
Hosted by Erin Bradley, Pursuing Freedom · EN

Listen in as Erin and Matt discuss: Building a business, not a job by finding and empowering people who excel at what you don't, giving them the tools and vision to succeed together Commercial Real Estate Strategy: Buy one property per year netting $50K — simpler mechanics than most think, with 5-10x better ROI than single-family investing Choosing Your Level of Involvement: From hands-off triple net leases (like Starbucks locations) to actively managed properties (like hotels) — matching the investment to your time and goals Time vs Money: Structure deals based on what you have. Those with time can find creative partnerships; those with money can be passive investors Making Data-Driven Decisions: Commercial real estate runs on numbers, not emotions — find good deals anywhere in the country if the math works and you can build the right team … and so much more. About Matt Aitchison is an esteemed hotelier, investment syndicator, and highly sought-after speaker within the real estate industry. With an impressive background that encompasses diverse accomplishments, Matt's journey began after graduating from UC Santa Barbara, where he embarked on a successful career as a Realtor. Through unwavering determination and work ethic, he cultivated a Top 1000 real estate team in the U.S., as recognized by the Wall Street Journal. Quickly recognizing that traditional real estate practices alone wouldn't unlock his desired financial freedom, Matt made a pivotal decision to go all in on real estate investing. Since then, he has amassed extensive experience, flipping and wholesaling hundreds of houses while concurrently scaling his passive income portfolio. After shifting his focus full time to commercial and hospitality assets, his portfolio now encompasses retail strip centers, medical plazas, apartment buildings, and hotels. Presently, Matt is the Founder and CEO of Imagos Hospitality Group, which specializes in the innovation and evolution of boutique hotels, guest and dining experiences. By strategically capitalizing on his deep industry knowledge, he consistently identifies compelling investment opportunities that yield remarkable returns in the hospitality space. How to Connect With Matt Website: https://mattaitchison.com/ https://www.millionairemindcast.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maitchison/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialmattya Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialmattya/

Listen in as Erin and Aaron discuss: The importance of mindset shifts: Moving from making excuses to finding reasons and solutions Team building: When you're operating from a victim mentality, asking for help feels like taking. When you're operating as a victor, it becomes about sharing value and creating opportunities for others Five key steps in building sustainable businesses Aaron’s real estate investment strategy The power of success routines and starting each day with a gratitude practice Aaron’s key business philosophy …and much more! About Aaron Hale is a US Army EOD veteran, a real estate investor, business owner, a podcaster, and an ultra-endurance athlete. After a tragic injury on deployment overseas took his eyesight and hearing, Aaron hit rock bottom. Instead of staying there, Aaron resolved to not allow his circumstances to dictate the rest of his life. Since the injury, Aaron has become a husband, a father, a real estate investor, a successful entrepreneur, a speaker, a top-rated podcast host, and the first blind and deaf person to run the Badwater 135 ultra marathon, the world’s toughest foot race. His mission is to inspire others to make positive habit shifts that help them realize the success that is within their reach and closer than they imagine. How to Connect With Sean Podcast: Point of Impact Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-hale-1861477/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EODconfections/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aclayhale/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pointofimpactpodcast

Listen in as Erin and Sean discuss: Emphasizes the importance of thinking bigger—building systems and teams early to avoid bottlenecks later. The power of hiring virtual assistants to save time, reduce stress, and allow leaders to focus on growth strategies. Focusing on who to hire, not how to do everything yourself—a lesson inspired by the book Who Not How Prioritizing education and mentorship early to avoid costly mistakes and accelerate success Automating emails, scheduling, and admin tasks with assistants How leaders focus on high-impact decisions instead of getting caught in day-to-day tasks The fact that growth requires grit, adaptability, and the ability to handle constant challenges Maintaining a learning mindset—reading and studying daily to stay sharp and lead effectively. Balancing ambition with personal priorities …and much more! About Sean Connolly Sean is a serial entrepreneur and CEO, twice recognized by the INC 500 for his ability to build and scale successful businesses. With over $90 million in revenue across industries like property management, private equity, and remote staffing, he’s now leading real estate flips totaling more than $50 million annually. As a visionary innovator and sought-after speaker, Sean brings a wealth of experience in growth strategies and cutting-edge business practices. Tune in to hear his behind-the-scenes stories, expert advice, and actionable insights on thriving in today’s business landscape. How to Connect With Sean Website: https://www.scalevirtually.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-connolly-950128/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sean.connolly.50364/

Listen in as Erin discusses: The power of decisions and the courage to make them Achieving quantum leaps in 2025 The 6 pillars for lifestyle and business design Leveraging systems and automation in order to scale The power of community and mentorship …and much more! About Erin Bradley Erin Bradley is a speaker and business coach, bestselling author, and host of the real estate podcast Pursuing Freedom. As a mortgage lender, Erin learned the hard way just how hard entrepreneurship and success in sales can be. From flat broke to 6 figures, and then to burnout, Erin and her team have been through it all! Erin operates under the mindset that you never give up, and you never settle, in life or in business. Anything is possible when you have the right mindset, great systems, and an amazing team. Erin is passionate about helping others design their ideal life, then create a business that is a vehicle to support that lifestyle, rather than rob you of it. And she’s on a mission to help you believe in, and achieve your biggest dreams! How to Connect With Erin Bradley Business Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PursuingFreedomOfficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pursuingfreedomofficial/ LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-bradley/

Listen in as Erin and Paul discuss: Transitioning from active income to passive income through strategic property investments and short-term rentals Focusing on maximizing cash flow and long-term appreciation by combining short-term rentals with additional land investments Emphasizing finding joy and purpose rather than chasing money alone Advocating blending financial growth with meaningful relationships and experiences How wealth-building isn’t just about accumulating assets but creating time freedom to enjoy life Focusing on emotional transformation, valuing purpose-driven decisions over purely financial gains Encouraging celebrating wins and milestones, no matter how small, to reinforce positive habits Taking breaks, setting boundaries, and avoiding burnout to maintain productivity and personal well-being. …and much more! About Paul H. Graham is a former commercial real estate broker who transitioned to building software in the real estate and fintech spaces. He used his salaries to purchase properties in the greater Austin, TX area to escape the everyday rat race. After his personal experience of being lost in the wealth-building trap, he started the podcast The Investor’s Guide to Joy, talking to accredited investors about their mindset, lifestyle, and perspective. If you are a high-income earner looking to offset your tax liabilities, learn about investing in Oil and Gas syndications. How to Connect With Paul Website: https://investorsguidetojoy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulhgraham/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itspaulgraham/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itspaulgraham/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/pgra_ham

Listen in as Erin and Marques discuss: How success depends more on innate attributes (grit, perseverance, adaptability) than learned skills The importance of mindset in maintaining mental resilience during uncertain times, especially for professionals in real estate and mortgages How tackling problems step-by-step prevents overwhelm and builds momentum The importance of trusting oneself and leaning into strengths, even when external circumstances are challenging How success requires aligning thoughts and emotions to move forward confidently …and much more! About Marques Ogden is a former NFL player turned inspirational speaker, author, and entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of Ogden Ventures LLC, a media and entertainment company that specializes in keynote speaking, business coaching, and consulting. Ogden is a four-time best-selling author and the host of the podcast "Get Authentic with Marques Ogden,” which is globally ranked in the top .5% most popular podcast worldwide. In his speaking engagements, Marques leads his audiences to understand why “Authenticity Creates Victory” by sharing his personal story of overcoming adversity and achieving success. Marques is on a mission to inspire the masses to maximize their potential to reach their personal and professional goals. How to Connect With Marques Website: www.marquesogden.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marquesogden Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarquesOgdenSpeaker/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marquesogden YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbROb_i2Ef3mr6OFoBOFjuQ

In this special 2025 New Year’s episode Erin dives into: The power of the “Decade Game” – What would your future self thank you for starting today? Breaking free from burnout – It’s time to trade stress and overwhelm for balance and joy. Embracing transformation – Like a butterfly, growth often requires shedding the old to make space for the extraordinary. Playing to win – Let’s stop setting “safe” goals and start chasing what truly lights us up. About Erin Bradley Erin Bradley is a speaker and business coach, bestselling author, and host of the real estate podcast Pursuing Freedom. As a mortgage lender, Erin learned the hard way just how hard entrepreneurship and success in sales can be. From flat broke to 6 figures, and then to burnout, Erin and her team have been through it all! Erin operates under the mindset that you never give up, and you never settle, in life or in business. Anything is possible when you have the right mindset, great systems, and an amazing team. Erin is passionate about helping others design their ideal life, then create a business that is a vehicle to support that lifestyle, rather than rob you of it. And she’s on a mission to help you believe in, and achieve your biggest dreams! How to Connect With Erin Bradley Business Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PursuingFreedomOfficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pursuingfreedomofficial/ LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-bradley/ Recommended Resources Epic by Carolyn Buck Luce – Inspiration for the Decade Game

Listen in as Erin and Darren discuss: How important it is to stay clear on goals, protect revenue-generating activities, and delegate effectively. The power of surrounding yourself with positive, like-minded individuals to foster growth. The importance of protecting mental energy by avoiding negative media. Powerful morning routines and belief in consistent, daily actions to achieve long-term success. The keys to successfully scaling … and much more! About Founder and CEO of Summit Lending, Darren Copeland, is an industry veteran with over 20 years experience in the mortgage space. As a top 1% originator nationwide, Darren has assisted 1000s of families achieve the dream of homeownership. With attention to detail, a focus on being solution-oriented, and most importantly, putting the client first, Darren’s professionalism and expertise ensures a refreshing and efficient experience when it comes to home financing. As a mortgage broker, Darren has the ability to shop for the best deal and also has access to an array of programs to fit any financial scenario. Along with his experience, Darren is an industry leader who is currently active in many industry coaching groups to champion the success of mortgage professionals across the country. Due to his passion for personal and professional growth, Darren has grown Summit Lending to be one of the fastest growing mortgage brokerages in the country. In his free time, Darren enjoys spending time with his family and is an avid Kansas City sports fan. Each year, you can find Darren sharing the field with Kansas City Royals Hall of Famers during their annual Fantasy Camp. How to Connect With Darren Website: https://summitlendingusa.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrencopelandkc/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/summitlendingusa/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SummitLendingUSA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrencopeland.17/ Recommended Resources Summit Lending 300+ 5-star Google Reviews Good. Better. Broker Podcast episode with UWM’s Justin White

Listen in as Erin and Rocky discuss: Focusing on leverage by identifying where minimal effort can yield maximum results Integrating life and business in order for clients to design their lives around their values and aspirations Focusing on internal satisfaction over external milestones Understanding the math of business via the Profit First philosophy in order to ensure sustainable growth How to evaluate the risks and rewards of scaling and being willing to pivot when something isn’t working …and much more! About Rocky Lalvani is the Profit Answer Man. He teaches them how to ensure they get paid and make profit a priority! As a certified Profit First Professional he implements Mike Michalowicz's Profit First System. We change the accounting formula of Sales - Expenses = Profit to Sales - Profit = Expenses. This ensures Profit comes first! (PS. It's not about money at all costs, people come before money!) Rocky started with nothing when his parents immigrated to the United States when he was two years old, and his parents were in their 40's. It was his parents' second time starting over in life as they moved here to experience the American dream. In spite of a lot of struggles and his mom passing away when Rocky was 7, he has been able to achieve financial and life success. Rocky loves to share his journey and inspire others to achieve their dreams even faster. How to Connect With Rocky Website: https://profitcomesfirst.com/ https://richersoul.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rocky-lalvani/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProfitComesFirst/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profit_answer_man/

Real Estate World | Tips for Real Estate Investing Scott Trench is the CEO of Bigger Pockets and author of "Set for Life: Dominate Life, Money, and the American Dream," one of the best books I've read this year! BiggerPockets.com is the world's largest online network of real estate investors, and since joining the company, Scott has been able to help ordinary Americans build wealth and achieve financial freedom through real estate investing. Before Scott entered the real estate world, he was building wealth the hard way. He worked as a financial analyst with Dish Network making $48,000 a year and enjoying a cushy benefits package. However, when he purchased his first investment property and left his finance job to work with Bigger Pockets, all of that changed. You Don't Need a Finance Degree to Master Real Estate Finance If you subscribe to Scott's philosophy of finance in the real estate world, there are four things you can do to advance your position: spend less, earn more, invest your accumulated assets aggressively, and create assets. But you don't have to be a mathematics oriented person to succeed. Financial strategy is something you can learn, and Scott's tactics will help you get your revenue working for you so you can achieve financial freedom and early retirement even sooner. The market you invest in plays a significant role in determining your property's potential. But with the right strategy, you will see results in almost any scenario. House Hacking and Capital Expenditures A house hack is one of the most valuable tools a middle-class wage earner can use to build wealth. It is when you buy a property as an owner-occupant and rent out extra bedrooms or units. And while it's not necessarily a long term solution, you don't ever have to stop looking for ways to offset your housing costs. But when you own an income property, a lot of things can go wrong. Capital expenditures or CapEx are large, one-time expenses that go into maintaining your property. Although they are not a monthly expense, you have to budget for them because the real estate world can be an unforgiving place if you're unprepared. When you are actively monitoring all of the moving parts, you can manage your cash flow more easily. So, to learn more helpful tips about investment strategy, listen to the latest episode of Pursuing Freedom. About Scott Trench Scott Trench is a perpetual student of personal finance, real estate investing, sales, business, and personal management. He is also a real estate investor, an executive at a large online corporation, salesman, real estate broker, and author. Through a solid understanding of money management, calculated risks, and a lot of hard work, he has created financial freedom for himself as well as a successful real estate business in just three years after graduating college. He hopes to now share the knowledge he has acquired so that others will have the tools they need to repeat his results in just 3-5 years, giving them the option to go anywhere they want in the world, work any job, start any business, or finish out the journey to financial independence and retire young. What You Will Learn: Scott's journey from finance into the real estate world How Scott got started with Bigger Pockets Scott's philosophy of finance How to choose the right market when purchasing an investment property How to approach house hacking and CapEx How to determine the best investment strategy based on your savings and income How to Connect With Scott Trench: Books: Author Page Twitter: @BiggerPockets Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BiggerPockets Instagram: @biggerpockets YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BiggerPockets LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-trench-53056a22/ Website: https://www.biggerpockets.com/ Podcast: https://www.biggerpockets.com/podcast Additional Resources 5-Step Guide to More Referrals https://www.mrmoneymustache.com/