Self-Storage vs. Real Estate: The Surprising Winner with Fernando Angelucci

Are you looking for a recession-proof investment? In this episode, Russ and Joey sit down with Fernando Angelucci, who shares how he transitioned from the traditional 9-5 grind to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the world of self-storage. Using innovative strategies like seller financing, Fernando explains how he scaled his self-storage portfolio to create consistent, passive income while minimizing risk. The conversation focuses on why self-storage is one of the most recession-resistant investments, especially compared to other real estate types. Fernando also shares practical tips on identifying undervalued properties and how to structure deals with investors to maximize returns.

Self-Storage as a recession-proof investment

Three ways to acquire self-storage facilities

Building passive income with self-storage

Fernando Angelucci

Fernando Angelucci worked at Dow Chemical, a Fortune 50 company. At 23, he left the 9-5 world and started investing in residential real estate, moving to multi-family rental and later focusing on self-storage. Fernando is currently the CEO of SSSE (Self-Storage Syndicated Equities). This company builds institutional-grade self-storage facilities and buys value-add self-storage facilities nationwide.

Round Table | Dual Executive Reward Plan: Use Infinite Banking to Attract & Keep Top Talent

What’s the true cost of employee turnover, and how can business owners reduce it? In today's conversation, the financial coaches dive into employee retention strategies, focusing on how A-players drive business success. They reveal how traditional methods like 401(k)s often fall short in keeping top talent engaged, and introduce the dual executive reward plan as a game-changing tool for fostering loyalty and growth. By using the dual executive reward plan, business owners can create a system that rewards top employees and helps secure long-term retention without relying on expensive traditional retirement plans. They discuss how this strategy aligns with infinite banking to create more sustainable cash flow while ensuring that your best talent remains committed to your business.

The true cost of employee turnover

Attracting and retaining A-Players

The power of dual executive reward plans

Build a Business in 1 Hour a Day with Chris Cooper

What does it take to build a successful business from the ground up? In this episode, Chris Cooper joins Russ and Joey to share his inspiring journey from a struggling gym owner to a thriving entrepreneur. Chris discusses the pivotal moments that turned his business around, from realizing he needed mentorship to creating a path that allowed him to focus on growing his business and creating passive income. He dives deep into the importance of building a solid foundation with mentorship and systems, and how he uses his story to mentor other gym owners.

The power of mentorship

The four stages of business growth

How to build passive income

Chris Cooper

Chris Cooper believes hard-working business owners are the heart and soul of the economy, and he’s dedicated his life to supporting them through mentorship. His goal: help 1 million entrepreneurs find success. After starting Two-Brain Business in 2016, Chris grew the company into the largest gym mentorship company in the world.

Round Table | Why Laundromats Might Be the Best-Kept Secret in Passive Income

Are you looking for a passive income stream that could provide consistent returns and build generational wealth? In today's conversation, the financial coaches and laundromat expert Jordan Berry explore why laundromats are among the most underrated yet profitable passive income opportunities. They discuss how laundromats fit perfectly into the Investor DNA model and why it’s a powerful asset class for those looking to diversify their income sources. From evaluating financials to choosing the right location, the coaches review the key steps for getting started and scaling up. If you’re looking for an income-generating asset that doesn’t demand constant attention, get ready to learn tips you can use to add laundromats to your investment portfolio.

How laundromats generate passive income

Why laundromats are an ideal asset for long-term wealth

Finding the perfect laundromat investment

Strategies for Thriving in a Changing Economy with Chris Larsen

How can you thrive in a constantly shifting economy? In this episode, Chris Larsen joins Russ and Joey to share his expert strategies for navigating economic turbulence and making wise investment decisions. As interest rates rise and market volatility increases, Chris explores the opportunities that still exist, particularly in real estate, and how to adjust your investment strategy to stay ahead of the curve. He discusses why infinite banking can provide a reliable buffer in times of financial uncertainty and how adjusting your mindset can help you not just survive but thrive in this economic climate.

Adapting to market volatility

Why real estate remains a solid investment option

How to use infinite banking for stability

Chris Larsen

Chris Larsen is the founder and Principal of Next-Level Income. After 18 years in the medical device industry, he dedicates his time to helping others achieve financial independence through education and investment opportunities. Chris has been investing in and managing real estate for over 20 years.

Round Table | What Changed in 2025: Re-Evaluating the Moves You Didn't Make Last Year

Looking back at the financial decisions you didn’t make in 2024, what could you do differently in 2025? In today's conversation, the financial coaches delve into the importance of reevaluating missed opportunities and refining your financial strategy for 2025. With shifting market conditions, it’s time to ask yourself the tough questions: Should you pull money out of retirement accounts? Is infinite banking the right move for your future? They discuss the investor mindset necessary to overcome hesitation and seize opportunities that can significantly impact your financial trajectory. If you're wondering how to make better financial choices this year or how to finally act on decisions you’ve been putting off, this episode is packed with insights to help you make impactful moves.

Reevaluating missed opportunities

Starting infinite banking in 2025

Retirement planning

College Isn’t the Only Path: Exploring Gap Year Success with Riley Simpson

Is the traditional path to college really the best choice for every student? What if college isn’t the best next step? In this episode, Riley Simpson joins Russ and Joey to share how taking a gap year led to clarity, career success, and personal growth. Riley discusses the growing trend of gap years as a viable alternative to college, offering students the opportunity to explore different careers, build skills, and gain self-awareness without the pressure of choosing a major. He also highlights the anxiety students face when forced to pick a direction too early and offers practical advice on how a gap year can be a purposeful and transformative journey, rather than just a break.

Breaking free from college pressure

Building clarity

Preparing for the future

Riley Simpson

Riley Simpson has had a fascinating trajectory. He took two gap years before going to college, during which he became a mediator, broke into the film industry, became a real estate broker, started and sold a business (Right Hand Media), and then entered the tech industry.

Round Table | The Exit Playbook: Turn Your Business Sale into Lifelong, Tax-Free Cash Flow

Planning to sell your business? You’ve spent years building it—now it’s time to think about the next chapter. In this episode, the financial coaches discuss how to turn the sale of your business into lifelong, tax-free cash flow. They dive into strategies for creating an exit strategy that not only maximizes the value of your business but also shields your sale proceeds from taxes. They share how using infinite banking and life insurance can provide a tax-free income stream after the sale, and why planning is key to success. Whether you're years away from selling or thinking about an exit soon, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you plan your exit strategy.

Building a successful exit strategy

Creating a tax-free cash flow

Maximizing the benefits of infinite banking

How We Made $52K in Passive Income Last Month (And $35K Was from This!)

What if you could generate $52,000 in passive income in a single month? In this episode, Russ and Joey break down how they made it happen, with roughly $35,000 coming from an unexpected but lucrative source—the land business. They share how buying raw land, turning it into seller-financed property, and flipping it for profit generated an impressive income stream, and how you can replicate this strategy. Learn how they leveraged note income and structured their cash flow in a way that lets them scale quickly. You'll also discover the significance of understanding your investor DNA to ensure that your strategies align with your financial goals. Top three things you will learn: How to make money with land Generating ongoing cash flow Understanding your investor DNA March 2025 Income At-A-Glance: Gross Income for March: $74,383.47 Total Expenses for March: $22,070.17 Total Net Profit for March: $52,313.30 Difference b/t February & March: $17,140.82 % of net profit to overall gross revenue: 70%

Round Table | How Self-Storage Can Thrive During a Recession

Is self-storage a recession-proof investment? In today's conversation, Russ, Joey, and Jamie dive into why self-storage is not just an under-the-radar investment opportunity but one that thrives during challenging economic times. From recession-proof demand to low operational overhead, this passive income strategy could be the key to diversifying your portfolio and securing long-term returns. The discussion touches on how self-storage fits well in today’s market, where people are downsizing, decluttering, and relocating to new areas. Learn how risk management plays a role in this strategy and why understanding your Investor DNA is crucial before diving in.

Why self-storage thrives in today's economy

How to get started with self-storage

Investor DNA fit

Why Financial Success Alone Won’t Make You Happy with JP Newman

What happens when you achieve financial success, but the journey isn’t as fulfilling as you imagined? In this episode, JP Newman joins Russ and Joey to share his transformation from hustling to financial success, only to discover that wealth-building is about much more than just accumulating money. JP opens up about his struggle with finding purpose after reaching financial milestones and how financial literacy and a shift in mindset became his game changers. He explains the importance of creating a community impact through business, the lessons learned from his personal and professional setbacks, and how entrepreneurship can be a tool for giving back.

Building wealth with purpose

How mindset influences financial success

Creating lasting impact

JP Newman

JP Newman is the founder and CEO of Thrive FP, a top-tier lender and investors’ real estate investment firm specializing in the multi-family sector with over 15,000 apartment units owned. With over $1.5+ billion in total transactions value since 2011, JP has driven a level of success far above his competitors as he leads his company.

Round Table | IBC Decoded: Direct vs. Non-Direct Recognition Explained

Are you confused by direct vs. non-direct recognition in life insurance policies? In today's conversation, Russ, Joey, and the financial coaches break down this critical distinction in infinite banking and what it means for your passive income strategy. They explore how these recognition types affect your life insurance policy’s dividends when you take a loan and why understanding the difference is key to maximizing your wealth-building potential. While it may seem like a small detail, the recognition type can influence your financial freedom journey, especially when interest rates and market conditions shift.

The difference between direct and non-direct recognition policies

How these policies play a role in building passive income

How market conditions and personal goals affect your policy choice

The 3 Types of Entrepreneurs and Why It Matters with Steve Graves

Is your business ready to scale, but your hiring process isn't? In this episode, Steve Graves joins Russ and Joey to share valuable insights on what makes entrepreneurs successful at scaling their businesses. Steve discusses the three types of entrepreneurs and how their strengths and weaknesses shape their businesses. He explains how to recognize when your business needs a complementary partner and how to effectively hire for the right skill sets to move beyond the founder stage.

Recognizing entrepreneur types

Hiring for success

Managing risk

Steve Graves

Steve Graves is a strategist, CEO advisor, and author. Steve works with remarkable executives who are leading large global organizations and young, hungry entrepreneurs who are just starting out. He has authored twenty books and worked with thousands of leaders, weaving themes of strategy, leadership, and faith to help people flourish in life and business.

Round Table | Is Note Investing Worth It? (What You NEED to Know Before You Start!)

Can you earn passive income while you sleep by investing in notes? In today's conversation, the financial coaches dive deep into note investing, explaining how it can become a consistent passive income stream for detail-oriented people. Learn how to buy notes with collateral and create an income stream similar to private lending but with even more control. They also discuss the challenges of note investing, like due diligence and understanding different types of notes, and how these steps help reduce risk. Whether you're looking for steady, predictable returns or want to know if note investing fits your Investor DNA, this episode will guide you through the process.

How note investing works

The role of due diligence

Investor DNA fit

The Simplest Passive Income Business You’ve Never Heard Of with John Wilker

What if the path to passive income was literally stacked behind your local warehouse? In this episode, John Wilker joins Russ and Joey to reveal how he turned discarded pallets and overlooked materials into a thriving side hustle generating $2,000+ every morning and how you can, too. With no employees, no warehouse, and minimal overhead, John walks you through the Simplest Biz model: a high-margin, low-complexity business you can scale or keep lean to match your lifestyle goals. Learn how he sources products for free, builds buyer relationships, and turns recycling profits into serious passive income.

Why pallets are the perfect product

How to keep your business simple

Scale or stay lean

John Wilker

John Wilker is a seasoned entrepreneur who has helped thousands unlock financial freedom through simple, actionable steps. His approach takes the complexity out of business strategy and makes it easy for anyone to succeed. His company, The Simplest Biz, teaches everyday people how to build income streams with minimal investment.

Round Table | Turo in 2025: Is Car Rental Sharing Still Profitable?

Can you still make real money renting cars in 2025, or is the Turo wave fading? Join Russ, Joey, and Ernie as they examine the current state of the Turo car rental business, weighing the benefits, red flags, and real-life profitability of this investment strategy. From rising maintenance costs and vehicle depreciation to leveraging the platform’s growing demand, the guys break down what it takes to succeed and who this model is really for. Whether you're curious about Turo as a passive income play or if it aligns with your Investor DNA, today's conversation will help you decide.

The basics of car-sharing

Depreciation, maintenance, and ROI

Does Turo fit your investment strategy?

The Recession No One Sees Coming (And How to Win Anyway)

Is the recession already here, and, more importantly, are you ready for it? In this urgent and timely episode, Russ and Joey confront the reality of today’s economic landscape, from surging inflation and skyrocketing credit card debt to market instability and job uncertainty. They reveal the brutal truth behind traditional savings and retirement plans and why passive income and financial control matter now more than ever. With real-life examples and practical next steps, this conversation will help you evaluate your position and take action. Top three things you will learn: Why financial freedom requires liquidity How to recession-proof your life Repositioning your assets to protect and grow your wealth February 2025 Income At-A-Glance: Gross Income for February: $54,804.00 Total Expenses for February: $19,641.52 Total Net Profit for February: $35,162.48 Difference b/t January & February: $6,704.37 % of net profit to overall gross revenue: 64%

Round Table | Franchise Investing: Passive Income or Full-Time Job?

Is franchising the ultimate passive income strategy, or are you just obtaining another full-time job? With nearly $1 trillion in annual franchise revenue, it's no wonder many investors consider franchising a viable passive income strategy. But is it truly hands-off, or does it demand full-time commitment? In today's conversation, the financial coaches discuss the realities of business ownership through franchising with Chad Arnold, a seasoned franchisee who has scaled multiple locations. If you’ve ever wondered whether franchising is the right investment strategy for you, this conversation is a must-listen!

The biggest misconceptions about franchising and why some fail

Questions to ask before signing a franchise agreement

How to systemize operations to make it as passive as possible

No Properties, No Tenants—Just Profits: Digital Real Estate for Investors with Luke Van Der Veer

What if you could own a digital asset that pays you every month without lifting a finger? That’s exactly what Luke Van Der Veer did when he discovered the power of website rentals. Instead of trading time for money, he built passive income by ranking websites for local businesses and renting them out like digital real estate. In this episode, Luke reveals how he went from a soul-crushing 9-to-5 job to owning hundreds of revenue-generating websites. He breaks down his SEO strategy, the best niches for website rentals, and how you can start building your lead generation empire today.

How website rentals work

Choosing profitable niches

Scaling to financial freedom

Luke Van Der Veer

Luke Van Der Veer is an entrepreneur and SEO expert. He broke free from the traditional 9-to-5 by mastering the art of renting lead generation websites to local businesses. Now, through his application-only program, Website Rental Coaching, he’s helping others do the same.

Round Table | Syndications 101: Earn More, Work Less

Do you want to invest in real estate without the hassle of managing tenants? Syndications offer a way to build passive income by pooling resources with other investors without dealing with property maintenance. In this episode, the financial coaches explain how syndications work, why they fit different Investor DNA profiles, and how to vet deals like a pro. They also discuss common risks and the red flags you must avoid before investing.

How syndications work

Recognizing and avoiding red flags

Who should (and shouldn’t) invest in syndications