Podcast Summary: The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex Episode: How to Buy a Rolex with Credit Card Points In 2025
Release Date: May 17, 2025
Host: Paul Alex Espinoza
Guest: Sam Mendes Correa, Founder of Next Level Funding

Introduction

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, host Paul Alex Espinoza welcomes his guest, Sam Mendes Correa, the founder of Next Level Funding. Sam shares his journey from starting a construction business to founding a company that has funded over $120 million across various sectors in just three years.

Sam’s Entrepreneurial Journey

[00:00] Paul Alex: Introduces Sam and highlights his impressive achievement of funding over nine figures in three years. Sam discusses his initial foray into the construction industry and how he transitioned into funding businesses.

Notable Quote:
Sam Mendes Correa [02:35]: "The easiest way I could put it is, I guess I saw my mom always as an entrepreneur. She cleaned houses. That's what a lot of moms do when they come, right? She was her own boss."

Building Relationships in Funding

Sam emphasizes the importance of relationships in his business growth. He explains how connecting with Business Relationship Managers (BRMs) led to opportunities and ultimately the establishment of Next Level Funding.

Notable Quote:
Sam Mendes Correa [04:22]: "So I was like, whoa. Okay. So then I'm seeing all these guys, you know, 10, 15, 20, I'm like, oh, I can make, you know, a thousand bucks. You know, I get somebody a hundred thousand, I can make $10,000."

Credit Qualifications and Funding Process

Sam outlines the minimum qualifications for clients seeking funding, focusing on credit scores, account histories, and utilization rates. He highlights common mistakes applicants make, such as deviating from the prescribed game plan and overutilizing credit.

Notable Quotes:
Sam Mendes Correa [05:47]: "Minimum qualifications... credit score of 7,740 or above, at least three accounts with $500+, and minimal inquiries."

Sam Mendes Correa [06:56]: "The biggest reason... they do a part of the game plan... I can't get you no more funding."

Credit Repair Insights

A significant portion of Sam's work involves credit repair, addressing issues like late payments and high credit utilization. He explains how late payments can drastically impact credit scores and offers strategies to mitigate these effects.

Notable Quotes:
Sam Mendes Correa [12:34]: "Out of every 500 leads we get, believe it or not, about 450 are credit repair."

Sam Mendes Correa [13:27]: "Because the account is open. So it's your account and it's open. And now it's late."

Strategies for Building and Managing Credit

Sam provides actionable advice for listeners looking to build or improve their credit. He stresses the importance of strategic credit card usage, timely payments, and maintaining low credit utilization.

Notable Quotes:
Sam Mendes Correa [16:35]: "The smartest way is going to be whoever you bank with, get a credit card with them. Right. Don't fear credit, only fear it if you're irresponsible."

Sam Mendes Correa [10:54]: "Retention offer... you can extend it for another year, six months. A way to move your credit lines."

Utilizing Credit Card Points to Purchase Luxury Items

The core topic revolves around leveraging credit card points to purchase high-value items like a Rolex. Sam shares his personal success story of acquiring a Rolex using Amex points, demonstrating the practical application of credit strategies discussed.

Notable Quotes:
Sam Mendes Correa [21:48]: "Points are phenomenal... I used my card and I had 1.4 million points, equivalent to $14,000. I went to Thomas Markle in the Woodlands in Texas and got a Rolex on points."

Sam Mendes Correa [22:45]: "Transfers points... utilizing them to travel... mastering that, you're going to Dubai like a king, four or five times a year with only using 300 grand a year on your card."

Future Ventures and Business Expansion

Sam outlines his vision for Next Level Funding, including acquiring small businesses and expanding into the car rental industry with innovative package deals that offer clients access to high-end vehicles and luxury watches.

Notable Quotes:
Sam Mendes Correa [27:43]: "Our vision is to start buying small businesses... advisory shares, have a job still stay in the business, you know, become equity partner."

Sam Mendes Correa [30:32]: "We made it a little bit different... if you pay a hundred thousand a year, you get to choose what car you want for the weekend and any watch you want depending on the tier."

Motivational Insights and Team Building

Concluding the episode, Sam emphasizes the significance of building the right team to achieve entrepreneurial success. He shares his mantra that the right team can accelerate growth, while the wrong one can hinder progress.

Notable Quote:
Sam Mendes Correa [39:05]: "The biggest way you're going to level up is with the right team. Find the right team. That's the biggest thing."

Conclusion

Paul Alex wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to connect with Sam on Instagram and leverage the insights shared to level up their own financial and entrepreneurial journeys. He highlights the importance of network and continuous learning in achieving business success.

Key Takeaways

• Building Relationships: Essential for business growth, especially in funding and credit industries.
• Credit Management: Maintain high credit scores by managing credit utilization and ensuring timely payments.
• Credit Repair: Addressing late payments and collections can significantly improve credit profiles.
• Leveraging Credit Points: Strategically using credit card points can facilitate significant purchases like luxury watches without upfront costs.
• Entrepreneurial Expansion: Diversifying business ventures and acquiring small businesses can drive further growth.
• Team Building: Assembling a competent and synergistic team is crucial for scaling and sustaining business success.

Resources Mentioned

• Next Level Funding: Instagram: Sam Mendes Correa
• Paul Alex’s Website: www.OfficialPauLAlex.com
• Recommended Credit Resources:
  • Mike, the Credit Guy
  • Improve You: Money 360

Remember: Effective credit management and leveraging financial tools like credit card points can open doors to significant personal and business growth. Utilize the strategies discussed in this episode to enhance your financial standing and achieve your entrepreneurial aspirations.