The Brian Green Show

Episode Summary

Michael McKnight is one of ultra running's most decorated athletes — a two-time Triple Crown winner, Cocodona 250 champion, and former Colorado Trail FKT holder who once completed a 100-mile race with zero calorie intake. But this episode isn't just about race results.

Brian sits down with Michael to talk about what happened when everything stopped: a severe herniated disc that left Michael unable to get out of bed without his wife's help, a surgery date on the calendar, and a sport he wasn't sure he wanted anymore. What followed was a remarkable co...

In this episode Brian Green sits down with Pernell Agdeppa, Executive Director of Real Estate Legal at Panda Restaurant Group, for a conversation that covers far more than restaurant deals. Pernell shares the origin story of Panda Express from a family-run Pasadena restaurant in 1973 to 2,600 locations nationwide and how he found his own way in, not through a recruiter, but through a wake-up call that literally happened on a freeway near Panda's headquarters. The two dig into what it means to negotiate from a place of integrity, how servant leadership plays out in a high-growth real estate legal department...

In this episode of The Brian Green Show, Brian sits down with entrepreneurs Blake Kohler and Remington Rainey, co-founders of Pulse for Good, to talk about entrepreneurship, startup growth, leadership, faith, family, and building a successful business without sacrificing what matters most.

Blake and Remington share how they built a mission-driven SaaS company serving homeless shelters, behavioral health organizations, nonprofits, and human service providers across the country through real-time feedback and psychological safety systems.

The conversation dives into:

In this episode, Brian sits down with Joe Rinderknecht, founder of Cowboy Capital, to unpack what it really takes to build a multifamily portfolio from the ground up.

From his rodeo roots to raising millions in real estate, Joe shares how “pleasant persistence” and playing the long game helped him turn years of relationship-building into million-dollar investments. He opens up about a deal that nearly broke him financially, emotionally, and within his family and the hard lessons that reshaped how he operates today.

Joe also shares the deeply personal story behind Tiny’s Tribe, a nonpro...

In this episode of The Brian Green Show, Brian sits down with Jentz Painter, former Utah State football player turned fitness coach for busy dads—to talk about what it really takes to stay strong, present, and purpose-driven in the middle of a full life.

Jentz shares his journey from undersized walk-on to earning a scholarship through grit and consistency, and how those same principles now fuel his business helping fathers get fit without sacrificing family time.

They dive into the real challenges dads face today's lack of structure, burnout, and competing priorities and how to...

In this episode of The Brian Green Show, I sit down with entrepreneur and TerraSlate founder Kyle Ewing for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build something from the ground up.

Kyle shares his journey from leaving a stable corporate career to navigating the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship facing financial stress, failed ideas, and moments where everything was on the line. From iterating through multiple product failures to eventually finding product-market fit, his story highlights the grit required to survive and succeed. Beyond business, we dive into how he structures his life, prioritizes health...

In this episode of The Brian Green Show, I sit down with entrepreneur and founder of Mark’s Snacks, Mark Samuel, for a real conversation about life beyond business.

Mark shares his journey through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, reflecting on the failures, challenges, and defining moments that shaped who he is today. While he’s built brands in the CPG space and continues to push forward as a founder, what stands out most is his perspective on what truly matters.

We dive into faith, gratitude, family, and the importance of staying grounded—especially when l...

In this episode of The Brian Green Show, Brian Green sits down with Marc Hostovsky, an early employee at Jet.com who helped scale the company before its $3 billion acquisition by Walmart.

Marc shares the story of leaving corporate e-commerce to start Minoan, a platform transforming Airbnbs and hotels into a new form of retail distribution through what he calls Native Retail.

They discuss lessons from building startups, navigating the loneliness of leadership, raising early capital, and the persistence required to build something from nothing. Marc also shares how experiences at Jet.com and Walmart...

In this episode of The Brian Green Show, host Brian Green interviews entrepreneur Jeremy White, founder of JJ Cole. They discuss Jeremy's journey from childhood to becoming a successful entrepreneur, the foundational principles instilled in him by his family, and the importance of hard work, integrity, and faith. Jeremy shares insights on evaluating business ideas, the challenges he faced while building his company, and the significance of having a supportive partner. The conversation also touches on the balance between faith, family, and business, as well as the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people. Jeremy reflects on his...

In this episode host Brian Green interviews Taylor Brown, a successful entrepreneur who transitioned from a tech career to owning Elite Turf Supply. Taylor shares his journey, discussing the importance of hard work, sales skills, and the value of mentorship. He reflects on his experiences at Divvy, the challenges of scaling a business, and the growth of the artificial turf industry. Taylor emphasizes the significance of perspective and gratitude in navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, while also balancing family life and business ownership.

Takeaways

In this episode, Travis Berryhill shares his inspiring journey as a serial entrepreneur, detailing his early influences, the challenges he faced in business, and the lessons learned along the way. From his childhood mentorship to his experiences with Don Aslett's Cleaning Centers and Hall Oil Company, Travis emphasizes the importance of perseverance, relationships, and a passion for business. He offers valuable insights on overcoming adversity, the significance of love and motivation in life, and the opportunities available for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Takeaways

Summary

In this episode, Brian Green interviews TJ Burns, who shares his journey from growing up in Long Island to studying engineering at MIT and eventually working at Amazon. TJ discusses his experiences at MIT, the challenges he faced while working at Blink, and the lessons learned from his startup life. He also talks about his transition into real estate, the importance of mentorship, and how he built his investment portfolio. Finally, TJ introduces Zendra Lending, a new venture aimed at providing funding for fix-and-flip projects, emphasizing the importance of customer obsession and seamless service.

Takeaways<...

In this episode, Brian Green interviews Sargis Ivanov, a CPA who shares his unique journey into the accounting profession, the growth of his family's transportation business, and his passion for real estate. Sargis discusses the challenges facing the CPA profession, the importance of mentorship, and the strategies he employs to help clients reduce their tax burdens through real estate investments. He explains key tax strategies such as the Augusta Rule, cost segregation, and 1031 exchanges, emphasizing the importance of proactive financial planning and regular consultations with a CPA.

Takeaways

Summary

In this inspiring conversation, Ben Kjar shares his journey of overcoming adversity as someone born with Crozon syndrome. He discusses the pivotal role of his mother in instilling confidence and resilience, the importance of supportive relationships, and the impact of mentors in his life. Ben emphasizes the significance of accountability and planning in achieving goals, and he highlights the influence of his wife, La Cole, in his journey. The conversation culminates in a discussion about the purpose behind his film 'Stand Out', which aims to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness and overcome challenges.<...

In this conversation, Jeremy Barker shares his incredible journey from being a firefighter to becoming a successful entrepreneur with his company, Murphy Door. He discusses the challenges he faced, including losing $20 million and living in a truck, and how he overcame fear and setbacks to build a thriving business. Jeremy emphasizes the importance of resilience, investing in oneself, and the value of patience in entrepreneurship. He also highlights the significance of believing in others and fostering a supportive environment for growth.

Takeaways

In this conversation, Lloyd Roberts shares his inspiring journey of overcoming adversity, including living with cystic fibrosis and surviving a life-threatening accident. He emphasizes the importance of mindset in achieving fulfillment and discusses his framework, G-Cubed, which focuses on gratitude, growth, and giving. Lloyd explains how to cultivate gratitude by eliminating entitlement and highlights the significance of being present in our lives. He reflects on his identity and legacy, aiming to inspire others to find fulfillment regardless of their circumstances.

Takeways

In this engaging conversation, Andrew K Smith shares his journey from tech entrepreneur to successful restaurateur, emphasizing the importance of family, resilience, and empathy in business. He discusses the challenges of scaling a business, the misconceptions surrounding the restaurant industry, and the significance of mentorship for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Andrew's insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring business owners and highlight the need for a supportive partnership in both personal and professional life.

Takeaways

In this podcast episode, Richard Wilson shares his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of creating one's own luck through hard work and cold calling. He discusses the significance of family offices in wealth management and the value of building genuine relationships by adding value first. Richard also highlights the role of social media in growing his business and the importance of maintaining a strong family dynamic while pursuing entrepreneurial goals. He concludes with insights on the necessity of grit and focus in today's fast-paced world.

Takeaways: 

Leti and Kenji share their inspiring journey from being physicians to successful real estate investors. They discuss the challenges they faced, the importance of mindset, and how they built a community to help others achieve financial freedom through real estate. Their story emphasizes the significance of education, mentorship, and the power of niching down in business. They also touch on balancing family life with their entrepreneurial pursuits and the legacy they hope to leave for their children.

Key Takeaways: 

In this engaging conversation, Rory shares her inspiring journey from being a teacher to becoming the Director of Asset Management at Wind River Group. She discusses the challenges of balancing family life with career ambitions, the importance of continuous learning, and the value of building strong relationships in business. Rory emphasizes the significance of extreme ownership in asset management and her plans to launch a podcast aimed at providing leadership insights in the property management industry. Her advice for those looking to transition in their careers is rooted in gratitude, curiosity, and preparation.

Takeaways: 

In this conversation, Kyle Stephenson shares his journey from being a full-time orthopedic surgeon to becoming a successful real estate investor. He discusses the challenges he faced, the lessons learned, and the importance of education and networking in the real estate space. Kyle emphasizes the significance of building trust with operators, the role of teamwork, and the need for a solid financial education, especially for physicians. He also talks about his initiative, the Doctors Investor Club, aimed at empowering doctors with financial knowledge and opportunities in real estate investing.

Takeaways: 

In this conversation, Mike Woodfield shares his journey from a family office to becoming a successful real estate entrepreneur. He discusses the lessons learned from managing a failing business, the transition to real estate asset management, and the importance of communication with investors. Mike emphasizes the need for a solid framework when changing careers and the differences between asset management and property management. He also shares insights on navigating market changes, maintaining team motivation, and differentiating his company in a competitive landscape. The conversation concludes with Mike reflecting on his personal life and future aspirations.

In this engaging conversation, Brian Green interviews brothers Marcus and Ryan Smoot, who own and operate Watchman Properties and Man Cave Storage. A Top 100 storage facility owner in the US. They share their journey into the industry, starting during the Great Recession, and discuss the challenges and opportunities they faced. The Smoots emphasize the importance of partnership, shared values, and customer service in their business model. They also touch on the significance of continuous learning and the foundational role of faith and family in their lives and work.

00:00 Introduction to the Journey

00:56 Early Experiences in...

In this episode, Brian Green and Henry Metcalf interview David Decker, a seasoned professional in the self-storage industry. David shares his journey from being mentored early in his career to becoming a successful leader and angel investor. He emphasizes the importance of humility, curiosity, and hard work, and discusses how he instills these values in his children. David also reflects on the lessons learned from his career, the significance of cultural exposure through family moves, and the impact of investing in people and ideas. He concludes with thoughts on legacy and the importance of making a positive impact on...

Josh Green, a seasoned real estate professional with nearly 20 years of experience. Josh shares his journey from property management to multifamily appraisal and consulting, and ultimately to real estate development. He discusses the importance of education, mentorship, and gaining practical experience in the industry. Josh expresses his passion for townhomes and multifamily properties, highlighting their demand and the flexibility they offer in development. The conversation also touches on the role of family in balancing work and personal life, the significance of networking, and the value of helping others in the real estate community.

Chapters

We interview Rand Sargent, who shares his journey from the tech industry to becoming a successful industrial real estate broker. 

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Background

03:05 - Transition to Real Estate

In this conversation, Parker Vassar shares his journey from a mission in Bulgaria to becoming a successful salesperson and real estate investor. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the role of family in his success, and the strategies he employed to build his real estate portfolio. Parker emphasizes the significance of personal development and the mindset required for success, as well as the lessons learned from his stepfather, Darl. He also highlights the importance of management in real estate and his vision for the future.

Takeaways: 

Summary: 

In this conversation, Zane Schartz shares his journey from being a hockey player to a successful real estate entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of faith, integrity, and transparency in business. He discusses the lessons learned from sports that apply to the business world, his approach to real estate investing, and how he leverages LinkedIn for growth. Zane's vision for Freedom Commercial Real Estate is rooted in helping investors achieve financial freedom while maintaining a strong commitment to his Christian values.

Takeways: 

In this episode of the GM Show, hosts Brian Green and Henry Metcalf interview Tanner Eldredge, a successful insurance broker. Tanner shares his journey into the insurance industry, discussing the importance of starting young, building relationships, and the value of mentorship. He emphasizes the significance of company culture and the long-term commitment required to succeed in the insurance business. Tanner also provides insights into managing client relationships and the strategies that have helped him win significant clients in the real estate sector.

Takeaways: 

In this inaugural episode of the podcast, hosts Brian Green and Henry Metcalf welcome Alex Bearnson, a successful entrepreneur who shares his journey from the recycling industry to real estate development. Alex discusses the challenges he faced during his transition, the lessons learned from his experiences, and how ultra running helped him cope with difficult times. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships in real estate, creating community-centric developments, and finding a balance between work and family life. Alex also offers valuable advice for aspiring real estate developers, highlighting the significance of mentorship and creative approaches to starting in...