The Breakthrough with Stephen Husted

Hosted by Stephen Husted

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to The Breakthrough with Stephen Husted, the show that takes you behind the scenes with successful entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and other movers and shakers in the business world. In each episode, we'll sit down with our guests to explore their personal and professional journeys, including the challenges they've faced, the breakthrough moments that propelled them to success, and the strategies and tactics they've used to get there. Get inspired by new ideas and strategies and get to know our guests on a deeper level.

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June 12, 2026Episode 7548 min

EP 75: The Truth About House Flipping After 2,000 Deals | Sam Primm

In this episode, I sit down with Sam Primm to talk about the realities of scaling a real estate business, managing rapid growth, and what happens when success comes faster than expected.Sam shares how he built multiple companies, flipped thousands of properties, acquired millions of dollars in real estate, and scaled aggressively during the post-COVID boom. But he also opens up about the challenges that came with that growth, including operational issues, underperforming investments, and the lessons learned from building the plane while flying it.We discuss why many entrepreneurs constantly push for more, the hidden dangers of chasing growth without the right systems, and how today's market is forcing investors to simplify, become more efficient, and focus on what they do best. Sam also shares insights from running a property management company, education business, renovation company, and real estate investment operation all at the same time.- Why entrepreneurs are driven to keep growing- The challenges of scaling too fast- Lessons learned from buying millions in real estate- Why some investments look great on paper but fail in reality- Building systems and teams that can operate without you- The current state of the real estate market- What 2008 taught Stephen about today's market- Why new investors should start during difficult market conditions- The dangers of chasing too many investment strategies- How failure can accelerate successThe conversation also dives into delayed gratification, social media's impact on entrepreneurship, the importance of helping others, and why some of the toughest seasons often create the biggest opportunities for growth.If you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you subscribed, left a review, and shared it with someone interested in real estate investing, entrepreneurship, business growth, or building long-term wealth.Find Sam‘s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/SAMFASTERFREEDOM/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samprimm/Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠

June 4, 2026Episode 7250 min

EP 74: Flo Jacques Bought Her First Home at 22. Here's Her Plan to Retire by 40

In this episode, I sit down with Flo Jacques to talk about her journey from educator to real estate investor, how she bought her first home at 22, and why taking action matters more than waiting for the perfect opportunity.Flo shares what she learned from appearing on the BiggerPockets podcast, the lessons she's gained from rehabs that went over budget, and why successful investors view mistakes as tuition rather than failure. We also dive into the Raleigh-Durham market, how newer investors are approaching today's opportunities, and why analysis paralysis is one of the biggest obstacles to building wealth.We break down one of Flo's recent investment projects, discuss creative financing strategies, and explore the importance of building a strong team that includes lenders, contractors, mentors, and advisors. Flo also shares how she teaches new investors to analyze deals, manage risk, and stay focused on long-term wealth creation rather than short-term market noise.Stephen and Flo talked about:📌 Lessons learned from BiggerPockets and the investing community📌 Why mistakes are simply tuition in real estate investing📌 The current Raleigh-Durham real estate market📌 How to overcome analysis paralysis📌 Finding opportunities when other investors walk away📌 Structuring creative financing and hard money loans📌 Why lenders should be part of your investing team📌 Teaching new investors how to analyze deals📌 The importance of mentorship and networking📌 Building long-term wealth through real estate investingWhether you're a first-time investor or already growing your portfolio, this episode offers practical insights on mindset, financing, and taking action when opportunities arise.If you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you subscribed, left a review, and shared it with someone interested in real estate investing, financial freedom, or building wealth through real estate.Find Flo‘s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/imflotherealtor/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flo-jacques/Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠Connect on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

May 28, 2026Episode 731 hr 9 min

EP 73: Building a Private Lending Business with Keleisha Carter

In this episode, I sit down with Keleisha to talk about entrepreneurship, private lending, mindset, and what it really takes to build a business from the ground up.Keleisha shares her story of leaving Jamaica, quitting her corporate marketing job, and moving to the United States with no guarantees, only $1,000 in savings, and a willingness to take a risk. We talk about the uncomfortable realities of growth, navigating uncertainty, and why entrepreneurship often feels lonely even when things look successful online.We also dive deep into private money lending, raising investor capital, structuring real estate deals, gap funding, and how Keleisha built a lending business by combining marketing, storytelling, and relationship building. She explains how managing investor expectations, setting boundaries, and creating systems became the foundation of her business.Stephen and Keleisha also talked about:📌 Leaving comfort behind to pursue growth📌 Why entrepreneurship requires uncomfortable decisions📌 Building confidence through hard experiences📌 How restaurant work helped prepare Keleisha for business📌 Managing investor expectations and communication📌 The mindset needed for real estate investing📌 Raising private capital through storytelling and marketing📌 Structuring private lending and gap funding deals📌 Why systems and boundaries are critical in business📌 The role AI and technology play in entrepreneurship todayIf you enjoyed this episode, I’d really appreciate it if you subscribed, left a review, and shared it with someone interested in entrepreneurship, private lending, real estate investing, or building a business from scratch.Find Keleisha‘s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/keleishacarter/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keleishacarter/Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠Connect on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

May 21, 2026Episode 7254 min

EP 72: Sam Haack on Luxury Real Estate, Wealth, and Wyoming Living

In this episode, we are joined by Sam Haack to discuss the unique real estate market in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and how lifestyle, wealth preservation, and a limited land supply continue to drive demand in one of the most exclusive mountain towns in the country.Sam shares his journey from living in a camper and rollerblading to a property management interview to eventually becoming a co-owner at Berkshire Hathaway in Jackson Hole. We also talk about the massive COVID real estate boom, why buyers from California, Texas, and New York moved into Wyoming, and how the market has evolved since then.Stephen and Sam also talked about:📌 Why Jackson Hole continues to attract wealthy buyers📌 The reality of housing affordability in mountain towns📌 How the limited land supply impacts real estate prices📌 House hacking and building wealth through real estate📌 The importance of authenticity when working with luxury clients📌 Why community and lifestyle matter more than status📌 Workforce housing and the future of affordable housing📌 Investing locally versus out-of-state investing📌 Social media, Gen Z, and the comparison trap📌 Why taking action and being uncomfortable leads to growthToward the end of the episode, the conversation shifts into lifestyle, parenting, investing habits, and what makes Jackson Hole one of the most unique places to live, visit, and invest in.If you enjoyed this episode, I’d really appreciate it if you subscribed, left a review, and shared it with someone interested in real estate, investing, lifestyle-driven markets, or Jackson Hole living.Find Sam‘s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/samhrealestate/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-haack-898187211/Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠Connect on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

May 14, 2026Episode 711 hr 4 min

EP 71: How Investors and Architects Work Together to Build Better Housing with Architect Peter Gray

In this episode, Stephen Husted sits down with architect Peter Gray to break down what really happens behind the scenes of development projects, ADUs, DADUs, and middle housing in Seattle.Peter shares what investors often get wrong during the feasibility and permitting process, why building the right team matters more than maximizing square footage, and how communication between architects, contractors, engineers, and investors can make or break a project. Stephen also walks through one of their recent Seattle projects, including how they transformed a tight urban lot into a highly functional middle housing product with a two-car garage and covered outdoor living space.The conversation dives into zoning changes, Seattle’s evolving middle housing opportunities, common mistakes developers make, and how AI tools like ChatGPT are helping investors analyze deals and feasibility faster than ever before. Whether you're a beginner investor or already scaling development projects, this episode offers valuable insight into the systems, planning, and relationships needed to succeed in real estate development.Stephen and Peter talked about:📌How to hire the right architect for a development project📌 Seattle ADU and middle housing opportunities📌 Why feasibility studies matter before buying property📌 Common mistakes investors make in development📌 The role of architects vs interior designer📌 Building a reliable development team📌 How AI and ChatGPT can help with feasibility analysis📌 Managing permits, zoning, and city requirements📌 Designing functional urban housing projects📌 Why systems and organization are critical in developmentIf you enjoyed this episode, I’d really appreciate it if you subscribed, left a review, and shared it with someone interested in real estate investing, ADUs, or development projects.Find Peter‘s LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-gray-11b541107/Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠Connect on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

April 30, 2026Episode 7057 min

EP 70: How to Get Clients Using Content Creation in 2026 with Thomas Smith

Most entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and business owners don’t fail because of the algorithm. They fail because fear, inconsistency, and waiting to feel ready stop them before momentum ever starts. In this episode, content strategist Thomas Smith breaks down how to grow online, attract clients, and use social media to create real business opportunities.If you’re a real estate investor, entrepreneur, realtor, business owner, or creator trying to grow online, this episode is packed with practical advice.Stephen sits down with content strategist Thomas Smith to discuss how social media is changing the game for real estate investing, entrepreneurship, and personal branding in 2026. They talk about why many real estate agents and investors struggle with content creation, how to overcome the fear of posting, and why your first 100 posts are about building confidence, not perfection.Thomas shares actionable strategies for growing on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, including how to create content that attracts qualified leads, build trust with potential clients, and stand out in crowded industries like real estate, investing, and business.They also dive into how tools like ChatGPT and AI are helping entrepreneurs create faster, improve marketing systems, and save time while scaling their business.Whether you’re trying to generate real estate leads, grow your investing brand, or build an online business, this conversation will give you a new perspective on content creation that actually drives results.- Why real estate investors and entrepreneurs need content in 2026- How to grow on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube organically- Why most real estate agents fail at social media marketing- How to attract real estate leads using content- Why your first 100 posts matter more than perfection- How to build a personal brand in real estate and business- How ChatGPT helps entrepreneurs create faster- Why authenticity builds trust and closes clients- How to monetize content without sounding salesy- Why consistency beats chasing the algorithmFind Thomas‘ IG here: https://www.instagram.com/nofilterthomas/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomassmith31/Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠Connect on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

April 16, 2026Episode 6957 min

EP 69: How She Built 12 Rental Units in Her 20s (Real Estate Story) with Rachel Morrow

She went from studying for her real estate license in an Amazon warehouse break room… to owning 12 rental units by 24 and reaching financial independence through real estate.Starting in real estate can feel overwhelming, intimidating, and honestly… out of reach.In this episode, I sit down with Rachel Morrow, a real estate investor and agent who proves that you don’t need to have everything figured out to get started. From studying for her license while working at Amazon to building a portfolio of 12 units, Rachel shares what it actually looks like to learn through doing.We talk about the fear that stops most people from making their first move, the mistakes that cost her early on, and why real estate becomes simpler once you take action. Rachel also breaks down house hacking, tenant challenges, and how tools like ChatGPT are changing how investors analyze deals today.This is a real, honest conversation about starting before you feel ready, learning through experience, and building confidence along the way.Stephen and Rachel talked about:How Rachel went from zero experience to owning 12 rental unitsWhy your first real estate deal feels harder than it actually isThe biggest mistakes new investors make with tenants and property managementHow house hacking works and why it’s one of the best ways to startWhy taking action teaches more than endless researchHow ChatGPT can help you analyze real estate deals fasterThe importance of building the right team in real estateWhy comparing yourself to others will slow your growthIf you’re thinking about getting into real estate but feel stuck or unsure where to start, this episode will shift your perspective.Make sure to subscribe for more real conversations with investors and entrepreneurs building real wealth.Find Rachel‘s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/rachdoesrealestate/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-morrow-88ab8b17b/Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠Connect on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

April 2, 2026Episode 6852 min

EP 68: How They Built 26 Units Through BRRRR and Smart Partnership | Sam Farman

Everyone wants the freedom that real estate can bring… but almost nobody talks about how long it actually takes to build.In this episode, Stephen sits down with Sam Farman, a New York-based real estate investor who, alongside his business partner Joe, has spent the last several years steadily building a rental portfolio that now includes 26 units.Their story didn’t start with a giant apartment building or a flashy first flip. It started with learning the fundamentals, buying smaller properties, using the BRRRR strategy, and figuring things out one deal at a time.Sam shares how they went from their first duplex to scaling into multifamily rentals, why having the right business partner matters more than most people realize, and how some of their biggest lessons came from things going wrong, not right.Stephen and Sam talked about:- How Sam and Joe got started in real estate investing through mortgages, property management, and self-educationHow they used the BRRRR strategy to grow from one duplex into multiple rental propertie- Why business partnerships can either accelerate your growth or create major problemsThe importance of being a strong real estate operator, not just a buyerWhat beginner investors need to know about cash flow, deal analysis, and conservative underwritingWhy real estate investing is a long game, not a get-rich-quick strategyHow to avoid analysis paralysis and learn through your first dealWhy keeping your W2 job while investing can actually help you scale fasterThe mindset it takes to survive tenant issues, burst pipes, vacancies, and setbacksWhy endurance, grit, and consistency matter more than hype in rental property investingThis episode is especially valuable for anyone in that frustrating stage where you’re doing the research, trying to get started, or wondering why progress in real estate feels slower than expected.Because the truth is, real estate investing is less about overnight wins and more about staying in the game long enough to stack knowledge, cash flow, and momentum.If you’re trying to build a rental property portfolio, learn the BRRRR method, understand how to scale in real estate, or avoid beginner investor mistakes, this conversation will give you a much more realistic picture of what the journey actually looks like.Find Sam‘s LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-farman-02b53515b/Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠Connect on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

March 19, 2026Episode 6756 min

EP 67: Property Management vs Asset Management with Selali Kalevor

The people who truly had financial freedom weren’t just saving or investing in stocks. They were building through real estate and business ownership.Most property managers collect rent and fix leaks. Selali does something different. A child of Ghanaian immigrants, finance grad, former wealth management analyst, and now a Seattle-based real estate broker and asset manager, Selali came to this conversation with a perspective you don't hear often. He doesn't manage properties. He manages outcomes. In this episode, Selali Kalevo and Stephen get into what it really takes to build wealth through real estate, not just the strategy, but the mindset, the grit, and the willingness to impose yourself on the life you want.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy Selali calls himself an asset manager instead of a property manager, and what that difference actually means for landlords and tenantsThe two wealth patterns he spotted working in wealth management: business ownership and real estate, and why he chose real estateHow doing 5,000 loan signings gave him a masterclass in real estate transactions before he ever made a deal of his ownHis 'highest and best use' approach to properties, including how he helped a landlord turn a 70-year-old duplex into a five-unit development opportunityThe above, beside, and below accountability strategy he uses to stay on track with big goalsWhy grit is the one trait that requires no special background, no perfect score, and no lucky breaks to developAbout SelaliSelali Kalevor is a licensed Realtor, asset manager, and business owner based in Bellevue, Washington. He holds multiple professional designations including Licensed Realtor, former Mortgage Loan Originator, and Licensed Investment Advisor. He's part of Compass's top 1.5% brokerage team in Washington state by volume, founder of K & M Property Management, and is working toward a 200-door portfolio with a long-term plan that includes ground-up development and syndication. A child of Ghanaian immigrants, Selali's story is a direct product of the mindset he talks about on this episode.Find Selali‘s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/selali.kalevor/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selali-kalevor/Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠Connect on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠

March 5, 2026Episode 6651 min

EP 66: How to Scale a Rental Portfolio Using Equity and 1031 Exchange With Jesse Walters

What happens when you finally reach your rental income goal? Do you keep scaling your real estate portfolio or start paying properties off?In this episode, Stephen sits down with Jesse Walters, a real estate investor and agent based in Columbia, Missouri who started investing in 2021 and quickly scaled his rental property portfolio to nearly $30,000 per month in rental income.Jesse shares how he went from buying a simple turnkey rental property to learning how to use equity, creative financing, and strategic reinvestment to keep growing his real estate investments.The conversation also explores how he used a 1031 exchange to turn profits from one property into a brand new triplex development, while avoiding capital gains taxes and increasing long-term cash flow.If you're interested in real estate investing, rental property strategies, scaling a rental portfolio, or using a 1031 exchange to build wealth, this episode breaks down what the journey actually looks like.Stephen and Jesse talked about:📌 How Jesse bought his first turnkey rental property and got started in real estate investing📌 Why taking action before knowing everything helped him scale faster📌 Using local bank relationships and construction loans to finance rental properties📌 How he used equity from early properties to acquire additional deals📌 The deal that accelerated everything: buying a fourplex using cross-collateralization📌 Why value-add properties can help investors scale faster than turnkey rentals📌 How Jesse used a 1031 exchange strategy to reinvest profits into new real estate📌 Turning profits from a fourplex into a new construction triplex development📌 How to evaluate a local rental market and why job growth matters for real estate investors📌 The long-term investor question: keep scaling a rental portfolio or start paying propertiesFind Jesse‘s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/jesse.v.walters/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/waltersjesse/Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow our Podcast on IG:⁠ ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠⁠Connect on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhusted/⁠and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠⁠