Entrepreneurs, Executives, & Eccentrics

Join Scott Turman as he chats with Victoria Mendez, CEO of Downtown Financial Group, about her journey from corporate America to real estate mogul. Learn invaluable strategies for building wealth through smart investments and managing short-term rentals. Don't miss the secrets to turning your hard-earned cash into generational wealth!

Victoria Mendez is a seasoned entrepreneur and the CEO of Downtown Financial Group, where she leverages her extensive experience in real estate to help other entrepreneurs build generational wealth. A former JPMorgan executive, Victoria transitioned from corporate America to entrepreneurship, driven by a passion for financial independence and a keen interest in real estate investment. She specializes in guiding clients through creative financing options and wealth strategies, ensuring they maximize their hard-earned money. Based in California, Victoria is not only a successful business leader but also a dedicated mom and wife, committed to empowering others to achieve financial freedom through diversified real estate portfolios.

Below are the key takeaways from this episode:

• Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship: Victoria Mendez discussed her journey from a corporate job at JPMorgan to becoming an entrepreneur. She emphasized the increased workload but also the financial discipline required to succeed.
• Investment Strategies: She explained her thesis of earning money through one's job or business but storing and growing that wealth in real estate. She shared her personal experience of investing in properties across different states and managing them efficiently.
• Creative Financing Options: Mendez highlighted various financing strategies for entrepreneurs, such as using bank statements, profit and loss programs, and debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) loans to qualify for real estate investments without relying on traditional income documentation.
• Real Estate Management: She shared insights into managing Airbnb properties both locally and internationally, including the use of property management companies and virtual assistants for efficient operations.
• Market Trends and Opportunities: Mendez noted current trends in the real estate market, including the impacts of inflation on entrepreneurs and the evolving dynamics of the short-term rental market post-pandemic. She suggested considering less saturated markets for new investment opportunities.

Todays guest, Victoria Mendez, can be found online at:

Discover how Juliana VanLaanen and Samantha Alavi-Jackson transformed their small Etsy shop into a luxury playhouse brand, navigating challenges from hand-painting in a sweltering warehouse to partnering with Amish artisans. Listen as they share their journey of innovation, resilience, and game-changing market strategies that landed 2 Momma Bees in over 110 stores.

Below are the key takeaways from this episode:

• Starting Small and Scaling Up: Juliana VanLaanen and Samantha Alavi-Jackson began their venture, 2 Mama Bees, as a small Etsy shop from their backyards, eventually growing it into a brand that features in over 110 stores.
• Consumer-Centric Product Development: The duo emphasized the importance of listening to customer feedback which influenced their decision to design and manufacture more user-friendly, higher-quality playhouses domestically with Amish artisans.
• Handling Production Challenges: They tackled significant hurdles including switching from overseas production to domestic manufacturing to ensure consistency and quality, despite initial cost challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Innovative Presale Strategy: Their approach to product launches involves presales where they collect customer interest and payment details without charging until they’re sure of the product's market fit, minimizing risks and inventory costs.
• Intuitive Business Decisions and Team Building: Despite their initial lack of experience, their intuition, willingness to learn, and commitment to hiring skilled team members allowed them to navigate complexities, resulting in remarkable success and industry recognition.

Todays guest, Juliana VanLaanen, can be found online at:

Website: https://2mamabees.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliana-vanlaanen/

Todays guest, Samantha Alavi-Jackson, can be found online at:

Website: https://2mamabees.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-alavi-jackson-30a5b8264/

Your host, Scott Turman, can be found online at:

Join us in this compelling episode as Amber Gunst, co-founder and CEO of Fundlist, reveals the intricacies of the modern investment landscape, the hidden barriers women and minority founders face, and the innovative solutions reshaping the way investors and startups connect. Don't miss her expert insights on navigating market changes and making strategic connections that truly count.

Amber Gunst, the co-founder and CEO of Fundlist in Austin, Texas, brings over 25 years of experience in business development and leadership to the table. Formerly at the helm of the Austin Technology Council, Amber has forged strong connections with venture capitalists (VCs) and understands the intricacies of the investment landscape. With her background steeped in the challenges faced by founders and investors, she now focuses on enhancing the investor-founder matchmaking process using AI technology. Amber's mission through Fundlist is to create a more efficient, inclusive, and targeted investment ecosystem.

Below are the key takeaways from this episode:

• Closed Investment Networks: Amber Gunst discusses how investment opportunities often stay within familiar networks, creating barriers for women and minority founders.
• Capital Access Issues: Gunst highlights the difficulties underrepresented founders face in accessing capital and dealing with unverified investors on popular platforms.
• Product Refinement: The episode covers the detailed development process of Amber's product, focusing on targeted feedback and user engagement to create an effective solution.
• Economic Impact on Investments: Market conditions and economic events, like interest rate hikes, significantly influence investor cautiousness and fundraising efforts.
• Fundlist's Mission: Fundlist aims to streamline the investment process with data-driven tools, helping investors support diverse founders and showcasing the profitability of inclusive investments.

Todays guest, Amber Gunst, can be found online at:

In this episode, we dive into the world of high-stakes communications with Brooke Kruger, founder of KC Partners. Discover how she transforms top-tier communications talent into strategic assets for high-growth companies and why she believes the power of communication has never been more critical. Tune in to hear Brooke's unique journey from politics to PR, and now to leading one of the most trusted search firms in the industry.

Brooke Kruger is the dynamic founder of KC Partners, a premier search firm specializing in connecting top-tier communications talent with high-growth companies. With over 18 years of experience in politics, public affairs, and PR, Brooke has honed her expertise in placing communications leaders such as Chief Communications Officers and Heads of Corporate Communications. Under her leadership, KC Partners has become a trusted resource for companies seeking not just candidates, but true leaders who can shape brand stories and visions. Brooke's passion for connecting people and her deep industry knowledge make her a standout force in the communications recruiting landscape.

Below are the key takeaways from this episode:

• Communications Function Growth: Communications roles, like Chief Communications Officer, have gained prominence and now often report directly to the CEO.
• KC Partners' Target Market: The firm specializes in placing communications leaders with high-growth companies, especially those in the Series B and Series C stages.
• Brooke's Career Path: Brooke's journey from politics and PR to founding KC Partners reflects her passion for connecting people and building successful teams.
• Industry Expertise Advantage: KC Partners differentiates itself by employing recruiters with direct industry experience, enabling precise and effective candidate placements.
• Positive Job Market Trends: Brooke observes a recent increase in job placements and opportunities in the communications sector, indicating market recovery.

Todays guest, Brooke Kruger, can be found online at: