.
[40:30] - Building momentum through networking and mentorship.
[41:10] - How joining mastermind groups like CG propelled their growth.
[43:00] - Reflections on the power of community and continual learning.
[45:05] - The mindset shift from scarcity to abundance and giving back to the next generation of investors.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Your First Career Doesn’t Define You: Corey’s transition from kinesiology to real estate shows that your degree doesn’t limit your destiny.

2. Sales Experience is a Superpower: Years in sales provided Corey with the communication skills crucial for real estate investing success.

3. Start Small, Think Big: That initial $5K wholesale deal was a turning point—proving that consistent small wins build momentum.

4. Mentorship Accelerates Growth: Having the right mentors and joining communities like CG can fast-track your business to new levels.

5. Give More Than You Take: Corey embodies the go-giver mindset, emphasizing community, contribution, and continual self-improvement.

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about the Collective Genius: thecgpodcast.com

• Book Mentioned: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

Closing Remarks:

If Corey’s journey inspired you even half as much as it inspired me, make sure to hit that follow button, share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur, and leave us a review. Your support means the world and helps us bring more amazing stories like Corey’s to light. Thanks for tuning in!

In this thought-provoking episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with longtime CG member and personal friend Brad Chandler to uncover one of the most inspiring transformations I’ve witnessed in our community. Brad opens up about his journey from being a high-volume real estate investor chasing financial success to becoming a happiness coach committed to helping others heal from the inside out.

We talk about everything—from childhood wounds that unconsciously drove his early business decisions, to the $3 million mistake that changed his approach to risk, to the powerful inner work that unlocked a new sense of purpose and peace. Brad’s story is not just about business; it’s about rediscovering identity, healing generational trauma, and building a life that feels as good as it looks. If you’re an investor who’s ever wondered why success still feels unfulfilling—or how to scale your business without sacrificing your sanity—this is the episode for you.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction

[2:22] - Brad’s early entry into real estate and the evolution of his investment model

[4:25] - How a casual recommendation led Leon to add a jingle that transformed his brand

[7:10] - Childhood scarcity and how conflicting parental beliefs shaped Brad’s drive

[11:19] - The origin of Brad’s business partnership and building Express Homebuyers

[17:03] - The $3 million loss: reckless development deals and the subconscious fear behind them

[25:01] - Brad’s awakening: a three-hour session that unraveled decades of unresolved trauma

[28:06] - The concept of memory reconsolidation and how it erases negative behaviors

[36:52] - The transformation process and how quickly clients start to experience change

[40:17] - Real-world business results from Brad’s coaching clients

[47:26] - The real reason most people want to scale—and why it’s worth re-examining your “why”

5 Key Takeaways

1. Money Doesn’t Equal Worthiness: Brad believed financial success would make him feel valuable. It took a personal crisis to realize that belief stemmed from childhood experiences—not truth.

2. Subconscious Beliefs Drive Behavior: 95% of our daily actions are influenced by unconscious programming formed before the age of 10. Rewriting those patterns can radically shift your life and business.

3. Transformation Can Be Quick: Brad’s breakthrough came from a single weekend session. Many of his clients experience life-changing results within just five weeks.

4. True Leadership Starts Within: Brad’s shift from chaos-driven business owner to present, supportive leader didn’t just change his team culture—it improved company performance.

5. Redefine Your “Why”: Scaling for validation or fear of inadequacy leads to burnout. Purpose-driven growth, grounded in self-love, leads to sustainable success and joy.

Links & Resources

• Take Brad’s Self-Love Quiz: https://unlocklimitlessyou.com/

• Collective Genius Podcast: https://thecgpodcast.com/

• “7 Levels Deep” Exercise and other tools: Available under Resources at https://unlocklimitlessyou.com/

If Brad’s story moved you like it moved me, take a moment to rate, follow, and review the Collective Genius Podcast. And if you know someone grinding their way to burnout, share this episode—it might be the wake-up call they need.

In this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with Ryan Weimer, a real estate investor who’s breaking all the conventional rules. Ryan runs a high-volume investing business in Boise, Idaho—without ever having lived there. Now operating from London, he’s built a team and system that allows him to lead virtually, while scaling with precision and purpose. We dive deep into his origin story, including how a career in mechanical engineering, corporate layoffs, and a desire for autonomy all led him to real estate.

Ryan shares the powerful mindset shifts that helped him transition from a stable W-2 job to full-time investor, the challenges of operating seven time zones away, and the painful but pivotal lessons learned during a $1.2 million loss. This conversation is a masterclass on grit, leadership, and designing a business that supports your life—not the other way around.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction

[2:27] - Ryan breaks down his Idaho-based business and the impressive volume of deals his team handles each year.

[7:18] - The surprising leap from engineering to entrepreneurship—and how pain sparked the journey.

[13:09] - Lessons from corporate project management that translated perfectly to real estate operations.

[20:27] - Why Ryan chose Boise over San Diego and how relationships shaped his market entry.

[22:55] - The early mistake of focusing on rentals before building the business foundation.

[31:17] - Living in London while running a stateside company—and how it really works.

[36:23] - The gut-punch of 2022’s market shift and the hard-earned lessons that followed.

[44:23] - Turning a massive development loss into a creative financing strategy that now generates millions.

[47:14] - How the Collective Genius community helped Ryan navigate tough times and scale with confidence.

[53:07] - Ryan’s bold 5-year vision to grow to $10M in revenue—and the leadership strategy to back it up.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Virtual Doesn’t Mean Ineffective – With the right team and systems, Ryan proves you can scale a high-performing real estate business without ever setting foot in your primary market.

2. Grit is the Real Superpower – Ryan attributes his long-term success to resilience and the willingness to persevere through the darkest moments.

3. Use Your W-2 to Your Advantage – Before leaving his corporate job, Ryan leveraged his lendability to acquire multiple properties with conventional financing.

4. Community is Crucial – The Collective Genius network was instrumental in helping Ryan bounce back from failure and continue evolving.

5. Cash Flow Isn’t King—Liquidity Is – One of Ryan’s biggest lessons: Having cash on hand often matters more than squeezing out every penny from a deal.

Links & Resources

• Learn more about Collective Genius: https://thecollectivegenius.com/

• Connect with Ryan: https://weimerinvestments.com/

If this episode brought you value, make sure to rate, follow, and review the Collective Genius Podcast. Share it with a fellow investor who needs to hear Ryan’s story—you never know who it might inspire.

In this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Jeff Nydegger, a dynamic real estate investor out of Chicagoland, to unpack his journey of building a resilient and values-driven business. Jeff and his partner Kevin have been at it for nearly two decades, and in this conversation, we dig deep into the lessons they’ve learned from both their wins and their challenges. From military discipline to Midwest grit, Jeff shares how he’s navigated market downturns, stayed laser-focused on his mission, and leveraged the power of mastermind groups like Collective Genius to sharpen his leadership and strategy.

We explore everything from business partnerships and team-building to market pivots and personal growth. Whether you’re looking to build a business that lasts or sharpen your execution after your next mastermind event, Jeff’s insights are a masterclass in what it really takes to succeed long-term in real estate.

Expanded Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Intorduction

[3:12] - Jeff’s roots in Iowa, his military background, and the unexpected path that led to real estate.

[7:05] - Early dreams, sports, and how a competitive spirit fuels business success.

[14:45] - How Jeff and Kevin built a 20-year partnership rooted in trust and clear roles.

[26:10] - The “real talk” about starting a business in the 2007 housing crash.

[34:50] - Why short sales became their breakout niche—and how they mastered it.

[42:30] - Designing a business for your life, not someone else’s blueprint.

[48:15] - Why clear vision + strong execution = scaling without burnout.

[55:30] - The power of mastermind groups and how Jeff filters information to avoid overwhelm.

[1:02:05] - Top leadership books and why Jeff swears by The Five Dysfunctions of a Team.

[1:08:20] - How to connect with Jeff and his team—and his hilarious “Facebook jail” story.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Trust is non-negotiable. Jeff credits his long-running partnership to mutual respect and never stepping into each other’s lanes.

2. Filter, focus, and execute. Mastermind groups offer endless ideas—but the real magic is knowing what not to act on.

3. Design YOUR business. Jeff reminds us that success isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s about aligning your business with your life values.

4. Leadership starts with you. Whether in the military or the boardroom, leading by example builds trust and lasting culture.

5. Stay humble, stay hungry. Even with nearly 20 years in the game, Jeff stays connected to mentors and peers, proving that growth is a lifelong journey.

Links & Resources:

• Jeff’s company: JeffBuysYourHouse.com

• Learn more about Collective Genius: thecollectivegenius.com

• Recommended reading: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.

Thanks for tuning in! If you loved this episode, please rate, follow, and share the podcast. Your reviews help us reach more investors ready to scale with intention. Catch you next week for another conversation with a genius!