The Think Media Podcast – Episode 428 Summary: "Over 40? Why Now Is The Perfect Time To Start YouTube, AI Revolution, Business Strategy with Ken McElroy"
Release Date: July 10, 2025
Host: Sean Cannell, Think Media
Guest: Ken McElroy, Real Estate Mogul, Investor, CEO, and YouTube Strategist
1. Introduction to Ken McElroy and His YouTube Journey
Sean Cannell opens the episode by introducing Ken McElroy, a seasoned real estate mogul and CEO who has successfully leveraged YouTube to amplify his business. Ken boasts an impressive YouTube presence with over 470,000 subscribers and 45 million views, having raised over a billion in capital and acquired $503 million in real estate this year alone.
Notable Quote:
[01:04] Ken McElroy: "Every partnership that I've ever seen, it's always that one person feels like they're pulling more weight than the other. And so the question is, if they're not aligned or they do the exact same thing, it's probably not a good partnership."
2. The Power of YouTube for Established Business Owners
Ken discusses his transition from traditional business operations to embracing YouTube. Initially skeptical, he realized the platform's potential during the pandemic, allowing him to connect with a broader audience without the need for extensive travel.
Notable Quotes:
[01:43] Ken McElroy: "YouTube gives me more than I give it. I feel like we own over 10,000 apartments now and a couple billion dollars worth of assets. And so I started with a business and then I'm backing into YouTube and I cannot believe the power it has."
[02:37] Sean Cannell: "This is going to be a power-packed episode on YouTube strategy on starting and growing and really on the business mindset and a strategic mindset that you're probably not going to find anywhere else on YouTube."
3. Leveraging AI in Business and YouTube
The conversation shifts to the significance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in today's business landscape. Ken emphasizes that many underestimate AI's potential, highlighting its role in optimizing business operations and enhancing YouTube strategies.
Notable Quotes:
[01:30] Ken McElroy: "I do. I think it's the greatest time to start a business ever."
[104:05] Ken McElroy: "I think it's the greatest time to start a business ever. Ever."
4. Building and Managing a YouTube Team
Ken shares insights into assembling a dedicated YouTube team, highlighting the roles of his key team members:
- Jerry: Initially hired via Craigslist, Jerry handles filming, audio, and video editing for podcasts.
- Josh: A YouTube strategist responsible for titles, thumbnails, and overall channel management.
- Outsourced Support: Additional tasks like thumbnail design and backend website management are outsourced to ensure efficiency.
Notable Quotes:
[33:35] Ken McElroy: "He came to my house and we just started filming it. And then he's like, you know, we probably should like this. You could probably sell this."
[43:37] Sean Cannell: "Do you think it's a team effort or a delegated one?"
[44:38] Sean Cannell: "What's the Perfect Video Recipe?"
5. Strategic Approach to Content Creation and Revenue Generation
Ken elaborates on his philosophy of content creation, focusing on authenticity and educational value rather than overt monetization. His YouTube channel serves as a conduit for building trust, generating leads, and organically raising capital for his real estate ventures.
Notable Quotes:
[07:23] Sean Cannell: "What do you track instead?"
[22:50] Ken McElroy: "There’s no selling from stage zero. It’s just pure education."
6. The Importance of Authenticity and Differentiation
Ken advocates for an authentic approach to YouTube, suggesting that creators should do the opposite of prevalent trends. By providing truthful, non-flashy content, especially in crowded niches like real estate, creators can stand out and build a loyal audience.
Notable Quotes:
[87:31] Ken McElroy: "What you don’t see do the opposite of what people are doing... It's truthful and it's not always easy for people. Some people don't like to."
[89:06] Ken McElroy: "And so it’s just like this is something I didn’t know about. This is something I’m going to follow this person."
7. Navigating Partnerships and Team Chemistry
Ken emphasizes the critical role of chemistry and alignment in partnerships, whether in business or co-hosting a podcast. He shares his experiences with building a cohesive team, highlighting the importance of mutual respect, shared goals, and complementary skill sets.
Notable Quotes:
[63:21] Ken McElroy: "You have to have the vibe. You have to have the chemistry. He's incredibly loyal."
[81:07] Ken McElroy: "Every partnership I’ve ever seen... it’s always that one person feels like they’re pulling more weight than the other."
8. Adapting to AI and Future-Proofing Businesses
In the final segments, Ken addresses the transformative impact of AI across various industries. He warns business owners to stay vigilant and adapt to AI-driven changes to remain competitive. Highlighting examples from sectors like banking and transportation, Ken underscores the necessity of integrating AI to enhance efficiency and maintain relevance.
Notable Quotes:
[99:06] Ken McElroy: "I think we're in the first few innings and I think that most of them aren’t going to change. They’re just not."
[104:05] Ken McElroy: "I have a really good friend that owns a syndication company, securities attorney out of LA. And he sold to his partner about a year ago. He called me and he’s like, I just want you to know, first thing I go, why? He goes in five years, this business is all going to be online."
9. Final Insights and Recommendations
Ken concludes with advice for business owners considering investing in YouTube and digital content creation:
- Commitment: Success requires full investment of time, resources, and strategic thinking.
- Authenticity: Focus on genuine, educational content to build trust and authority.
- Adaptability: Embrace AI and continuous learning to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Notable Quotes:
[65:16] Ken McElroy: "You have to start with, what's your unique selling proposition."
[90:01] Ken McElroy: "I believe there's value in everyone... Every piece of business needs to focus on margin."
10. Conclusion
Sean and Ken wrap up the episode by reflecting on the journey of building a successful YouTube channel and business. Ken’s insights into team building, authenticity in content creation, and embracing technological advancements like AI provide valuable takeaways for entrepreneurs and content creators aiming to elevate their digital presence and business strategies.
Notable Quotes:
[91:14] Ken McElroy: "A lot of times as people want the vision and they want to grow and we promoted people because it was easier."
[93:10] Ken McElroy: "If you want to clearly define who you are, talk about the stuff that’s going wrong and a lot of the time, the community sometimes offers really interesting and good answers."
Key Takeaways:
- YouTube as a Powerful Business Tool: Leveraging YouTube can significantly amplify business reach and generate meaningful leads without substantial initial investment.
- Authenticity Over Hype: Authentic, educational content fosters trust and distinguishes a channel in crowded niches.
- Strategic Team Building: Successful content creation requires a dedicated team with complementary skills, emphasizing collaboration and mutual respect.
- Embracing AI: Integrating AI into business operations and content strategies is crucial for staying competitive and efficient.
- Adaptability and Continuous Learning: Businesses must continually adapt to technological advancements and market changes to sustain growth and profitability.
This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of how seasoned entrepreneurs like Ken McElroy harness YouTube and AI to scale their businesses, providing actionable insights for listeners aiming to enhance their digital strategies and business operations.