Épisodes

  • 🎙 Redneckonomics: Unconventional Success with Aaron Chapman & Eric J. Chapman | Rafael Cortez
    Jan 16 2026

    In this inspiring episode of the CEO Pulse Podcast, I’m joined by the one and only Aaron Chapman. He’s been ranked in the top 1% of mortgage loan originators nationwide, closing over 100 transactions per month, with his impressive achievement of ranking #7 out of 1 million+ loan originators in 2022. 💼🔥


    But that’s not all! Aaron is also the author of Redneckonomics — a powerful mindset-driven book that teaches you how to turn adversity into opportunity, overcome life’s challenges, and build success on your own terms. This book is a deep dive into the power of perspective, resilience, and personal growth.


    Joining Aaron is his brother, Eric J. Chapman, who brought Redneckonomics to life through his incredible illustrations. Eric’s creative vision and artistic talent helped transform the book into not just a guide to success, but a visual masterpiece. His artwork elevates the message and makes this book a truly immersive experience.


    We dive deep into:

    • The journey that led Aaron to become one of the most respected figures in the finance and real estate space 🏡

    • His new book, Redneckonomics — a mindset-driven guide that teaches you how to turn adversity into opportunity 💡

    • The power of perspective in business and life, and how taking a beating can propel you to new heights 💪

    • The art of authentic storytelling and how it connects with people on a deeper level 📖

    • Lessons learned from 25+ years of helping clients source and finance cash-flow positive properties 💰


    Time Stamps:

    • 00:00 – Introduction to Aaron Chapman & Redneckonomics

    • 03:15 – Aaron shares his background in real estate and finance

    • 09:30 – Dive into the lessons behind Redneckonomics

    • 14:45 – How adversity became Aaron’s fuel for success

    • 21:00 – Eric J. Chapman talks about his illustrations and creative process

    • 28:15 – The power of perspective and how it shapes your journey

    • 35:00 – Tips for applying Aaron’s mindset to your own life

    • 42:00 – Wrap up and resources mentioned in the episode

    With powerful insights on entrepreneurship, mindset, and the importance of embracing life’s challenges, Aaron’s story is a must-hear for anyone looking to transform their business and personal life.


    🔗 Resources mentioned in this episode:

    📘 Redneckonomics - Get your copy here:- https://quitjerkingoff.com/


    💼 Follow Aaron J. Chapman on social:

    Instagram: @sgoc_aaron

    Website: https://aaronchapman.com/


    🎨 Follow Eric J. Chapman:

    Instagram: @ericjchapmanart

    Website: https://www.ejc-art.com/


    ✅ Ready to learn how to turn your setbacks into your biggest breakthroughs? Dive into Aaron’s new book and unlock the strategies that will help you achieve unconventional success.

    https://quitjerkingoff.com/


    🔥 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more real, raw, and actionable conversations with top entrepreneurs.

    Hit the bell 🔔 so you never miss an episode of the CEO Pulse Podcast.


    #AaronChapman #EricJChapman #Redneckonomics #Illustration #UnconventionalSuccess #RealEstate #Finance #Entrepreneurship #InvestmentProperties #BusinessMindset #CEO #MindsetMatters


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    54 min
  • Faith Based Entrepreneurship with Sandy Moll & Rafael Cortez
    Jan 5 2026

    In this episode of the CEO Pulse Podcast, we sit down with Sandy J Moll, a seasoned entrepreneur and coach with over 30 years of experience. Sandy, along with her husband Dave, has built multiple successful businesses, including in real estate and lending, always with purpose and integrity.
    Sandy shares her faith-driven approach to entrepreneurship, how her values have shaped the success of her seven companies, and introduces the concept of the "10-hour CEO." She discusses balancing work and life with grace while embracing faith, overcoming setbacks, and leading with purpose.
    If you're an entrepreneur seeking to integrate purpose and values into your business, this episode is for you.
    🔑 Key Takeaways:
    - How faith guides Sandy's business decisions
    - The power of working with purpose and prioritizing values
    - Why silence and time with God are essential for entrepreneurial success
    - The secrets behind growing businesses through referrals, not marketing
    - Practical insights on creating systems that bring simplicity and efficiency to your work
    Timestamps:
    00:00 – Intro
    02:00 – The Beginning of Sandy's Entrepreneurial Journey
    08:00 – Overcoming Financial Setbacks and Trusting God’s Plan
    15:30 – The "10-Hour CEO" and the Art of Prioritizing Time
    21:00 – Faith in Business: How God Directs Sandy's Steps
    29:45 – Surrendering Control and Finding Peace in Business
    38:30 – Building Businesses on Referral Alone: The Power of Serving Others
    45:00 – Sandy's Advice for Entrepreneurs: Patience and Living in Love
    About Sandy J Moll:
    Sandy Moll is a seasoned entrepreneur, business consultant, and coach. With over 30 years of experience in business, personal development, and nonprofit work, Sandy has empowered countless professionals and led transformational initiatives. Her specialties include strategic networking, empowering professionals, and creating environments that foster success through service.
    Connect with Sandy:
    - LinkedIn: Sandy J Moll
    - Facebook: Sandy J Moll
    - Instagram: @sandy_j_moll
    👉 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, comment your biggest takeaway, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations with industry leaders.
    #Entrepreneurship #FaithInBusiness #CEO #Leadership #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessGrowth #RealEstateInvesting #BusinessConsulting #SandyMoll #CEOPulsePodcast

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    53 min
  • From Bootstrapped to $10M SaaS: How smrtPhone Transformed Real Estate Tech with Jordan Samuel Fleming & Rafael Cortez.
    Dec 22 2025

    In this episode of the CEO Pulse Podcast, we sit down with Jordan Samuel Fleming — Co-Founder & Chairman of smrtPhone, one of the most widely used communication platforms in real estate investing and business operations.Jordan Fleming breaks down how he built smrtPhone from $0 to $10M+ in revenue, scaled a global team, and did it all without outside funding. We talk SaaS, REI tech, Podio, AI innovation, leadership, culture, scaling, and the truth about becoming a CEO who can step out of the day-to-day.Whether you're a real estate investor, SaaS founder, operator, or entrepreneur, this one will hit hard.Timestamps / Chapters:00:00 – Intro 02:05 – Starting smrtPhone: The Origin Story 06:32 – Bootstrapping a SaaS to $10M+ 10:48 – Why Phone + Podio Changed REI Forever 15:21 – Leadership, Culture & CEO Evolution 22:45 – Crisis Mode: Near Shutdown Story 31:10 – Building Teams Who Rally, Not Run 38:50 – AI, Innovation & What’s Coming Next 46:03 – Advice for Founders & CEOs 58:12 – Closing ThoughtsHighlights:• The truth about scaling SaaS without investors • Why smrtPhone became a real estate tech standard • How to build culture people actually fight for • The difference between managing and leading • When to step away from the CEO seat • Why complacency kills companies • What’s coming next with AI + communicationAbout Jordan Samuel Fleming:Jordan is the Co-Founder & Chairman of smrtPhone, one of the most widely used communication platforms in real estate investing. He has decades of experience in technology, scaling teams, building systems, and leading organizational change at the highest level. smrtPhone is deeply integrated with Podio and continues to innovate at the front edge of AI.Connect with Jordan Fleming:Website: https://www.smrtphone.io/Instagram: IG: https://www.instagram.com/jsamuelfleming/Listen to the full episode:Youtube: https://youtu.be/jFoU3EP6_XIBuzzSprout: http://bit.ly/49anaMVSpotify: https://bit.ly/4qld6Y6Apple Podcast: https://bit.ly/4s5eWhL👉 If this resonated with you, LIKE, comment your biggest takeaway, and SUBSCRIBE for more episodes on entrepreneurship, energy, and growth.#smrtPhone #JordanFleming #CEOPulsePodcast #SaaSBusiness #RealEstateInvesting #REITech #PodioCRM #BusinessLeadership #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessGrowth #ScalingBusiness #Bootstrapped #StartupFounder #ArtificialIntelligence #RealEstateInvestors

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    1 h et 24 min
  • Tapping Into Your Feminine Power Through Entrepreneurship with Joanna Vasquez & Rafael Cortez.
    Nov 19 2025

    Want to tap into your feminine energy and build a thriving business?

    In this episode, Rafael sits down with Joanna Vasquez—entrepreneur, insurance agency owner, and powerhouse leader—to discuss how she’s harnessed her feminine power to scale her business and empower other women.

    Joanna’s journey started with getting fired and led her to build a successful insurance agency. Now, she’s expanding into franchises and is here to share her strategies for balancing structure, intuition, and energy to grow a business that feels aligned and sustainable. 💥

    If you’re a woman looking to step into your full power, this episode will give you practical insights on setting boundaries, healing self-worth, and creating a business that supports your vision.


    Key Points Covered:

    • How getting fired led to Joanna betting on herself and finding success.
    • The importance of healing self-worth to attract the right clients and opportunities.
    • How to combine masculine structure with feminine energy for balanced business growth.
    • Energy management, daily rituals, and protecting your personal power.
    • Joanna’s vision for empowering other women through her franchise model.

    Timestamps / Chapters:
    00:00 – Intro & Joanna’s journey from fired to thriving entrepreneur
    05:20 – How healing self-worth shifted her business and life
    10:10 – Balancing structure and intuition in business
    14:30 – Creating healthy boundaries and protecting your energy
    20:00 – Building a business that supports your personal life
    25:30 – Joanna’s vision for a franchise model and empowering women
    32:00 – Where to connect with Joanna and next steps.


    Connect with Joanna:
    Instagram: IG: https://www.instagram.com/thejoannav/

    Website: https://bit.ly/4oYOHHu


    👉 If this resonated with you, LIKE, comment your biggest takeaway, and SUBSCRIBE for more episodes on entrepreneurship, energy, and growth.


    #FemininePower #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #EnergyManagement #SelfWorth #BusinessGrowth #JoannaVasquez #RafaelCortez

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    38 min
  • How to Structure Your Business for Healthy Leverage with Aaron Chapman & Rafael Cortez.
    Nov 12 2025

    Want to build a lasting business with the right structure for healthy leverage?


    In this episode, Rafael sits down with Aaron Chapman—author, top 1% mortgage loan originator, and real estate financing expert—to break down how you can set up your business for success from day one.


    With over 25 years of experience, Aaron advises over 100 clients a month, helping them source and finance cash-flow positive investment properties. He ranked #7 in the nation in 2022, closing over 100 transactions per month, and now he’s here to share his best strategies for leveraging your business and real estate portfolio for long-term growth. 🚀


    If you're just getting started or looking to improve your current strategy, this episode is packed with valuable insights on setting up LLCs, leveraging infinite banking, and using the right structure to protect your wealth and legacy.


    Key Points Covered:

    • Why structuring your business the right way from the start is crucial for long-term success.

    • The power of leverage and how to use it effectively without overextending yourself.

    • The importance of starting with the right legal and organizational structure, including LLCs and trusts.

    • How to maximize returns with 30-year fixed loans and DSCR products.

    • The role of infinite banking and whole life insurance in building a legacy.

    • The best strategies for real estate investors looking to grow their portfolios while managing risk.

    Timestamps / Chapters:

    • 00:00 – Intro & Aaron’s background in finance and real estate.

    • 03:30 – Why getting your structure right from the start is critical.

    • 08:15 – The power of leverage and how to use it for growth.

    • 12:45 – Setting up LLCs and trusts for long-term wealth preservation.

    • 17:30 – Understanding DSCR loans and 30-year fixed products.

    • 22:10 – The role of infinite banking and whole life insurance in real estate investing.

    • 28:05 – How to structure your real estate portfolio for maximum efficiency.

    • 35:20 – Real-life examples of using leverage to scale a real estate business.

    • 42:50 – Aaron’s tips for new investors looking to build their portfolio.

    • 50:00 – Where to connect with Aaron and next steps.

    Connect with Aaron:

    Website: https://aaronchapman.com/


    Social Media Links:

    Youtube: @AaronChapmanSGOC

    Instagram: sgoc_aaron

    Twitter: @AaronBChapman

    TikTok: theredneckmortgagebroker

    👉 If this helped, LIKE, comment your biggest takeaway, and SUBSCRIBE for weekly playbooks.


    #RealEstateInvesting #BusinessStructure #Leverage #LegacyBuilding #WealthManagement #Entrepreneurship

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    49 min
  • How to Think BIG & the Magic of Possibilities with Justin Thorstad & Rafael Cortez
    Nov 7 2025

    CEO Pulse Mindset Monday Ep 88: How to Think BIG & the Magic of Possibilities with Justin Thorstad & Rafael Cortez


    In this episode of Mindset Monday, Rafael Cortez and Justin Thorstad dive deep into the power of thinking big and embracing the limitless potential that lies within us. They explore how expanding your mindset can open doors to opportunities beyond what you could ever imagine.


    Justin and Rafael share their personal experiences of thinking bigger, especially when faced with unexpected opportunities that were much larger than anticipated. The conversation emphasizes how shifting from limiting beliefs to expansive thinking is key to unlocking a world of possibilities.


    You’ll discover how to:

    • Break free from limiting beliefs and start thinking on a grander scale.

    • Develop the habit of visualizing and committing to big opportunities.

    • Overcome the fear of failure by embracing risk and focusing on the upside.

    • Understand the importance of leaving room in your mind for the possibilities that lie ahead.

    • Tap into the magic of life by intentionally aligning your thoughts with success.

    • Recognize that thinking big isn’t about knowing the exact path — it’s about being open to where the journey takes you.

    This episode will challenge your perception of what's possible and encourage you to step into your full potential as an entrepreneur and individual. If you’ve been holding yourself back or feeling uncertain about your next big move, this conversation will inspire you to break through and aim higher than you ever thought possible.


    Timecode:

    0:00 – Intro

    2:00 – The Power of Thinking Big

    6:00 – Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs

    10:00 – Shifting Mindset: From Risk Aversion to Opportunity

    14:00 – Embracing Bigger Opportunities Than You Imagined

    18:30 – The Importance of Leaving Room for Possibilities

    22:00 – Visualizing Success and Taking Action

    28:00 – Overcoming Negative Thought Patterns

    33:00 – How to Develop a Bigger Vision for Your Life

    38:00 – Final Thoughts: The Magic of Thinking Big


    Connect with Justin Thorstad:

    📞 Cell: (602) 348-8534

    📧 Email: Justin@libertasrealestate.com

    🔗 Website: www.justinthorstad.com

    📱 Instagram: @justinthorstad


    Follow Rafael Cortez:

    🌐 Website: www.ceopulse.com

    📱 Instagram: @rafaelcortezceo

    📘 Facebook: @rafaelcortezceo


    CEO Pulse | The Real, The Raw & The Mind of Entrepreneurship.

    Your backstage pass to the stories, strategies, and psychology of top-performing entrepreneurs. Subscribe, like, and share for more!


    #ceopulse #mindsetmonday #entrepreneurship #businessmindset #thinkbig #possibilities #growth #success #leadership

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    33 min
  • From High school to High 6 Figures in under a year with Joshua | Tyler & Rafael Cortez.
    Oct 28 2025

    From High School → High 6 Figures (in under a year!)


    Rafael sits down with Joshua Douchee & Tyler Williams of Silverstone Capital (Chicago) to unpack how they went from a senior-year bathroom cold call to consistent deals and high 6 figures—fast.

    We cover:
    1️⃣ Scrappy start: JV’ing “dead leads” and early novations that worked in overlooked markets
    2️⃣ Role clarity that unlocked scale: ops vs. relationships
    3️⃣ Pipeline speed: being the “squeaky wheel” with title/agents to shorten cash conversion cycles
    4️⃣ Hard lessons: setting boundaries on nightmare deals vs. doubling down on winners
    5️⃣ Wins: a $63k+ spread and why bigger deals are often simpler.


    Key takeaway: Solve ugly problems, finish the job, and run a disciplined cadence—conversations close, broadcasts don’t.


    Timestamps / Chapters:
    00:00 – Intro & who Joshua and Tyler are

    02:00 – High school → high 6 figures: the origin story

    05:00 – The “bathroom cold call” & first JV wins

    09:00 – Novations 101: when and where they work

    12:30 – Building buyer lists from real transactions

    16:00 – Phone-first cadence (double dial → VM → text)

    19:00 – Role clarity that unlocked scale (ops vs relationships)

    22:30 – Systems: CRM, cadences, daily huddles

    26:00 – Pipeline speed: “squeaky wheel” with title/agents

    30:00 – Deal breakdown: the ~$63k spread (why it was simple)

    34:00 – Quality control: walking from bad deals, doubling down on winners

    38:00 – Hiring ahead of growth & avoiding mis-hires

    42:00 – 2025 reality: spreads, soft costs, what’s working

    46:00 – Action playbook: what to execute next 30 days

    50:00 – Rapid-fire: tools, scripts, KPIs

    58:00 – Resources, where to connect & wrap


    Connect with Joshua Douchee & Tyler Williams:

    Joshua Douchee IG: https://www.instagram.com/joshua.jmd.dochee/

    Tyler Williams IG: https://www.instagram.com/tyler.williams_._/


    👉 If this helped, LIKE, comment your biggest takeaway, and SUBSCRIBE for weekly playbooks.


    #Wholesaling #RealEstateInvesting #Novations #Dispositions #Acquisitions #ColdCalling #RealEstatePodcast #EntrepreneurMindset #RafaelCortez #SilverstoneCapital #ChicagoREI #HighSchoolToSixFigures


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    1 h et 2 min
  • How to Become the Anti-Fragile Entrepreneur With Rafael Cortez & Justin Thorstad.
    Oct 22 2025

    𝗖𝗘𝗢 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝘀𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗘𝗽 𝟴𝟳: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗶-𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝗮𝗳𝗮𝗲𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝘇 & 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗱.


    In this episode of Mindset Monday, we explore what it really means to be anti-fragile — to thrive through adversity, chaos, and uncertainty instead of breaking under it.
    Rafael Cortez and Justin Thorstad break down the emotional intelligence behind the mindset of an anti-fragile entrepreneur — the kind of leader who doesn’t just survive challenges but grows stronger because of them. They discuss how self-awareness, discipline, and perspective help you face setbacks with resilience and use every obstacle as fuel for growth.
    𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼:

    - Develop emotional intelligence to navigate stress and burnout.
    - Shift from being resilient to being anti-fragile — using pressure as power.
    - Build self-regulation and awareness to stay grounded in chaos.
    - Reframe adversity as a necessary part of your evolution.
    - Find joy, curiosity, and purpose in the day-to-day grind of entrepreneurship.
    - Recognize burnout as a signal of misalignment — not weakness.
    - Stay unshakable by protecting your peace, focus, and energy.
    This episode is a powerful reminder that success isn’t about avoiding pain — it’s about transforming it. The moment you stop resisting the chaos and start learning from it, you step into the mindset that makes you unstoppable.
    Whether you’re building a business, leading a team, or just trying to level up in life — this conversation will challenge your thinking and redefine how you view failure, struggle, and growth.
    𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗱𝗲:

    0:00 – Intro
    2:30 – Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Entrepreneurship
    6:00 – The Truth About Burnout and Self-Awareness
    10:15 – Resilience vs. Anti-Fragility
    14:00 – How to Reframe Chaos as Opportunity
    19:30 – Emotional Strength and the Courage to Act
    25:00 – Discipline, Alignment, and Daily Awareness
    30:00 – Finding Joy and Gratitude in Small Wins
    35:00 – Staying Curious and Hungry as a Creator
    40:00 – Final Thoughts: Becoming Unshakable
    Connect with Justin Thorstad:
    📞 Cell: (602) 348-8534
    📧 Email: Justin@libertasrealestate.com
    🔗 Website: www.justinthorstad.com
    📱 Instagram: @justinthorstad
    Follow Rafael Cortez:
    🌐 Website: www.ceopulse.com
    📱 Instagram: @rafaelcortezceo
    📘 Facebook: @rafaelcortezceo
    CEO Pulse | The Real, The Raw & The Mind of Entrepreneurship.
    Your backstage pass to the stories, strategies, and psychology of top-performing entrepreneurs. Subscribe, like, and share for more!
    #ceopulse #mindsetmonday #entrepreneurship #businessmindset #antifragile #emotionalintelligence #selfawareness #resilience #growth #leadership #success

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    43 min