Podcast Summary: Living The Red Life Episode Title: Real Estate Industry Leader: What It Takes to Win in Any City
Host: Rudy Mawer (with guest host Ray Gutierrez)
Guest: Justin Colby
Date: December 4, 2025

Overview

In this rich, reflective episode, Ray Gutierrez (guest hosting for Rudy) interviews Justin Colby, a seasoned real estate investor, coach, and host of "The Science of Flipping." The conversation centers around thriving with authenticity across different cities and cultures, building resilience as an entrepreneur, and what it truly takes to create lasting success in real estate and beyond. Throughout, Justin’s commitment to transparency, adaptability, and personal growth stands out, providing invaluable insights for entrepreneurs and business owners.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Entrepreneurial Beginnings and Mindset

• Justin’s entrepreneurial spirit began in childhood—hustling baseball cards, washing cars, and finding creative ways to earn rather than rely on his parents.
• Quote:
  "If I didn’t have something and wanted something, I knew I had to go get it...the best way to do it instead of steal it was to go make some money so I could go buy it."
  (Justin Colby, 03:24)
• As an adult, he gravitated toward real estate for its wealth-building potential, learning early on that persistence and creating opportunities are essential traits.

2. Resilience Through Setbacks

• Justin is candid about his failures and setbacks, emphasizing that making mistakes is part of the process.
• Quote:
  "Big mistakes have happened in my career, for sure. But it doesn’t mean I’m done or I failed. It just means, okay, how do I move on from that? What did I learn from it?"
  (Justin Colby, 00:00 & 04:29)
• The importance of giving oneself grace and a “runway” in entrepreneurship: success is often a product of endurance.

3. Cultural Differences: Hustle on Both Coasts

• The dialogue explores the contrast between West Coast (California) and East Coast (especially Miami) cultures.
• West Coast: More relaxed, “copacetic,” and community-focused.
• East Coast/Miami: High energy, “hustle” culture; entrepreneurship is dynamic and opportunity-driven, but also demanding.
• Quote:
  "There’s a lot of hustlers here. And as long as they’re doing it legally, I like that attitude...if you just hustle your way, you can usually hustle your way almost to the top."
  (Justin Colby, 06:15)

4. Adapting and Thriving in Miami

• Justin moved to Miami for family reasons and embraced its unique energy and blend of influences.
• He discusses balancing high-energy business pursuits with family life, and the appeal of adaptability: “nothing’s permanent.”
• Quote:
  "Nothing’s permanent. As bad as it gets, as good as it gets. None of it is permanent ever."
  (Justin Colby, 10:44)
• Views Miami as a hub for growth, but acknowledges the challenges (traffic, raising children in a big city).

5. Authenticity in the Social Media and Content Era

• Staying authentic is Justin’s north star amidst the noise of social media, influencer culture, and AI-driven content.
• Emphasizes the importance of real connection over just going viral:
  • Quote:
    "The way to be successful is authenticity...People that appreciate that join my tribe and follow me. And those that don’t, who cares?"
    (Justin Colby, 19:01)
  • Podcasting, not Instagram, has brought more meaningful growth for him.
  • He highlights the resonance and power of storytelling, especially when showing vulnerability and sharing real struggles.
  • Memorable Insight:
    "What I get comments on all the time is...my personal side gets way more traction than my business. Because people want the authenticity."
    (Justin Colby, 21:51)

6. Navigating Change and Defining Success

• Justin is reflective about the notion of “enough” and the pursuit of more success versus fulfillment.
• Looks to transition toward a connector role in business in coming years, seeking more time with family and being present.
• Quote:
  "If I can create a financial life where I could be at every single one of my kids' recitals, practices, sporting [events]...that’s where I want to play."
  (Justin Colby, 15:51)

7. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

• Commitment and Clarity: Decide exactly what you want, know who you need to become, and fully commit—through ups and downs.
• Quote:
  "Don’t quit, and commit. Committing means the good and the bad. The first thing I tell everyone is you first, decide what you want...and then who do you need to be to get the thing."
  (Justin Colby, 16:25)
• Avoid the excuses when things get tough. Treat your business commitment like “a marriage.”

8. Surviving Industry Shifts & Market Noise

• In a “post-Cardone era” of real estate and influencer content, Justin remains steady through focus and authenticity.
• Shares lessons from his hardest real estate year (2024)—emphasizing “trust but verify,” and “inspect what you expect.”
• Notable Transparency:
  "2024 was probably the hardest real estate year I've ever gone through...because there were two key principles I didn't adhere to: trust, but verify; inspect what you expect. And I lost my way."
  (Justin Colby, 21:51)

9. Balancing Ambition and Emotional Intelligence

• Justin and Ray discuss the importance of emotional steadiness and not overreacting, especially in high-energy environments.
• Justin’s California upbringing and spirituality help him keep things in perspective amidst Miami’s intensity.
• Quote:
  "Just go along with things. Like, nothing’s that dramatic. We don’t need to traumatize every little thing that happens. It's just chill. Just, like, go with the flow."
  (Justin Colby, 27:10)

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• "Big mistakes have happened in my career for sure...What did I learn from it?" – Justin Colby, (00:00, repeated theme)
• "There’s a lot of hustlers here [in Miami]...and that’s a lot of times what it takes." – Justin Colby, (06:15)
• "Nothing’s permanent. As bad as it gets, as good as it gets. None of it is permanent ever." – Justin Colby, (10:44)
• "The way to be successful is authenticity...People that appreciate that join my tribe and follow me. And those that don’t, who cares?" – Justin Colby, (19:01)
• "If I can create a financial life where I could be at every single one of my kids’ recitals, practices, sporting [events]...that’s where I want to play." – Justin Colby, (15:51)
• "Committing means the good and the bad...Decide what you want and who you need to be to get it. Then just go commit to it." – Justin Colby, (16:25)
• "Trust, but verify; inspect what you expect. I lost my way and it made 2024 my hardest real estate year ever." – Justin Colby, (21:51)
• "Just go along with things. Like, nothing’s that dramatic. We don’t need to traumatize every little thing that happens..." – Justin Colby, (27:10)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Entrepreneurial Roots & Early Hustle: 02:36–04:47
• Cultural Differences: East vs. West Coast: 05:45–07:55
• Why Miami?/Adapting to New Experiences: 10:11–11:56
• Authenticity Over Social Media Hype: 18:00–21:13
• Hardest Real Estate Year Lessons: 21:51–23:32
• Advice for New Entrepreneurs: 16:25–17:58
• Parenthood, Emotional Intelligence, and Chill Philosophy: 26:10–27:59

Episode Takeaways

• True success isn’t about perfection or always winning—it’s about consistently showing up, learning from mistakes, striving for authenticity, and staying committed even when things get tough.
• Legacy and fulfillment come from balancing ambition with presence and connection—especially with family.
• No matter the market or moment, authenticity and resilience will win out over flash and fleeting trends.

Connect with Justin Colby

• Instagram: @thejustincolby – direct DMs, real conversation
• YouTube: Justin Colby Channel – podcasts, interviews, business insights