TOOLS TALENTS AND TECHNIQUES with Dustin Sutton

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Jun 2026

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You are building something. A business, a career, a life that actually means something. Tools, Talents, and Techniques is where founders, operators, and leaders share exactly how they did it. Host Dustin Sutton goes beyond the highlight reel to uncover the decisions, systems, and mindset shifts that separate people who talk about success from people who build it. New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe and start listening. © Sutton Enterprises LLC. All rights reserved.

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June 3, 202650 min

Ep. 112 | How AI Is Disrupting Commercial Real Estate | Dan Mosher, DealGround

🏢 AI Is Disrupting Commercial Real Estate. Here's What That Actually Looks Like.Dan Mosher has been early to almost every major tech wave of the last 25 years. Food delivery. Electric vehicles. Programmatic advertising. Now he's setting his sights on commercial real estate, and the timing could not be better.Dan is the CEO and co-founder of DealGround, an AI-native data platform that combines fragmented property and market data into one searchable system spanning 62M+ properties. Before launching DealGround, he led the merchant team at Postmates through its $4.4B acquisition by Uber and served as SVP/GM of BrightRoll Exchange ahead of its $640M sale to Yahoo.In this episode, Dan and Dustin unpack how AI is reshaping the way brokers access data, build pipelines, and close deals, and why the brokers who adapt fastest will have a massive competitive advantage.🔑 What You Will LearnWhy being early is both a superpower and a liability, and how Dan navigated bothHow DealGround is stitching together siloed CRE data into one AI-powered interfaceWhy the new crop of brokers is the catalyst for industry-wide adoptionHow AI agents can now write outreach letters, pull ownership data, and build prospect lists in secondsWhy curiosity is the most underrated skill in the AI eraHow to make yourself a 10X employee using the tools that are already available to you🕐 Episode Chapters00:00 Making Yourself a 10X Employee with AI 00:39 Welcome Dan Mosher, CEO of DealGround 01:29 What DealGround Is Building and Why 02:02 From Morgan Stanley to Web 1.0 and Beyond 04:44 Always Early: Lessons from Webvan, EVs, and Mobile 06:05 BrightRoll and the Birth of Programmatic Video 09:53 Postmates and the Restaurant Delivery Revolution 16:30 What Stays Constant Across Every Stage of Growth 20:29 Why Commercial Real Estate Was Ready for Disruption 22:46 Stitching Together Siloed Data with LLMs 26:17 How Dan Validated the Problem Before Building the Product 31:36 DealGround vs. the Incumbents: The Clean Sheet Advantage 35:45 AI Certifications, Curiosity, and Cross-Industry Thinking 39:44 Making Brokers 10X More Efficient 41:39 How Dan's Team Uses AI Across Sales, Product, and Engineering 46:52 Democratizing Access to CRE Data 48:18 Parting Words: Build Your Skills, Embrace the Tools🔗 Connect with Dan MosherLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danmosher DealGround: https://www.dealground.com🎙️ About Tools, Talents, and TechniquesHosted by Dustin Sutton, Tools Talents and Techniques is a podcast for founders, operators, and professionals who want to go deeper than surface-level success stories. Every episode unpacks how high performers think, decide, and build things that last.📲 Subscribe and leave a review if this episode brought you value. 🌐 toolstalentstechniques.com

May 20, 202651 min

The Commercial Real Estate Fundamentals That Never Change | Peter Quinn of Kidder Matthews | Ep. 111

Here are the full optimized RSS show notes:Peter Quinn has seen commercial real estate from every angle. IBM sales training, land development, market crashes, and the digital transformation reshaping how deals get done today. Through all of it one thing has remained constant. The fundamentals work if you work them.In Episode 111, Dustin sits down with Peter Quinn of Kidder Matthews to unpack a career built on resilience, relationship building, and a relentless commitment to staying sharp in one of the most dynamic industries in the world. If you are building a career in commercial real estate or trying to navigate a market that never stops moving, this conversation is exactly what you need to hear.🔑 Key Topics CoveredFrom IBM to Commercial Real EstateHow Peter's sales training at IBM shaped his approach to CREWhat the pivot from tech to real estate taught him about transferable skillsWhy cold calling and fundamentals still matter in a digital worldBuilding Relationships and Acting as a Trusted AdvisorWhy the best CRE professionals lead with advice not transactionsHow to navigate client relationships and manage expectations effectivelyThe role of trusted networks like Provisors in building a sustainable businessTools and Technology in Modern CREThe tools and apps Peter uses to stay ahead in today's marketWhy CRM is non-negotiable for serious real estate professionalsHow staying informed through consistent reading creates a consistent edgeLand Development and Market TrendsNavigating land development opportunities in the San Diego marketHow resilience through market cycles separates long term producersWhat Peter sees coming in the future of commercial real estateLessons from the Advertising BusinessHow a background in advertising sharpened Peter's communication skillsThe crossover between marketing thinking and real estate strategyWhy self discovery and resilience go hand in hand in any career💡 Key TakeawaysThe fundamentals of sales and relationship building never go out of styleActing as a trusted advisor rather than a transaction broker builds a career that lastsCRM is not optional for anyone serious about building a real estate businessResilience through market cycles is what separates long term producers from short term playersContinuous learning and staying informed give you a consistent edge in any marketTransferable skills from outside the industry are often the biggest competitive advantages inside it🔗 Resources MentionedProvisors Network: https://www.provisors.com/Kidder Matthews: https://www.kidder.com/🔗 Connect with Peter QuinnLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterquinn/Website: https://www.kidder.com/Podcast Homepage: toolstalentstechniques.com#CommercialRealEstate #LandDevelopment #Resilience #SanDiego #the3tpod

May 5, 20261 hr 7 min

Ep. 110: Joshua Volen of CIRE Equity on Mindset, Culture & CRE Success

Joshua Volen did not stumble into commercial real estate. He built toward it, one lesson at a time, starting from childhood ventures that taught him more about business than any classroom ever could.In Episode 110, Dustin sits down with Joshua Volen, co-founder of CIRE Equity, to unpack how authenticity, vulnerability, and a fundamental shift from scarcity to abundance mindset transformed his approach to leadership, culture, and commercial real estate investing.🔑 Key TopicsChildhood Influences and Early EntrepreneurshipHow growing up in a unique household shaped Joshua's identity and driveEarly business ventures that laid the foundation for his real estate careerThe lessons from family dynamics that still inform how he leads todayAuthenticity and Vulnerability in LeadershipWhy being the same in all situations is a leadership superpowerHow vulnerability builds trust faster than any management strategyThe connection between personal identity and professional performanceMindset: From Scarcity to AbundanceThe shift that changed everything about how Joshua approaches businessHow fear can be reframed rather than a reason to stopNavigating the tension between fear and love in business decisionsBuilding a People Centric Company CultureThe core values behind CIRE Equity and how they show up dailyWhy psychological safety is the foundation of high performing teamsHow communication shapes culture from the inside outCommercial Real Estate and Business GrowthJoshua's path from early ventures into commercial real estateLessons learned from deals that did not go as plannedWhat launching CIRE Equity taught him about vision and execution💡 Key TakeawaysAuthenticity is not just a personal value it is a business strategyScarcity mindset is the silent killer of growth in business and in lifeFear does not have to stop you. In the right hands it becomes rocket fuelPsychological safety is the foundation every high performing culture is built onVulnerability builds trust faster than any policy or process ever will🧠 Memorable Insights"Be the same in all situations.""LOVE is my rocket fuel."🎯 Who This Episode Is ForCommercial real estate investors and operatorsEntrepreneurs building companies with strong cultureLeaders working on mindset and personal developmentAnyone navigating fear and trying to turn it into forward momentum📚 Resources MentionedRich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1612680194Mindset by Carol Dweck: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0345472322🔗 Resources and LinksCIRE Equity: https://cireequity.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-volen-0759344/Podcast Homepage: toolstalentstechniques.com

April 21, 202637 min

Ep. 109: The Lawyer for Lawyers | Jonathan Hawkins on Law Firm Breakups, Partnerships, and Building a Unique Legal Practice

Jonathan Hawkins built a legal practice most lawyers never considered. He represents law firms themselves, navigating breakups, partnership disputes, and business divorces that tear firms apart from the inside.In Episode 109, Dustin sits down with Jonathan to unpack how he went from engineering to law, found one of the most underserved niches in the legal industry, and built a practice around serving firms no one else focused on. If you are building a business, managing a partnership, or thinking about how to stand out, this one is for you.🔑 Key Topics CoveredFrom Engineering to LawHis unconventional path and what drew him away from a technical careerHow his engineering background shapes his approach to complex legal problemsFinding the Niche: Lawyer for LawyersHow Jonathan identified an underserved market inside the legal industryWhat law firm breakups and business divorces look like from the insideCommunication and Trust in PartnershipsThe patterns Jonathan sees most in law firm disputesHow resentment builds when communication breaks downCoaches, Mentors, and MindsetWhy even high performers need outside perspectiveThe mindset shift that separates good lawyers from great onesMarketing and Content CreationNewsletters, social media, and building an audience with consistencyHow authentic content builds trust in a crowded field💡 Key TakeawaysNiching down is a competitive advantage, not a limitationCommunication breakdowns drive most partnership failuresConsistency in content creation compounds over timeStaying true to yourself is a strategy🧠 Memorable Insight "You need to stay true to yourself." — Jonathan Hawkins📈 Why This Matters Jonathan flipped the model entirely and built a practice around serving the firms themselves. This is a masterclass in finding a gap, going all in, and standing out.🔗 Resources & Linkshttps://www.lawfirmgc.com/https://www.lawfirmgc.com/podcast/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hawkins-law-firm-general-counsel/https://www.linkedin.com/company/law-firm-gc/Podcast Homepage: toolstalentstechniques.com#LegalBusiness #LawFirm #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPartnerships #the3tpod

April 7, 202649 min

Ep. 108: The Future of Retail with Andy Weiner, President of Rockstep Capital

What does the future of retail actually look like?In this episode, Dustin sits down with Andy Weiner, President of Rockstep Capital, to break down the real story behind retail’s evolution. While many headlines focus on the rise of e-commerce, Andy explains why physical retail is not only surviving, but in many cases thriving.From shifting market dynamics to smart investment strategies, this conversation unpacks how the strongest retailers are adapting, expanding, and redefining success in today’s environment.🔑 Key Topics CoveredThe Reality Behind Retail’s ComebackRetail is not dying. It is consolidating and strengtheningWeak operators have been pushed out, leaving stronger brands behindSurviving retailers are now in expansion modeSupply and Demand AdvantageNew shopping center development has slowed significantlyExisting centers are benefiting from limited supplyLandlords can upgrade tenant mix and increase rentsE-commerce vs Brick-and-MortarPhysical stores are still critical to growthStores act as customer acquisition toolsOpening a store often boosts online sales in that marketRockstep Capital’s Investment StrategyFocus on secondary and tertiary “hometown” marketsTarget areas with strong economic drivers like universities and military basesPartner with local business leaders to reduce risk and improve executionThe “Rock Step” PhilosophyStay agile and adaptableBuild a culture that responds quickly to changePrioritize long-term sustainability over short-term wins💡 Key TakeawaysRetail is evolving, not disappearingStrong operators are gaining more market shareScarcity of new development is creating real opportunityPhysical retail and e-commerce work together, not against each otherLocal market insight can be a major competitive advantage🧠 Memorable Insight“Retail isn’t going away. The best operators are just getting stronger and more strategic.”🎯 Who This Episode Is ForCommercial real estate professionalsRetail investors and developersEntrepreneurs interested in physical + digital strategyAnyone trying to understand where retail is headed📈 Why This Conversation MattersThis episode challenges the narrative that retail is fading and replaces it with a more nuanced, data-driven perspective.If you are in real estate or investing, understanding these dynamics is not optional. It is a competitive advantage.🔗 Resources & Linkshttps://rockstep.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-weiner/https://www.youtube.com/@TheShoppingCenterChannelPodcast Homepage: toolstalentstechniques.com#CommercialRealEstate #RetailStrategy #CRE #RealEstateInvesting #the3tpod

March 12, 202656 min

Ep. 107: The Psychology of Employee Motivation - with Dr Bob Nelson & Mario Tamayo

Employee recognition and leadership are two of the most important drivers of employee engagement and workplace culture. In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, Dustin Sutton sits down with management expert Dr. Bob Nelson and leadership advisor Mario Tamayo to discuss how meaningful recognition improves motivation, performance, and team loyalty.Dr. Bob Nelson, named the #1 management guru in the world for three consecutive years, shares research-backed leadership strategies that help organizations build stronger cultures and more engaged employees. Together with Mario Tamayo, the conversation explores the disconnect between how managers believe they recognize employees and how employees actually experience recognition in the workplace.Key Topics Covered• Why employee recognition is critical for engagement and performance • The disconnect between managers’ perception of recognition and employees’ experiences • How personalized recognition creates stronger motivation than generic rewards • Practical techniques leaders can use to recognize and encourage employees • The importance of hiring for cultural fit and long-term potential • Why learning from mistakes is essential for growth and development • How leadership influences workplace culture and morale • The role of soft skills in modern managementLearn More About Our GuestsDr. Bob Nelson https://drbobnelson.com/Mario Tamayo https://www.tamayogroup.com/YouTube https://youtube.com/@dustincsuttonApple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tools-talents-and-techniques-with-dustin-sutton/id1692838507Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7pQZ551Ct4jVRQ2BqB7Zr2?si=740ba4a90165417aFollow the PodcastInstagram https://www.instagram.com/the3tpod/X https://twitter.com/the3tpodMusic provided by C€$ on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/21zXwxV9nWaiE6iAleU6ww?si=yNBmIPqIT7-56hAmfvqShA#Leadership #EmployeeRecognition #Management

February 25, 202649 min

Faith Meets Business: Bishop Kevin Foreman on Mindset, Action & Purpose (Ep. 106)

***Text “BISHOP” to 55498 to receive 10% off any of Bishop Foreman’s books and select items.***Bishop Kevin Foreman shares how faith, entrepreneurship, mindset, and execution unlock your full potential. In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, we explore spiritual leadership, business growth, personal development, and the discipline of taking action.Known as “The People’s Bishop,” Bishop Kevin Foreman discusses starting his first business at age 12, why you should never demonize your differences, and how prioritization beats balance. He explains why rejection can be protection, why most barriers are mental, and why execution separates dreamers from leaders.We also dive into his History Makers initiative and the responsibility each of us has to recognize our role in something bigger than ourselves.If you are building a business, leading a team, strengthening your faith, or sharpening your mindset, this conversation will challenge and equip you.🎯 Chapters00:00 Introduction to Bishop Kevin Foreman01:56 Faith, Business & The 360 Life Approach4:27 Starting a Business at 1207:19 Don’t Demonize Your Differences10:08 Entrepreneurship and Ministry17:23 Embracing Your Uniqueness20:54 Prioritization vs Balance27:45 Church Planting and Vision30:10 Marketing & Modern Ministry37:17 Power of Testimonies39:56 Overcoming Mental Barriers42:53 History Makers Movement45:52 Think Big, Execute Small49:43 Final Thoughts🔗 Connect with Bishop Kevin ForemanHarvest Church: https://www.harvestchurch.church/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinforemanFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevinforemanYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCUtL6RSfO3WV2_k-EwWUm7A#FaithAndBusiness #EntrepreneurMindset #Leadership🎙 Listen to Tools, Talents & TechniquesYouTube: https://youtube.com/@dustincsuttonApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tools-talents-and-techniques-with-dustin-sutton/id1692838507Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pQZ551Ct4jVRQ2BqB7Zr2Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the3tpod/

February 16, 202652 min

The Career Pivot That Changed Everything | Alex Waters - Program Labs (Ep. 105)

What does it take to successfully pivot your career and create meaningful impact?In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, Dustin sits down with Alex Waters, a leader in the San Diego startup community and a key force behind Program Labs, an organization that designs and operates entrepreneurship programs that expand opportunity and strengthen communities.Alex shares the unconventional path that took him from aspiring doctor to philosophy student and ultimately into the dynamic worlds of startups, EdTech, and nonprofit innovation. He reflects on pivotal moments, unexpected transitions, and the lessons learned from failure that shaped his approach to leadership, learning, and social impact.Whether you are considering a career change, building a venture, or developing programs that matter, this conversation delivers practical insight you can apply right away.In this episode, we cover: • Navigating career pivots with confidence • How philosophy influenced Alex’s leadership style • Lessons from startup culture and the EdTech sector • The importance of relationships in long-term success • Learning from failure and building resilience • Why constraints can fuel creativity • The mission behind Program Labs • Strategies for entrepreneurs building momentumAbout Alex Waters: For more than 15 years, Alex has helped support early-stage founders, strengthen institutions, and advance social impact initiatives through thoughtfully designed entrepreneurship programs.Learn more: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/watersalex/ Program Labs: https://www.theprogramlabs.org/Listen and subscribe: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dustincsutton Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tools-talents-and-techniques-with-dustin-sutton/id1692838507 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pQZ551Ct4jVRQ2BqB7Zr2?si=740ba4a90165417aFollow for updates: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the3tpod/ X: https://twitter.com/the3tpod📖 Balanced by Design: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GBZGTW27

February 3, 202641 min

THE PROGRAM: Building Great Teammates, Leaders, and Culture with Eric Kapitulik (Ep. 104)

In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, I sit down with Eric Kapitulik, founder of The Program, to unpack what it truly takes to build elite teams and durable leaders.Eric shares his journey from military service to working with professional sports teams and corporations across North America. At the core of the conversation is a simple but demanding idea. Success comes from consistent hard work, personal accountability, and a commitment to becoming the best version of yourself.We talk about lessons from high-performance environments, the difference between happiness and satisfaction, and how parenthood reshaped Eric’s leadership philosophy. This episode is a practical look at emotional resiliency, lifelong learning, and why taking 100% responsibility is the foundation of trust, culture, and long-term success.Key Takeaways-Success starts with defining who you want to become-Hard work, sacrifice, and discipline never go out of style-Listening to understand is more powerful than listening to respond-Emotional resiliency protects relationships and performance-Taking 100% responsibility accelerates personal growth-Lifelong learning is a leadership requirement, not a bonus-Parenthood changes how you view leadership and legacy-Time management reflects your real prioritiesChapters01:36 Introduction to Eric Kapitulik03:16 The journey behind The Program08:02 Defining success and personal growth10:56 Lessons from high-performance environments14:52 Happiness vs satisfaction17:17 Parenthood and leadership evolution21:15 Lifelong learning and curiosity24:58 Emotional resiliency and accountability29:03 Lessons from Coach Snyder34:52 Regret, reflection, and moving forward41:48 Subscribe and outroMore from Eric🌐 https://theprogram.org/📘 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119574307🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-program-llc/🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-kapitulik-6996a048/Follow Tools, Talents & Techniques🌍 https://toolstalentstechniques.com📺 https://youtube.com/@DustinCSutton📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the3tpod/X: https://twitter.com/the3tpod🎵 Music by C€$https://open.spotify.com/artist/21zXwxV9nWaiE6iAleU6ww📖 Balanced by Designhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GBZGTW27

January 21, 202654 min

Break Barriers: How Bishoy Tadros Turned Childhood Cancer Into Lifelong Resilience (Ep. 103)

Overcoming adversity changes everything. In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, I sit down with marathon runner, author, and podcast host Bishoy Tadros to explore resilience, endurance sports, parenting, empathy, and personal growth.Bishoy shares his powerful story of battling leukemia as a child and how that experience shaped his mindset, values, and lifelong commitment to pushing past limits. From hosting the Mile 40 podcasts, to writing his books (Break Barriers, Mile 40, Audacious) , to running marathons and raising children with intention, Bishoy explains what it really takes to do hard things without losing yourself.We talk about endurance sports as a metaphor for life, how empathy is forged through struggle, and why stubbornness can actually be a strength when it is rooted in values. This conversation is about persistence, grace, and finding motivation from within.Key TakeawaysChildhood adversity can shape lifelong resilience“Break Barriers” is built through lived experienceEndurance sports teach patience and disciplineWriting helps unlock authenticity and self-discoveryEmpathy deepens through hardshipParenting is about modeling values, not just adviceStubbornness can become long-term commitmentMotivation often comes from both pain and purposeCommunity plays a critical role in growthPersonal evolution never really stopsChapters00:00 Introduction to Bishoy Tadros 00:52 Writing Break Barriers 09:12 Overcoming Adversity Through Endurance Sports 14:30 The Power of Sharing Personal Stories 19:09 Writing, Authenticity, and Self-Discovery 24:13 Relationships and Personal Transformation 26:39 Empathy Built Through Experience 31:26 Endurance Events and Mental Strength 32:34 Parenting With Purpose and Example 36:12 Stubbornness as Commitment to Values 39:35 Finding Motivation From Within 46:08 Outlasting Doubts and Hard SeasonsFollow Bishoy https://www.bishoytadros.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/btadros/ https://www.youtube.com/@UCHvuxTTbSiOPkggBR5A2AFg https://www.instagram.com/bishoy_tadros/ ttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mile-40-podcast/id1622896615Follow Tools, Talents & Techniques🌍 https://toolstalentstechniques.com https://youtube.com/@DustinCSutton https://www.instagram.com/the3tpod/ https://twitter.com/the3tpod🎵 C€$ https://open.spotify.com/artist/21zXwxV9nWaiE6iAleU6ww📖 Balanced by Design https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GBZGTW27