Anne Grey, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish Orange County & the Inland Empire, shares the organization’s mission to bring hope to children with critical illnesses. She discusses the types of wishes granted, the qualification process, and the importance of community and volunteer involvement. Anne also reflects on her first year leading the chapter and the lasting impact of each wish.

Anne Grey is a seasoned nonprofit leader with over 25 years of experience driving growth and impact at organizations such as Vivalon, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Recognized as one of OC Register’s Most Influential People in 2020, Anne is known for her strategic leadership and community-driven focus. She currently resides in both Irvine and Rancho Mirage, bringing a unique regional perspective to her work with Make-A-Wish. Anne holds a BA in International Relations from the University of San Diego and an MBA from Pepperdine University, and she actively volunteers with several local organizations.

In this episode:

• Introducing this year’s benefit charity: Make-A-Wish Orange County & the Inland Empire
• Anne Grey shares the mission and impact of Make-A-Wish
• Types of wishes granted and how families are involved in the process
• Anne reflects on her first year as President & CEO and the emotional impact of wish experiences
• Understanding the wish qualification process, including the urgency of rush wishes
• Fundraising strategies and Make-A-Wish’s financial goals for 2025
• The powerful impact of wishes on children, families, and communities
• The vital role of volunteers in delivering hope and creating meaningful experiences

The Norris Group originates and services loans in California and Florida under California DRE License 01219911, Florida Mortgage Lender License 1577, and NMLS License 1623669. For more information on hard money lending, go www.thenorrisgroup.com and click the Hard Money tab.


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In this bonus episode, Joe Downs returns to share deeper insights into the operations, trends, and future of self-storage investing. He covers hybrid management models, the role of AI in streamlining customer service, and his approach to sourcing and funding deals. Joe also highlights how the ongoing housing shortage is boosting demand for storage and why younger generations are driving industry growth. The episode wraps with practical advice for investors eyeing opportunities in this evolving asset class.

Joe is a lifelong entrepreneur with a track record of success across the securities, mortgage, hospitality, and real estate industries. As co-founder and CEO of The Belrose Group, he’s built a powerhouse firm specializing in the self-storage sector of commercial real estate—expanding it from acquisitions to include development and consulting. Known for spotting “niches within niches,” Joe brings a sharp eye for opportunity and a passion for educating others. He’s a featured speaker at the Self-Storage Academy and Mastermind, where he shares his insights as both a visionary leader and a hands-on investor.

In this episode:

• Exploring hybrid management models in self-storage operations
• Leveraging AI-driven call centers to improve efficiency and service
• How Joe Downs sources deals and stays ahead of market trends
• Creative funding strategies for storage acquisitions at any investment level
• The connection between the housing shortage and rising storage demand
• Demographic trends fueling continued growth in the self-storage industry
• Joe Downs shares expert advice on the future of storage and smart investing

The Norris Group originates and services loans in California and Florida under California DRE License 01219911, Florida Mortgage Lender License 1577, and NMLS License 1623669. For more information on hard money lending, go www.thenorrisgroup.com and click the Hard Money tab.


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Radio Show

In Part 2, Joe Downs continues his story, diving deeper into his transition into real estate—from early partnerships in wholesaling and flipping to building a scalable business in self-storage. He shares the challenges of navigating commercial real estate, key operational strategies, and how technology is reshaping the self-storage industry. Joe also reflects on the importance of staying adaptable and always learning in a fast-evolving market.

Joe is a lifelong entrepreneur with a track record of success across the securities, mortgage, hospitality, and real estate industries. As co-founder and CEO of The Belrose Group, he’s built a powerhouse firm specializing in the self-storage sector of commercial real estate—expanding it from acquisitions to include development and consulting. Known for spotting “niches within niches,” Joe brings a sharp eye for opportunity and a passion for educating others. He’s a featured speaker at the Self-Storage Academy and Mastermind, where he shares his insights as both a visionary leader and a hands-on investor.

In this episode:

• Joe Downs’ path from hospitality and radio sales to real estate investing
• Partnering in house flipping and wholesaling: early lessons and wins
• Challenges faced in commercial real estate and strategic pivots
• Breaking into self-storage investing and spotting niche opportunities
• Key operations and marketing strategies in self-storage success
• How digital tools are transforming the self-storage industry
• The value of adaptability and lifelong learning in real estate

The Norris Group originates and services loans in California and Florida under California DRE License 01219911, Florida Mortgage Lender License 1577, and NMLS License 1623669. For more information on hard money lending, go www.thenorrisgroup.com and click the Hard Money tab.


Video Link

Radio Show