Podcast
Raising A Billion Dollars with Ellis Hammond
Hosted by Ellis Hammond · EN
Hey—I’m Ellis Hammond. I’ve been a part of raising over $100 million of capital and currently serve as Vice President at Aspen Funds. This show is a behind-the-scenes look at our journey to scale from $250 million in equity to over $1 billion by 2030—and how we plan to get there.
Raising a Billion Dollars is for serious capital raisers, fund managers, and real estate sponsors who want to grow their own capital-raising business. It’s candid. It’s real-time. And it's packed with insights, ideas, and lessons we’re learning along the way.
If you’re looking for creative strategies, tested acquisition channels, and a front-row seat to what’s working right now—you're in the right place. Let’s build something big together.
17episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Going from $250M to $1 Billion in capital raised…My Exact Plan
May 7, 202500:17:58Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I walk through the exact strategy we're using at Aspen Funds to grow from $250 million to $1 billion in capital raised—including the key hires we’re making, how we’re scaling our marketing efforts, and what’s changing in our approach as we hit new growth breakpoints. The truth is, the levers that work at $50M are different from those at $250M—and I’m sharing how we’re adapting at each stage so you can apply the same principles to scale your own capital-raising efforts.
Transcribe →Raising your first one million dollars… Only Focus on these three things!
Apr 25, 202500:13:25Tap to summarizeIf you’re trying to raise your first million dollars, I want to simplify the process for you. In this episode, I’m breaking down the three levers that actually matter—your investor list, one-on-one calls, and time watched. I’ve learned the hard way that most things don’t move the needle. So let’s cut through the noise and focus on what really drives results. This is the playbook I wish I had when I started.
Transcribe →Finally a Capital Raising Show for Real Businesses
Apr 18, 202500:02:27Tap to summarizeWelcome to Raising a Billion Dollars—a capital raising podcast built for real businesses and serious operators.Formerly known as the Kingdom REI Podcast, we’ve evolved. This show is no longer just about real estate or faith-driven entrepreneurship—though those roots still matter. We’re stepping into the next phase: helping entrepreneurs, fund managers, and business leaders master the art of raising significant capital to build lasting companies.In this short trailer episode, we share why we made the shift, what you can expect moving forward, and how Raising a Billion Dollars will serve as your go-to resource for navigating investor conversations, fund structures, private equity partnerships, and scalable capital strategies.If you're tired of hype, gimmicks, and surface-level advice—and you’re building something real—this show is for you.Subscribe now and join us as we explore what it really takes to raise and deploy capital at scale.
Transcribe →What Ministry Taught Me About Raising Money (It’s Not What You Think)
Apr 18, 202500:22:15Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I’m sharing a part of my journey most people don’t expect—how college ministry became the foundation for everything I know about raising capital. Before I ever built a business or raised a dollar, I was learning how to get attention, lead movements, and think outside the box. I’ll take you behind the scenes with some wild stories, real lessons, and how all of it translates into raising millions today. If you're a capital raiser, fund manager, or entrepreneur looking to grow—this one's for you.
Transcribe →
How Getting Run Over by a Boat Led to Investing in Hard Money Loans with Jean Klinkhamer
Jan 2, 202400:32:32Tap to summarize00:00 - Introduction03:00 - Jean's Boat Accident09:00 - KlinkLoans Fund17:00 - Vetting Process and Red Flags22:00 - Investing in KlinkLoans 26:00 - ConclusionMake sure to follow Jean via his website at https://klinkloans.com/Are you ready to break into commercial real estate investing? Are you looking for a christian community of peers and mentors to help you move quickly while avoiding expensive mistakes? If so, apply to be part of the Kingdom REI Mastermind! Click here to learn more. Start Earning as a Fund Manager with Aspen Funds 💰 Are you a real estate fund manager, capital raiser, or sponsor who has raised more than one million dollars of other people's money and looking to diversify your offerings? If so, apply to become a capital raising partner with Aspen Funds ➡ APPLY HERE: https://aspenfunds.us/fundmanager Our firm, Aspen Funds, has raised more than $250 million of capital and growing. Every month we go live to share what's working for us to help you raise more money and connect with other cool people doing the same.
Transcribe →
18 Summers to Create Lasting Connection with Your Children | Interview with Jim Sheils Author of The Family Boardroom
Dec 11, 202300:36:35Tap to summarize0:00 - Introduction03:00 - The Importance of Time with Family10:00 - The Three Principles of Board Meetings18:00 - Q&A with Jim Shields28:00 - ConclusionMake sure to grab Jim's best-selling book, "The Family Board Meeting" and to visit his website at 18 Summers.comAre you ready to break into commercial real estate investing? Are you looking for a christian community of peers and mentors to help you move quickly while avoiding expensive mistakes? If so, apply to be part of the Kingdom REI Mastermind! Click here to learn more. Start Earning as a Fund Manager with Aspen Funds 💰 Are you a real estate fund manager, capital raiser, or sponsor who has raised more than one million dollars of other people's money and looking to diversify your offerings? If so, apply to become a capital raising partner with Aspen Funds ➡ APPLY HERE: https://aspenfunds.us/fundmanager Our firm, Aspen Funds, has raised more than $250 million of capital and growing. Every month we go live to share what's working for us to help you raise more money and connect with other cool people doing the same.
Transcribe →
Gift-o-logy with John Ruhlin
Oct 2, 2020Tap to summarizeReal Estate Professional and investors, take advantage of the insane trial offer for our Kingdom REI Mastermind. For those who qualify, you can join our online mastermind and pay no money until 2021. Learn more and apply today at thekingdomrei.com/mastermind Start Earning as a Fund Manager with Aspen Funds 💰 Are you a real estate fund manager, capital raiser, or sponsor who has raised more than one million dollars of other people's money and looking to diversify your offerings? If so, apply to become a capital raising partner with Aspen Funds ➡ APPLY HERE: https://aspenfunds.us/fundmanager Our firm, Aspen Funds, has raised more than $250 million of capital and growing. Every month we go live to share what's working for us to help you raise more money and connect with other cool people doing the same.
Transcribe →