Episodes
21
Latest episode
Sep 2026
Language
EN-US
“Small Business Living It Podcast”. Sponsored by Graham Mortgage Corporation. The podcast version of the "Small Business, Living It" newsletter authored by Dean Castelhano president of Graham Mortgage Corporation a 40-year private real estate lending firm based out of Dallas, Texas. Produced and Broadcasted from 2nd Floor Studios.
Small business rarely fits into a 9-to-5. Dean and Wes Castelhano talk about why curiosity, family travel, live music, and meaningful time away can change how we approach both work and life. Along the way, they revisit childhood adventures, 1977 New York, punk and hip-hop culture, unforgettable family trips, dream destinations, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is step away and come back with a different perspective.
Dean sits down with Jeff Fritts to discuss an important question in success: Is it about who you are or what you know? How do we navigate growth in both of these sectors? Jeff shares insights from his career and personal experiences, emphasizing the value of collaboration, self-awareness, and living in the present moment. At SBLI we continue growing as well. Enjoy our first full video podcast episode!
In this episode of the Small Business Living It podcast, we discuss various themes including the impact of March Madness on business, the importance of consumer spending as an economic indicator, the evolution of technology and learning, the integration of AI in business practices, and the significance of community in learning.
As we navigate an exciting future filled with challenges,we take a minute to look back at 2025. GMC continues to forge ahead providing needed capital to the commercial real estate community in Dallas and across the country. Most important to our year I am honored to welcome Adam Tunks and David Smith as partners in our company. As I approach 70 years old in 2027 their support is crucial to our success, our future and keeping me motivated to continue to be the best underwriter I can be. Our past year was proof we are a great unit.
Dallas isn’t just skyscrapers, sports bars, and steakhouses, some buildings in this city have stories that never made the brochures. In this episode, we explore the haunted legends behind iconic Dallas landmarks like The Adolphus Hotel and Nick & Sam’s, uncovering the eerie histories, strange sightings, and real estate secrets that continue to fuel speculation. Enjoy this Halloween edition of SBLI!
In this episode of Small Business, Living It, Dean Castelhano welcomes longtime friend and business leader James Roland for a conversation about passion, grit, and the relationships that sustain a 50-year career. From New York Life to home building in Rockwall, James shares how family values, trust, and problem-solving have shaped his journey. They discuss moving from big business to small business, the role of culture in career satisfaction, and why “living it” means showing up, staying engaged, and celebrating the wins — big or small.
In this episode we welcome Joe Graham, founder of Graham Mortgage, to Small Business, Living It. Joe is an innovator in our real estate finance community. From roots in Midland and Kilgore Texas to becoming the go-to lender for complex, fast-moving deals. We get his perspective and wisdom on his life and how he wanted to be a business guy from the start. Enjoy this special edition of our own living legend. Be sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share your own small business wins or lessons. We’d love to hear how you’re living it.
Honoring Joe Foster, Dallas commercial real estate icon! Discover how business networking, relationships, and mentorship built a Texas business legacy. In this episode of the Small Business Living It podcast, Dean Castelhano reflects on the legacy of Joe Foster, a legend in the Dallas commercial real estate world. We dive into how his famous breakfast club built real, lasting business relationships and why old-school networking still matters today. Joe wasn’t just a mentor—he shaped a community through trust, collaboration, and consistency. Dean talks about the evolution of Dallas business culture, the magic of personal relationships over LinkedIn profiles, and why fostering community beats cutthroat competition. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, Joe’s story proves that success in business isn’t just about deals—it’s about people
Small business success requires resilience, strategy, and smart investments. In this episode, we explore entrepreneurship, real estate, business growth, and the 2025 housing market with expert insights. In this episode of Small Business Living It, host Dean Castellano sits down with Bruce Kaminsky and Shawn Zafarpour, two entrepreneurs who transitioned from the restaurant industry into real estate development. They share their journeys, lessons in resilience, and insights on navigating business challenges in highly competitive markets.
At Graham we truly believe in the Texas economy and the builders that lay our foundations. We brought in long-time friend Jim Moore, of Urban Innovations, to discuss many topics including the joys of challenges in the redevelopment of residential real estate in Dallas. Jim is known for taking on properties that may intimidate others, deriving success from his drive and experience.
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