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

In the first installment of the Hometown Hustle series, James Gaskin and co-host Abbey Hearn sit down with Eric Workman, one of Renovo’s most tenured originators. Eric shares his journey from working in construction to becoming a top-producing lender, while helping his team approach $1B in originations.

The conversation dives into what makes the Chicago real estate market unique, why it’s often misunderstood, and how consistency, relationships, and local expertise have fueled Eric’s success. The episode also explores team building, company growth, and what it takes to scale in a competitive lending environment—all with a dose of personality and rapid-fire fun.

What You’ll Learn:

• Chicago is a highly resilient and often misunderstood real estate market.
• Success in lending comes from consistency, reliability, and strong relationships.
• Building a dedicated, in-house team improves both efficiency and client experience.
• In-person collaboration accelerates growth, training, and problem-solving.
• The best clients are long-term, professional investors seeking true partnerships.
• Local market expertise provides a major competitive advantage.

Timestamps:

0:00 – Introduction to the Hometown Hustle series and Eric Workman

2:05 – Eric’s background and entry into real estate

3:31 – Early days at Renovo and company evolution

5:03 – Approaching $1B in loan originations

6:40 – Building and structuring a high-performing team

8:51 – Delivering consistent customer experience and borrower loyalty

10:50 – Importance of in-person collaboration and team culture

13:15 – Scaling production and training new talent

15:55 – Chicago real estate market insights and trends

19:32 – Challenges and complexity of investing in Chicago

22:30 – Building a client base of professional investors

24:30 – Value of expertise and local market knowledge

26:05 – Transition from operator to lender

27:19 – Early exposure to real estate and career path

31:49 – Advice to younger self and betting on yourself

32:57 – Favorite Chicago neighborhoods and lifestyle insights

34:07 – Chicago food debate: pizza, hot dogs, and more

36:18 – Personal interests: bourbon, music, and podcasts

39:50 – Rapid-fire questions: movies, food, and fun facts

42:03 – Closing thoughts and series 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

Eric Workman on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-workman-1681996

In this episode of The Hustle Harder Show, host James Gaskin sits down with Dajuan Robinson, a Chicago-based general contractor, real estate investor, and mentor. Dajuan shares how he went from learning carpentry at a young age to building a thriving real estate business and leading impactful community development projects.

He breaks down the lessons learned from early mistakes, navigating predatory lending, and how partnerships—especially with the Cook County Land Bank and Renovo’s C3 program—helped scale his work. Dajuan also dives into his passion for mentorship, creating educational cohorts to help aspiring developers avoid costly pitfalls and build sustainable success.

What You’ll Learn:

• Start where you are—hands-on skills can evolve into full-scale investing.
• Mistakes are part of the process, but persistence is what creates success.
• Access to capital and the right partnerships are critical to scaling.
• Community-focused development creates long-term impact beyond profit.
• Mentorship can save time, money, and costly errors.
• Real estate success requires discipline, sacrifice, and consistency.

Timestamps:

0:00 – Show intro and guest introduction

1:02 – Dajuan’s background and multiple roles

2:02 – Growing up in Chicago and early ambitions

4:43 – Introduction to carpentry through family and school

6:23 – Building a client base before graduating high school

10:03 – Leaving a stable job to pursue entrepreneurship

11:06 – First real estate deal and partnership

13:09 – Scaling early investments and learning financing

14:32 – Challenges with predatory lenders

15:21 – Cook County Land Bank explained

20:40 – Transition into new construction projects

24:32 – Meeting Tiffany Taylor and entering C3/Renovo ecosystem

26:42 – Securing funding and scaling developments

29:08 – First new construction success and community impact

31:32 – Economic and neighborhood impact of development

33:35 – Becoming a mentor and launching education programs

34:21 – “Real & Rehab” mentorship program creation

36:12 – Building a full real estate course

41:20 – Cohort structure and learning experience

43:18 – Hands-on site visits and real-world training

48:12 – Who the program is for

52:31 – The reality of real estate commitment

54:21 – Portfolio growth and scaling

55:24 – Advice on mentorship and avoiding losses

56:46 – Long-term vision: helping others succeed

Links

Renovo Financial - https://renovofinancial.com/

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

In this episode of Hustle Harder, James sits down with Marcus Crigler, Founder of BEC CFO & CPA, to break down what truly separates real estate operators who build lasting wealth from those stuck in the hustle cycle. Marcus shares his journey into real estate-focused accounting, explains why most investors struggle with the “language of business,” and outlines a practical framework for moving from hustle to security, expansion, and ultimately investment-driven freedom. The conversation dives into financial discipline, reserves, hiring strategy, key ratios, market shifts, and advanced tax strategy—offering a blueprint for building a resilient, scalable real estate business in an “earn it” market.

Key Points from This Episode

00:00 – Welcome to the Hustle Harder Show and introduction

00:24 – Introducing Marcus Crigler, fractional CFO for real estate investors

02:26 – Marcus’ origin story and how 2008 shaped his career path

05:44 – The meaning behind “Beck” and building a business around family

07:59 – Why most real estate investors struggle with financial sophistication

12:29 – The hidden cost of ignoring bookkeeping and financial structure

17:19 – The evolution from DIY bookkeeping to full financial back-office support

21:44 – Why growing businesses need more than a shoebox of receipts

27:12 – The four phases of every entrepreneur: Hustle → Secure → Expand → Invest

30:52 – The danger of expanding before securing reserves

33:46 – Growing expenses with reserves instead of revenue

37:18 – The impact of 2022–2023 growth and 2025 margin compression

42:04 – Why today’s market rewards disciplined operators

45:50 – Sharpening strategy and adapting to shifting buyer demand

50:22 – Competing by differentiating product in an “earn it” market

56:13 – The core financial ratios every real estate operator should track

59:40 – Running a 30% margin business: marketing, human capital, and G&A

01:01:32 – Cash flow timing, liquidity, and managing construction draws

01:07:20 – Tax strategy, marginal rates, and why deductions matter more at scale

01:11:44 – Leveraging real estate for tax efficiency through bonus depreciation

01:13:01 – Real-world client examples of improving liquidity and tax positioning

Links

Renovo Financial - https://renovofinancial.com/

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

Marcus Crigler on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7

BEC CFO & CPA - https://beccfo.com/

In this episode of Hustle Harder, James sits down with John Curry, Co-Founder and CEO of Sétanta Development Capital, to break down the misunderstood world of land acquisition and development (A&D) lending. John shares his journey from Irish lawyer to U.S. real estate investor, explains why land earned its “toxic” reputation after the GFC, and walks through how modern land development actually works. The conversation covers risk, entitlement challenges, public builders going land-light, private credit replacing banks, and why land remains a critical “widget” in solving the housing shortage.

Key Points from This Episode

00:00 – Welcome to the Hustle Harder Show and introduction of guest John Curry

01:09 – John’s background, move from Ireland, and entry into A&D investing

02:39 – Founding Sétanta and closing the firm’s first loan

03:04 – The origin and meaning of the name Sétanta

05:22 – What Sétanta does and how land lending differs from construction lending

07:34 – How land development works from raw land to buildable lots

10:48 – Why builders stopped self-developing land post-GFC

12:51 – Public markets, land-light strategies, and risk perception

14:32 – Why land became a “four-letter word” after the GFC

20:49 – How forced selling distorted land values and wiped out developers

23:35 – Sétanta’s borrower-first philosophy and partnership mindset

24:42 – COVID-era deal challenges and honoring commitments

29:23 – How the land business has evolved since the GFC

31:29 – Land scarcity, entitlement challenges, and affordability pressures

35:01 – Opportunity created by a shortage of land developers

38:02 – Builder takeouts, deposits, and reduced speculation

41:10 – Sétanta’s leverage model and long-term developer relationships

43:48 – The retreat of banks and rise of private credit in land lending

47:32 – Experience, cycles, and why focus matters in A&D lending

50:15 – “Developers who lend” and managing execution risk

52:36 – Strategic alignment between Sétanta and Renovo

56:24 – Shared values, Victory Park connection, and partnership outlook

59:13 – Final thoughts and closing remarks

Links

Renovo Financial - https://renovofinancial.com/

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

John Curry on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfcurry

Sétanta - https://setantadc.com/

James Gaskin kicks off Season 3 with a deep dive into the major themes that shaped real estate lending in 2025 — and what's ahead for 2026. From market trends and fraud risk to AI adoption and the war for talent, James offers a candid, insightful look at the state of the industry. This solo episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom for both real estate investors and lenders navigating an uncertain, competitive environment.

Key Points from This Episode

3:08 – Welcome to Season 3: New energy, evolving content, and a look back at 2025

7:23 – Recapping 2025: Intense competition, rate compression, and investor capital influx

12:56 – Fraud & valuation issues: Major incidents spark industry-wide reassessment

19:38 – Market volatility: Inventory buildups in Texas, Florida, and the Carolinas

24:58 – Tariffs & immigration: Anticipated impacts on materials and labor that didn’t fully materialize

29:28 – The rise of AI: Opportunity for efficiency, but also new risks — especially in fraud

35:18 – Increased scrutiny from loan buyers: Discipline and underwriting standards on the rise

39:53 – 2026 forecast: Expect continued volatility and political intensity

43:23 – Talent wars: High switching costs, but strong lenders have an edge

48:08 – AI in 2026: More use cases, more fraud threats, and the need for balance

52:23 – “Higher for longer” interest rates: The market vs. Fed intentions

56:18 – Trump-era housing policies: Hedge fund bans & affordability narratives

59:38 – Fortifying capital structures: Why redundancy and liquidity are crucial

1:03:13 – Hyper-local insights: The importance of boots on the ground & relationships

1:05:23 – The need for industry self-regulation: Avoiding government intervention

1:07:38 – Smarter investing in 2026: Discipline, stress-testing, and capital reserves

1:10:38 – Over-leveraging & the hidden danger of 100% financing

1:12:18 – Final thoughts: The power of “no,” picking the right partners, and planning for volatility

Links

Renovo Financial - https://renovofinancial.com/

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