Extraordinary America – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, we welcome George Perno, CEO of Commercial Brokers International, who shares his incredible journey through the world of commercial real estate. With over 30 years of experience and more than $1 billion in closed transactions, George provides invaluable insights into CRE trends, the importance of strategic investment, and how to achieve financial freedom through real estate. 

Join us as we explore his unique perspective on risk management, the significance of sacrifice in pursuing the American dream, and his innovative approach to building a successful brokerage.

Chapters:

(02:17) Accidentally starting a Real Estate business

(07:37) Scaling a Business

(12:01) Calculating risk and mitigating risk when doing transactions

(20:08) Your most valuable asset is time. It's the one thing that everybody has

(23:00) Time is a non-renewable resource

(30:41) What does the American dream mean to you? 

(35:16) The importance of sacrifice in the entertainment industry

Sponsored by:

BLU Scholarship: https://www.blu.university/a/2147984849/YbykQKgP

George Pino bio:

George Pino is a seasoned commercial real estate expert with 31 years of experience and over $1 billion in closed transactions across more than 6,000 assets nationwide.

A 1987 USC graduate with a BS in Marketing, he began his career at Kennedy-Wilson, Inc. (1987–1993), where he rose to the position of Closing Department manager. His responsibilities included liaising with developers, tracking auction closings, and opening offices in New York, Massachusetts, Texas, Chicago, and Pleasanton, CA.

From 1993 to 2002, he joined The Sands Group (Fred Sands Realtors' auction division), where he targeted opportunities, conducted feasibility studies, managed sales agents, due diligence, vendors, title/escrow, staff, and closings. In 1995, he co-founded O.P.M. Investments, LLC, a real estate holding and property management firm with Joe Killinger.

In 2002, Pino launched Learning Links Centers, LLC, a socially responsible investment company focused on low- to moderate-income neighborhoods and resident education. It has acquired 7 buildings (467 units) valued at over $10 million, starting with a 29-unit property in Los Angeles' Baldwin Village.

That same year, he joined DBL Realtors to build its commercial division (later acquired by Sotheby's). Recognizing a need for client-focused boutique services, he co-founded Commercial Brokers International with Killinger, a full-service commercial brokerage.

Connect with George:

https://www.cbicommercial.com 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-pino-3898557 

Connect with Cosmos:

Blog Post URL https://extraordinary-america.com

Connect with Extraordinary America: https://extraordinary-america.com/platform

Or Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rUgEww3V-r4?si=FLsvqYQZnmN7iMcF

In this episode, we welcome George Perno, CEO of Commercial Brokers International, who shares his incredible journey through the world of commercial real estate. With over 30 years of experience and more than $1 billion in closed transactions, George provides invaluable insights into CRE trends, the importance of strategic investment, and how to achieve financial freedom through real estate. 

Join us as we explore his unique perspective on risk management, the significance of sacrifice in pursuing the American dream, and his innovative approach to building a successful brokerage.

You can hear the full episode on Thursday, February 26th       

In this episode, we welcome the incredible Hannah Kessler, a self-made millionaire who transformed her life from waitressing at Cracker Barrel to founding the Money Multiplier, a wealth consulting group dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs and future leaders. 

Hannah shares her inspiring journey, insights on financial independence, and the importance of taking control of your money through the Infinite Banking Concept. Join us as we explore practical steps towards building generational wealth and breaking free from outdated financial systems!

Chapters:

(04:31) Hannah started as a waitress at 18 before becoming a millionaire

(10:59) If somebody is living paycheck to paycheck, how should they change their financial habits

(13:22) Many people don't really understand how banks operate

(21:04) Acting out of abundance rather than the scarcity mindset has transformed your business

(33:47) For our generation, American identity is about freedom, right

Sponsored by:

BLU Scholarship: https://www.blu.university/a/2147984849/YbykQKgP

Hannah Kesler bio:

Hannah Kesler, a Kansas native, embarked on her financial journey at 18 while waitressing at Cracker Barrel. By the age of 24, she had achieved millionaire status, defying conventional paths to wealth. Now, she captivates audiences nationwide, sharing her story of breaking free from financial constraints and inspiring others to take control of their money.

When not speaking on stages, Hannah embraces a life of freedom, road-tripping in her van with her cats, dancing at music festivals, or backpacking through Thailand. Rejecting the nine-to-five grind, she has built a system that funds her vibrant lifestyle, unbound by managers or traditional expectations.

For Hannah, time is the ultimate currency. She invests her wealth to fuel her adventures, not to sit in untouchable accounts for decades. Her mission is clear: empower others to make their money work for them, so they can live fully in the present, never missing a moment of life’s possibilities.

Connect with Hannah:

https://www.hannahkesler.com

https://themoneymultiplier.com 

Connect with Cosmos:

Blog Post URL https://extraordinary-america.com

Connect with Extraordinary America: https://extraordinary-america.com/platform

Or Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aOhas9tyKyg?si=HrGbhYQRjbSi24y6

Join us in this episode as we sit down with Josef Stetter, CEO of the Celebrate Group, and discuss recruitment and career coaching. Joseph shares his journey from switching careers multiple times to becoming a successful recruiter and author. 

Discover his insights on navigating toxic work cultures, leveraging LinkedIn, and the power of networking to land your dream job. Joseph also discusses the impact of AI on the job market and offers practical strategies to stay ahead in this evolving landscape. Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with valuable advice for anyone looking to change their career path.

Highlights:

(07:00) The majority of the population will not change 

(19:02) The second resource should be employment agencies, staffing firms, recruiters

(26:08) Ask for feedback on your resume and not ask for the job

(32:09) Using a podcast as a strategy to interview potential employers 

(38:26) When AI and automation become advanced, a lot of jobs will be lost

(48:15) Employers today don't care that you know how to do something

(55:21) How do you get people to shift the mindset from, um, I'm stuck

Josef Stetter bio:

Josef Stetter is a seasoned career coach, job market expert, and best-selling author who has spent over two decades helping individuals land their dream jobs and find purpose in their careers. Having changed careers nine times and held many roles, Josef understands firsthand the challenges of navigating the job market and proving transferable skills.

Josef has assisted thousands of people in achieving their career goals through proven strategies, practical tools, and expert guidance. His programs address job seekers' frustrations, such as lack of response to applications, the "overqualified" label, or finding opportunities in the hidden job market. Josef's insights are designed to empower job seekers at every level, from mastering Applicant Tracking Systems to creating standout resumes, networking effectively, and even negotiating salaries.

As a corporate culture consultant, Josef has also worked with organizations to improve employee engagement, reduce turnover, and enhance workplace culture through innovative recruitment strategies and corporate social responsibility measures.

In addition to his coaching and consulting work, Josef is a frequent guest speaker, monthly segment co-host on The Anything Goes 2 Business Show, and the founder of the Facebook group "Land Your Dream Job," where he shares free resources, including his book Secrets to Your Dream Job Revealed.

Passionate about connecting people with their purpose, Josef continues transforming careers and corporate cultures, making him a sought-after expert in his field. Connect with him on Facebook and Instagram at @thecelebrategroup.

Connect with Josef:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/josefstetter/ 

https://thecelebrategroup.com/ 

Join us in this episode as we sit down with Josef Stetter, CEO of the Celebrate Group, and discuss recruitment and career coaching. Joseph shares his journey from switching careers multiple times to becoming a successful recruiter and author. 

Discover his insights on navigating toxic work cultures, leveraging LinkedIn, and the power of networking to land your dream job. Joseph also discusses the impact of AI on the job market and offers practical strategies to stay ahead in this evolving landscape. Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with valuable advice for anyone looking to change their career path.

You can hear the full episode on Thursday, March 13th.  

In this week's episode, we sit down with Jim Gebhardt, CEO of myarchid.com, to explore the fascinating world of digital memory preservation. Discover how Jim's journey from auto mechanic to entrepreneur led him to tackle the growing issue of digital dementia. Learn about the evolution of technology, the importance of preserving your memories, and the inspiration behind myarchid.com. Tune in to hear Jim's insights on life priorities, the pursuit of happiness, and the American Dream. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on cherishing memories and living life with a positive attitude. Listen now!

Highlights:

(05:42) The strategic goal and vision of your life

(17:10) Successful people have a winning attitude; they have perseverance

(18:01) The biggest challenge people face when starting a business

(20:07) You have to go for your dream. 

(27:55) Everything in your life is live digitally, and everything on your phone is memories.

Jim Gebhardt bio:

Jim Gebhardt is the CEO and founder of MyArchID.com, a cutting-edge digital archival platform designed to preserve the legacy of loved ones and friends in our increasingly digital world. MyArchID.com tackles the pressing issue of "digital dementia," a modern phenomenon where precious memories and personal content are stored across devices and platforms but risk being lost to data corruption, censorship, or accidental deletion. By offering secure and meaningful storage solutions, MyArchID.com ensures that cherished moments are never lost, deleted, or censored, allowing individuals to preserve their legacy for future generations.

Jim’s entrepreneurial journey spans two decades, including his role as part-owner of an LLC electrical company. Before founding MyArchID.com, Jim gained hands-on expertise in various fields, including auto mechanics and commercial photography, and worked as a journeyman and residential electrician.

With a passion for solving modern challenges and a diverse professional background, Jim Gebhardt exemplifies the innovative spirit of today’s entrepreneurs, bringing creative solutions to issues that matter most in our digital age.

Connect with Jim:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/myarkit 

https://www.myarkit.com/ 

In this week's episode, we sit down with Jim Gebhardt, CEO of myarchid.com, to explore the fascinating world of digital memory preservation. Discover how Jim's journey from auto mechanic to entrepreneur led him to tackle the growing issue of digital dementia. Learn about the evolution of technology, the importance of preserving your memories, and the inspiration behind myarchid.com. Tune in to hear Jim's insights on life priorities, the pursuit of happiness, and the American Dream.

You can hear the full episode on Thursday, March 6th

In our latest episode, we sit down with Lane Kawaoka, a visionary entrepreneur who transitioned from engineering to owning over 10,000 rental units. Lane shares his journey to financial freedom and reveals innovative strategies like infinite banking and advanced tax planning.

Learn how he raised over $200 million and distributed $45 million back to passive investors. Lane's insights are invaluable whether you're an aspiring real estate investor or seeking financial independence. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business. Listen now and start your journey to financial freedom!

Highlights:

(04:20) Lane has owned rental properties in multiple markets from college to today

(06:09) Scaling your business

(15:07) Understanding tax strategies 

(17:11) Inflation and debt 

(24:41) Buy rental properties until your net worth grows

(25:36) America is the land of the free and the place where dreams are made

(28:54) The Wealth Elevator is a symbolic construct of scaling a building

(30:40) One thing people need to understand about cash flow is importance

Lane Kawaoka bio:

Lane Kawaoka is a former Licensed Professional Civil and Industrial Engineer who transitioned from a successful 12-year career to becoming a full-time real estate investor and mentor. After starting his investing journey in 2009 with a single property in Seattle, Lane quickly realized the power of cash flow investing. Over time, he grew his portfolio to include 11 single-family rentals in markets such as Birmingham, Atlanta, Indianapolis, and Pennsylvania.

Today, Lane focuses on syndications that invest in Class B and C multi-family apartments, RV parks, mobile homes and assisted living facilities, addressing the nation’s growing demand for affordable housing. He aims to democratize access to high-quality investment opportunities, historically reserved for the wealthy, by guiding hard-working middle-class professionals toward financial freedom.

Lane, a Hawaii native, had a passive income that allowed him to return home and achieve a lifestyle of freedom and fulfillment. Frustrated by misleading real estate education programs and traditional Wall Street investment strategies, he founded his platform to offer free investing education, podcasts, networking opportunities, and exclusive investment deals.

Through his Passive Investor Accelerator & Mastermind, Lane empowers others to build real asset portfolios. He dispels the myths of conventional wealth-building and advocates for alternatives to the underperforming 401(k) and mutual funds. He aims to help the middle class achieve financial independence through informed and strategic investing.

Connect with Lane:

Website: https://thewealthelevator.com/

Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lane-Kawaoka/author/B0C53RN3DQ?

ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true 

In our latest episode, we sit down with Lane Kawaoka, a visionary entrepreneur who transitioned from engineering to owning over 10,000 rental units. Lane shares his journey to financial freedom and reveals innovative strategies like infinite banking and advanced tax planning.

Learn how he raised over $200 million and distributed $45 million back to passive investors. Lane's insights are invaluable whether you're an aspiring real estate investor or seeking financial independence. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business. Listen now and start your journey to financial freedom!

You can hear the full episode on Thursday, Feb 27th.  

Join us in this inspiring episode as we sit down with Dennis Dowell, a keynote speaker, international bestselling author, and the founder of Maximize You, Inc. Dennis shares his incredible journey from a former school bus driver with no business experience to leading a global team of over 250,000 people. 

Discover how Dennis cultivated his people skills, overcame challenges, and learned to lead purposefully. He reveals the importance of mentorship, personal development, and understanding one's purpose in life. Get inspired by Dennis's wisdom and learn how to maximize your potential!

Highlights:

(07:04) The ultimate goal is finding out what people want

(08:05) the single most drive that drove you throughout these 40 years

(13:14) Think about how we live our lives for each decade

(19:43) Find a mentor

(22:30) Personal development is not reading books and going to seminars 

(33:50) Everybody has something to contribute

(36:48) If you want to pursue your happiness, pursue your purpose, Dennis says

(41:34) Your book focuses on personal development and staying focused

(48:16) Dennis started a whole new career at 74

Dennis Dowell bio:

Dennis Dowell's remarkable journey began as a school bus driver and evolved into a global career, transforming lives and building a network of over 250,000 individuals worldwide. For over 40 years, Dennis has shared timeless principles that transcend economic, cultural, and spiritual boundaries, inspiring audiences in over 50 countries.

As a renowned speaker and trainer, Dennis is dedicated to helping individuals and teams maximize their potential physically, mentally, and spiritually. His mission—rooted in hope, opportunity, and universal truths—has empowered countless people to overcome challenges and achieve extraordinary growth. From guiding individuals out of hopelessness to fostering confidence and leadership, Dennis is a beacon of transformation.

Dennis is the author of Maximizing You - Stand on the Shoulders of Giants, a powerful resource that equips readers to unlock their innate potential and embrace successful leadership. His principles have helped people transition from poverty to wealth, timidity to confidence, and follower to pioneer.

With a reputation for inspiring teams and organizations during tough times, Dennis’s work provides actionable tools to turn adversity into opportunity. Testimonials praise his ability to ignite drive, restore confidence, and lead others to lasting success.

Dennis invites you to join him on a transformation journey, helping you rewrite your story and reach new heights of growth, prosperity, and impact.

Connect with Dennis:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-dowdell

https://www.maximizeyou.com