The Money Mondays Podcast – Episode 95 Summary
Title: STOP Wasting Time Brandon Stevens' Proven Business Formula REVEALED! 📈
Host: Dan Fleyshman
Guest: Brandon Stevens

Introduction

In Episode 95 of "The Money Mondays," host Dan Fleyshman welcomes his longtime friend and successful entrepreneur, Brandon Stevens. This episode delves deep into Brandon's extensive business ventures, his latest ambitious project—the Gravitas membership club in Beverly Hills—and his insights on entrepreneurship, investing, and philanthropy.

Guest Introduction: Brandon Stevens

Brandon Stevens hails from Witto, Kansas, and is a seasoned entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio. Starting his entrepreneurial journey at a young age, Brandon has built and managed multiple businesses, including:

• Car Dealerships: Over 21 dealerships under his belt.
• Health Clubs: Expanded to 74 gyms by 2024.
• Restaurants and More: Ventured into the culinary scene and even owns a hockey team.

Notable Quote:
"I'm Brandon Stevens. I am from Witto, Kansas... and fast forward to 2024, we have 74 health clubs."
— Brandon Stevens [02:44]

Building Gravitas: A Beverly Hills Endeavor

Brandon discusses his latest project, Gravitas, a 28,000-square-foot membership club located in the heart of Beverly Hills. Unlike his previous ventures, Gravitas represents a fusion of luxury, business, and community engagement.

Key Highlights:

• Concept Origin: The idea was born spontaneously when Brandon visited a friend's underwhelming patio and envisioned transforming it into a vibrant garden bar.

  Notable Quote:
  "I came to pick up my buddy Paul for lunch, and they had this patio outside that was very underwhelming... I just don't understand. And I was like, you should put a bar."
  — Brandon Stevens [03:26]

• Expansion: What began as a 12,000-square-foot restaurant expanded to 20,000 square feet, incorporating unique features like an 18-foot Red Bull F1 car suspended from the ceiling and nearly 400 wine lockers with biometric access.

  Notable Quote:
  "I love people to tell me no and then to overcome... Everyone says you're not going to be able to hang an 18 foot F1 car from the ceiling."
  — Brandon Stevens [07:09]

• Exclusivity and Accessibility: Gravitas emphasizes Midwestern hospitality, ensuring members feel welcomed without the snobbery often associated with exclusive clubs.

  Notable Quote:
  "I don't want to be snobs. I'm trying to bring Midwestern hospitality into Gravitas... Welcome to Gravitas."
  — Brandon Stevens [26:43]

Entrepreneurship Insights: The Realities of Building a Business

Brandon and Dan engage in a candid discussion about the challenges of entrepreneurship. Brandon emphasizes that not everyone is cut out for the entrepreneurial path, highlighting the immense stress and dedication it demands.

Key Points:

• Financial Realities: Even successful businesses often reinvest profits to fuel growth, leaving entrepreneurs with minimal personal income initially.

  Notable Quote:
  "Rhymes with zero... you pull out zero."
  — Dan Fleyshman [10:10]

• Stress Management: Brandon acknowledges the constant stress that comes with running multiple businesses, a reality often hidden from the public eye.

  Notable Quote:
  "I get a lot of congratulations... it frustrates me because I've done nothing yet."
  — Brandon Stevens [05:02]

• Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Save up adequately before venturing out and understand that financial rewards may take years to materialize.

  Notable Quote:
  "People should save up money, have 6 to 12 months saved up in your piggy bank."
  — Dan Fleyshman [12:30]

Investing Strategies: Focusing Inward

Brandon shares his investment philosophy, which centers on reinvesting in his own proven business models rather than diversifying into external ventures.

Key Highlights:

• Proven Processes: Confidence in his team's ability to manage and grow existing businesses drives Brandon to prioritize internal investments.

  Notable Quote:
  "Rodney and I have decided we're going to invest in us, so we're going to invest in projects we do."
  — Brandon Stevens [17:26]

• Avoiding External Risks: Brandon prefers to steer clear of investing in other people's businesses, citing a lack of expertise and past negative experiences.

  Notable Quote:
  "I'm zero for whatever... I've done it a lot in the past, and I'm telling you, I'm zero for whatever."
  — Brandon Stevens [15:07]

• Real Estate Focus: Owning properties for car dealerships and health clubs positions Brandon as a substantial real estate developer within his niche.

  Notable Quote:
  "We're really real estate developers, but not really... for car dealerships, healthcare."
  — Brandon Stevens [18:53]

Philanthropy: Giving Back to the Community

Brandon delves into his philanthropic efforts, emphasizing the importance of time and energy over monetary donations.

Key Highlights:

• Genesis 4 Fitness and Tennis (GFFT): Founded to support underprivileged youth through sports and fitness programs.

  Notable Quote:
  "We give shoes to kids every year... it's amazing when they get their first brand new pair of shoes."
  — Brandon Stevens [24:07]

• Anonymous Support: Brandon often assists struggling families anonymously, ensuring that aid directly impacts those in need without seeking recognition.

  Notable Quote:
  "We do random stuff and that's all anonymous... It makes me feel better when I get to do that for somebody else."
  — Brandon Stevens [25:05]

• Family Involvement: Brandon involves his children in philanthropic activities, instilling the value of giving back from a young age.

  Notable Quote:
  "My kids do that for me."
  — Brandon Stevens [25:28]

Gravitas Membership Club: Application and Features

Brandon provides an in-depth look at Gravitas, focusing on its unique offerings and the application process for prospective members.

Key Highlights:

• Membership Application: Currently, Gravitas is accepting referrals from existing members and will open applications to the public soon. Emphasis is on personalized tours rather than immediate sign-ups.

  Notable Quote:
  "Go to Gravitas.com or GravitasBeverlyHills.com... request a tour. Or you can come in during the day and just take a tour."
  — Brandon Stevens [32:21]

• Pricing Structure: The initiation fee is set at $2,500, with an annual membership cost of $5,500. Spousal memberships are available at $7,500 per year, promoting inclusivity.

  Notable Quote:
  "It's $2,500 to sign up... and it's $5,500 per person."
  — Brandon Stevens [28:13]

• Unique Amenities: Features like a retractable roof, extensive wine storage, and exclusive event spaces make Gravitas stand out among membership clubs.

  Notable Quote:
  "We've built these almost 400 wine lockers... it's a gorgeous room."
  — Brandon Stevens [08:26]

Legacy and Family Business

When discussing the future, Brandon reflects on his upbringing and the values instilled by his family, which continue to influence his businesses today.

Key Highlights:

• Family Values: Emphasizes integrity, hard work, and the importance of family, ensuring these values are passed down to his children who are now involved in his businesses.

  Notable Quote:
  "My parents taught me everything I needed about being a good person. And with that became the work ethic."
  — Brandon Stevens [29:55]

• Business Succession: While Brandon admits that legacy planning hasn't been a primary focus, the involvement of his children in his businesses suggests a natural succession plan.

  Notable Quote:
  "I didn't have a great answer about legacy... just keep on trucking."
  — Brandon Stevens [21:19]

Conclusion

Episode 95 of "The Money Mondays" offers listeners an unfiltered glimpse into Brandon Stevens' entrepreneurial journey, his strategic approach to business and investing, and his heartfelt commitment to philanthropy. Brandon's candid discussions provide invaluable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts alike, emphasizing resilience, strategic reinvestment, and the importance of giving back.

Final Quote:
"We want you guys to enjoy the experiences, especially with someone like Brandon Stevens who's built up in multiple verticals, these huge companies."
— Dan Fleyshman [33:31]

Key Takeaways

• Entrepreneurship Demands Resilience: Success comes with significant stress and dedication; it's not a path for everyone.

• Strategic Investing: Focus on proven business models and internal growth rather than diversifying into unfamiliar ventures.

• Philanthropy Matters: Giving back through time and energy can have a profound impact on the community and personal fulfillment.

• Building Legacy Through Values: Instilling strong family values ensures the continuity and integrity of the family business.

• Exclusive Yet Inclusive Membership: Gravitas aims to balance exclusivity with genuine hospitality, fostering a welcoming environment for its members.

For more insights and inspiring conversations on business, investments, and philanthropy, visit MoneyMondays.com and tune in to future episodes of "The Money Mondays" podcast.