In this CG Live episode from our CEO & Premier event in Oceanside, California, I sit down with Eric Gydesen, San Diego-based operator closing 600+ deals a year and the founder of PPC Force. Eric had just stepped off the main stage where he broke down what a fully scaled marketing engine looks like heading into 2026 — and how AI is reshaping direct-to-seller marketing in real time.

We unpack what's actually working right now in direct mail and PPC, why sales cycles are elongating, and why consistency is separating serious operators from those stuck in "spray and pray" mode. Eric also dives into AI-driven Google advertising, speed-to-lead strategies, branded vs unbranded marketing debates, and why protecting your online reputation is becoming critical in the era of AI search overviews.

If you're building the three-legged stool of direct-to-seller — direct mail, PPC, and brand authority — this conversation is tactical, current, and built for scale.

[0:00] – Live from Oceanside at the CG CEO & Premier event

[1:50] – Why Eric presented on marketing and AI integration

[2:07] – What a fully scaled marketing engine looks like in 2025 moving into 2026

[3:01] – The big shift: sales cycles are elongating

[3:36] – Why consistency is beating "spray and pray" marketing

[4:30] – Direct mail: data refinement as the real competitive edge

[5:19] – Stacking product type, velocity, distress, and investor activity

[6:11] – AB testing insights and why most operators can't test at scale alone

[7:21] – Branded vs unbranded mail: national split-test results

[8:53] – Building a long-term competitive moat in your market

[10:20] – PPC realities: bottom-of-funnel intent and speed-to-lead

[11:18] – Winning the first conversation before competitors do

[12:12] – AI Max inside Google Ads and early performance data

[15:40] – AI search overviews and the importance of SEO reputation

[17:35] – Why responding to negative reviews builds trust

[20:14] – The origin of PPC Force and serving high-level operators

[23:20] – Scaling direct-to-seller with structure, systems, and discipline

1. Consistency Wins in a Longer Sales Cycle: Marketing isn't broken — but timelines have shifted. Operators who stay consistent while others pull back are gaining ground.
2. Speed Is the PPC Advantage: High-intent sellers move quickly. If your team doesn't respond immediately, someone else will.
3. Your Reputation Is Now an Asset Class: AI search results, review responses, and social presence are shaping perception faster than ever. Brand authority compounds.

• PPC Force: https://www.ppcforce.com
• Explore CG Membership: https://www.explorecg.com

If this episode challenged the way you think about marketing, speed, and long-term brand positioning, take a minute to rate, follow, and review the Collective Genius Podcast. And if you're ready to scale your real estate business alongside operators like Eric, visit https://www.explorecg.com and apply today.

In this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with longtime CG member and New England operator Adam Devine. Adam's journey is one of grit, resilience, and building a business rooted in culture, competitiveness, and doing the right thing—even when nobody's watching.

We unpack how Adam went from getting fired by his now business partner… to becoming that partner. From selling inside sales for REVA Global, to scaling virtually across multiple states, to pulling back and dominating his backyard, Adam shares the real lessons behind sustainable growth. This conversation is about focus, locker-room culture, adapting to market shifts, and why keeping the main thing the main thing still wins in today's environment.

[0:00] – Adam's markets: Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Northeast PA

[3:30] – Losing hockey and finding competition through real estate

[5:00] – Discovering "home buying" and the early wholesaling days

[6:30] – The hockey referee story that led to meeting his future partner

[8:00] – Getting fired—and the letter that predicted their partnership

[12:00] – Inside sales at REVA Global and selling to early CG members

[15:00] – Asking for 50% ownership… and getting let go

[17:30] – Reconnecting six months later and launching PerchRock

[19:00] – Scaling virtually and selling to hedge funds during the boom

[22:00] – Transitioning from nationwide virtual to dominating the backyard

[24:30] – Bringing RAMP in-house and shifting to in-person appointments

[26:00] – Best January in company history after making hard changes

[27:30] – Why face-to-face beats virtual when building seller trust

[30:00] – Building a true locker-room culture inside the company

[34:00] – Culture over skill: why cohesion wins long term

[36:00] – The role Collective Genius played in their growth

[39:00] – Paying it forward and staying humble in the room

1. Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing – Avoid shiny objects and double down on what you do best.
2. Culture Wins Championships – Cohesion and trust outperform raw talent every time.
3. Adapt or Get Left Behind – What worked in 2021 won't necessarily work today.
4. Integrity Compounds – Doing the right thing—even when nobody's watching—creates long-term opportunity.
5. Run With a Team – The fastest way to scale is to surround yourself with people who've already done it.

• ExploreCG.com – Learn more about the Collective Genius community
• PerchRock – Home buying company serving Connecticut & Massachusetts
• REVA Global – https://revaglobal.com/
• Connect with Adam Devine: Email – adam@perchrock.com Instagram – @theadamdevine

Adam's story is proof that you can recreate the locker room, build a culture of winners, and scale a real business without chasing every shiny object in the industry.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow, rate, review, and share the Collective Genius Podcast with someone who wants to compete—and win—the right way.

In this CG Live episode from Oceanside, California, I sit down with Doug Hopkins, a real estate investor with over 23,000 homes bought and more than 30 years of experience in some of the most competitive markets in the country. Doug built one of the biggest businesses inside CG, yet still runs acquisitions himself and leads with humility, heart, and a relentless drive to serve sellers—especially seniors.

We talk about what it's like to compete with institutions in Phoenix, how he rebuilt after losing everything, and why fast response times and genuine conversations still outperform fancy systems. Doug's mission-driven mindset, his respect for people, and his refusal to cut corners make this a masterclass in building a sustainable, ethical, and highly profitable business.

[0:00] – Live from Oceanside with Doug Hopkins, CG member and 23,000+ homes bought

[1:50] – Why Doug doesn't use slides or scripts—just real talk

[3:02] – Phoenix vs. Southern California markets: differences, similarities, and competition

[5:11] – Why Doug still personally runs acquisitions after 30+ years

[6:25] – Building and losing a company—and what he did differently the second time

[8:12] – Why helping sellers is still what lights him up

[9:18] – From NY to AZ: Doug's early life and real estate roots

[10:41] – Becoming a trusted face in the Phoenix market

[11:43] – Thriving in a normalized market through relationships, not just numbers

[12:54] – Consumers have changed—investors need to catch up

[15:05] – Wildest seller story ever: a live-in monkey, a dungeon, and a five-star review

[17:06] – Marketing, being human, solving problems—the real formula for success

[20:04] – Doug's branding advantage and how TV made him a local celebrity

[21:21] – The impact CG had on his systems, speed, and mindset

[23:34] – Doug's frustration with predatory practices in the industry

[26:16] – His plan to launch a nonprofit protecting elderly homeowners

[27:02] – Takeaways from CG sessions on AI, SEO, and staying sharp

[29:10] – Respect for builders after constructing his own home

[30:06] – Helping a friend get into CG and watching him scale

[32:27] – Even the best closers get told no—Doug's advice for staying grounded

[33:35] – Where to connect with Doug and follow his work

1. Being First Still Wins: Fast lead response and personal follow-up often beat automation and CRMs.
2. Reputation Is Everything: Building trust in your community opens doors no marketing campaign can buy.
3. Help More, Take Less: Doug's focus on protecting vulnerable sellers shows that doing good is also good business.

• Website: https://www.doughopkins.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doughopkinsrealestate
• Explore CG Membership: https://www.explorecg.com

If Doug's story reminded you that this business is about people—not just profit—then this episode was for you. Rate, follow, and review the Collective Genius Podcast. And if you're ready to scale in a room where integrity and impact matter, head to https://www.explorecg.com and apply today.

In this special CG Live episode from our Q4 CEO & Premier event, I sit down with keynote speaker Ben Nemtin, #1 New York Times bestselling author and co-creator of The Buried Life. Ben delivers a powerful message about purpose, burnout, and what really matters when success isn't enough. He challenges us to ask the deeper questions: What's on your bucket list? What would you regret not doing? And how can pursuing those things actually make you a better leader?

Ben's keynote wasn't just inspiration—it was activation. He had over 200 high-level investors in the room writing down their dreams, sharing them for accountability, and reconnecting to what lights them up outside of business. In this episode, we explore how that personal purpose becomes rocket fuel for leading teams, scaling companies, and living without regret.

[0:00] – Live from CG Oceanside with Ben Nemtin following his keynote presentation

[1:06] – Why purpose outside of work is the secret to sustainable leadership

[2:16] – The "Two Lists" exercise and how it sparks action and accountability

[3:34] – Why we wait for trauma to find clarity—and how to shortcut that

[4:32] – Purpose-driven leadership and building deep connection with your team

[5:11] – How CG's culture of honesty and vulnerability mirrors Ben's core message

[6:18] – Ben's origin story: pressure, breakdown, and the start of The Buried Life

[7:20] – The road trip that launched a movement: dreams, connection, and momentum

[8:40] – Helping others achieve their dreams turned out to be the most meaningful

[9:30] – Energy-driven living and what it means to align with your true self

[10:17] – Work-life harmony and small shifts that create real momentum

[11:04] – It's not selfish—it's service. The science behind doing what lights you up

[12:11] – Make your list. Choose one. Share it. Build accountability around it

[13:28] – Why accountability is king and how to create it for your purpose goals

[14:18] – Tracking KPIs for life and health the way you track business metrics

[15:07] – Achieving without fulfillment? Many CG members are facing the "what's next?"

[16:12] – Ben's favorite bucket list moment: playing basketball with President Obama

[18:07] – Living out of alignment creates stress—and shortens your life

[19:23] – The root of depression and why expression is the antidote

[20:31] – Protect your energy: start small, be consistent, and stay true

1. Purpose Isn't a Luxury—It's Leadership Fuel Reconnecting to what excites you outside of work makes you a better boss, parent, and human.
2. If You Don't Track It, It Won't Grow: Apply the same accountability to your personal goals as you do to your KPIs.
3. Alignment Extends Life: Living out of sync with your true self creates stress and burnout. Get real and get aligned.

• Website: https://www.bennemtin.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bennemtin
• Explore CG Membership: https://www.explorecg.com

If this conversation lit a spark for you, don't let it die out. Subscribe, rate, and review the Collective Genius Podcast—and visit https://www.explorecg.com to connect with purpose-driven entrepreneurs building lives they don't need to escape from.

In this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with who I call the ultimate utility player in our industry—Benmont Locker. If there's anyone uniquely positioned to talk about what's working right now for real estate investors, it's Benmont. From operations and growth strategy to sales training and talent development, he's been in—and built—nearly every seat that matters.

We dive deep into why 2026 is a year of stabilization, not reckless scaling, and why the operators winning today are the ones obsessing over fundamentals: leads, sales, people, and execution. Benmont shares his journey from retail and consulting into real estate, how his partnership with Eric Brewer evolved, and how ventures like RAMP REI and CG Elevate were born out of real, in-the-trenches necessity—not theory. This episode is a blueprint for building durable businesses, developing elite talent, and executing relentlessly in any market.

[0:00] – Why "stabilize growth" is the real theme of 2026

[2:30] – Benmont as the ultimate utility player in real estate

[4:45] – From family retail business to operations and consulting

[6:40] – Learning to execute ideas, not just create them

[7:45] – Exposure to startups across multiple industries

[9:30] – First real estate experiences—and learning what not to do

[11:00] – How Eric Brewer identified and recruited Benmont

[13:00] – Talent recruiting as a long-term strategy, not a reaction

[15:00] – Becoming the filter for a visionary without killing innovation

[17:00] – The evolution from operations to Chief Growth Officer

[19:00] – Why experimentation must live outside the core business

[21:00] – Creating career paths instead of job ceilings

[23:00] – Building partners, not just employees

[24:45] – The biggest lesson: commit fully or don't start

[27:00] – Why dabbling kills momentum

[28:30] – The origin of RAMP REI: solving internal sales problems first

[31:00] – Turning internal IP into an external platform

[33:00] – Avoiding guru culture by staying actively in the business

[35:00] – What RAMP REI actually helps operators fix

[37:00] – CG Elevate: bridging the gap from operator to business owner

[39:00] – Watching members scale, promote, and change their lives

[42:00] – What's working right now: simplify and execute

[44:00] – Why most struggles are really sales and lead problems

[45:30] – "Vicious execution" as the edge in today's market

[47:30] – Momentum as the most overlooked KPI

[48:30] – How to connect with Benmont

1. Stabilize Before You Scale – Sustainable growth starts with fundamentals, not expansion.
2. Talent Is Recruited, Not Found – Elite operators proactively identify and develop people.
3. Sales Fix Everything – Most business problems are really sales process problems.
4. Commit or Don't Start – Dabbling kills momentum; full commitment creates breakthroughs.
5. Execution Wins Markets – Simplify, focus, and execute with urgency—especially now.

• ExploreCG.com – Learn more about the Collective Genius community
• RAMP REI – Sales systems and training for real estate teams: https://ramprei.com/

Benmont's story is a reminder that the businesses winning today aren't doing more—they're doing the right things, better, with discipline and urgency.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow, rate, review, and share the Collective Genius Podcast with someone who wants to execute at a higher level in this market.

In this CG Live episode from Oceanside, California, I sit down with Craig Filek, founder of Purpose Mapping, for a powerful conversation about identity, burnout, and what lies beyond business success. If you're at that stage of life where you've hit your revenue goals, built the systems, and delegated the day-to-day—but still feel restless or stuck—this one's for you.

Craig breaks down his "Two Mountains" framework and explains why so many high-achieving entrepreneurs find themselves burned out, drifting, or trapped in the golden hamster wheel. We explore what it really takes to transition from building a business to building a legacy, and how reclaiming your authentic self can reignite fulfillment in both work and life.

[0:00] – Live from CG Oceanside—introducing Craig Filek and Purpose Mapping

[1:06] – Burnout, midlife, and why high achievers can't power down

[2:16] – Cortisol, coffee, and workaholism—the hidden addiction behind hustle

[3:52] – The 3-to-5 year itch and why dopamine keeps entrepreneurs chasing

[4:34] – Craig's "Two Mountains" framework—success vs. fulfillment

[5:45] – Midlife pitfalls: the golden hamster wheel, the retirement drift, and the Vegas spiral

[6:54] – The dark forest between mountains—what happens when purpose dissolves

[7:52] – Reclaiming authenticity from childhood to ignite the second mountain

[8:33] – Why legacy isn't built in your 80s—and how to start now

[9:11] – Facing the "unlived life" and the cave you fear to enter

[10:06] – What happens when the business runs without you—identity crisis at the top

[11:20] – The power (and fear) of asking: what do I do when I don't have to do anything?

[13:19] – Building paths for your second-in-command to avoid the same burnout

[14:24] – Where to find Craig and how to access his free Purpose AI tool for CG members

1. Success Is Only the First Mountain
2. True fulfillment—and legacy—start when you descend from the peak of achievement and climb with purpose.
3. Workaholism Is a Hell of a Drug
4. Burnout isn't a badge of honor. Learning how to rest and reclaim identity is key to sustainable leadership.
5. You Have to Go Into the Cave
6. Facing the parts of yourself you've sidelined is often the path to deeper impact and peace.

• Website: https://www.purposemapping.com
• Purpose AI Access for CG: https://www.purposed.ai/cg
• Instagram & YouTube: @purposemapping
• Explore CG Membership: https://www.explorecg.com

If Craig's message hit you in the gut—or gave you a glimpse of the next chapter—you're not alone. Rate, follow, and review the Collective Genius Podcast, and visit https://www.explorecg.com to get in the room with purpose-driven leaders scaling more than just businesses.

In this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with Adrian Hernandez for a powerful conversation on vision, belief, and what it really takes to scale a real estate business without losing yourself—or your family—in the process. Adrian's story is one of clarity from a young age, relentless energy, and the courage to burn the boats when it was time to go all in.

We talk about Adrian's journey from starting as a real estate agent at 19 to building a dominant wholesale and fix-and-flip operation across Orange County, Los Angeles, and the Inland Empire. Adrian shares the hard lessons from running a brokerage, shutting it down, rebuilding from scratch, and ultimately discovering that scale doesn't come from more people—it comes from better people, better systems, and the right rooms. This episode is a masterclass in mindset shifts, inbound marketing, lean teams, and putting family first while still building something great.

[0:00] – Adrian's infectious energy and why positivity attracts success

[2:30] – Starting in real estate early and writing a vision at 16 years old

[4:00] – Family influence, immigrant work ethic, and early exposure to success

[6:45] – Learning business fundamentals as a kid through real estate

[8:00] – Knowing early what he wanted to do—and the 2008 market crash

[9:30] – Trying firefighting and realizing real estate was the calling

[11:00] – Holding 22 jobs and mastering the art of interviewing

[13:00] – Becoming a top-producing agent by age 24

[15:00] – Moving markets and opening a brokerage in Orange County

[17:00] – Lessons learned from building (and struggling with) a brokerage

[19:00] – First flip, joint ventures, and wholesaling before it had a name

[21:00] – Hiring Nick Ramirez and finding off-market deals

[23:00] – Shutting down the brokerage and burning the boats in 2019

[25:00] – Early struggles: hiring without systems and pure hustle mode

[27:00] – The breakthrough moment: discovering inbound marketing

[29:00] – Realizing cold calling alone wouldn't get them to $10M+

[31:00] – Joining Collective Genius and the mindset shift around scale

[33:00] – Running lean: cutting down to 5 full-time employees

[35:00] – Why smart people + systems outperform big teams

[37:00] – TV marketing: the long game and why patience pays

[39:00] – Hiring with cognitive testing and upgrading talent

[41:00] – Scaling inbound marketing while staying disciplined

[43:00] – Handling uncertainty and pushing through the "winter"

[45:00] – The biggest shift: family first, business second

[47:00] – Social media, branding, and evolving content strategy

[49:00] – Where to connect with Adrian and closing thoughts

1. Vision Comes First – Adrian knew where he was going long before the results showed up.
2. Inbound Changes Everything – You can't scale to $10M+ relying on hustle alone.
3. Lean Beats Bloated – Five A-players with systems outperform 15 average hires.
4. Patience Pays – TV, PPC, and brand marketing take time—but compound massively.
5. Family First Wins Long-Term – True success is building a business that supports your life, not replaces it.

• ExploreCG.com – Learn more about the Collective Genius community

Adrian's story is proof that when you combine clarity, belief, the right people, and the right rooms, scale becomes inevitable—and fulfillment comes with it.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow, rate, review, and share the Collective Genius Podcast with someone who's ready to grow their business and their life the right way.

In this special CG Live episode from Oceanside, California, I sit down with Chris Porter, Senior Vice President at John Burns Research & Consulting, for a data-driven look into what's ahead for the housing market. Chris shares powerful insights into the demographic and economic trends that are shaping the next decade—and what investors must prepare for heading into 2026 and beyond.

From immigration policy to housing affordability, construction labor shortages to rental market shifts, Chris breaks down how real-time data helps decode the future of real estate. If you're looking for a crystal ball grounded in research (not guesswork), this episode delivers the macro perspective that investors can't afford to ignore.

[0:00] – Kicking off CG Live in Oceanside with 300+ investors and Chris Porter in the hot seat

[1:11] – Why demographics are the most powerful (and overlooked) driver of market trends

[2:16] – A preview of Chris's presentation to CG CEOs on housing outlook for 2026

[3:26] – How immigration policies and demographic shifts are reshaping labor and housing

[4:14] – 28% of construction labor born outside the U.S.—why that's a big deal

[4:57] – The post-2008 labor drop and its long-term impact on housing inventory

[6:17] – Rising college costs, return on investment, and the push for trade jobs

[7:15] – "Adulting delays" and the median age of first-time buyers hitting 40

[9:01] – Intergenerational wealth transfer: boomers are helping younger buyers now

[10:36] – Inventory shortages aren't going away—why that's the long game for investors

[11:26] – Buyers spending 40%+ of income on housing—what that means for demand

[12:44] – Renting is rising and renters are aging—welcome to the new normal

[13:34] – The cost to own is now double the cost to rent in many markets

[14:12] – Mortgage rates are staying above 6%—the "higher for longer" reality

[15:32] – The 5.5% mortgage rate "magic number" and why we won't hit it soon

[16:10] – If rates drop, prices jump: the inventory squeeze won't ease for long

[18:29] – Life-stage events still drive buying behavior—regardless of rate

[19:10] – Using frameworks to anticipate consumer demand after black swan events

1. Demographics Are Destiny: Understanding population trends, labor flows, and generational shifts gives investors a massive edge.
2. Inventory Is the Real Bottleneck: Even with rates fluctuating, the housing shortage—and construction labor gap—isn't going anywhere soon.
3. Renters Are Here to Stay: With affordability challenges and lifestyle shifts, long-term rental demand will continue to rise.

• John Burns Research & Consulting: https://www.realestateconsulting.com

• Explore CG Membership: https://www.explorecg.com

If this episode helped you think differently about the housing future, make sure you're in the room where conversations like this are happening. Subscribe, rate, and review the Collective Genius Podcast—and head to https://www.explorecg.com to apply for CG.