Jeremy Goldberg joins James and Abbey for another episode of the Hometown Hustle Series to talk about his unconventional path from the restaurant industry to becoming one of the top loan originators in the country. Jeremy shares lessons from hospitality, building culture inside the Liberty Corridor, family values, New Jersey pride, and the importance of leading with authenticity and relationships.

Key Points from This Episode

0:00 – Intro and welcoming Jeremy Goldberg

0:35 – Jeremy’s background and leading the Liberty Corridor

1:08 – From restaurant owner to real estate investor and lender

3:32 – “Cooking to closing” and Jeremy’s culinary roots

4:15 – Opening restaurants in Miami and lessons from hospitality

7:07 – How restaurant experience influences leadership today

8:39 – Competing in the New York/New Jersey lending market

10:36 – Renovo culture and building the Hoboken office

14:40 – The famous office money tree story

17:28 – Birkenstocks, jam bands, and personal style

18:34 – Jeremy’s glasses clip demonstration

20:47 – Family life, marriage, and raising two daughters

22:37 – Real estate market insights and lending discipline

29:16 – Challenges with excess capital in lending markets

30:25 – Building toward a billion-dollar Liberty Corridor market

31:32 – Scotsman Guide rankings and team success

33:17 – What actually annoys Jeremy

34:00 – Unique New Jersey culture and quirks

35:43 – Sopranos vs. Jersey Shore debate

37:16 – Bagels, pizza, and Northeast food opinions

38:51 – Bruce Springsteen and Jersey Shore stories

39:44 – Favorite Jersey Shore cast members

41:24 – Jeremy’s biggest role model growing up

42:15 – Books, shows, and why Ted Lasso resonates with him

43:27 – Final thoughts and wrap-up

Links

Renovo Financial - https://renovofinancial.com/

James Gaskin on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-gaskin-b675593/

Abbey Hearn on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbey-hearn-37aa7526

In this episode of Hustle Harder, James and Abbey sit down with Brendan Ochinero to discuss his journey from growing up in San Diego to becoming one of the top-producing lenders in the country. Brendan shares how an early career in renewable energy land acquisition unexpectedly led him into private lending, the coffee shop conversation that changed everything, and the lessons he learned working every side of the lending business before joining Renovo during the COVID era.

The conversation dives into building a high-performing team in Southern California, what gives Renovo an edge in competitive West Coast markets, and why strong borrower relationships matter more than ever in today’s environment. Brendan also opens up about family life as a husband and father of two girls, balancing the intensity of lending with life at home, and what makes San Diego such a unique place to live and work. Along the way, the group talks surf culture, tacos, golf trips, dive bars, Cubs memories, and plenty of California lifestyle stories.

Key Points from This Episode

00:00 – Welcome back to the Hustle Harder Show from Chicago

00:56 – Brendan’s San Diego upbringing and early career in renewable energy

02:06 – Learning sales, relationship building, and handling rejection

03:06 – The coffee shop conversation that launched Brendan’s lending career

04:43 – Learning every side of the lending business early on

05:51 – Joining Renovo during the COVID era

06:28 – Brendan’s relationship with Paul Shaughnessy and entering the industry

07:37 – Producing $245M in 2025 and ranking #5 on Scotsman Guide

09:02 – Family life, marriage, and raising two daughters

10:05 – Transitioning from work mode into dad mode

11:37 – Brendan’s morning routine and life with kids and dogs

12:54 – Surf culture and the San Diego lifestyle

14:08 – Building the San Diego Renovo office culture

14:54 – Brendan’s team structure and daily operations

16:19 – What gives their team a competitive edge in California

18:24 – Understanding San Diego real estate pricing dynamics

19:41 – Dream neighborhoods and ideal places to live in San Diego

21:11 – Brendan’s perfect Saturday in Del Mar

22:50 – Best tacos, burritos, and local San Diego food spots

24:41 – Cubs memories, Petco Park, and growing up around Chicago sports culture

26:08 – Childhood hero: Michael Jordan

26:49 – Podcasts, TV shows, and what Brendan is currently watching

28:47 – Favorite golf courses and memorable golf trips

30:51 – Renovo golf competition and team dynamics

32:05 – What top investors are doing differently in today’s market

34:07 – Scottsdale vs. San Diego nightlife debate

35:44 – Favorite dive bars and local hangout spots

37:00 – Final thoughts and episode wrap-up

Links

Renovo Financial - https://renovofinancial.com/

James Gaskin on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-gaskin-b675593/

Abbey Hearn on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbey-hearn-37aa7526

Brendan Ochinero on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanochinero

In this episode of Hustle Harder, James and Abbey sit down with Brandon Moulton, one of Renovo’s top multifamily lenders, to discuss his path from Toledo, Ohio to becoming a nationally recognized originator in real estate finance. Brandon shares how early experiences in development and banking shaped his career, why he transitioned into private lending, and what has kept him at Renovo for more than a decade. The conversation explores the current state of Chicago multifamily investing, the importance of focus and repeatable business plans, building strong borrower relationships, and the evolution of Renovo’s culture over the years. Along the way, the crew dives into family life, moving to St. Louis, favorite Midwest food stops, old Renovo stories, and plenty of laughs.

Key Points from This Episode

00:00 – Welcome back to the Hustle Harder Show from downtown Chicago

00:44 – Brandon’s background growing up in Toledo, Ohio

01:57 – Early exposure to development work and discovering real estate

03:22 – Transitioning from traditional banking into private lending

04:19 – Brandon’s 2024 production numbers and multifamily lending focus

05:14 – Moving from Chicago to St. Louis and balancing both markets

07:01 – Parenting life with two young boys and family routines

08:13 – The legendary Wally’s gas station discussion

09:36 – Reflecting on Renovo’s early startup culture and hustle mentality

12:06 – Memorable moments from Brandon’s first days at Renovo

14:25 – The craziest site visit story from Brandon’s lending career

15:15 – Building and managing Brandon’s six-person lending team

18:05 – Brandon’s most overused phrases and pipeline meeting habits

19:05 – The current state of Chicago’s multifamily market

20:44 – The biggest challenges facing investors today

20:52 – Why focus is the defining trait of successful operators

22:03 – How Renovo supports repeatable business plans and experienced borrowers

24:13 – Strategic introductions, contractor relationships, and tax incentives

25:18 – Cubs vs. Cardinals and life between Chicago and St. Louis

26:50 – Books, routines, workouts, and balancing work with family life

29:03 – Debating who would win a foot race: Brandon or Eric Workman

30:31 – Chicago food takes, favorite snacks, and movie theater traditions

32:42 – Final thoughts and episode wrap-up

Links

Renovo Financial - https://renovofinancial.com/

James Gaskin on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-gaskin-b675593/

Abbey Hearn on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbey-hearn-37aa7526

Brandon Moutlon on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-moulton-7447519