Alvin Uy is a self-made high networth entrepreneur and an active investor from Los Angeles, CA.

Alvin utilized several unfavorable life events as opportunities for growth. Being a first-generation immigrant and a college dropout challenged him to explore his untapped potential. His entrepreneurial spirit, drive to push past limits, and love of design and innovation are key factors contributing to his success. Being a solutions-based critical and creative thinker has helped him challenge limiting beliefs to build multiple successful businesses.

In 2013, Alvin designed and developed SoapSox (www.soapsoxkids.com), the first of its kind children's bath product. SoapSox's appearance on ABC's Shark Tank in 2014 surprised both the sharks and viewers by walking away from 3 sharks offering a $1M buyout. Alvin proved the sharks wrong by successfully launching into several markets, becoming a product sold globally in mass-market retailers, and winning an award for innovation.

While concurrently mastering his craft as a product developer, Alvin spent 19 years pursuing his true passion: Real Estate. In addition, he spent over a decade honing his skills in value-add investments, property management, construction, rehabbing distressed homes, fix and flip, and creative financing. As a result, Alvin owns multiple properties in Los Angeles and has recently expanded his multi-family portfolio to include other states. Alvin has pivoted to using his many talents and skillset to tackle the housing crisis that’s been facing Southern California. Alvin has been focusing SB9 and the production of ADUs these last few years.

As a husband, a father to two young boys, an older brother to four siblings, and a friend to many, Alvin has not lost sight of the importance of sharing his wealth of knowledge to those around him. Coming from humble beginnings has inspired his mission to help others exceed expectations and meet a higher degree of personal excellence.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Alvin Uy and Market Insights

02:58 Alvin's Journey: From Immigrant to Entrepreneur

06:01 The Shift from Engineering to Creative Pursuits

09:00 Building a Career in Marketing and Product Development

12:05 The Shark Tank Experience and Product Launch

14:57 Real Estate Journey: Early Investments and Lessons Learned

18:08 Transitioning to Real Estate and Financial Freedom

20:45 Navigating the Real Estate Market and Strategies

23:58 Using Other People's Money and Future Plans

27:45 The Importance of Exit Strategies

28:15 Real Estate Strategies and Shifts

29:43 Leveraging Hard Money for Growth

31:00 Rethinking Unit Counts in Real Estate

32:24 Real Estate as a Product

34:20 Innovative Housing Solutions

36:30 Understanding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

39:04 Building Value in California Real Estate

41:51 Navigating New Investment Opportunities

44:16 Key Advice for New Passive Investors

49:32 Due Diligence in Passive Investing

54:14 Legacy and Education for Future Generations

RANDY SMITH

Connect with our host, Randy Smith, for more educational content or to discuss investment opportunities in the real estate syndication space at www.impactequity.net, https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallsmith or on Instagram at @randysmithinvestor

Eric Burns is a Cincinnati-based entrepreneur. His journey has taken him from being a finance major to a Cincinnati Firefighter to a residential real estate investor and flipper to finally landing in commercial real estate. He values his journey and believes in the entrepreneurial spirit. His message to fellow entrepreneurs is simple, STOP TRADING YOUR TIME FOR MONEY and LIVE LIFE BULLISH. Like many, Eric started his real estate investment career in the residential space and expanded into the commercial arena. His first property was a student housing rental in 2016, while he was still active with the Cincinnati Fire Department. Later, he expanded into renovations, and eventually, after many years of growth, education, and “failing forward”, Eric found himself in the commercial space.Eric’s story is similar to many entrepreneurs’ as he has navigated ups and downs with successes and failures in his entrepreneurial journey. As it turns out, it was during a less-than-ideal renovation when he realized, after years spent starting side hustles and residential real estate, that he was still only trading his time for money! As a believer in financial freedom, Eric leaned into commercial real estate and found a path to lead him to that destination. To that end, Flowers Capital reflects Eric’s fundamental philosophies of sourcing and funding deals. Priorities include, firstly, the preservation and growth of investor capital. As a strong proponent of multiple, passive sources of income and protecting the commodity of time, he believes financial freedom is achievable through commercial real estate investment. Flowers Capital is fully intent on achieving those goals for its investors. Eric considers himself a life-long learner. He believes in the entrepreneurial spirit and understands the realities of that life path. His greatest strengths include curiosity, personal accountability, and resilience. Real estate investing is truly a labor of love for Eric, but he also thoroughly enjoys fly fishing, traveling, and his Labrador Retriever, Baron.

Summary

In this episode of the Gentle Art of Crushing It podcast, host Randy Smith interviews Eric Burns, founder of Flowers Capital. They discuss the current market conditions for passive investors, Eric's journey from active real estate investing to capital raising, and the importance of due diligence in selecting deals. Eric shares insights on navigating market cycles, building relationships with operators, and the significance of believing in the deals presented to investors. The conversation emphasizes the goal of achieving financial freedom through passive income and the evolving strategies in the real estate investment landscape.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Passive Investing and Market Conditions

02:59 Eric Burns' Journey to Capital Raising

05:59 The Transition from Active to Passive Investing

08:49 Understanding Capital Raising and Deal Structuring

12:03 The Importance of Due Diligence in Investments

15:00 Navigating Market Cycles and Operator Relationships

17:47 Future Goals and Strategies for Financial Freedom

RANDY SMITH

Connect with our host, Randy Smith, for more educational content or to discuss investment opportunities in the real estate syndication space at www.impactequity.net, https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallsmith or on Instagram at @randysmithinvestor

Zander Kempf is a RV and Glamping Resort focused developer through his firm, Clear Summit Investments. Zander’s strategy involves adding value and expanding midsize resorts that are ideal for professional management but remain outside the scope of institutional competition. By rolling up, stabilizing, and branding these properties, Zander aims to create a unique portfolio that reflects his company's adventurous spirit, providing freedom to investors through long term cash flow, and ultimately positioning it for an institutional exit. He is a former US Army officer and paratrooper with an Iraq deployment, and served in Special Forces.

Contact Info:

zander@clearsummitinvest.com

Links:

Website

Insta

Youtube

Linkedin

Tiktok

Facebook

Twitter

Summary

In this episode of the Gentle Art of Crushing It podcast, host Randy Smith interviews Zander Kempf, founder and CEO of Clear Summit Investments, who specializes in RV and glamping resorts. They discuss the current market conditions for passive investors, Zander's journey from military service to real estate investing, and the unique opportunities within the RV park sector. Zander explains the business model of RV resorts, including revenue streams and the importance of long-term debt structures. The conversation also covers the tax advantages of RV investments, market trends, and key questions for investors to consider when evaluating opportunities in this asset class.

Chapters

00:00 Market Conditions and Passive Investment Opportunities

03:02 Zander Kempf's Journey and Investment Background

05:54 Transitioning to RV and Glamping Resorts

09:00 Understanding RV Parks and Resorts

11:53 Revenue Streams and Business Model of RV Resorts

14:54 Debt Structures in RV Investments

17:55 Investment Strategy and Fund Structure

20:46 Tax Advantages of RV Investments

24:02 Market Trends and Economic Resilience

27:07 Due Diligence and Key Questions for Investors

29:51 Final Thoughts and Resources for Passive Investors

RANDY SMITH

Connect with our host, Randy Smith, for more educational content or to discuss investment opportunities in the real estate syndication space at www.impactequity.net, https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallsmith or on Instagram at @randysmithinvestor