Shows
Deal Forge#15 - Darrin Liddell (Highest / Best Use, Making Decisions, & Specialization)Darrin Liddell has spent over 30 years in commercial real estate valuation and consultation, providing services to a variety of commercial, private and government organizations.Darrin specializes in a wide range of property valuations and complex feasibility and cash flow analyses. He is also a member of the Appraisal Institute and is a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM). He has been teaching real estate principles, investment, and appraisal courses in the Masters of Business Administration (MBA), Masters of Real Estate Development (MRED), and undergraduate programs at the University of Utah School of Business for nearly 30 years.
2025-11-141h 01Deal Forge#14 - Andrew Romney (Working Hard, Simple Consistency, & Disciplined Leadership)Andrew Romney is the Chief Acquisitions Officer and Investment Advisor for Invictus Sovereign and a seasoned real estate professional known for both his performance and his principles. As a three-time recipient of the Realtor 500 award from the Salt Lake Board of Realtors, Andrew ranks among the top 3% of producing agents in Utah and has been repeatedly recognized for his leadership, mentorship, and community impact.In this episode, we move past clichés about hustle and dive into what working hard actually means. Andrew shares how he defines meaningful effort, where focus outperforms frenzy, and why clarity and s...
2025-10-3148 minDeal Forge#13 - Kristin Matthews (Market Analysis, Getting Boots On The Ground, & Filtering Out The Noise)Kristin Matthews has built a career that spans more than two decades of market analysis in residential real estate. With a background in mathematics and economics, Kristin has led deep research across condo, single-family, master-planned, build-to-rent, and multifamily sectors; helping developers and investors make informed, strategic decisions.Our conversation explores the Utah housing landscape, what it really means to get boots on the ground, and why true market intelligence requires more than just data. Kristin shares how disciplined feasibility work and strong networks separate successful developers from the rest, and how to filter out the noise to...
2025-10-171h 00Deal Forge#12 - Paul Bringhurst (Raising the Bar, Doing What You Say, & Leaving Ego Behind)Paul Bringhurst has spent over 20 years in real estate development, building a career defined by excellence, follow-through, and humility. In this episode, Paul shares how he grew from drafting site plans to leading billion-dollar development platforms, including scaling Reef Private Equity’s development arm and now driving hospitality and community projects at Acumen Development Partners.We dive into the difference between good and great developers — why “raising the bar” starts with doing what you say you’ll do, building authentic relationships, and leaving ego behind. Paul also unpacks the persistent disconnect between cities and developers, how to bridge tha...
2025-10-0357 minDeal Forge#11 - McCall Judd (Modular Building & Innovating The Construction Process)McCall Judd is the founder of mbBILT, a company built on the belief that better building comes from smarter systems. With nearly a decade of experience in real estate development and construction, McCall is emerging as a key innovator in forward-thinking construction approaches, including modular and offsite solutions. Her career began in traditional site-built development, where she delivered over 1 million square feet of building space, developed 150+ acres of land, and deployed over $300 million in capital across a wide range of asset classes.In 2022, McCall pivoted her focus to explore more efficient and flexible construction methods. Today, she...
2025-09-1953 minDeal Forge#10 - Sam Castor (Seeing People As People, Secrets of Negotiating Billions, & Faith Fueled Success)Sam Castor is a world-class negotiator, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He is the founder of LexTecnica and former EVP of Policy and Deputy General Counsel at Switch. Over the past two decades, he’s negotiated billions over thousands of contracts, fought for intellectual property protections, and built a legal powerhouse that prioritizes serving people and tangible business outcomes.But beneath all the deal-making and innovation is something more powerful: deep intentionality. Sam shares how faith, law, and leadership converge when you treat people like people.
2025-09-051h 01Deal Forge#9 - Patrick Scott (Growing a Real Estate Company, Empowering Leadership, & Principles of Due Diligence)Patrick Scott is a seasoned developer who helped transform Brighton from a small semi-custom homebuilder into a vertically integrated powerhouse. In this episode, we unpack the operator mindset it takes to scale a real estate company while protecting quality, culture, and long-term vision.Patrick walks us through his early days in the field, his rise through leadership as the President of Brighton Homes, and the key inflection points that changed the trajectory of the business. We dive deep into due diligence, entitlement, and execution, and explore the systems and strategies that helped Brighton expand into multifamily, build-for-rent...
2025-08-221h 00Deal Forge#8 - Jared Mansell (Unlocking Subto Deals, Raising a $25M Fund, & The Calling To Build)Jared Mansell is the co-founder of Mansell Capital, a fund manager that thrives in creative financing, deep local expertise, and a high-integrity, investor-first structure.In this episode, we unpack how Jared is navigating today’s high-rate environment with subto and seller-finance deals, structuring win-win terms that protect sellers and unlock below-market debt. He also shares his journey of launching Mansell Capital Fund I, a $25 million single-family fund. We break down the current mortgage rate environment, why Utah remains a prime market for long-term investment, and how lease-options are creating a path to homeownership while generating ou...
2025-08-081h 01Deal Forge#7 - Peter Corroon (Affordable Housing, Working In / With Government, & Doing Good)Peter Corroon is a seasoned real estate investor, developer, and former two-term Mayor of Salt Lake County. With a background in engineering, law, and real estate, Peter brings a unique perspective to public service and development. In this episode, we explore Peter’s path in affordable housing development and county leadership, unpacking the lessons he’s learned along the way. He shares tactical insights on navigating the world of affordable housing, earning trust in government circles, and nurturing relationships of trust.Whether you’re working in public office, private real estate, or trying to connect the tw...
2025-07-2551 minDeal Forge#6 - Lauren Havens (Tracking Trends & Becoming A Real Estate Entrepreneur)Lauren Havens is an accidental real estate entrepreneur with deep expertise in hospitality management and identifying and capitalizing on emerging real estate trends. Over 5 years, she built a personal portfolio of 27 rental doors as well as a 4 million dollar hospitality company which sold in 2022. Lauren has built a reputation for staying just ahead of zoning shifts and city sentiment, using insight and timing to unlock opportunities others miss. She is committed to helping investors develop, buy, sell and trade real estate in 2025 and beyond. You can connect with Lauren on LinkedIn.
2025-07-1145 minDeal Forge#5 - Tanner Webster (Bangers Only: Winning the Game by Doing What No One Else Will)Tanner Webster is a rising developer and founder of Webster Real Estate, with a growing footprint in industrial, multifamily, retail, and land development. He brings a modern, content-driven approach to real estate, using transparency and consistent execution to build deal flow, raise capital, and develop across multiple asset classes.In this episode, we unpack how Tanner transitioned from flipping houses to building a vertically integrated development company. We dive deep into his current strategy in industrial and apartment development, compare ground-up development vs acquisitions, and explore the capital stack, credibility, and financing in today’s...
2025-06-2749 minDeal Forge#4 - Kurt Horn (Annihilating Competition Through Prioritizing Your Audience)Kurt Horn is a partner at Harmon Brothers, the legendary creative agency behind some of the most successful viral ad campaigns in history.In this episode, Kurt brings a unique lens to dealmaking through the eyes of a marketer while breaking down the principles that separate average operators from elite founders. He shares how great entrepreneurs think, what makes marketing campaigns actually move the needle, and how to position yourself to attract capital, customers, and talent.
2025-06-131h 01Deal Forge#3 - Wayne Aston (The School of Hard Knocks and Raising Billions)Wayne Aston is a seasoned real estate entrepreneur and developer. He has raised hundreds of millions of dollars over multiple funds for development efforts across a variety of asset classes.He brings a powerful perspective on what it really takes to raise capital at an elite level and deploy it effectively in today’s evolving market. You can find Wayne Aston on LinkedIn. Check out his podcast “The Frontier Line” for more.
2025-05-301h 04Deal Forge#2 - Josh Green (Market Analysis and BTR Townhome Development)Josh Green is an experienced real estate professional and educator. He co-founded Traverse Capital and Alchemy Design & Development. From multifamily appraisal to becoming a player in Utah’s real estate scene, where he now focuses on infill townhome developments and adaptive reuse projects, Josh adds some great perspective to forging deals that pencil in today's market. With a sharp eye for value and a deep understanding of market fundamentals, Josh shares some great insights from his appraisal background to get a unique edge when it comes to underwriting, deal so...
2025-05-0958 minDeal Forge#1 - Shane Smoot (Creating Value With Quality Relationships)Shane Smoot is the founder and president of NovaSource Development, a full service real estate development firm specializing in legal, project management, strategy, and execution of retail and hospitality projects in Utah and surrounding states. With over 35 years of experience in development and as a practicing attorney, Shane is a world class professional with a track record of over 200 successfully completed projects ranging from instant oil change facilities to hotels.
2025-04-251h 01
The Believing and Achieving podcastEP- 29 Strumming Success: Dallin Aston's Marketing MasteryFrom a killer online guitar course that grew into a full-fledged startup with books, training, and coaching, Dallin's journey doesn't stop at music. He's your digital strategy guru, providing insights across industries. Now diving into business valuations, capital raising, nightly rental management, and real estate development, Dallin's entrepreneurial spirit is as diverse as it gets. Get ready for a down-to-earth chat about passion, journey, and the real human side of success.
2023-11-181h 12
ASTON INCORPORATEDEpisode 18- Fight Fire with Superior Fire- Combat Tactics for Business Success: Embracing Aggression and Resilience in EntrepreneurshipEver wondered what military strategies can teach us about thriving in the cutthroat world of business? My co-host, Dallin, and I draw from my Marine Corps School of Infantry experience to share the audacious tactic of 'fighting fire with superior fire' and its surprising relevance to facing challenges in entrepreneurship. We dissect the aggressive stance Utah's Crumble Cookies took in their legal battles and discuss when it might be time for businesses to charge forward into the fray, rather than duck and cover.As we navigate through the episode, expect to unravel the secret sauce to setting...
2022-08-1041 minASTON INCORPORATEDEpisode 17- Collision for Expansion: Transforming Conflict into Unity and Personal GrowthEver found yourself sidestepping a tough conversation, only to have it loom larger in your mind? You're not alone. Dallin and I take an unflinching look at the role conflict plays in our personal and professional lives, and why embracing it could be the key to unlocking growth. We swap stories and strategies, pulling from the sage advice of therapists and life coaches, to walk you through the transformative idea of "Collision for Expansion." It's a candid exploration of how direct confrontations, often seen as a negative force, can actually fortify bonds and lead to profound personal development.
2022-08-0326 minASTON INCORPORATEDEpisode 16- Mastering the Art of Negotiation: Real Estate Deals and Relationship Dynamics with Chris VossEver wondered what it takes to transform a tense negotiation into a triumphant agreement? Our latest episode features Chris Voss, former FBI negotiator and acclaimed author of "Never Split the Difference," who joins Wayne and me in an eye-opening discussion on mastering this essential skill. We delve into the real-world applications of negotiation, from sealing the deal in high-stakes real estate to ensuring harmony in our personal lives, all while maintaining integrity and steering clear of manipulation.As the conversation unfolds, we peel back the layers of negotiation within business and real estate, unearthing the delicate balance...
2022-07-2644 minASTON INCORPORATEDEpisode 15- Integrity: Cultivating Extreme Ownership and Transforming LeadershipDiscover the unyielding power of integrity and how it's the bedrock of extreme ownership in our latest episode, drawing from the wisdom of Jocko Willink and Leif Babin's transformative principles. We lay it all on the line, discussing the highs and lows of standing by your commitments, adjusting on the fly when life throws a curveball, and the vital importance of transparent communication. Trust is a fragile treasure, and we're here to show you how to guard it with your life. Our candid conversation will challenge you to differentiate between genuine integrity and the all-too-common excuse-making that undermines personal...
2022-07-1931 minASTON INCORPORATEDEpisode 14- Harnessing Debt as a Wealth-Building Ally: Real Estate Strategies and Financial Acumen with Wayne and Dallin AstonStrap in as Wayne Aston and Dallin Aston unravel the mysteries of leveraging debt to your advantage! We'll share war stories, including my own brush with a mountain of debt, and show you how to turn what many see as a financial foe into an ally. Whether you're a newbie or a financial veteran, this episode promises to shift your perspective on the power of smart borrowing.We dedicate a good chunk of our conversation to the art of structuring debt for real estate ventures, breaking down the complexities of the capital stack. Explore with us how...
2022-07-1234 minASTON INCORPORATEDEpisode 13 -The Obstacle is the Way : Embracing Stoic Wisdom in Real Estate and InnovationHave you ever considered that the roadblock in your path may just be the stepping stone you need? Join Wayne and me as we tap into the wisdom of Ryan Holiday's "The Obstacle is the Way" and the time-tested Stoic principles of Marcus Aurelius to unearth how our perceptions not only shape our responses to life's hurdles but can transform them into opportunities for unrivaled growth. Our discussion traverses my journey as a resilient real estate developer who, faced with innumerable challenges, learned to harness optimism to forge ahead where others might retreat.We take you through...
2022-07-0543 minASTON INCORPORATEDEpisode 12- Lead with Love: Unleashing Team Potential Through Compassion and RespectCould the secret to unparalleled team performance lie in the heart, not just the mind? Join us as we, Wayne and Dalin Aston, tackle a leadership approach that’s as unconventional as it is powerful - leading with love. Our journey through the worlds of military precision, athletic triumph, and entrepreneurial spirit reveals how a pinch of compassion can yield a heap of loyalty. We aren't shy about sharing stories from my time as a Marine Corps machine gunner, state championship football player, and now a devoted resort developer. Discover how simple acts of empathy and genuine concern for th...
2022-06-2825 minASTON INCORPORATEDEpisode 11- Dollars Follow ValueEver wondered why some businesses flourish while others flounder? The secret is simple yet profound: dollars follow value. In our latest Universal Principles series, we unravel this truth and how a value-centric approach can spell success for entrepreneurs. I'll take you through a transformative moment from my past that turned my focus from chasing money to creating value, and discuss Russell Brunson's ingenious value bundle strategy, which has revolutionized product marketing by amplifying appeal and worth.Venture further into our exploration as we dissect the power of a unique value proposition in today's experience economy. You'll hear...
2022-06-2138 minASTON INCORPORATEDEpisode 10- Maximizing Profits in Vacation Rentals: Demystifying OTA Fees and the Power of Direct BookingsEver wondered how much of a bite Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) like Airbnb and Booking.com take from your nightly rental earnings? Wayne and Dallin Aston are here to unravel the hefty fees charged by these platforms and explore the tantalizing possibility of boosting your profits through direct bookings. We're peeling back the curtain to give you an insider's look at the behind-the-scenes of channel management strategies and the vast landscape of over 300 OTAs that could be at your fingertips. It's not just about saving on fees; we're diving into the exposure these giants provide and weighing it against the...
2022-06-1416 minASTON INCORPORATEDEpisode 9- Mastering Brand Identity: A Deep Dive into Branding, Marketing, and Profitable StrategiesUnlock the secrets to elevating your business with a masterclass in distinguishing branding from marketing and advertising, as Dalin and I, Wayne Aston, dissect these vital concepts. With Dalin’s marketing prowess, we bring you a riveting discussion that will reshape your understanding and equip you with the tools for creating a robust market identity. Our conversation dives into the game-changing rebrand of Maverick's convenience stores, a testament to the orchestrated power of these three pillars when harmonized effectively.We’re living in an age where a brand is the beating heart of your enterprise, setting the stag...
2022-06-0727 minASTON INCORPORATEDEpisode 8- Navigating the Realms of Real Estate: Syndication vs. Fund InvestingEmbark on a journey through the world of real estate investment with Dallin and me as we peel back the layers of syndication and fund structures, revealing how anyone can take a slice of the property pie. We swap tales from the trenches, mine peppered with the highs and lows of syndication, while Dallin charts his ascent from financial uncertainty to commanding investment funds. Our candid conversation promises to arm you with the wisdom to navigate the legalities of LLCs and the fortitude to embrace both the stumbles and strides of your investment odyssey.Tune in for...
2022-05-3147 minASTON INCORPORATEDEpisode 7- Mastering the Art of Short-Term RentalsHave you ever fantasized about running your own Airbnb and transforming idle space into a buzzing profit generator? Wayne and I are here to turn that dream into a roadmap, guiding you through the thrilling world of Airbnb entrepreneurship. Our latest exchange is crammed with actionable insights that will help you carve out your niche in a marketplace where the right strategy can turn your property into a sought-after destination. We'll navigate you through the maze of creating an experience that leaps out from the millions of listings, ensuring your space isn't just another option, but the option for...
2022-05-2433 minASTON INCORPORATEDEpisode 6- The Two PathsVenture beyond the safety of the everyday blueprint and tap into the uncharted territories of success with your hosts, Wayne and Dallin Aston. As trailblazers ourselves, we're peeling back the curtain on the sacrifices and the seismic shifts in social circles that often accompany the rise to the top. Our candid discussions unearth the raw truth about what it takes to break the social agreement and navigate the waters of envy that success can stir, sharing stories that promise to challenge your perception of what it means to truly 'have.'This episode is not just about...
2022-05-1741 minASTON INCORPORATEDEpisode 5- Expansion is an ObligationEmbark on a transformative journey through the four pillars of a harmonious life: body, balance, being, and business. We unravel the tapestry of true success, which weaves together the threads of physical wellness, strong relationships, spiritual growth, and professional achievement. Join us as we chart the course towards a holistic triumph that redefines prosperity beyond the bank account, emphasizing the integration of the four Bs into a seamless blend that sings with personal fulfillment.Our conversation takes a disciplined leap into the realm of fitness, where the might of a strict diet and rigorous workout routine does...
2022-05-1132 minASTON INCORPORATEDEpisode 4- Unlocking the Secrets of Profitable Nightly Rentals and the Art of Hospitality InvestmentDiscover the allure of resort-grade amenities and higher revenue potential in nightly rental markets—could this be your next investment move? Wayne and Dallin Aston are back for another session at Aston Incorporated, where we peel back the layers of the real estate sector. From the charm of a 100-unit nightly rental to the diverse classes of multifamily apartments, we dissect the financial dynamics and emotional reasons that influence our choices in property investments. If you're looking to understand how deal quality impacts profit margins or why locations like Moab, Utah, are a goldmine for savvy investors, you've come to...
2022-05-0441 minASTON INCORPORATEDEpisode 3- Bootstrap and Build: A Real Estate Investment GuideEver dreamt of stepping into the dynamic realm of real estate investment? This episode promises to offer an in-depth understanding of the world of real estate, transforming your ambitions into achievable endeavors. We kick-start the conversation by sharing our personal journeys, including triumphs, pitfalls, and continuous adaptability in the ever-evolving real estate landscape.Transitioning into the world of real estate can often feel like navigating uncharted territory. Dallin, our co-host, illuminates this process by sharing his personal transition into the industry, offering invaluable insights into how to tackle the unknowns and ask the right questions. He also...
2022-04-2645 minASTON INCORPORATEDEpisode 2- Discovering Your Why: Unveiling the Deeper Drive Behind Life and LegacyWhy do we climb out of bed every morning and face the day ahead? This burning question is at the heart of our latest heart-to-heart on the podcast, as Dallin and I, Wayne Aston, delve into the motivations that steer our ship through life's tumultuous seas. Embark on a journey of reflection and self-discovery with us, as we recount the pivotal moments and sage advice that shaped our quest for success. We reminisce about early career crossroads, where the wisdom of grandfathers and fathers clashed, guiding us to learn trades or chase academic accolades. Experience our realizations that the...
2022-04-2043 minASTON INCORPORATEDEpisode 1- Cracking the Code of Successful Entrepreneurship: Insights from Wayne and DallinCrack the code of successful entrepreneurship with us as we hear from Wayne, a former college dropout turned passionate developer, and Dallin, a young entrepreneur with a deep desire to learn and maximize his life. Their tales of resilience, passion and taking calculated risks will undoubtedly light a spark in you. We explore the power of connection and the art of navigating the world of entrepreneurship with a strategic eye.Ever wondered what sets a successful entrepreneur apart? The answer lies in embracing the unknown and staying true to your passion. Wayne and Dallin are the perfect e...
2022-04-1240 min