Shows
BigMikeFund274: Leon Barnes - Scaling with Collective GeniusJoin host Mike Zlotnik, “Big Mike,” on the BigMikeFund Podcast for an insightful episode with Leon Barnes, Director of Membership at Collective Genius Mastermind. Leon, a long-time friend and real estate veteran, shares his journey from Kansas City to Tampa and his role in scaling Collective Genius, a premier community for real estate investors. Discover the evolution of Collective Genius, now with over 500 members across four tiers: Elevate, Select, Premier, and the exclusive CG CEO for visionaries with $10M+ in revenue or $15M+ net worth. Leon highlights the power of community, humility, and intentional learning, with a focus on [...]2025-07-2835 min
Big Mike Fund Podcast274: Leon Barnes – Scaling with Collective GeniusJoin host Mike Zlotnik, “Big Mike,” on the BigMikeFund Podcast for an insightful episode with Leon Barnes, Director of Membership at Collective Genius Mastermind. Leon, a long-time friend and real estate veteran, shares his journey from Kansas City to Tampa and his role in scaling Collective Genius, a premier community for real estate investors. Discover [...]2025-07-2835 minBig Mike Fund Podcast274: Leon Barnes – Scaling with Collective GeniusJoin host Mike Zlotnik, “Big Mike,” on the BigMikeFund Podcast for an insightful episode with Leon Barnes, Director of Membership at Collective Genius Mastermind. Leon, a long-time friend and real estate veteran, shares his journey from Kansas City to Tampa and his role in scaling Collective Genius, a premier community for real estate investors. Discover [...]2025-07-2835 min
The Collective Genius PodcastCJ Moss: The Blueprint to $100M in Wholesaling RevenueIn this compelling live episode from Clearwater Beach, Florida, I sit down with CJ Moss, a dynamic real estate wholesaler with a bold vision: to build the largest wholesaling operation in the country. We explore his journey from athlete to entrepreneur, his no-fluff approach to leadership, and why he believes wholesaling is not just a stepping stone—it can be a long-term legacy business. CJ shares how staying focused on the fundamentals, being radically transparent with sellers, and cultivating a strong team culture have driven his success. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling fast, this conv...2025-07-2532 min
The Collective Genius PodcastHow David Built a $12M SaaS for Real Estate Investors featuring David LeckoIn this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with David Lecko, founder of DealMachine, for a deep dive into how he transformed a simple personal solution into a powerful real estate tech platform. We explore how DealMachine started as an app to automate mailing letters to property owners and grew into a comprehensive lead generation tool serving investors nationwide. David opens up about the pivotal moments, strategic missteps, and valuable lessons that helped shape the trajectory of his business. We also dig into the mindset differences between beginner and high-level investors, the i...2025-07-221h 08
The Collective Genius PodcastJeremiah Dalton: The Power of Personal Change to Transform Life & BusinessIn this special episode of the Collective Genius Live Podcast, I sit down with Jeremiah Dalton just before he steps on stage at our CG Select event in Sarasota. Jeremiah, a high-end fix-and-flip investor from Long Island, opens up about his powerful journey of personal and professional growth—from navigating a crisis in 2022 to transforming himself physically and mentally, and becoming a more effective leader and marketer. We discuss his early days joining Collective Genius during the COVID pandemic, the challenges he faced when the market shifted, and how CG helped him develop strategies to buy...2025-07-1824 min
The Collective Genius Podcast$200M+ in Deals, 5 Business Arms, and 1 Game-Changing MLS Tool featuring Caleb PearsonIn this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I had the pleasure of catching up with Caleb Pearson—real estate investor, software creator, and master delegator from Charleston, South Carolina. From closing short sales at the bottom of the market to building a diversified real estate empire, Caleb walks us through his entrepreneurial evolution. We explore his early success in retail, his bold leap into flipping and multifamily investing, and how mentorship and community shaped each step of his path. We also dive into his latest ventures: creating a software tool that automates thousands of MLS...2025-07-151h 05
The Collective Genius PodcastJesus Toledo: How Data Can Predict 6-Figure Real Estate DealsIn this live episode of the Collective Genius podcast, recorded at the CG Select and Elevate event in Sarasota, I sit down with one of my favorite humans, Jesús Toledo. Jesús, co-founder of 8020 REI, shares his incredible journey from real estate investor to data and marketing powerhouse. We dive into how he and his partner Felipe built a business that helps investors close more deals using predictive data and custom lead generation strategies. Jesús gets real about how a nudge from a trusted mentor launched their pivot into the data space, how word...2025-07-1125 min
The Collective Genius PodcastJoshua Swart: How In-House Construction Created More Profit & AccountabilityWe’re back with another CG Live session recorded at our Q2 event in Clearwater Beach, Florida—and this one’s packed with value. I sat down with Joshua Swart, a Charlotte-based builder with a killer mustache and an even sharper strategy for scaling construction operations. Josh walks us through how he transitioned from outsourcing to building his own in-house construction company and what that’s done for his bottom line and project timelines. Whether you’re currently wholesaling, exploring build-to-rent, or sitting on land leads you don’t know what to do with, Josh offers clear...2025-07-1121 min
The Collective Genius PodcastHow Infinite Banking Creates Liquidity & Cash Flow for Real Estate Investors featuring Chris MilesWelcome back to the Collective Genius Podcast. I’m your host, Leon Barnes, and in this episode, I’m joined by CG member Chris Miles from Money Ripples. Chris shares how he broke free from traditional financial advising to become a financially independent real estate investor—not once, but twice. We unpack why many investors stay stuck in transactional income, how to transition to building true passive cash flow, and how strategies like Infinite Banking can supercharge your ability to scale and protect your wealth. If you’re an investor wondering how to turn high active in...2025-07-0859 min
The Collective Genius PodcastUsing a 9-5 Income to Build & Scale A Real Estate Business featuring Casey GregersenIn this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with real estate investor Casey Gregersen, who shares his incredible journey from a Wyoming kid dreaming of being a sports announcer to scaling a successful real estate investment business across multiple states. We unpack how Casey transitioned from oil and gas engineering into full-time real estate, leveraging his unique advantages in overlooked markets like Wyoming and surrounding states. Casey opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped his investing path—from buying his first rental in college to strategically using his W-2 income to sca...2025-07-011h 08
The Collective Genius PodcastFuquan Bilal: One Conversation That Led to $10MIn this live edition of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sat down with Fuquan Bilal, founder of NNG Capital Fund, to dive deep into the world of raising private capital and scaling smartly in real estate. Broadcasting straight from our Sarasota event, this episode brings an insider look at what it takes to structure and grow a capital-raising business the right way—without cutting corners. Fuquan shares the mindset and systems behind consistently raising funds, how to avoid common legal pitfalls, and why relationship-building is the cornerstone of sustainable success. Whether you’re new to fundr...2025-06-2719 min
The Collective Genius Podcast10X Growth in 6 Years: Scaling a Real Estate Business with Data and Discipline featuring Lon WelshIn this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with Lon Welsh, a seasoned real estate investor and entrepreneur from Denver, Colorado. Lon takes us on his remarkable journey from aspiring radiologist to founder of Colorado's largest independent real estate brokerage, Your Castle Real Estate. We dive deep into how he strategically scaled his business, navigated the 2008 financial crisis, and transitioned into launching Ironton Capital, a private equity firm focused on passive real estate investments. Lon shares insights on data-driven decision-making, market cycles, and why having a calculated approach has been pivotal to his success...2025-06-241h 05
The Collective Genius PodcastTommy Harr: What Losing $350K in Crypto Taught HimIn this live episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, recorded straight from our CG Select and CG Elevate event in Sarasota, I sit down with mainstage presenter Tommy Harr. Tommy shares his evolution from inspecting homes in Columbus, Ohio, to flipping them—and eventually scaling a multimillion-dollar real estate business. His story is filled with grit, growth, and game-changing insights for anyone navigating the highs and lows of real estate investing. We talk about the power of staying in your lane, learning from failures, and using setbacks—like losing $350K in crypto—as fuel for long-te...2025-06-2019 min
The Collective Genius PodcastData-Driven RE Investor That's Generate Over 5,000 Motivated Seller Leads featuring Bryan DriscollIn this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with longtime CG member Bryan Driscoll, a real estate investor, digital marketing expert, and author of The Goodness Game. Bryan shares how he went from hustling SEO gigs before sunrise to building a lead generation company that serves real estate investors nationwide. More than business, though, Bryan opens up about a powerful moment of personal transformation that ignited his mission to pay it forward through everyday acts of kindness. We explore the evolution of Bryan’s real estate strategy, his transition from corporate insurance to...2025-06-171h 10
The Collective Genius PodcastBenmont Locker: Doubling Deal Flow & Avoiding the Shiny Object TrapIn this episode of the Collective Genius Live podcast, I sit down with the ever-insightful Benmont Locker—COO-turned-educator and leadership force behind Ramp Academy and CG Elevate. Recorded live at our Select and Elevate event in Sarasota, this conversation dives deep into the core disciplines that truly move the needle in real estate investing. If you’re struggling to grow consistently or falling for shiny objects, this one’s for you. Ben shares how building a business based on solid systems, data-driven decision-making, and foundational sales metrics can radically transform deal flow and profitability. We also ch...2025-06-1325 min
The Collective Genius Podcast500+ Deals Yearly for Local New Jersey Real Estate Powerhouse featuring Santini LanicioniIn this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with Santini Lanicioni—a Hall of Fame college basketball player turned top-tier real estate investor. Santini shares how the values he learned on the court—discipline, competitiveness, and focus—translated into building one of the most dominant investing operations in Southern New Jersey. His journey from humble beginnings to orchestrating 400–500 deals annually is both inspiring and instructive. We dive deep into Santini’s transition from athletics to sales, and eventually to real estate entrepreneurship. He unpacks the pivotal role of staying hyper-local in his market, the...2025-06-101h 13
The Collective Genius PodcastIan Ross: Lead Managers, Resistance in Sales & Trust vs. Likability | CG LIVEIn this episode of the Collective Genius LIVE podcast, I sit down with Ian Ross from Vivid Selling (formerly known as Objection Proof Sales), a dynamic sales trainer deeply rooted in the real estate investing space. Live from our CG Select & Elevate event in Sarasota, Ian brings the energy and wisdom, diving into the nuances of sales psychology, effective lead management, and the transformative power of trust in persuasion. We cover everything from the top hiring mistake most investors make when bringing on a lead manager to Ian’s compelling concept of “persuasion without charisma.” If you’...2025-06-0624 min
The Collective Genius PodcastScaling From a $5K Wholesale Deal to 137 Doors featuring Corey ReymentIn this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with my good friend Corey Reyment from Green Bay, Wisconsin. Corey isn't just a successful real estate investor; he's a true entrepreneur with a compelling journey of grit, growth, and grit. From cold-calling the Packers' head strength coach to accidentally stumbling into the world of real estate after realizing his original career path wasn't the right fit, Corey shares how he and his wife built a thriving business that balances both active income and long-term wealth through rental properties. We talk...2025-06-031h 12
The Collective Genius PodcastThe $3 Million Loss That Unlocked Purpose & Peace featuring Brad ChandlerIn this thought-provoking episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with longtime CG member and personal friend Brad Chandler to uncover one of the most inspiring transformations I’ve witnessed in our community. Brad opens up about his journey from being a high-volume real estate investor chasing financial success to becoming a happiness coach committed to helping others heal from the inside out. We talk about everything—from childhood wounds that unconsciously drove his early business decisions, to the $3 million mistake that changed his approach to risk, to the powerful inner work that unloc...2025-05-271h 04
The Wisconsin InvestorThe Art of Real Estate Leverage w/ Leon Barnes (Improved Audio)Send us a textReal estate success takes more than great deals—it takes strategy, partnerships, and a mindset built for the long game. In this episode of The Wisconsin Investor, Corey Reyment sits down with Leon Barnes, longtime investor and Membership Director at Collective Genius, to talk about what it really takes to grow a rental portfolio that lasts.Leon shares how he’s used the BRRRR strategy (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) to build a portfolio with “infinite returns,” pulling his original capital back out while keeping the cash-flowing assets. With sharp insights and zero...2025-05-2159 minThe Wisconsin InvestorThe Art of Real Estate Leverage with Leon BarnesSend us a textReal estate success takes more than great deals—it takes strategy, partnerships, and a mindset built for the long game. In this episode of The Wisconsin Investor, Corey Reyment sits down with Leon Barnes, longtime investor and Membership Director at Collective Genius, to talk about what it really takes to grow a rental portfolio that lasts.Leon shares how he’s used the BRRRR strategy (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) to build a portfolio with “infinite returns,” pulling his original capital back out while keeping the cash-flowing assets. With sharp insights and zero...2025-05-2059 min
The Collective Genius PodcastBuilding a 9-Figure Real Estate CRM from Scratch featuring Stephanie BettersIn this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with the powerhouse herself, Stephanie Betters—an incredible leader, business builder, and trailblazer in both real estate investing and tech. From her early days as a nurse practitioner in cardiothoracic surgery to becoming the co-founder of a thriving real estate investment firm and the CEO of a groundbreaking CRM company, Stephanie’s story is packed with insights, grit, and purpose-driven pivots. We unpack her transition from medicine to full-time entrepreneurship, how she and her husband turned a side hustle into a scalable business, and the p...2025-05-201h 09
The Collective Genius Podcast120+ Deals Pear Year In Idaho Virtually From London featuring Ryan WeimerIn this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with Ryan Weimer, a real estate investor who’s breaking all the conventional rules. Ryan runs a high-volume investing business in Boise, Idaho—without ever having lived there. Now operating from London, he’s built a team and system that allows him to lead virtually, while scaling with precision and purpose. We dive deep into his origin story, including how a career in mechanical engineering, corporate layoffs, and a desire for autonomy all led him to real estate. Ryan shares the powerful mindset shifts that he...2025-05-131h 12
The Collective Genius PodcastStarting A Real Estate Business in 2007 & Thriving 20 Years Later featuring Jeff NydeggerIn this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Jeff Nydegger, a dynamic real estate investor out of Chicagoland, to unpack his journey of building a resilient and values-driven business. Jeff and his partner Kevin have been at it for nearly two decades, and in this conversation, we dig deep into the lessons they’ve learned from both their wins and their challenges. From military discipline to Midwest grit, Jeff shares how he’s navigated market downturns, stayed laser-focused on his mission, and leveraged the power of mastermind groups like Collective Genius to sharpen his leader...2025-05-061h 11
The Collective Genius PodcastBuilding Multi-Million Dollar Investment Portfolios by Investing in People First with Ken MajmudarIn this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with Ken Majmudar, a longtime member of our CG community and one of our distinguished CEO members. Ken’s journey is anything but traditional—born in India, Ivy League-educated, and an expert in public securities and investment management. We dive into his recent trip to Argentina, his deep curiosity for emerging opportunities, and how he transitioned into real estate investing. Ken shares incredible insights about his background, how life experiences shape investment philosophy, and what it really takes to build partnerships based on integrity. If yo...2025-04-291h 13
The Property PerspectiveScaling Success: Mastering Real Estate Growth with Goal-Setting and Strategic HiringUnlock the secrets to scaling your real estate business with insights from industry experts Brian Snider and Leon Barnes who share their invaluable experiences and strategies for mastering goal-setting, delegation, and marketing. Learn how to spot hidden opportunities and execute billion-dollar deals by setting realistic objectives and actionable plans, even amidst the ever-evolving market conditions. Gain a competitive edge by exploring the critical aspects of strategic hiring, understanding the impact of aligning your hires with your strengths, and making your first or second hire a game-changer for your business's efficiency.Send us a textVisit...2025-04-241h 08
The Collective Genius PodcastScaling Multiple 7-Figure Real Estate Businesses in San Diego featuring Phil GreenIn this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with the unstoppable Phil Green—San Diego-based real estate investor, business builder, and longtime CG member. Phil’s story is packed with insight, hustle, and the kind of clarity that only comes from years of in-the-trenches experience. From his early days as a brokerage agent to building multiple businesses—including fix-and-flip, multifamily, property management, and even marketing companies—Phil walks us through what it takes to thrive in one of the nation’s toughest markets. We also dive deep into leadership, the power of gamification...2025-04-221h 05
The Collective Genius PodcastZero to 250 Deals a Month: The Systems that Build a Wholesaling Machine featuring Damon LinesIn this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with Damon Lines—longtime CG member and high-level CEO operator—for a conversation that blends grit, strategy, and a whole lot of entrepreneurial wisdom. Damon shares how he went from making six figures in college as a part-time mortgage guy to navigating a near-bankruptcy during the 2008 crash. He opens up about the hard choices he had to make and the key decisions that helped him scale a multimillion-dollar wholesaling business. We cover Damon’s deep-rooted partnership with Doug Hopkins, what it really takes to build a...2025-04-151h 16
The Collective Genius PodcastScaling to 200+ Real Estate Deals Per Year Systematically featuring Marck de LatourIn this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with longtime CG member and fellow leadership team member, Marck de Latour. Marck shares his inspiring journey from growing up in New Zealand to building a thriving real estate business in Kansas City. We unpack how he transitioned from a tennis scholarship student to a full-time investor, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. What makes Marck’s story so compelling isn’t just the scale of his operation—it’s the strategic mindset behind it. We get into what it really takes to go fro...2025-04-081h 10
The Collective Genius PodcastWhy Struggle & Resilience Breeds Success: Real Estate Investor Doing 100+ Deals Per Year featuring Glenn SchwormIn this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with my good friend and longtime CG member, Glenn Schworm. Glenn’s journey from humble beginnings to leading two thriving businesses—one in real estate flipping and the other in education—is filled with hard lessons, major wins, and brutally honest setbacks. We dive into what it really takes to scale a business, what happens when things go sideways, and why some of the most important growth happens in the toughest seasons. Glenn opens up about early bankruptcies, rebuilding after failure, and what finally helped...2025-04-011h 11
The Collective Genius Podcast120 Doors & $5M in Debt to 700+ Successful Flips featuring Jimmy VreelandIn this episode, we sit down with my longtime friend and CG member, Jimmy Vreeland—a guy who’s gone from military grit to entrepreneurial gold. We talk about everything from his time at West Point and deployments overseas, to how a book recommended by his mom ignited a passion for real estate while he was in uniform. Jimmy shares how he built a multi-market real estate business with multiple verticals, including wholesaling, property management, and education, and the mistakes and wake-up calls he faced along the way. If you’re still working a W-2 job, have a smal...2025-03-251h 19
The Collective Genius PodcastBuilding A $50M Rental Portfolio with None of His Own Money featuring Sam PrimmIn this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I’m joined by a longtime friend and powerhouse real estate entrepreneur, Sam Primm. From humble beginnings in St. Louis with zero intentions of becoming an entrepreneur, Sam shares how a copy of Rich Dad Poor Dad lit a fire that led him to build a $50 million rental portfolio, create a national coaching brand, and become one of the most authentic voices in real estate education on social media. We dive into everything from partnerships and buyouts to building a business with your best friend, growing a social media fo...2025-03-251h 11
The Collective Genius PodcastThe Pioneer of Novations to $800k in Monthly Deal Volume featuring Eric BrewerIn this episode of The Collective Genius Podcast, we sit down with my good friend and standout leader, Eric Brewer. Eric’s path into real estate is anything but typical. From humble beginnings in Gettysburg to a career in the military, to selling luxury cars, and finally scaling a high-volume real estate investment business—his journey is packed with powerful, hard-earned lessons. We dive deep into the life experiences that shaped his identity and leadership style. Eric opens up about the turning points in his life—from desperately wanting to be accepted as a kid, to discovering sales a...2025-03-251h 17
The Collective Genius PodcastTraining 1,000+ Real Estate Investors in Sales & Going From Engineer to Industry Disruptor featuring Steve TrangWelcome to the very first episode of The Collective Genius Podcast! I’m your host, Leon G. Barnes, and today, we’re kicking things off with none other than Steve Trang—a powerhouse in sales training, real estate investing, and entrepreneurship. If you’ve ever struggled with scaling your business, staying focused, or understanding the importance of coaching, this is the episode for you. Steve shares his journey from electrical engineering to becoming a real estate agent, wholesaler, brokerage owner, sales trainer, and podcast host. We dive deep into the lessons he’s learned along the way—how shiny ob...2025-03-251h 13
The Collective Genius PodcastWelcome to the Collective Genius Podcast: Real Conversations with the Best in the Real Estate Investing BusinessI’m beyond excited to officially welcome you to the Collective Genius Podcast—the go-to space for full-time real estate investors who are serious about scaling. If you’re tuning in, you’re likely on a mission to take your business to the next level, and you’re in the right place. Whether you’ve been in the game for two years or twenty, this podcast was built with you in mind. In this intro episode, I lay out the vision for what’s ahead. Each week, I’ll be sitting down with some of the top-performing...2025-03-2205 min
The Podcast Browser‘Soldiers and Kings’ Investigates the World of Human Smuggling Podcast: KQED's Forum (LS 52 · TOP 0.5% what is this?)Episode: ‘Soldiers and Kings’ Investigates the World of Human SmugglingPub date: 2024-03-19Get Podcast Transcript →powered by Listen411 - fast audio-to-text and summarizationAnthropologist Jason De León has spent a career documenting the stories of migrants making their way across the Sonoran Desert at the Southern US border. But in his new book, “Soldiers And Kings: Survival and Hope in the World of Human Smuggling,” De León turns his gaze towards the smugglers. For nearly seven years, he embedded with...2024-12-2055 min
Eat, Sleep, InvestWant to Scale Fast? This Real Estate Mastermind is the Shortcut to Success | Leon BarnesEPISODE 177: Is your network leveling you up or holding you back in real estate? It might be time to rethink who you’re surrounding yourself with. In today’s episode, Brian Driscoll chats with Leon Barnes from The Collective Genius, one of the top communities for real estate investors serious about scaling up. Leon breaks down why CG is more than a mastermind – it’s a tiered, results-driven network where members not only learn proven systems but also connect with peers at similar growth stages. And it’s not just about success stories – CG fosters an environmen...2024-10-3127 min
The Uptime Wind Energy PodcastWhat’s the Future of Offshore Wind in the US?This week we go on a deep dive on offshore wind in the US--what's the status of projects that have been approved? Why do approvals for new sites seem to be slowing down? Is there enough manufacturing capacity to meet the transition goals? What can be done to boost wind energy growth?
Sign up now for Uptime Tech News, our weekly email update on all things wind technology. This episode is sponsored by Weather Guard Lightning Tech. Learn more about Weather Guard's StrikeTape Wind Turbine LPS retrofit. Follow the show on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Linkedin and visit Weather Guard on the web...2024-10-0835 min
Championship MindsetThe Importance of Pushing Through Adversity & Applying the Lessons Learned with Leon BarnesIn this compelling episode, I sit down with my good friend Leon Barnes to explore the essence of a championship mindset. Leon, a remarkable father, executive, coach, and influencer, shares his journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful leader. Through our conversation, we delve into the pivotal decisions that shaped his path and the invaluable lessons he learned along the way. Leon's story is not only inspiring but also a testament to the power of perseverance, education, and the impact of mentorship.
Key Talking Points with Timestamps:
[00:19:11] - Introduction to Leon Barnes and...2024-07-0149 min
The Trans•Parency Podcast ShowJourney in Transmasculine Activism, Art, and Entrepreneurship w/ Leon MostovoySend us a textJoin the conversation with Leon Mostovoy, a beacon of resilience and empowerment in the transmasculine community, as we navigate the rich tapestry of his life as an activist, artist, and entrepreneur. We shine a light on the nuanced challenges and victories that define the transmasculine experience, all while honoring the strength that artistry and advocacy bring to the forefront of this often-overlooked narrative.Wrapping up with a candid discussion on the entrepreneurial spirit and the trials of partnership in a transmasculine context, this episode is an inspiring call to a...2024-02-201h 04