Dealmaker Diaries Podcast

Hosted by Donald Thomas

BusinessInterviews guests

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Episodes

107

Latest episode

Jan 2026

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About the show

Welcome to 'Dealmaker Diaries: Where Business Meets Opportunity,' the podcast that takes you on a thrilling journey through the world of commercial real estate and mergers and acquisitions. Join us as we unravel the secrets behind the rise and fall of industry titans, explore lucrative investment strategies, and dive deep into the captivating stories that shape the ever-evolving landscape of business. Through in-depth interviews with industry experts, CEOs, and influential thought leaders, we uncover the hidden gems of commercial real estate and Mergers and Acquisitions.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

January 26, 2026Episode 10550 min

Digital Wisdom is the New Power

What if the future of leadership has nothing to do with speed… and everything to do with wisdom?In the latest episode of Dealmaker Diaries, I sit with Alfonso Asenio, author of Digital Wisdom: Leading Transformation with the Sophia Factor.We talk about:• Why leaders are overwhelmed in the age of AI• The hidden emotional cost of innovation• The surprising power of embodied leadership• Alfonso’s groundbreaking Chief Kickboxing Officer program• How wisdom becomes a strategic advantage in digital environmentsThis conversation is deep, unconventional, and absolutely necessary for anyone leading teams in 2025 and beyond.

January 12, 2026Episode 10253 min

Building Scalable Systems

In this episode of Dealmaker Diaries, we sit down with Nathan Barkocy, a builder and strategist known for designing the systems that turn fast-moving businesses into scalable, durable operations.Nathan joins us to unpack what really separates companies that stall from companies that compound. We talk about execution at scale, why most organizations break under growth, and how leaders can build internal systems that support both performance and people.From navigating complexity and decision fatigue to creating clarity inside rapidly expanding organizations, Nathan shares the principles and frameworks that allow modern companies to grow without losing their soul. This is a conversation about structure, leadership, and the hidden mechanics that drive sustainable success.If you are a founder, operator, or executive trying to scale without chaos, this episode will give you a deeper look at what actually works behind the scenes.Subscribe to Dealmaker Diaries for more conversations with the people building the systems that shape the business world.

September 20, 2025Episode 10334 min

Boomer Sells The Business w/Marty Fahncke

In this episode of Dealmaker Diaries, we sit down with Marty Fahncke, a seasoned M&A advisor and business growth expert, to unpack the real-life journey behind the sale of a successful “Boomer-owned” business. Marty shares insights from decades of experience helping entrepreneurs navigate the complex process of preparing, marketing, and ultimately selling their companies for maximum value.We explore the challenges and opportunities unique to Baby Boomer business owners — from succession planning and understanding valuation, to negotiating with buyers and managing the emotional side of letting go. Marty also reveals behind-the-scenes stories from his own deals, giving listeners a front-row seat to the strategic decisions, mistakes to avoid, and lessons learned along the way.Whether you’re a business owner thinking about an exit, an investor looking for acquisition opportunities, or simply curious about how multi-million-dollar deals get done, this episode delivers practical wisdom and fascinating stories you won’t want to miss.

July 1, 2025Episode 1021 hr 6 min

Building Wealth One Storage Unit at a Time

Welcome back to another episode of The Dealmaker Diaries, where we sit down with entrepreneurs, investors, and acquisition pros who are out there making big moves and building lasting legacies—one deal at a time.Today, we’re diving into one of the most resilient and misunderstood asset classes in commercial real estate: self storage. And there’s no better person to guide us through it than Joseph Downs—a seasoned operator, investor, and dealmaker who has carved out a strong niche in this space.Joseph brings a boots-on-the-ground perspective to the business of self storage. He’s not just chasing cap rates—he’s optimizing operations, executing strategic value-add plays, and building systems that allow him to scale smartly. With a portfolio that spans multiple markets and a reputation for savvy acquisitions and disciplined management, Joseph knows what it takes to turn underperforming storage assets into profitable, income-generating machines.Whether you’re just starting out in self storage, thinking about your first acquisition, or already managing a portfolio and looking to level up, this episode is packed with insight.So sit back, take notes, and let’s get into the mind of a true storage strategist. Joseph Downs, welcome to The Dealmaker Diaries.

March 23, 2025Episode 9939 min

Chris Vermeulen’s Revolutionary “Asset Revesting” Strategy

In this episode of Dealmaker Diaries, we sit down with visionary investor Chris Vermeulen, the mastermind behind the game-changing method known as “Asset Revesting.” Chris unveils how this revolutionary approach allows investors to exclusively hold assets rising in value, profit during bear markets, and continue building wealth in retirement—as detailed in his latest book.From starting his financial journey at just 16 to achieving financial freedom in his 20s, Chris has honed a systematic, technical approach to risk management and asset allocation. He challenges the traditional buy-and-hold strategy, advocating for efficient portfolio positioning with low drawdowns and consistent outperformance.Join us as we dive deep into his investing philosophy, how to protect and grow capital in any market condition, and the mindset required to navigate today’s volatile financial landscape. If you’re looking for proven strategies to maximize your investments, this episode is a must-watch! 🚀💰

March 6, 2025Episode 9932 min

Street Smart Negotiations

Welcome back to another episode of Dealmaker Diaries! Today, we have an absolute legend in the world of real estate development—someone with over 57 years of industry experience who has shaped skylines and transformed communities.Joining us is Luis A. Belmonte, a principal at Seven Hills Properties, where he has played a pivotal role in retail, multifamily, and industrial developments across California, Oregon, and Nevada. But that’s just scratching the surface.Luis was also a founding partner and Executive VP at AMB Property Corporation—now the global giant Prologis—where he spearheaded major projects worldwide. Beyond real estate, he’s a U.S. Navy veteran, an insightful author, and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to navigating the ups and downs of the market.Today, we’ll dive into his decades of experience, lessons learned, and the strategies that have made him a powerhouse in the industry. So buckle up—this i

February 12, 2025Episode 9835 min

Building Wealth Through Strategic Investments with Tyler Mount

In this episode of Dealmaker Diaries, we welcome Tyler Mount, a visionary investor and entrepreneur known for his innovative approach to wealth-building. Tyler dives into the strategies that have fueled his success, from identifying high-potential opportunities to navigating challenges in competitive markets. Discover how he leverages creativity, resilience, and data-driven decision-making to achieve outstanding results. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned dealmaker, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to elevate your investment game. Don't miss it!

February 5, 2025Episode 951 hr 6 min

Mastering the Art of Luxury Real Estate with Kristi Jenkins

Join us on this episode of Dealmaker Diaries as we sit down with Kristi Jenkins, a seasoned luxury real estate broker with nearly two decades of experience. Kristi shares her insights into building lasting client relationships, negotiating high-stakes contracts, and crafting exceptional living spaces. Discover how she leverages her deep knowledge of the Sammamish and Issaquah markets to deliver unparalleled results and why her clients keep coming back. Tune in for expert advice, stories of success, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to thrive in the competitive world of luxury real estate.

January 28, 202543 min

NOTARY Industry EXPERT Phillip Hogan Shares His TOP Secrets!

Join Phillip Hogan, founder and CEO of Signing Services of America, as he shares his journey from Navy veteran to entrepreneur disrupting the notary signing industry. With 65,000 CFPB-compliant agents and a top spot on the Inc. Regionals Southeast list, Phillip's innovative leadership is transforming client experiences. Discover his passion for empowering notaries, his advocacy for transitional housing, and his resilience as a cancer survivor. A story of creativity, growth, and legacy, live from Atlanta, Georgia.

January 21, 2025Episode 9555 min

From Good to GREAT Leader in 2025!

Paul Dupuis, CEO of Take-5 Global K.K., is a dynamic leader with over 25 years of experience driving business growth and transformation across Asia. Former CEO & Chairman of Randstad Japan and MD of Randstad India, Paul is renowned for leading turnarounds, achieving record profitability, and fostering innovation in Japan and India. A recognized thought leader, author, and MBA faculty member at GLOBIS University, he is also deeply engaged in philanthropy and sports, including coaching ice hockey in the Himalayas. Bilingual in English and Japanese, Paul exemplifies excellence in leadership and cross-cultural business strategy.