Advertise on podcast: The Think Realty Podcast

Scott Ward sits down with Glenn Brooks, President of Genstone Asset Disposition, for a candid conversation on how capital, assets, and opportunity move in today's market. With 30+ years of experience, Glenn brings a front-line view of asset disposition — how deals get positioned, what separates a clean exit from a stalled one, and where the smart money is looking next. Scott brings 27 years and $1.5B+ funded across the Gulf Coast and nationwide. Together, that's more than five decades of dealmaking in one conversation — cutting past the stage-talk and getting into how deals actually get done. Whether you're a real estate investor, an operator, or building on the lending side, this one's worth your time.

The Hybrid Student-Athlete Model: Why the Future of Athlete Development Lives On and Off the Field Scott Ward sits down with Joe Nelson — a 17-year lacrosse coach and marketing professional — to unpack one of the most important shifts happening in youth sports: the hybrid student-athlete model, and the academy built to deliver it. For decades, athlete development forced families into an impossible choice: chase the sport or protect the education. Joe and the team behind Stars Lacrosse Academy are proving you don't have to pick. As the Gulf Coast's home for the complete student-athlete, Stars pairs elite, year-round lacrosse development with a real, college-preparatory education — athletes train in the morning and continue their academics in the afternoon, built entirely around the family. In this conversation, Scott and Joe dig into: Why the "sport-only" development path leaves most athletes unprepared for what comes after the whistle How the morning-training, afternoon-academics model actually works — and why it produces stronger athletes and stronger students The role of personal branding, marketing, and financial literacy in a post-NIL world, and why they belong in an athlete's development from day one What 17 years on the sideline taught Joe about building character, not just talent Why the Gulf Coast is the right place to build the future of student-athlete development How families can stop choosing between their child's sport and their future — and start investing in both Whether you're a parent weighing your child's next step, a coach rethinking your program, or an operator who believes the best systems are built with intention, this episode reframes what it means to prepare a young athlete for the whole game — the one on the field, and the one after it. This is THINK Business Podcast — real conversations with the people building what's next.

The Property Machine Behind the Portfolio: Inside Genstone Field Services with Deanna Alfredo What happens after the deal closes? For real estate investors managing SFR portfolios at scale, the real work begins the moment you own the asset — and that's exactly where today's guest has built her career. Scott Ward sits down with Deanna Alfredo, Senior Vice President of SFR Services at Genstone Field Services, to pull back the curtain on one of the real estate industry's most essential — and often overlooked — sectors: property field services. Formerly known as ZVN Properties, Genstone Field Services was founded in 2004 and is a nationally recognized, minority-owned firm that has grown into a powerhouse of end-to-end property solutions. Named #593 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies — #19 in Real Estate and #17 in Ohio — Genstone delivers property preservation, inspections, single-family rental maintenance, and turns management nationwide.   Deanna brings over two decades of experience in property management, maintenance, and preservation. At Genstone, she leads the national SFR Services division, overseeing operations, tenant-occupied maintenance, and turn processes across the United States. Before stepping into her SVP role, she founded and operated Property Maintenance, Inc., a Michigan-based full-service property preservation company, and served as President of the National Association of Mortgage Field Services.   In this episode, Scott and Deanna discuss:   What Genstone Field Services actually does — and why it matters to lenders and investors alike How GFS delivers end-to-end property solutions backed by a network of more than 5,000 vetted professionals Genstonefieldservices The full scope of services: property preservation, repair & rehab, hazard claim recovery, and inspections for both residential and commercial properties RocketReach How Genstone fits within The Fay Group — an integrated real estate and mortgage services platform managing more than $46 billion in assets Glassdoor What "turns management" really means at scale — and how operators can protect their NOI Deanna's entrepreneurial journey and what it takes to lead at the national level in a male-dominated industry How private lenders and note investors can leverage field services to protect collateral and reduce risk   Whether you're a private lender, SFR operator, or real estate investor managing a growing portfolio, this conversation will change how you think about asset protection and operational excellence.

Building Bridges: How Local Relationships and Strategic Networking Drive Business Growth and Community Impact   In this powerful episode of the Think Realty Podcast, host Scott Ward sits down with Peggy Choudhry — accomplished  businesswoman and County Commissioner for Osceola County, Florida — for a candid conversation about the currency that matters most in both business and public service: relationships. Peggy shares her journey navigating the intersection of entrepreneurship and elected office, revealing how the same principles that drive business success — authentic connection, community investment, and strategic networking — are the foundation of effective local leadership.   Together, Scott and Peggy dig into what it really means to show up for your community, why proximity to local decision-makers matters more than most investors realize, and how building a reputation of integrity and engagement opens doors that no marketing budget can buy.   Whether you're a real estate investor looking to expand your footprint in a new market, a business owner trying to build influence in your community, or simply someone who wants to understand the power of being genuinely plugged in — this episode is a masterclass in relationship-driven growth.   What you'll take away: Why local relationships are your most underutilized business asset How community engagement creates long-term competitive advantage The networking mindset shift that separates good operators from great ones Peggy's perspective on what investors and business owners can do to become trusted community partners     #ThinkRealty #PrivateLending #RealEstateInvesting #CommunityEngagement #NetworkingStrategy #Leadership #Osceolacountyfl #peggychoudhry #businessowner #scottward #REI #realestateinvestment

What does a truly full-service property management partner look like in today's market — and how do you know when you've found one? Scott Ward gets the inside track from Bryan Jenkins, President of Genstone Property Management, in a conversation built specifically for serious real estate investors who are tired of settling for less.   Bryan pulls back the curtain on what's really driving the current market landscape, where the opportunities are hiding, and why the rules of smart investing have quietly shifted. Scott and Bryan dig into what investors can genuinely expect when they bring Genstone into the fold — not just the day-to-day operations, but the strategic value a partner like Genstone brings to your portfolio over the long haul.   They also do a thorough walkthrough of every vertical Genstone operates across — because this is not a single-service shop. From asset protection to tenant management to investment strategy support, Bryan breaks down how Genstone's full-spectrum approach is designed to protect your investment, maximize your returns, and take the operational weight off your plate entirely.   This isn't a pitch. It's a playbook — and if you're an investor looking for a property management partner who does more than just collect rent, this episode will raise your standard for what that partnership should actually look like.   #THINKPodcast #ThinkRealty #RealEstateInvesting #PropertyManagement #PrivateLending #RealEstatePodcast #NewEpisode #InvestSmarter #REI #RealEstateEducation #Genstone #WealthBuilding

Join us for a compelling deep dive as June Ward sits down with Trine Falnes, co-founder and SVP of Spond. Together, they unpack the realities of scaling a global sports and event communication platform from the ground up.   In this insightful interview, Trine shares hard-earned lessons on international growth, high-performance leadership, communication strategies, and how to build and sustain trust across distributed teams in a digital-first world.   Expect a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation on what it truly takes to scale across borders without losing culture, clarity, or connection.   #Leadership  #Entrepreneurship  #Scaling  #GlobalBusiness  #StartupGrowth  #womeninbusiness  #TechLeadership  #DistributedTeams  #TrustInLeadership  #PodcastInterview  #BusinessStrategy  #Innovation #ThinkPodcast #Thinkbusiness #Spond

In this insightful interview, Ruby Boulanger, Chief Marketing Officer at Fortra and co-founder of Women in Private Lending, shares her journey in marketing, industry insights, and leadership lessons. Discover how her passion for the industry, the importance of mentorship, and the role of AI are shaping her career and the future of private lending.   #Marketing #PrivateLending #womeninbusiness #Leadership #AI #Mentorship #IndustryInsights #womenshistorymonth #realestate #law #womeninprivatelending

Scott Ward interviews John Santilli, CPO of Unitas Funding, and a seasoned expert in real estate lending, focusing on ground-up construction, fix and flip projects, and innovative financing solutions. They discuss market trends, the importance of relationship lending, and how new investors can succeed in the real estate space.    Watch on You Tube:  https://youtu.be/u8f9vq3O9aA   Listen on Amazon Music, Apple, iHeart Radio, and Spotify.     #realestatelending #fixandflip  #ground-upconstruction #relationshiplending  #realestatemarkettrends #financingstrategies  #investoreducation  #UnitasFunding #FidelisInvestors

In this inspiring interview, Jena Golden-Sapp shares her journey from successful photographer and life coach to real estate investor, mentor, and private money brokerage owner. Discover her strategies for building multiple income streams, and effective communication.  Celebrating Women’s History Month, Jena sends a message that every woman must take to heart.   Watch this stimulating episode now on You Tube, Amazon Music, Apple, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.   #privatemoneybroker #womeninbusiness #houseflipping #RealEstateEducation #womenshistorymonth #entrepreneur

In this episode of the Think Podcast, Scott Ward interviews Brenden Rendo, a seasoned real estate professional with over 30 years of experience. They discuss Brendan's journey in the real estate market, particularly in Orlando, and how he combines his knowledge of finance and real estate to help investors succeed. The conversation covers essential topics such as draw inspections, realistic expectations in house flipping, the importance of understanding financing, and building relationships in the industry. Brendan emphasizes the need for agents to educate themselves on financing to better serve their clients and navigate the complexities of the real estate market.

Relationships. Transparency. Systems. 🏆 That's the formula Brian Caputo used to make the leap from corporate roles to building real success in private money brokering — and he's sitting down with Scott Ward on the Think Podcast to share exactly how he did it. From navigating the misconceptions in the private money industry to mastering client communication and creating repeat business, Brian breaks it all down in a way you can actually apply. If you're serious about growing your business and building something that lasts, this episode is for you. 🎧

In this episode of the THINK podcast, Scott Ward interviews Brian Augsberger, Senior Director of Sales at Rehab Financial Group (RFG). Brian shares insights into the lending process, emphasizing the importance of transparency, client partnerships, and the evaluation of borrower experience. He discusses common mistakes borrowers make and offers best practices for working with lenders. The conversation also highlights RFG's unique 100% financing program, which allows new investors to enter the market with limited cash out of pocket, fostering long-term success in real estate investing.

🎙️ THE REALITY OF THE PRIVATE LENDING MARKET TODAY   In this powerful episode of the THINK Podcast, Scott Ward sits down with Rob Napolitano, resident expert at THINK and President of GRIT Partners. This conversation cuts through the noise.   Scott and Rob unpack current market realities, the importance of truth in business, and where real opportunity actually exists—with a focused lens on the Charlotte real estate market. Rob breaks down the affordability crisis, why relationships still matter more than rate sheets in lending, and how authenticity is no longer optional if you want to win long-term.   Key takeaways include: Why execution—not ideas—is the real separator How to navigate today’s lending landscape with clarity Where to find value in a shifting real estate market Why truth and transparency are becoming competitive advantages   If you’re a real estate professional, investor, or business owner looking for signal over hype, this episode delivers.

In this episode, Scott Ward sits down with American Association of Private Lenders President Linda Hyde for a candid, high-level conversation on what truly matters in today’s private lending landscape. Together, they unpack the real benefits of AAPL membership beyond the logo — including industry advocacy, education, regulatory awareness, and the power of being part of a national community of professional private lenders, funds, and service providers. Linda shares insight into how AAPL supports both new and established private lenders, the importance of ethical standards and best practices, and how membership helps firms stay informed, compliant, and competitive as the industry continues to evolve. Scott adds perspective from the field, highlighting why alignment with organizations like AAPL matters for long-term credibility, deal flow, and operational growth. This episode is a must-listen for private lenders, fund managers, private money brokers, and real estate professionals who want to understand how strategic association membership can elevate their business, expand relationships, and future-proof their operation.

Alex's core philosophy is simple: "You don't need more effort-you need more leverage." Guided by his personal motto Virtus in Actis ("Virtue in Action") and grounded in the principles of Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance, and Empathy, he delivers practical, no-fluff strategies designed to help investors build long-term wealth, not fleeting wins. Through his contributions to THINK, Alex provides step-by-step blueprints showing investors exactly how to integrate AI tools, M&A, and Lending into every stage of their real estate business-from lead generation and deal evaluation to negotiation practice and portfolio scaling-so they can compete at 11X the efficiency of traditional investors. Whether you're a seasoned investor looking to scale or a newcomer navigating today's market challenges, Alex's insights will show you how AI can become your trusted advisor for closing more deals, faster.